A France-based research team has discovered the gene responsible for Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria, a disease that causes young victims to age five to ten times faster than normal. The discovery is a critical step toward developing therapies for the disorder and programs to screen individuals for the defective gene.
A recent study by Dr. Lynette Kvasny found that minority women view technology training as empowering, enabling them to connect with their children and overcome poverty and social alienation. They see IT skills as a means to transform and shape inner-city communities, rather than just advancing in the workplace.
A U.Va. researcher has made significant breakthroughs in treating the parasite that causes amebiasis, a disease responsible for millions of cases and deaths globally each year. The researcher's team developed an FDA-approved diagnostic test to improve diagnosis accuracy and a potential vaccine based on immunity in children.
Dr. Tierney emphasizes that medication side effects are often non-specific and can be attributed to underlying conditions, not just the medication itself. He advocates for regular screening of patients using computer-based medical records systems to eliminate preventable errors.
A recent study by Emory University and CDC found a significant increase in sepsis cases and deaths in the US over a 22-year period. The study suggests that factors such as antibiotic resistance, invasive procedures, and improvements in care among immunocompromised individuals are contributing to this trend.
Researchers have designed a new optical microprobe to detect subsurface organ abnormalities, providing a new capability for endoscopy procedures. The device uses tiny electrically activated artificial muscle fibers to scan internal organ surfaces and penetrate beneath the surface.
Researchers at the University of Colorado have determined the molecular structure of MEF2, a protein that plays a key role in heart hypertrophy. The study reveals detailed mechanisms by which MEF2 suppresses gene expression, potentially leading to the development of new treatments for heart disease.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal reports on the hospital's experience managing the outbreak and reorganizing care. Dr. David Patrick of the BCCDC discusses why BC's case numbers are low, despite being a hotspot for travel from Asia.
Researchers create a hybrid compound combining an antibody with a traditional anticancer drug, effectively steering the hybrid towards cancer cells. The approach shows promise in preclinical studies and could be used to design hybrids against multiple cancers.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that even low levels of lead exposure can cause intellectual impairment in children. The researchers discovered that most of the damage to intellectual functioning occurs at blood lead concentrations below 10 micrograms per deciliter.
Alcohol abusers may show signs of improvement that are part of their natural cycle, not indicative of true recovery. Most treatments may not last long enough to make a real positive impact, as the disease is dynamic and changes over time.
A new study by Ohio State University found that Republicans who frequently engage in political debates with others who share their views tend to have a more balanced perception of media bias. In contrast, Democrats' perceptions of media bias do not differ based on who they talk to. The study suggests that conversational contacts influe...
Researchers use high-speed imaging to track movement of calcium waves in cell signaling, identifying a sequence of amino acids (LTL) that controls the pathway. The findings have implications for treating autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and uveitis.
The Environmental Genome Project has identified genetic variations that confer susceptibility to environmental agents, including a polymorphism in the NKX3.1 gene associated with increased risk of prostate cancer. The project aims to develop effective therapies targeting these pathways.
A comprehensive study by Ohio State University researchers found that the cutting process in factories significantly impacts magnetic tape data density. The quality of the tape edge becomes crucial as tapes with more tracks need to carry more data and wind less. The study developed techniques for measuring the forces that affect tape c...
Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome affects 1 in 8 million newborns worldwide and is characterized by accelerated aging. The researchers identified a single-letter misspelling in the LMNA gene as the cause of this disorder.
A study published in the April 2003 Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that asthma hospital visits doubled between 1978 and 1990, but stabilized afterwards. Controller medication use increased, particularly inhaled corticosteroids, while reliever medication use decreased. The data suggests that asthma treatment is becomin...
A UF study reveals that 'gamblers fallacy' is present in various aspects of life, including crime. Repeat offenders tend to underestimate the risk of being caught again, leading to increased crime rates. This phenomenon affects not only speeding but also drunk driving and drug use.
A study by Cornell University scientists found that children suffer intellectual impairment at blood-lead concentrations as low as 10 mcg/dl, even below the current CDC acceptable limit of 25 mcg/dl. The amount of impairment was most pronounced at lower levels, with a decline in IQ scores of up to 7 points.
Researchers have identified the Progeria gene, which may lead to answers about natural aging and cardiovascular disease. The discovery gives hope to children with Progeria, who die at an average age of 13 due to complications from accelerated aging.
Researchers found that cannabis compounds have previously unknown qualities, potentially enabling the discovery of new treatments for neurological disorders. The study suggests that tailored varieties of cannabis may be used to prevent neurodegeneration and manage conditions such as Alzheimer's and motor neuron diseases.