A major axis within bone cells regulates bone production and loss, providing a potential new target for treating debilitating osteoporosis. Local regulation of bone mass is now believed to occur primarily in the bone, not in the brain as previously thought.
A new study finds that tai chi chih significantly increases immune cell levels and improves physical functioning in older adults with shingles. The exercise program was comparable to hip replacement surgery in boosting immunity and reducing symptoms.
The study found that eight out of twelve patients achieved periods of abstinence of more than 28 consecutive days, and all eight were drug-free at the time of publication. Patients reported significant reductions in craving and improvements in self-esteem, family relationships, and work activities.
Mt. Sinai researchers found that aspirin significantly reduces the risk of a first heart attack in apparently healthy individuals by one-third. The study's findings support treatment guidelines issued by the American Heart Association and U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, recommending aspirin use for those at high risk.
Researchers have isolated stem cells from parthenogenic monkey eggs that can differentiate into various cell types, including neurons and tissues. These findings hold promise for developing an unlimited number of neurons for treating Parkinson's disease.
Researchers will use gene expression profiling and other techniques to identify genes involved in asthma. The program aims to understand how environmental factors interact with genetic causes to affect the disease's progression.
Researchers identified specific genetic variations linked to differences in normal tissue radiation damage, potentially allowing for personalized treatment approaches. The study's findings suggest that a person's genetic pattern can predict their tolerance to radiotherapy, enabling more effective treatment and reduced side effects.
A study led by NYU Langone Health found that epilepsy drug GVG helped hard-core cocaine addicts stay clean for over 60 days. Forty percent of participants achieved sobriety without leaving their environment, gaining weight and living with their families.
Breast cancer patients participating in an online support group experienced improved well-being and empowerment through sharing personal experiences, asking for advice, and expressing emotions. The study highlights the importance of internet access for social support and low-income groups.
The study evaluated 27 surgeons in 23 centers and found that quality of surgery is independent of caseload. The parameters used included length of surgery, blood loss, postoperative continence, and PSA levels after surgery.
A new grant from NSF's ITR Program will support the development of an integrated system, AMADEUS, which uses IT for real-time data gathering and computational modeling. This can lead to safer, more efficient, and economical underground construction methods.
The Ward Hunt Ice Shelf's sudden break-up in 2002 led to the loss of a freshwater lake with unique biological communities. The rupture was attributed to long-term warming and climate changes.
A study published in Neurology reveals that Gulf War veterans under 45 have developed ALS, a neurodegenerative disorder, at an alarming rate. The Department of Veterans Affairs confirms the findings using a different method, raising questions about environmental exposures during the war and potential links to Gulf War syndrome.
Consuming foods containing trans fatty acids raises LDL cholesterol and the risk of coronary heart disease. Manufacturers can create these unhealthy fats by hydrogenating unsaturated oils, making them artery-cloggers.
A new HPV vaccine targeting high-risk types could prevent up to 84% of cervical cancer cases. Testing a cocktail of these virus types could provide sufficient guidance for clinical decisions and future screening programmes.
A study found that people with glaucoma and macular degeneration had lower rates of annual eye exams compared to those with diabetes. The study suggests that changes in medical practice are necessary to improve patient compliance and prevent visual loss.
The HealthGrades study found that hospital care quality differs markedly by state, with better-performing hospitals concentrated in northern states. States such as Florida, Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan consistently ranked high across various procedures and diagnoses.
Michael Hsiao is developing graph-theoretic algorithms to reduce chip verification time, which could decrease costs and improve accuracy. His tools will be useful for the entire semiconductor industry, addressing the increasing complexity of modern chips.
Virginia Tech researchers are developing a brain impact monitoring system using the HITS sensor system, which measures impacts in football helmets. The system aims to identify the level at which impacts begin to result in injury and inform the design of better sports headgear.
The System 100 Fluid Removal System has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing fluid overload in heart failure patients. By removing excess fluid, patients experience improved symptoms and reduced hospital length of stay.
A new smart blending technique optimizes plastic materials for maximum effectiveness, enabling the creation of tougher, electrically conductive, and porous plastics. The technology, developed at Clemson University, has potential applications in food packaging, personal hygiene products, automotive uses, and even breakfast cereals.
A randomized, controlled clinical trial found that Tai Chi Chih increased immunity to the varicella zoster virus in older adults at risk for herpes zoster. The study showed significant improvements in both immunity and physical functioning without any negative effects.
A Phase III study shows that Avastin, an anti-angiogenic agent, extends patient survival time to 20.3 months when added to first-line chemotherapy. The treatment also improves response rates and duration of response across all relevant patient subgroups.
The discovery sheds light on early modern human biology and their archaic origins. The fossils, dating back 34,000-36,000 years, reveal a mix of modern and archaic characteristics.
The study finds that salmon farms have increased by fivefold since the late 1980s, while wild-caught salmon production has declined, threatening native communities' economic livelihoods. The report highlights ecological risks from farm escapees contaminating wild stocks and releasing untreated pollutants into the marine ecosystem.
