A groundbreaking study has identified mirtazapine as a highly effective treatment for sleep apnea, significantly reducing symptoms and improving breathing patterns. The medication, already approved for depression, showed the largest benefit and most consistent improvement of any pharmaceutical therapy in controlled studies.
The UK Government's proposed law on corporate killing aims to make companies financially accountable for their actions. However, the editorial criticizes this approach, arguing that it fails to hold individual directors directly responsible for decisions leading to injury.
A study by Temple University researchers found that pRb2/p130 binds to the estrogen receptor alpha and recruits molecules that make breast tumors more responsive to treatment. However, mutated pRb2/p130 signals can silence the expression of the estrogen receptor, making therapies less effective against cancer cells.
Bruce Lipshutz's patented method uses transition metal catalysts to produce CoQ10 efficiently, targeting cancer, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases. The process reduces costs by using inexpensive ingredients and minimizing production steps.
Scientists identify enzyme in plants that triggers S1P production, a molecule involved in regulating cell proliferation and death. The discovery sheds light on plant's ability to withstand drought and may lead to development of crop varieties with higher yields and greater resistance.
A recent study published in Science found that the direction of another's gaze significantly affects how we perceive emotions. When viewing pictures of angry or fearful expressions, brain activity increases in the amygdala when the person is looking away or not making direct eye contact.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine discovered a possible explanation for restless leg syndrome, finding that brain cells lacking enough iron may cause misfiring of neural signals. This discovery establishes RLS as a sensory motor disorder rather than a psychological one, offering hope for future treatments.
Researchers found exercise had a bigger emotional boost for those with high neuroticism measures, suggesting it could benefit individuals with psychological difficulties. The study also found the link between physical activity and mood was independent of daily events.
Archaeologists have uncovered a large storage bin with numerous seal impressions, indicating the presence of an elite population with special rights and elevated status. The findings suggest widespread trade and cultural exchange between western India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia during this period.
Failure to meet HIV prevention goals may result in significant financial losses. The CDC's national goal of reducing new infections by 50% might not be met by 2005, leading to an estimated $18 billion in incurred net medical costs between now and 2010.
The CAST software anticipates team members' information needs, finds commonalities, and determines data processing. This helps improve team decision-making and collaboration in time-critical environments.
Researchers develop technique to visualize individual vesicles after release, discovering three modes of recycling: kiss-and-run, compensatory and stranded. The study reveals the rate of synaptic vesicle recycling determines information transmission in nerve cells.
Health care providers must recognize unusual disease trends and early warning signs of intentional water contamination. With prompt diagnosis and proper management, they can make a difference in minimizing the impact of such an event.
The Northwestern Memorial Hospital is leading an international brain aneurysm study to confirm a familial link and identify specific genes responsible for the development of intracranial aneurysms. The goal is to prevent and treat aneurysms early, reducing premature mortality and morbidity associated with this type of stroke.
A study found that people with a gun in their home are almost twice as likely to die in a gun-related homicide and 16 times more likely to use a gun to commit suicide than those without. Handguns account for most domestic homicides and suicides, highlighting the dangers of gun ownership.
Researchers used ancient pollen data to test hypotheses on species diversity and coexistence in forests. They found that stabilizing forces, not neutral dynamics, were maintaining forest diversity, contradicting long-held views.
New guidelines published in Agronomy Journal provide a standardized approach to soil surveying and mapping, allowing farmers to make data-driven decisions. The technology is expected to revolutionize the agricultural industry within the next one to two decades.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have developed a detailed model of how stem cells produce motor neurons, which could lead to new treatments for spinal cord injuries and diseases affecting motor nerve cells. The study demonstrates an unusually efficient yield of 60 percent motor nerves using two key gene and protein-regulated pathways.
Researchers found that twins who started menstruating earlier were more likely to develop breast cancer, suggesting a link between puberty hormones and genetic susceptibility. The study provides new insights into the causes of hereditary breast cancer and potential targets for intervention.
Using a modified version of a naturally occurring human protein, researchers were able to significantly reduce the spread of disease and decrease tumor growth without evidence of toxicity. The modified protein was able to interfere with cancer cells' ability to stick to one another and other healthy cells.
Federal regulations and hospital policies can leave patients in debt due to lack of clear guidelines on free or discounted care. Hospitals often do not have procedures for negotiating discounts with uninsured patients who cannot afford full charges.
