Researchers discovered a significant link between a genetic variation in the DRD4 gene and high blood pressure, which could help explain individual risk factors. The study also sheds light on how this gene affects kidney function and blood pressure regulation.
A large-scale study found that women experiencing burnout have elevated levels of fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP), associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Men experiencing depression also showed higher levels of CRP and fibrinogen, linking emotional states to inflammation-related health problems
A study by Fox Chase Cancer Center found no significant impact of type II diabetes on the initial profile or treatment outcomes of prostate cancer. However, men with type II diabetes experienced significantly worse long-term overall survival rates compared to those without diabetes.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that breast conservation surgery followed by radiation therapy can lead to favorable cosmetic results in patients with implanted breasts. The study challenged previous reports of poor outcomes.
Researchers found that sea lilies move by shedding stalk ends and using feathery arms to crawl. This defense strategy helps them evade sea urchins, which prey on them. The discovery sheds light on the evolution and ecology of deep-sea creatures.
Researchers found that gene therapy using manganese superoxide dismutase plasmid liposome (MnSOD-PL) protected healthy tissue from damage during and after radiation retreatment. The therapy significantly improved survival rates and reduced side effects in lung cancer patients.
Scientists have successfully developed a proof-of-concept for Altered Nuclear Transfer (ANT), an alternative to somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) that enables the creation of genetically altered embryos without implantation. The method uses RNA interference to disable genes in donor nuclei, producing stem cells with disabled Cdx2 fu...
The meiotic histone code is a complex process that regulates genetic recombination and chromosome segregation during meiosis. This code involves the dynamic changes of histone modifications on chromosomes.
A study of 487 cancer patients found that almost twice as many used CAM therapies when treated with chemotherapy alone compared to radiation therapy. Patients reported high satisfaction with using cost-effective CAM methods like supplements, but few relied on their doctors for information on these treatments.
Researchers developed a new radiation technique that targets cancer while sparing hair follicles, resulting in minimal hair loss. The study used intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) on 10 patients with stage IV brain cancer, showing promising results and improved overall survival rates.
A Fox Chase study found that men with a history of TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) and an intermediate PSA level are at higher risk for prostate cancer recurrence. This misleads doctors about disease extent, potentially leading to less aggressive treatment.
The Penn State Earth and Mineral Sciences Library launched a geocache treasure hunt as an orientation tool for freshmen. Participants used GPS coordinates to locate the cache, which was hidden in plain sight within the library. The hunt incorporated library knowledge, including the Library of Congress classification system.
A geologist is proposing a new approach, called GeoTraverse, to select study sites for the NSF-funded EarthScope project. This approach aims to facilitate greater scientific collaboration and public engagement by selecting areas that can be connected into one or a few east-west transects.
A new study published in Fox Chase Cancer Center found that sequential sequencing of radiation and tamoxifen after lumpectomy significantly improves cosmetic outcomes for women with early-stage breast cancer. The study included 1,088 patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery and radiation therapy, and received adjuvant tamoxifen.
A new study from Fox Chase Cancer Center found that married breast cancer patients do not have different survival rates than unmarried women. However, younger women and those over 70 tend to fare worse despite similar disease characteristics and treatment factors. Age emerged as a significant predictor of relapse-free survival.
A NYU-Cornell study found that people's perceptions of morality significantly impact their economic decisions in a trust game. Despite knowing the response patterns are the same, participants continued to trust good partners more than bad ones.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified shared components in histone and poly(A) pre-mRNA processing. These findings highlight the importance of cross-talk between distinct RNA processing pathways, shedding light on cellular regulation and gene expression.
A recent study published in Nature Medicine reveals the importance of antigen-presenting cells in the graft-versus-leukemia effect, which occurs during bone marrow transplants. The discovery has significant implications for improving cellular immunotherapy and making it safer and more effective for cancer patients.
A randomized study of 471 women with T1-T2 invasive breast cancer found that those with high-risk factors may benefit from an aromatase inhibitor added to five years of tamoxifen. The study suggests a 1-2% clinical benefit, which is below the commonly used threshold of 3%.
Researchers found that a high fat, low carbohydrate diet can improve Alzheimer's disease in mice by regulating insulin and promoting ketone body production. This study suggests that dietary components may influence the metabolic state of key aspects of Alzheimer's disease.
