A new study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that C-reactive protein levels are not a reliable indicator of osteoarthritis due to their strong correlation with body mass index (BMI) and ethnicity. Instead, these proteins can serve as an indicator of a patient's response to therapy for osteoarthritis.
Bioethicists Elizabeth Blackburn and Janet Rowley critique two PLoS Biology reports for presenting a biased agenda. They argue that the reports overlook diverse scientific opinions on stem cell research and aging studies.
Fuel cells offer improved efficiency, low emissions, and design flexibility for naval vessels, slashing shipbuilding costs. The Navy's ONR is testing a diesel fuel reformer to develop a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell, which will be capable of between 37-52 percent efficiency.
Researchers found that adiponectin may be a key player in determining true risk of heart disease in obese children. The study showed lower adiponectin levels in obese children, who also had higher inflammation markers and cholesterol levels, indicating a potential 'footprint' for heart disease.
Research highlights the link between clinical depression and primary cardiac arrest, as well as low awareness of stroke risk among women in ethnic minorities. Meanwhile, studies reveal the role of adiponectin in regulating cholesterol levels and the importance of targeted educational programs to improve public health.
A recent study found that folic acid fortification was associated with a significant decline in stroke-related mortality rates. The researchers estimated that 31,000 stroke-associated deaths and 17,000 deaths related to ischemic heart disease may have been prevented each year since fortification was implemented.
Researchers found a strong correlation between obesity and high blood pressure in children aged 8-17. The prevalence of high blood pressure increased by 4.2% among overweight children, 3.5% among obese children, and 2.6% among normal-weight children over 10 years.
A new animal model has been created to evaluate the effectiveness of an Alzheimer's vaccine, with promising results in clearing brain amyloid and reversing cognitive decline. The study involved vaccinating rhesus monkeys with beta-amyloid, a protein fragment suspected of disrupting nerve cells in the Alzheimer brain.
Researchers found that teenagers with lower BMIs had higher average anger control scores, while those with increasing BMI's had decreasing anger expression scores. This suggests that unhealthy ways of expressing anger are associated with overweight in teens.
The Coalition Chat Line, a trans-lingual instant messaging technology, was successfully implemented at several US and allied sites in Iraq. The system enabled commanders and operators to communicate rapidly and reliably, even when speaking different languages, reducing costs and delays associated with conventional translation practices.
Researchers have reconstructed the event month by month, finding that fungi and saprophytes took over within a few months to couple of years. The layer of fossil fungi is followed by a recovery flora, which re-established relatively quickly.
Research suggests that subconscious bias can distort facial perceptions, leading to the perpetuation of stereotypes and racism. Studies show that even well-meaning individuals may view identical faces as more hostile in African American faces, highlighting the importance of addressing implicit bias.
A Saint Louis University study finds that most Americans don't make the most nutritious choices due to unclear nutrition messages. The research suggests eating a variety of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A and C, betacarotene, and fiber reduces chronic disease risk.
Researchers used an interactive internet program and short videos to reduce fat intake and increase exercise levels among low-income seventh graders. The study showed that students who attended at least half of the sessions increased their physical activity and reduced dietary fat.
Scientists develop materials that respond magnetically to THz, infra-red, and visible radiation, enabling applications in biological and security imaging. The discovery marks a significant step towards creating perfect lenses that can focus features smaller than the wavelength of light.
The discovery of 1.2 million new genes in Sargasso Sea microbes has significant implications for carbon sequestration and alternative energy production. The genes are part of the larger Genomics: GTL program, which aims to develop innovative solutions to address national energy needs.
A new study found that only 4% of women with coronary heart disease met all four lifestyle goals, including non-smoking status and exercise. Researchers say the findings underscore the need for more effective interventions to improve compliance among high-risk women.
A Rice bioengineer has won the 'Create the Future' design contest with a device that uses acoustic waves to measure bone structural integrity. The OsteoSonic TM system offers advantages over existing radiological diagnostics and is currently undergoing testing.
Heavy smoke from the Amazon River basin causes significant reduction in cloud cover, leading to increased surface warming and altered climate. This study reveals a new mechanism of aerosol-driven global climate change, challenging current models.
Stanford researchers found that patients who received clot-busting drug tPA within an hour of stroke arrival had better recovery outcomes. The study suggests that administering tPA even after the three-hour time period may be beneficial for some patients, albeit with reduced effectiveness.
