A two-year research project on Minneapolis-based Definity Health found that it attracted higher-income families and was popular among those aged 35-44. Consumer-driven plans also showed an increase in demand for prescription drugs over time.
Two new centers will explore modular biology and biological circuits in human cells, aiming to unravel complex patterns of biological interactions. Researchers from diverse fields will work together to solve today's most challenging problems in biomedicine.
Researchers discovered a group of breast cancer tumors unrelated to typical patterns, with no clear link between tumor size and axillary lymph node cancer. This finding has significant implications for early diagnosis and treatment of women carrying the BRCA1 gene mutation.
Penn researchers suggest novel genetic causes for cardiac hypertrophy and new therapeutic agents against it. They also demonstrate that anti-HDAC drugs can block the development of hypertrophy in animal models.
Researchers have discovered a potential new treatment for certain types of cancer by inhibiting sphingosine kinase. The study found that targeting this enzyme can reduce tumor growth and induce apoptosis in cancer cells, offering hope for new targeted therapies.
Researchers Ted Sargent and Alex Vasilescu have been named to Technology Review's TR100 list for their groundbreaking work in nanotechnology, face recognition, and human motion analysis. Their innovative research has the potential to impact various industries, including security, biometrics, and filmmaking.
A study by Penn State researchers found that melatonin supplements can hinder nervous system responses that enable the body to compensate for blood pressure drops when standing. This may exacerbate orthostatic intolerance in individuals with cardiovascular challenges, including astronauts who experience it after space travel.
A new drug injection facility in Vancouver is struggling with low user adoption, primarily due to Health Canada guidelines restricting sharing of drugs and helping other users. Researchers warn that these restrictions may need to be readdressed to ensure the facility's success.
Researchers at Columbia University discovered that D-beta-hydroxybutyrate restores impaired brain function and protects against neurodegeneration in mice with Parkinson's disease. The study supports a critical role for mitochondrial defects in the progression of the disease.
A study suggests that new HIV treatments can lead to a decrease in people's concerns about the disease, resulting in increased transmission rates. Researchers believe that health professionals should address this issue by revamping prevention messages and programs.
A new set of guidelines aims to standardize reporting of medical guidelines, reducing misunderstandings among clinicians, patients, and reporters. Blood pressure pills have been found to lower hip fracture risk in older adults, but the protective effect disappears after four months without treatment.
A study challenges previous views on HIV-infected T cell lifespan, revealing that chronic immune activation drives high proliferation rates in memory T cells. HAART treatment improves long-lived T cell production, providing insight into the body's response to HIV infection.
Caffeine was found to reduce thigh muscle pain in young adult men during cycling exercise, suggesting its potential as a pain relief aid for endurance activities. The study's results may help explain why prior reports showed that caffeine improves exercise performance.
The overproduction of noggin during aging may result in impaired bone building and function, leading to net bone loss. Researchers suggest that recombinant BMP2 may prove useful in reversing age-related bone loss.
A new approach to analyzing bacterial genomes has enabled the reconstruction of evolutionary events and the diversification of bacterial species over a billion years. This method uses gene indicators to chart the structure and substance of genomes, providing valuable insights into genomic evolution.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered a series of phase transitions that cause silicon crystals to round their edges as they reach thermal equilibrium. This finding has implications for the manufacturing of tiny electronic components, such as wires and semiconductors, which could be designed with specific patterns.
Scientists at Penn State University have created a novel method for synthesizing cage-like silica structures by combining different templates and heating them in a microwave oven. This innovative approach produces larger particles with improved stability and reduced synthesis time compared to previous methods.
A cheap and easy way to treat Parkinson disease involves infusing the ketone body D-beta-HB, which restores mitochondrial respiration and protects against neurodegeneration. This novel therapy supports a critical role for mitochondrial defect in Parkinson disease and offers new hope for treatment.
Researchers developed a powerful new method called ROMA to compare normal cell DNA with breast cancer DNA, revealing chromosomal amplifications and deletions involved in breast cancer. The study also found large copy number polymorphisms in healthy cells that may underlie human traits.
Brain tumours are difficult to cure despite advances in surgery and drug treatments. Researchers have identified a cancer stem cell that drives tumour growth, leading them to design therapies targeting these cells., The discovery sheds light on metastases and may lead to new targets for brain tumour therapy.
