A study by Sergei Mirkin and Maria Krasilnikova found that faulty DNA replication causes the sequence to become unstable when it exceeds 40 repeats, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness and heart disease in neurological diseases like Friedreich's ataxia.
A team of physicists and engineers created metamaterials that respond magnetically to terahertz radiation, extending their properties to the terahertz range. This discovery has the potential to enable new applications in areas like weather guidance, security, and biomedical imaging.
The future of drug delivery involves 'smart' systems addressing issues like gut, skin, and lung penetration, promising improved patient compliance and treatment efficacy.
Research suggests that pediatricians can play a crucial role in addressing postpartum depression among mothers. A study found that mothers are open to discussing their mental health concerns with pediatricians, but a trusting relationship must be established first.
Stanford researchers discovered a type of molecular motor that provides the proper amount of tension in inner ear sensors to respond to sound. The motor anchors itself and maintains tension, implying its role in cellular organization, such as chromosome separation during cell division.
Researchers have confirmed three previously suggested loci and identified two new ones for potential AMD genes on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, 9, 22. The study used high-resolution genome scans to narrow the search for AMD-related genes.
A study by Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation found that elderly patients experienced decreased pain intensity and improved sleep disturbances with once-daily Kadian dosing. The trial, KRONUS-MSP, showed a lower incidence of side effects compared to other opioids, making it an ideal option for managing chronic pain in older adults.
An educational program tailored to individual needs improved safety behaviors among older drivers, but had no effect on collision rates. The program focused on visual deficits and strategies to avoid challenging driving situations.
A study published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases found that gadolinium-enhanced MRI (G-MRI) was highly accurate in diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children, with 92% accuracy for ulcerative colitis and 96% accuracy for Crohn's disease. This non-invasive diagnostic tool could replace conventional tests like colonoscopy.
The sequencing of Ashbya's genome has shed light on the evolution of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and provided insight into fundamental features responsible for fungal disease. The fungus' compact genome contains 4,718 protein-coding genes, with over 90% similarity to yeast.
A study analyzing physician office data and pharmacy surveys found that the cost of high blood pressure therapy increased by $12 billion between 1990 and 2002. The primary contributors to this increase were higher prices for expensive ACE-inhibitors and ARBs, as well as a decline in diuretic prescriptions.
A new computer-based program, HCCRACT-R, provides personalized colon cancer risk data and helps individuals make informed decisions. The tool, developed by Dr. Weinstein, takes into account both modifiable and unchangeable risk factors, and has been shown to correct misconceptions about risk perception in over 75% of participants.
Patients with massive skin cancers can now experience significant improvement in function, appearance, and quality of life after undergoing free tissue transfer surgery. This innovative technique, pioneered by OHSU researchers, has revolutionized the care of patients with this condition.
Researchers found improved heart function in some patients treated with stem cells and G-CSF after a heart attack. However, the treatment also led to an unexpected high rate of complications, prompting further investigation before its use in humans.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that women with coronary artery disease are twice as likely to die if they exhibit symptoms of depression. The study analyzed the Beck Depression Inventory scores of 265 women admitted for a diagnostic cardiac catheterization and followed them for up to 3.5 years.
Researchers successfully fertilized rabbit oocytes with freeze-dried sperm, showing promise for long-term storage. The breakthrough improves upon previous success with mouse sperm and opens up possibilities for preserving sperm from humans and other mammalian species.
Researchers have discovered that halogen ions on the ocean's surface play a significant role in atmospheric chemistry, influencing ozone production and potentially exacerbating respiratory problems. The study found that iodide and bromide ions were more likely to react with other chemicals, leading to increased ozone formation.
A new mouse model of SBMA has been created, showing that the abnormal androgen receptor interferes with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production, leading to motor neuron degeneration. The study suggests VEGF may play a pivotal role in protecting motor neurons from damage.
Gene expression scales closely with initial expression levels, with highly expressed genes showing dynamic changes and lower-expressed genes less variability. A 'rich-travel-more' mechanism governs this proportionality, underlying complex biological networks.
A Phase II study investigates the effectiveness of black cohosh and red clover in alleviating hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. The study aims to provide an evidence-based response for women seeking alternatives to hormone replacement therapy.
