A four-year study found that Risperdal significantly reduces the risk of relapse in schizophrenia patients, with a 42% lower rate compared to haloperidol. Patients taking Risperdal remained relapse-free for an average of over 15 months, whereas those on haloperidol were free for only seven months.
The Organ Transplantation Research Foundation (ROTRF) has received continued funding from Roche, a global healthcare leader. The foundation supports groundbreaking research in transplantation, aiming to improve the lives of people with transplanted organs.
A new study found that Actonel maintained the size of calcium-based mineral crystals and the integrity of collagen structure over five years, preserving bone quality. This is significant because osteoporosis therapies should aim to reduce fracture risk, not just treat symptoms.
A preliminary clinical trial found that a small molecule, GVG (vigabatrin), significantly reduced cocaine cravings and improved quality of life in participants. The study's lead author notes that the results provide compelling human data to support the efficacy of GVG for treating cocaine addiction.
A double-blind study found that Risperdal significantly reduced 'manic' symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder, with treatment response achieved by 48% of patients taking Risperdal. The medication was also shown to improve depressive symptoms and was better tolerated than haloperidol.
A study of 803 women found that transition through menopause is not accompanied by a decline in working memory and perceptual speed. This research challenges previous assumptions about the effects of menopause on cognitive function, offering new insights for improving memory and addressing related health concerns.
A recent study suggests that menopause is not associated with an increase in cognitive decline, contrary to previous research. The Study of Women Across the Nation (SWAN) followed over 3,300 women across five ethnic groups, finding improved scores in most groups and minimal decline linked to menopause.
Two studies found Gulf War veterans have a significantly higher risk of ALS, particularly those deployed to Southwest Asia. The studies also revealed that young Gulf War veterans were more than twice as likely to develop ALS compared to the general population.
Two studies presented at the Heart Failure Society of America annual conference show that an experimental respiratory-pacing device, inTone TM, significantly improves heart failure patients' ejection fraction, pulmonary artery pressure, and quality of life. The device's non-invasive therapy is delivered through a 15-minute session twic...
Researchers found that fruit odors play a crucial role in the evolution of a new species among hawthorn maggots. A specific blend of apple and hawthorn volatiles triggers a strong preference for host-plant identification, making it difficult for flies to interbreed. This discovery opens up possibilities for organic pest control methods.
Researchers examining the link between cabin air quality and health will collect data from a sample of flights, recording cabin air quality and perceptions of comfort and health by flight attendants and passengers. The study aims to inform the development of air quality standards for commercial aircraft.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a new gene, called H31, that can help wheat plants resist damage from the Hessian fly. By combining this gene with others, they aim to extend resistance time by up to six times, reducing the need for chemicals and preserving the environment.
IVIg is the preferred treatment for Guillain-Barré Syndrome due to its ease of use and lower complication rate compared to plasma exchange. Early treatment within two weeks of symptom onset improves chances for a better outcome.
Researchers studied 13 young adults with muscle weakness after stroke and found that shaping therapy improved arm movement and motor activity. The study showed significant improvements in the amount of use and quality of movement, with stable results during a four-week follow-up.
A new study by Kevin Bronson and colleagues found that in-season nitrogen monitoring can reduce fertilizer use without affecting crop yields. By adjusting nitrogen application rates based on soil moisture and plant growth, farmers can save money and minimize nitrate contamination of waterways.
A study by cancer nurse Kerry Guile found that even oncologists and cancer nurses with high knowledge of sun protection were not acting on it. The sample size was 340 people, including medical students and non-oncology nurses, who scored highly on sun protective behavior.
A new study shows significant improvements in positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia when patients are switched to Risperdal Consta without a three-week overlap treatment period. The study found that side effects were mild to moderate, with extrapyramidal symptoms improving significantly by the first month.
Guideline suggests that early treatment with IVIg or plasma exchange can be beneficial for adults and children with severe, early Guillain-Barré syndrome. These treatments have been found to be equally effective in treating the condition.
Researchers have made significant progress towards a vaccine for pancreatic cancer, with one patient out of ten remaining disease-free after five years and two others surviving over two years. While the study's findings are promising, caution is advised due to the small sample size and potential biases in the selection process.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have successfully differentiated stem cells into genetically matched dopamine neurons, mimicking normal brain cell development. The breakthrough could lead to new treatments for Parkinson's-like disease in humans.
