Researchers found that a blood test, CA125, was 2.6 times more accurate than CT scans in predicting patient survival. The study suggests that tumor-marker guided response criteria like CA125 may be superior to imaging-based response criteria in predicting treatment outcomes.
Researchers have discovered that DNA stimulates the activity of a viral enzyme, providing a potential new target for antiviral drugs. The discovery could help prevent adenovirus infections, which can cause respiratory, gastrointestinal, and eye infections, including blindness.
A recent study published in the Journal of Dental Education found that nearly half of patients with high blood pressure at a dental clinic had never been diagnosed. The researchers advocate for regular blood pressure screening in dental offices, which could help identify hypertension early and prevent related health issues.
Researchers have developed a mathematical algorithm called TANGO that can predict the likelihood of proteins sticking together incorrectly. This could lead to new diagnostic techniques for diseases caused by misfolded proteins, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and more efficient production of therapeutic proteins.
A team at Georgia Institute of Technology has developed heat-controlled drug implants that can release medication over an extended period, targeting conditions like diabetes. The films, made from microparticles, could be triggered by blood glucose monitors to administer insulin or other medications.
Researchers found that prolonged, sustained exercise preserves ventricular compliance and may reduce the incidence of diastolic heart failure in the elderly. Lifelong exercise training completely prevented stiffening of the heart muscle thought to be an inevitable consequence of aging.
Sea urchin research sheds light on fertilization among mammals, revealing a key role for carbohydrate molecules in regulating reproduction. The discovery could lead to new approaches to contraception and a better understanding of human reproductive issues.
The study reveals that VAMP8 is essential for the normal functioning of pancreatic acinar cells, which produce digestive enzymes. Mice lacking VAMP8 showed reduced levels of digestive enzymes and partial resistance to pancreatitis, suggesting a potential link between VAMP8 and this condition.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered the structure and function of the 'tail' of a protein essential for cell replication, revealing potential targets for new anticancer drugs. The study found that a slight modification in the protein's shape can create unique enzyme activity.
Researchers uncover a novel mechanism regulating cell shape changes during somitogenesis, a process crucial for vertebrae and muscle formation. Cdc42 plays a central role in this transition, with activity levels influencing mesenchymal cells' ability to become epithelial cells.
A study of 72,417 women found that many began mammography between ages 35-40 and delayed follow-up. Women without insurance or a primary care doctor faced longer delays in starting screening. The authors suggest encouraging prompt return to screening may be more critical than initial start.
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have successfully grown a single-wall carbon nanotube, reaching a world-record length. This breakthrough has the potential to enable new types of nanoscale electro-mechanical systems, including micro-electric motors and nanoconducting cables.
A study led by Mount Sinai School of Medicine researchers found that imidazole-4-acetic acid-ribotide may be a primary cause of high blood pressure and a molecular link to diabetes. The molecule binds to receptors in the brain, leading to elevated blood pressure, which can also impair insulin release.
A study of healthy individuals aged 60-64 found a significant relationship between high homocysteine levels and changes in deep white matter hyperintensities in the brain, which may be related to mild cognitive impairment. However, HCY levels were not associated with brain atrophy.
Researchers found that Hedgehog activity in localized prostate tumors is significantly lower than in metastatic cancers. Blocking the Hedgehog signal with cyclopamine slowed tumor growth and even reversed aggressive cancer progression in mice experiments.
A study by Rachel Mueller and David Wake rewrites the evolutionary history of salamanders, finding inconsistencies with accepted classifications. The research suggests that some terrestrial salamanders regained their larval stage after moving back to water, contradicting previous assumptions.
A study has identified two distinct subclasses of liver cancer with differing survival rates, providing new molecular insight into the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. The findings suggest that gene expression profiles can accurately predict patient survival and may lead to the development of more targeted therapies.
A study of 13,440 ischemic stroke patients found that serious medical or neurological complications accounted for over half of in-hospital deaths. Pneumonia was the leading cause, followed by increased intracranial pressure, with diabetes and previous stroke also linked to poorer outcomes in men.
A recent study using the General Practice Research Database found an association between hepatitis B vaccination and a three-fold increase in MS incidence within three years following vaccination. The study's limitations highlight the need for further research into the potential link between vaccines and autoimmune diseases.
