Scientists are developing a new anthrax vaccine that requires fewer shots and has fewer side effects. The study aims to improve upon the existing vaccine, which causes numerous side effects and takes 18 months to confer protection.
A team of scientists developed a biological computer that can diagnose cancer and produce a drug to kill cancer cells in a test tube. The system uses pre-programmed medical knowledge and DNA-manipulating enzymes to identify cancer biomarkers and release targeted therapy.
A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that teens eating lean beef maintained higher levels of iron and lower LDL cholesterol. The researchers also aimed to establish healthy eating habits among young adults, as they are more likely to pass them down to their own children.
A new five-year, $5.6 million NCI grant is supporting a clinical trial to study a blood test for detecting colorectal cancer recurrence based on the protein guanylyl cyclase C (GCC). The trial aims to determine if GCC testing by RT-PCR analysis is more sensitive and specific than current methods in early detection of recurrence.
A study by Imperial College London calls for targeted health education campaigns for HCV among injecting drug users, citing a lack of awareness and risk of transmission. The researchers found that many users share paraphernalia, leading to under-reported cases.
A survey of 642 physicians found that DTCA can lead to valuable discussions with patients, but also raises concerns about inappropriate prescriptions and unnecessary treatments. Physicians reported prescribing the advertised drug only 39% of the time, citing effectiveness or cost as reasons for not using it.
A study of 42 people found that those taking CoQ10 had significantly fewer migraine attacks than those taking a placebo, with 48% experiencing half as many attacks. The only side effect reported was an allergic skin rash in one patient.
HIV-positive individuals in sub-Saharan Africa exhibit high rates of dementia (11%) and painful sensory neuropathy (51%), with those with low CD4 counts showing even more severe impairment. A rapid screening test may help identify these conditions in resource-limited settings.
A new gene-based screen developed by Stanford researchers can accurately predict a person's response to treatment and identify patients who may benefit from novel therapies. The screen uses a technique called RT-PCR to analyze genes associated with cancer survival, offering a more accessible alternative to existing microarray technology.
The University of Pittsburgh is developing a heart assist device for infants with severe congenital heart defects, utilizing suspended magnetic levitation technology and miniaturization. The goal is to create a bridge-to-transplant device that allows infants to recover or survive until a donor heart becomes available.
A study found that adding a benefit box to pharmaceutical ads can increase public understanding and preference for such ads. However, the ads may still be overly optimistic about drug effectiveness, suggesting that more accurate information is needed.
Researchers developed an electronic nose device that analyzes exhaled gases to diagnose pneumonia and sinusitis, showing 92% and 70% accuracy in ICU patients respectively. The device has potential to radically change diagnosis and treatment of these conditions.
Researchers found decreased pregnancy rates in couples where the man had IgG antibodies, a marker of previous or persistent infection by Chlamydia trachomatis. For those infertile couples with IgG antibodies, 6.8% of women and 7.1% of men carried Chlamydia DNA in their urine, suggesting active infection.
A research team at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has found evidence that sea turtles can read geographic position from subtle variations in the Earth's magnetic field. Older turtles use this ability to pinpoint their location relative to specific target areas, effectively having a biological equivalent of GPS.
New NASA technology enhances NOAA's weather forecasts by integrating satellite data and lightning tracking, leading to more confident seven-day severe local storm forecasts. This improved prediction capability can also enhance tornado warning lead times and better predict thunderstorm occurrence.
A five-year study found that four commonly prescribed antiepileptic drugs were associated with varying levels of birth defects, developmental disabilities, and death in children. The study revealed that lamotrigine may cause less harm compared to other medications, while valproate posed the highest risk.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a biodegradable implant that can release growth factors to stimulate bone growth in critical-size defects, aiding the body's natural regeneration process. This innovative approach aims to provide patients with their own tissue and eliminate risks associated with existing treatments.
Researchers at Saint Louis University found a potential link between adolescent marijuana use and increased risk of cerebellar strokes. Dr. Thomas Geller's study revealed three cases of teenage boys who suffered strokes after consuming large doses of marijuana.
A team of University of Florida engineering students designed and built a crayon-sized sensor that can be fired from a paintball gun to detect explosives. The sensor was part of a government- and corporate-supported research program, and Lockheed Martin plans to refine and produce it for potential use in Iraq.
Researchers create peptide coatings that disguise particles, allowing them to track proteins in live cells. This technology enables molecular-level studies and has potential applications in biology, medicine, and electronics.
