A team of researchers at the University of Manchester has discovered that cell communication signals can be more complicated than previously thought. This breakthrough should help scientists better investigate what happens when these signals go wrong, potentially leading to new cancer treatments.
A new ESRC report reveals that a higher proportion of families in Northern Ireland are living below the poverty line compared to Britain or the Republic of Ireland. The report also highlights severe child poverty in Northern Ireland, with many households struggling to access basic necessities like heating and clothing.
Vision restoration therapy (VRT) is a new technique that can help patients with visual field defects recover their sight after a stroke. Through repeated use of damaged areas, VRT strengthens nerve activity related to vision, leading to significant improvements in sample stimulus detection and reduction in undetected stimuli.
Researchers found that rheumatoid arthritis patients are twice as likely to develop congestive heart failure, independent of other cardiovascular risk factors. This association remained consistent across all ages and sexes, and was particularly pronounced among those with rheumatoid factor-positive RA.
A new vaccine has been developed using a pathogen-mimicking approach, combining CpG 7909 adjuvant and synthetic peptide from melanoma antigen Melan-A/MART-1. The vaccine induced strong T cell responses in all eight patients, with one order of magnitude higher than previous studies.
S. epidermidis produces poly-gamma-glutamate (PGA) to protect itself from innate host defenses during infection. The findings suggest PGA as a promising target for drug development to combat related illnesses.
Researchers at UT Southwestern have discovered that aconitase, an enzyme involved in energy production, plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the mitochondrial genome. This finding reveals a new function for the enzyme, independent of its metabolic activity.
Blast fishing remains a widespread issue despite Indonesia's ban in 1985. To combat this, programs that decrease destructive fishing practices are critical for ecosystem restoration and economic value., Gentle, low-cost care can help restore coral reefs.
A one-year study found that local steroid injection is as effective as surgery in alleviating CTS symptoms, with improved results in the short term. The study suggested a preference for conservative therapies over surgery.
The NIH Enhanced Access policy lacks a definitive deadline for making research results available, putting grant recipients in a difficult position. Advocates urge the agency to report on progress toward full taxpayer access using metrics such as the proportion of deposited articles and lag time between publication and availability.
The Calit2 Undergraduate Bioinformatics Scholar Award recognizes outstanding undergraduate research in bioinformatics. This award aims to encourage students to commit to publishing and academic advancement in the field.
A study of WHO database records found 93 cases of SSRIs associated with neonatal convulsions or withdrawal syndrome. Paroxetine was linked to the most cases, suggesting it may cause more severe symptoms than other SSRIs. The findings recommend careful monitoring and lower doses for paroxetine use during pregnancy.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk for heart failure soon after the onset of symptoms and throughout their disease course. The elevated risk is not attributed to traditional cardiovascular factors like diabetes or high cholesterol.
A new method assigns biological functions to unknown genes, enabling genome comparison, by integrating experimental and computational analyses. This approach identifies functional proteins in 97% of hypothetical genes and provides a framework for ranking their precision and confidence.
A recent HIV vaccine trial found that the vaccine was ineffective in preventing infection, with only a slight increase in efficacy observed among high-risk and non-white groups. The study's results suggest that future vaccines should be tested in diverse populations to better understand their effectiveness.
The study found that dedicated hospital stroke centers improved quality of acute care by increasing tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) use from 2.4% to 7.7%, reducing disability from stroke, and decreasing complications. This model can motivate other communities to establish similar systems.
A full-body MRI study found that 21% of healthy patients exhibited signs of atherosclerotic disease and 12% had peripheral vascular disease. The screenings also revealed relevant additional findings in non-targeted organs, raising questions about the benefits and risks of such screenings.
A study combining data from 11 trials found that early supported discharge services reduced deaths, dependency, and hospital stays by 8 days. The service, which provides rehabilitation and support in a community setting, is especially beneficial for patients with mild to moderate disability.
Alcohol contributes significantly to global health, with 4% of the global burden attributed to it. Raising prices and reducing availability can lower consumption and mortality rates. However, ineffective policies hinder progress in controlling excessive drinking.
Researchers found that rheumatoid arthritis patients are three times more likely to have been hospitalized for an acute heart attack during the two years before diagnosis. They were also twice as likely to experience unrecognized heart attacks and sudden cardiac deaths after diagnosis.
