A study by Rice University researchers found that salicylate causes membranes to thin, soften, and rupture more easily, increasing the risk of hearing loss. The findings provide a mechanistic basis for the debilitating side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that people with Alzheimer's disease have difficulty suppressing irrelevant brain activity, which can lead to cognitive impairments. This defective focusing process is characterized by reduced cross-modal inhibition, where auditory and visual processing areas are not properly deactivated.
A landmark breast cancer screening trial conducted by UVa Health System found no significant difference between digital and standard x-ray mammography in detecting breast cancer. The trial, DMIST, enrolled nearly 50,000 women and used both digital and film mammograms.
A study found that less than 8% of nurses and healthcare assistants had annual flu injections, citing lack of knowledge as a major reason. The research also showed that over 51% of respondents took sick leave due to flu-like illnesses during the survey period.
A survey of 40 hospitals found that high-fat foods contribute to the risk of heart disease among staff and visitors. In contrast, healthier options featuring vegetables, beans, and whole grains are shown to support overall health and well-being.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has identified a molecular defect in specialized proteins called ryanodine receptors (RyRs) as a possible cause of heart failure. The RyRs malfunction, leading to calcium imbalances that prevent the heart from contracting effectively and relaxing adequately.
A survey of 44 medications found that 43 were cheaper in Canada than in the US, with potential savings of up to 24% per dose. Second-generation antidepressants showed similar efficacy and safety compared to other options, making choosing an antidepressant difficult for patients.
The study reveals the malaria parasite's release mechanism from infected red blood cells, contradicting previous theories. The findings provide new insights into the disease and its potential targets for treatment.
Researchers have developed diamond-like carbon coatings for medical implants, reducing friction and corrosion while providing biocompatibility. The new method of coating plastics, metals, and collagen enables the production of harder-wearing implants and enhances patient outcomes.
Australia's Director of Obesity Research highlights lack of access to life-saving bariatric surgery for those who need it most. Over 2.6 million Australians struggle with obesity, a growing public health crisis requiring urgent attention and action from hospitals and governments.
Kids aged 7-19 are at higher risk of visually induced seizures while watching TV or playing videogames. The Epilepsy Foundation recommends adjusting technical parameters to reduce the risk, and provides guidance for parents on how to minimize exposure.
The current treatment approaches for port-wine stains, facial hemangiomas, and vascular malformations are presented. Pulse-dye laser therapy is found to be an effective treatment for port-wine stains, while observation may suffice for stable lesions.
A positive relationship between male status and offspring count was found in a modern society subsample, indicating evolutionary forces may still be at work. This finding has implications for economics and management, explaining the striving for high and prestigious positions in men.
Researchers at Imperial College London analysed primitive meteorites, coal-like rocks older than the Earth, and found they are depleted of volatile elements. This suggests 'volatile depletion' may be an inevitable part of planet formation across many planetary systems.
A laboratory model with defective lymphatic vessels has been found to exhibit abnormal fat accumulation and obesity in adulthood. The researchers discovered that adipocytes near leaking lymphatic vessels can store more lipids, leading to increased fat storage and subsequent obesity.
A Penn research team found that Snail promotes breast cancer recurrence by inducing changes in tumor cell shape and gene expression. High Snail expression predicts rapid tumor recurrence in women treated for breast cancer.
Research at Harvard University reveals that preschool children have a basic understanding of number concepts and can perform addition before formal schooling. However, their ability to comprehend symbolic arithmetic is limited, suggesting that teaching methods may need to be revised.
Two DNA polymerases, Pol III and Pol IV, coordinate their action to cross obstacles in the replication process. Pol III copies DNA while proofreading for errors, but can stall if it encounters a problem, allowing Pol IV to take over.
A study found significant deficiencies in education on palliative surgical care among surgeons, with 84% not receiving any training during residency and 44% lacking continuing medical education. The lack of standardization in treatment recommendations may be due to diverse sources of training and experience.
The Mayo team invented a simpler method for using modified viruses to transport therapeutic genes to tumors. They demonstrated that retrovirus particles could successfully attach to T cells and safely hitchhike to reach tumors, transferring genes that infected cancer cells.