A study found that obesity rates among US teens have increased significantly since the 1970s, with total cholesterol and blood pressure strongly correlated to weight gain. The rate of weight gain during the teen years has roughly doubled, posing a significant risk for diabetes, strokes, and heart disease later in life.
UVa researchers have identified a mechanism that can correct improper microtubule attachments during cell division. A protein called Aurora B loads MCAK onto the chromosome in an inactive state, which is activated to remove improperly attached microtubules.
A recent five-year study found that simvastatin therapy significantly reduces the incidence of ischemic strokes by 30%, while having no adverse effect on hemorrhagic strokes. The study also shows a substantial reduction in combined major vascular events among patients with cerebrovascular disease.
Research reveals a strong relationship between drugs of abuse, stress, and the amygdala, suggesting CRF receptor blockers may be a new therapeutic for alcoholics. The study highlights the complex neurobiology of addiction, with compounds blocking CRF receptors potentially providing relief from relapse.
Researchers found that gene regulation is bipolar, with a small set of genes relying on the TATA box for proper function, while most genes rely on the TFIID complex. This discovery provides clues about how to understand gene function and regulation in yeast and potentially applicable to human genetics.
Scientists have developed a method to simultaneously track gene transcription, RNA splicing, and protein translation in living cells. The technique reveals fundamental information about how genes are switched on and off in the context of living cells.
The Canavan Disease Clinical Research Training Fellowship supports research into the cause, treatment, and potential cure of this fatal genetic disorder. McPhee plans to examine oligodendrocytes, cells responsible for white matter in the brain, to improve understanding of Canavan disease mechanisms.
Researchers analyze over 59,000 grains from Acfer 094 meteorite and identify nine specks of silicate stardust. The discovery provides information about stellar sources, nuclear processes, and the physical and chemical compositions of stellar atmospheres.
Scientists have discovered that early oceans were devoid of oxygen for billions of years, with a team developing a method to detect signs of ancient oxygen in rocks. The study sheds light on the history of our planet's oceans and could have significant implications for understanding evolution and the origins of life.
A study found that early treatment with thrombolytics can significantly improve stroke recovery rates, with patients treated within 90 minutes of symptom onset showing the most improvement. The study also suggests that t-PA given up to 4 hours after symptoms may be beneficial, but the effect diminishes later.
Researchers found obese children had shorter treadmill times and lower endurance compared to non-obese peers. Obesity also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, joint problems, and atherosclerosis in adolescents.
Research found that young children who consumed moderate amounts of dairy products and fat experienced less weight gain than those on low-fat or high-fat diets. Increased consumption of fruits and vegetables was also associated with lower gains in body fat.
The new centre will combine functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and magnetoencephalography (MEG) to study brain processes involved in everyday mental tasks. Research at the centre may lead to improved treatments for conditions like strokes, multiple sclerosis, and schizophrenia.
The World Health Organization's (WHO) global tuberculosis control strategy, DOTS, is facing challenges in meeting its 2005 targets. A significant case-detection gap exists between estimated annual incident cases and reported cases under the DOTS strategy. The WHO recommends four key actions to address this issue, including equipping na...
Neutrophils can produce NETs, a net-like structure that binds, disarms, and kills bacteria. This novel defense mechanism was discovered by researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology.
The study found that protective factors such as high academic achievement and strong community ties can foster pro-social behaviors and prevent antisocial behavior. Additionally, good family management practices were shown to significantly reduce the likelihood of violence among aggressive youth.
A study by Sergei Mirkin and Maria Krasilnikova found that faulty DNA replication causes the sequence to become unstable when it exceeds 40 repeats, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness and heart disease in neurological diseases like Friedreich's ataxia.
A team of physicists and engineers created metamaterials that respond magnetically to terahertz radiation, extending their properties to the terahertz range. This discovery has the potential to enable new applications in areas like weather guidance, security, and biomedical imaging.
The future of drug delivery involves 'smart' systems addressing issues like gut, skin, and lung penetration, promising improved patient compliance and treatment efficacy.
Research suggests that pediatricians can play a crucial role in addressing postpartum depression among mothers. A study found that mothers are open to discussing their mental health concerns with pediatricians, but a trusting relationship must be established first.
