The Geologic and Environmental Probe System (GEOPS) is an innovative technology that allows scientists to directly measure hazardous chemicals in the soil. By inserting the probe into the ground without disturbing the surrounding soil, researchers can gather accurate data quickly and efficiently, saving time and money.
Research finds that melanin in hair follicles can increase cell death in response to UV radiation, depending on its color. The study used mice with engineered pigmentation to demonstrate this effect, suggesting that people with darker skin may not be as vulnerable to skin cancer as those with fair skin.
The initiative will enroll 800 people across five years, including normal elderly, diagnosed AD patients, and mild cognitive disorder individuals. Researchers aim to develop a standard imaging method for clinical trials, improve imaging methods, and validate imaging data.
The American Medical Association and U.S. Holocaust Museum launch a national series to explore the role of Nazi medical practices in shaping medical ethics. The collaboration aims to bring lessons from history to contemporary issues, including racial health disparities and human experimentation.
A recent study published in Obesity Research found that portion control was the most effective behavior change for inducing significant weight loss among obese patients. According to lead researcher Everett E. Logue, Ph.D., portion control resulted in a 38% success rate, compared to 33% for those who did not practice portion control.
Researchers have successfully developed a gene therapy approach to treat peripheral arterial disease, stimulating blood vessel growth and improving perfusion in damaged leg tissue. The treatment also appeared to prevent programmed cell death, as the researchers reported.
Researchers compared two animal-derived surfactants and found that Infasurf improved lung function with fewer doses required. The study suggests a cost savings, as Infasurf was more effective over time.
A recent study found that Coke preference is influenced by brand knowledge and activates specific brain regions, including the hippocampus. This discovery highlights the role of cultural messages in shaping taste perception and has important implications for understanding obesity and other health issues related to sugared colas.
Researchers found that estrogen significantly reduces MMP-9 enzyme activity in male rat aortas, leading to smaller aneurysms and less damage. The study suggests that host environment is the critical factor in aneurysm formation, with male rats more prone to AAA development.
Facial aging is attributed to the loss of facial fat and skin changes, rather than gravitational forces. Plastic surgeons must balance tightening tissue with replacing lost facial fat using wrinkle fillers.
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is addressing concerns about unethical medical expert witnesses. The society has created a document that calls for expert witnesses to affirm their expertise and provide truthful testimony based on industry standards.
A new hydrogel sealant, made from biocompatible dendritic macromolecules and poly(ethylene glycol), seals corneal incisions more effectively than suturing or self-sealing, preventing infection and trauma.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital developed a gene vector that allows hematopoietic stem cells to produce fetal hemoglobin, reversing beta-thalassemia in mice. The technique uses a new vector with added regulatory elements to improve the expression of the gamma-globin gene.
A study found that diet counseling was provided in less than 45% of visits and exercise counseling in under 30% with patients at risk of heart disease. The lack of counseling is attributed to physicians' perceived lack of training and tools, as well as reimbursement constraints.
The study reveals a highly complex maize genome with approximately 59,000 genes, twice as many as the human genome. This complexity is due to positional instability and genetic history, allowing maize genes to move around the genome in a way not seen in other species.
A new study on smallpox in monkeys reveals how the virus subverts host defenses, providing targets for developing countermeasures to lessen or block disease. This knowledge can speed up development of protective measures against bioterror attacks.
A US policy shift to inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) reduced vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) cases, with no reported cases after 2000. The elimination of VAPP marks an important public health accomplishment, but ongoing high vaccination coverage and surveillance remain crucial.
Researchers suggest genetic factors favoring male homosexuality could increase female fecundity, resolving the Darwinian paradox. This study provides evidence for inherited factors in homosexuality, exploring its implications on population dynamics.
Decreasing length of stay (LOS) for patients receiving inpatient medical rehabilitation has been associated with increased mortality rates, despite improved efficiency and functional status. The study found that LOS decreased by 42% from 1994 to 2001, while mortality rates increased from less than 1% to 4.7% during the same period.
A pilot study dubbed STAND UP! aims to monitor food intake and physical activity in schools to reduce risk factors for type 2 diabetes among sixth-graders. The program's results will be used to improve the intervention before expanding it to middle schools nationwide.
