Children's Hospital Boston geneticist Dr. Kunkel has made significant contributions to understanding muscular dystrophy, from identifying genes to developing new therapies. His work aims to find patterns common to all muscular dystrophies and those distinct to specific forms of the disease.
A Rutgers University nursing professor is developing digital video vignettes to reduce HIV sexual risk behavior. The project involves conducting focus groups with young women and men, analyzing their insights, and creating short videos on trust, pressure, and high-risk behaviors.
Procter & Gamble has won the INFORMS Prize for its far-reaching integration of operations research into organizational decision making. The company's use of analytics and operations research has contributed substantially to its bottom line over the last decade, driving strategies for manufacturing capacity and distribution networks.
Fibroblast Growth Factors, such as Fgf8, play crucial roles in cellular decisions during development. Endocytosis regulates the spreading and effective signaling range of Fgf8 protein by controlling its internalization and degradation within cells. This process allows target cells to actively influence signal availability.
Research found ovarian cancer rates levelling across Europe, with declining incidence and mortality rates in northern countries, particularly among younger age groups. In contrast, southern and eastern European countries saw increasing cancer incidence and mortality rates.
Researchers found that switching from brand phenytoin to generic phenytoin can lead to increased seizures in epilepsy patients. Additionally, a study on concussion history and symptom reporting found that athletes with previous concussions reported fewer symptoms immediately after the injury but more symptoms one week later. The Americ...
A randomized trial found that physicians who received periodic letters recommending evidence-based drug therapy were more likely to prescribe those drugs. The study, which involved 499 physicians in British Columbia, showed a 30% increase in prescribing of recommended drugs over the preceding 3 months.
A prospective follow-up study found that implantable cardioverter defibrillators can significantly reduce the risk of recurring cardiac arrests after out-of-hospital incidents. Increasing access to these devices could have a substantial impact on reducing Canada's high mortality rate from sudden cardiac arrest.
A 12-week physical activity program will be implemented and evaluated in 16 worksites across the US and Canada to assess its effectiveness on promoting physical activity among employees. The study aims to determine the effects of a multilevel intervention aimed at personal goal-setting and ecologically based organizational action.
A UCLA study of 22,343 adults aged 50+ in California found that 54% had a recent CRC test, with disparities seen among Latinos, women, and those without insurance or continuity of care. Improving access to screening through policies and education programs can help address these gaps.
A study found that word retention drops sharply after two minutes among men undergoing testosterone deprivation therapy, despite initial encoding being similar to healthy men. The lack of testosterone affects the function of the hippocampus, a curved ridge in the brain controlling learning and memory.
Researchers discover nitric oxide synthase is crucial for Drosophila development, leading to the death of flies lacking the gene. The study uses genetic analysis and mutations to provide conclusive evidence that NOS function is essential for an organism's development.
Researchers identify Photorhabdus asymbiotica, a bioluminescent bacterium that causes pustulent sores and is linked to the plague. The study highlights the potential for emerging diseases to evolve from insect pathogens.
A study found that behavioral and psychosocial barriers, such as lack of concern about infection and fear of blood drawing, prevent women from getting repeat HIV testing. Offering alternative tests, like oral tests, could encourage more testing among this demographic.
Researchers develop mathematical model to predict mosquito-borne infection risk, finding that peak biting rates occur near breeding sites and highest human density. The proportion of infectious mosquitoes peaks where older populations are found, leading to surprising predictions about risk hotspots.
Crestor demonstrates improved lipid profiles and lower LDL-C targets than atorvastatin, achieving higher patient success rates with fewer doses. Crestor also shows effectiveness in reducing apolipoprotein B levels and improving the Apo B:Apo A-I ratio.
A new study found that racial differences and poverty significantly impact mammography use among poor, rural women over 40. Native American and African American women had lower knowledge of breast cancer screening procedures compared to white women. The study sheds light on the need for targeted interventions to improve cancer screenin...
IU researchers aim to capitalize on human genome data and powerful bioinformatics approaches to develop better therapies for ovarian and breast cancer patients. The study will focus on genetic and molecular consequences of DNA modifications to improve predictive models.
The study ranked prescriptive graduate decision programs based on the quality of their contributions to education and research. The highest-rated programs include Duke, Harvard, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, University of Chicago, and University of Pennsylvania.
Recent studies have shed new light on how to decode nerve cell signals, simplifying the development of thought-controlled prosthetic devices. By analyzing activity in large populations of nerve cells, researchers hope to create more accurate brain-machine interfaces that can restore movement in paralyzed individuals.
