A new study demonstrates that adding menthol to a topical cream containing cetylated fatty acids significantly reduces pain and improves functional performance in patients with knee, elbow, and wrist osteoarthritis. The treatment also shows promise for upper-extremity performance and pain relief in these individuals.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered that groups of brain cells synchronize their electrical activity to enhance orientation discrimination. By studying the firing rates of dozens of neurons, scientists found that synchronization among six neurons can discriminate variations in orientation as small as two degrees. This ...
A group of researchers has outlined the ethical issues raised by modern neuroscience, including the use of plastic surgery and neural enhancement. The panel argues that treating illnesses rather than healthy individuals is more acceptable, but raises questions about the long-term effects of brain-altering medications like Ritalin.
A study found that moderate iron deficiency negatively impacts cognitive functioning in women aged 18-35, while iron supplementation reverses this effect. The study's findings have significant implications for the prevalence of iron deficiency, which affects over two billion people worldwide.
A study using three strains of inbred laboratory rats found significant variations in slow wave sleep, activity, and rest periods, suggesting a genetic link to the 'early bird' and 'night owl' phenomenon. The research aims to establish the genomic basis of normal and abnormal variation in sleep patterns.
A study found that long-term calorie restriction significantly reduces risk of atherosclerosis, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Participants on low-calorie diets had lower cholesterol, triglyceride, and fasting glucose levels compared to those on typical Western diets.
Research reveals that exposure to food stimulates increased brain metabolism in areas affected by drug addiction. The study found higher metabolism in regions responsible for hunger and reward, suggesting a possible link between constant food stimuli and obesity.
A new robotic device called RAFFE has been developed by scientists from the University of Toronto and the University of Calgary to safely collect fingerprint evidence from suspicious packages. The device uses heat and fumes to react with oils in fingerprints, turning them white, allowing for photographing before safe disposal.
The Wistar Institute has selected two journalists, Ambrose and Gibbs, for the 2004 Science Journalism Award for their outstanding coverage of epigenetics. The award honors excellent science journalism that communicates progress in biomedicine to the public.
A new study by Dr. Thomas Walle found that resveratrol, a widely sold dietary supplement, is unlikely to have an effect on breast and prostate cancers when consumed in the diet or as a supplement. However, it may still prevent cancers along the aerodigestive tract, suggesting further research is needed.
A new animal study has found that trans fats can significantly increase total cholesterol and LDL-C levels, as well as TC/HDL-C ratios, in a swine model. The study suggests that high-trans fat diets may promote the rapid development of cardiovascular disease.
A study found that 45% of families reported giving their child herbal products, with many caregivers unaware of potential side effects. Parents should seek expert guidance and inform their child's pediatrician about any supplements taken to ensure safe use.
Researchers found that radiation damages key receptors impacting blood pressure, leading to faulty repair of DNA breaks and cell death. A new study examines three cases where symptomatic baroreflex failure occurred as a late consequence of neck irradiation.
An imaging study found that teaching matters and good instruction can change the brain's functioning in children, improving reading ability. The study showed significant gains in reading skills among children who received intensive phonemic awareness and phonics-based instruction.
Researchers found that estrogen-like drugs can reduce body weight gain in postmenopausal women by up to 33% and decrease food intake. The study used an animal model and tested selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) on rats, finding that Eα-selective drugs reduced body weight gain while ERß-selective drugs had no effect.
Researchers found that three polyphenolic compounds, EGCG, XN, and RES, can reduce breast cancer cell proliferation without being toxic. Xanthohumol (XN) showed the most potent effect, with a lower concentration required to inhibit cell growth.
A new study on BCX-1777, a PNP inhibitor, found that it can elevate plasma dGuo levels and inhibit erythrocyte PNP activity in cancer patients. The results suggest potential therapeutic applications for BCX-1777 in treating autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
The study found that Dynamin-2, an enzyme involved in cell division, plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the centrosome, a tiny organ essential for organizing chromosomes during cell division. This breakthrough understanding could lead to new strategies for designing cancer treatments.
A recent study investigated the effects of Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP) treatments on physiological functions predicting athletic performance. The results showed no significant enhancement in endurance-related parameters, contradicting anecdotal reports of improved endurance during exercise.