A study by the Infectious Diseases Society of America suggests that gonorrhea tests may produce false-positive results, particularly in low-risk populations or areas with low gonorrhea rates. Doctors are urged to obtain their patients' sexual histories to accurately diagnose and interpret test results.
The International Multiproxy Paleofire Database merges tree-ring evidence and lake sediment records to study past fires, with over 450 tree-ring and 50 sediment-based records anticipated. Researchers aim to connect paleodata to modern data for forest management and climate change analysis.
The main thrust of a 1998 Lancet paper described an unexpected intestinal lesion in children, raising the possibility of a link between MMR vaccine and autism. Despite lack of evidence, the paper's interpretation sparked major implications for public health, leading to formal retraction by the authors.
Researchers created a mouse model for migraines to study debilitating headaches. The FHM mouse showed increased calcium channel activation and susceptibility to cortical spreading depression (CSD), suggesting hyperexcitability in the brain may trigger pain.
The Providence Journal won the 2004 Dart Award for its 'Rape in a Small Town' series, which delves into the life of Laura, a girl who was raped by a popular classmate during her sophomore year. The series also explores the lingering effects of rape on the victim and their family, as well as the community's response to the crime.
Researchers found that dual-infection with HIV and GBV-C leads to better outcomes, including slower progression to AIDS and lower mortality rates. Understanding the mechanism behind this phenomenon could lead to the development of improved therapies.
A Canadian researcher finds a strong link between sea lice from salmon farms and declining native salmon populations in BC. Meanwhile, an opposing expert suggests other factors are at play and that correlation does not necessarily imply causation.
USC researchers have discovered a unique DNA structure linked to follicular lymphoma, the second-most common form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The fragile site on chromosome 18 is responsible for 4% of all cancers and leads to the translocation 14;18, making cancer cells invincible.
A study published in Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal found that nutrition education participants who completed six or more lessons experienced significantly less food insecurity compared to those who dropped out early. The program improved skills such as budgeting, comparing prices, and shopping with a grocery list among ...
Researchers found that elderly women with low vitamin B-12 levels experience rapid hip bone loss, a risk factor for fractures. Simple dietary supplements or multivitamins may help slow bone loss rates.
The study identifies three key factors: tunnelling, competing order, and charge imbalance. By understanding these mechanisms, scientists can develop superconducting materials with higher critical temperatures, leading to significant implications for industries like medical imaging and electrical power transmission.
Research finds HIV-positive men who have persistent GBV-C infection survive longer, but the exact reason is unknown. The study of 271 participants found that those with long-term GBV-C infection lived up to 11 years after contracting HIV.
Researchers found that 9-11 attacks had a significant impact on black adolescents, with 28% feeling pessimistic about their future and 22% losing faith in government protection. The Iraq War study showed military youth experiencing higher blood pressures, heart rates, and anxiety symptoms.
Chlorine dioxide-infused gloves can destroy various microorganisms, including E. coli and salmonella, reducing transmission risks in medical and food industries. The technology has potential applications beyond gloves and hands, including preventing infections in vulnerable patients.
A recent study found that college-educated Caucasian women have lower BMI levels compared to similar African American women, regardless of age or other factors. However, the study suggests that socioeconomic status may not be as protective against obesity for black women.
The UK is investing in two University centres to build accelerator RÔD expertise and develop a strong research base in experimental particle physics. The Neutrino Factory is proposed as an international experiment to study artificially produced neutrinos.
The study, published in Pharmacological Reviews, reveals that activation of certain melanocortin receptors can modulate the inflammatory process, reducing major molecules involved. This discovery has implications for treating localized and systemic inflammatory disorders, including organ transplantation and chronic inflammatory diseases.
The new cell lines, derived from private funds by Harvard University researchers, offer a robust and easy-to-handle alternative to existing human embryonic stem cells. The availability of these cell lines is expected to quicken the pace of discovery in stem cell biology, particularly in research related to type 1 diabetes.
The Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton (BLEEX) is a wearable device that enhances human strength and endurance. The system combines a human control system with robotic muscle, allowing the wearer to walk, squat, and bend without reduced agility.
Researchers have discovered that short-term use of estrogen plus progestin is associated with a decreased incidence of colorectal cancers. However, these cancers are diagnosed at more advanced stages, suggesting further study is needed to understand this phenomenon.
