The Schistosomiasis Control Initiative has treated over ten million people in sub-Saharan Africa with a single dose of praziquantel, reducing the burden of illness for millions. The programme, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, also aims to raise awareness about the disease through education programmes.
Research reveals that household dust is a significant source of flame retardants, posing health risks. The study suggests that frequent house cleaning and improved ventilation can help minimize exposure.
A University of Michigan study found that wealthier seniors experience fewer symptoms, including pain and shortness of breath, in their final year. This disparity persists even after controlling for factors such as age, gender, and diagnosis.
Researchers identified a cell receptor called Ephrin-B2 as the key used by the Nipah virus to unlock cells, allowing them to develop vaccines and drugs to block viral entry. The discovery could help prevent infection and outbreaks of this deadly virus.
A new report describes a potential problem with the new drug pregabalin, which may result in neurological complications such as nausea, headache, and hallucinations. The researchers recommend that patients not stop taking the medication abruptly until further studies are conducted.
A NASA-led NRL study found that space shuttle exhaust can form Antarctic polar mesospheric clouds, contributing to a remarkable 10-20% of clouds observed during one summer season. The discovery challenges the interpretation of PMC trends in terms of global climate change.
The Australian Government has allocated $100 million for medical research, funding universities and research institutes across the country. This investment aims to enhance health and economic outcomes, with a focus on cancer, heart disease, and other key areas of research.
A new study estimates that dengue fever costs over $13 million annually, equivalent to 940,000 lost workdays of output. A potential vaccine could offset 87% of treatment costs, reducing the economic burden on governments and households.
A new type of footwear, Yaktrax Walker, has been shown to significantly reduce falls in the elderly population. The study found that participants who wore the device outdoors experienced a 76% lower rate of falls compared to those wearing normal winter footwear.
Newborn rats' brains show decreased NMDA receptor activity in olfactory-deprived side, leading to increased neuronal activation and saliency of early odors. This critical period affects olfactory development and learning.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that contrast-enhanced MRI is more accurate than FDG-PET in detecting liver tumors, especially for smaller lesions. The study analyzed 79 liver tumors and showed an accuracy rate of 75.5% for MRI versus 64.1% for PET.
A Carnegie Mellon psychologist will investigate how a person's social environment influences their health and well-being. The study aims to determine which biological factors are impacted by social well-being to affect health.
A recent study by the Women's Health and Aging Studies group found that obese older women are more likely to experience pre-frailty and frailty. The research also showed a strong association between frailty and conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, and osteoarthritis.
A study suggests that abandoning livestock can significantly reduce global warming, with animal agriculture emitting 21% of all human-caused carbon dioxide. This shift in diet would have no adverse effects on health and could potentially meet Kyoto treaty targets for reducing emissions.
A study published in Neuron found that the abnormal HD protein selectively binds to and increases the level of p53 in cells, leading to increased cell death and mitochondrial dysfunction. This overactivation also causes behavioral abnormalities in mice engineered to have HD.
Researchers discovered an overcopied MITF oncogene in melanoma cells, associated with poorer treatment outcomes. Targeting this gene may provide a new target for highly specific therapies for metastatic melanoma patients.
Researchers at UCLA and USUHS discovered the Ephrin-B2 receptor as the doorway for Nipah and Hendra viruses to enter cells. This finding promises to lead to better understanding of how these viruses cause disease in humans and animals, ultimately aiding in vaccine and treatment development.
Research on aquatic plant diseases has created environmentally sound methods of control, including using plant pathogens to manage invasive species. The symposium will address the biology, ecology, and control of aquatic plant diseases in freshwater and marine environments.
A new study by Stanford/Packard researchers found that nitric oxide has varying effects on premature infants. Infants weighing over 1,000 grams benefited from the treatment, with a decreased likelihood of death or long-term lung damage. In contrast, those under 2 pounds experienced higher brain hemorrhage and mortality rates.
Researchers have developed a novel inhibitor, SB-3CT, that protects against brain damage in mice undergoing a stroke. The treatment reduces brain damage to 30% and preserves neurological function, offering potential for new stroke treatments.
