Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have created an artificial jumping gene that can randomly silence genes in mice, offering a new way to study genetic function and evolution. The discovery has the potential to reveal how genes interact with each other and contribute to human health and disease.
Researchers discovered reduced lysozyme levels in HIV-demented patients' macrophages, suggesting impaired immune function and increased vulnerability to infections. The finding could lead to a marker for monitoring disease progression and potential new treatment targets.
A study by USC researchers found that job loss in a family can increase the risk of adolescents starting to smoke. The longitudinal study surveyed over 2,000 middle school students in Southern California and found that students who reported a family member's job loss were 87% more likely to try or smoke within 30 days.
A study by Dr. Karen L. Syrjala found that physical recovery occurs earlier than psychological or work recovery after HCT for leukemia or lymphoma treatment. Recovery can take up to 5 years, with 84% of survivors returning to full-time work. Factors such as depression and social support before HCT can impact recovery.
The survey found that position locating devices were the most likely to be commercial within 3 years, with an average score of 6.8. High-speed local area networks and imaging through materials were also considered viable business applications.
A study of 273 family physicians and obstetricians found that many doctors overestimated the risk of major fetal malformations from X-rays and CT scans. Most diagnostic imaging exams result in less than 50 mGy of radiation exposure to the fetus, dispelling a misconception that can lead to unnecessary anxiety and terminations.
Small earthquakes with magnitudes zero to three are recorded in South African gold mines, providing a unique dataset for scientists. The researchers are using this data to investigate the properties of small earthquakes and bridge the gap between laboratory experiments and real-world seismic activity.
Researchers found that among patients with confirmed Crohn's disease, clinical decisions based on capsule endoscopy findings improved outcomes in 95% of patients. Capsule endoscopy was also 100 percent effective in excluding a diagnosis of Crohn's disease.
New guidelines from Thomas Jefferson University offer more precise classification of blood pressure in children and adolescents based on gender, age, and height. Pediatricians are encouraged to recommend diet, exercise, and weight control counseling for children with prehypertension.
The study found that doubling co-payments led to significant reductions in use of eight therapeutic classes, including NSAIDS, antihistamines, and antihypertensives. Patients with chronic illnesses were less likely to reduce their medication use, highlighting concerns about adverse health consequences.
Researchers have made significant progress in diagnosing and treating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) with new therapies like basiliximab and OPC-6535. These treatments show promise in improving clinical outcomes and reducing symptoms in patients with IBD.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute is awarding $49.7 million in grants to support undergraduate science programs at 42 colleges across 17 states and Puerto Rico. The funding will enhance diversity and inclusion in STEM education, with a focus on underrepresented minorities and disadvantaged students.
Aura will provide unprecedented information on the composition of the atmosphere and its impact on climate change and air quality. The satellite will help scientists understand how atmospheric composition affects and responds to changing climate conditions.
Scientists from NASA's Terra satellite are tracking global air pollution trends, shedding light on how pollutants spread around the globe. The data reveals seasonal and annual variations in CO and aerosol levels, providing clues about Earth's changing climate.
A new study found that a single daily dose of Valcyte is equally effective as three times daily Cytovene in preventing CMV in kidney transplant patients. This simplified regimen may improve care and quality of life for transplant recipients by reducing medication complexity.
Research from Newcastle University and Australia finds young adults worried about their teeth due to celebrity beauty standards. The study, published in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, reveals younger generations are more likely to complain about dental problems than older adults.
Colonoscopy emerges as a superior method for colon evaluation, surpassing alternative imaging tests in terms of accuracy and cost. New technologies like the ColonoSight device address patient discomfort and increase diagnostic efficiency.
A study on tablet splitting found that the practice can lead to significant weight variability and uneven drug content, potentially putting patients at risk of experiencing side effects. Researchers recommend taking the prescribed dose as intended to ensure consistent medication amounts.
Researchers found that a strong preference for female physicians delays colonoscopy procedures and increases costs. Additionally, a study revealed a significant association between diabetes mellitus and an increased risk of developing colon cancer. These findings highlight the need for interventions to address these barriers to care.
A randomized clinical trial found that regional and systemic adjuvant chemotherapy regimens had similar survival rates for colon cancer patients, with the combination regimen offering no added benefit. The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, also showed lower adverse reaction rates for regional therapy.