A study by Grant Butterbaugh and colleagues found that adult patients with left temporal lobe epilepsy were more likely to experience learning disabilities. The researchers suggest that medically treated but uncontrolled seizures in the language-dominant side of the brain may contribute to these findings.
Researchers found complete pain relief in 76% of patients treated with low-dose ketamine infusions, with some experiencing relief lasting over three years. The study's findings suggest a novel approach to treating complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).
A review of 136 studies found bariatric surgery to be effective in achieving significant weight loss, with an average percentage of excess weight loss of 61.2%. The procedure also showed promise in resolving or improving four obesity-related disorders: diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Researchers at Purdue University developed a method to trace documents to specific printers, enabling law enforcement to investigate counterfeiting and homeland security matters. The technique uses unique printer characteristics and embedded features to identify the printer used to create documents.
A team of biomedical engineers is using $11.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to understand how mechanical forces govern white blood cells' behavior. The research aims to develop new treatments for diseases caused by inappropriate immune responses, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Researchers found that Alpha-4Beta-1 is activated by CD47, causing sickle red blood cells to stick to blood vessel walls. This discovery may lead to new therapies for sickle cell disease and other anemias.
A recent study suggests that climate warming in the arctic tundra may cause the release of more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than previously expected. The research, led by Michelle Mack and Edward Schuur, found that increased nitrogen levels accelerated the breakdown of soil organic matter, leading to a net loss of carbon.
Researchers developed an image translation system to bridge the gap between advanced diagnostic techniques and radiation treatment planning systems. The system facilitates biological optimization planning, using information about cancer cell location and density to deliver escalated doses of radiation.
A study by Ann H. Partridge et al highlights the need for better patient-physician communication about fertility in young breast cancer patients. Fifty-seven percent of patients reported being very concerned about becoming infertile, with 29% influencing their treatment decisions.
Researchers analyzed VAERS data for adverse events following pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) vaccination in children. The study found that 13.2 reports of events were submitted per 100,000 doses distributed.
Patients' travel distances for angioplasty care remain largely unchanged even if they're directed to high-volume hospitals meeting minimum procedure standards. Most patients with longer travel distances only face minimal increases, typically up to 25 miles.
A recent study published in Epilepsia found that selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SAH) surgery can lead to verbal memory loss in patients, especially those who underwent left temporal lobe surgery. The study revealed that 30% to 50% of patients who underwent SAH on the left side showed no recovery of verbal memory after 12 months.
A multi-center randomized controlled study found that 45 minutes of weekly self-treatment with RESPeRATE significantly reduces systolic blood pressure, with greater reductions in medicated and non-medicated patients. The device's effectiveness was correlated with slow breathing time, making it easy to use at home.
Researchers discovered mitochondria can fuse without additional proteins, revealing new insights into the aging process and potential treatments for age-related diseases. This understanding is crucial for developing new therapies for optic atrophy, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Research by FSU scientist Cathy Levenson reveals that dietary iron imbalances trigger a chain of cellular events increasing the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Excessive iron levels precipitate symptoms in healthy mice, while low levels delay onset and slow disease progression in those already infected.
Brain imaging studies identify differences in left/right dominance linked to language problems, distinguishing them from autism. Language impairment is strongly associated with a larger right-sided Broca's area.
A new method developed by Princeton scientists can detect small chromosome alterations in cancer cells with high accuracy. The technique allows researchers to identify previously unknown additions and deletions, which may lead to new treatments for breast cancer.
Diane Swanson's research reveals that executives prioritizing ethics tend to prefer fair pay, while those downplaying values often have higher salaries. This finding highlights the need for business education to focus on service to community rather than self-centeredness.
A study of 162 Japanese patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease and high blood pressure found that brain-penetrating ACE inhibitors slowed cognitive decline. The medications declined thinking and memory skills by only 0.6 points, compared to 4.9 points for calcium channel blockers.
A study of over 150,000 women found that folate intake was associated with a lower risk of high blood pressure. The most significant effects were seen in younger women, who had a 29% lower risk of developing hypertension when consuming high amounts of folate.