A Phase II study found erlotinib to be relatively well-tolerated and demonstrated encouraging activity in previously untreated patients 70 years or older with advanced lung cancer. The study showed a median survival of 46 weeks, with 60% of patients experiencing partial response or stable disease.
A study published in BMC found that regular exercise can significantly reduce musculoskeletal pain in older adults. Participants who exercised regularly experienced 25% less pain than those who were less active, with the reduction persisting until age 62-76.
According to a meta-analysis of studies, males and females show more similarity than difference in cognitive abilities, communication, social traits, and well-being. However, motor behaviors, sex-specific aspects, and aggression exhibit marked differences.
A team of UCSD biochemists has discovered a mechanism for generating 10 trillion varieties of a single protein, providing a new tool for developing novel drugs. This finding, published in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology, uses the genetic mechanism used by a virus that infects bacteria to create a kaleidoscope of variants.
The NIH has launched a new commission to address digestive diseases, building on the findings of a previous study that highlights the economic burden of these conditions. The commission will guide research into combating digestive diseases and translate advances into clinical practice.
A study of 55,371 postmenopausal women found that estrogen-progestin and estrogen therapies increased breast cancer risk by 29% and 10%, respectively, after five years. The association applied to all ethnic groups except African-Americans.
The research aims to design and test protocols that incentivize participants to follow rules, reducing misbehavior in settings where users act in their own best interests. Incentive-compatible solutions can provide robust security at a lower cost.
Researchers aim to identify the point of salmonella transmission in the poultry industry, allowing intervention measures to be introduced effectively.
A study of over 33,000 children's doctor visits found that only 0.1% were diagnosed with obesity during well-child visits, despite the national rate being 13-15%. When doctors did diagnose obesity, they were more likely to discuss diet and exercise.
A team of researchers, including Brandeis University, is studying the role of glial cells in individual synapses and neural networks. The project aims to deepen understanding of glial cell function and its potential impact on diseases originating from malfunctioning glial cells.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that patients who underwent stem-cell transplantation have similar rates of hospitalization, diseases, and psychological health as those who did not receive a transplant. However, they reported higher incidence of musculoskeletal problems and poor long-term sexual health.
The Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial found that digital mammography improves breast cancer detection in high-risk populations. The study's results corroborate NCI's commitment to exploring advanced technologies to detect cancer earlier and improve outcomes.
The survey found that 52% of Katrina evacuees had no health insurance coverage at the time of the hurricane. Many reported experiencing health problems or injuries as a result of the storm and were struggling to access necessary care, with 39% reporting they didn't receive help from any government agency or voluntary group.
The study suggests that roots were a primary food source for early humans on the savannah, leading to adaptations in their dental structure. This finding may have contributed to the initial split between humans and other apes, with the ability to eat roots providing a vital survival advantage.
A new study found that human fat cells produce C-reactive protein, a molecule linked to cardiovascular events. Aspirin and statin drugs effectively dampen production of CRP from fat cells.
The Digital Mammographic Imaging Screening Trial found that digital mammography is as good as film mammography in detecting breast cancer, but may be better for younger women. The study analyzed data from 49,528 women and provides some of the best data gathered on mammogram diagnostic accuracy.
This study recommends wheelchair setup and propulsion techniques to reduce upper limb injuries, including using smooth strokes and a light-weight wheelchair. Rehabilitation also improves wheelchair propulsion ability, with greater gains in men, younger persons, and those with paraplegia.
Premature birth is a complex disorder with no single cause, requiring a multi-faceted approach. Research in six promising areas may lead to new clinical strategies for identifying high-risk patients and preventing premature birth.
Researchers found that a tumor suppressor gene Nkx3.1 plays a crucial role in protecting cells from oxygen damage, which can lead to prostate cancer. Antioxidants may be useful for prostate cancer prevention by regulating oxidative stress pathways.
Jaap Sinninghe Damsté is awarded the Treibs medal for his research into marine sediments and the discovery of anammox bacteria, which has major consequences for the nitrogen cycle. He uses organic molecules to reconstruct life and climate in previous epochs.
Merlyna Lim's research explores how the Internet facilitated creative interaction during Indonesia's 'reformasi' movement and Moluccan conflict, highlighting its potential for collective protest but also limitations. The study suggests the importance of cultural and interpersonal contacts in collective actions.
