A study of 19,537 patients found that those taking cholesterol-lowering drugs statins before admission had better hospital outcomes than non-statin users. Meanwhile, researchers discovered limited information on the effectiveness of bioterrorism surveillance systems in detecting illnesses and emerging infections.
A study by Rockefeller University researchers reveals that a single molecular pathway controls both cell growth and death in a type of lymphoma cancer. The NF-kappa B signaling pathway, responsible for promoting cell growth, also regulates the p53 tumor suppressor protein's function, which normally destroys harmful cells.
An international team has defined a previously undescribed inherited cardiac arrhythmia syndrome caused by mutations in the ankyrin-B gene. The syndrome, distinct from Long QT Syndrome, is characterized by abnormal heartbeats and increased risk of sudden death, particularly among young people.
Researchers found almost half of patients in Serbian emergency departments experienced depression, while over one in eight suffered from PTSD. Symptoms were more prevalent among older patients, those with lower social support, and those living in remote areas.
The study found annual cost savings ranging from $510,000 to $13 million for different ICU bed sizes, with a best-case scenario demonstrating up to $4.2-$13 million in savings. Implementing intensivist staffing can also reduce hospital mortality by 30% and potentially save 162,000 lives annually.
The NCAR instrument provides unprecedented views of the solar corona's magnetic structures, enabling scientists to analyze magnetism in the corona and relate it to emerging features like prominences and coronal mass ejections. This data will aid space weather forecasters in predicting solar storms that can impact Earth's infrastructure.
Scientists at NCAR's High Altitude Observatory developed a new model that accounts for the evolution of sunspots caused by plasma circulation. The forecast predicts solar storms and cycle 24 starting around 2007-2008, with potential implications for understanding stars similar to the Sun.
Researchers have identified a critical regulatory region for the development of the enteric nervous system, which plays a vital role in gastrointestinal functions. Genetic mutations in this region may lead to incomplete development of the enteric nervous system, often causing Hirschsprung disease.
A study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons suggests that breast reduction can decrease the chance of developing breast cancer by 50-70 percent in high-risk women. The report is based on six observational studies conducted in the US, Canada, Denmark, and Sweden, examining over 32,000 women.
Researchers discovered that mice with the highest metabolic rate lived 36% longer than those with lower rates, potentially adding an extra 27 years to human lifespan. The most metabolically active mice contained factors that made their metabolism less efficient but reduced toxic by-products called oxygen free radicals.
A survey of 73 social workers in the Carolinas found that over a quarter reported similar comments from patient family members. The study suggests that hospice patients considering hastening death may differ from typical patients, with higher rates of cancer. Social workers can provide assessment and intervention to address these needs.
Researchers at Penn State found lags between the changes in forces and strength in laboratory simulations, with delays ranging from seconds to weeks after initial earthquakes. The study suggests a competition between compaction and dilation of granules in gouge zones contributes to delayed fault movements.
A recent analysis of lung cancer screening studies found that CT scans do not save lives and may even be counterproductive. The study's authors estimated that between 4.1 and 5.5 patients per thousand would die of lung cancer after screening, similar to the mortality rate without screening.
Researchers found that women with breast tumors retaining the Stat5 protein biomarker have a highly favorable prognosis and may be cured by surgery alone. The study suggests that detection of this marker could lead to improved individualized therapy, including more careful follow-up and aggressive treatment for high-risk patients.
A Clemson researcher has received a grant from the Komen Foundation to further study the combination of a mutated prolactin receptor antagonist (PRL antagonist) and Herceptin, a breast cancer drug. The goal is to develop an effective treatment for aggressive subtypes of breast cancer.
Astronomers using the European AVO Virtual Observatory have discovered a whole population of obscured, powerful supermassive black holes in the GOODS survey fields. The team found thirty objects, which they believe were underestimated by a factor of two to five.
A recent study published in Science has found that tropical vegetation changes lagged local tropical climate shifts by 25 to 50 years. This contradicts previous research suggesting a high-latitude trigger for abrupt climate shifts. The researchers used sediment cores from the Cariaco Basin in Venezuela to make their findings.
The Ecological Society of America presents an action plan to address growing environmental challenges globally. The report emphasizes the need for integrating ecological knowledge into policy and management, fostering an ecologically knowledgeable public, and building infrastructure for ecology.
Dr. Charles Pak, a renowned researcher, has been recognized with an international award for his groundbreaking work on kidney-stone disease treatment methodologies. He has developed several drugs used worldwide and diagnostic methods for measuring risk factors, improving patient outcomes.
