Researchers at Michigan Medicine have found that over half of patients with rapidly progressing hearing loss had antibodies against IESCA, a protein in the inner ear. The study suggests a direct test for antibodies could predict which patients will regain hearing with steroid treatment.
A new study from the Mayo Clinic found that smokers with a history of alcoholism can quit smoking using customized nicotine replacement therapy. The study, which adjusted nicotine patch dosages based on serum cotinine levels, resulted in a tobacco abstinence rate of 51 percent.
Researchers have created a novel method to propagate mouse brain stem cells, which can either multiply without differentiating or become normal brain cells at the flip of a genetic switch. The technique combines epidermal growth factor and fibroblast growth factor to promote cell growth, enabling scientists to study basic properties an...
Researchers found that matriptase, a cell surface enzyme, triggers the formation of tumor cells and promotes rapid cell division. The study suggests that targeting matriptase could be an effective way to treat various types of cancer.
A UCLA professor has been awarded a major DOE grant to develop algorithms that can solve complex plasma physics problems, which could lead to breakthroughs in controlled fusion reactors and clean energy. The research is part of the Office of Science's "Multiscale Mathematics" program.
Researchers found a new way to distinguish virus-induced asthma from allergen-caused disease, highlighting increased IL-10 gene expression in viral infections. The study also showed benefits of inhaled corticosteroids for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
Researchers found that disadvantaged individuals tend to prioritize being friendly and dressing nicely during doctor visits. The study aims to advance understanding of patients' everyday strategies for getting quality healthcare.
Disaster research presented at the American Sociological Association Centennial Meeting challenges the common perception that minorities are disproportionately affected by disasters. The study finds patterns in human behavior and societal organization that mirror these disasters, highlighting that disaster is a normal part of life.
A recent study by a UC sociologist examines how audiences have shaped the evolution of capital punishment. The research highlights four areas where audiences have influenced contemporary conflicts in the death penalty: pain and technology, procedures and professionals, publicity and public access, and witness and psychological closure.
Neural stem cells in the subventricular zone of the forebrain give rise to malignant astrocytoma in genetically engineered mice. The study challenges current dogma that tumors arise from glial cells throughout the brain.
A recent study by the University of Manchester found that children raised by two religious parents are more likely to reject the church, but not necessarily due to a lack of faith. The report argues that institutional religion has a 'half-life' of one generation and that individual differences in faith play a significant role.
Researchers developed a large brain tumor model and tested a genetically engineered virus delivering two proteins to the brain. The findings show that combined RAdTK and RAdFlt3L gene therapy eliminated glioblastoma multiforme in lab rats, increasing survival rates significantly.
A study published in PLoS Medicine found that insulin resistance, a key factor in type 2 diabetes, develops early in life and is linked to weight gain. The researchers studied children of diabetic parents and found that insulin-resistant individuals have impaired energy production in muscle cells, leading to weight maintenance problems.
A study at Bristol Zoo Garden and Paignton Zoo Environmental Park found that zoos can inspire children to engage with animals through non-traditional forms of education. However, the research also revealed challenges in conveying scientific and environmental messages, highlighting the need for zoos to adapt their approaches.
A study by Rutgers University researchers found that combining TPA, a compound from the croton plant, with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) effectively inhibits growth of pancreatic cancer cells. The combination also showed increased apoptosis and reduced mitosis in tumors.
The risk of major cardiovascular problems was significantly lower among patients treated by high-volume doctors performing over 90 procedures per year compared to low-volume doctors. However, there was no difference in death rates before leaving the hospital between high- and low-volume physicians.
The study found that movies like 'Lord of the Rings III' appeal to people's emotions and are more enjoyable for those with limited control over their lives. It also showed a cross-cultural appeal, particularly among women who saw it as a spiritual journey.
Researchers are creating a library of realistic 3D models of patients to improve radiation dose accuracy, enabling safer and more effective treatment. This project aims to bring about a paradigm change in radiation protection by facilitating image processing and simulation.
Researchers aim to investigate whether starting hormone therapy early can prevent atherosclerosis and heart attacks. The KEEPS trial, led by Yale University, seeks healthy women aged 42-58 for a double-blind study exploring the effects of early menopausal hormone therapy.
