Dutch researchers have won the NWO/Spinoza prize for their groundbreaking work in cancer research, cognitive sciences, physics and mathematics. Prof R Bernards developed innovative genetic technologies to predict breast cancer metastases, while Prof P Hagoort demonstrated that damaged brains can still understand language via other routes.
A new study from the University of Colorado found that walking at a leisurely pace can increase calorie burn by up to 25% for obese adults. Additionally, reducing walking speed from 3 miles per hour to 2 miles per hour can decrease knee joint loads by up to 25%.
Researchers found that placebo treatment reduced subjects' ratings of unpleasant pictures and activity in emotional centers. The study generalizes the concept of placebo effect and its underlying neural mechanisms for both pain perception and emotional stimuli.
A study conducted by George Hollich and colleagues found that moderate background noise can distract infants from learning language, emphasizing the need for visual cues. The research showed that when infants could see a speaker's face while hearing them speak, they focused longer on the spoken word.
A Dartmouth study found that traditional TB screening methods can miss active tuberculosis cases in HIV-positive individuals in developing countries. The study recommends using more sensitive and accurate TB culture tests, such as the one used in Tanzania.
Multiple short exposures to wet work can cause more dermatitis than single long exposures, emphasizing the need for preventive measures. Reducing frequent and intense exposure of hands to water, detergents, and soaps is crucial in preventing hand eczema.
The NIH has established a nationwide network of molecular libraries screening centers, enabling academic researchers to explore novel ideas and progress on treating human diseases. The network will utilize the PubChem database to facilitate high-throughput assays and identify potential targets for new therapies.
Scientists found that mobile genetic elements, known as LINE-1, play a role in brain diversification by introducing new gene expressions and influencing cell function. This process is unique to the brain and leaves other organs unaffected.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed a nanoparticle-based treatment that targets cancer cells, increasing therapeutic response and reducing drug toxicity. The treatment uses dendrimers to deliver methotrexate and folate, allowing the cancer cells to internalize the drugs while minimizing harm to normal cells.
A recent study published in Appetite found that preschool children aged 4-6 consume more food when served larger portions, regardless of their previous meal size. The researchers monitored the food intake of 16 children over five days and discovered that increased snack offerings also contributed to higher total daily calorie consumption.
A well-designed NICU can conserve energy, improve environment management, and reduce respiratory support, lung disease, and length of stay. Modified environments can also reduce staff stress and improve patient and family experience.
The NIH State-of-the-Science panel recommends a broader use of cognitive and behavioral therapies to treat chronic insomnia, which has limited proven options. Research suggests that these methods can be effective in treating insomnia when combined with relaxation training.
The new assessment tool, ADAPT, provides a platform for tracking participant data by demographics, activities, and institution data warehouses. The researchers found that comprehensive assessment techniques can help evaluate and revamp existing programs, leading to better outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
Researchers have isolated a new enzyme, Orf2, that can modify a wide range of small aromatic molecules by adding a prenyl group. This modification can significantly impact the molecule's biological properties and could be used to create biologically active compounds for drug development.
Researchers found that genetic manipulation of the fruitless gene in females led to classic male sexual behavior patterns, including courtship dances. The study suggests a strong biological basis for sexual behavior and orientation in animal species.
Researchers found men with high sun exposure had half the risk of prostate cancer compared to those with low sun exposure. Men with certain gene variants showed a 65% reduced risk, suggesting sunlight helps reduce prostate cancer risk through vitamin D production.
A new study suggests that minor surgery plus antibiotics can prevent foot-bone infections and amputations. Patients with diabetes are at high risk, especially those with poor circulation and kidney problems.
Researchers have discovered a single gene, fruitless, that determines how females and males detect and respond differently to sexual cues. Activating this gene in female flies produces male-like courtship behaviors, challenging the assumption that males and females perceive the world similarly.
Researchers find that stabilizing a protein called â-catenin drives hair follicle development by reducing the threshold for stem cell activation. Key genes controlling this process are identified, providing new insights into promoting hair growth.
A large European survey of 11,000 patients admitted with heart failure found that only two thirds had received a heart tracing, while four out of ten patients lacked an ACE inhibitor prescription. Multidisciplinary treatment can cut hospital admissions and deaths from heart failure.
