The AAN Annual Meeting explores the historical use of biological toxins in warfare and global terrorism, with a focus on developing bioterrorism response plans for local hospitals and clinics. Participants will learn emergency medical management and current research on neuroprotective agents against chemical warfare.
Researchers at the Roybal Centers for Applied Gerontology have been working on translating theory and basic research into practical outcomes for older adults. They emphasize the importance of field research, assessing Useful Field of Vision, and collaboration between researchers and clinicians to address the needs of underrepresented p...
A new Emory University study reveals that depression has a negative impact on CABG outcomes, with depressed patients experiencing less improvement in physical function. The research emphasizes the importance of treating symptoms of clinical depression aggressively in cardiovascular disease patients.
Scientists at MIT found that vegetation growth and decay are crucial for accurate climate models. The Sahara desert's transformation from fertile to arid was only explained when including vegetation as a variable.
A study of 1,045 patients found that depression significantly impaired physical function after CABG surgery. Patients with depression showed less improvement in physical function compared to non-depressed counterparts.
Antibiotic prescriptions decreased for common cold and respiratory infections, but broad-spectrum use increased, posing a threat to public health. The misuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics contributes to the creation of resistant bacteria strains.
A new technique uses a laser to create a gap in the absorption spectrum of a ruby, slowing down light to 5.3 million times its original speed. This simple design could lead to breakthroughs in telecommunications by easing congestion on fiber optic lines and simplifying signal merging.
Researchers at Emory University have developed an innovative technique for biventricular resynchronization that minimizes risks and eliminates ionizing radiation. The new approach uses tiny incisions and specialized tools to connect leads to the heart, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional methods.
The American College of Physicians recommends aiming for blood pressure levels less than 135/80 mm Hg in patients with type 2 diabetes. Thiazide diuretics and ACE inhibitors can be used as first-line agents to control blood pressure, but patients may need multiple medications.
A phase I clinical trial of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 blockade therapy has shown promising results in boosting the immune system against cancer. The treatment enhanced the anti-tumor activity of certain vaccines and improved responses in patients with melanoma and ovarian cancer.
Researchers found West Nile virus can cause muscle weakness, acute paralysis, and impaired breathing, leading to life-threatening symptoms. Four Mississippi patients who died after developing West Nile virus were examined and showed signs of viral infection in spinal cord autopsies.
A cohort study found that medical students' ethical skills levelled out over time, suggesting an earlier maturation of ethical abilities than anticipated. Peter Singer suggests ways to strengthen the role of ethics in medical education.
Researchers analyzed 28 West Nile Virus cases, revealing that over half presented with neurological symptoms mimicking other diseases like stroke or Parkinson's. The study aims to increase awareness among neurologists and patients of the varied presentations of West Nile virus.
A study of 14 adults with persistent developmental stuttering found that DAF was more effective for those with atypical auditory anatomy. The research also identified two subgroups: one with rightward planum temporale asymmetry who showed improved fluency, and another with leftward planum temporale asymmetry who did not respond to DAF.
Researchers found that bone marrow stem cells from healthy mice contribute to regeneration of nervous and muscle tissue affected by ALS. A five-fold increase in newly generated neuronal cells was observed in the central nervous system of ALS mice.
Researchers found that immunization can stimulate the immune system to combat prion disease, which affects humans and animals. The study suggests that vaccination could be an effective therapy for prion diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and Alzheimer's disease.
A new study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has identified heart abnormalities in obese children, revealing significant differences in the function of their hearts. The study used tissue Doppler imaging to assess diastolic function, finding that the hearts of obese children were stiffer and less able to fill with blood.
Research shows a decrease in antibiotic prescriptions in the US, but an increase in broad-spectrum antibiotic use, which can lead to antibiotic resistance. This shift poses significant global public health concerns, particularly for treating infections like HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
A study involving 34 Parkinson's patients found that the implant improved their quality of life by an average of 22 percent, with significant improvements in mobility and motor functioning. Patients reported substantial improvements in daily activities such as dressing and preparing meals.
A randomized controlled trial found no change in prescribing patterns among primary care physicians despite enhanced information on benzodiazepine use. Inappropriate benzodiazepine prescribing remains a significant concern due to its impact on elderly patients.