A study of over 3,000 Austrian women found that those born between June and August had lower average numbers of live-born children compared to other months. This suggests a potential link between birth month and reproductive performance, with possible explanations including environmental factors and early developmental influences.
Patients with uncontrolled epilepsy have significantly lower levels of DHA in their red blood cell membranes compared to healthy individuals. This deficiency may contribute to seizure severity and inform potential treatment strategies involving DHA supplementation.
A study of nearly 3,300 subjects found that any level of depressed mood was associated with a 40% higher risk for stroke among the entire cohort. In contrast, among white subjects, greater severity of symptoms more than doubled the risk of stroke.
Research papers in Geophysical Research Letters and Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres have shed light on various atmospheric phenomena. Brown et al.'s study found near-equal rates of nitric acid formation during day and night, while Chatfield et al. attribute seasonal ozone density over the South Atlantic to pollution sources...
Researchers found that the rate of total brain volume loss can predict which mildly cognitively impaired individuals are at high risk of developing dementia. Combining this with hippocampus volume measurements provides a strong model for predicting cognitive outcomes.
Researchers discovered that increased cirrus cloud cover over the US could account for nearly all of the warming observed in the country since 1975. The study suggests that contrails, formed by air traffic, contribute to this warming effect.
Researchers have developed a method to transport indium particles along carbon nanotubes using electrical current, enabling high-throughput assembly of nanostructures. This breakthrough could revolutionize the field of nanotechnology by allowing for efficient and precise delivery of atoms.
A statistical model predicts rapid increase in spinal fractures over time if left untreated, highlighting the importance of intervention before first fracture occurs. The study emphasizes the need for therapy that reduces risk of first fracture within one year to substantially reduce future fracture risk.
A study of 32 patients with suspected paraneoplastic neurological disorders found that PET imaging successfully identified relevant lesions undetectable by alternative methods. The results suggest that PET is an appropriate and promising tool for patients with undiagnosed paraneoplastic neurological disorders.
New prosthetic fitting system offers improved match for knee arthritis patients, while researchers find nearly 80% of patients satisfied with brace treatment. Meanwhile, studies on traumatic brain injury research reveal legal and ethical concerns, as well as effective wound healing methods using electrical stimulation.
Researchers from Rutgers University will follow the flow of a red dye on a research vessel for about five days to study the Hudson River Plume. The study aims to gain knowledge about where the plume goes and what it contains, with potential applications in predicting algae blooms and sewage disposal decisions.
BioTime develops products for hypothermic surgery, aiming to increase surgical time and treat cardiovascular conditions. The company received an NIH grant to further research Hetacool, which could benefit patients undergoing complex surgeries and resuscitative procedures.
The partnership aims to educate junior, cadette and senior girl scouts about the responsibilities of nurses, educational requirements and general health and wellness information. The program showed increased interest in pursuing nursing careers among participating scouts.
A study published in Psychological Science found that initial training for airport screeners is insufficient, highlighting the need for continuing education. The research showed that screeners improve at detecting specific weapons but struggle with transferable skills, leading to a higher risk of false identifications and missed targets.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that a gene defect, PASG, is linked to premature aging in mice. The researchers discovered that the mutated gene causes cells to age and die prematurely, leading to growth problems and early death.
Anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions can occur in cancer patients receiving potentially life-prolonging agents, necessitating expert nursing care. Nurses play a critical role in monitoring patients, stabilizing reactions, and providing emotional support.
The FREEDOM trial will investigate the impact of cardiovascular disease in diabetics and develop new approaches to management and treatment. The study aims to provide clear guidelines on procedures for diabetic patients, including CABG and angioplasty with stents.
Researchers found that language capacity 'evens out' with age, with older adults using more of both hemispheres relative to language skills. The study suggests improvements in linguistic skills and maturation of the central nervous system contribute to increased hemisphere dominance in childhood.
A new grant from NIH will help create a diagnostic tool for childhood apraxia of speech, a neurologically based speech motor disorder affecting about one-tenth of 1 percent of US children. The tool will automate existing measurements and develop new ones to reduce human variability in diagnosis.
A recent study found that tolvaptan, a medication for heart failure, can increase net fluid loss and improve serum sodium levels in patients with hyponatremia. This effect was achieved without negatively impacting blood pressure or kidney function. The treatment may also reduce mortality rates in high-risk patients.
