A large trial found that interferon gamma-1b did not slow the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, but may improve survival in early-stage patients. The treatment's failure to prevent lung scarring was a major concern.
Scientists create cell chips using temperature-driven changes in a material, enabling the creation of custom-designed devices for experiments and medical applications. The technology has the potential to revolutionize tissue engineering and medical diagnostics by providing a low-cost, efficient way to create complex devices.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a key gene that regulates flowering in biennials, such as carrots and cabbage. The discovery could lead to new methods for manipulating crop productivity and understanding how organisms control cell fates during development.
A new synthesis method for sodium cobalt oxyhydrate, a type of superconductor containing water, has been developed by Brookhaven chemist Sangmoon Park. This method produces large quantities of the material without requiring hazardous substances, making it easier to further analyze its properties.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have developed a feeder-free system for maintaining pluripotency in human embryonic stem cells, overcoming the need for mouse feeder cells. The system uses a synthetic compound derived from a marine mollusk to activate the Wnt signaling pathway, keeping stem cells in an active, undifferentiated state.
A review article by Daniel B. Di Giulio and Paul B. Eckburg reports the first confirmed cases of monkeypox in the US, likely introduced through the pet trade and rodent importation. The disease has been mild in the US, with no fatalities, but poses a risk of endemicity in US rodent populations.
University of Central Florida researchers are testing a new way to communicate with soldiers through vibrations, aiming to reduce distractions and improve safety. The study, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, explores whether coded vibrations can be an effective alternative to traditional communication methods.
A study predicts that climate change will put 15-37% of species in biodiversity-rich regions at risk of extinction by 2050. The study used computer models to simulate the impact of changing temperatures on species distributions, and found that well over a million species could be threatened with extinction.
Researchers at Northwestern University have made a breakthrough in treating Alzheimer's disease by targeting the gene that causes memory loss. The study found that inhibiting an enzyme called BACE1 can prevent memory deficits and brain cell functional abnormalities in laboratory models of Alzheimer's disease.
A study by Oregon Research Institute found that cobblestone mat walking improves pain relief and mental well-being in older adults. Participants who walked on the cobblestone mat experienced enhanced physical activity and reduced stress levels compared to those in an attention control group.
Researchers found that nanotubes with tiny bumps cause less scar tissue and stimulate neurons to grow more fingerlike extensions, needed for brain activity regeneration. The findings suggest using a mixture of plastics and nanotubes could decrease scar tissue formation around electrodes.
The University of California - San Diego Medical Center has been awarded a contract by the NIH to create a national tuberculosis educational curriculum. The goal is to raise awareness and improve education on TB, which can be controlled with effective medications. The consortium includes faculty members from 12 medical schools, six nur...
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified two new alleles and four existing ones among the Lakota Sioux tribe, increasing the likelihood of finding compatible organ donors within their population. This study could facilitate transplantation in Native American populations with high rates of diabetes and end-stage renal disease.
Researchers found high concentrations of BDEs in peregrine falcon eggs, suggesting the deca formulation may not be harmless. The study's findings add to concerns about the safety of BDEs and their potential impact on wildlife.
The honey bee genome has been assembled through a team-led effort by the NIH/National Human Genome Research Institute. With approximately 300 million DNA base pairs, it is one-tenth the size of the human genome. Researchers aim to compare the genome with other organisms to understand genes and regulatory regions within DNA.
A recent study found that a new, experimental injectable sustained-release depot formulation of buprenorphine is safe and effective in treating narcotic addiction. The treatment provides long-term benefits, reducing opioid withdrawal symptoms and sensitivity to opioids.
Researchers have discovered a link between the ratio of two energy-compounds and increased blood flow in brain cells. By modulating this ratio, scientists can better understand how blood circulation is activated in the brain, potentially leading to new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's and diabetes.
A recent study found a significant association between the breakdown of the vitreous gel and the development of nuclear cataracts. The researchers discovered that high levels of vitreous liquefaction were strongly correlated with cataract formation, even after accounting for age.
Researchers at UCSD found that blood pressure measurements vary significantly depending on the arm position used. The study measured blood pressure in 100 emergency room patients and found systolic and diastolic pressures to be lower with arms perpendicular to the body than parallel to it, affecting hypertension classifications.