Diabetic women who eat more fish have a significantly lower risk of coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and mortality rates compared to those who rarely consume fish. The study found that higher fish consumption was associated with improved blood vessel functions, reduced blood clot formation, and decreased triglyceride levels.
Researchers have successfully transformed mouse stem cells into heart muscle cells using vitamin C, a breakthrough that could lead to new treatments for heart failure. The study found that the cells exhibited cardiac myosin and actin, and beat spontaneously, suggesting a potential path forward for clinical applications.
Researchers found that using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. However, data suggests that low-dose aspirin use does not provide a significant protective effect against developing Alzheimer's.
A study published in MERCURY I showed that CRESTOR 10mg effectively lowered LDL-C levels and enabled over eight out of ten patients to achieve their LDL-C goals. The medication demonstrated superior efficacy compared to atorvastatin, making it a valuable treatment option for managing high cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk.
Researchers have found that red blood cells cannot repair tears in their surfaces due to the lack of internal membranes, confirming a decade-old hypothesis. In contrast, muscle cells can rapidly repair tears by sealing them with a large internal membrane.
A study by Case Western Reserve University has found that Bisphenol A (BPA) in plastic bottles can cause abnormal pregnancies in mice. The researchers discovered that even extremely low doses of BPA produced detectable effects, highlighting the potential risks to human reproduction.
Researchers have successfully created electrical wire using prions as a template, which can be coated with gold and silver particles to conduct electricity. This bottom-up approach could revolutionize the manufacturing of nanoscale microcircuits and machines.
Researchers have found that simvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering medication, reduces the number and volume of active MS lesions. The study suggests statins may have therapeutic value in treating multiple sclerosis, but further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
A recent study reveals that estrogen receptors are regularly stripped off DNA to make room for new receptors, enabling cells to continuously sense changes in estrogen levels. This mechanism is essential for the proper functioning of genes and may offer new avenues for therapies in estrogen-related diseases.
Research from the University of Michigan found that even with prenatal diagnosis, infants with one or more risk factors have a significantly lower chance of survival. However, in utero diagnosis has led to more pregnant women receiving specialty care, resulting in a higher-risk group of patients.
A recent study has found a direct link between cilia assembly proteins and polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a condition affecting one in every 500 people. The research suggests that stopping cilia formation can cause PKD, providing new insights into the disease's mechanisms.
Researchers will evaluate patients in West Virginia clinics to determine the impact of environmental, social, and economic factors on oral health. The study aims to identify risk factors contributing to high oral disease incidence in Appalachia.
Scientists discover that low levels of bisphenol A exposure in animal lab lead to highly significant increases in egg abnormalities, including aneuploidy and disorganized chromosomes. Further study is warranted due to potential human health risks.
Researchers have discovered that caspase-8 is essential for the activation of T-cells at the start of the immune response. The study found that inhibiting caspase-8 significantly decreases the immune response.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that folic acid-iron supplementation reduced the incidence of low birth weight by 16% and multiple micronutrient supplements by 14%. This research aims to improve maternal health and child survival in developing countries
A new international study found that the life-saving effect of eplerenone began soon after patients started taking the drug following their heart attacks. The study showed a significant reduction in deaths and hospitalizations among heart attack patients with heart failure, especially when combined with other heart medications.
Researchers found that mice lacking NKT cells remained resistant to asthma-inducing stimuli, while those with NKT cells developed airway hyper-reactivity and symptoms. The study suggests NKT cells play a key role in asthma development and may be targeted for treatment.
A new study reports remarkable improvements in motor skills and dopamine storage in five Parkinson's patients. The treatment, which administered GDNF directly into the brain, showed a 39% improvement in motor skills and 61% improvement in daily living activities.
Adolescents who viewed religion as meaningful and a way to cope with problems were half as likely to use drugs. The effect was consistent across different ethnic groups, suggesting that religiosity provides a buffering impact against substance use.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that consuming more saturated fats can lead to higher amounts of visceral fat, which is linked to a stronger risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. A diet low in saturated fat and high in polyunsaturated fat, such as the Mediterranean diet, may help reduce visceral fat.
Researchers examined 945 patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and found that social support levels had little impact on rehab participation. Patients who participated in rehab were younger, better educated, more often worked, and less financially strained, but these factors alone could explain the difference.
