The American College of Chest Physicians has established a new Distinguished Scholar program, supporting the development of an original educational project on thrombosis and patient care. Dr. Morris will explore pulmonary care in his project, creating new knowledge to advance best practices.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has established two new research centers to investigate the underlying mechanisms and potential benefits of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The first two Centers of Excellence, funded with $5.9 million and $5.8 million grants, will focus on studying ac...
The FDNY Tobacco Cessation Program, a free, multi-modal approach, shows a 10-fold increase in quit rates compared to previous studies. At 6 months, 39% of participants were tobacco-free, with the program's success attributed to its combination nicotine replacement therapy and behavior-stress support.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCAM) has awarded planning grants to 12 international centers for research on complementary and alternative medicine. These partnerships will allow researchers to conduct studies in unique environments and potentially lead to significant advances in global health. The grant...
A recent study found that people who underwent lung cancer screening were motivated to quit smoking. The study suggests that cancer screening may present an opportunity for health-care providers to offer smoking cessation resources.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a molecular mechanism that allows neurons to adjust their sensitivity to stimulation, a process known as homeostatic plasticity. This discovery provides long-sought clues to how neurons protect themselves during stroke, epilepsy, and spinal cord injury.
A team-based intervention program improved blood pressure control rates among hypertensive African-American men, with 44% of participants achieving control compared to 17% at baseline. The study dispels the myth that underserved African-Americans are hard to include in clinical trials.
A study by Professor Mary Kooy found that book clubs facilitated relational learning and knowledge sharing among high school teachers. The novice group used books to relate to common problems, while the more experienced group shared experiences and expanded their knowledge through discussions.
A study using CT scans of two pterosaur skulls reveals key structures responsible for flight control and prey spotting were specialized and enlarged, revising views on vision, flight, and the brain's evolution. The research found significant differences between the vestibular apparatus and flocculus in the two species.
Researchers have uncovered detailed insights into the brains of ancient flying reptiles, revealing a larger flocculus that enabled them to process sensory data from their wings. The study suggests that this neural center played a crucial role in the pterosaurs' ability to fly and hunt, allowing them to become highly adapted predators.
The University of Toronto has developed technology using laser-sensitive dyes to foil document fraud, providing high data encryption and relatively low-cost production. This innovative approach could offer a speedy alternative to current security checks, enabling authorities to verify documents more efficiently.
A study of premature infants found that human milk, fortified in-hospital, was comparable to nutrient-enriched formula for growth and development. The study tracked the progress of 463 premature infants under four pounds at birth, showing better visual acuity outcomes with human milk.
Researchers found that isolated patients were twice as likely to experience adverse events during hospitalization and did not receive adequate supportive care. Isolation is a highly effective measure for infection control, but hospitals need to address its drawbacks, including delayed responses to patient calls.
A new study reveals a significant increase in Arctic summer melt season length, threatening polar bears' survival and global climate stability. The research uses radar data from European and American satellites to measure changes in Arctic sea ice thickness, shedding light on the impact of global warming.
Researchers have created a new mouse model of Alzheimer's disease to study the effects of toxic protein p25 on brain degeneration. The model, developed by Harvard Medical School scientists, shows high levels of p25 accumulation leading to neuronal death and tau pathology after just 12 weeks.
A new handheld sensing device, called the 'dog-on-a-chip,' can detect cocaine in real-time, reducing time between seizures and lab analysis. The device uses monoclonal antibodies to differentiate between similar molecules, providing an advantage over canine sniffers.
Astronomers detect near-infrared flares from hot gas falling into the black hole, revealing its rapid rotation and chaotic environment. The findings provide unprecedented information about what happens just outside the event horizon.
Researchers have identified a key molecular signaling system controlling the development of smooth muscle in embryos, which may lead to new treatments for heart disease, cancer, and neurological disorders. The 'Jelly Belly' gene plays a crucial role in signaling primitive cells to become muscle cells.
A study found individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis had difficulty identifying smells before symptom onset. This discovery could lead to a new diagnostic tool and earlier treatment options for schizophrenia and other psychoses.
Researchers found that ginger compounds slowed tumor development in mice, while Scutellaria barbata inhibited apoptosis in prostate cancer cells. These findings suggest potential chemopreventive effects of these natural herbs against certain cancers.
