A new study found that MRI is more effective than PET in detecting small liver metastases, with an accuracy rate of 75.5%, compared to PET's 64.1%. The study used a custom liver-specific contrast agent, which improved image resolution and detection of smaller lesions.
Researchers found that surgery to remove fatty deposits from narrowed vessels can significantly reduce stroke risk, with a 50% reduction in strokes among those who underwent the procedure. The study's results confirm previous findings and highlight the need for more adults to be screened for narrowed carotid arteries.
A study by Wake Forest Baptist found that eszopiclone significantly improved sleep measures in older adults with insomnia, including reduced napping and enhanced quality of life. The treatment increased total sleep time and reduced the tendency to wake up repeatedly during sleep.
Researchers discovered 481 ultra-conserved elements in the human genome, which are long and evolutionarily frozen. These elements are associated with genes, particularly those involved in regulating gene expression through alternative splicing.
Researchers found that simple public health measures can contain highly transmissible diseases like SARS and smallpox. In contrast, moderately transmissible viruses like HIV and pandemic influenza require more complex control measures due to early symptom onset.
Researchers have developed a second-generation targeted antibody, 806, which shows potent anti-tumor activity in animal models of human cancers that overexpress EGFR. The antibody binds specifically to activated EGFR on cancer cells, avoiding normal tissues.
A study found that over half of men taking part in a prostate cancer risk assessment program reported using dietary supplements to prevent the disease. The most commonly used supplements were vitamins and minerals, with saw-palmetto being one popular option.
The guidelines provide a rigorous analysis of the safety, efficacy, and mode of use of new antiepileptic drugs, offering clinicians evidence-based assessments for treatment decisions. The guidelines address concerns about side effects and liver metabolism, providing guidance on using newer drugs safely and effectively.
A study found that highly processed isoflavone products may pose a risk to postmenopausal women with estrogen-responsive breast cancers. Minimally processed soy flour was associated with less tumor growth in mice, suggesting a potential health benefit for consumers of whole soy foods.
A Georgia Institute of Technology study found that older adults are willing to sacrifice some privacy for technologies that enable them to live independently longer. The study evaluated various technologies, including Cook's Collage and FaceBot, which sparked both positive and negative reactions among participants.
A study found that MRI scans can detect breast cancer in 70% of cases at stage 1, and in 62% of cases without a mass. Most women who underwent the test chose mastectomy due to early detection.
The KRONUS-MSP trial found that switching to sustained-release opioid Kadian improves pain relief and quality of life, while reducing the need for medication. Patients who previously exceeded recommended doses of OxyContin or MS Contin found relief with Kadian.
A study by Lund scientists has shown that adult stem cells cannot form new heart muscle cells after a heart attack. The transplanted cells retain their identity as blood cells and fuse with heart muscle cells outside the infarcted area.
UVa researchers have identified a gene, Stat-4, that plays a key role in the development of type 1 diabetes. Disrupting this gene may help prevent the disease, and a new anti-inflammatory compound, Lisofylline (LSF), has shown promise in inhibiting its activation.
A study by OHSU researchers has identified genetic defects in five genes as responsible for a minority of unexplained sudden cardiac deaths. The findings provide hope that gene defects may also have caused remaining deaths and bring closer to predicting who is vulnerable to sudden death.
Researchers studied 40 patients with 42 adrenal masses and found that MRI was more sensitive than CT in characterizing lipid-rich adenomas. The study's findings suggest that MRI may be the preferred imaging modality for detecting adrenal adenomas, particularly in cases where symptoms are present or a history of cancer is known.
A study found that 28% of Central Valley sediment samples are toxic to amphipods and midge larvae due to pyrethroids. The pesticides were present in 68% of these sediments, posing a risk to freshwater organisms.
The BOLDER study found SEROQUEL to be superior to placebo in reducing depressive symptoms and anxiety in patients with bipolar disorder. Approximately 50% of patients achieved remission from their bipolar depression symptoms.
Researchers found that taxanes significantly improved immune function in breast cancer patients, with a 37% increase in T cell growth and a 39% boost in NK cell activity. The study's findings suggest that taxanes may improve patient outcomes or quality of life by enhancing the body's ability to respond to infection or cancer recurrence.
The President's Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring recognize institutions and individuals who promote diversity and inclusion in STEM education. This year, 62 institutions and 78 individuals were recognized for their innovative approaches to mentoring, including comprehensive programs and community...
