A new study by the Schepens Eye Research Institute reveals a previously unknown connection that stimulates immune response in the eye and other parts of the body. By blocking VEGFR-3 growth factor, researchers can arrest the rejection process, leading to improved survival rates for corneal transplant patients.
A brain imaging study found that people prone to depression have an overactive emotion-regulating brain circuit, even when they're not depressed. When tryptophan was depleted, most subjects with a history of mood disorder experienced temporary symptoms.
The Florida manatee population is rising in some regions, with annual growth rates of 3.7% and 6.2% in the Northwest and Upper St. Johns River regions, respectively. However, the Atlantic region's estimated growth rate is 1.1%, suggesting a possible decline or stability, while the Southwest region shows a negative growth rate.
Children with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) often face difficulties in retrieving and retaining information, and many struggle academically due to impairments. The study suggests that schools should provide better support and follow-up care for children returning from hospital after a head injury.
A new study by Northwestern University researchers shows that social networks can efficiently lead to global organization, even with imperfect information transmission due to noise or error. The model is adaptable and robust, capable of responding to external conditions, and people tend to adjust their opinions based on the majority
Researchers found that immune therapy against Alzheimer's disease not only removes the toxic amyloid plaque but also clears protein tangles, suggesting a broad assault on the disease. The treatment was shown to clear both hallmark lesions of AD by alleviating interference in the cell's protein garbage disposal system.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found high levels of mercury in sport-fish eaters' blood, particularly among Asian-Canadians. The findings emphasize the need for ongoing surveillance and education to minimize health risks from contaminated fish consumption.
Research from the University of Michigan suggests that the current federal plan may not be enough to protect the Gulf of Mexico's half billion dollar a year shrimp industry. The proposed goal of 30 percent nitrogen load reduction is insufficient, and a reduction of 40-45 percent is needed to achieve desired results.
Researchers found that black patients are more likely to receive care from physicians who report inadequate access to high-quality diagnostic imaging, sub-specialists, and other essential resources. This disparity in care may be driven by differences in the physicians' access to local services and specialists.
Researchers found that using specific antibodies to clear a certain type of brain lesion reversed abnormalities arising from another, halting disease progression. Early treatment significantly increases chances of success.
A study found that combining testosterone gel with sildenafil improved erectile function in men with low testosterone, who failed to respond to sildenafil alone. The combination therapy showed significant improvements in erectile function, orgasmic function, and overall satisfaction.
Researchers found four groups of genes with distinct expression patterns in leukemia cells sensitive or resistant to specific drugs, significantly related to treatment outcome. The study identified 123 previously unrecognized genes associated with drug resistance, representing potential targets for new agents.
The Explorer robot, developed by Carnegie Mellon University, successfully inspected hundreds of feet of live gas mains in Yonkers, NY. The robot's wireless capabilities and advanced cameras enable near-real-time images of the pipe's interior, reducing costs per foot of pipe inspected.
A novel protein vaccine candidate has demonstrated full protection against a lethal aerosol challenge with ricin toxin in mice, offering a promising solution to bioterrorism threats. The vaccine, RTA 1-33/44-198, was designed using molecular modeling and protein engineering techniques.
Researchers found that Homer1 or Homer2 gene knockout mice showed greater preference for chambers associated with cocaine administration and increased motivation to self-administer cocaine. They also exhibited neurochemical changes characteristic of addiction, including reduced glutamate levels during withdrawal.
Researchers found that men and women have different spatial orientations in environments due to physiological differences, such as inner ear size. The study suggests that these differences affect how individuals orient themselves in various situations.
Materials researchers created a metamaterial with a negative refractive index for microwaves, allowing it to transmit light differently than natural materials. This discovery has implications for space navigation and the location of stars, making it challenging to determine their origins.
Researchers found that Smad3 protein was present in B-cell and non-lymphocyte samples but almost absent in T-cell samples. In mice, deletion of the Smad3 gene impairs TGF-B's ability to stop T-cell proliferation. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms behind Smad3's absence in childhood T-cell leukemia.
A study by J. Todd Streelman found that human-induced disturbance accelerated the evolutionary process of cichlid fish, leading to two genetically distinct populations with distinct color patterns. The findings suggest a potential for rapid speciation and highlight the impact of human activity on evolutionary processes.