The glycemic index (GI) is gaining recognition as a valuable tool for nutrition education and planning. Research suggests that moderating the GI of foods can have important health implications, particularly for active individuals. The use of GI in food selection and menu planning can help provide lasting energy.
Researchers evaluated the effect of new standards on lung donations, transplants, and waiting times. The number of donors increased by 119% and transplants by 114%, while waiting times decreased significantly.
A Penn State study identified attitudinal barriers to school breakfast programs, including parents' lack of perceived role in promoting programs and administrators' concerns about scheduling, cost, and food quality. The study highlights the need for parent support and strategies to overcome these barriers.
Researchers found that feeding ginger to mice before and after tumor injection slowed tumor growth, with 12 out of 20 mice still alive at the 49th day. The study suggests that ginger compounds may have chemopreventive and/or chemotherapeutic effects on colorectal carcinomas.
PNNL scientists create a device that detects sarin and other nerve agents using infrared spectrometry. They also mimic the mineralization process to produce replicas with pores and channels, which could increase industrial yields. Additionally, researchers use midge genomes to identify pollutants in water and develop an integrated mode...
The state of Michigan has secured a five-year, $11.9 million grant from the National Center for Research Resources to bolster its cutting-edge proteomics capabilities. This award will provide every Michigan scientist with access to a state-of-the-art research facility and expert support services.
The new guidelines call for searches within the National Marrow Donor Program registry conducted by histocompatibility specialists, with patients HLA typed to a high degree of resolution. High-resolution HLA typing is essential for all transplant patients, and the guidelines encourage considering transplants even without a perfect match.
Researchers have created a ring of muscle from the patient's own body and transplanted it to the bladder as a replacement sphincter. The new treatment uses an implanted electrical stimulator for a reliable method of passing urine only when needed, offering hope for millions suffering from severe stress incontinence.
A study by Case Western Reserve University researchers found that human beta defensins 2 and 3 in the mouth's lining can inhibit HIV-1 replication and regulate viral receptors. This discovery has potential for developing new medical interventions using natural products to prevent HIV infection, particularly in high-risk areas.
Researchers used transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) to treat patients with liver tumors, shrinking them by up to 35% in size. Patients who responded successfully were then treated with laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT), allowing for a more aggressive approach to tumor treatment while preserving patient quality of life.
Researchers will study the biology of tumor-stroma interaction, heparan sulfate proteoglycans in bone metastasis, and mitochondrial DNA mutations to develop novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The goal is to understand how prostate cancer cells metastasize to bone and discover new genes that may support or inhibit this process.
Researchers found that IFN-beta-1a initiates different patterns of genetic expression in MS patients, which could lead to better treatment outcomes. The study's findings suggest that gene expression profiling and pharmacodynamics may enable improved, possibly individualized, treatment regimens for MS patients.
The reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park has led to a remarkable recovery of cottonwood and willow species, as well as improved stream health. Young trees are now growing taller in areas where wolves are present, suggesting that the fear of predation is preventing elk from overgrazing.
Research suggests green tea consumption may prevent cancer and reduce oxidative DNA damage, with potential chemopreventive effects of green tea polyphenols. The study also identified novel EGCG analogs with potent anti-tumor activity.
Researchers analyzed data from twin pairs to find a link between leisure activities and reduced cognitive impairment. The study found that greater overall participation in intellectual-cultural activities, such as reading or joining clubs, was associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers at UGA are using manmade tracers to study the exchange of gases between vegetation and the atmosphere. They aim to improve methods for evaluating carbon sequestration in plant canopies, a crucial step in understanding how much carbon is taken up by different ecosystems.
Researchers found correlations between cellular features and cancer development in prostate and ovarian cancers. Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia may be a significant target for prevention strategies.
A study by Victoria Werth and Kathleen E. Sullivan identified a variant of the TNF-alpha promoter that shows increased activity when exposed to sunlight, leading to cellular death and inflammation in lupus patients. This discovery could lead to the development of new treatments for photosensitivity in lupus patients.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that smoking significantly increases the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS), regardless of age or education level. The study examined over 22,000 people and found that smokers were 1.81 times more likely to develop MS than non-smokers.
A study of 115 stroke patients found that lowering blood pressure within the first 24 hours can lead to poorer outcomes. Blood pressure drops significantly in this period, reducing brain tissue flow and causing more damage.
