Researchers found a link between air pollution and chromosomal abnormalities in babies, with stable alterations increasing cancer risk. The study monitored exposure to PAHs among African-American and Dominican mothers in NYC, finding higher abnormalities in those exposed to high pollution levels.
Scientists have identified a way to detect gene expression changes in fetuses using cell-free mRNA from amniotic fluid, potentially leading to advancements in human developmental research and biomarker development. The study found that the mRNA originates from the fetus, not the placenta.
A study published in the American Thoracic Society Journal found that montelukast significantly reduced asthma exacerbations and corticosteroid use in young children with intermittent symptoms. The medication delayed the time between exacerbations by approximately 2 months.
A new, point-of-care urine-based test for the protein NMP22 proteomic marker shows promise in detecting bladder cancer, particularly in patients at elevated risk. The test identified several malignancies missed by initial cystoscopy and detected muscle invasive cancers with high sensitivity.
Researchers found that naturally occurring proteins tumstatin, endostatin, and thrombospondin-1 inhibit angiogenesis, slowing tumor growth. The study's results suggest these proteins play a crucial role in controlling cancer progression, with potential therapeutic applications.
A Texas A&M University professor has developed a detailed wave prediction system that provides forecasts for two days ahead. The system uses data from NOAA and complex mathematical models to predict wave conditions, including height and timing.
Researchers found that men and women who drank moderately but frequently had the lowest BMI scores, while infrequent heavy drinkers had the highest BMIs. The study suggests that drinking frequency and quantity can be important risk factors for obesity.
A new test, NMP22 tumor marker assay, has been shown to be three times more effective than a traditional laboratory test in detecting bladder cancer. The test can detect the disease in patients with blood in their urine and certain risk factors, such as smoking and exposure to chemicals.
Researchers developed a new technique to detect fetal single gene disorders using analysis of circulatory fetal DNA in maternal plasma. The approach has been shown to be accurate and cost-effective, making it suitable for screening at-risk pregnancies in developing countries.
A nested case-control study found that higher HBV viral loads were associated with increased liver cancer risk in Taiwanese men. Genotype C was also linked to a five-fold increased risk of HCC, with effects exacerbated by high viral load levels.
Austrian-German collaboration creates laser-like X-rays with a compact laboratory apparatus, breaking the nanometer barrier. The technology has the potential to improve X-ray imaging in biology and medicine, enabling early-stage cancer diagnosis at reduced risk and higher resolution.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that increases in managed care market share were not associated with improved quality of care for cancer patients, except for a specific blood test. The authors conclude that expansion of managed care may not improve quality of care for all patients.
Researchers confirm Vioxx increased cardiovascular risk by nearly doubling events, including heart attacks and strokes, in patients with recurrent colon polyps. The trial was stopped early due to safety concerns.
New studies suggest that blocking estrogen may be essential to slowing the spread of lung cancer. Researchers found that a combination therapy targeting both estrogen and epidermal growth factor receptors resulted in a 59% tumor volume decrease.
A new genetic test has been found to detect mutations that conventional DNA tests may miss, particularly large genomic deletions. This test, known as conversion analysis, increased the diagnostic yield of deleterious mutations by 56%. The study suggests this method could be a valuable addition to current genetic testing strategies.
Researchers have developed a new theory explaining the wetting morphologies of liquids in open surface channels. The study reveals that channel geometry and substrate-liquid interaction are key factors determining liquid behavior, enabling the creation of microcompartments for confinement of small amounts of liquids and chemical reagents.
Researchers investigated protein pattern reproducibility, DNA methylation for cervical cancer screening, and tissue zinc concentrations associated with reduced esophageal cancer risk. They found that some methods are not biologically plausible, while others may be useful diagnostic tools.
A cardiologist will testify at an FDA hearing on the implications of animal tests in approving COX-2 inhibitors like Vioxx. The report reveals that these drugs had a heart-protective effect in mice and other animals, contrary to their human performance.
Researchers genetically altered mice to resist obesity but still develop early signs of diabetes, revealing the complex network of factors leading from obesity to diabetes. By applying a drug treatment, they increased insulin sensitivity, a primary goal of diabetes treatment.
Researchers discovered that mice lacking two related fatty acid binding proteins exhibit striking changes in their lipid profiles and strong resistance to diet-induced obesity and other conditions. The proteins appear to play a crucial role in integrating metabolic and inflammatory responses underlying metabolic syndrome.