A major study of over 7,000 living donor kidney transplant patients found that Neoral significantly improves three-year graft survival rates and prolongs the estimated graft half-life compared to tacrolimus. This suggests a clear advantage for Neoral in reducing the risk of transplant failure.
A Duke University Medical Center analysis found that poverty is associated with worse short- and intermediate-term outcomes in heart disease patients, despite similar levels of care while in the hospital. Post-discharge factors such as poor diet, smoking, and non-compliance with medications contribute to these poorer outcomes.
Researchers achieved best survival to date with islet cells from swine, reversing insulin dependency in diabetic cynomolgus monkeys. The study showed no evidence of antibody-mediated rejection, a major type of organ rejection, and demonstrated the potential for xenotransplantation.
The Defying Ocean's End conference aims to reverse the ocean's decline through a science-based international effort. The plan includes promoting a World Ocean Public Trust, expanding global marine parks, assessing conservation priorities, creating an ocean ethic, and implementing bold action steps.
The MARSIS project aims to probe several miles beneath Mars' surface and study the ionosphere. Researchers hope to detect signs of liquid water, which may have shaped the planet's deep canyons.
After passage of the Balanced Budget Act, length of stay in Medicare home care decreased among patients, particularly those in for-profit agencies. This decrease may have been a result of fraud and abuse control measures.
Research found that short-term exposure to ethynylestradiol reduces sperm fertilization capacity in adult male trout. The study showed a 50% decrease in fertility with 10 nanogram per liter of ethynylestradiol, highlighting the potential impact on fish populations.
A recent St. Jude study suggests that children with a higher proportion of sickled hemoglobin may develop 'twisted' arteries in the brain, which could increase their risk of stroke later in life. Researchers believe that this increased blood flow may damage arteries and lead to a higher risk of stroke among African Americans.
A new NIH-funded study found that low-dose naproxen and rofecoxib do not slow cognitive decline in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease. In fact, patients taking rofecoxib experienced more rapid cognitive decline than those on placebo or naproxen.
African-American kidney dialysis patients know about live donor transplants but may not discuss their wishes with healthcare providers, a Johns Hopkins study shows. Machine-preserving cadaveric kidneys improves early function after transplant and increases survival rates.
A new study found that tamoxifen is effective in reducing breast cancer cell proliferation at lower doses, with decreases in biomarkers associated with cardiovascular disease and blood clots. The results support a potential dose reduction for tamoxifen therapy without compromising its effectiveness.
A study published in Pediatrics found that hospitalized children experience high rates of adverse events, including birth trauma and post-operative infections. Children are vulnerable due to unique circumstances such as universal hospitalization for birth and inability to provide consent, leading to delayed treatment.
Jefferson scientists have developed a tobacco plant that produces human antibodies against rabies, addressing a global shortage of the treatment. The plant-based antibody is safer and less expensive than traditional methods, offering hope for millions affected by the deadly disease.
A new study found that Gleevec significantly reduced Kaposi's sarcoma lesions in five HIV-positive patients, with one patient experiencing a 90% regression. The therapy targets cancer cells and eliminates debilitating side effects associated with chemotherapy.
A new blend of cooking oil made from medium chain triglycerides (MCT) has been shown to heighten metabolism, lower cholesterol levels, and promote weight loss. In two clinical trials, participants who consumed the oil for 27 days experienced significant reductions in body fat and upper body fat, as well as improved blood lipid profiles.
The AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize, now supported by Affirmetrix, recognizes innovative research published in Science. The prize has helped uphold high standards of scientific integrity and research quality, rewarding the most groundbreaking discoveries.
A well-planned vegetarian diet provides numerous health benefits, including lower intakes of saturated fat and cholesterol. Vegetarians tend to have healthier body weight, lower rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, prostate cancer, and colon cancer.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that rapid MRI did not improve clinical outcomes or save money for patients with low back pain. In fact, it may increase costs due to an increased risk of surgical interventions.
A study found that HIV-positive individuals are more likely to engage in undisclosed, unprotected sex, particularly with gay or bisexual men. The lack of disclosure is attributed to high prevalence and awareness of HIV in the gay community, as well as stigma surrounding HIV positivity.