A randomized double-blind cross-over study involving 22 healthy volunteers found that Malarone(TM) had no significant effect on vigilance, alertness, or quality of sleep. The results support previous studies showing Malarone(TM) has no impact under normal pressure conditions.
A Texas A&M University researcher is studying a large dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, where fertilizers are suspected to be a major cause. The Mississippi River is creating a perfect storm for these chemical runoff events due to its massive size and high nutrient levels.
A nationwide study by University of Florida professor Brian Stults found that housing segregation between racial groups persisted in many parts of the nation, with blacks and whites experiencing high levels of separation in neighborhoods, schools, and income distribution
Researchers from Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and Wake Forest Health found a 24% improvement in physical function among participants who combined weight loss with moderate exercise. Participants reported significant improvements in knee pain, with a decrease of over 30%.
The Wildlife Conservation Society recently rounded up over 300 threatened flamingos in the Altiplano region, collecting data on their health and tracking population trends. The organization has been participating in a banding project for three years, working to conserve vulnerable species like James' and Andean flamingoes.
A new protein, DEFB118, has been discovered in the male reproductive tract and has potent antibacterial activity. It may aid fertilization by protecting sperm from harmful organisms encountered in the female reproductive tract.
A recent study found that carotid endarterectomy (CEA) significantly reduces the risk of stroke among high-risk patients. The 5-year risk of stroke was around half for patients under 75 years old given CEA compared to those receiving no intervention. However, the benefits of immediate surgery may be short-lived, and ongoing follow-up i...
A study found that NICE guidelines on surgical procedures had no significant impact on the adoption of recommended practices. In contrast, an increase in non-cement prostheses for hip replacements was reported after the guidelines were issued. The researchers suggest using more active dissemination methods to promote effective uptake.
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine have discovered that RNA helicases can displace proteins from single-stranded RNA and change shape without unwinding duplexes. This finding redefines the mechanism of action of RNA helicases, providing new insights into their roles in various biological processes.
End-user programmers, estimated at 55 million by 2005, create nontrivial bugs nearly half of the time. Researchers from U.S. National Science Foundation develop new techniques and tools to aid debugging, focusing on 'negotiated' interruptions and novel environments that ask questions about code behavior.
Researchers used gene therapy to increase dopamine D2 receptor levels, reducing preference for alcohol and consumption by half in genetically predisposed rats. The treatment showed significant reductions in drinking preference and consumption in both groups, with the greatest effects observed within days of treatment.
Researchers used the MIDI instrument in the VLTI Laboratory to study the central region of active galaxy NGC 1068. They confirmed the presence of a torus-shaped structure of gas and dust around the black hole, with a hot inner zone and a cooler outer region.
A new study using satellite data reveals that the troposphere has been warming at a rate similar to the surface, contradicting previous claims of missing atmospheric warming. The researchers developed a method to separate troposphere temperature trends from those of the stratosphere, revealing a faster warming trend.
Researchers at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center developed a new SPECT imaging test that can accurately diagnose Alzheimer's disease in its early stages. The test identifies reduced blood flow in the posterior cingulate cortex, allowing doctors to identify AD patients significantly sooner than current methods.
A study found that MDCT was more accurate than plain film in detecting bone loss near the prosthesis (100% vs 67%) and fractures (100% vs 94%). MDCT also showed improved detection of loose components (61% vs 54%). The study suggests MDCT should be performed for patients with questionable x-rays or those needing surgery.
New studies suggest that embryonic stem cells or mature beta cells are the primary source of new beta cells for diabetes treatment. The findings highlight a significant proliferative capacity of beta cells, offering a potential clinical direction for boosting insulin production in patients with residual beta cells.
A new MRI-guided breast biopsy system has been developed, showing that it is safe and efficient for retrieving tissue under MRI guidance. The procedure was found to be technically successful with no complications in all 38 biopsies performed on 28 patients.
Research found that couples who don't follow traditional labor division are less likely to have another child. Modern families with women performing less than 54% of housework have an 81% chance of having a second child within five years.
Researchers at Stanford Medicine identified Langerhans cells as the principal culprit behind graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in transplanted mice. Eliminating these cells using ultraviolet light reduced GVHD symptoms, offering a potential prevention method for transplant patients.