A recent US study reveals that a significant portion of African Americans hold conspiracy theories about HIV/AIDS, which may frustrate efforts to combat the epidemic. Public health officials need to address these concerns and develop culturally sensitive strategies to reach at-risk populations.
Researchers discovered that failing hearts experience an energy deficit due to a 50% reduction in ATP energy supplied by creatine kinase. This finding suggests new treatments may target the energy supply to improve heart function.
A study published in Science identified interleukin-1Beta (IL-1â) as a major cause of severe inflammation in mouse models of Crohn's disease, which is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting over 500,000 Americans. High levels of IL-1â were found in mice with mutant NOD2, a genetic defect linked to 50% of Crohn's cases.
The Center for Advanced Microelectronics Manufacturing (CAMM) will combine resources from academia, government, and industry to speed up microelectronics manufacturing research and development in a roll-to-roll format. CAMM's R2R research capabilities include flexible displays, 'foldable' radars, and protective clothing.
The National Invasive Species Council (NISC) partners with NASA to improve invasive species management. NASA provides Earth observations and predictive models to enhance partner abilities, improving accuracy and timeliness of predictive maps and plant species distribution forecasts.
A team of researchers has discovered a web-like system of gas clouds containing the missing baryons, which are thought to make up half of the universe's mass. The clouds, detected using X-ray telescope data, have temperatures of around 1 million degrees Celsius and are spread over vast distances.
Researchers found that dietary kelp increased the length of rat estrous cycles by 37%, which is associated with lower risk of breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers. Kelp may act as an estrogen antagonist, reducing estradiol levels and potentially lowering breast cancer risk.
A new study found that faster reaction times were associated with longer life expectancy than higher IQ scores. The research built on earlier studies showing a link between lower IQs and early mortality. The study of middle-aged subjects suggested that processing information efficiency may be a key factor in predicting life span.
A study by Harvard Medical School and Harvard Law School found that illness and medical bills contribute to at least 46.2% of all bankruptcy filings, with families often facing unaffordable co-payments and lost income from prolonged illnesses.
McGill researchers identified a link between heat-induced breakdown of amino acids and sugars in food, producing the potential carcinogen furan. Traces of furan have been found in processed and cooked products, particularly canned and bottled foods, but quantities are below considered dangerous thresholds.
The American Heart Association publishes a blueprint to improve stroke care in the US, aiming for seamless transitions and integrated team-based care. The initiative aims to overcome geographical boundaries and increase access to high-quality stroke care for all citizens, regardless of their economic circumstances.
Researchers found that male Cassin's finches sing more in response to the loss of a prospective mate, but less when females are present or infertile. The scientists conclude that males temper their efforts based on the likelihood of a payoff.
A new radioactive antibody treatment called Bexxar has shown promising results in a study, rivaling traditional chemotherapy regimens for follicular lymphoma. The treatment achieved a 95% response rate and 75% complete remission in patients with advanced-stage disease.
A recent study found that smoking reduces wealth by approximately $410 per year for every smoker, with the wealth gap growing over time. The study analyzed data from about 8,900 people and found that non-smokers had a net worth of around $50,000 in 1998, while heavy smokers had significantly lower wealth.
A recent audit revealed that despite almost all NHS trusts having a stroke unit, many patients spend little to no time on the unit. Key features of effective stroke units include coordinated multidisciplinary rehabilitation and staff with specialized interests.
The CCEN team will investigate how social, emotional and cultural factors influence learning, as well as the mechanisms of human learning across contexts. The center aims to carry out basic research on how people learn and connect scientists with practitioners to effect meaningful change in the lives of students.
The star-nosed mole's exceptional foraging ability is attributed to its star-shaped appendages that ring its nose, allowing it to detect small prey quickly. By minimizing handling time, the mole achieves a net energy 'profit' with a diet of insect larvae and other small food sources.
A third of European cancer patients use CAM, with women, younger patients, and those with poor prognosis using it more often. The most commonly used CAM therapies were herbs, homeopathy, and spiritual therapies.
Hermes A. Kontos and John R. Marler receive prestigious awards, while Hong Li and Shelagh Coutts win research accolades for their work on stroke mechanisms and treatment.
Scientists at NIMH have discovered newborn neurons in adult rat cortex that communicate via GABA, suggesting potential new treatments for depression and anxiety. The discovery adds to the scientific debate over adult neurogenesis and has implications for understanding brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and schizophrenia.