A study of 59 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation found a strong link between Helicobacter pylori infection and elevated C reactive protein levels, suggesting chronic gastritis may predispose to atrial fibrillation. The researchers also noted that H pylori has properties enabling it to evade the immune system.
A team of researchers found that plant-insect interactions were diverse and abundant in Patagonia 52 million years ago. The study reveals a legacy of ancient biodiversity that will help understand modern South American diversity.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that senior citizens are becoming more supportive of educational spending, defying expectations. The data contradicts long-held assumptions about the role of aging and retirement in shaping attitudes towards school funding.
A life impact study found that adults with childhood onset ankylosing spondylitis experience more serious physical deformity and work-related disability than those who develop the disease as adults. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve symptoms and prevent long-term effects.
Researchers have found that a quantum dot's dielectric function is virtually identical to its bulk material counterpart, except near the surface. This discovery could revolutionize electronic devices by allowing for more precise control over their properties.
The WVSS II sensors gather data more often, at higher vertical resolution, and at lower cost than satellites and balloons. This improves forecasts of thunderstorms, microbursts, turbulence, fog, ceiling visibility, rotating wakes from other aircraft, snow and ice storms, and year-round precipitation.
A new study found that low-income, African-American communities in Maryland are more likely to be exposed to high levels of air pollutants, increasing their cancer risk. The study suggests that targeted emissions-reduction policies can help mitigate this disparity and improve health outcomes for these communities.
A study found that disease reinfection rates for TB were four times higher than new cases in South Africa. Additionally, researchers discovered that low-dose spiral computer-based tomography (CT) screening can lead to an early diagnosis of lung cancer in a high proportion of cases.
Scientists at UCSD and Elan Pharmaceuticals have successfully vaccinated mice with a combination of human alpha-synuclein protein and adjuvant, reducing abnormal alpha-synuclein accumulation and promoting nerve cell survival.
Researchers found that adults can improve their recognition of speech sounds in foreign languages through training. The study showed a significant improvement in recognition accuracy after a 10-session training course.
A new approach to managing type 2 diabetes has been demonstrated in a Canadian study, showing that early addition of insulin glargine therapy can safely achieve better glycemic and metabolic outcomes. The results show lower and steady blood glucose levels more quickly and often compared to oral medications.
A promising new TB drug, PA-824, has entered human clinical trials, showing activity against both actively dividing and slow-growing M. tb stages. The drug may significantly reduce the time needed to cure TB, offering hope for shorter treatment regimens.
This study investigates the effects of alcohol on brain structure and function, highlighting permanent and transient changes due to excessive drinking. Abstinence has been shown to reverse some brain damage, including dendrite shrinkage, which may improve cognitive functions.
A new approach to PET imaging scans may help diagnose more cancerous lesions, with Saint Louis University researchers finding that up to 8% of cancerous legions occur outside the current imaging field. The true whole-body scan protocol has been successfully tested and could become the standard for all PET centers.
Researchers at K-State are contributing to the effort to sequence the common wheat genome, a significant step towards understanding its genetic traits. The goal is to determine the exact sequence of DNA that controls wheat's characteristics, allowing for more efficient and sustainable food production.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a holographic video system with potential applications in medical visualization, such as improved diagnosis of ailments like heart disease. The technology also has military uses, including heads-up displays for helmets and coordinating battlefield information.
Researchers found limited evidence to support the effectiveness of 10 commonly prescribed medications for insomnia, including trazodone, which is often used as a first-line treatment.
The US National Science Foundation has awarded the highest national honor to 20 young researcher-educators who have made significant contributions to science and engineering. These award recipients will lead the nation in these fields, inspire students, and promote diversity in STEM education.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois found that intense selective logging changed the ecological balance for three primate species, leading to increased parasitic infections in red-tailed guenons. The monkeys experienced behavioral changes and reduced protein and vital mineral intake due to decreased food availability.
Researchers found that invasive treatment with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) resulted in smaller infarct size and lower risk of death or stroke compared to conventional conservative treatment. This suggests that reperfusion therapy may be beneficial for patients presenting late after symptom onset.
A new genetic test detects malignant hyperthermia susceptibility in 25-50% of cases, improving patient safety during general anesthesia. The test requires only a blood sample and can substitute other anesthesia drugs to prevent the rare but life-threatening condition.