Researchers at University College London developed more effective crime hotspot maps by treating the spread of crime like a disease, capturing 62-80% of burglaries and being 30% more accurate than traditional methods
A Stanford study examined 42 college-age bipolar patients, finding significant improvement in symptoms and function with treatment. The research suggests that early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for preventing disease progression and that these young adults can function well if properly diagnosed and treated.
Cognitive impairments are a significant contributor to the disability associated with schizophrenia. Recent research indicates that medications currently available do little to remedy this aspect of the illness. New trials, part of the TURNS initiative, aim to develop new treatments for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
Phytoplankton in the Sargasso Sea produce organic sulfur compounds as a defense mechanism against UV radiation, leading to increased cloudiness and mitigating global warming effects. The discovery provides new insights into the DMS-climate feedback hypothesis.
A study of 1,248 people with depression found that those who didn't recover from symptoms after routine treatment were more likely to experience persistent depression and report side effects from medication. These individuals often felt they received inadequate care from their doctors, leading to continued use of healthcare services.
A study by the American College of Radiology found that thoracic PET scans are suitable for diagnosing some lung cancer patients with localized disease. This approach reduces radiation exposure and saves time compared to whole-body PET examinations, which cover a broader area of the body.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that cord blood stem cells can halt disease progression and aid repair in organs and tissues, improving survival rates and reducing complications. Children treated with cord blood transplants showed significant cognitive gains and improvements in organ function.
The team developed a genome-scale computational model of gene regulation in E. coli, uncovering surprising new details about how the cell responds to oxygen deprivation. The model includes 1,010 genes, including 104 regulatory genes, which regulate the expression of 479 genes involved in metabolism.
A randomized trial of 542 patients with bipolar depression found Seroquel (quetiapine fumarate) to be effective in reducing symptoms, with a response rate of 50% compared to placebo. The study suggests that Seroquel may be a viable treatment option for bipolar disorder, particularly for patients who exhibit anxiety and agitation.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a characteristic sign of Alzheimer's disease that can distinguish it from frontotemporal diseases, which are the second-leading cause of dementia in the elderly. SPECT testing measures brain blood flow and shows significant reductions in the posterior cingulate cortex, indic...
Tidewater Community College has developed a virtual laboratory using the Educational Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation Suite (ELVIS), which includes digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, and touch-sensitive white boards. The technology allows students to conduct experiments and measure results like real-life equipment, at no additional ...
A new biopsy system has been shown to be effective in completely removing benign breast masses as large as 3 cm, with minimal pain and discomfort. The procedure takes around 20-40 minutes and compares favorably to traditional surgical procedures.
A study suggests that people unconsciously recall images associated with African-Americans when reading news about violent crime, reflecting the influence of stereotypes on memory. This can have implications for law-enforcement scenarios, such as identifications in line-ups and racial profiling.
Two studies show that women with PCOS are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease due to elevated CRP levels and metabolic abnormalities. Obese women with PCOS symptoms are particularly at risk, highlighting the need for close monitoring of CVD risk factors in this population.
A study by the American College of Radiology suggests that plain film X-rays are not clinically useful in 72% of cases for children with non-traumatic stomach pain. The imaging study confirms diagnoses of constipation and bowel obstruction, but is unnecessary when other tests like CT or ultrasound are already anticipated.
A four-year study assesses pediatricians' ability to change parents' behaviors and prevent violence. The study measures media exposure, gun storage, and communication between parents and healthcare providers.
Researchers found higher plasma selenium levels are associated with a decreased risk of advanced prostate cancer, while DNAzymes targeting c-Jun may inhibit tumor growth. Glucocorticoid prescriptions are linked to an increased risk of skin cancers and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
The CDMS II experiment has narrowed the search for WIMPs, a type of dark matter particle. The results show that the interaction rate of a WIMP with ordinary matter should be less than one interaction every 25 days per kilogram of germanium.
A new study found that subsistence fishing has disastrous consequences for coral reefs, causing healthy corals to die and being rapidly replaced by algae. Even low levels of fishing can bring about profound ecosystem changes, including the growth of crown-of-thorns starfish populations.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that the US spends more on healthcare than other developed countries, but its health outcomes are not better. The US excels in breast cancer survival rates and cervical cancer screening, but struggles with asthma mortality rates and smoking.
A study of 238 blunt and penetrating trauma patients found MDCT to be highly effective in diagnosing thoracic and lumbar spine injuries. CT scans characterized fractures, making surgery easier for surgeons.