The REVERSAL study found that intensive statin therapy resulted in greater reductions in LDL-cholesterol and C-reactive protein, as well as less progression of coronary atherosclerosis compared to moderate treatment. Patients who received intensive therapy showed significant positive changes in plaque buildup volume.
A widely used anti-nausea drug, dexamethasone, may interfere with cancer chemotherapy. Pretreatment with dexamethasone reduces the ability of paclitaxel and doxorubicin to kill cancer cells by upregulating genes that protect breast cancer cells from cell death.
Salvage harvesting operations after natural disturbances can threaten some organisms when large quantities of biological legacies are removed. Researchers argue that exempting large areas from these practices is crucial for ecosystem recovery and sustainability.
Researchers found a significant association between H. pylori infection and reduced risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma, but a two-fold increased risk of squamous-cell carcinoma. Gastric atrophy was not linked to disease risk, suggesting an alternative pathway from H. pylori to cancer.
US state and territorial health departments have limited online resources for reporting infectious diseases, a study found. Updating these sites to provide complete, accessible disease reporting information could strengthen partnerships between clinicians and public health officials and improve disease surveillance.
Researchers developed a new method to increase fetal DNA detection in maternal blood, reducing the risk of pregnancy loss associated with invasive tests. The technique, using formaldehyde to stabilize blood cell membranes, resulted in higher percentages of free fetal DNA in samples.
A new report from Ohio State University recommends prioritizing the risks and benefits of genetically engineered organisms (GEOs) before release. The panel suggests developing regulations based on scientific findings and implementing measures to prevent unwanted side effects.
A Mayo Clinic study of 100 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer found that a nerve block technique, combined with pain-relieving medications, provided a 50% reduction in pain and improved quality of life. The study suggests that this treatment option could be beneficial for patients with pancreatic cancer, allowing them to live mor...
Dr. Leon Thal, Chair of the UCSD Department of Neurosciences, will receive the Potamkin Prize for his groundbreaking research on Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative diseases. His work has significantly contributed to the understanding of the cause, prevention, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Four new studies expose disparities in children's eye care based on race, income, and insurance status. Minorities and uninsured children are significantly less likely to receive eye exams or corrective lenses than their peers.
The Landsat 5 satellite has exceeded expectations with 100,000 orbits and over 29 million images collected. Its longevity has enabled scientists to develop a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's land surface features.
The EarthDial Project features a global network of sundials, including ones in the US, Spain, Malaysia, Honduras, and Antarctica. The web site provides a palpable sense of time on the globe, with shadow angles changing like clock hands in different time zones.
Researchers have discovered a method to generate nuclear reactions using sound waves and tiny bubbles, supporting the development of an inexpensive 'tabletop' device. The process creates conditions comparable to the interior of stars, with temperatures reaching 10 million degrees Celsius.
A new index, CTPE Index, quantifies clot size and predicts patient outcome in pulmonary embolism. Patients with high clot burdens are at increased risk of death and may require aggressive treatment.
Researchers found that retinoblastoma survivors are at higher risk of epithelial cancers such as esophagus, stomach, colon, lung, breast, cervix, or prostate, despite low radiation therapy. High folate intake is associated with a lower risk of ovarian cancer, especially among women who consume alcohol.
Research on glaucoma medication latanoprost vs. timolol shows intraocular pressure-reducing effects and safety benefits. A study on frequency-doubling perimetry also explores its feasibility in young children.
A pilot study demonstrates that detecting the presence of the ERBB2 protein in medulloblastoma tumor samples can help predict which children with medulloblastoma will require more intensive treatment. This knowledge can aid in minimizing lasting effects of therapy and increasing survival rates.
The National Institutes of Health has stopped the estrogen-alone study in healthy postmenopausal women due to an increased risk of stroke, but found no effect on heart disease. The trial also showed a decreased risk of hip fractures and no increase in breast cancer risk.
The Phase I study demonstrated a clear dose-response relationship between the amount of rPA102 administered and the subsequent immune response, with antibody titers continuing to increase after the second and third administration. The vaccine was well-tolerated, with no evidence of dose-limiting toxicity or reactogenicity at any dose.
A team of scientists at Stanford University re-analyzed the DNA samples from the alleged Romanov remains, finding significant discrepancies that challenge previous conclusions. The researchers argue that the original genetic tests were flawed due to contamination or degradation, which led to inaccurate results.