Researchers analyzed a comprehensive database of insured closed claims, revealing moderate changes and weak connections between claims-related costs and premium fluctuations. The study aims to inform reforms addressing real shortcomings in the malpractice litigation and claims payment systems.
Researchers at Forsyth Institute have identified three bacteria associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a deadly form of cancer. The study found that elevated levels of these bacteria in saliva can indicate the presence of OSCC, raising hopes for an early diagnostic marker and potentially saving lives.
A new study found that inhaled nitric oxide significantly improved brain development in premature infants, with only 24% experiencing delayed mental development or disabilities compared to 46% of those who received standard treatment. The therapy has the potential to become standard for about 30,000 children a year.
A study found six common bacteria in OSCC patients at significantly higher levels than controls. Three species were found to correctly predict over 80% of oral cancer cases, offering a potential non-invasive diagnostic test.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a custom-built scanning tunneling microscope to image individual organic molecules on silicon, refining design constraints for molecular electronic devices. The study has also provided insight into surface chemistry, with potential applications in sensing, catalysis, and lubrication.
The space shuttle Columbia's exhaust plume caused a significant increase in polar mesospheric cloud activity over Antarctica, forcing scientists to rethink their role in monitoring global climate change. The clouds formed at an altitude of about 52 miles due to the high concentrations of water vapor released into the atmosphere.
Researchers used a new microarray technology to analyze the genes of healthy and diseased dogs, identifying 167 genes that may play a role in canine dilated cardiomyopathy. The study sheds light on the heart's response to disease and offers hope for future treatments.
A large randomized clinical trial found that vitamin E supplementation did not reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events or cancer in healthy women. The study followed 39,876 women aged at least 45 years for an average of 10.1 years and found a 24% reduction in cardiovascular death, but no significant effect on other outcomes.
Researchers at MIT have created an Anklebot to aid stroke patients in regaining ankle movement. The device is one part of a larger robotic gym targeting different limbs, building on previous success with arm rehabilitation.
Researchers discovered elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in patients with vascular anomalies, correlating with disease progression. Urine testing may help predict aggressive lesions and inform treatment decisions.
Millions of wild animals pass through markets each year, increasing the risk of disease transmission. The study highlights the need to regulate and eliminate the global wildlife trade to prevent the spread of diseases among humans, domestic animals, and ecosystems.
The largest study to date provides valuable insights into flexible sigmoidoscopy screening among 154,942 participants aged 55-74. Findings show that women are more likely to decline FSG than men, while non-acceptance increases with age in women. The rate of cancer detected was 2.9 per 1,000 individuals screened.
A four-year study published in JAMA found that patients with sickle cell disease who had low arginine levels were at a higher risk of death from pulmonary hypertension. The researchers hope to develop new treatments using nutritional supplements or drug therapies to increase arginine availability.
The report highlights the growth of female pediatricians and positive trends in medical student recruitment, but notes a lack of ethnic and racial diversity among pediatricians. The new policy aims to address geographic disparities and recruit more diverse pediatricians to serve the increasing population of minority children.
Scientists at IGER have created a genetic map of pearl millet DNA, enabling the rapid development of downy mildew-resistant plants. This approach allows for faster breeding techniques than traditional methods, benefiting farmers in Africa and India.
Researchers investigated whether low serum testosterone levels are associated with low sexual function in women. The study found no evidence of associations between low scores for any sexual domains and low serum total and free testosterone levels.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that an exercise program with a special weighted back support improved balance and reduced back pain in women with kyphosis. The intervention, which included shifting the center of gravity and improving back strength, was effective in reducing the risk of falls and fractures.
A new study by Ohio State University found that dieting is linked to increased wealth, particularly among white women, but not as strongly among black men or white men. The study analyzed data from over 7,300 people and found that those who lost large amounts of weight experienced more dramatic changes in wealth.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that producing ethanol and biodiesel from plant biomass requires more energy than the fuel produced, leading to significant fossil energy input. The use of these fuels contributes to air, water, and soil pollution, as well as global warming.
A study analyzing over 180,000 breast cancer cases found that inflammatory breast carcinoma (IBC) accounts for about 2% of all breast cancers. Women diagnosed with IBC tend to be younger and have poorer survival rates compared to other types of breast cancer.