Researchers discovered that around 3% of the bowel's surface area is covered in a glue-like substance that plugs gaps in healthy tissue. This finding may lead to new treatments for inflammatory bowel disease and explain the development of colon cancer.
A UCL study has found that a natural compound in beans can inhibit the growth of tumors and enhance the effect of existing anti-cancer drugs. The compound, inositol pentakisphosphate, is non-toxic and water-soluble, making it a promising therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.
A study published in Neuron identifies the pre-frontal cortex as the origin of fear memory, contradicting previous research that linked it to the hippocampus. The researchers found that NMDA receptors play a critical role in developing fear memory, and blocking these receptors can reduce fear response.
Researchers found that women who labored between noon and 6 p.m. received an average of 27 percent longer pain relief from a single dose of spinal-epidural medication fentanyl compared to those who labored between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m.
Researchers have identified key mechanisms for cell volume regulation, including water channels and organic particle efflux. Cells use these processes to manage salt concentrations and prevent osmotic disruption.
Researchers explored how participants' cultural backgrounds shape their entrepreneurial beliefs and practices. They found that cultural values can be both empowering and limiting for entrepreneurs. The study suggests that while ethnicity and culture play a role in entrepreneurship, they are not the sole determinants of success.
The study found that walking is most energy-efficient at low speeds, while running is best for higher speeds. A third walk-run gait is also optimal for intermediate speeds, but humans do not currently use this gait.
A novel genetic testing tool has been developed to screen for multiple retinal disease genes on a single microchip, offering faster and more accurate diagnoses for conditions like RP. The arRP-I chip is 23% less expensive than current sequencing methods and can detect both known and novel mutations.
Researchers found that cells without genetic predisposition have a lower mutation rate in PIG-A gene, ranging from 1 in 3 million to 1 in 300,000. A new test for the mutation rate could identify individuals at high cancer risk and help prevent or treat it.
Yates received $3,000 and a certificate, as well as covered travel expenses to the meeting, in recognition of his research in nuclear chemistry and radiochemistry. A five-day symposium will be held at the 2006 spring meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Atlanta.
Researchers analyzed anonymous input from 1,253 prisoners, finding a high frequency of prison bullying and victimization among the same individuals. The study challenged current theories about bullying in prisons and schools, suggesting that bullying is not limited to specific personality types.
A study found that hurricanes have become more intense and frequent worldwide, especially in the North Atlantic, with Category 4 and 5 storms increasing by 56% since 1975-89. Sea surface temperatures have risen across the globe, contributing to the observed changes.
A large analysis of Medicare records suggests that aspirin is not harmful and may even lower mortality rates in patients with heart failure and coronary artery disease. However, the debate remains controversial, with some experts recommending limiting or avoiding aspirin use for these patients.
The study reveals that CD32a induces DC maturation, while CD32b inhibits it. This balance is crucial for generating immunity or tolerance. The findings also suggest a mechanism for intravenous immune globulin's anti-inflammatory properties.
Researchers show that CD32 isoforms have differential contributions to dendritic cell activation, with ligation of CD32a inducing maturation and ligation of CD32b inhibiting it. Intravenous immune globulin selectively shifts Fc-gamma receptor expression to a CD32b-dominated profile, explaining its anti-inflammatory properties.
A recent restudy and reconstruction of a Mongolian sauropod skull adds to evidence for sauropod diversity at the end of the dinosaur era. The discovery highlights the existence of titanosaurs, a late surviving sauropod lineage that flourished during this period.
A recent USC study found that popular sixth-grade students were more susceptible to smoking and more likely to actually smoke than their peers. The association existed across ethnicities and genders, with non-white boys being the strongest group.
A University of Kentucky professor has received the prestigious Young Investigators Award in recognition of their groundbreaking work in biophysics. The award honors their dedication to advancing the field through innovative research and contributions.
Research by Dr. Dennis Foth and Dr. Gordon Thompson found that mental declines related to aging are not universal and can be improved with a lifetime of good mental habits. Activities such as reading, traveling, and learning new skills can help maintain cognitive abilities throughout life.