A combination therapy of peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin achieved a 40% sustained virological response in co-infected patients, the highest ever reported. The treatment did not interfere with the effectiveness of HIV drugs, offering hope for previously untreated patients.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed a forest fire sensor based on a beetle's infrared sensing organs. The sensor uses polyethylene to mimic the beetle's cuticula and absorbs radiation, triggering an early warning system.
Researchers used a new mass spectrometry technique to determine how CENP-A turns a chromosome's center section into a stable centromere. The study sheds light on the process of cell division and its connection to birth defects and cancer.
Researchers discovered that excess ATP damages motor neurons, leading to paralysis. Blocking ATP's effects restored function in rats with damaged spinal cords, opening up promising new avenues for treatment.
Researchers propose a new approach to understanding epigenetics in common diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. The framework aims to analyze epigenetic marks across the entire genome, revealing their role in disease variability and progression.
Research by University of Illinois Chicago scientists reveals steady rise in sea level over the past 8,000 years, challenging a hypothesis that sea levels were higher 5,000 years ago. The study uses peat deposits to confirm steady sea level rise and emphasizes the need for better predictions to prepare for coastal erosion.
The European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership has opened an African office in South Africa, aiming to boost the continent's medical research capacity. The partnership will fund clinical trials for new treatments and vaccines against HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Study reveals that heterochromatin forms despite lack of key RNA silencing components, indicating multiple pathways for chromosome regulation. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing gene therapy to conquer chromosomal abnormalities and birth defects.
A new study shows that transitioning to a plant-based diet allows individuals to eat to satiety while losing weight. The study found that patients on a low-fat vegetarian diet experienced significant weight loss and improved cardiovascular health, with 89% feeling mostly or completely used to the diet after 14 weeks.
A three-month study found nine out of ten nearsighted children in the age group could handle daily disposable contact lenses without parental supervision. Daily disposable lenses improve compliance and force children to learn to apply and remove their lenses.
Researchers propose a new theory linking neutrinos' slight mass to the accelerating universe expansion through dark energy and accelerons. The theory suggests that neutrinos interact with accelerons, resulting in a force that fuels the expansion of the universe.
Scientists successfully designed and tested nanoparticles to both target and visualize prostate tumors in mice, offering potential for early cancer detection and treatment. The breakthrough uses a unique coating to protect the particles from degradation and enhance their targeting capabilities.
Researchers at OHSU have discovered a possible method for early detection and prevention of premature birth by identifying biomarkers associated with intra-amniotic infections in both animal and human studies. The breakthrough technology has the potential to save young lives and may lead to significant health benefits.
Researchers found evidence of a failed rift in the ancient continent Nunavutia, dating back 3.9 billion years, with minerals suggesting significant diamond exploration potential. The discovery sheds light on Earth's history and evolution, offering insights into plate tectonics in the Archean era.
Researchers at U of T found that animals absorb environmental information to modulate behavior, associating smells with starvation cues. A mutation affecting environmental role in memory recall was identified, highlighting the importance of environment in learning.
A new study shows that Frovatriptan is effective in preventing Menstrual Associated Migraine (MAM) headaches, significantly reducing their severity, duration, and functional impairment. The medication reduces MAM incidence by up to 50% and is well-tolerated with minimal side effects.
The USC Biomechanics Research Laboratory uses high-tech biomedical modeling to analyze athlete performance, identifying areas for improvement. The lab's approach combines experimental and simulation results to develop personalized training plans for athletes.
A study of 676 individuals with PAD found that those with lower ABI levels had greater declines in walking endurance and speed. Leg symptoms, particularly pain on exertion, also predicted rates of functional decline.
Two studies found that interactive computer programs improve women's knowledge of breast cancer and genetic testing, while also reducing anxiety and increasing satisfaction. The programs can supplement standard genetic counseling for those at high risk and stand alone for those at low risk.
The NIH has renewed funding for Giordano's Rb2 tumor suppressing gene research at Temple University, aiming to design therapies for cancer patients. Over the past decade, Giordano's work linked Rb2 with cancer regression and effectiveness of drug therapies against breast cancer.