Researchers at University College London found that humans use a strategy similar to barn owls for sound pitches above middle-C, while gerbils adapt to detect low-pitched sounds. The study suggests the brain adopts an efficient strategy to locate sound sources, adapting to different frequencies.
Researchers found Archeopteryx had a brain three times larger than crocodiles and similar to modern birds, supporting the theory of evolution. The study disproves the idea that some dinosaurs couldn't fly due to feathers.
A survey of mothers reveals that they view pediatricians as 'parenting partners' and carefully select a doctor for their child. Key findings include the importance of personality, health insurance coverage, and compatibility with parenting objectives in choosing a pediatrician.
Researchers found starch grains from barley and wheat on a grinding stone at Ohalo II, dating back 13,000-45,000 years. This discovery suggests that people processed these grains to make them more digestible around 14,800 years ago.
Researchers explore the role of genetics, social organization, and sexual selection in shaping family structures and behaviors in various species. From pathogens to genes, scientists uncover the intricate mechanisms driving the evolution of complex social systems.
Researchers found that shortness of breath and impaired gag reflex without diarrhea are key predictors of death in foodborne botulism. Accurate diagnosis and rapid treatment are crucial, with antitoxin and intensive care necessary for survival.
A government policy providing free access to potent antiretroviral drugs has significantly reduced the HIV transmission rate in Taiwan, with an estimated decrease of 53%. The study, led by Chi-Tai Fang and Jung-Der Wang, used public health surveillance data to evaluate the impact of the policy on the country's HIV epidemic.
The greater sage-grouse and Gunnison sage-grouse are affected by changes in their ecosystems, including the suppression of fire and invasive species. Livestock grazing also impacts these birds, while oil and gas development threatens the sagebrush biome. Researchers discuss restoration options to mitigate these effects.
State gun safe storage laws, which require gun owners to lock up their guns, were associated with a 8.3% decrease in suicide rates among 14- to 17-year-olds. The study found that these laws may have prevented 333 suicides among this age group between 1989 and 2001.
Eight environmental stewards have won $900,000 in biodiversity awards for their conservation efforts. The winners include Maria Marta Chavarria, Graham Harris, and Mengistu Wondafrash, who were recognized for their work protecting endangered species and habitats in Costa Rica, Argentina, and Ethiopia.
A nationally representative survey of 799 Afghan adult household members found high prevalence of mental health symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Women and disabled respondents had significantly poorer mental health status than men and nondisabled counterparts.
The huge market demand for forest moss is causing ecological concerns, with millions of pounds being harvested annually. The removal of large amounts of moss can lead to unintended consequences, such as removing endangered species or shipping insect pests overseas.
The UC Davis Cancer Center has a vigorous clinical trials program, with about 16% of new cancer patients participating in trials. This rate is significantly higher than the national average of less than 3%.
Researchers found that socially isolated hamsters healed wounds at a slower rate than those paired with a sibling, which also reduced stress hormone cortisol levels. Oxytocin treatment improved wound healing in stressed and non-stressed animals.
University of Houston College of Pharmacy students took first through fourth place in the Texas Pharmacy Association competition with projects on asthma management, community wellness, and medication labeling. The UH College of Pharmacy won for having the highest percentage of student body members in the TPA-ASP.
A study of street youth in Canada and the US found a mortality rate of 921 per 100,000 person-years, exceeding 11 times the general population rate. Independent predictors of mortality included HIV infection, daily alcohol use, homelessness, drug injection, and being male.
A new study evaluates patients with rheumatoid arthritis to understand their perception of treatment improvements and develop patient-based criteria for evaluating new treatments. The study will recruit 300 participants who have been diagnosed with RA and are currently treated with various medications.
A national survey of 2,500 American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery members found that 45% of physicians reported a recent medical error in their practice. The most common errors were technical mistakes during procedures, medication errors, and testing errors.
State CAP laws associated with an 8.3% reduction in youth suicide rates for 14- to 17-year-olds, particularly those using firearms. The study estimates that over 300 youth suicides were prevented, saving 35 lives in 2001.
A phase III study uses IL13-PE38QQR, a hybrid protein that attaches to specific receptors on tumor cells, to target residual GBM brain tumors. The treatment, convection-enhanced delivery, facilitates infusion of the drug into the brain, bypassing the blood-brain barrier.
A new study found that social bonding has a positive effect on wound healing in monogamous mice but not in those with multiple partners. Corticosterone levels, a stress hormone, were lower in socialized monogamous mice and showed no difference in non-monogamous mice.