Krishna Kumar, an associate professor of chemistry at Tufts University, has been recognized for his innovative protein design and engineering research. His work on 'decorating' proteins with Teflon-like materials has potential medical applications in drug delivery and antibiotic design.
Researchers have found that injecting adult bone marrow-derived stem cells into the back of mouse eyes curtails retinal degeneration and restores normal retinal tissue. The treated mice had improved vision and responded to light, offering a potential new approach for treating retinitis pigmentosa.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered a direct link between genes causing breast and other cancers, and those linked to diabetes. The study suggests that drugs blocking the effects of one gene may be useful in stopping the conversion of normal tissue to malignant tissue.
Researchers found that oxygen-sensitive genes in cardiac fibroblasts transform into myofibroblasts, critical for wound healing after a heart attack. The newly formed myofibroblasts help replace damaged tissue.
A Stanford study found that a skill-building program significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and frustration among female caregivers. The program, which focuses on increasing self-efficacy and problem-solving skills, was more effective than traditional support groups in improving caregiver outcomes.
Researchers review new glucose monitoring technologies, including non-invasive options that could lead to better compliance with testing recommendations. Continuous glucose monitoring systems also hold promise for early detection of hidden glucose trends.
Researchers discovered that monkeys reflexively shift their attention to the direction of another individual's gaze, mirroring human behavior. This finding holds promise for a new animal model of social attention, which could lead to better treatments for autism and improved teaching methods.
Researchers have discovered that oral medications commonly used to treat hypertension are also effective in preventing iron overload from causing permanent damage to the heart. The study suggests that these drugs may offer a new treatment option for patients with hereditary hemochromatosis and other genetic disorders
Scientists have found that brain clock cells in fruit flies rely on intercellular communication to sustain their circadian rhythms, even in the absence of light. The study also shows that a protein called PDF plays a crucial role in coordinating this process.
A new report examines the efficacy of psychological debriefing in reducing PTSD incidence and suggests it may hinder natural recovery. Controlled studies show little to no effect on PTSD onset, indicating that factors such as social network and stress processing methods are more directly correlated with PTSD manifestation.
Researchers found that pancreatic cancer growth can be arrested by blocking the Hedgehog signaling pathway, which is active in human embryonic development. This pathway has been linked to several other types of cancer and may offer a new treatment avenue for pancreatic cancer.
A recent study found that women widowed less than a year experience more mental and physical problems compared to those who were married or widowed for longer. However, these women's mental health improved over time with social support.
A study found that chronic drinking elevates cortisol levels both during intoxication and withdrawal, impacting overall health. Elevated cortisol is also associated with increased risk of medical and psychiatric problems such as diabetes and cognitive deficits.
A study found that chronic alcoholism can cause damage to both the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum, leading to deficits in executive functioning and balance. The research suggests that lesions in the frontocerebellar circuitry may compound their effects on these functions.
Research confirms that female alcoholics experience more severe cardiovascular effects from heavy drinking than male counterparts, with these effects emerging sooner and at lower consumption levels. This phenomenon, known as 'telescoping,' highlights the need for women to be aware of their increased risk of heart disease due to alcohol...
Researchers found genetic mutations in PHF9 disrupt critical intracellular repair mechanisms, leading to Fanconi Anemia's serious complications. The discovery highlights the importance of PHF9 as a potent cog in DNA repair machinery, with potential implications for preventing excessive DNA damage and cancer.
The study identifies three novel genes EDG1, PAK2, and TRAC-1 that repress T-cell receptor signalling in T-cells. These genes were discovered using a retroviral approach that allowed researchers to screen for genes critical for immune regulation.
A longitudinal study found black and Hispanic couples are two to three times more likely to report partner violence than white couples, even after controlling for socio-demographic and psychosocial variables. The study identified ethnic differences in risk factors for partner violence.
Researchers at PhageTech identified phage-derived antimicrobial proteins that inhibit bacterial growth and kill bacteria in diverse ways. The company's technology platform has led to the discovery of novel bacterial targets essential to bacterial growth, which are being screened for small molecule compounds as potential new antibiotics.
Women in marriages with high relationship satisfaction show lower levels of cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index. High marital satisfaction also promotes healthy behaviors and protects against social isolation.