A new computer program was found to be more effective in increasing knowledge about breast cancer risk and genetic testing among low-risk women, reducing their perceived risk of getting breast cancer. However, one-on-one genetic counseling was superior in helping women better understand their risk and reduce anxiety.
Researchers identify molecular pathway in brain that explains why patients with inflammatory diseases develop depression. By understanding this mechanism, scientists hope to help patients avoid depression while benefiting from immune-boosting treatments.
A study found that clonidine significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular death in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery, particularly those with coronary artery disease or high-risk factors. The medication was shown to prevent myocardial ischemia events before and after surgery, leading to a lower mortality rate compared to plac...
Modern phytoplankton's evolutionary history reveals that their ancestors did not appear until 250 million years ago. The study found that changes in sea level, water chemistry and carbon-dioxide levels contributed to the rise of dominant phytoplankton groups.
Research finds connection between cytokine IL-4 signaling impairment and type 2 diabetes. Hyperinsulinemia triggers serine phosphorylation, impacting insulin receptor substrates and leading to neuroimmune response.
A Stanford study estimates that fewer than half of people with osteoporosis have been diagnosed, highlighting the need for better screening and treatment. The study found that new prescription medications have improved diagnosis and treatment rates, but more work is needed to catch cases early.
Researchers monitored PAHs in smoke and soot after 9/11, finding high levels initially but diminishing rapidly. The study suggests little lifetime cancer risk for people living near Ground Zero, but possible effects on unborn babies.
Research reveals that mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti are less likely to develop high levels of insecticide resistance due to a silent genetic mutation. The study found that only one base mutation is needed for some mosquito species, like Anopheles gambiae, but two adjacent mutations are required in others, including Aedes aegypti.
Pigeons with homing experience were significantly attracted to highways and a railway track, especially during early and middle sections of their homeward journeys. The researchers found that the birds may use cognitive strategies to locate their loft by relying on topographical points and road features.
Researchers have identified a gene essential for the synthesis of a novel plant hormone that regulates shoot branching. The hormone is believed to be a carotenoid derivative, with a protein that can cleave carotenoids such as carrots' orange pigment.
Fetal stem cells have shown promise in treating stroke damage, outperforming adult cells and overcoming embryonic cell limitations. Researchers are now exploring the potential of these cells to aid recovery after a stroke.
Researchers studied beaked whale responses to sound frequencies and decibel levels, revealing overestimated deep water impacts and new insights into shallow water reverberations. The study aims to improve safety guidelines for seismic operations in U.S. waters.
A study found significant socioeconomic disparities in cervical cancer among American women, with higher poverty levels and lower education associated with increased incidence and mortality rates. Women from low-income census tracts were 20% more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage disease than those from high-poverty areas.
A Queen's biologist calls for immediate protection for two distinct rock ptarmigan populations in Newfoundland and Alaska, citing genetic differences and threats from human activities. The study's findings suggest that these populations should be considered separate species, deserving special preservation under the Species at Risk Act.
Immune cells that get trapped in atherosclerotic plaques attract more immune cells, setting up a cycle that leads to continued progression of the disease. Monocytes take up permanent residence in plaques due to altered differentiation factors.
A study found that physical symptoms, such as shortness of breath and weakness, predict cancer prognosis. Physical health-related quality of life (hrQoL) factors were stronger predictors of survival than psychosocial factors.
Osteoporosis patients in US saw a four-fold rise in doctor visits from 1994 to 2003, driven by new medication availability. This trend shows improved treatment options for osteoporosis, but highlights the need for prevention strategies such as calcium use and physical activity.
A new grant will investigate how electron-beam irradiation can sterilize spacecraft components, focusing on heat-sensitive materials. The goal is to develop a more effective and reliable sterilization technique for deep space missions.
A new study provides detailed insights into the genetic diversity of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) strains, revealing why some rapidly expand to cause epidemics. The research reveals previously unknown genetic distinctions in M3 strains of GAS.
A K-State researcher found a link between smoking, vitamin A deficiency and emphysema in rats. The study shows that benzopyrene, a common carcinogen in cigarettes, induces vitamin A deficiency, which can lead to increased emphysema scores.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that leptin triggers production of áMSH, a powerful peptide signal that boosts metabolism. This discovery could lead to the development of obesity treatments that increase energy production and promote weight loss.
