A recent study found that over half of patients with COPD are incorrectly diagnosed with asthma, leading to delayed treatment. The study suggests that simple symptom-based diagnostic questions can improve diagnosis rates and improve patient outcomes.
A randomized, double-blind trial found that galantamine hydrobromide did not provide a significant clinical benefit for patients with CFS. Despite being well-tolerated, the study confirmed the lack of effectiveness of this medication in addressing core symptoms.
A study of 37,878 women found that being overweight increases the risk of diabetes by 3.2 times and obese individuals face a 9.1 times higher risk compared to normal-weight counterparts. Increasing physical activity can reduce the risk of diabetes, but it should be performed in conjunction with weight loss.
Researchers developed a novel gene-based therapy that substantially decreased tumor size and eliminated cancer cells in experimental mice. The treatment, which uses recombinant adenoviruses encoding interferon-alpha, showed promise in responding to even resistant bladder cancer cell lines.
Researchers are creating a system that allows computers to monitor the health and emotional state of users, using thermal imaging to detect vital signs. The goal is to create a two-way exchange between humans and computers, enhancing the user experience while preventing illnesses.
A University of Iowa study found that internet prescriptions increase the likelihood of families using quality health information online. The prescriptions provide a list of recommended websites and tips for evaluating online health resources.
A team of European researchers, led by Prof. Rosenthal, will collaborate with American scientists to develop and study human cells with an enhanced potential for cardiac regeneration. They aim to apply their collective understanding of adult progenitor cell biology to effective human cardiac repair.
Researchers at Indiana University and Leiden University found that tiny changes in a parrot's tongue position can significantly affect the qualities of its sounds. This discovery sheds light on the complex communication systems of birds, which are comparable to human speech.
Researchers used structured light imaging to produce a detailed 3D picture of tooth decay, allowing dentists to study the process in real-time. This technique has the potential to reveal early stages of decay and enable preventative measures.
A new planned-care method for children with asthma has been shown to reduce symptoms by 13 days per year, need for rescue medication by a third, and improve adherence to medication as prescribed. The method involves regularly scheduled visits with specially trained nurses and extra education for physicians in asthma management.
A study of 2,400 British middle-aged men found that the positive selection for a gene variant in the MMP3 gene resulted in a 43% lower incidence of coronary artery heart disease. The researchers suggest that this variation is not just harmless mutation, but rather a process contributing to population health.
A genetic variant associated with increased heart disease risk emerged rapidly in the ancient European population around 24,000 years ago. The high-expression variant is linked to a mutation hotspot in MMP-3's regulatory DNA.
Virtual colonoscopy shows significant promise for colorectal cancer screening, but practical issues must be addressed before widespread use. Issues include standardization of test performance and interpretation of results, as well as the potential need for multiple procedures to detect and remove polyps.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that Coxsackievirus A21 can cause polio-like symptoms in genetically engineered mice, as it bypasses the usual nasal cavity route and infects muscle cells instead. The findings have significant implications for the understanding of viral behavior and potential vaccine development.
Research finds that many adolescent substance abuse treatment programs in the US are not addressing crucial components, with only 3% fulfilling four-fifths of required elements. However, individual program high scores suggest existing capacity for effective implementation.
The American College of Gastroenterology states that colonoscopy is the best and gold-standard test for colorectal cancer screening and prevention. It prevents about 80 percent of colorectal cancers from developing by removing precancerous polyps, while CT colonography has shown poor results in comparison.
Researchers found over 200 mitochondrial genetic fragments integrated into nuclear genome, potentially disrupting human health. These fragments, known as NUMTs, were more likely to insert themselves within active genes, causing disease.
Researchers found that Monk parakeets change their vocal-tract formant frequencies and amplitudes with tongue movements, suggesting a role for lingual articulation in mimicking human speech. This discovery also implies that lingual articulation may underlie the natural vocalizations of parrots.
Research shows that height does not affect friendships among students with varying heights; peers do not discriminate against short children. Shorter students were perceived to be younger, but this association diminished in later grades.
Optical colonoscopy may miss between 10-14% of polyps, highlighting the need for virtual colonoscopy. Meanwhile, a study on West Nile fever reveals more serious symptoms and longer recovery times than previously thought. Resynchronization of heart function after a heart attack can improve quality of life but is not cost-effective.