A new study by the U.S. National Science Foundation highlights the vital importance of streamside forests in maintaining clean water and healthy ecosystems. The research, funded jointly by NSF and EPA, shows that these forests help filter pollutants from streams, enhance ecosystem processes, and support biodiversity.
Researchers found a link between positive emotions and reduced frailty risk in older adults. Another study showed that positive stereotypes about aging improved memory performance in older adults by reducing age-related differences. These findings highlight the importance of social environment in affecting aging outcomes.
A study by Thomas Stamey and colleagues found that the correlation between PSA levels and prostate cancer severity has decreased over time, making the test less useful for early detection. Instead, they recommend a yearly digital rectal exam for men over 50.
A recent study found that sex and drug use behaviors are associated with higher levels of depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts among teenagers. Girls who engage in high-risk behaviors are more vulnerable to poor mental health than boys.
The 5-year project aims to determine which microbial proteins interact with human host cells, pointing the way to new drugs. Researchers will use advanced proteomics instruments to analyze these interactions, accelerating treatment development during outbreaks.
Researchers have developed a new dye that allows for direct visualization of activated proteins in living cells, enabling high-throughput drug screening. Cdc42, a key regulator of cell movement and proliferation, was visualized with the novel dye 'I-SO', which proved highly sensitive and required no protein over-expression.
Researchers found that growth hormone reduces STAT3 activation, modulates cellular apoptosis and proliferation, and improves weight gain in mice with colitis. The study suggests using growth hormone as a new therapeutic approach to improve growth and intestinal healing in IBD.
A new gene test can predict a child's risk of having an isolated cleft lip and palate, allowing parents to make informed decisions about future pregnancies. The test, based on distinct mutations in the IRF6 gene, has been shown to be effective in predicting the birth defect with approximately 12% accuracy.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that blue marlin caught in the Gulf of Mexico contain 20-30 times the acceptable levels of mercury. The team aims to understand why mercury accumulates in pelagic fishes and how it affects human health.
Research conducted by Penny Gordon-Larsen found that excessive TV watching and a lack of safe outdoor spaces contribute to increased obesity risk in young black girls. The study, which included 51 interviews with girls aged 6-9 and their mothers, highlights the need for affordable and accessible opportunities for physical activity.
Researchers explore how prosthetic legs can be tailored to improve mobility and comfort for amputees. Studies examine the impact of different shoes, sock liners, and physical activities on residual limb soft tissue damage and overall health outcomes.
Scientists have successfully created a mouse lacking both MAO A and MAO B, revealing the combined actions of these enzymes in neurotransmitter regulation. This breakthrough may lead to new insights into anxiety- and stress-related disorders.
A government study estimated that nearly half a million medical device injuries occur each year, with falls while using wheelchairs and walkers being the most common recorded injury type. The study suggests that the actual number of injuries may be higher due to underreporting by healthcare providers.
A 73-year-old woman lost all dreaming and most brain functions following a stroke, but regained some dreaming function over time. Researchers found that the damaged area of her brain was involved in visual processing and emotions.
Researchers will study 120 patients with chronic and aggressive periodontitis to identify molecular basis of disease and develop targeted therapies. The goal is to reduce risk of periodontitis and improve treatment outcomes for the leading cause of adult tooth loss.
Dr. C. Ronald Kahn receives the award for his groundbreaking work on insulin signal transduction and its link to diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer's, and obesity.
Researchers at Baylor, MIT and Hebrew University have made significant progress in understanding the potential of combination therapy for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Probiotics and commensal bacteria have been shown to modulate mucosal pro-inflammatory cytokine production and reduce symptoms in mice. Additionally, a new class of ...
A Mount Sinai study found that nearly three-quarters of WTC responders experienced upper respiratory issues, with half still experiencing symptoms eight months later. Over half had persistent psychological symptoms, with risks for PTSD four times that of the general male population.
A UCLA/UA study reveals that the ear plays a crucial role in processing auditory signals, influencing speech and language development. The left ear provides extra amplification for tones like music, while the right ear enhances rapid sounds like speech.
Margaret Torn, a biogeochemist, is honored for her pioneering work on climate change and the terrestrial carbon cycle. Her research has improved regional and global computer climate models with data from the Southern Great Plains site in Oklahoma.
Researchers assess the accuracy of ocean general circulation models in representing deep convection in the Labrador Sea. They found that while one model simulated data more faithfully, it still suffered from problems, and further study is needed to improve understanding of this process.