Researchers successfully tested a new coast-to-coast, 10-Gigabit per second Ethernet cyber backplane connecting NASA's Goddard center to UCSD. The system enabled complex scientific analysis and visualization of large data sets remotely.
Mutations in genes NF1, c-RET, SDH, and VHL interfere with apoptosis, allowing cancerous cells to evade developmental cell death. This can lead to increased risk of pheochromocytoma and other pediatric tumors.
The Internet enables organizations to function as virtual shelters without physical locations, allowing for pre-screening and coordination of adoption events. Descriptive online ads educate potential owners about endearing traits, while interactive messages narrow the selection process.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study found that salivary cotinine levels, a measure of second-hand smoke exposure, are linked to an increased likelihood of smoking in adolescence. The research suggests that early childhood exposure may be a key factor in the development of nicotine-seeking behavior.
Researchers found insulin resistance can be detected 20 years before diabetes symptoms appear in lean, healthy young adults. Mitochondria's energy-producing function is significantly impaired, leading to a decreased ability to burn sugars and fats efficiently.
Research found that coral and rock reefs offshore played a key role in shaping the severity of tsunami inundation. Healthy coral reefs in the Maldives islands may have contributed to their narrow escape from destruction.
A study found no significant association between waiting period and pre- and postoperative mortality and morbidity for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. However, the authors emphasize that the acceptable rate of adverse events for a managed waiting strategy remains undetermined.
A new University of Cincinnati study reveals that white individuals' general racial attitudes towards people of other races affect their preferences for seeing a doctor of the same or different race. In contrast, African Americans are more likely to prefer a same-race doctor due to perceptions of white apathy and poor past medical care...
Researchers found that HIF-1 inhibition impacts tumor biology differently depending on the local environment, with proximal cells less affected. This study suggests optimizing HIF-1 blockade to maximize effects on vasculature and minimize effects on distal tumor cells.
Researchers found that activated Stat5 levels in prostate cancer cells predict disease progression and survival rates. Patients with high levels of activated Stat5 had a 15-year progression-free survival rate of 46% compared to 62% without activated Stat5.
Researchers have developed a method to create densely packed carbon nanotube carpets with an artificial gecko foot-like grip, 200 times stronger than natural geckos. This breakthrough enables the development of dry adhesives for microelectronics, robotics, and other fields.
Researchers found that emotional ads were more effective than informational ads in persuading both highly and non-skeptical consumers. Skeptical consumers responded better to emotional appeals, which bypassed their skepticism filters.
Research suggests that babies are more flexible in perceiving musical rhythms than adults, which may be due to their developing brains being less biased by cultural norms. By 12 months old, however, infants' abilities to detect rhythmic patterns in foreign music decrease significantly.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that nutritional interventions and educational programs can significantly improve the quality of life for cancer survivors. Women who received either intervention were less likely to be depressed and more optimistic about their health than those with no intervention.
A new database, The Canary Database, tracks animal diseases linked to human health threats, such as mercury poisoning and West Nile Virus infection. The project aims to improve human health decision-making by analyzing animal sentinel data.
Researchers report on the first 10 patients to undergo totally robotic laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, achieving comparable surgical times and complication rates with a short learning curve. The study suggests that robotic technology is feasible and safe for this procedure, potentially offering a superior alternative.
A new robotic technique in weight-loss surgery, developed by Stanford Medicine, offers several advantages over traditional methods. The da Vinci robotic surgical system provides improved visualization and precise maneuvers, reducing surgical time by approximately 30 minutes compared to conventional laparoscopic procedures.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a way to reduce phytate levels in animal feed, making it more nutritious. By understanding the biochemical pathway of phytate synthesis in plants, they were able to create low-phytate strains of feed grains that could improve nutrition and reduce environmental pollution.
A Yale University study will examine dietary calcium insufficiency in inner city infants, highlighting the alarming trends of decreased calcium intake over the past 30 years. The research aims to establish guidelines for calcium in infants below age three and predict a 10-20% prevalence of abnormal biomarkers.
The study found that deleting yeast gene ISY1 increases splicing reaction efficiency and improves 3'-splice site accuracy. The researchers believe Isy1 regulates spliceosomal conformation to ensure accurate pre-mRNA splicing.