A study of 154 hospitalized stroke patients found that antihypertensive therapy was used more frequently than recommended by clinical guidelines. The majority of patients experienced relative hypotension, and one in 20 developed frank hypotension.
Researchers discover new method for growing tiny tubes, similar to those found in caves and at hydrothermal vents. The discovery uses a controlled laboratory setup to replicate the formation process, allowing scientists to study it on human time scales.
Researchers link warmer temperatures to earlier flowering times in plants, with a significant trend observed over the past century. The study suggests that existing collections of herbarium records can be used to measure regional effects of climate change on phenological events.
The three-year funding supports a joint effort to apply Multiple Dirichlet Series to analytic number theory, a central area of modern mathematics. This could lead to new insights into long-standing problems in number theory.
Research reveals that women are 25% more likely to experience migraines before menstruation and that severe attacks often occur during pre- and post-menstruation intervals. Medication frovatriptan shows promise in preventing menstrually-related migraines, with over half of patients experiencing no migraine attacks.
Researchers found a series of genes defining a two-segment periodicity in centipede embryos, resulting in single segments that later develop legs. This mechanism limits the number of leg-bearing segments to odd numbers, with additional non-leg bearing segments also formed.
A study by the Genetic Epidemiology of Lung Cancer Consortium (GELCC) found strong evidence for a lung cancer susceptibility gene co-inherited with a genetic marker on chromosome 6. The researchers identified a region of interest on chromosome 6q23-25, which contains multiple genes that may contribute to lung cancer risk.
A study found that 65% of physicians made treatment decisions inconsistent with their patients' advance directives. Despite the presence of these documents, physicians prioritized other factors in difficult clinical situations. The authors emphasize the need for improved conflict resolution in end-of-life decision making.
Rice University's 'Nanotechnology: Content and Context' course combines technical content with social context to prepare students for a future where nanotech is integral. The course, led by CBEN faculty, explores four theme areas: scale, life, risk, and environment.
A yearlong study found that negative self-image in adolescents fosters increasingly damaging behaviors, including social isolation, peer conflict, and victimization. The study suggests that early intervention is needed to improve peer interactions in schools.
The aloe vera-derived fluid improved survival rates in rats with hemorrhagic shock, even without resuscitation, suggesting its potential to increase survival in trauma patients. The researchers believe the fluid could be administered before evacuation to medical units, reducing the need for blood transfusions.
The new magnet features a uniform field of 21.1 Tesla in a volume 64 times larger than typical NMR systems, allowing for a wider range of scientific experiments. Scientists can now explore new avenues in chemical and biomedical science using this unique national resource.
Early visual experience is crucial for normal development of color constancy in humans and monkeys. The study shows that baby monkeys raised in monochromatic environments had severe deficits in color constancy, highlighting the importance of early exposure to a diverse range of colors.
A new neurostimulation system uses continuous electric field adjustments to provide real-time, dynamic paresthesia steering for improved pain relief. This innovative technology enables up to 71 combinations of stimulation settings, leading to enhanced therapeutic possibilities.
Researchers have successfully delivered a mini-dystrophin gene to all skeletal and cardiac muscles of an adult mouse with muscular dystrophy, reversing the disease. The breakthrough uses a safe and simple method to target muscle cells without triggering an immune response.
Researchers have discovered a two-member family of protein molecules, phototropin, that detects blue photons and guides seedling growth towards light. This finding has profound influences on seedling development and is being intensely studied by chemists and biophysicists.
A new breed of vaccine-producing plants is being developed to combat global health issues, including cholera and diarrhea. The innovative technology uses minimal processing to yield heat-stable vaccines for oral delivery.
A new study suggests that a stroke-prevention strategy for kids pioneered at MCG is working. The program, which involves regular blood transfusions and screening using transcranial Doppler, has led to an 80% decline in strokes among California children with sickle cell disease.
In a breakthrough study, Johns Hopkins scientists identified that nerve cells use target-derived cues and proteins like NGF to guide them to their final targets. The research sheds new light on the complex process of nerve growth and cell targeting during development.