Charles Yanofsky, a renowned molecular biologist at Stanford University, has been awarded the National Medal of Science for his groundbreaking work on gene expression and protein production. His research has significantly advanced our understanding of how genes are regulated to produce specific proteins.
Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α) has emerged as a paradigmatic growth factor, defining cell- and context-specific actions attributed to many growth factors. Dr. Anita Roberts will discuss TGF-α's role in wound healing, autoimmune disease, fibrosis, and cancer, and several therapeutic strategies based on the growth factor.
Researchers found that most HIV 'blips' detected through intensive sampling were not associated with clinical significance or demographic factors. Blips were marginally linked to self-reported nonadherence, but no new drug resistance mutations were identified.
A cohort study in Japan found that daily coffee consumption was associated with a reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In contrast, no association was found between coffee consumption and colorectal cancer incidence. The authors suggest further studies to confirm these findings.
Researchers successfully transplanted islets from a single donor pancreas into eight women with type 1 diabetes, achieving insulin independence and freedom from hypoglycemia. The trial resulted in superior glycemic control in four of five recipients with sustained insulin independence.
A survey of 74 students found that subordinates were more likely to use name avoidance towards their boss's boss and CEO compared to immediate supervisors. This phenomenon is rooted in socialization patterns and the tendency to rank lower in organizational hierarchies, creating tension between power and equality.
Researchers discovered that inserting human UCP2 into fly nerve cells extended lifespan by 28% in females and 11% in males. The increased mitochondrial uncoupling led to reduced ROS production and oxidative damage, without affecting reproductive or physical activity levels.
Scientists have found that functional forms of missing tRNA genes can be created by copying from distant DNA sequences and joining them. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of extremophiles in the Archaea kingdom.
A study found that the experimental test's effectiveness was undermined by technical issues and biological implausibility, casting doubt on its potential as a reliable diagnostic tool. The researchers emphasize the need for standardized protocols in proteomics research to ensure reproducibility of results.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine used embryonic stem cells treated with a growth factor to reverse hemophilia B in genetically altered mice. The study demonstrates the potential for stem cell therapy in treating genetic disorders, such as liver diseases.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that HIV 'blips' in viral load are mathematical artifacts caused by test variations, not signs of drug resistance. The study reassures patients on HAART therapy that their medications haven't failed and provide a better understanding of when to worry about blips.
Researchers found that 'blips' in HIV treatment were not clinically significant and did not lead to drug resistance. The blips were attributed to random statistical fluctuations rather than ongoing viral replication or developing resistance.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) is soliciting applications for Clinical Trials Units to lead in the development and evaluation of treatments, prevention strategies, and vaccines for HIV/AIDS. The selected units will focus on interventions that can be employed in resource-limited settings.
Researchers found that mismatched gestures and speech in math instruction can significantly improve student learning. The technique helps students learn better than when the instructor's gesture and speech match, and even surpasses teaching with two identical strategies.
Scientists create artificial mechanism of allosteric control based on mechanical tension, allowing for controlled switching of proteins in living cells. The breakthrough could lead to targeted pharmaceutical drugs with reduced side effects and improved understanding of protein molecular architecture.
A large-scale study shows that flu vaccination is highly effective in reducing severe end points such as deaths and hospitalizations among high-risk persons of working age. The vaccine benefits people of any age with high-risk medical conditions, not just the elderly.
The study found that dietary supplement use increased from 14.2% in 1998-1999 to 18.8% in 2002, with a rise in multivitamin products containing antioxidants like lutein and lycopene. The acceptance of herbal supplements has become more mainstream, and marketing strategies have expanded to prevent chronic diseases.
A new study examines the relationship between distance and detail in human visual perception, finding that blurriness is equivalent to distance from the viewer. The research has implications for eyewitness testimony, including a case where a witness identified suspects from 450 feet away, leading to a new trial.
A team of researchers, led by UCR scientist Michael Allen, investigated the response of a mycorrhizal fungal community to CO2 concentrations over six years. The findings suggest that previous work has overestimated the magnitude of community and ecosystem responses to carbon dioxide changes.
A recent study found that gay men did not engage in increased sexual risk-taking during an HIV vaccine trial. The study, led by Dr. Tom Lampinen, revealed that the biggest risk for new infection was among minority gay men who had unsafe sex with partners whose HIV status they didn't know.
