A study found that ramelteon demonstrated no abuse potential, unlike triazolam, with no dose-related effect on task performance. Ramelteon targets the MT1 and MT2 receptors in the brain's suprachiasmatic nuclei, providing a new mechanism of action for insomnia treatment.
A study found that men with prostate cancer who are in a relationship report better mental health, greater spirituality, and fewer urinary symptoms. The researchers conclude that clinicians should address coping mechanisms to encourage the benefits of partnership and mitigate the negative effects of being single.
A study of 1,475 people found moderate to severe sleep apnea increases stroke risk by 3-4 times over four years. The risk is double that of other well-known factors like high blood pressure and obesity.
The study found that patients with a history of atrial fibrillation and risk factors for stroke should maintain anticoagulation therapy, including warfarin, regardless of sinus rhythm control. The researchers identified seven variables significantly associated with stroke risk, including increasing age and female gender.
A new study published by the American Thoracic Society found that children living within 75 meters of a major road are at a higher risk of having asthma symptoms. The research, which included over 5,000 children in Southern California, suggests that local traffic may be causing an increase in asthma cases.
Researchers found a unique brain cluster called Cluster N that is active at night but dormant during the day, indicating a specialized night-vision system. This adaptation enables birds to navigate and fly during their nocturnal migrations.
A UCLA study suggests that comprehensive health screenings and in-home visits by nurse practitioners can significantly lower the number of health risks faced by adults with developmental disabilities. The research found that nearly half of participants were overweight or obese, while over a third experienced moderate to severe pain.
NexMed's Femprox treatment showed demonstrable improvement in sexual arousal, with statistically significant gains reported at the end of both evaluation periods. The study involved 372 patients and found positive patient satisfaction, with side effects being mostly mild and reversible.
A clinical trial by Mayo Clinic found that shark cartilage did not demonstrate any efficacy in patients with advanced breast or colorectal cancers. In fact, some quality of life measurements worsened among patients treated with shark cartilage.
Annexin 1 gene expression plays a critical protective role in preventing immune damage during sepsis, with higher levels associated with organ injury and lower survival rates. Administration of human recombinant annexin 1 improved survival rates to 60%.
A University of Pittsburgh psychiatrist warns that researchers must be more rigorous in designing and conducting clinical studies, as well as use clear language when describing findings. This can help prevent confusing reports on health risks that are extrapolated from studies and reported by the media.
A recent study published in Nature Methods found that different microarray systems are more alike than previously thought, yielding comparable results when used properly. The study involved 10 laboratories using various platforms and showed that with proper methods and reporting, the results can be reliable across different platforms.
A study examined the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in heart attack patients and found that 46% met the criteria. Patients with metabolic syndrome were older, more likely to be women, and had worse in-hospital outcomes, including increased risk of heart failure.
Adults with ADHD experience significant financial losses due to lower educational attainment and achievement, as well as difficulties in the workplace. The study found that adults with ADHD had an average loss of $8,900 to $15,400 per year in household income.
SEROQUEL demonstrates a higher compliance rate compared to risperidone and olanzapine, with significant improvements in cognitive function, including working and verbal memory, while also offering a superior side effect profile.
Patients with both conditions adhere to medication regimens at rates of 44.7%, 35.9% and 35.8% respectively over three months, six months and one year, according to the study. The strongest predictor of adherence was the number of other prescribed medications taken in the year before treatment initiation.
Researchers have identified the compound allicin as responsible for activating specific protein thermoreceptors in the mouth, leading to the characteristic burning sensation of raw garlic. This finding provides new insights into the pungency associated with raw garlic and its potential health benefits.
A study found that gene UCHL1 is consistently low in replaceable neurons, associated with increased survival and reduced neuronal death. Researchers discovered UCHL1 levels increase when birds sing, suggesting a link to improved neuron replacement.
Research reveals significant decreases in myelin lipid synthesis in mice with Canavan disease, suggesting a link between acetate deficiency and the disorder. The findings support the potential of acetate supplementation as a therapy for this devastating congenital disease.
A new study has found that cyclophosphamide significantly improves lung function and reduces breathlessness in patients with scleroderma lung disease. The treatment also reported increased energy levels and functional ability compared to the placebo group.
The National Institute on Aging has awarded the University of California, Irvine (UCI) $9 million to continue its research on Alzheimer's disease. Two key projects will focus on understanding age-related changes in the brain and the role of mitochondrial defects in causing Alzheimer's disease. These studies aim to advance our knowledge...
This study found that adult lifestyle and body size were more important determinants of bone health at age 49-51 than early childhood factors. Adult weight was particularly significant for women, accounting for 25% of the variation in BMD. Increasing numbers of pregnancies lowered hip BMD in women, while vitamin C intake was associated...
Pediatric oncologist Peter C. Adamson emphasizes the need for targeted treatments that spare healthy cells, reducing toxic side effects. The Institute of Medicine report proposes a public-private partnership to develop new pediatric anticancer drugs.
Israeli psychologists studied participants with prefrontal-lobe damage and found they struggled to comprehend sarcastic messages. The researchers propose a neural network for processing sarcastic utterances, highlighting the importance of integrating social/emotional context with literal language.
The Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare has cleared Ohio State's spinal cord injury training program for its humane care and use of animals in research. The university had searched for alternatives to using animals in the project, but no problems were found with animal treatment.
