A study using a large U.S. population sample found that current DSM-IV criteria for alcohol-use disorder may be overly diagnostic in adolescents due to relatively infrequent drinking and shorter drinking histories. The study suggests age-specific distributions for these criteria conform to the age-specific distributions of alcohol use.
Researchers analyzed tumor DNA from 324 GIST patients and found that those with a KIT exon 11 mutation responded better to Gleevec. The study confirms the need for new drugs for patients whose GIST genotype is less responsive to Gleevec.
A new study found that women taking tamoxifen for breast cancer are nearly four times more likely to have a Factor V Leiden mutation, which increases the risk of blood clots. The research suggests testing for this mutation could help identify women who may benefit from alternative treatments or anticoagulants.
A new mathematical model simulates 10-year disease-free survival in postmenopausal women with hormone-receptor positive breast cancer. The model reveals that the best treatment strategy depends on tumor biology, recommending tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitor treatment for different cases.
A recent study by University of Vermont researchers found that a majority of US children are hospitalized at non-children's hospitals, with over one in twenty visits being for mental health conditions. The study also highlighted disparities in care, including higher rates of hospitalization among low-income patients and teenagers.
A study found that patients with high circulating endothelial cell counts before treatment were more likely to have growing tumors, while those with low counts remained stable. This test may predict patient outcomes and survival, allowing doctors to tailor treatment and spare unnecessary side effects.
Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological condition that disrupts nervous signals to the vocal cords. The surgery provided long-lasting resolution of symptoms and improved physical, social, and emotional well-being in most patients, offering a permanent solution for treating the disorder.
Researchers discovered a positive role for gene recruitment to the nuclear periphery, with significant implications for cell polarity and development. The study's findings suggest a complex interplay between nuclear organization and transcriptional regulation.
A new kidney cancer drug has shown a partial response rate of 40% in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma, significantly higher than the standard treatment's 15% response rate. The medication, SU11248, was well-tolerated and had significant side effects, but offered improved survival rates for some patients.
A phase II trial found that Herceptin can be used safely for bladder cancer with few serious adverse effects related to the drug. The study showed good responses to treatment in patients with HER2-positive bladder cancer, laying the foundation for a future phase III trial.
Researchers found that adding docetaxel to a combination chemotherapy regimen increased complete pathological response rates by 89% for patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The treatment is expected to result in high survival rates, including 95% two-year and 90% five-year survival rates.
A recent study at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that doctors and patients have differing perceptions of clinical trial participation. While both groups agree that clinical trials are crucial for improving cancer treatment, patients are more likely to cite fear of side effects as a barrier to participation.
The Vax1/2 double knock-out mice study reveals the necessary role of Vax genes in blocking the default differentiation pathway for front end brain development. The repression of Pax6 expression is a key step in ventralization of the eye field and subsequent optic nerve development.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a pharmacogenetic test to determine the best dose of three-drug chemotherapy treatment for various cancers. By analyzing a patient's genetic makeup, they can identify individuals with a higher risk of toxicity from irinotecan and tailor their treatment plan accordingly.
Sebastian Nijman's research reveals the molecular mechanism underlying cylindromatosis, a rare genetic condition causing skin tumors. The study also identifies a key protein in Fanconi anaemia, a form of inherited cancer, and finds potential treatment through inhibition of NF-kappa B signalling route.
Researchers found that sponges produce bioactive substances in response to competition, which is crucial for developing new drugs. However, the growth rates of cultivated species are slow and unpredictable, resulting in lower substance production compared to natural counterparts.
Scientists from Oregon State University have discovered new theories about Mars' climate and polar regions, shedding light on the mystery of the planet's icecaps. The study reveals that the southern pole's permanent icecap is comprised primarily of carbon dioxide ice, which could indicate global climate change.
A new 'nuclear battery' technology has been developed, increasing the surface area of a radioactive gas to produce a current. This increase results in a 160-fold efficiency improvement over conventional designs, making it suitable for long-lasting medical devices and deep-space probes.
A study by Newcastle University found that only one-third of gum disease patients followed dentist advice to improve their brushing habits, despite perceiving themselves as more compliant. The research highlights the need for dentists to re-educate their patients on proper oral hygiene practices.
Akiko Iwasaki, Yale assistant professor of immunobiology, has been awarded the Burroughs Wellcome Investigator in Pathogenesis in Infectious Diseases Award. She aims to understand how mucosal lining cells interact with viruses and trigger immune responses.