Researchers discovered that a vascular gene plays a crucial role in the growth of blood vessels in brain cells. Restoring its expression level stimulates new vessel formation and improves clearance of amyloid beta peptide, a toxin associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Alcohol intake can alter circadian rhythms, influencing heart rate, blood pressure, hormone levels, and immune function. Disruptions to the 'biological clock' within the body may result in 'physiological anarchy,' with widespread pathology.
Researchers have identified tadpoles as a suitable model system for studying the lymphatic vessel network, essential for regulating fluid in the body and supporting the immune system. This breakthrough could lead to new solutions for illnesses caused by faults in the lymphatic vessel network, including cancer and lymphedema.
Co-occurring anxiety disorders, particularly social phobia and panic disorder, increase the risk of relapse to drinking. Screening for these conditions is essential in alcoholism treatment settings.
A team of researchers at the University of Chicago has identified a gradient of biochemical signals, including Wnt proteins and Ryk receptor, that guide nerve growth down the spinal cord. This discovery offers new insights into how to repair or replace damaged nerves in adults.
A recent study found that prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to slower processing speed and efficiency, particularly in tasks requiring working memory. Children exposed prenatally to moderate-to-heavy levels of alcohol may struggle with complex cognition and social interactions as they age.
A new ASU study reveals family environment plays a crucial role in adolescent obesity, highlighting the importance of parental control over diet and limiting sedentary activities. Strong social bonds between parents and children can also contribute to weight gain.
Researchers at UCSD's Jacobs School of Engineering have successfully fabricated a transistor-like structure using customized Y-shaped carbon nanotubes, exhibiting rapid switching speeds and three-way gating capability. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new nanotechnology devices with improved functionality.
Researchers found that astrocytes can generate seizure activity by releasing the brain chemical glutamate, which hypes up neurons and causes them to fire uncontrollably. This discovery offers new hope for treating epilepsy by targeting overlooked brain cells instead of just reducing brain function.
The study found that gamblers and alcoholics have unique personality traits affecting their cravings, with gambling craving linked to positive emotions and alcohol craving tied to negative emotions. The research suggests that individuals with distinct emotional regulation patterns are more vulnerable to addiction.
A recent study by Dr. Firebaugh found that relative income is more important than absolute income in determining individual happiness in the US. The hedonic treadmill hypothesis suggests that continued income growth can lead to an ongoing consumption race where individuals consume more to maintain a constant level of happiness.
A study by Maria Charles and Karen Bradley found that women are underrepresented in computer science globally due to pervasive stereotypes and a lack of choice. The researchers argue that governments should exert control over curricular trajectories to promote equal math and science education for all students.
Research found that teens with good relationships with parents tend to have friends who are less likely to fight, more involved in extracurricular activities, and have plans for college. Parents' monitoring and supervision also play a role, although the effects were not as consistent.
The report identifies key areas of focus for improving solar energy technologies, including artificial molecular machines, smart materials, and nanotechnology-based solar cells. It also highlights the importance of basic research in addressing the nation's energy security needs.
A study found that EBCT outperforms traditional angiography in identifying coronary artery abnormalities, particularly those that pose a risk of blockage. The imaging modality's accuracy was confirmed through joint review by cardiologists and radiologists.
CRISM will map areas on the Martian surface down to house-sized scales, detecting minerals in reflected sunlight. The instrument will identify sites most likely to have contained water, making them potential landing sites for future missions.
Researchers have found that nearly 42% of ovarian cancer patient tumor tissues contain alterations in the protein km23. This discovery suggests km23 as a possible diagnostic indicator and therapeutic target for ovarian cancer. Further studies aim to develop a screening test and targeted therapies using km23.
The need for consensus on IVIG dosing and frequency arises as its use expands, with infusion nurses playing a crucial role in achieving best results from therapy. The article highlights the importance of developing guidelines that maximize patient benefit and minimize risk, given the unique response to different IVIG products.
A Yale University study found that drinking alcohol may lower the risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, particularly for Burkitt's lymphoma subtype. The study analyzed data from 15,175 individuals and found no significant association between age, sex, family history, or cigarette smoking with reduced risk.
The program provides hands-on research experience and networking opportunities for biomedical engineering students. Students work with medical professionals to apply their research in a professional setting.
Major ecological societies, including ESA and BES, commit to developing concrete ways to support ecologists in developing countries. The meeting aims to build infrastructure and tools to tackle environmental challenges worldwide.