Pediatricians and family physicians surveyed by researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center support expanding flu vaccination to healthy infants and toddlers. The study found that 58% of doctors would favor this expansion, despite citing high costs and parental concerns about vaccine safety as major barriers.
A survey of pediatricians and family physicians found that 80% of pediatricians and 69% of family physicians believed a universal influenza vaccination program for infants would be feasible. The majority also agreed that the vaccine would greatly decrease sickness during the influenza season.
A conference is being held to discuss the increasing incidence of childhood leukaemia and potential environmental factors contributing to its rise. Research has shown that unborn children are particularly sensitive to exposure to environmental agents due to placental transfer from mother to child.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that climate change can shape genetic diversity in mammals. Researchers analyzed fossil samples and contemporary data from two mammal species, the Montane vole and northern pocket gopher, and discovered that climate-induced habitat alterations influenced variation in genetic diversity.
Archer fish demonstrated remarkable cognitive ability to compensate for complex optical distortions and determine the absolute size of their aerial prey. By extracting underlying laws connecting spatial configuration and apparent size, they can judge target's objective size from underwater views unseen before.
A survey found that an estimated 12.8% of U.S. children had special health care needs in 2001, with significant disparities among disadvantaged groups. The study also highlighted the impact on families, including reduced employment and financial problems due to healthcare costs.
A groundbreaking study reveals a comprehensive genetic map of important tree genes, enabling scientists to unlock the secrets of tree biology. The database contains over 102,000 gene sequences from the Populus genus, allowing researchers to explore the genetic functions of trees and their responses to environmental stresses.
Researchers assessed over 60,000 articles from 170 journals to determine the most clinically relevant titles. The study found that general broad interest titles and North American/European titles were among the top five most useful, suggesting that clinicians should focus on these publications.
A recent study by Professor Alex Haslam and Dr. Michelle Ryan found that men's perceptions of the 'glass cliff' effect, where women take riskier positions, are influenced by pride and prejudice. Women tend to believe they are more suited for crisis management and leadership roles, while men view them as expendable.
A $18 million bioinformatics center will provide a single web-based entry point for infectious disease researchers to access data on hundreds of deadly microorganisms. The center aims to accelerate research into the biology and evolution of these pathogens, with a focus on eight key species.
A large-scale study found that nine easily measured risk factors are associated with over 90% of heart attacks worldwide. The study identified smoking and raised lipid concentrations as the two main risk factors.
Researchers use joint ESA/NASA satellite data to form two rival theories on 'coronal heating'. The strong magnetic field is believed to be the culprit behind this phenomenon. Sophisticated computer simulations and observations from SOHO provide crucial evidence for these explanations.
A study by University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine researchers found that carbon monoxide poisoning causes changes in myelin basic protein, leading to an autoimmune response. The team discovered that immunosuppressant agents and hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be effective treatments for preventing brain damage after CO exposure.
Researchers discovered a significant increase in arm regeneration frequency among fossil crinoids during the Middle Paleozoic Marine Revolution, coinciding with the diversification of predators and prey adaptations. The findings suggest that broken arms may be collateral damage, rather than direct targets of predation.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have successfully isolated a single mouse skin cell that can differentiate into various epidermal tissues, including hair and sebaceous glands. The study's findings hold promise for potential future applications in treating human skin and hair conditions.
Researchers at LSU are working on developing a better aircraft self-diagnostic system that can detect problems earlier, recommend the best course of action, or take control of the flight. The goal is to improve flight safety and reduce the risk of accidents.
The POLST program has been widely adopted in Oregon nursing homes, with most residents receiving aggressive treatment despite 'do not resuscitate' orders. EMTs also report increased clarity on treatment options after using the form.
A study by Texas A&M University researchers suggests that women using nicotine therapy (NRT) may struggle to quit smoking due to various factors. NRT proved effective in the short term for both men and women, but long-term follow-up revealed that only men benefited from the treatment.
Researchers found that bone marrow-derived cells cluster within the healing area of a wound, producing collagen type III, a key component of skin. This discovery suggests new ways to treat serious wounds, as these cells also maintain the matrix environment and integrity of the skin.