A study suggests that peripheral blood analysis can help develop surrogate biomarkers of stroke risk and prognosis, providing insights into cellular and pathological mechanisms. Blood studies offer a faster and more practical alternative to brain tissue samples, allowing for serial data collection throughout the ongoing stroke.
A new, biodegradable machining compound developed by Ventana Research Corporation uses green tea extracts to improve the efficiency of computer hard drive manufacturing. The compound has shown a three- to four-fold increase in efficiency, leading to potential cost savings and environmental benefits.
A University of Toronto study found that companies with subsidiaries in more than one province can shift income to a province with lower taxes, increasing their revenues. This allows companies to move profits to provinces with more favorable tax regimes, ultimately benefiting government revenue.
High-volume hospitals demonstrate lower mortality rates for complex surgeries, suggesting optimal resource allocation and human resources. Regionalization of procedures and services can be reconsidered to preserve quality care at smaller facilities.
Researchers found that hormone-sensitizing compounds can boost estrogen and progestin activity eight- to 10-fold, increasing cancer risk. Exposure to these compounds may be linked to reproductive toxicity, miscarriages, and irregular ovulation.
A 26-week study found that topiramate significantly reduced the frequency of migraines in patients taking 100 or 200 milligrams per day. Improvements were observed within the first month of treatment, with 35.9% to 54.0% of patients experiencing a 50% or more reduction in migraine frequency.
A study of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and fatigue found a relationship between fatigue and abnormal sleep cycles or disrupted sleep. Nine out of 15 MS patients with fatigue scored high on a sleep scale test, indicating excessive daytime sleepiness.
Researchers develop two SARS vaccine candidates that effectively protect mice from infection, utilizing different technologies to stimulate the immune system. The vaccines target the S protein, a key component of the coronavirus responsible for initiating infection.
Research suggests that dieters experience improved self-image after viewing photos of thin models in popular magazines. However, the study also indicates that those who are highly invested in achieving this ideal may be more likely to develop eating disorders.
A virtual reality-based surgery simulator will allow surgeons to practice manipulating 3-D models of human organs using their sense of touch and vision, reducing operating room errors and improving patient outcomes. The simulator uses a novel computational technique to model human tissue and provide realistic touch feedback.
The American College of Physicians recommends statin therapy for adults with type 2 diabetes, regardless of cholesterol levels, due to the high risk of cardiovascular disease. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of monitoring liver function and muscle enzymes only in patients with pre-existing conditions.
Researchers will analyze tumor samples, protein releases and patient responses to chemotherapy agents to develop individualized treatments. The goal is to minimize side effects while improving response based on patient chemistry and tumor type.
Researchers at Jefferson Medical College have found that the HIV virus produces proteins that trigger biochemical pathways in the brain, resulting in brain cell death and dementia. The study suggests that removing the virus or its associated proteins may be an effective way to prevent or treat HIV-related dementia.
A recent study found that CordyMax enhances aerobic exercise capability, endurance performance, and exercise metabolism in healthy, mid-age to elderly sedentary humans. The supplement also showed promising results in reducing fatigue, improving weight control, and lowering diastolic blood pressure.
A study found that exercise can reduce the preference for sweetened fluids in rats, with a temporary increase in perception of sweetness after consumption. The researchers suggest that this could lead to the development of foods and supplements that meet post-exercise nutritional needs.
Researchers have detected a Senataxin gene mutation that may contribute to the degeneration of motor neuron cells in a rare form of ALS. This discovery opens up avenues of investigation for understanding and treating other forms of motor neuron diseases.
Research reveals integrons in poultry litter generate clusters of varied antibiotic resistance genes, complicating efforts to control spread. The discovery has significant implications for farm animal operations, human health, and the development of new antibiotics.
Researchers identified 24 genes that can be used to single out patients for alternate therapies or lower radiation doses. The test could make treatment decisions easier and allow for personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patients' needs.
A recent survey conducted by Case Western Reserve University found that most dental hygienists prioritize oral cancer screening but often fall short in performing head and neck examinations and counseling patients about tobacco use. The study emphasizes the crucial role of dental professionals in early detection and treatment.
A study found that moderate exercise over 11 months improved immune activity, increased muscle strength, and decreased total cholesterol and LDL levels in older adults. This suggests a simple home-based exercise program can provide important health benefits for aging individuals.