Stanford researchers discovered a type of molecular motor that provides the proper amount of tension in inner ear sensors to respond to sound. The motor anchors itself and maintains tension, implying its role in cellular organization, such as chromosome separation during cell division.
Researchers have confirmed three previously suggested loci and identified two new ones for potential AMD genes on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, 9, 22. The study used high-resolution genome scans to narrow the search for AMD-related genes.
A study by Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation found that elderly patients experienced decreased pain intensity and improved sleep disturbances with once-daily Kadian dosing. The trial, KRONUS-MSP, showed a lower incidence of side effects compared to other opioids, making it an ideal option for managing chronic pain in older adults.
An educational program tailored to individual needs improved safety behaviors among older drivers, but had no effect on collision rates. The program focused on visual deficits and strategies to avoid challenging driving situations.
A study published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases found that gadolinium-enhanced MRI (G-MRI) was highly accurate in diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children, with 92% accuracy for ulcerative colitis and 96% accuracy for Crohn's disease. This non-invasive diagnostic tool could replace conventional tests like colonoscopy.
The sequencing of Ashbya's genome has shed light on the evolution of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and provided insight into fundamental features responsible for fungal disease. The fungus' compact genome contains 4,718 protein-coding genes, with over 90% similarity to yeast.
A study analyzing physician office data and pharmacy surveys found that the cost of high blood pressure therapy increased by $12 billion between 1990 and 2002. The primary contributors to this increase were higher prices for expensive ACE-inhibitors and ARBs, as well as a decline in diuretic prescriptions.
A new computer-based program, HCCRACT-R, provides personalized colon cancer risk data and helps individuals make informed decisions. The tool, developed by Dr. Weinstein, takes into account both modifiable and unchangeable risk factors, and has been shown to correct misconceptions about risk perception in over 75% of participants.
Patients with massive skin cancers can now experience significant improvement in function, appearance, and quality of life after undergoing free tissue transfer surgery. This innovative technique, pioneered by OHSU researchers, has revolutionized the care of patients with this condition.
Researchers found improved heart function in some patients treated with stem cells and G-CSF after a heart attack. However, the treatment also led to an unexpected high rate of complications, prompting further investigation before its use in humans.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that women with coronary artery disease are twice as likely to die if they exhibit symptoms of depression. The study analyzed the Beck Depression Inventory scores of 265 women admitted for a diagnostic cardiac catheterization and followed them for up to 3.5 years.
Researchers successfully fertilized rabbit oocytes with freeze-dried sperm, showing promise for long-term storage. The breakthrough improves upon previous success with mouse sperm and opens up possibilities for preserving sperm from humans and other mammalian species.
Researchers have discovered that halogen ions on the ocean's surface play a significant role in atmospheric chemistry, influencing ozone production and potentially exacerbating respiratory problems. The study found that iodide and bromide ions were more likely to react with other chemicals, leading to increased ozone formation.
A new mouse model of SBMA has been created, showing that the abnormal androgen receptor interferes with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production, leading to motor neuron degeneration. The study suggests VEGF may play a pivotal role in protecting motor neurons from damage.
Gene expression scales closely with initial expression levels, with highly expressed genes showing dynamic changes and lower-expressed genes less variability. A 'rich-travel-more' mechanism governs this proportionality, underlying complex biological networks.
A Phase II study investigates the effectiveness of black cohosh and red clover in alleviating hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. The study aims to provide an evidence-based response for women seeking alternatives to hormone replacement therapy.
A study by the Infectious Diseases Society of America suggests that gonorrhea tests may produce false-positive results, particularly in low-risk populations or areas with low gonorrhea rates. Doctors are urged to obtain their patients' sexual histories to accurately diagnose and interpret test results.
The International Multiproxy Paleofire Database merges tree-ring evidence and lake sediment records to study past fires, with over 450 tree-ring and 50 sediment-based records anticipated. Researchers aim to connect paleodata to modern data for forest management and climate change analysis.
The main thrust of a 1998 Lancet paper described an unexpected intestinal lesion in children, raising the possibility of a link between MMR vaccine and autism. Despite lack of evidence, the paper's interpretation sparked major implications for public health, leading to formal retraction by the authors.
Researchers created a mouse model for migraines to study debilitating headaches. The FHM mouse showed increased calcium channel activation and susceptibility to cortical spreading depression (CSD), suggesting hyperexcitability in the brain may trigger pain.