A study published in Clinical Genetics found that genetic testing for a rare cancer syndrome saved $16,900 per year for 54 family members. The test also identified two asymptomatic family members who underwent prophylactic surgery to significantly decrease their risk of cancer.
The study demonstrates the value of clinical cutoffs in evaluating HIV drug resistance information. Clinical cutoffs based on a large outcomes database provide physicians with clinically relevant resistance information.
A new Wistar Institute study suggests that epigenetic information can be passed from generation to generation, complicating the standard model of genetics. The research findings support the theories of Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, who proposed that traits acquired by parents during their lives could be passed on to offspring.
Researchers have developed 'supermice' with an extra copy of the Ink4a/Arf tumor suppressor locus, revealing increased resistance to cancer. The study implies that differences in gene expression levels of tumor suppressors significantly contribute to the risk of developing cancers and may influence therapeutic development.
Scientists at Sick Kids Research Institute have identified a new source of stem cells found in adult skin that can transform into neurons, offering hope for treating brain disorders. The discovery was made using mice and has similar findings in human cells.
A study of 2,279 patients found that hand washing was a key factor in preventing MRSA infections. Patients who received antibiotics were more likely to be infected with MRSA due to unclean hands among healthcare workers.
A 12-week study found that combining sertraline and CBT was more effective than treatment with just one or the other in reducing symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in adolescents. CBT alone was also shown to be effective, particularly at the University of Pennsylvania site.
A new study finds that combining Pegasys with ribavirin reduces hepatitis C viral levels more effectively than Peg-Intron, a promising development in treating the virus. The study's lead investigator hopes that the findings will inform the design of better drugs to combat the infection.
A study of nearly 400 African-American patients found that weight-based REBETOL dosing with PEG-INTRON improved viral clearance and reduced relapse rates compared to a flat dose. The treatment showed promise in improving outcomes for this patient population, which has historically had lower response rates to hepatitis C therapy.
A new study reveals that stress activates the mania-linked enzyme PKC, leading to impaired cognitive functions in the prefrontal cortex and reduced memory-related cell firing. Inhibiting PKC may offer a fast-acting treatment for mania, with potential benefits for patients seeking emergency room care.
The American Geosciences Institute announced winners of the Earth Science Week contest, showcasing artistic talents in visual arts, essay writing, and photography. The contests aimed to increase public awareness of geology and the earth sciences.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found a gene-silencing technique that induces cell death in drug-resistant CML cells. The technique targets the Lyn kinase enzyme, which is essential for cancerous blood cells to survive and grow.
A new study by Professor Faye Mishna explores the complexities surrounding bullying, finding that children's perspectives often differ from those of parents and educators. The research highlights the importance of validating a child's distress even if the situation is not considered bullying.
Researchers have discovered that actin acts as a binding protein in the nucleus, recruiting other proteins to facilitate DNA transcription. This process is crucial for cellular activity and understanding its dysregulation is essential for developing new treatments for diseases like cancer.
FOSRENOL effectively controls hyperphosphatemia, a leading cause of renal osteodystrophy and bone pain in ESRD patients. Long-term use maintains bone health status without worsening bone status, unlike aluminum-based phosphate binders.
Researchers analyzed a sample from Gabon's natural nuclear chain reaction site and found how the reactor operated in a 30-minute cycle. The study also revealed the role of alumophosphate as the system's waste absorber, providing insights into safer nuclear reactor operations.
Researchers have developed blood cells without animal serum, paving the way for potential human applications. The new method uses specific growth factors to guide cell differentiation, avoiding contamination risks associated with animal serum.
A study of 806 women with early stage breast cancer found that regular physical activity significantly reduced the risk of weight gain and improved breast cancer prognosis. Physical activity was assessed during an in-person interview as part of the Health, Eating, Activity and Lifestyle (HEAL) study.
Researchers found evidence that HIV co-opts human enzyme DDX3 to transport its genetic material out of the cell nucleus. The discovery provides an attractive target for drug development and could lead to a new type of HIV drug that blocks viral replication without causing harm to human cells.
Researchers from the Collaborative Mercury Research Network (COMERN) are conducting a unique experiment to test whether old-fashioned tea can prevent mercury absorption. In this study, participants will eat local Lake Winnipeg fish with or without black tea for three days, and provide blood samples to track mercury levels.