A recent study suggests that surgery provides a favorable outcome for long-term multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients. The surgeons at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center have extensive experience in treating mycobacterial lung disease, making them uniquely qualified to assess individual patient risk/benefit balances.
Fortifying food supply with folic acid can markedly lower the risk of neural tube defects in offspring, such as spina bifida. The long-term safety of folic acid has been debated, but fortification is considered a better way to reach most women worldwide.
Researchers have developed a high-performance concrete bridge deck mixture that can extend the life of bridges to 100 years, reducing costs and environmental impact. The mixture uses recycled fly ash, silica fume, and ground granulated blast furnace slag to improve durability and reduce corrosion.
A University of Toronto study found that music teachers are at risk of hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to high noise levels. The research suggests that classrooms with reflective surfaces and ear protection measures can help mitigate this risk.
The Navy is developing a new radio frequency concept, AMRF-C, to enable a limited number of transmit and receive antennas to handle multiple communications, radar, and electronic warfare functions. The goal is to reduce costs and improve performance by leveling so-called 'antenna forests'.
A new class of semiconductors has been developed that can efficiently convert waste heat into electricity, with potential applications in shipboard steam plants and land vehicles. The material, called LAST, uses nanostructures to impede heat flow and introduce internal boundaries, increasing its efficiency.
Recovery after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) occurs gradually over 1 to 5 years, with physical function improving earlier than psychological and work recovery. After HCT, most patients recover from treatment-related distress but may experience depression and delayed return to full-time work.
A survey of fourth and fifth-grade pupils and their parents found significant discrepancies between reported and actual use of bike helmets and seatbelts. The study emphasizes the need for injury prevention programs targeting both parents and children to address these gaps and reduce child injuries.
The study showed that ganciclovir treatment lowers the risk of developing cancer and early organ rejection in kidney transplant patients. Ganciclovir offers dual benefits, extending patient life by reducing malignancy and improving graft survival with reduced rejection.
Researchers discovered feasible chemotherapy combinations that include trastuzumab for HER2-positive advanced breast cancer, with higher overall response rates and lower cardiac dysfunction. Two phase II clinical trials showed promising results, paving the way for future randomized phase III trials.
A Phase III maintenance trial of natalizumab found sustained clinical response and remission rates among patients with Crohn's disease. The study also showed that a majority of patients on corticosteroids were able to withdraw from the medication without losing their response.
A new brain-based controller mimics the human olivo-cerebellar system to enable precise movement control. The system will be tested on a mobile autonomous research vehicle to replicate complex maneuvers and wing control of birds and insects.
The combined database will help researchers determine the origin of magnetic signals in Earth's crust. With over 36,000 rock samples, it will improve our understanding of Earth's structure and development.
Research suggests that rainfall and snowfall in distant mountains can significantly impact river levels years later, highlighting the importance of water table recharge. This phenomenon has significant implications for development in semi-arid regions, emphasizing the need for long-term planning to ensure sustainability.
A new protein form, liCTLA-4, found to inhibit T cell responses and reduce activation. Increased expression of liCTLA-4 in resistant mice strains suggests its role in preventing T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes.
A randomized trial found that direct mailing of fecal occult blood tests increased colorectal cancer screening rates by 16.9% among those who received kits and 23.2% among those with reminders, compared to 1.5% for the control group.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that lost sperm-making stem cells in fruit flies can be replaced by reversing their specialized state. The team found that temperature changes can trigger a process called dedifferentiation, where more specialized cells retrace the path taken by stem cells.
Researchers found a synergistic effect between Herceptin and chemotherapy agents, increasing tumor shrinkage in 79% of patients. The combination also showed unusually long times to progression, providing hope for improved breast cancer treatment options.
The Research Corporation has awarded $2.8 million in grants to support research and teaching initiatives at primarily undergraduate institutions. The awards aim to encourage Ph.D.-granting institutions to excel in both teaching and research, with a focus on promoting faculty mentoring and communication.
Researchers identified 13 possible protein markers present in most urine samples from patients with organ rejection, but absent from those without. A urine test using a combination of biomarkers correctly identified 91% of samples, offering a risk-free and more accurate alternative to traditional kidney biopsy.
Researchers have found that natalizumab and adalimumab can help maintain clinical response and remission in patients with Crohn's disease. A trial also investigated the use of helminth ova as a potential treatment, showing significant improvements in clinical response and remission.
