A recent study suggests that bacterial infections can modify the allergic response, potentially preventing asthma and allergies in children. The research found that mice infected with M. pneumoniae showed a milder reaction to allergens than control mice.
A study found that minority breast cancer patients who used the internet for medical information experienced greater social support, which was associated with better mental and physical health outcomes. The research suggests that internet use may help prolong survival among these patients.
Researchers have improved a method for measuring the strength of E-glass and other glass fibers, revealing it may be more than one and a half times stronger than previously recorded measurements. This discovery could help expand applications for glass fibers in industries such as automotive manufacturing.
A study by German researchers found nearly half breast cancer patients struggle with incomprehensible or incomplete information, while over half want more opportunities to discuss their treatment. The report emphasizes the importance of improving communication between medical staff and patients.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota developed a reliable diagnostic test for myotonic muscular dystrophy type 2 (DM2), revealing it occurs in many families of Northern European ancestry. The new test uses DNA amplification and verification to detect the disease, addressing difficulties in correct diagnosis.
BufferGel, a vaginal microbicide, maintains normal vaginal acidity to kill sperm and germs, preventing pregnancy. The compound is currently in advanced clinical trials for its ability to block HIV transmission.
A new software developed by Ohio State University engineer Benjamin Coifman uses data from in-road detectors to pinpoint traffic congestion and measure travel time. This technology can improve traffic monitoring while minimizing disruptions to drivers, reducing the financial costs of traffic jams.
Researchers evaluated 83 children with repeated short courses of oral glucocorticoids and found no detectable cumulative negative effect on bone formation. The study also showed no impact on the children's weight or height.
Researchers used a two-dimensional optical force clamp to control and observe individual kinesin molecules, revealing that applying forces from the rear has no effect on its speed. This surprising finding challenges the existing hand-over-hand model of kinesin's movement.
A comprehensive volume addresses key hypotheses for amphibian declines, including non-native species, UV radiation, and climate change. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation research to address this biodiversity crisis.
A comprehensive review of research findings shows that surgery is a superior treatment option for disabling seizures caused by mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, with better quality of life and reduced medication use. The analysis also found low surgical morbidity and mortality rates, making it an attractive alternative to medication.
Patients want to know if there was an error, how it happened, and what steps will be taken to prevent future occurrences. Doctors often hide or minimize this information due to concerns about lawsuits or patient trust, but this can lead to further upset and mistrust.
A team led by Prof. Lucio Frydman has found a way to perform multidimensional NMR with a single scan, significantly speeding up molecular studies and enabling the observation of rapid changes in molecules like protein folding. The new method uses a 'slicing' approach, simultaneously performing measurements on multiple thin slices of a ...
A survey of physicians, adults, and health policymakers reveals widespread concern about chronic condition treatment. Over 90% agree that chronic conditions affect everyone, with most stating the current healthcare system is not meeting needs.
The American College of Preventive Medicine rejects popular fad diets like Atkins, promoting instead a balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruit. The College emphasizes that sustainable weight loss and improved health come from healthy eating habits combined with regular physical activity.
A new study by U-M researchers found that the common cold leads to significant economic impact, with Americans spending over $2.9 billion on over-the-counter drugs and nearly $1.1 billion on antibiotic prescriptions for symptomatic relief. The total economic cost of cold-related work loss exceeds $20 billion annually.
Researchers have identified stem cells in human breast cancer that can form new tumors and are resistant to treatment. The discovery may explain why current treatments for metastatic breast cancer often fail, and could lead to the development of new therapies targeted at these cells.
A new study at Stanford University found that dyslexic children's brains begin to function more normally after participating in an eight-week training program. The program helped participants better understand rapidly changing sounds, leading to improved reading scores and brain activity.
Researchers are studying the efficacy of bovine growth hormone in tilapia aquaculture and developing methods for its treatment. Additionally, computer models predict physical impacts of offshore dredging on coastal beaches, and a new publication from Delaware Sea Grant examines port security measures.
A study of 444 managed-care patients aged 12-17 found that adolescents with consistently monitored parents were less likely to engage in alcohol-risk behaviors. The researchers suggest that monitoring may help reduce risk when adolescents are initially exposed to alcohol, but may be insufficient for high-risk behaviors.