A recent study found that African-American women with faulty cell cycle checkpoints are at a nearly five-fold increased risk of developing lung cancer. The study suggests that less effective cell cycle checkpoints may lead to genetic instability and increased cancer risk in this population.
Researchers found curcumin suppresses the inflammatory response that induces metastasis, causing cell death and reversing disease progression. Curcumin breaks down chemotherapy doses, making it less toxic while maintaining efficacy, offering new hope for breast cancer treatment.
Researchers at UK developed a new approach to controlling mosquitoes, which can prevent various forms of encephalitis including West Nile and malaria. The study was conducted in collaboration with colleagues from Johns Hopkins University.
The American Association for Cancer Research will honor Senator Arlen Specter for his tireless support of biomedical research funding. His leadership and collaboration have led to significant advancements in cancer care, making Pennsylvania a hub for cutting-edge research institutions.
Patients who used a computer to learn about a screening test for colon cancer showed equal success and knowledge compared to those educated by a nurse. The study suggests that computer-assisted instruction can help increase screening rates for colon cancer by overcoming patient confusion and physicians' lack of time.
A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research found that children with more conduct disorder symptoms tend to have an earlier age of first drink. The study analyzed data from nine sites and found no link between family history of alcoholism and early drinking age.
The Medicare elimination of essential drugs will have a significant impact on 24% of elderly recipients, who will lose coverage for essential medications like benzodiazepines. This could lead to withdrawal reactions, emergency department visits, and hospital admissions.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a custom small molecule inhibitor that can prevent cholera bacteria from setting up an infection. The approach uses virulence protein expression and has potential to be widely applicable against other important pathogens.
Researchers found that lipid levels and heart rate variability are 60-80% determined by genetics, with blacks showing a more favorable pattern of heart rate variability. The study provides new insight into the development of cardiovascular disease and may lead to targeted treatment strategies.
Researchers found that cells with double genomes are more prone to generating tumors in mice, and these tumors show genomic instability similar to many human cancers. Inaccurate chromosome segregation can also lead to the formation of tetraploid cells, which contribute to cancer development.
Health officials should consider alternative options due to high flu virus resistance to Tamiflu, a key drug in pandemic preparedness. The discovery raises concerns about the effectiveness of stockpiled doses and may require reevaluation of global strategies.
Computer models aid understanding of antibody-dependent enhancement in the spread of dengue fever, finding that enhanced viruses can spread faster but face extinction due to over-exploitation. The research has implications for designing optimal dengue vaccination strategies.
Small single-domain proteins, often referred to as 'two-state folders', fold into their three-dimensional structures by crossing only a single barrier. A new interpretation of mutational data suggests that this process involves a fully formed helix in the transition state.
A survey of pregnant women taking isotretinoin found that many failed to comply with key requirements for preventing birth defects. The study's results highlight the need for improved pregnancy prevention programs to prevent isotretinoin-related birth defects.
A recent study by the University of Manchester discovered that pillows can contain a substantial fungal load, with some samples having over 1 million fungal spores per pillow. The research highlights the potential for fungal contamination to exacerbate respiratory diseases like asthma and sinusitis in adults.
The new drug dnaJP1, derived from a naturally occurring protein dnaJ, has been found to be effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis by re-educating the immune system's tolerance to the amino acid sequence. In a double-blind trial, patients receiving dnaJP1 experienced lessening of symptoms and improvement in mobility.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces investigated the assembly of filament networks and bundles. They found that thermal motion prevents bundle formation unless crosslinker concentration exceeds a certain threshold value.
A $6.5 million nanomedicine center at Yale University aims to design, model, synthesize, and fabricate nanomedical devices based on natural and synthetic ion transporters. The center will focus on developing biobatteries for implantable devices, including an artificial retina.
Physicians at Providence Hospital have developed an early triage system using cell phones and ECGs to quickly transmit tracing data from paramedics in the field to emergency rooms, reducing average door-to-balloon time from 88 to 44 minutes.
John Hobbie, a renowned marine biologist, is being honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering work on decomposition and productivity in aquatic ecosystems. With over 40 years of research experience, he has made significant contributions to our understanding of estuaries and coastal ecosystems.
A new study suggests a direct link between increased atmospheric greenhouse gases and global temperatures in tropical regions. The research analyzed fossil plankton shells from the equatorial Pacific and found evidence of past climate reconstruction supporting the attribution of temperature trends to greenhouse gas burdens.