A new study found that non-habitual acute resistance and aerobic exercise negatively affected sleep quality and length. Volunteers reported waking up significantly more times at night after exercise compared to before, while objective measures of sleep using an actigraph revealed no significant differences between exercise conditions.
By decreasing the enzyme dehydroascorbate reductase, UC Riverside researchers have improved drought tolerance in plants, enabling them to conserve water resources and survive droughts. This discovery is highly valuable for U.S. and world agriculture, particularly in areas with erratic rainfall.
Most families enrolled in early intervention programs report a satisfactory experience, but face challenges such as long wait times and limited access. The study highlights the need for improved systems to support families with children at risk of disabilities.
Researchers found that patients with autoimmune disease have higher levels of fatty deposits in blood vessels, which cause heart disease. Additionally, atherosclerosis worsens autoimmune symptoms, implying that low-fat diets may benefit patients with autoimmune disease.
A study found that heavy alcohol consumption is associated with a slightly increased risk of colorectal cancer. The American College of Physicians task force released eight recommendations to redefine the domain of general internal medicine, suggesting a balance between breadth and depth in practice, as well as team-based care.
Periostin is a protein that promotes metastatic growth of colon cancer by augmenting cell survival, and may be involved in the progression of other cancers. The study identified periostin as a potent promoter of late-stage tumor progression, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for preventing deadly metastatic cancers.
A study of 201 patients with psoriasis found that women had higher medication adherence rates than men, while single people and unemployed individuals had lower rates. The researchers identified factors affecting compliance, including facial disease, extent of involvement, and self-image, which can lead to psychological disturbance.
Researchers found only six new antibiotics in R&D pipeline, a 56% decline since 1998. The lack of new antibiotics poses significant risks for patients and public health due to emerging drug-resistant bacteria.
Fibrin depletion delays MS-like paralysis and increases lifespan in transgenic mice, suggesting its role in disease progression. The study identifies fibrin's contribution to inflammatory response and nerve tissue damage in the nervous system.
Researchers found that repeated pregnancies in rats increased blood pressure response to stress and phenylephrine infusion, due to enhanced total peripheral resistance. Vascular sensitivity was also altered, with reduced compliance and sensitivity to phenylephrine.
New electron microscopes will allow scientists to determine the chemical identity of individual atoms in crystalline materials, leading to insights into material properties and potential advances in technology. The instruments will also aid in understanding phenomena such as brittle fracture of steels and chemistry of catalytic nanopar...
Researchers have developed a method to preserve biological samples without distorting them, allowing for clearer views of lipids and other materials. The breakthrough, enabled by a unique polymer capsule, has potential applications in advancing studies of biological materials.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic report that B cells and immunoglobulin help reconstitute immunity by promoting T cell development. The team found that administering gamma globulin or B cells can boost T cell numbers and diversity, potentially improving the immune response in patients with AIDS and other immunodeficiency diseases.
Researchers found that African Americans and whites with identical health care coverage experience no racial disparity in colon cancer survival. While subtle differences were seen in treatment options, the study suggests equal access to care can eliminate disparities
A new study investigates curcumin's ability to induce heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in rat astrocytes and neurons, suggesting a potential neuroprotective effect. The research found increased expression of HO-1 protein and detoxification enzymes in response to curcumin treatment.
A team of researchers found that certain mammals in the Arctic, including rodents, retained a regular sleep-wake cycle despite 82 days of continuous daylight or darkness. The study suggests that the animals may have used external environmental clues to adapt their biological clocks.
A three-year study shows that Botox injections significantly improve the voices and quality of life of patients with spasmodic dysphonia. The treatment produces a powerful and sustained improvement in voice-related quality of life, even after repeated injections.
Researchers found that black women with high blood pressure during pregnancy had the highest homocysteine levels, while white women had lower levels. The study suggests increasing folic acid intake among blacks to mitigate this risk. Homocysteine levels are influenced by diet and genetic factors.
Indiana University researchers use facial recognition technology to examine faces of children from across the globe to identify visual characteristics of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The study aims to establish key points for diagnosis and provide standardized assessments, enabling all children with the disorder to receive necessary services.
Purdue University researchers found a new twist in a plant formation biochemical pathway, decreasing two acids in plant cell walls to enhance digestibility. This could lead to more nutritious livestock feed and improved crop yields.