Children with hyperlexia display exceptional reading skills, often exceeding their age, yet struggle with social interactions. FMRI studies reveal distinct brain activity patterns, highlighting the neural mechanisms underlying this rare condition.
Researchers create new microfluidic chip assembly method using glass microscope slides, tweezers, and a flexible polymer, cutting design and manufacture time from weeks to hours. The new approach enables scientists to test ideas quickly and conduct research in typical laboratories.
Researchers at UCSD have identified a protein molecule targeted by anthrax toxin that prevents cytokine production, allowing bacteria to evade the immune system. By understanding this mechanism, scientists may develop new drugs to protect against anthrax infections.
Scientists at UC Berkeley and Stanford developed a working, integrated silicon circuit that incorporates carbon nanotubes. The breakthrough allows for the creation of high-performance memory chips capable of storing orders of magnitude more data than current silicon chips.
A meta-analysis of six studies found autologous bone marrow transplantation to be more effective in disease-free survival but similar overall survival compared to chemotherapy. Imatinib also shows promise as a treatment for advanced neuroblastoma, while tamoxifen use is linked to increased risk of rare uterine cancers.
Physician response to hormone therapy and blood pressure medication changes is influenced by public awareness and media coverage. The studies found a significant drop in hormone therapy prescriptions following the announcement of risks associated with long-term use.
A national survey found that most US adults believe routine cancer screening is 'almost always a good idea'. However, respondents also expressed concerns about the potential risks and harms of screening, including false positives and overtreatment. The study highlights the need for balanced information about cancer screening to inform ...
A large US multistate study found that end-of-life care is often woefully inadequate, with many patients receiving insufficient pain medication, emotional support, and respectful treatment. The study recommends expanding access to hospice care, growing palliative medicine training, and improving nursing home end-of-life care.
Girls are nearly twice as likely to think about suicide if they have only a few friends and feel isolated from their peers. Boys, on the other hand, do not show a significant relationship between friendships and suicidal thoughts.
A national survey found that most American adults support routine cancer screening, but many have misconceptions about its benefits. The study suggests a need to balance messages and reduce overtesting and overtreatment.
Researchers found that complex computerized control systems overload pilots, leading to incorrect decisions during emergencies. The team recommends designing cockpit systems to anticipate problems and provide error recovery mechanisms, improving safety.
Scientists have demonstrated a type of magnetic behavior predicted over 50 years ago using a classical physics approach, bridging the gap between quantum and classical approaches. The study involves molecular magnets with special internal structures, which can produce new phenomena like Néel excitation.
Researchers discovered a synergistic effect when combining glucosamine with ibuprofen, resulting in enhanced pain relief. The study suggests that adding glucosamine to existing pain medications could lead to improved efficacy without increasing side effects.
Recent evidence from randomized trials on hormone therapy and hypertension treatment led to a decline in hormone therapy prescriptions following publication of trial results. Alpha-blocker prescriptions also declined after the Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) early termination.
Researchers found no association between BRCA1/2 mutations and colorectal cancer risk in two studies. No increased risk was observed among Ashkenazi Jewish mutation carriers or those with a family history of breast cancer.
A study of 116,544 women found that active smoking was associated with a 30% higher risk of invasive breast cancer, especially among young smokers and those who smoked heavily. However, no link was found between passive smoking and breast cancer risk in nonsmokers.
A study of over 88,000 women found no significant difference in pancreatic cancer risk between aspirin users and non-users. However, extended regular aspirin use was associated with a 58% increased risk, while higher doses were linked to an 86% increased risk.
A new method to monitor sea surface temperatures and height in the North Pacific may help measure wind patterns and ocean dynamics, potentially improving fisheries management. Vegetation growth during warm months slows the increase in summer temperatures, but a temperature rise of 3-5 degrees Celsius could harm vegetation growth and ac...
A study found that family members reported high rates of unmet needs for symptom management, emotional support, and physician communication. Patients receiving home hospice services had better quality care outcomes compared to those in institutional settings.
The study found that vinculin changes its shape in response to protein binding, enabling it to regulate cell movement and adhesion. This versatile protein plays a critical role in both healthy development and disease progression, including cancer cell spread.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a new method to store hydrogen fuel, using icy materials that require less stringent temperature and pressure conditions. The discovery could help explain how hydrogen is incorporated in planetary bodies and potentially power cars.