A recent Canadian study found that workplace smoking bans lead to a significant reduction in daily cigarette consumption among smokers, with an average drop of 15.4 cigarettes per day. The ban has been shown to increase the likelihood of smokers cutting down or quitting altogether.
Apolipoprotein E is responsible for converting harmless amyloid-beta protein into toxic filamentous amyloid, a major hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Mice with the gene showed memory deficits only when it was present.
A new study suggests that the DASH diet's numerous fruits, vegetables, and whole grains contribute significantly to its health benefits. The diet's high intake of phytochemicals may help protect against various chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and other health conditions.
Researchers found that patients who were diagnosed with non-cardiac chest pain and then had heart events were older, more likely to be men, and had high-risk features such as high cholesterol. Further evaluation should be considered for these patients, says lead researcher Chadwick Miller.
Astronomers confirm that the Virgo Cluster of galaxies is a highly non-uniform structure consisting of several subunits. The cluster's formation history can be studied using planetary nebulae stars, which trace the masses within the region. These findings provide new insights into the dynamic evolution of galaxy clusters.
Researchers found that the combination of nicotine and acetaldehyde significantly enhances addictiveness in adolescent rats, while adult rats show no significant increase. The study suggests studying interactions between nicotine and other tobacco smoke components could improve smoking cessation efforts.
The Initiative for Science in Europe (ISE) is an independent platform for organizations committed to scientific and technological development. ISE aims to provide a common forum for advocating independent scientific advice in European policy-making and stimulating the involvement of European scientists in shaping science and technology...
A study in Kenya found that pediatric admission rates varied significantly among hospitals, with basic resources available in only 12 of 14 first-referral level hospitals. Strengthening district hospital infrastructure is crucial for achieving the Millennium Development Goal for child survival.
Two studies on the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) strategy found that it can lead to significant reductions in child mortality rates, particularly in developing countries. In Tanzania and Bangladesh, IMCI implementation resulted in lower child mortality rates compared to areas without the program.
Resveratrol exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in all systems examined, including laboratory cell lines and human airway epithelial cells. The compound inhibited the release of inflammatory mediators, including IL-8 and GM-CSF, which play a major role in inflammation development.
A new study by Penn State professor Stephan Goetz suggests that the presence of a Wal-Mart store in a county can lead to higher poverty rates, as the chain pays its workers relatively low wages. This can have long-term effects on the local community, including reduced civic capacity and philanthropic efforts.
Researchers found little appetite among South East politicians and business leaders for a regional assembly, citing concerns over regulation and the failure of previous attempts like the Greater London Assembly. The region's strong economy and lack of need for government intervention may be contributing factors to this reluctance.
A study by Dr. Richard Palmer challenges the classical Darwinian theory, suggesting that environment plays a crucial role in creating differences and variations in species. The research found that variations without genetic basis are common and important for evolution, especially in asymmetric forms.
A new theory proposes that hyperglycemia and hypoxia contribute to diabetic complications by disrupting NADH recycling. This process produces free radicals that cause damage to tissues, including those in the eyes, heart, nerves, and kidneys. The study suggests that glycolysis and the sorbitol pathway play a crucial role in this process.
Researchers at EMBL have discovered that the light-sensitive cells in our eyes, rods and cones, originated from an ancient population of light-sensitive cells located in the brain. These brain cells were later recruited for vision, leading to the evolution of the human eye.
Researchers at UCLA have successfully developed a new method of nano flash welding, allowing for the creation of thermally absorbent materials that can weld together without burning. This breakthrough has significant implications for various industries, including chemical sensors, separation membranes, and nano devices.
Researchers have reconstructed sunspot activity over the last 11,400 years and found that the current level of high solar activity is unique within the past 8,000 years. This study suggests that the Sun's magnetic field is the origin and energy source of these phenomena.
PKC enzyme's excessive activity is associated with symptoms of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Increasing PKC activity in the prefrontal cortex impairs cognitive function, while inhibition may offer therapeutic benefits.
Researchers found that estrogen deficiency triggers the expression of interferon gamma, which stimulates T cell activation and TNF production. Estrogen treatment increases TGFb levels in bone marrow, leading to bone preservation.
Arizona State University has been awarded a $1.7 million grant to develop a system that can read DNA sequences up to 1,000 times faster and at a cost of only one-hundredth as much as current methods. The goal is to make genome sequencing more accessible for medical research and healthcare.