Men with prostate cancer are 10% less likely to be working six months after diagnosis compared to those without the disease. However, approximately two-thirds of patients continue to work due to fear of losing health insurance coverage, often at reduced hours and with decreased productivity.
A large-scale randomized trial found that low-dose aspirin had no effect on reducing the risk of total cancer, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer in healthy women. The study also suggested a possible trend toward reduced lung cancer risk, but this finding was not statistically significant.
The Genetics and Public Policy Center at Johns Hopkins University will launch a new genetic-testing initiative to build consensus on the safe and accurate use of genetic testing. The two-year $3 million grant aims to improve our understanding of genetic tests and their impact on public health.
Researchers found that adding noise to weak vibrations increased the ability of participants to detect the frequency of the original signal. This effect could be useful in designing prosthetics for the elderly to prevent painful falls and improve balance control.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that parked cars can heat up by an average of 40 degrees F within an hour, regardless of ambient temperature. This rapid heating can be fatal if left unattended, highlighting the importance of taking children with you when parking.
The Protein Structure Initiative will accelerate structure determination of thousands of proteins, enabling predictions of protein functions and discovery of new drug targets. Rutgers' NESG is a key member of the PSI network, leveraging its expertise in structural biology to advance biomedical research.
A new study found long-duration regular use of aspirin or NSAIDs may lower prostate cancer risk by 18%. Gene variants associated with melanoma risk were also identified in a Mediterranean population study, while another study found no link between gene mutations and response to bevacizumab
Scientists have devised a method to more effectively dampen vertical instabilities in tokamak fusion reactors, allowing for improved control of electrical currents and magnetic fields. This development aims to increase the efficiency of fusion reactions and is an important step towards building the next-generation fusion reactor by 2015.
Researchers have successfully synthesized ammonia from nitrogen using a simple compound of iron and hydrogen in solution, marking a significant step toward achieving one of chemistry's coveted goals. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and sustainable production of ammonia, a vital fertilizer for global food supply.
The study analyzed data from a randomized, prospective trial to determine the effectiveness of PSA testing. Researchers found that no single cutoff value would simultaneously yield high sensitivity and specificity, highlighting the need for re-education on the concept of 'normal' PSA levels.
A new partnership between Roots of Peace and Conservation International aims to remove landmines from critical access corridors used by elephants in Angola, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia. The project will create a conservation and development area, promoting sustainable reserve and ecotourism programs.
A new study found that adult lifestyle, particularly body fat and waist-hip ratio, is a significant risk factor for insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Childhood factors such as birth weight and nutrition have limited impact on the development of insulin resistance in adulthood.
A team of researchers discovered a gene called Nrf2 that plays a critical role in regulating inflammation and susceptibility to asthma. The findings provide insights into the human body's defense mechanisms against stress and may hold potential for developing new treatments.
A study by Ohio State University found that men tend to trust people in their group, while women trust strangers with personal connections. Women's in-groups are based on interpersonal relationships, whereas men's are based on symbolic groups.
Long-term effects of child early intervention programs show improved physical and mental health in adulthood. Participants who received more services had better health outcomes, including higher incomes and lower depression rates.
A study led by Dr. Michelle Graham highlights the need for higher rates of cardiac catheterization testing in Alberta and Canada. The research shows that many patients with high-risk blockages remain undetected, emphasizing the importance of increasing angiogram prescriptions to save lives.
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis shows that people with schizophrenia can remember things just as well as healthy subjects with proper cues and memory aids. The research suggests a new way to understand the cognitive problems underlying schizophrenia, offering hope for more effective cognitive rehabilitation programs.
Researchers at Perimeter Institute outline a new aspect of Quantum Cryptography, improving the security of data transmission. The study demonstrates enhanced capabilities in quantum key distribution, paving the way for widespread adoption in secure communication networks.
Researchers found that providing nutrition information at point-of-selection increased sales of lower-fat and calorie foods. Students opted for healthier options, such as plain cheese pizza instead of pepperoni, and chose dishes with fewer calories but similar fat content.
A study found significant variation among pediatricians in interpreting 'reasonable suspicion' for child abuse, with varying thresholds and inconsistent responses. This discrepancy has profound implications for victims, families, and caregivers, emphasizing the need for standardized guidelines and training.