Babies with complete DiGeorge syndrome, a fatal genetic disorder, are saved by a new combination of immune suppression and thymus transplantation. The technique reduces the risk of infection and allows infants to develop a functioning immune system.
Researchers found that removing a diseased thyroid from under the arm provides a cosmetic incision and inconspicuous scars. This approach may become a new standard for thyroid surgery in the US as minimally invasive techniques gain popularity.
The Texas flagship universities will participate in the Giant Magellan Telescope Consortium to explore the universe's frontiers. The GMT will collect five times more light than the Hobby-Eberly telescope and produce images 10 times sharper, enabling groundbreaking discoveries about the origins of the universe.
The current method of discounting in economic evaluation may not accurately reflect individuals' true preferences, as time preference varies widely. Healthcare programs with longer-term benefits are often undervalued, highlighting the need for a revised methodology.
A randomized clinical trial showed that adjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy for colon cancer patients offer no disease-free or overall survival benefits after 10 years. The improvements in 5-year survival rates observed in the past have disappeared over time, suggesting that newer chemotherapy regimens may be more effective.
Climate models project a significant impact on Alaska's tundra ecosystem, with up to 90% loss of tundra area by 2100. Increased precipitation and temperature changes will lead to shifts in vegetation, insect and pathogen attacks, and potential forest fires.
The LSU Vet School has received a $9.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to establish a Center for Experimental Infectious Disease Research. The COBRE program aims to enhance the school's research capacity and competitiveness for NIH grants, focusing on human health and comparative medicine.
A new study found that Akt pathway activation is associated with better response rates and reduced disease progression in lung cancer patients treated with gefitinib. The researchers identified P-Akt positivity as a key marker for predicting patient response, but not P-MAPK positivity.
A study found that low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer in overweight and obese women. The association was strongest in women who gained weight over the years of follow-up.
A new stable phase in the Gulf of Maine marine ecosystem has emerged, marked by expansive kelp beds and the dominance of crabs and lobsters. This change is attributed to a drastic reduction in top predators like cod, leading to trophic-level dysfunction.
Researchers found that administering CD34+ cells after a mouse stroke increased new blood vessel growth and neural regeneration. The study suggests that angiogenesis is essential for repairing stroke damage, providing new hope for treating this deadly condition. Additionally, a separate study on leptin regulation revealed an additional...
Researchers have developed a new approach to identify connections between genes and chemotherapy drugs, which may enable clinicians to customize treatment plans. By analyzing cell lines from large families, the team found potential links between genetic markers and increased sensitivity to two chemotherapy drugs.
Studies investigate shoulder pain, seat position impact, ACSM target heart rate guidelines, wheel camber effects, Smart Wheelchair Component System, portable ramps, self-efficacy in amputations, and neuroprosthesis technology for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
The Emory University Health Sciences Center, AABB, and Red Cross will work together to reduce HIV transmission in developing countries by improving blood supply systems, testing for HIV, and creating safe transfusion centers.
A jumping gene called mUtp14b has been found to affect fertility in mice, with a mutation leading to sterility. Researchers believe this gene may play a role in male infertility in humans and are investigating its potential impact.
Researchers at Brown Medical School have discovered two key enzymes, PC1 and PC2, that play a crucial role in processing the precursor of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and regulating calorie-burning. This finding will aid in the understanding and treatment of obesity, which affects nearly 68 million adults in the United States.
Dr. Capitulo has been recognized for her leadership and research in nursing education and patient-centered care. Her national fellowship includes a $30,000 grant to develop a model for navigating industry changes, building on her experience leading major redesign projects and creating patient-focused care models.
A Michigan State University group examined the impact of a $25 million research agreement between UC-Berkeley and Novartis, recommending safeguards to prevent industry influence. The review highlights concerns over credibility, conflict of interest, and institutional accountability in public higher education.
A new study found that prenatal exposure to influenza may increase the risk of schizophrenia in offspring years later, with a threefold increased risk when exposure occurred during the first half of pregnancy. The study analyzed archived sera from pregnant women and their children born between 1959-1966.
A study analyzing 36 white matter plaques in 20 MS patients showed diffusion tensor MRI to be 45% more sensitive than T2-weighted imaging in measuring diseased white matter. This could lead to earlier detection of abnormalities and improved assessment of therapy effectiveness.