A study by Edward F. Coyle found that Lance Armstrong's long-term training increased muscular efficiency, leading to an 8% improvement in power production. Combining this with a planned weight loss, his steady-state power output improved by 18%. This increase in muscle efficiency may be due to an increase in type I muscle fibers.
A recent study published in the Journal of Physiology reveals that muscle fatigue can significantly impact limb control, particularly when visual cues are absent. This finding has significant implications for athletes involved in high-speed, precision-based sports like serving a tennis ball or shooting a bow and arrow.
Research finds hazardous drinkers and drug users have higher rates of injuries, hypertension, and depression compared to those with less severe problems. Screening for these issues can help prevent worsening of problems and improve overall health.
A recent study found that the APOE e2 allele is associated with a moderately increased risk for chronic kidney disease, whereas the e4 variant provides protection. The study involved 14,520 middle-aged participants and confirmed previous findings on the role of genetics in kidney disease.
A phase I study found that glioma patients who responded to erlotinib treatment had higher levels of EGFR expression and amplification. The level of phosphorylated PKB/Akt was also associated with response to erlotinib, as well as time to progression.
A new study has shown that PET with 11C-Choline improves the early diagnosis of relapsed prostate cancer, with a sensitivity of 65% compared to 28% for conventional FDG. This finding is particularly useful for detecting relapses in patients with low PSA levels.
A study examines the cost-effectiveness of HPV testing in France, Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK, finding both triage and combination strategies to be more effective than current cytology-based screening programs. The cost-effectiveness ratios range from $9,800 to $75,900 per year of life saved, depending on the screening interval.
A retrospective study comparing hospitals participating and non-participating in the QIO program found no significant improvement in quality indicators for participating hospitals. Despite initial improvements in one area, the overall impact of the program on quality of care remains uncertain.
Researchers enrolled 200 patients who had suffered from recent episodes of ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation and found that fish oil supplements increased the risk of life-threatening heart rhythms. The study suggests that patients with implanted defibrillators should avoid fish oil supplements.
A recent survey found that 88% of nursing homes have a staff dentist, but most patients receive off-site dental care due to limited on-site equipment. Daily oral care is often assigned to nursing assistants, who are expected to prioritize other tasks.
Gordon wins the award for her research on treating bone loss in anorexic patients, while Mandl is recognized for his development of a real-time automated biosurveillance system to monitor bioterrorist attacks and outbreaks. The PECASE awards aim to nurture outstanding beginning scientists and engineers.
A study in Manitoba found a socioeconomic gradient in healthcare utilization, with low-income areas experiencing more hospitalizations and ambulatory visits. This challenges the assumption that frequent outpatient care for Ambulatory Care Sensitive conditions leads to lower hospitalization rates.
A new study found that anal cancer precursors are common among HIV-negative, sexually active men who have sex with men, regardless of age. The study also identified risk factors for these precancerous lesions, including HPV infection and having multiple male sex partners.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a method to create flexible silicon nanotubes using nanoparticles. These nanotubes exhibit a unique combination of properties, including elasticity similar to rubber, making them suitable for various applications such as catalysis and guided laser cavities.
A new study analyzing Medicare data from four quality improvement organizations found no significant improvements in most clinical areas, despite a larger investment. However, participating hospitals showed better results in screening and administering pneumonia vaccinations.
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that high-poverty schools often struggle with inadequate educational resources, leading to a significant disadvantage for poor children. In these schools, up to 40% of students fail the writing test and are taught by non-highly qualified personnel.
Health professionals from Physicians for Social Responsibility, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Nurses Association file lawsuit against EPA over mercury rule. The rule threatens significant mercury reductions for 10-15 years longer than required by Clean Air Act, posing risks to brain development in children.
A new study by Cardiff University reveals that European food labels can be based on competing definitions of animal welfare, often reflecting different welfare standards. Welfare-friendly labels can be divided into three groups: explicit welfare content, implicit welfare component, and ambiguous welfare component.
Research suggests that drinking during pregnancy can increase the risk of infection in newborns, with excessive alcohol use increasing the risk by more than three times. Maternal smoking also increases the risk of infection, and concurrent abuse of both alcohol and smoking may have synergistic effects.