Researchers found that gamma-secretase cleaves both amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Notch interchangeably, treating them as interchangeable substrates. The study suggests a new approach to inhibiting gamma-secretase activity without interfering with its role in Notch signaling.
The European Parliament calls on Eastern European countries to share knowledge and resources to combat HIV resistance. FUZEON, a new treatment, has been shown to reduce HIV levels and increase CD4 cell counts in patients with drug-resistant strains.
A new OHSU study reveals that consuming four or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day can significantly lower the risk of breast cancer. The research, conducted in Shanghai, China, found a 50% reduced risk among participants who met this daily intake threshold.
Researchers have discovered that three species of cassowaries can produce low-frequency sounds that may be similar to those made by dinosaurs. The birds' helmet-like casques are thought to serve a function in sound reception and could provide clues about dinosaur communication.
Female wolf spiders exhibit social recognition and memory, favoring familiar male phenotypes for mating. This behavior is linked to their experience during the pre-adult stage, with cannibalization rates among unfamiliar males being higher.
Columbia researchers have developed a classification system for turning SAR data into detailed maps of landscape elements like water, vegetation, and rocks. This technology has shown superiority over optical remote sensing in identifying disaster zones, particularly during nighttime or with smoke and dust present.
A US study found that liver transplantation significantly improves five-year survival rates for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), from 25.3% in the late 1980s to 61.1% in the early 2000s. The study suggests that careful patient selection based on improved criteria may be a key factor in these improvements.
The 2002 Annual Bibliography of Significant Advances in Dietary Supplement Research highlights recent studies on the role of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in managing various health conditions. The publication features a list of top 25 articles selected from over 350 original research papers.
The study analyzed data from 2,932 participants who were free of major life-threatening diseases and had normal physical and cognitive function at baseline. After eight years, 48% of the participants had aged successfully, with those without subclinical cardiovascular disease faring better.
A triple therapy study using ZADAXIN in combination with pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin showed a 61% response rate for patients with hepatitis C who were non-responders to previous treatment. The study found that ZADAXIN improved response rates for these patients.
A study reveals six cases of patients experiencing vision-threatening problems after wearing illegal costume contact lenses. The FDA has issued a warning about the dangers associated with these lenses, which can cause permanent eye injuries and potentially lead to blindness.
Researchers created mouse models to study PTEN's impact on prostate cancer progression. Subtle reductions in PTEN dose produced progressive changes in the biology of tumors, with mice having no functional PTEN genes showing the most invasive and aggressive cancers.
Research studies reveal that weight loss, exercise, and dietary changes can lower breast cancer risk by up to five percent of body weight and increase physical activity levels associated with reduced mammographic breast density. Additionally, a low-carbohydrate diet may be more effective in preventing prostate cancer progression.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a new treatment for degenerative eye disease, macular translocation surgery with 360 degree peripheral retinectomy (MT360), which has shown promising results in recovering reading vision in patients. The procedure involves rotating the retina to shift the degenerating macula ...
A new curriculum developed by Duke University's Pharmacology Education Partnership (PEP) has shown to significantly improve students' understanding of biology and chemistry. The approach uses real-world examples, such as nerve gas and drugs, to make science more relevant and engaging for students.
Scientists at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center discovered that the amount of PTEN protein produced affects prostate cancer progression. Mouse models showed varying levels of PTEN protein led to aggressive or benign tumors, suggesting novel clinical strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
A study by Penn State researchers found that school service personnel who participated in a Project PA workshop recognized the importance of nutrition education and healthy eating behaviors in addressing childhood obesity. The participants identified parental attitudes, peer pressure, and media as barriers to students' healthful eating...
A Canadian study compared outcomes for patients with elevated cardiac markers who received a home health nurse-delivered disease management program versus those without. The results showed significant reductions in hospitalization days for congestive heart failure and angina. A commentary highlighted the need for a national program to ...
A Canadian study found that 96% of substantiated child abuse cases did not result in serious physical harm, highlighting the need for a reevaluation of investigative procedures and risk assessments. The study's findings also raise concerns about the emphasis on rapid intervention over longer-term service needs.
A newly discovered bacterium, Polaromonas naphthalenivorans strain CJ2, has been found to break down naphthalene and other toxins in coal tar contamination. The discovery was made using a new technique called stable isotopic probing (SIP), which allowed researchers to identify the microbe's DNA signature.