A recent study found no association between BRCA mutations and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Researchers tested blood samples from 1,422 patients with colorectal cancer and 1,566 control subjects for mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. The results suggest that BRCA mutation carriers do not need to worry about an elevated risk ...
The new 'camera pill' technology has shown significant potential for diagnosing small bowel disease, particularly in conjunction with computed tomography. It can detect more abnormalities than standard imaging techniques and provide detailed images of the entire small intestine.
A bacterial enzyme keratinase has been found to fully degrade transmissible prions responsible for bovine spongiform encephalopathy and other diseases. Researchers plan to test its effectiveness in mice to confirm non-infectious levels of prion after degrading it to undetectable levels in vitro.
Researchers found that parents who received a photo calendar of their baby's upcoming immunization dates were more likely to vaccinate their child. The study showed an 82% vaccination rate among babies whose parents received the calendars, compared to 65% for those without.
Scientists discovered that plants can thrive under quartz rocks, possibly mirroring ancient life on early Earth. The study found that sunlight filtering through the rocks provides a greenhouse effect, keeping plants warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
MUHC researchers have developed a new method to diagnose and treat sleep apnea in children, significantly reducing wait times. The new approach allows for early detection and treatment of severe cases, enabling timely interventions.
A survey of 384 school professionals found an overall positive perception about having children with chronic health conditions in the classroom. However, concerns about specific diseases and issues exist, particularly regarding academic impact, peer effects, and personal risk or liability.
University of Arizona researchers used Love's equation to calculate tidal deformation in various spheres, discovering that under specific conditions, the shape of a planet could change dramatically. This may have regulated the size of planets, preventing their formation.
A study at a medium-sized northeastern university found that social norms campaigns did not change students' behavior, but perceptions of friends' drinking had a significant impact on their own drinking behavior. Educational efforts should focus on teaching responsible drinking habits rather than relying solely on social norms.
Physicians play a key role in improving patient safety by developing and implementing safety improvements, says study. The current medical liability system prioritizes capping malpractice awards over patient safety, contributing to unnecessary procedures and rising healthcare costs.
Research at Texas Agricultural Experiment Station has led to a patent for derivatives of DIM, a natural compound derived from certain vegetables, to treat cancer. These compounds have shown promise in inhibiting the growth of breast, pancreatic, colon, bladder, and ovarian cancer cells in laboratory studies.
A study of 91 patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) found that depression was a common complication, affecting 33% during the first year. TBI patients with depression were also more likely to have mood and anxiety disorders, exhibiting aggressive behavior and reduced social functioning.
A recent study found that the US has the highest prevalence of overweight teenagers among 15 countries, with adolescents aged 13-15 years experiencing significantly high rates of obesity. The study analyzed data from over 29,000 children and adolescents across Europe, Israel, and the US.
The team discovered LBV 1806-20, a massive star at least 150 times larger than the sun, with estimated age of less than 2 million years. The star's enormous size is attributed to shock-induced star formation, while its location in a rare cluster of stars raises further questions about its origins.
Researchers discovered that methamphetamine withdrawal is associated with significant brain changes in individuals with mood disorders. The study used PET scans to compare glucose metabolism in the brains of methamphetamine abusers and non-abusers, revealing lower glucose levels in regions linked to depressive disorders.
Researchers develop a method to capture enzyme activity in real-time, revealing detailed information about molecular interactions. This breakthrough enables the design of targeted synthetic drugs for cancer treatment.
Researchers at University of Illinois have developed a light-emitting transistor that can control light emission and modulate it at high speeds, opening up new possibilities for integrated circuitry and signal processing. The device has three ports, allowing for the connection of optical and electrical signals.
William A. McMinn Jr has made significant contributions to the petrochemical industry, including leading successful mergers and acquisitions. He is the latest recipient of the Petrochemical Heritage Award, established by the Chemical Heritage Foundation and the Founders Club.
Wilks pioneered commercial development of infrared absorption cells and ATR, advancing IR spectroscopy in industrial, academic, and research applications. He also contributed to gas chromatography-IR and developed portable gas analyzers for workplace monitoring.
A study found that people with kidney disease have higher levels of non-traditional risk factors for heart disease. Treating these risk factors may help prevent heart disease in patients with chronic kidney disease. Additionally, an editorial highlights the need for malpractice reform to prevent medical injury.