Researchers found that rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with anti-inflammatory drugs were 10 times less likely to develop age-related macular degeneration. This study suggests that anti-inflammatory drugs may be a promising approach for treating the intractable disease.
Researchers found that actor-patients' requests for medications increased prescribing for depression. The study suggests that direct-to-consumer marketing can boost familiarity with potential treatments and improve initial care for patients.
A massive study of 100,000 individuals found that Caucasians have the highest prevalence of hemochromatosis/iron overload due to a specific gene mutation. In contrast, Asian and Pacific Islanders have high blood iron levels despite lower genetic mutations, suggesting a different underlying cause.
Researchers found a specific region of the receptor interacts with signaling lipid PIP2, leading to desensitization. This discovery provides critical information on temperature regulation and opens new avenues for investigating membrane protein functions.
Studies suggest that environmental pollutants like POPs can change sperm distribution and contribute to male reproductive disorders. A Swedish study found a slight increase in Y chromosome-bearing sperm in fishermen exposed to persistent organochlorine pollutants.
A recent OHSU study suggests that ginkgo biloba may improve attention in MS patients with cognitive impairment, with minimal side effects. The study found that patients taking ginkgo performed better on a test measuring attention and executive functions compared to those receiving a placebo.
Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have identified a key gene involved in regulating sleep duration, which could lead to new approaches to treating sleep irregularities. The study found that mutations in this gene affect the amount of sleep individuals need and can even impact life span.
Researchers found that induced moderate hypothermia (32–33°C) is a safe therapeutic intervention for children with severe traumatic brain injury, reducing mortality and intracranial hypertension. The treatment protocol also showed potential to improve functional outcomes in young patients.
Scientists have created a Nanofountain Probe that enables sub-100 nanometer molecular writing, a capability previously unattained. The device employs a volcano-like dispensing tip and capillary-fed solutions to achieve high-resolution direct writing.
Researchers found that permitting workers to carry guns on the job significantly increases the risk of homicide, with a nearly seven-fold increase in worker fatalities compared to workplaces where no firearms are allowed. This finding highlights the need for employers to reassess their policies on workplace gun permits.
A recent study, led by Dr. Edward Romond, found that adding trastuzumab to chemotherapy significantly improves prognosis for women with aggressive HER-2 positive breast cancer. The study involved over 3,300 patients and demonstrated substantial benefits of combining trastuzumab with chemotherapy.
A randomized trial found that patients' requests for medication, influenced by direct-to-consumer advertising, significantly impacted physicians' prescribing decisions. Patients making general requests had the highest prescribing rates, while those with no request received the lowest rate.
Dana Hausmann, a fourth-year UH pharmacy student, won the contest for the second consecutive year, competing against 90 contenders from across the country. The victory highlights the college's emphasis on effective communication with patients, reflecting the quality education students receive from faculty.
A new robotic arm, RUPERT I, can help stroke survivors recover motor function through repetitive exercises. The device is powered by four pneumatic muscles and adjustable to fit different body sizes.
Small animal imaging allows for repeated, non-invasive studies on the same living subject, providing crucial information on disease progression and treatment outcomes. This technology enables researchers to gain insights into human biology and disease, leading to improved diagnosis and development of innovative drugs.
A 2001-2002 survey of 45 mammography facilities in three states found that 44% did not have enough radiologists on staff, and 46% reported difficulty maintaining qualified technologists. Scheduling delays for diagnostic and screening mammograms were common, with some facilities reporting waits of up to four weeks.
Researchers at UCSF discovered that administering pyruvate along with glucose after a diabetic coma can prevent brain damage and subsequent memory and learning impairment. The therapy was shown to be more effective than treatment with glucose alone, with rats experiencing significant cognitive deficits when given only glucose.
Researchers found a modest increase in colorectal cancer incidence in families without MMR deficiency, but no increased risk for other malignancies. These findings allow clinicians to provide more accurate and lower-risk information to affected families.
A University of Chicago instrument has discovered dust particles around Saturn's moon Enceladus, sparking interest in a possible dust cloud or connection to the E-ring. The findings could help scientists better understand Enceladus' role as a source of water ice particles in the E-ring.
Researchers discovered that a 'fickle' enzyme plays both protective and detrimental roles in the heart. When its cofactor is present, it helps regulate blood flow and heart function, but without it, the enzyme produces factors contributing to oxidative stress.