A study found that Salacia oblonga, a herb native to India and Sri Lanka, decreases insulin and blood glucose levels when consumed with meals. The herb works by binding to intestinal enzymes that break down carbohydrates, reducing the amount of glucose in the bloodstream.
The article examines three common Social Security reform proposals and their impact on vulnerable women. The analysis reveals that privatization proposals fail to cover significant numbers of poor women, while benefits tied to U.S. residency or simple Social Security eligibility are more effective at protecting them.
Researchers built robots with sensors and programming similar to rat pups' basic senses and motor skills. The robots showed a new behavior in an arena, favoring one wall over another, displaying emergent behavior. Understanding this simple system's biology may inform the design of more sophisticated robots.
Researchers have developed a new compound, AMN107, that effectively blocks proliferation of Bcr-Abl dependent cells in CML patients. The drug has been shown to inhibit growth of cells expressing resistant mutants and prolongs survival in imatinib-resistant CML mouse models.
A UCI study found that combinatorial drug therapies halted brain-cell damage in fruit flies with mutated Huntingtin protein, showing potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases. The treatment combines compounds targeting different cellular processes with no toxic side effects.
A mouse model of leukemia reveals a causal link between Shp2 mutations and leukemia, pointing to these mutants as attractive therapeutic targets. The study's findings suggest that current treatments are often ineffective and highlight the need for clinical trials of Ras/Mek inhibitors.
Researchers developed a new method for early disease outbreak detection using electronic health records. The 'space time permutation scan statistic' can detect outbreaks even without geographical information, and has been implemented in the SaTScan software for wider use.
A study by University of Toronto researchers found that depressed women exhibit anxiety and self-consciousness due to sociotropy, a personality trait characterized by a need for close relationships. In contrast, men with depression tend to be angry or hostile about perceived losses, according to the research.
A recent study found that nearly a third of pharmaceutical ads in American medical journals offered no supporting references. Meanwhile, the majority of data-on-file documents cited in these ads were inaccessible to physicians due to company policies. In contrast, journal articles and books were more readily available for review.
A 14-year study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that quitting smoking can add years to life. The study showed a significant reduction in death rates among participants who quit compared to those who continued to smoke.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed a new method to create supercapacitors using aligned and packed carbon nanotubes on nickel foil. This innovation enables the creation of devices with high power density, up to 30 kilowatts per kilogram (kW/kg), significantly outperforming current commercial devices.
Research found that adolescent brain function is vulnerable to disruption from binge drinking, resulting in permanent damage. Heavy drinking during adolescence can impair problem-solving skills, working memory, and emotional reactivity, increasing the risk of mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar spectrum disorders.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have developed a new hybrid targeted therapy, AMN107, which kills CML cells more effectively than Gleevec and triggers longer remissions in mice. The study's findings suggest that AMN107 may be an effective treatment option for patients with Gleevec-resistant disease.
Researchers at U of T used 3-D ultrasound to analyze tongue function after surgery, creating a baseline for 'Joe Canadian' tongue reconstruction. The study aims to improve speech outcomes for patients with tongue cancer.
A new study by UC researchers identifies the Slc39a8 gene as a key player in transporting toxic heavy metals like cadmium, which can cause tissue death and damage. The discovery has significant implications for understanding how nonessential heavy metals contribute to cancer and other diseases.
A recent study found no correlation between increasing flu vaccination coverage in the elderly and declining death rates. The authors suggest that this disconnect may be due to disparities in who is likely to receive vaccination, particularly among those with fragile health. This finding has implications for influenza vaccination policy.
A U of T researcher has discovered a connection between gene mutations and schizophrenia, suggesting the brain overcompensates for these mutations by becoming supersensitive to dopamine. This new understanding could lead to new research directions into schizophrenia.
Research suggests that alcohol alters gene expression in the brain, contributing to addiction symptoms like tolerance and physical dependence. Gene expression profiling has identified specific genes and pathways involved in alcohol's effects on different brain regions.
The audio file captures the tone of Huygens' antenna as it changes frequency in response to signal strength fluctuations during descent. The tone shifts dramatically at 43 seconds, indicating the probe's touchdown on Titan's surface.
Tamoxifen has been shown to reduce breast cancer recurrence by up to 50% and lower heart disease risk in women with breast cancer. The study found that current use of tamoxifen was associated with a significantly reduced risk of heart disease, particularly in women who had completed less than two years of therapy.