Researchers discovered that sensory cells in mouse inner ear develop rapidly between days 16 and 17 of gestation, mirroring human fetal development. Understanding this process is crucial for regenerating sensory hair cells in the human ear.
Researchers discovered the protein PHF9, which disables the function of the FA pathway, a network critical for DNA repair, blood development, and fertility. This breakthrough provides new insights into Fanconi anemia, a rare genetic cancer-susceptibility syndrome affecting millions worldwide.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that men with a family history of prostate cancer have an increased risk of developing the disease. The study revealed a 2.9 fold increased risk when the affected relative was a brother, highlighting the importance of identifying at-risk populations for targeted screening.
The report highlights the growth of tourism in fragile ecosystems, threatening biodiversity. Sustainable tourism development can balance economic and environmental needs, providing opportunities for conservation and local community well-being.
Astronomers have successfully detected and measured the nitrogen-15 isotope in Comet LINEAR, revealing an isotopic abundance ratio of 140 ± 30. This finding provides crucial information about the composition of comets and their connection to heavier organic molecules, which are essential for life on Earth.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University found that listening to calming music during early active labor can significantly reduce the sensation and distress of pain. The study, led by Sasitorn Phumdoung, suggests that music may be a widely-used alternative to medication for easing pain during childbirth.
Researchers have developed a new material combining buckyballs with polyurethane to improve information processing in fibre-optic networks. The material interacts with light particles 10-100 times more strongly than previous C60-based materials, enabling faster and more efficient data transmission.
A physiologist's research has led to the development of improved catch-and-release procedures in fishing tournaments, resulting in better physiological condition and higher energy stores for fish. The new methods prioritize water immersion during weigh-ins to minimize stress and improve survival rates for species like bass and walleye.
A study by Newcastle University found that a refined garlic product is an effective killer of slugs and snails, with the potential to replace chemical pesticides. The researchers tested nine molluscicides, including a garlic-based product, and found it to be one of the most effective killers.
Research suggests that cutting off blood vessels to starve tumors of oxygen may not always be effective, as it can also make them harder to treat. Instead, feeding the tumor with oxygen may be a more viable option to kill cancer cells.
The global protected area network is underfunded, with a chronic lack of resources leading to ineffective management and degradation of resources. The shortfall has catastrophic results, including habitat loss and extinctions in developing countries.
According to Lawrence R. Rabiner, voice control will become as accurate and efficient as keyboard or mouse input, allowing for a new era of human-machine interaction. Devices will be network accessible and controllable from anywhere, blurring the lines between work life and home life.
A study published in The Lancet found that people with HIV who are successfully treated with HAART and hepatitis C negative have a mortality rate similar to those with cancer. This preliminary actuarial evidence supports the idea that life coverage could be considered under specific conditions.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a technique to sort single-walled carbon nanotubes based on their electronic properties. This allows for the separation of metallic and non-metallic nanotubes, which could lead to significant advances in molecular electronics and device development.
Brookhaven chemist Mow Lin's team has developed bacteria that can use coal as a nutrient and adsorb or degrade contaminants, improving methane recovery. Laboratory tests have shown these microbes to absorb contaminant metals, degrade dissolved organics, and break down coal to release trapped methane.
A study of 276 adolescents found overweight teens with scoliosis experienced worsening curvatures despite bracing, with over half requiring surgery. The Hopkins team recommends considering weight in treatment decisions for scoliosis.
A mathematical model developed by Cornell University engineers quantifies language death and offers strategies to preserve endangered languages. The model attributes the decline of languages to competition for speakers, with higher-status languages like English dominating in multilingual societies.
A new study by Purdue University has identified countries with high risks of media bribery, with Finland ranked highest. The index evaluates 8 factors to determine the likelihood of journalists accepting cash from government officials or businesses in exchange for news coverage.
Brookhaven chemists use pulsed electron beams to initiate chemical reactions in ionic liquids, revealing unanticipated reactivity patterns. The study's findings have profound implications for uses of ionic liquids in radiation-filled environments like the nuclear fuel cycle.
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison uncover a potent toxin reveals new antibiotic resistance mechanism, where bacteria deploy a protein to intercept and inactivate the toxin. This mechanism points to the fact that bacteria continue to find new routes to evade antibiotics, threatening the fight against deadly bacteria.