Researchers devise new method combining optical trapping and single-molecule fluorescence to study DNA structural and mechanical changes. This technique allows scientists to study rare molecules essential for life and disease development.
A DNA-based computer, award-winning for smallest biological computing device, processes input molecules using spontaneous energy releases to carry out computations without external power. The device contains 15,000 trillion computers performing 330 trillion operations per second with high accuracy.
Research by Professor Erickson suggests that having a variety of casual acquaintances can improve job prospects and overall well-being. People with diverse social networks are more likely to feel in control and have access to valuable information, leading to improved health and happiness.
The repeal of the estate tax may lead to increased wealth inequality, particularly among minority groups, with potential costs for most American families. The tax reduction is expected to decrease philanthropic giving by up to 12 percent annually due to lower inheritance donations not being taxed.
Computer scientists Pedro Diniz and Joonseok Park are developing programming tools to automatically synthesize near-optimal chip architectures for flexible chips. Their techniques enable FPGAs to utilize available transistors more effectively for irregular applications, outperforming current processor architectures in some cases.
Researchers found that progesterone receptor knockout mice showed a complete lack of infanticide and exhibited active paternal care, frequently contacting and retrieving pups. In contrast, control mice committed 74% infanticide and displayed less paternal behavior.
Researchers found that cardiac surgery patients with the factor V Leiden gene variant lost less blood and required fewer transfusions than those without the mutation. The study suggests a new approach to personalized medicine, tailoring therapies based on individual genetic risk factors.
Argonne researchers have created powerful stem cells that can morph into various cell types, offering a practical alternative to embryonic stem cells. The breakthrough allows for the production of pluripotent stem cells from adult blood cells, which can potentially treat diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
The Prevention of Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism trial found that low-dose warfarin prevents episodes of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism with a significant reduction in risk. The study showed no major bleeding complications, making it an effective and safe treatment option.
Researchers from the University of Washington and Southern Methodist University conclude that climate change, not humans, was responsible for the extinction of Pleistocene mammals in the New World. The study found no evidence linking Clovis people to the extinctions, contradicting previous 'overkill' hypothesis.
A new clinical trial found that a drug called milrinone strongly reduces the risk of heart failure in children after cardiac surgery. The study involved 238 patients and showed that high-dose milrinone is 55% less likely to cause low cardiac output syndrome compared to a placebo.
A 12-week study in Baltimore evaluated nevirapine for HIV prevention in adults at high risk, showing no serious side effects or new infections. The researchers discovered that the three lower doses of nevirapine provided sufficient blood levels to potentially prevent HIV infection.
A study published in Child Development found that teenagers in high-use schools are three times as likely to follow their peers' smoking behaviors compared to those in low-use schools. The researchers suggest that school-based programs may be effective in reducing tobacco and alcohol use among teens.
Researchers have successfully created a giant self-assembled liquid crystal lattice using hundreds of thousands of highly branched molecules. The structure, which consists of discrete microscopic spheres linked together, has a repeat unit size comparable to spherical virus particles isolated from plants.
A study by academics at the Universities of Edinburgh and Aberdeen found that half of Scottish sporting estates have been owned for 25 years or less, while two-thirds are run by absentee landowners. Despite new access legislation, many estate owners still oppose public access to their properties.
According to a recent study, 20% of Los Angeles County public school children are overweight, with Latino children facing the highest prevalence rate. The data also shows that boys are more likely to be overweight than girls, with over 23% of 5th graders and 19% of 7th graders meeting this criteria.
The American Academy of Neurology Foundation will honor Jerry Lewis for his decades-long fight against neuromuscular disease. The organization, which supports research and patient care for diseases like muscular dystrophy and ALS, has seen the impact of Lewis's work firsthand.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System found that medical students who have not yet completed their OB/GYN clerkship place more value on securing consent before performing pelvic examinations under anesthesia. This suggests a decline in the importance of obtaining patient consent for these procedures.
A new computer simulation reveals that burning particles of highly reactive gas can leap out in front of an explosive shock wave and ride it, sparking reactions ahead of the wave. The model predicts ultrafast detonations can occur in laboratory experiments.
A randomized study found that rapid-release nicotine gum significantly reduced cravings and provided meaningful relief compared to Nicorette. By 30 minutes of chewing, 92% of participants reported complete relief, outperforming Nicorette's 77%. The gum's unique mechanism delivers a controlled dose of nicotine for longer periods.