The temporary suspension of the hepatitis B vaccine at birth due to mercury concerns led to a significant decrease in first-day vaccination coverage. The study found that 11% of children born during the suspension were not vaccinated on their first day, resulting in an excess of 182,000 undervaccinated children by 19 months.
A computer model reveals that rainfall in New Mexico's mountains can recharge the Rio Grande River's water table after a 50-year lag. This finding has significant implications for sustainable aquifer management and river management planning.
Researchers found that blocking a molecule that rid cells of potentially toxic molecules may make chemotherapy for leukemia more effective but also leaves healthy stem cells vulnerable. The study discovered that a protective molecule called BCRP helps protect hematopoietic stem cells from excess heme, which is toxic to cells.
Researchers create tholins in lab experiments to understand Titan's chemistry and potential for life. They analyze spectroscopic properties and react with molten water to form oxygenated compounds.
Researchers have identified a potential new source of stem cells for treating liver damage, offering hope for improved care. The study found that umbilical cord blood cells may differentiate into functional liver cells after transplantation, providing a promising therapeutic avenue for acute and chronic liver injury therapy.
A research study found that inhibition of cathepsin cysteine proteases impairs tumor growth and progression in transgenic mouse models of cancer. Treatment with a pharmacological inhibitor also disrupted both early and late stages of tumor development, suggesting its potential as an anticancer therapeutic.
A new study published in Liver Transplantation reveals that regional review boards effectively distinguish between high- and low-risk patients, ensuring fair organ allocation. The study also found that referring physicians have poor predictive capacity for patient mortality.
Two randomized trials compared low-carbohydrate diets with low-fat diets, finding improved triglyceride levels and slightly improved HDL cholesterol levels on the low-carb diet. Participants on the low-carb diet also lost more weight in the short-term study, but both groups lost similar amounts of weight in the 12-month study.
A worldwide increase in diabetes is forecasted to lead to a renal disease explosion. FOSRENOL, a new phosphate binding medication, has been shown to be effective in managing hyperphosphataemia, a condition associated with ESRD. The study highlights the need for new treatments to manage serious complications of dialysis.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has identified an antagonistic antibody that can prevent sepsis by blocking toll-like receptor 2-driven shock-like syndromes. The discovery offers new hope for combating this deadly condition.
A study of 2,097 patients found that those who felt economically burdened had a higher mortality rate (5.9%) compared to non-burdened patients (3.5%). The burdened group was also more likely to have received angioplasty and other comorbidities.
Researchers tested two scents, peppermint and pyridine, on six participants in their early 20s during different stages of sleep. No one responded to peppermint during sleep, while responses to pyridine were infrequent and non-wake-inducing. In contrast, sound consistently woke participants regardless of the sleep stage.
A new study found that the diabetes drug rosiglitazone improved insulin sensitivity in HIV patients with lipodystrophy by 20%, reversing fat loss and increasing total body fat. However, larger trials are needed to determine safety and optimal therapeutic approaches.
Researchers found that green tea extracts can inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis in Barrett's esophagus-associated human esophageal adenocarcinoma cells. Additionally, a population-based study discovered that healthy eating habits appear to protect against recurrent abdominal pain in children. These findings suggest that incorpor...
A nationwide study found that patients undergoing kidney cancer surgery at high-volume hospitals have a 32% lower risk of dying compared to those at medium- and low-volume hospitals. High-volume hospitals also performed more partial nephrectomies, a procedure with equally effective cancer control.
New global trials build on earlier phase III studies demonstrating FOSRENOL's efficacy in treating hyperphosphataemia. The new trials aim to confirm safety and efficacy of the phosphate binder, which has shown lower incidence of hypercalcaemia compared to calcium-based binders.
Scientists at The Wistar Institute discovered a binding site that, if blocked, could activate the protein to promote genomic stability and decrease cancer. By analyzing the molecular details of how sirtuins work, researchers identified potential activators using virtual libraries of molecules.
A team of scientists from Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution and Florida Atlantic University are exploring never-before-seen sections of deepwater coral reefs off Florida's east coast and the Keys. They aim to discover marine creatures that produce chemicals with the potential to cure human diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer's.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers identified the 'reaper' genes as critical components of cell death in Drosophila. The discovery opens doors to developing targeted cancer treatments by unleashing death-inducing genes specifically at unwanted cells. Ecdysone plays a crucial role in triggering this process.