Cleveland stem cell investigators Stanton Gerson, George Muschler, and Jaroslaw Maciejewski received grants to study the effects of aging on blood stem cells and optimize assays for human stem cells in bone marrow. Their research aims to improve understanding of age-related diseases such as anemia and cancer.
A recent study found that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment significantly lowers the incidence of MS symptom relapses and reduces disease activity. Patients treated with IVIg had a lower probability of developing clinically definite multiple sclerosis and fewer brain lesions compared to those receiving placebo.
A study of 47,949 participants found that moderate to high levels of alcohol consumption were associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation in men. However, no association was found between alcohol consumption and the risk of atrial fibrillation in women.
The SIOC and Wiley-VCH will jointly own the journal, while SIOC provides editorial expertise and Wiley-VCH handles marketing and distribution. The partnership aims to increase international recognition and improve services for readers and authors.
A new study reveals that 8 out of 10 patients with serious mental illnesses are satisfied with their Seroquel treatment, experiencing improved positive and negative symptoms. This is attributed to its effectiveness and favorable side effect profile, leading to better compliance and outcomes.
A team of Hopkins researchers is using new genome searching technologies to identify genetic factors contributing to autism. They will analyze data from 465 families and 979 individuals with autism, focusing on rare genetic mutations and extra or missing gene copies.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that cells in the retina of fruit flies adopt mathematically predictable shapes and configurations, similar to soap bubbles. This discovery reveals a general principle of patterning found in a wide range of living things.
Researchers at the University of Florida have created a new method for detecting bacteria using bioconjugated nanoparticles, which can identify single E. coli bacteria in less than 20 minutes. This technology has significant implications for food safety and bioterrorism detection.
A topical diclofenac sodium solution has been shown to effectively treat symptoms of primary OA of the knee, improving pain and physical function by 45.7% and 36.7%, respectively. The study found that this treatment had a superior efficacy compared to a control solution, with minimal adverse effects related to skin reactions.
A study reveals how indigenous communities maintain their own laws, blending national and indigenous principles to survive. The hybrid form of law is found to increase the chances of indigenous customs surviving.
The grant will fund research on dopamine neurons and brain adaptation in Parkinson's disease, with the goal of developing new treatments for patients. Northwestern University's expertise in neuroscience and molecular imaging will be utilized in this effort.
Researchers discovered Cf-4 and Cf-9 resistance genes in wild tomato species, likely retained against the fungus C. fulvum.
Scientists found that people with psoriasis have transit amplifying cells divide without signal, leading to rapid skin renewal and increased cell layers. This discovery may lead to new treatments for the disease, which affects 300,000 people in the Netherlands.
A study of supportive-expressive group therapy for women with BRCA1 or 2 gene mutations found improvements in anxiety, depression, and decision-making. The therapy helped women weigh treatment choices by exploring feelings and perspectives.
Research findings suggest that a balanced diet prior to pregnancy can reduce the chance of spina bifida. Myo-inositol, zinc, and vitamin B12 supplements may also be beneficial in preventing the condition, although further research is needed to confirm this.
Researchers found a significant increase in ischemic stroke risk with tamoxifen, but emphasized that the absolute risk is small. The study's findings suggest careful screening of women before prescribing tamoxifen therapy due to potential stroke risk.
Researchers found a genetic connection between preeclampsia and the interaction between trophoblast cells and natural killer cells. The study suggests that a specific protein combination may be responsible for suppressing the NK cells' ability to stimulate vessel remodeling, leading to decreased blood flow to the fetus.
A recent study found that dementing patients' hyperactivity is worsened when care-providing family members employ a non-adaptive strategy, which includes being impatient and irritated. Adjusting this approach can help alleviate behavioural problems and improve the quality of life for both carers and patients.
Despite widespread concern about bioterrorism, only one in five patients who discussed anthrax with physicians received antibiotics or vaccines. Antibiotic prescription was most highly associated with patient requests and report of potential exposure.
Joan Somers' research found that cows on straw yards had significantly healthier claws and better walking patterns than those on concrete floors. The study highlighted the importance of comfortable bedding spaces, dry stalls, balanced rations, and regular claw care in improving dairy cow welfare.