Research reveals that the removal of great whales from the North Pacific Ocean led to a domino effect of ecosystem impacts. Killer whales preyed on other marine mammals, causing devastating effects on ecosystems.
Researchers find that one species of Brazilian stingless bee uses an abbreviated scent trail to communicate food location, avoiding broadcasting information to competitors. The unique trail has a teardrop shape and scent concentration that allows bees to pinpoint specific food sources.
A study of fossil records at Grotte XVI found that Neanderthals and Cro-Magnon both hunted a wide variety of game, including reindeer and red deer. The researchers also discovered a sharp drop in cave bear numbers from Neanderthal to Cro-Magnon times, suggesting competition for living space may have led to their extinction.
Researchers have developed a new test that can identify patients who may suffer serious late toxicity from radiotherapy. The test uses T-lymphocyte apoptosis to predict the risk of late toxicity and can help stratify patients for more aggressive treatment, resulting in improved cancer control with reduced side effects.
A four-year study found that Risperdal significantly reduces the risk of relapse in schizophrenia patients, with a 42% lower rate compared to haloperidol. Patients taking Risperdal remained relapse-free for an average of over 15 months, whereas those on haloperidol were free for only seven months.
The Organ Transplantation Research Foundation (ROTRF) has received continued funding from Roche, a global healthcare leader. The foundation supports groundbreaking research in transplantation, aiming to improve the lives of people with transplanted organs.
A new study found that Actonel maintained the size of calcium-based mineral crystals and the integrity of collagen structure over five years, preserving bone quality. This is significant because osteoporosis therapies should aim to reduce fracture risk, not just treat symptoms.
A preliminary clinical trial found that a small molecule, GVG (vigabatrin), significantly reduced cocaine cravings and improved quality of life in participants. The study's lead author notes that the results provide compelling human data to support the efficacy of GVG for treating cocaine addiction.
A double-blind study found that Risperdal significantly reduced 'manic' symptoms in patients with bipolar disorder, with treatment response achieved by 48% of patients taking Risperdal. The medication was also shown to improve depressive symptoms and was better tolerated than haloperidol.
A study of 803 women found that transition through menopause is not accompanied by a decline in working memory and perceptual speed. This research challenges previous assumptions about the effects of menopause on cognitive function, offering new insights for improving memory and addressing related health concerns.
A recent study suggests that menopause is not associated with an increase in cognitive decline, contrary to previous research. The Study of Women Across the Nation (SWAN) followed over 3,300 women across five ethnic groups, finding improved scores in most groups and minimal decline linked to menopause.
Two studies found Gulf War veterans have a significantly higher risk of ALS, particularly those deployed to Southwest Asia. The studies also revealed that young Gulf War veterans were more than twice as likely to develop ALS compared to the general population.
Two studies presented at the Heart Failure Society of America annual conference show that an experimental respiratory-pacing device, inTone TM, significantly improves heart failure patients' ejection fraction, pulmonary artery pressure, and quality of life. The device's non-invasive therapy is delivered through a 15-minute session twic...
Researchers found that fruit odors play a crucial role in the evolution of a new species among hawthorn maggots. A specific blend of apple and hawthorn volatiles triggers a strong preference for host-plant identification, making it difficult for flies to interbreed. This discovery opens up possibilities for organic pest control methods.
Researchers examining the link between cabin air quality and health will collect data from a sample of flights, recording cabin air quality and perceptions of comfort and health by flight attendants and passengers. The study aims to inform the development of air quality standards for commercial aircraft.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a new gene, called H31, that can help wheat plants resist damage from the Hessian fly. By combining this gene with others, they aim to extend resistance time by up to six times, reducing the need for chemicals and preserving the environment.
IVIg is the preferred treatment for Guillain-Barré Syndrome due to its ease of use and lower complication rate compared to plasma exchange. Early treatment within two weeks of symptom onset improves chances for a better outcome.
Researchers studied 13 young adults with muscle weakness after stroke and found that shaping therapy improved arm movement and motor activity. The study showed significant improvements in the amount of use and quality of movement, with stable results during a four-week follow-up.
A new study by Kevin Bronson and colleagues found that in-season nitrogen monitoring can reduce fertilizer use without affecting crop yields. By adjusting nitrogen application rates based on soil moisture and plant growth, farmers can save money and minimize nitrate contamination of waterways.
A study by cancer nurse Kerry Guile found that even oncologists and cancer nurses with high knowledge of sun protection were not acting on it. The sample size was 340 people, including medical students and non-oncology nurses, who scored highly on sun protective behavior.
A new study shows significant improvements in positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia when patients are switched to Risperdal Consta without a three-week overlap treatment period. The study found that side effects were mild to moderate, with extrapyramidal symptoms improving significantly by the first month.
Guideline suggests that early treatment with IVIg or plasma exchange can be beneficial for adults and children with severe, early Guillain-Barré syndrome. These treatments have been found to be equally effective in treating the condition.
Researchers have made significant progress towards a vaccine for pancreatic cancer, with one patient out of ten remaining disease-free after five years and two others surviving over two years. While the study's findings are promising, caution is advised due to the small sample size and potential biases in the selection process.