Research by Ensley and Pearson found that parent-child businesses exhibit higher levels of shared strategic cognition and lower conflict compared to familial and non-family teams. This suggests that the long-term relationship between family members may lead to stronger business outcomes.
A Royal Society study found that Antarctic fish can compensate for the initial negative impact of elevated temperatures and regain their original performance levels despite being several degrees warmer. The study suggests that rising temperatures do not necessarily have a long-term negative impact on biodiversity.
Researchers have developed a small-animal imager for dual modality imaging, enabling cancer researchers to gain physiological information on animal models of human disease. The device will be integrated with an optical-imaging system and used in research projects on a daily basis.
A study by Purdue University researchers found that pi's randomness is acceptable for data encryption and physics problems, but not always the best. Some commercially available random number generators outperformed pi in certain tests, suggesting that the quality of the algorithm used can impact randomness.
Researchers made significant findings on the risk factors for Parkinson's disease, including active duty military service and ibuprofen use. Additionally, donepezil showed promise in slowing cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients, while essential tremor was linked to increased dementia risk.
The study found that doctors prescribed antidepressants more often when patients asked for them, with 53% of the time when Paxil was requested. This raises concerns about the overuse of antidepressants in mild cases and the impact of direct-to-consumer advertising on healthcare quality.
A study by PhD student Rebecca Cramp found that the green-striped burrowing frog can maintain its gut function despite prolonged starvation, allowing it to digest massive meals efficiently. The discovery has implications for human survival during starvation, as humans often experience severe gastrointestinal issues after re-feeding.
A study published in AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses found that the viral protein p12 increases activity of a gene controlling production of p300, a key regulator of cell signaling and proliferation. This could provide insights into how HTLV-1 maintains lifelong infection and impacts immune cell survival.
A study found that Color Doppler sonography speeds detection of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants, improving survival chances. CDS was more sensitive and specific than abdominal x-rays for determining NEC in newborns.
A study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family reveals that women are more financially vulnerable after a break-up, with a 33.1% drop in household income compared to 10% for men. The percentage of women living in poverty increases from 20% to almost 30%, particularly among African American and Hispanic women.
Research suggests that moderate drinking enhances new nerve cell formation in adult brains, which may contribute to long-term effects of alcohol on the brain. The study's findings have sparked interest in understanding the role of these new cells in cerebral activity and their potential link to addiction.
The revised Bethesda guidelines effectively identify patients at risk for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), also known as Lynch syndrome. A study of 1,222 patients found that these guidelines are the most effective way to detect MSH2 or MLH1 gene carriers.
Researchers developed algorithms to analyze data in MCOs, helping administrators identify patients with epilepsy and improve quality of life. Mortality rates are significantly higher for individuals with epilepsy, highlighting the need for accurate identification and targeted interventions.
A study of Southern Italian residents found that over 12% had abnormal liver values, with a significant correlation between age, gender, and excessive alcohol consumption. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease emerged as an important cause of altered liver tests in the region.
Researchers from Texas A&M University have found lower oxygen levels in the dead zone area of the Gulf, which could lead to more severe hypoxia and fish kills if physical conditions continue. The team studied an area between Southwest Pass, La., and the Calcasieu ship channel.
The university's new regenerative medicine program aims to translate basic stem cell science into therapies for degenerative diseases. The program will draw on faculty from five Medical School departments and be supported by $700,000 in annual funding.
Researchers used pulsed-HIFU to treat tumors in mice with a reporter gene, achieving nine times higher uptake compared to untreated tumors. The technique has potential for enhanced delivery of therapeutic genes across various tissues without scars or needles.
A new study found that exercise can delay the development of Alzheimer's-like brain changes in mice by decreasing beta-amyloid levels. Exercise was shown to improve learning and memory in mice with AD-like pathology, suggesting a potential mechanism for reducing cognitive decline.
A recent South Asian disaster underscores the persistent risk of tsunamis, which can cause devastating damage and loss of life. Experts emphasize the need for broad public education about tsunami dangers and prudent safeguards.
Sociologist J. William Spencer argues that the way we understand and respond to teen violence shapes our solutions, emphasizing the need for mentoring programs and adult relationships over punishment and protection.