Researchers have connected neuregulin-1 and postsynaptic density protein-95 to memory and hearing loss, suggesting that these proteins may play a crucial role in neural development and communication. The study's findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying age-related cognitive decline and hearing loss.
Researchers developed a new approach to block protein interactions, leading to reduced amyloid aggregation and toxicity in Alzheimer's disease. The 'Trojan horse' technique uses small molecules to target protein chaperones, preventing the formation of toxic aggregates.
In a subgroup of high-risk patients, VYTORIN significantly reduced LDL cholesterol by 59% compared to Lipitor. This resulted in more patients achieving an LDL cholesterol goal of less than 100mg/dL with VYTORIN, and increased HDL cholesterol levels.
A cluster sample survey estimated that 100,000 more Iraqis died than expected after the March 2003 invasion. The majority of deaths were caused by Coalition forces' actions, with 95% attributed to air strikes and artillery.
Researchers found that routine screening of blood samples to detect viral RNA in organ and tissue donors could reduce disease transmission among transplant recipients. The study suggests that nucleic acid testing (NAT) may be used to improve viral safety of grafts.
Researchers aim to overcome technical hurdles in new gene sequencing technology that could make genetic medicine possible with rapid, accurate, and low-cost sequencing of single DNA molecules. The method uses Atomic Force Microscopy and cyclodextrin molecules to read the sequence of amino acid code in the human genome.
Scientists at UCLA and Univ. of Utah have discovered that the hormone hepcidin regulates ferroportin, an iron-transporting molecule, controlling iron release in the bloodstream. This finding may lead to treatments for hemochromatosis and anemia of chronic disease, affecting millions worldwide.
Researchers found that negative economic news can significantly boost a president's approval ratings, even if their foreign policy is stellar. The power of negative reporting about the economy was demonstrated during President George H.W. Bush's administration.
A study by Les Roberts and colleagues found that the risk of death was 2.5 times greater after the invasion, with violence accounting for most excess deaths. The researchers estimate that 100,000 excess civilian deaths may have occurred since the 2003 invasion.
A Stanford University study reveals that common household fragrances, such as synthetic musks, can compromise the defense system of aquatic animals, leading to long-term effects. The researchers found that even short-term exposure to these chemicals could have lasting impacts on marine organisms.
Dr. Adele Boskey, a researcher at the Hospital for Special Surgery, has been elected as an AAAS Fellow for her significant work on biological calcification and extracellular matrix proteins. She was recognized at the 2005 AAAS Annual Meeting in Washington, DC.
Researchers found a specific region in the fly's gut wall where the parasite attaches and feeds on nutrients. This unique structure enables the parasite to survive and multiply within the insect host.
Cryptosporidium hominis is a highly contagious parasite that causes watery diarrhea and can lead to dehydration, weight loss, and stomach cramps. The decoded genome sequence holds promise for developing preventive vaccines and pharmaceutical treatments.
Research finds African Americans are less likely to start smoking due to cultural influences and parental prohibition. Quitting rates differ based on socioeconomic status, with black women more likely to quit than men.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics create single photons by trapping a calcium ion between two mirrors, allowing for controlled emission. The device enables user-controlled photon emission time and shape, paving the way for quantum information processing.
Researchers found that populations near the equator have a functional protein for salt retention, while those in cooler climates have a mutant gene producing a dysfunctional protein. This correlation suggests a shared selective pressure and could change disease gene hunting strategies.
Researchers used zebra fish to discover that nerves and blood vessels share similar guiding signals, crucial for therapeutic angiogenesis. This finding has significant implications for developing targeted forms of treatment for diseases like heart attacks.
A Yale University study will investigate the effects of marijuana, ecstasy, and teen cognitive deficits in 200 adolescents. The research aims to determine if sustained abstinence leads to recovery of cognitive function in this population.
A team of researchers at Cornell University has developed a compact, all-optical switch on silicon that can control light signals in real-time. This innovation paves the way for high-speed optical routing in fiber-optic communications, eliminating the need for conversion between electrical and optical signals.
A new study from Saint Louis University has found that a standard test for vitamin B12 deficiency may be too insensitive, leading to potential misdiagnosis. The research urges doctors to also test for levels of methylmalonic acid in patients suspected of having the deficiency, which can easily be reversed with treatment.