Researchers found that cross-priming, a key mechanism in T-cell activation, is directly correlated with the levels of whole proteins expressed by virus-infected cells. This new information could lead to the development of vaccines effective against infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and malaria.
Researchers at UCLA successfully synthesized three identical, mutually interlocking Borromean rings around six metal templates. The complex seven-step synthesis required the use of computational chemistry and a high-risk approach.
Scientists found prolonged changes in hydrothermal activity after a magnitude-7.9 Denali fault earthquake in Alaska triggered more than 1,000 small earthquakes in Yellowstone within a week. Some geysers erupted more frequently while others less often due to changes in water pressure and underground conduits.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that nearly half of ovarian cancer surgeries in Maryland were performed by low-volume surgeons, those with four or fewer cases per year. High-volume surgeons, who perform more than 10 cases per year, are more likely to accurately assess disease stage and increase survival rates.
A new government survey reveals that 36 percent of US adults use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), with prayer being the most commonly used therapy. The survey found that CAM use was more prevalent among women, those with higher education, and people who had been hospitalized in the past year.
A study published in BMC Medical Research Methodology revealed that over 38% of Nature papers and a quarter of BMJ articles contained at least one statistical error. The researchers suggest making raw data freely available to minimize the impact of errors, which could have important practical consequences.
Researchers from NJIT and Caltech combined NASA cloud data with earthshine records to analyze Earth's reflectance and global cloud cover. The study suggests that Earth's average albedo varies considerably from year to year and decade to decade.
A recent study has found that COX-2 inhibitors may have a lower risk of congestive heart failure compared to non-selective NSAIDs. COX-2 inhibitors rofecoxib and celecoxib showed significantly different risks of hospital admission for heart failure, with users of celecoxib having the same rate as those who had never used NSAIDs.
Loyola Medicine is conducting a clinical trial testing a new oxygen-carrying blood substitute for trauma patients. The study aims to compare the survival rate of patients receiving the blood substitute with those receiving saline solution. Community outreach efforts have been made to inform the public about the trial.
Research finds that mitochondrial function decline is a critical mechanism driving aging, leading to premature aging in mice. The study highlights the potential for protecting mitochondrial DNA from damage to slow down aging and treat related pathological changes.
New research indicates that hormone therapy may still offer important health benefits to postmenopausal women. The study's authors argue that the effects of different estrogens and progestins can vary significantly depending on formulation, dosage, and administration method.
Scientists have discovered that ribosomes' universally conserved nucleotides are not crucial for building proteins but instead aid in their release. The findings challenge long-held ideas about protein synthesis, suggesting a new model for the ribosome's function.
Researchers found that fig extracts inhibited the growth of E.coli and Salmonella bacteria, while control samples showed increased bacterial loads. The findings could lead to the use of fig extracts as a natural additive in processed foods.
The US Department of Energy has funded two Fusion Science Centers, one at the University of Maryland/UCLA and the other at the University of Rochester. The centers will focus on fundamental issues in fusion plasma science and provide education and training for researchers and students.
Researchers from USC provide a new perspective on treating genetic disorders by switching genes back on using epigenetic therapy. Several chemical compounds have been found to affect epigenetic gene changes and are being tested in clinical trials, including one recently approved for myelodysplastic syndrome.
A new study published in Science proposes a potential design principle for vaccines targeting difficult-to-destroy viruses like HIV and smallpox. The research found that a double-punch approach, targeting both pathways to activate killer cells, could provide more efficient protection against viruses.
The study found a strong link between nerve damage and the presence of molecules Nav.1.6 and NCX, which can lead to permanent and irreparable damage in MS. The researchers hope to design new therapies that will protect vulnerable nerve fibers.
Astronomers have discovered over 300 newly forming stars in a distant nebula, creating ideal conditions for the formation of new solar systems. The sheer number of objects is astounding, and may force us to rewrite our ideas of star formation and how much of it is going on in the Milky Way.
The Tobacco industry's document depository in Guildford, UK, is being criticized for its limited access and transparency. The company has failed to provide electronic access to requested documents, despite claiming to have 'big time imaging' capabilities.
A Johns Hopkins-led study found that most physicians reported positive attitudes towards caring for patients with chronic conditions, but felt they had received less training than needed. Chronic problems like diabetes and heart disease account for over 75% of healthcare spending in the US.