Astronomers find massive stars forming close to super-massive black holes, challenging previous theories about their role in galaxy evolution. Researchers used Chandra X-ray Observatory data to study the Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) star cluster near the Milky Way's central black hole.
Despite problems with user-developed software, Rosson highlights its potential benefits, including short-circuiting the software development lifecycle and promoting personal growth. She advocates for improved software tools to support testing, debugging, and overall design, enabling web developers to create reliable systems
The avian flu pandemic is a pressing global health concern that necessitates strong national and regional leadership to coordinate the response. Without it, the outbreak may be as deadly as the 1918-19 pandemic that killed 20-50 million worldwide.
A study found that child and environmental factors are stronger predictors of early alcohol experimentation in late childhood, rather than family history. This is associated with increased rates of psychiatric disorders, poor physical health, and criminal behavior in adulthood.
A new study reveals that warmer oceans and atmosphere will cause more intense precipitation worldwide, especially in tropical regions. Heavier rain will fall in areas such as North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, while the Mediterranean and US Southwest may experience decreased average precipitation due to longer dry periods.
Researchers have discovered a positive correlation between medical marijuana use and increased adult neurogenesis, a process that can modify behavior. Cannabinoids are believed to play a key role in this process, making them a promising area of study for mental health treatment.
Research indicates that involvement in both AA and treatment leads to improved psychosocial outcomes, including higher rates of abstinence and remission. Long-term participation in AA is also associated with better social functioning and self-efficacy.
A framework based on four facets of activity awareness helps emergency management workers rescue families stranded by flood waters, while a grant from the UPS Foundation funded the presentation. The lecture emphasized the need for better data sharing and explanation among collaborators to evaluate joint outcomes.
A single dose of live-attenuated SA 14-14-2 Japanese encephalitis vaccine is highly effective, providing 98.5% protection against the disease 12-15 months after immunization. This finding supports the integration of a single-dose vaccine into the WHO Expanded Programme on Immunisation schedule.
Researchers sequenced goby DNA to find evidence of invasion; genetic analysis suggests Atlantic gobies invaded during warm period 150,000 years ago. Warmer climate may lead to further expansion of marine species beyond cold water barriers.
Researchers Dr. Charles F. Parker and Dr. Eric K. Stern examine the US government's response to al-Qaeda-style terrorism following the 9/11 attacks. They find that increased policy attention has improved capabilities and interagency coordination, but acknowledge significant organizational and human frailties that remain unaddressed.
Researchers found that a friendly-but-firm police presence, combined with preventing known troublemakers from travelling, led to an almost incident-free tournament. The study's 'low profile' tactics are credited with fostering peace among fans and reducing hooliganism.
Researchers found that no-till farming can store up to 868 million tons of carbon in soil, which could help meet the US's goal of reducing carbon-dioxide emissions by one-fifth. Climate change affects soil carbon sequestration varying by region, with some areas experiencing increased storage and others reduced.
Researchers develop wireless public transport network protocol allowing vehicles to create a communication network. The system can learn from user behavior and adapt to traffic conditions, providing a more attractive option for commuters.
A new trial demonstrates the effectiveness of infliximab against psoriasis, with 80% of patients experiencing at least a 75% improvement in skin symptoms. The drug also showed promise in treating nail psoriasis, with significant reductions in severity and complete clearing of skin psoriasis in some cases.
The Virtual California model forecasts almost 400 major earthquakes over 40,000 years, with a 25% chance in the next 20 years. The simulation indicates higher probabilities for future quakes by 2086.
A long-term guillemot study on Skomer Island found that major oil spills double the mortality rate of adult guillemots in Britain. The research also reveals a direct link between warmer climate conditions and higher mortality rates among British guillemots.
Researchers uncover fossils of two new species, Biretia fayumensis and Biretia megalopsis, in Egypt's Fayum desert, dating back 37 million years. The discoveries confirm that the common ancestor of humans, monkeys, and apes originated in Africa, with one species appearing to be nocturnal.
Researchers identified a significant increased risk of stroke among Hodgkin disease survivors compared to siblings of cancer survivors. The study found an incidence of strokes at 83.6 per 100,000 person-years for Hodgkin disease survivors, significantly higher than the control group.