Chronic exposure to pesticides like rotenone has been linked to Parkinson's disease pathology in monkeys. Exercise has shown potential in protecting against dopamine neuron loss and slowing disease progression in rats. Rotigotine, a new drug, may also offer neuroprotective properties.
Research finds that mothers respond better to their own infant cries, exhibiting increased brain activity in various regions. Nurturing behaviors also improve social difficulties in offspring related to poor parenting.
Researchers tracked infant monkeys separated from mothers at different stages of infancy to find varying behavioral impacts on social skills and adult behaviors. Timing of separation significantly influenced the development of social comfort, dominance, and playfulness in adulthood.
A study in rats found that exercising limbs can protect brain cells from degeneration caused by Parkinson's disease. Exercise was shown to increase the production of key proteins that promote neuronal survival, such as glial cell line-derived neurotropic factor (GDNF), which may help offset cell vulnerability to oxidative stress.
A study published in Neuroscience found that calorie restriction had mixed effects on the brains of mice, improving grip strength, coordination, and flexibility, but having no effect on cognitive performance. The researchers suggest that free radical damage may contribute to age-related cognitive impairments, which could be prevented o...
Recent animal studies suggest that high-fat diets can impair memory and cognitive function, increasing the risk of age-related cognitive impairment. Diets rich in saturated fats and sugar may worsen cognitive losses due to stress and sleep apnea.
Researchers used DTI scans to analyze the movement of water molecules in brain fibers, finding abnormalities in neural pathways related to verbal memory and executive functioning. The study suggests that schizophrenia may result from differences in neural connections rather than single component faults.
Studies show that early life stress can lead to cognitive impairment, memory loss, and impaired immune function later in life. Researchers also found that maternal care and prenatal stress can alter gene methylation and affect the development of brain cells.
Research suggests reproductive hormones like estradiol affect the brain's growth and development, influencing cognitive functions such as learning and memory. Estradiol has complex interactions with these processes, differing between males and females, and may help explain gender differences in cognition and mental diseases.
Researchers have identified a specific gene, EN2, that contributes to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Variations in this gene may affect brain development and behavior. The study also found changes in neurotransmitter systems, including acetylcholine and serotonin, which may disrupt communication between cells.
A study published in American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that infections occur around birth are associated with an increased risk of periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), a condition causing brain tissue death. PVL is the most common form of brain injury in premature infants, resulting in cerebral palsy.
Researchers have identified a key gene called TTF-1 that delays female puberty. The study found that mice lacking this gene exhibited delayed puberty and reproductive issues, suggesting a potential link to the nation's rising obesity rates.
Researchers have discovered new approaches to treating ALS using genetic techniques and growth factors. A study found that implanting cells to support motor neurons can help stave off the disease, while another team used RNA interference to silence a toxic mutant gene. VEGF was also shown to rescue motor neurons attacked by ALS.
Researchers transplanted adult olfactory bulb stem cells into genetically engineered mice with ALS, showing a significant delay in disease symptoms and improved functional outcomes. The study suggests these stem cells may hold potential for treating ALS, but further laboratory work is needed.
A new protein, Rab25, has been associated with increased aggressiveness in both breast and ovarian cancers. Low levels of Rab25 protein expression were found to be linked to better clinical outcomes, with patients experiencing higher survival rates when tumors expressed low levels of the protein.
A study by Emory University researchers found that brief reductions in blood oxygen levels during critical brain development can lead to long-lasting deficiencies in dopamine release and hyperactivity in juvenile rats. This discovery may help explain the development of ADHD and provide insights into potential treatments.
Scientists have successfully used stem cells to restore movement in paralyzed rats by transplanting oligodendrocytes, a type of cell that insulates nerve signals. Additionally, researchers have delivered GDNF, a factor aiding neuron survival, to patients with Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases using genetically modified astrocytes.
New research reveals distinct brain structure and function differences in adolescents compared to adults, leading to impulsive decision-making and increased risk-taking behavior. Puberty appears to be a critical stage of development, characterized by heightened novelty seeking and exploratory behavior.
Researchers analyzed secret internal tobacco industry documents to show how Philip Morris used similar arguments to oppose divestment at Johns Hopkins University and Yale University. The company emphasized its financial contributions while suggesting investments in tobacco stock profits to maintain research funding.
Researchers have made significant strides in understanding the brain circuits responsible for tics in Tourette's syndrome. Studies suggest an imbalance in the basal ganglia's inhibitory function may lead to the disorder's characteristic symptoms. Increased activity in certain regions, such as the ventral striatum, and altered neuronal ...