Scientists have discovered that bone marrow-derived stem cells can fuse with liver cells to form healthy, functional cells. This process, called cell fusion, reverses liver damage in mice with a genetic disease, paving the way for potential human treatments.
At the ACC's 52nd Annual Scientific Session, Emory Heart Center physicians will share information on the latest advances in cardiovascular medicine. Dr. Douglas Morris will present on new biological insights and approach to post-bypass patients, highlighting recent achievements in cardiac rehabilitation.
Researchers at Penn State have developed an early flash flood warning system that can potentially save lives and property by forecasting extreme weather events. The system uses a combination of dynamical and statistical models to identify patterns and anomalies in atmospheric conditions, allowing for three-day advance warnings.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery by detecting Parkinson's symptoms on brain scans of living patients. The study, led by Dr. Robert Y. Moore, found positive evidence of nerve cell degeneration in areas controlling attention and wakefulness using PET scans.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that two cellular networks collaborate to control breathing, with one system responding to sensory feedback and another controlling stability. This finding has important implications for treating neurological disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that Myosin V moves in a unique 'hand-over-hand' motion along actin tracks, allowing it to transport molecules without losing contact. This discovery sheds light on how cells convert chemical energy into motion and may offer insights into nanotechnology.
A study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that allergy specialist care can significantly reduce emergency room visits for asthma. Patients receiving adequate inhaled corticosteroid therapy (at least four canisters per year) and/or allergy specialty care had a lower risk of hospitalization, with 27% showi...
The Department of Energy recognizes PPPL's DeLooper for his crucial role in coordinating the Snowmass Fusion Summer Study Workshops, which brought together leading scientists from the US and international community. This success led to a consensus in the fusion community that enabled the Administration to join ITER negotiations.
Researchers found that even a moderate loss of fat leads to decreased amounts of infection-fighting IgG antibodies, increasing disease susceptibility. Immune system function improved after regrowth of removed fat tissue.
Scientists used RNA interference to identify four new genes involved in passing along Hedgehog's signal in fruit fly cells. The study suggests that human versions of these genes may be involved in diseases characteristic of abnormal Hedgehog activity, including birth defects and cancers.
The VISION 2020 initiative has the potential to reduce avoidable blindness by nearly two-thirds, saving $102 billion and 429 million blind person-years worldwide. Researchers estimate that economic productivity loss due to blindness could grow from $42 billion to $110 billion if prevention efforts fail.
A study found that patients with schizophrenia experienced improved symptom management and reduced side effects when switching to Seroquel, including significant reductions in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale scores and Clinical Global Impression Severity of Illness ratings.
A study of premature infants found that mild undernutrition in early infancy may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. The findings suggest that slower growth and relative undernutrition associated with colostrum and breastfeeding may have a protective effect on cardiovascular health.
A team of scientists at the National Institutes of Health reports finding cheek cells with a male Y chromosome, indicating that some transplanted stem cells had differentiated into cheek cells. The study provides strong evidence for transdifferentiation and offers insights into its potential therapeutic applications.
Researchers discovered that human sperm cells have a receptor for chemo-attraction, which triggers movement towards elevated concentrations of a sperm-attracting substance called bourgeonal. This finding suggests that sperm may be able to 'smell' their way to the egg.
A study assessing young women with breast cancer in north-west England found that a third had a strong family history of breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer. Women with this history were more likely to carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, emphasizing the need for accurate family history elucidation to predict genetic mutations.
Researchers have improved the bonding in mechanically linked molecules by developing a method to increase the association constant of host-guest interactions, allowing for longer self-assembled chains. By utilizing hydrogen bonding instead of covalent chemistry, they were able to overcome the difficulty of creating rigid macrocycles.
The study found that nearly a third of the E. faecalis genome consists of mobile or 'foreign' DNA, which plays a crucial role in helping the bacterium develop drug resistance. The analysis identified two sites in the genome related to vancomycin resistance, including a novel transposon carrying vanB resistance genes.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new microfluidic fuel cell that can generate electricity under pulsating conditions, mimicking the flow of blood. This design could help power medical implants and eliminate the need for frequent glucose level monitoring in diabetics.