Researchers found tamoxifen does not lower heart attack risk in breast cancer survivors and increases risk with radiation therapy. Tamoxifen use was linked to a doubled heart attack risk among women who also received radiation therapy, regardless of the duration or dose of the drug.
A new search engine, Unintended Information Revelation (UIR), has been developed to uncover hidden information within documents. It uses concept chain graphs to find connections between seemingly unrelated concepts and can reveal sensitive data.
A comparative genetic study by Cornell University researchers found that some genetic mutations in human sperm cells may allow them to avoid early death and reproduce, but also increase the risk of cancer. The study suggests that these mutations could have led to a positive selection advantage, making humans more prone to cancer.
A recent study found that male fish with larger gonopodia are more attractive to females for mating purposes, but simultaneously exhibit reduced swimming performance when trying to evade predators. The research suggests a trade-off between genetic size and predator escape value in certain fish species.
Researchers detect enols in flames for the first time, revealing a new class of chemistry. The discovery uses a novel technique to distinguish between molecules and has potential applications in reducing pollutants and improving fuel cells.
PENN researchers have developed a novel approach to treat head and neck cancer using the daVinci System, allowing for complete tumor removal while preserving voice and swallowing function. This innovative technique has shown great potential in improving treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients.
The Lipid Metabolites and Pathways Strategy (LIPID MAPS) consortium has proposed a new comprehensive classification system for lipids, dividing them into eight primary categories with further subdivisions. The system includes a nomenclature system and a unique identifier for each lipid molecule.
The launch of NASA's satellite has been rescheduled for May 14. Coverage will be available on NASA TV starting at 4 a.m. EDT, and the satellite will be broadcast via AMC-6 and AMC-7 transponders.
Alison Galvani, a Yale Assistant Professor, has been awarded the Young Investigators' Prize by the American Society of Naturalists for her groundbreaking research on how evolutionary forces shape interactions between hosts and pathogens. Her work has significant implications for disease control policies and the persistence of diseases.
The discovery of CD147 reveals a new component regulating the production of A-beta peptides, which form amyloid plaques. The study highlights the importance of understanding membrane protein structures to combat Alzheimer's research.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that adding bevacizumab to standard chemotherapy extended median survival by 2.3 months, improving overall tumor response rates and progression-free survival. This new treatment regimen is recommended as the standard for advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new coating that provides effective fouling resistance for over five months, outlasting existing antifouling polymers. The coating, made of two parts, sticks securely to surfaces and prevents cell and protein buildup, holding promise for use on medical implants.
Researchers found that non-dippers had higher fasting glucose levels and were more likely to develop diabetes. Monitoring glucose levels is crucial for these patients to prevent cardiovascular problems.
Gene targeting allows researchers to design and produce knockout lab mice to study human disease, revolutionizing biomedical research and advancing genetic medicine. The award recognizes the breakthrough technology developed by Capecchi and Smithies, enabling scientists to address complex biological problems.
Research found that prenatal cocaine exposure increases heart vulnerability to ischaemia/reperfusion injury in late adult life, with male hearts being more susceptible. Fetal programming by cocaine abuse and hypoxia also contribute to lifelong cardiovascular consequences.
A new protein called SPARC is involved in tumor therapy resistance, while complement component C5 contributes to airway inflammation in asthma. BMP signaling pathways may also be therapeutic targets for treating spondyloarthropathies.
Researchers found evidence of a 600-million-year-old fungi-algae symbiosis in fossilized specimens from the Doushantuo Formation in South China. The discovery suggests that this symbiotic relationship may have evolved independently on land and in marine environments.
Researchers using Cassini-Huygens Spacecraft measured Titan's temperature, winds, and chemical composition, finding methane abundance and seasonal changes comparable to Earth's. The study suggests Titan's organic chemistry is an analog of early terrestrial processes, potentially hinting at the moon's habitability.
A review of studies suggests that a high-energy diet during pregnancy can 'program' an individual's appetite and increase their risk of developing heart disease and diabetes later in life. Rats fed a high-fat diet during pregnancy show abnormalities in their large arteries and kidney function in offspring.
The Lancet suggests that aggressive tobacco taxation policies are needed to reduce the demand for tobacco products, which cause 5 million deaths annually. Annual price increases of 50% can lead to a reduction in tobacco consumption by 4-8% in high-income and low-middle income countries, respectively.