A research team at Johns Hopkins Medicine has identified a potential new contributor to obesity and learning disabilities, faulty cilia, in the rare genetic disorder Bardet-Biedl syndrome. Cilia play key roles in mammalian development, but defects have never been directly linked to this condition before.
A recent study by Massachusetts General Hospital found that combining osteoporosis treatments does not produce better results. Injections of PTH, a treatment initially developed through MGH research, increase bone formation and were superior to alendronate alone in improving bone density.
The study found that initiating Avonex treatment immediately after MS symptoms appeared reduced the development of clinically definite MS by 35% and relapses by 48% compared to delayed initiation. Early intervention also led to higher likelihood of being classified as clinically stable between years four and five.
A new study found that combining osteoporosis medications, parathyroid hormone and bisphosphonates, does not provide additional benefits to patients. The trial of 238 postmenopausal women showed no significant improvement in bone density or anabolic effects when both drugs were used together.
Researchers have discovered a plant cell surface molecule that can halt cell proliferation by acting as both an 'on' and 'off' switch. The discovery sheds light on the complex process of G protein signaling and has implications for agriculture and potentially human diseases.
A NASA grant is supporting a two-year study at Florida Tech to develop algorithms that can learn from historical data and detect potential problems with a space shuttle component. The research aims to improve the efficiency of monitoring systems, reducing the time and effort required to extract knowledge from experts.
In a phase II clinical study, exemestane demonstrated a higher tumor response rate (41%) compared to tamoxifen (17%) in shrinking tumors. Exemestane was also well-tolerated with fewer side effects than tamoxifen.
Researchers have made significant progress in isolating skin stem cells, with the discovery that these cells can be found in the basal epidermis layer. This breakthrough has the potential to treat wounds, including burns, by transplanting stem cells directly onto the damaged area.
The AMPS system uses a tailored computer model, Polar MM5, to provide detailed forecasts for the extreme polar environment. Meteorologists have successfully used AMPS in emergency rescues from Antarctica since 2001, including a recent medical evacuation and ship rescue.
Researchers at Virginia Tech and UTA develop software simulator for future wireless networks. The project involves six faculty members and 15 students.
Researchers found distinct lymphoid tissue activation patterns in patients with acute, mid-stage, and late HIV-1 disease. PET scans showed predictable sequence of lymph node involvement, suggesting potential for treatment interruptions during active node removal.
Researchers found that zebrafish mutants with severe anemia had a mutation in the cdx4 gene, which led to improved blood cell development when hox genes were injected. This study provides insights into normal blood formation and may lead to more effective treatments for devastating blood disorders like leukemia.
The UCR engineer will measure particulates in air to improve measurement methods and determine the source of fine particle air pollution. The researcher will use special instruments to quantify and minimize errors in results, aiming to provide more accurate data on air pollution.
Researchers found that eliminating or overexpressing the cdx4 gene affected blood-cell formation and Hox gene expression in zebrafish. The study's findings could help reveal how cdx4 fusions disrupt normal hematopoiesis and contribute to human leukemias.
A Florida study found that ambulatory surgery centers have a significantly lower rate of death and injury compared to physician offices. The researchers analyzed data from 182 incident reports and found a 10-fold increase in adverse incidents in office settings, with higher rates of death and injuries.
A new trial has shown that faster radiotherapy can improve head and neck cancer treatment outcomes, with a 60-70% benefit in tumour control and better voice conservation. The study found that accelerated treatment was linked to high EGFR expression and good tumour differentiation.
The National Science Foundation has awarded $12.5 million to Cal-(IT)², a two-campus science and innovation institute at the University of California, Irvine, to develop innovative information-sharing tools and organizational strategies for first responders in urban crisis situations. The project aims to provide critical tools to early...
Researchers have found that adult rat hearts contain cardiac progenitor cells capable of repairing damaged tissue. The study, published in Cell, used these cells to regenerate new myocytes and other functional cells in ischemic hearts.
A new approach to monitoring suicide trends suggests that favourable overall rates may hide increasing rates of years lost due to suicide among young people. This analysis of English and Welsh data reveals a potential decline in life expectancy for this age group.
The study found that 31 soils are effectively extinct due to agricultural and land use, while six states have more than half of their rare soil series in an endangered state. The researchers argue for preserving rare and unique soils, which support rare plants and animals.