A clinical trial found that elderly patients with locally advanced limited stage small cell lung cancer can benefit from combined modality therapy, with similar two- and five-year survival rates compared to younger patients. However, severe pneumonitis was more common in the elderly group.
Children with childhood soft tissue sarcomas have a six-fold increased risk of developing a second cancer, with absolute risks estimated at approximately 3% by age 20. The risk is highest within the first five years post-treatment, particularly for females and those treated with radiation or chemotherapy.
A study found that 1 in 6 elderly patients with clinically important vertebral fractures had unreported osteoporosis diagnoses, highlighting the need for better screening and treatment strategies.
Researchers developed disease models using yeast to test resistance to atovaquone and created a practical tool to design new anti-malarial drugs. This study provides the first quantitative explanation for malaria's drug resistance, enabling the development of new treatments within 3-5 years.
The study found that mortality decreased over time for both young and old patients, but the risk of postoperative stroke remained unchanged among older patients. Older patients undergoing elective procedures may experience similar outcomes to those of younger patients if there is a clinical need for CABG.
A study of over 153,000 US adults found that only three percent maintain a healthy lifestyle with all four characteristics: nonsmoking, healthy weight, and regular physical activity. Most Americans fail to meet even one of these key habits, highlighting the need for comprehensive prevention activities.
Arteriocyte, a startup company spun out from Case Western Reserve University, is developing a novel stem cell therapy to generate new blood vessels and replace damaged ones in patients with heart disease. The therapy has shown encouraging results in animal studies and plans for patient testing are pending NIH and FDA approval.
Researchers have created an 'egg carton' of light with tiny holes that can contain single atoms, a crucial step towards making quantum computing more practical. The design enables faster computing than traditional chips and has potential applications in fields like astrophysics, genetics, and materials science.
The article argues that a human rights framework can prevent abuse in psychiatric institutions. People with mental disabilities have the right to agency in their own lives and participate as members of society. Adopting this approach can challenge traditional biomedical methods and promote dignity and well-being.
Differences in UV perception allow songbirds to signal with private communication, while chestnut trees go silent during winter due to circadian clock gene regulation. A fungus has an energy-generating mechanism similar to bacteria, enabling it to harness light for proton pumping
A team of researchers from Penn State University has developed a bacteria-driven cell that produces hydrogen for fuel while simultaneously cleaning wastewater. The innovation utilizes a microbial fuel cell to harness the power of microorganisms to generate electricity and purify water.
Researchers discovered defects in astrocytes, crucial support cells for brain health, in a patient with vanishing white matter disease. The study sheds light on the disease's mechanisms and may lead to treatment development.
Researchers at the University of Southern California found that sapphire surfaces can self-arrange carbon nanotubes into useful patterns. This phenomenon occurs only on specific surfaces, particularly vertical slices with certain crystalline orientations.
Brown University has been awarded a four-year, $11.5-million grant to conduct research on hazardous waste and develop tools to remove it. The project aims to identify health threats posed by contaminated sites and create safe remediation devices.
A study by Belfast researchers found that oxygen levels dropped by an average of 4% at cruising altitude, affecting passengers across all age groups. The findings highlight the need for further research into the physiological effects of air travel on health.
A study of 11,800 adults found that genetic screening for haemochromatosis was well-received by participants, with low anxiety levels and no discrimination from insurance companies. The authors argue that the benefits of screening outweigh the risks, making it a cost-effective option for preventing iron accumulation.
A study by Matthew Powell found that brachiopods living near the equator suffered high extinction rates during the late Paleozoic ice age, while those living at higher latitudes were more resilient. The research suggests that human-induced environmental changes may be causing modern marine species to become extinct.
Georgetown University is helping create a national cancer biomedical informatics grid to link research centers in real time, sharing data and results more rapidly. The $20 million grant aims to improve cancer research and treatment through the adoption of common research tools.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a new method to transform human neural stem cells into insulin-producing cells. The breakthrough could potentially lead to new ways of transplanting insulin-producing cells into people with diabetes and provide a cure for the disease.
A study suggests that CABG surgery may cause mild and transient cognitive changes in some patients, but these effects do not persist beyond three months. The authors argue that the procedure is improving and that the population undergoing surgery is becoming older and sicker, which may contribute to the observed cognitive deficits.