A new percolation model allows researchers to study cell signaling and track the movement of single atoms in complex pathways. This breakthrough enables fundamental chemical reactions to be observed at the molecular level in living cells.
The NSF Discovery Corps fellowship program aims to connect researchers with host organizations, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and skill-sharing. The pilot project will provide funding for six fellowships focused on various projects, including promoting STEM careers among undergraduates.
The study reveals changes in Earth's reflectance over the past two decades, with a sharp decline in albedo from 1995-2001 and subsequent brightening. These variations are comparable to those in infrared radiation observed in the tropics, influencing the Earth's radiation budget.
Pharmacogenomics has the potential to improve health outcomes and reduce costs by identifying genes that govern drug responses. However, conducting clinical trials with pharmacogenomic studies poses challenges due to multiple genetic influences and interactions with other drugs.
Researchers have discovered a new way in which mutated Ras proteins contribute to cancer progression. They found that Ras interacts with an enzyme essential for the synthesis of GPI-anchored proteins, regulating their production on cell surfaces.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown microbial community in Mayan ruins that breaks down limestone from the inside out. The dominant Actinobacteria population on the interior surfaces degrades the stone as it grows, challenging conventional disinfection methods.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that Bispectral Index (BIS) monitoring can significantly reduce the incidence of awareness during surgery. By using BIS-guided anaesthesia, patients at risk experienced only two cases of awareness compared to 11 reported cases with standard care.
Researchers have discovered that a gene therapy using growth factor VEGF can slow down the onset and progression of ALS in mice, increasing life expectancy by 30%. This treatment has shown promising results without toxic side effects, offering new hope for patients with this incurable disease.
Researchers identify source of random noise in gene expression, finding that promoter preparation and remodeling contribute to variability. This variation can affect protein levels and cell behavior, with implications for evolution and development.
Researchers identified more than 500 proteins contained in the midbody structure necessary for normal cell division. Inactivating these proteins led to cytokinesis defects, causing abnormal cell division, which can lead to diseases such as cancer, birth defects, and neurological disorders.
The University of Cincinnati team is heading to Santorini, Greece to assess the island's problems and prioritize solutions. The team will focus on rapid assessment, evaluation and data collection regarding the island's carrying capacity issues, waste management, and infrastructure costs.
Researchers at Yale University have developed a method to target specific populations of nerve cells in the brain using viruses. By injecting an adeno-associated virus into the brain, they can trigger the expression of a jellyfish gene that glows green in certain neurons. This approach has significant potential for the treatment of neu...
The Wearable Low Vision Aid (WLVA) is a portable system that uses an infrared camera and head-mounted display to warn users of potential hazards. The device projects a warning icon onto the user's retina using an illuminated, vibrating crystal, alerting them to obstacles such as branches or trash cans.
The center will focus on research methods for creating a hydrogen economy, including production, safety, and performance enhancements. Florida Tech aims to contribute to the nation's transition away from dependence on Middle Eastern oil.
Researchers created a virtual model of the human immune system to study M. tuberculosis, a bacterium that causes TB. The computer model revealed key findings on granuloma formation and the immune response, shedding light on why some people fight off infection while others get sick.
A recent OHSU study found that Parkinson's caregivers experience dramatic declines in physical and mental health over 10 years, with increased strain and depression. The study identified predictors of caregiver risk, highlighting the importance of supporting family caregivers to improve patient outcomes.
A study led by Duke University Medical Center researchers found African-Americans have a significantly lower response rate to treatment for chronic hepatitis C. Only 19% of African-American patients responded to the drug combination, while 52% of non-Hispanic white patients achieved a sustained virologic response.
Researchers at the University of Uppsala developed PQL, a diagnosis and treatment program that leads to improvement in stress management and overall well-being. The program uses psychosocial, biological, and production measures and has been shown to have a clear impact on sleep, concentration, and physiological factors.
A study published in Nature found that thick marine beds of siderite suggest early high carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. The research suggests that the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration was more than 100 times greater than today, causing acidic ocean water and maintaining liquid oceans.
Researchers found that several plant materials and extracts inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria when introduced into bird nests. These findings suggest that parent birds may be using medical botany as a form of effective home nest security to protect their offspring from disease.
A new, low-cost hand-held magnetic surgical tool has been developed to reduce X-ray exposure during long bone repair surgeries. The device uses electronic sensors instead of X-rays to locate screw holes, making the process precise and reducing radiation exposure for surgeons.