Research using non-human primates reveals that early life stress exposure timing affects brain development and behavior in adulthood. The study found that monkeys separated from their mothers at different ages displayed distinct behavioral patterns, with those separated earlier showing reduced social skills and increased anxiety.
Honey bees given varying levels of ethanol exhibit behavioral changes, including impaired motor function and learning. The study aims to uncover molecular mechanisms underlying addiction and aggression in humans, leveraging the similarities between bee and human nervous systems.
Researchers have used human spinal cord cells to delay ALS symptoms in rats by 11 days. The study's findings suggest that neuronal stem cells may hold promise for treating conditions caused by separation within the nervous system.
A study by Yale University found that estrogen has no impact on memory in mice living in enriched environments, but improves spatial memory in those with standard conditions. The results suggest that estrogen benefits mice from un-stimulating environments more than those raised in stimulating ones.
A recent study found that New York City residents' mental health visits rose less than expected after the 9/11 attacks. The majority of residents did not seek additional mental health services or medication use following the disaster, with only a few percent showing increased utilization.
A pilot study found that Cenestin reduced hot flashes and night sweats in post-menopausal women by 79% and improved overall sleep quality. The study also showed a significant reduction in galvanic skin responses, indicating better sweat gland activity.
The Hmong community in California is disproportionately affected by certain types of cancer, such as nasopharyngeal and liver cancer, which are often diagnosed at late stages. This is largely due to limited access to education, awareness, and screening services, highlighting the need for increased efforts to address these disparities.
The BARGE trial found that individuals with the arginine genotype had poorer asthma control when using albuterol, while those with the glycine genotype had better asthma control. This suggests that genetic variations can impact response to common asthma medication, leading to potential personalization of therapy.
Research highlights the importance of traditional Asian diets and physical activity patterns in preventing chronic illnesses like cancer and diabetes. Experts call for targeted campaigns to promote healthy eating and exercise among low-income immigrant communities.
Researchers pinpointed a specific gene, dardarin, causing PARK8-linked Parkinson's disease, affecting approximately 8% of Basque people with PD. The mutation is expressed throughout the brain and has characteristics of a molecular switch, suggesting a potential role in protein phosphorylation.
The latest tobacco use statistics for Asian Americans in California show significant differences among subgroups, with the most acculturated young women being more susceptible to smoking. Researchers found that high English fluency speakers were more likely to smoke than those with lower fluency rates.
A newly discovered protein, PICT-1, has been found to regulate PTEN stability by regulating phosphorylation. This discovery represents a huge breakthrough in understanding the tumorigenic pathways of breast and prostate cancers.
The NIH has funded two new bioinformatics resources at UT Southwestern to improve drug discovery and vaccine development. The BioHealthBase will focus on understanding how microbes establish infections, while the ImmPort system will integrate data from different biomedical research areas to identify disease-causing genes and proteins.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have discovered a mechanism by which brain tumors can evade the immune system, leading to impaired cellular immunity in patients with glioma. By blocking COX-2 expression, the study found that tumor-killing T cell responses can be restored, offering new potential treatments for brain tumors.
Researchers used high-energy X-ray fluorescence to analyze single living and dead bacterial cells, revealing differences in morphology, elemental composition, and sensitivity to heavy-metal contaminants. The study pioneers a technique for investigating microbiological systems in natural subsurface environments.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have found a possible link between the strange electrical waves in their hearts and the cause of accelerated heartbeats. They discovered that when implanted cardioverter defibrillators triggered a series of unusual electrical pulses, they sometimes triggered the formation of these same spiral waves.
A new analysis by California Department of Health Services reveals breast cancer is the nation's fastest-growing rate, even as Asian Americans experience a lower death rate from cancer. This disparity highlights the need to address Westernization and increase cancer screening among Asian American women.
Scientists have identified two genetic mutations in the PARK8 gene that contribute to Parkinson's disease, a condition characterized by tremors and motor impairments. The discovery provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease and may lead to targeted interventions.
Researchers discovered a DNA repair enzyme that bypasses damaged spots in the DNA sequence to ensure cell survival. POL-Q's two-step process is the most efficient of any known DNA polymerase, making frequent errors in the process.
Researchers tested electrical stimulation's influence on stroke recovery, showing participants experienced meaningful motor recovery gains. The study aims to validate these findings and potentially reverse paralysis, restoring patients' function and normal lifestyle.