According to research, the average toll of US road deaths is highest on July 4th, with alcohol involvement increasing on this day compared to other days. The analysis also found that New Year's Day and Saturdays are associated with higher numbers of fatalities, highlighting the importance of vigilance during peak hours.
Scientists at Ohio State University and colleagues have discovered a sizeable chunk of the universe's missing baryons, estimated to match the amount that went missing 10 billion years ago. The finding suggests dark matter may be responsible for the gas's presence in super-hot rivers surrounding galaxies.
A team of Wisconsin scientists discovered molecular switches that govern the development and evolution of form in animals. The study found that genetic changes to these switches can produce diverse patterns and features, such as spots on fruit fly wings or stripes on zebras, which confer advantages for survival and reproductive success.
A new study in JAMA found that over 75% of patients with malignant brain tumors underwent common procedures like radiation therapy, MRI, or surgery. However, the study also discovered that some practice patterns contradict published guidelines, such as the infrequent use of chemotherapy and anti-depressant medications.
A survey of over 1600 Norwegian doctors found that male surgeons were most likely to make mistakes, while many struggled to criticize their colleagues. The study highlights the need for open discussion among medical professionals to improve quality and safety in healthcare.
A recent study found that blacks in the southern US are more likely to die from stroke than whites, with African Americans aged 45-64 facing a 51% higher risk. The study analyzed stroke death data from 1997-2001 and compared regional differences in mortality rates.
A study published in Genes and Development reveals a novel molecular player influencing colon cancer initiation. The research found that combining Foxl1 deficiency with an inactive APC gene accelerated tumor formation, highlighting the significance of mesenchymal-epithelial signaling in gastrointestinal tumorigenesis.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have successfully created an 'obedient virus' that can specifically target and destroy cancer cells, paving the way for potential use in human therapies. The virus was engineered to seek out cancer cells instead of healthy cells, and has been shown to be effective in laboratory tests.
A research team has published a paper in Science that uses molecular biology to fill gaps in the evolutionary history of bats. The study reveals that megabats originated from four major lineages of microbats, which emerged around 52-50 million years ago.
Researchers discovered a potent Vitamin A derivative, ATRA, that suppresses growth and induces cell death in childhood brain cancer cells. The gene OTX2 is abnormally amplified in medulloblastoma tumors, which can be targeted by ATRA-based therapy.
Researchers found no significant association between antidepressant use and suicide rates in the US. Instead, they suggest that untreated depression is a major contributor to suicidal behavior, particularly among men and young people.
Studies show that hospitals implementing GWTG–Stroke programs experience significant improvements in secondary preventive measures, including anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation and treatment with aspirin-like drugs. Timely intravenous tPA use also increases by up to 89%.
Researchers have found a new protein, TAJ/TROY, that acts as part of the receptor complex in neurons responding to growth-inhibitory molecules. This discovery may provide insights into designing therapeutic strategies to block myelin inhibition and promote regeneration of spinal cord or brain tissue after injury.
A study of 61,688 women found that adding clinical breast examination to mammography screening detected an additional 25 cancers, but also led to false positive reports and increased biopsies in women with dense breasts
A study led by Elena Bagley and Macdonald Christie found that a transporter molecule for the neurotransmitter GABA is responsible for opioid withdrawal symptoms. Inhibiting this molecule or protein kinase A eliminates hyperexcitability in PAG neurons.
Scientists have identified a positive feedback loop in rat whiskers that helps gather sensory information, potentially leading to new treatments for blepharospasm. The discovery could also deepen understanding of the human eyeblink circuit and its connection to neural circuits.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that MRI is an excellent choice for diagnosing pregnant women with abdominal pain due to its high accuracy and safety from radiation. The study analyzed 29 patients and diagnosed 14 different causes of abdominal pain, including appendicitis and ovarian cysts.
A new study confirms that patients who stop taking aspirin after a stroke are at increased risk of another ischemic stroke. Researchers found that 77% of strokes related to aspirin discontinuation occurred within the first eight days of stopping the medication.
Researchers developed a simple risk model using three measures from laboratory blood tests and vital signs to gauge mortality risk in heart failure patients. The tool was tested on over 100,000 hospitalizations and found to accurately distinguish between low, intermediate, and high risk patients.
A team of researchers has identified a key mechanism in genetic inheritance during cell division, where kinetochore proteins form rings around microtubules to promote assembly, stability, and bundling. This ring formation may be essential for maintaining chromosome segregation during mitosis.