Researchers stiffened a critical protein 'death domain' to target and destroy leukemia cells, showing promise for novel cancer treatments. The approach uses natural sequences to develop highly specific drugs, potentially unlocking new therapies.
Giles is a leading researcher in computational science, focusing on high-performance parallel computers and algorithm development. His work aims to bridge the digital divide by promoting diversity in computing and access to technology.
The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth calls for national collaboration on medical education research to establish evidence-based standards. Researchers propose borrowing models from patient care studies, using epidemiology and observational strategies to improve teaching methods.
A study published in Physical Review E found that a loss of just 2% of US power grid substations can cause catastrophic failure. Researchers identified high-load transmission substations as critical points, emphasizing the need for increased redundancy and distributed generation.
Researchers have identified stem cells in skin that can self-renew and differentiate into multiple cell types, offering new insights into regenerative medicine. The discovery holds promise for treating hair loss and wound healing.
Researchers at Penn State have created a new method to speed up the process of capturing carbon dioxide from combustion gases using serpentine minerals. This innovative approach significantly reduces the time required for sequestration from geologic timescales, making it a promising solution for mitigating climate change.
Researchers have found evidence of a chimp-sized hominid walking upright on two legs in Kenya's Tugen Hills, dating back to 6 million years ago. The fossil shows a thinner neck connecting the ball to the shaft, indicating an early transition to bipedalism.
Researchers discovered that controlling temperature and daylight regulated bulb growth, allowing for flowering and seed production in garlic plants. This breakthrough opens possibilities for genetic diversity, pest resistance, and improved yields.
A five-year head-to-head trial of three common anti-epileptic drugs will enroll 439 children aged two to 13. The study aims to determine the best initial medicine for childhood absence epilepsy, which affects 10-15% of all epilepsy cases in children.
Researchers found that Neanderthals experienced periods of starvation and nutritional stress, but to a lesser extent than modern Inuit who used more advanced technology. Tiny grooves in tooth enamel served as markers of these episodes.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully spun carbon nanotubes into usable fibers using a technique developed by Rice's Richard E. Smalley. The resulting fibers exhibit good mechanical and electrical properties, but modest thermal conductivity.
Researchers isolated stem cells from the bulge of hair follicles in hairless mice, finding two distinct populations that can produce hair follicles. These stem cells also showed 'stemness' genes, indicating their ability to self-renew and differentiate into various cell types.
USC researchers detail process of beak formation in journal Science, identifying BMP4 as a major mediator of beak shape. The study sheds light on how different bird species develop uniquely shaped beaks reflecting their ecological niches.
The Lancet's editorial advocates for animal research to improve human health and develop new medicines, despite potential controversy. The journal emphasizes the need for scientific justification and responsible animal care in experiments.
Researchers find that simple vesicles with genetic material grow and compete for resources, challenging current theory on cell evolution. The study suggests that the presence of RNA is key to driving cellular growth and competition.
Health experts emphasize the need for stronger health systems to achieve improved health outcomes, but agree that a more manageable approach is needed. Disease-specific interventions can deliver quicker results, yet may lead to duplication and disruption, while system-wide approaches build benefits over time, but are less manageable.
Yale researchers found strong clinical evidence to support treating systolic blood pressure of at least 160 mm Hg in older adults. Treatment decisions should prioritize patient preferences and tolerance of therapy due to limited evidence on benefits.
Researchers have discovered a small, Smac-like molecule that can encourage the death of cancer cells without harming normal cells. The compound mimics the natural protein Smac, which normally regulates cell death in healthy cells.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully produced macroscopic single-walled carbon nanotube fibers with high strength and conductivity. The discovery has the potential to revolutionize industries such as aerospace and energy by creating ultra-strong, smart materials.
Researchers analyzed tiny meteorite grains to determine the formation of aluminum oxide in AGB stars. The study found that both crystalline and amorphous forms are produced, clarifying observations and refining condensation modeling.
Researchers observe supersolid behavior in solid helium-4, where a small fraction of atoms exhibit zero friction and nonclassical rotational inertia. The discovery challenges the accepted picture of crystalline solid 4-He and forces theorists to revise their understanding of quantum mechanics.