A population-based case control study found a significant association between exposure to diagnostic radiography during routine dental care and low birth weights in full-term babies. The study suggests that radiation may affect neurohormonal mechanisms in the head and neck region, leading to potential health effects on pregnancies.
Researchers at Lehigh University are exploring the properties of nanogold, creating nanoparticles with defined shapes and sizes to exhibit distinct properties. They can tailor these properties by varying particle size and elemental composition.
Kansas State University will develop a 'green' chemistry course with a $500,000 NSF grant. The course aims to educate students on environmentally friendly chemical processes and develop chiral molecules critical for biologically active compounds like pharmaceuticals.
Surgery for medically intractable temporal lobe epilepsy shows variation among ethnic groups, with African Americans receiving surgery at significantly lower rates than non-Hispanic whites. The study suggests that racial disparities exist but do not appear to be related to differences in access to care.
The article highlights the complexities of managing cancer pain in patients with a history of addiction, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary care teams. The Pain Management Center at Fox Chase Cancer Center offers innovative strategies, including patient contracts and collaboration between nurses and physicians.
PNNL's compact steam reformer can produce large amounts of hydrogen-rich gas from a liquid fuel in just 12 seconds, significantly reducing the delay time for hydrogen fueling. The reformer's design features microchannels that provide high rates of heat and mass transport, allowing for faster reactions and reduced system size.
A recent study found that HIV infection progresses to AIDS at a rate of 7.4 years in developing countries, compared to 11 years in Western developed nations. The study also revealed a higher mortality rate among men living in developing countries.
Researchers have successfully built nanotube transistor devices that can function at very high speeds, potentially leading to faster cell phones and computers. The transistors operate at a frequency of 2.6 gigahertz, switching electrical current on and off in about one billionth of a second.
Researchers identified a series of genes related to mitochondrial metabolism in brain cells that were more active in mice with Alzheimer's disease. These genes are thought to provide new insights into the disease's early cellular changes and may lead to the development of novel interventions.
Researchers found that carpeted wooden floors were associated with the lowest number of fractures, while concrete floors carried the greatest risk. The study suggests that replacing uncarpeted concrete flooring with carpeted wooden surfaces could reduce hip fractures by up to 80%.
Dr. Bruner, a renowned radiation oncology nurse, has been recognized by the Oncology Nursing Society for her groundbreaking work in cancer research and patient care. Her research focuses on enhancing participation of minorities in clinical studies and improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers at K-State and Canada's Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are working together to develop methods for measuring and verifying soil carbon stocks and greenhouse gas emissions. This cooperation aims to improve cropland productivity while reducing atmospheric greenhouse gases.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully coaxed new motor neurons out of embryonic stem cells and into the spinal cords of paralyzed rats. The study, funded by various organizations, aims to overcome a major hurdle in clinical therapy for motor neuron diseases like ALS and SMA.
A new study found that infusing a molecule called glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) directly into the brain improved Parkinson's disease symptoms in 41% of patients. The GDNF infusion resulted in significant increases in dopamine production and was sustained for at least two years, according to the research.
The American Academy of Neurology honors Leon Fleisher's remarkable recovery from dystonia, allowing him to resume playing piano with both hands. Fleisher's advocacy and selflessness on behalf of dystonia research and education are also recognized.
A novel mutation in the SCN1A gene has been discovered in a family with generalized epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+), a condition characterized by unusual brain activity. This finding may lead to improved diagnoses, treatments, and genetic counseling for affected individuals.
A study found that anthrax survivors reported multiple body system symptoms, increased psychological distress, and reduced quality of life compared to non-survivors. The most common complaints included respiratory problems, fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive impairment.
Researchers found that a blood pressure-lowering regimen in stroke patients can stop or delay further ischemic brain damage. The study showed that patients who received the medication had significantly fewer new white matter lesions compared to those who took placebo.
Researchers developed a DNA vaccine that protected nonhuman primates from both smallpox and monkeypox, offering a safer alternative to existing live virus vaccines. The vaccine used four genes from vaccinia virus and was shown to elicit a robust immune response in primates.
A population-based study in Nueces County, Texas found that Mexican Americans experience a substantially greater ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage burden compared to non-Hispanic whites. The crude annual total cerebrovascular event rate was 64 per 10,000 in Mexican Americans, nearly 30% higher than in non-Hispanic whites.