Physicists at NIST demonstrated a crucial step in using quantum computers to break today's most commonly used encryption codes. The team used three ions as qubits to represent 1s or 0s and identified repeating patterns in quantum information. This work paves the way for building large-scale quantum computers.
A clinical trial involving over 730 colorectal cancer patients suggests that keyhole surgery may be the new gold standard for colon cancer treatment, offering rapid recovery rates, less pain, and fewer complications. The study found similar cancer-related survival and quality of life outcomes between keyhole and open surgery groups.
Bacteria require a critical number of individuals, called quorum sensing, to engage in activities like bioluminescence and biofilm formation. Research on Vibrio cholerae and other bacteria aims to develop strategies to prevent disease-causing bacteria from becoming virulent.
A recent study by Ohio State University found that black children are nearly eight times more likely to sustain burns or gunshot wounds, and seven times more likely to be struck by a car. However, when equally severe injuries occur, survival rates are equal, hospital stays are similar, and rehabilitation services are accessible.
A study of 10,000 employees found that work fatigue and overtime were strongly associated with weight gain. Dissatisfaction in combining paid work and family life was also linked to weight gain among women, while job demands were a risk factor for men. The findings suggest that workplace conditions play a crucial role in employee health.
A recent study reveals that grandsons and granddaughters of female rats fed an inadequate diet during pregnancy and/or lactation are more likely to become obese and insulin resistant. The research extends previous findings on the negative effects of poor maternal nutrition, now showing a two-generation impact.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown quality control station in RNA synthesis that checks NTP loading to maintain accuracy. This discovery has significant implications for understanding cancer, viral infections, and normal human development.
A concentrated form of Vitamin E called tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) from rice bran oil may effectively reduce total cholesterol levels by up to 42% and LDL or 'bad' cholesterol levels by 62%. Researchers found that a minimum dose of TRF of 8 IU kg/day provided the maximum antioxidants and lowered cholesterol.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have developed a new understanding of the molecular structure and function of MsbA, a key player in drug resistance. The team used spin labeling to create a dynamic model of the protein, revealing its mechanism of action and opening and closing processes.
Dr. Albert Z. Kapikian receives the Sabin Gold Medal for developing the first licensed rotavirus vaccine, saving millions of lives worldwide. His pioneering work in electron microscopy and virus characterization has been widely recognized by NIAID Director Anthony Fauci and H.R. Shepherd.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation has identified a new protein called SPARC that plays a crucial role in tumor therapy resistance. The researchers found that restoring SPARC expression in resistant cells improved their sensitivity to chemotherapy, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.
Researchers have discovered a new way to selectively block estrogen's effects using the Tamoxifen-like drug GW5638. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for breast cancer and other estrogen-related diseases without increasing the risk of endometrial cancer.
Researchers found that speaking Spanish, offering health benefits, and addressing community needs are key factors in recruiting Hispanic participants for studies. The study, presented at the American Geriatrics Society meeting, aimed to understand how diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease affect Hispanics.
A French genetics study comparing leprosy-causing bacteria strains reveals a single bacterial clone has spread globally over centuries. The research also suggests the disease may have originated in East Africa and spread to Europe and North America through human migrations.
The Oak Ridge Associated Universities funds research to develop conductive ceramic materials. Lu, a Virginia Tech graduate student, aims to create advanced ceramic materials by incorporating carbon nanotubes. She has achieved 40% density, significantly improving the material's strength and conductivity.
A new software called Notung allows researchers to identify genes that arose recently and understand their role in modern organisms. The tool uses evolutionary scenarios and gene duplications to provide insights into gene evolution and function.
Ralph Horwitz, M.D., is receiving the Glaser Award from the Society of General Internal Medicine (SGIM) in recognition of his significant contributions to research and education in general internal medicine. The award is supported by grants from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation and the Commonwealth Fund.
A new enzyme group has been identified that attaches an unusual molecular tag to microtubules, directing motor proteins to specific destinations. This discovery paves the way for further research on polyglutamylate modification and its role in cellular traffic.
Research finds that prenatal exposure to increased or decreased levels of nutrition leads to an increased risk of obesity in postnatal life. The study shows that the fetus has a functional capacity for regulating its appetite, which can be influenced by signals of nutritional status.
Researchers used harmonic radar to track bees' flight paths after attending a 'waggle dance', confirming the dance is a coded message guiding them to new food sources. The study showed that bees translate the dance code into successful navigation, correcting for wind drift even when visiting unfamiliar destinations.