Researchers at the University of Southern California have developed new FPGA programming techniques that can automatically translate programs into pipelined designs and optimize software for fixed-property chips. This allows for a low-cost, high-speed bridge from existing application software to FPGA platforms, reducing design time by ...
A study of over 78,000 women found that those who worked rotating night shifts for years had a 35% greater risk of developing colorectal cancer. Additionally, research on melanoma suggests two separate pathways may lead to its development, and polymorphisms in certain genes may be associated with prostate cancer risk.
A new nanoscale device developed by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers allows for the study of individual electrons in detail. The device enables the observation of heat dissipation's influence on single electron transport, a crucial aspect of quantum computing and communication.
Two studies found that paclitaxel-based chemotherapy regimens and mini-transplants can help preserve ovarian function in younger patients. The paclitaxel regimen improved a woman's chance of regaining her ovarian function, while mini-transplants showed better results in preserving ovaries compared to high-dose chemo.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute developed DNA arrays to accurately diagnose Sezary syndrome, a leukemic variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The technology identified genetic markers that can predict patient survival and identify potential drug targets.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have identified 158 genes specific to pancreatic cancer in a new study, providing a more accurate accounting of the disease's molecular makeup. The team hopes to use this knowledge to develop new diagnostic tests and treatments tailored to individual patients.
Scientists found that space shuttle exhaust can transport water vapor to the Arctic mesosphere, forming noctilucent clouds. The study used data from a launch vehicle instrument and confirmed the plume trajectory with ground-based observations.
Cardiff University researchers are conducting large-scale experiments to generate compost from municipal waste, aiming to reduce landfill gas emissions and save soil quality. By actively managing the composting process, they can produce high-quality compost in just eight weeks, compared to a year under traditional methods.
A new monoclonal antibody combination therapy has been found to be highly effective in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia, with a remarkable 69% complete remission rate. The treatment, which combines two chemotherapy drugs with Rituximab, shows promising results across all age groups and stages of the disease.
New data from the Roche Organ Transplantation Research Fund challenge the idea that potent immunosuppressants increase cancer risk. People receiving CellCept are less likely to develop lymphoma or post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease, with a lower risk of malignant lymphoma compared to conventional immunosuppressive treatment.
The use of generic drugs led to a slowdown in prescription drug spending during the first quarter, with a 3.2% reduction in dollar outlay. Physicians responded positively to safety warnings and modified patient therapy as a result, with 38% changing or modifying their treatment.
Researchers found NRAS mutations in 95% of primary hereditary melanomas, but only 10% of sporadic melanomas. The study suggests a link between UV light exposure and the activation of NRAS mutations in early stages of melanoma development.
A recent study found that paroxetine significantly reduced the frequency of hot flashes in menopausal women by 64.6%, with up to 30% experiencing no flashes after six weeks. The medication worked by inhibiting serotonin reuptake, a natural chemical modulating mood and temperature control.
St. Jude researchers successfully cloned embryos from mouse medulloblastoma cells using a reprogrammed nucleus model, demonstrating the potential for epigenetic factors to cause tumors. The study provides valuable insights into the molecular basis of cancer and may lead to new therapies.
Researchers found that a protein called palladin is upregulated following traumatic injury to the central nervous system, forming a barrier that blocks neurons from recovering. Palladin appears to control astrocyte cell shape, leading to structural changes associated with injury.
The University of Central Florida's T-MAST program aims to fill critical shortages for middle school teachers in math and science. Students will undergo a four-semester fast-track program, receiving a master's degree in mathematics or science education upon completion.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that belt-positioning booster seats significantly reduce injuries in children under 7. The study analyzed data from over 4,200 children and showed that booster seat use can virtually eliminate injuries associated with seat belt syndrome.
Researchers have developed a new lentiviral vaccine that can induce robust immune responses in mice, offering a promising candidate for cancer therapy. Additionally, studies suggest that newborns may have a mature and functional immune response to infections, raising questions about neonatal vaccination strategies.
A large international study has found that kidney-transplant patients who receive statin therapy experience reduced cardiovascular risk and mortality. The study's findings support the use of statins as a preventive measure for these high-risk patients, particularly those with mild renal failure.
Researchers have developed a new regimen for lung transplant patients that reduces the need for anti-rejection drugs. The protocol involves giving fewer pills less often over time, with results showing 18 out of 20 patients doing well on lower doses of one mainstay anti-rejection drug, tacrolimus.