A recent conference presented findings that a healthy diet may play a key role in preventing childhood leukemia. Turmeric and its active compound curcumin have been shown to reduce the risk of leukemia by mitigating environmental toxins and promoting cellular health.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing a computational platform to calculate wind loads and structural capacities of low-rise buildings. The goal is to appreciably reduce damage and increase safety for residential, institutional, and commercial structures vulnerable to extreme winds.
Recent findings by Illinois researchers identified two new serotonin metabolites in the nervous system of marine mollusks, suggesting different chemical pathways exist to convert serotonin. This discovery could provide novel means to target tissue-specific diseases related to serotonin signaling.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have invented a new fuel cell material called Battellion TM that can reduce the cost of production, making it more economically viable. The material has improved stability, conductivity, and manufacturing processes, allowing for longer service life and reduced weight compared to existing materials.
GM1 gangliosidosis causes brain cells to self-destruct due to excessive accumulation of fatty molecules in lysosomes and disrupted protein folding. The St. Jude team found that the endoplasmic reticulum is triggered by GM1 accumulation, leading to a cell's emergency response and eventual death.
A new handbook provides mayors, governors, and public health officials with research-based strategies for safeguarding the public's trust during a response. The guidebook presents common language and purpose for handling emergencies, limiting death and suffering through preventive care.
The majority of kidney transplant candidates waiting for kidneys have blood type O and are forced to wait even longer for a deceased donor kidney when list-paired exchanges are permitted. Researchers propose limiting these exchanges to pairs with compatible blood types to make them a moral option.
The Lancet task force outlines a research agenda to strengthen health systems and deliver effective interventions in an equitable manner. The proposal aims to enhance capacity for delivering life-saving interventions, particularly in the developing world.
The Knight Center seminar features keynote speakers from top institutions discussing topics like brain development, emotions, and decision-making. Participants will gain insights into the latest research and its applications in journalism.
UCSF researchers publish first atomic-level structure of the channel controlling ammonia passage in and out of cells. The discovery provides insights into toxic effects and potential treatment options for life-threatening diseases caused by ammonia toxicity.
Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem produced the most detailed 3-D representation of the spliceosome's structure to date, revealing a complex with two distinct halves surrounding a tunnel. The study sheds light on RNA splicing and alternative splicing mechanisms, providing new understanding of protein diversity.
Research by Yale University suggests that moderate gamblers aged 65+ experience improved overall health due to increased socialization and cognitive stimulation. However, the activity can still become highly addictive, particularly with non-strategic games, posing financial risks for older adults on fixed incomes.
A recent clinical trial demonstrated the effectiveness of duloxetine in reducing pain and improving disease symptoms in female fibromyalgia patients. The study showed significant improvements in tender point measures and pressure pain threshold, with benefits also observed in emotional and physical functioning.
Dr. Brian Strahl, an assistant professor at UNC School of Medicine, will attend a White House ceremony in honor of his selection for the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. He was chosen for his exceptional potential for leadership and innovative research in chromatin biochemistry and gene regulation.
Penn researchers successfully inactivated the Foxp4 binding protein, allowing bilateral cardiac primordia to fuse into single tubes. This resulted in four-chambered hearts developing with most aspects of advanced heart development, challenging current understanding of congenital heart disease.
Researchers found that newborn babies' right ears are more responsive to speech-type stimuli, while their left ears are more responsive to tonal sounds. This suggests that the auditory system develops differently on each side of the brain from birth.
A team of scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory discovered a way to control defects in superconducting materials, leading to a two-to-five-fold increase in current densities in high magnetic fields. This breakthrough could revolutionize the development of powerful and energy-efficient superconducting electric motors and generators.
A year-long clinical trial found that prasterone improved disease activity, reduced organ damage, and boosted health-related quality of life for women with active lupus. The treatment, which is safe and effective, could offer an alternative to immunosuppressive agents or large doses of glucocorticoids.
A recent study found that genetic variations in the HLA and TNF gene regions are associated with response to treatment in early rheumatoid arthritis patients. Patients with two copies of the shared epitope were four times more likely to achieve significant improvement in disease activity compared to those with one or no copies.
Adults with ADHD experience significant economic losses, including lower household incomes and reduced full-time employment rates. The condition also affects relationships and overall satisfaction with life.