A study by Dr. Michael Gaziano and colleagues found a significant link between greater height and increased risk of prostate cancer in men aged 50 and above, with risks increasing by 32% for those over 72 inches tall. However, no association was found between weight or body mass index and prostate cancer risk.
A new study published in Breast Cancer Research found that higher levels of egg consumption during adolescence are associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer. Eating dietary fiber and vegetable fat was also attributed to a reduced risk, while butter appeared to increase the risk.
K-State's secondary education program has undergone comprehensive changes, providing students with more classroom experience from their sophomore year. This shift enables students to make better career decisions and have a more immersive learning environment.
Researchers investigating a potential new treatment for type 1 diabetes found severe allergic reactions in mice, raising concerns about its safety. The study's findings contrast with earlier mouse studies suggesting the treatment could reduce incidence of diabetes, and highlight the need for cautious evaluation of immunotherapy research.
Researchers have discovered a specific molecular pathway within cells that becomes mutated by ultraviolet light exposure, accelerating melanoma development. The study's findings suggest a rational method for risk stratification and screening of atypical skin moles, which could help identify patients with high-risk profiles.
Mortality rates from cancer, stroke, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS declined significantly in Los Angeles County over the past decade. However, age-adjusted mortality from diabetes remained disproportionately high among African-American and Latino populations.
The American Academy of Neurology has launched a new online section providing patients and caregivers with practical health care information on various neurological conditions. The Patient Page section aims to give the public access to accurate and reliable information through articles written by practicing neurologists.
The study found increased condom use in intervention groups but no impact on HIV incidence, highlighting the need for more effective STI and behavioral interventions to control HIV in Uganda. The researchers emphasize the importance of rigorous evaluation and development of promising interventions.
Researchers have developed a model that may mimic how cells assemble themselves to form large-scale supramolecular structures. The technique uses tree-like organic molecules to create spheres with complex lattices, potentially paving the way for photonics applications.
Researchers identified ghrelin as a hormone that stimulates feeding when introduced to specialized brain cells. Increased ghrelin levels in response to weight loss or reduced caloric intake lead to increased appetite and eating in both mice and humans.
The ACCORD clinical trial enrolls 10,000 adults with type 2 diabetes to test the effects of intensively controlling blood sugar along with aggressive control of blood pressure and lipids. The study aims to address the significant public health challenge of cardiovascular disease in people with type 2 diabetes.
A research team found a fly mutation that causes early cell death and neural degeneration in the brain, similar to human neurodegenerative diseases. The mutation is associated with protein aggregates found in human Alzheimer's patients.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins' Center for Cardiovascular Bioinformatics and Modeling are using IBM technology to simulate complex heart cell models and analyze thousands of genes. This knowledge could lead to new drug targets and better predictions about the effects of drugs on animals and humans.
Researchers found that quitting smoking has psychological benefits and encourages continued efforts at smoking cessation. However, unsuccessful quitters' declining perceptions of health risk must be changed to help them quit in the future.
A new study aims to investigate the effects of intensively controlling blood sugar, blood pressure, and lipid levels on cardiovascular disease risk in adults with type 2 diabetes. The ACCORD study will test three medical treatment strategies to determine their impact on CVD risk.
A researcher is studying how tumors pirate angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, to survive. Dr. Motamed focuses on protein SPARC, which regulates growth factors and has multiple roles in cancer and new blood vessel formation.
Adolescents with two smoking parents are 3.8 times more likely to smoke than those with both non-smoking parents. Quitting smoking by parents can reduce the likelihood of their adolescent smoking, especially when both parents are non-smokers.
A newly discovered fossil from Tanzania provides a key anatomical link between two other known specimens, H. rudolfensis and the original H. habilis type specimen. The discovery reshuffles our understanding of early human ancestry, suggesting that all three specimens are likely members of the same species - Homo habilis.
According to a study by Fred Pampel, measures of gender equality do not explain the gap between men's and women's lung-cancer death rates. The gap is best explained historically, with women's smoking following men's on the upswing after a typical lag of around three decades.
A study published in The Lancet found that accident risk is doubled during the last half hour of a two-hour work period, suggesting that shorter breaks can help mitigate this risk. More frequent short breaks may improve work performance and reduce fatigue, making them a potential strategy to prevent industrial accidents.