Researchers identified a key process in malaria infection involving G proteins in red blood cells, which can be blocked with beta-blockers to prevent parasite entry. By targeting this process, new approaches for treating malaria may be developed using existing drugs.
Researchers have discovered a complete specimen of phacopoid trilobite Erbenochile, featuring giant eyes with unique lobes that resemble lens shades or baseball hat brims. This finding provides new insights into the evolution and behavior of these ancient creatures.
The giant rodent, Phoberomys pattersoni, weighed about 1,545 pounds and was a semi-aquatic species that foraged along riverbanks. It is believed to have gone extinct due to its slow speed, which made it vulnerable to predators.
A randomised controlled trial found that accelerated radiotherapy improved five-year tumour control by 10% compared to standard radiotherapy, with benefits also seen in patients with laryngeal cancer. The treatment was associated with a small increase in disease-specific survival, but also more acute morbidity.
Male injecting-drug users are at greater risk of drug-related death than females. Older users (over 34 years) are two to six times more likely to die than younger users.
The use of DNA fingerprinting in criminal cases is a growing concern due to its potential for misidentification. In New York City, the DNA itself will be charged with an offense, ignoring the statute of limitations and raising questions about fairness and accuracy.
Studies presented at ICAAC reveal significant clinical outcomes, resource utilization, and infection-associated costs of Staph aureus bacteremia among hemodialysis-dependent patients. The infections are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, underscoring the need for a vaccine to prevent these infections.
Researchers at Dana-Farber and other Harvard-affiliated hospitals will study the human immune system's response to the vaccinia virus and other related viruses. The goal is to develop effective alternatives with fewer risks, addressing concerns about the current vaccine's complications in people with weakened immune systems.
The Emory-led consortium aims to study the entire range of human immune responses, from laboratory to clinic, to develop new vaccines addressing emerging infections and biothreats. Scientists will use genomics and proteomics to analyze vaccine-induced innate and adaptive immune responses.
Researchers found that brown capuchin monkeys refused previously acceptable rewards if they witnessed their partners receiving higher-value rewards for equal or less work. This study provides insight into how humans develop emotional reactions to fairness in economic interactions.
The DOWs will deploy at or near the coast in the direct path of the storm, collecting high-resolution data and rapid-scan Doppler radar data from inside the eye. The Rapid-DOW can visualize three-dimensional volumes in 5 to 10 seconds, observing boundary layer rolls, wind gusts, and other phenomena as they evolve.
The report compares six Democratic candidates' plans to address the problem of the uninsured, revealing a range of proposals from covering most or all of the uninsured to 1 in 10. Most Democratic candidates would repeal some or all of President Bush's tax cuts to help finance their health plans.
Astronomers have discovered that distant galaxies in the early Universe will evolve into massive elliptical galaxies through rapid merging of smaller building blocks. The SCUBA camera images show these galaxies caught in the throes of formation, with star formation driven by mergers of older galaxies.
Dr. Judah Folkman, a pioneer in angiogenesis research, has been awarded the Novartis Award for Hypertension Research for his contributions to understanding how angiogenesis affects blood vessels leading to high blood pressure. His work has led to discoveries of new molecules and treatments for hypertension and cancer.
Researchers have developed a new approach to cleaning up contaminated aquifers by reducing pollutant density and separating contaminants from soil particles. The technique, known as 'density modified displacement,' can cut the cost of environmental remediation by up to 90%.
Contaminated water from abandoned mines poses a threat to Colorado's nine billion-dollar tourism industry, particularly in ski areas like Keystone and Arapahoe Basin. The use of artificially created snow due to droughts and climate change exacerbates the issue, highlighting the need for alternative methods to mitigate acid-rock drainage.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that Native Americans who experienced adverse childhood environments were more likely to develop alcoholism. The research highlights the need for social programs and preventive education to address this issue.
Contaminated water from abandoned mines in Colorado's Summit County is affecting artificial snowmaking and tourism, impacting $9 billion industry. Heavy metals are detected in headwater drainages, posing a risk to aquatic life and other sports.
Researchers at the University of California - San Diego will lead three large ITR projects worth up to $12.5 million, focusing on grid computing and decision-making systems. Additionally, UCSD is involved in seven other newly-funded projects, including language modeling and materials science.
The agreement creates a transboundary protected area combining the Takamanda-Okwangwo complex in Cameroon and Nigeria. The plan aims to conserve gorillas and their habitat through measures such as revised land-use practices, corridor establishment, and increased protection.