A new study found that a combination of immunosuppressive therapies significantly reduces non-cellular and humoral rejection in heart transplant recipients. The TAC/MMF group showed the lowest incidence of any treated rejection and improved side effects compared to other groups.
A recent study of 100 individuals with chronic cough for nine years discovered that 53% experienced depressive symptoms. Two-thirds of patients who had their cough improve showed significant decreases in depressive symptoms, whereas those whose cough didn't improve didn't experience any corresponding improvements.
A new virtual asthma management program allows patients to track their lung function, symptoms, and quality of life, receiving personalized recommendations and human oversight from a Certified Asthma Educator. The program aims to complement physician care and improve asthma management for patients with geographic barriers.
Researchers found trospium, an anti-muscarinic drug, has a topical effect on the bladder muscle that controls contractions. This effect reduces muscle contractions and increases bladder capacity, offering new hope for patients with overactive bladder.
A new study has identified three nuclear proteins that are unique to the bladders of animals with interstitial cystitis (IC), a chronic pelvic pain disorder. The proteins, transgelin (SM-22), ras suppressor protein (RSU-1) and GAPDH, were found to be down-regulated in IC-model bladders after instillation with hydrochloric acid.
A new study reveals Canada's inadequate caregiver support system, with only tax relief and short-term paid work leave available. The UK recently introduced a state pension for low-income caregivers, highlighting the need for immediate and long-term financial assistance.
The University of Houston is developing DNA probes to detect emerging pathogens using advanced genomic computations and bioinformatics. The goal is to rapidly identify microorganisms and viruses that could be used in bioterrorism attacks.
A new study published in the Journal of Immunology reveals that allergic eye disease can significantly increase the risk of corneal transplant rejection. Researchers found that mice with ocular allergies experienced a dramatic increase in graft rejection, with all grafts rejected in affected mice.
Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered a gene that allows pox viruses to camouflage themselves from the immune system. A new post-exposure vaccine aims to eliminate this gene, making the virus more visible to the immune system and improving disease resistance.
A new website, CCIR-NY, offers scientific answers to basic questions about climate change and its impact on New York City. The site provides information on potential flooding of transportation infrastructure, saltwater intrusion into water supplies, and erosion of public beaches.
Researchers analyzed eight apple varieties and found Red Delicious and Northern Spy apples to have the highest antioxidant levels. Polyphenols in the skin and flesh of these apples were responsible for the highest antioxidant activity, with epicatechin and procyanidin B2 being key contributors.
A new study published in Biology of Reproduction found that delayed motherhood in mice leads to decreased life expectancy and reduced body weight. The researchers assessed various aspects of reproductive fitness but found no significant deleterious effects on other parameters.
The Mladec assemblage is the oldest directly dated substantial collection of modern human remains in Europe, dating back approximately 31,000 years. The fossils confirm that early modern humans emerged in Central Europe during the Aurignacian period and provide valuable insights into their ancestry.
Researchers have developed an assay that visualizes the formation of clathrin-coated vesicles at single clathrin-coated pits with high time resolution. This breakthrough sheds light on fundamental questions about clathrin-mediated endocytosis, including whether single coated pits give rise to multiple vesicles.
A new polysaccharide, hyaluronan oligomers, has been discovered to sensitize drug-resistant breast cancer cells to several chemotherapeutic drugs by binding to CD44 receptor. Increasing hyaluronan synthesis in cells also increases resistance to drug treatment.
A new underwater listening device has been developed by Boston University engineers using off-the-shelf hardware, combining sophisticated engineering to create a highly sensitive device. The array can be towed behind small craft, making it easier to launch, and is less expensive than current multi-million dollar systems.
Scientists at UCSB have discovered a protein called vacuolar ATPase that naturally prevents inappropriate cell fusion, which can lead to cancer metastasis. This finding may pave the way for new treatments to enhance organ regeneration by stem cells, prevent cancer progression, and control fertility.
A study finds that opioid medications are safe and effective for long-term pain relief in older patients, but pose risks for younger patients. Older patients experience significant relief with minimal dose escalation, while younger patients show no long-term benefit despite high doses.
A genetic variant of the androgen receptor gene has been found to be associated with premature balding in men, leading to more androgen receptors in the scalp. The findings suggest that this genetic defect can be inherited from the mother and may also involve other genes.
Researchers used disabled retroviruses to discover genes that increase the multiplication rate of stem cells, which could improve regenerative medicine. The study found that these genes can be used to enhance the fitness of stem cells, potentially leading to new treatments for inherited blood disorders.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released Standard Reference Material (SRM) 1d for Indiana limestone, which is a critical component in various industries. The SRM will support the production of cement, concrete, and iron steel.
Researchers at University of Minnesota have made a groundbreaking discovery on how estrogen affects the brain, revealing distinct differences between females and males. The study suggests that estrogen activation of glutamate receptors could explain various non-reproductive behaviors, such as female motor control and pain sensation.
This article discusses various low back pain relief strategies, including prosthetic fit and production, for individuals with amputations. It also explores the impact of head and body movement on gait in patients with inner ear balance organ abnormalities.
Researchers at Cornell University have created fluorescent nanoparticles called 'Cornell dots' that can be used for biological imaging, optical computing, and other applications. These particles offer an alternative to quantum dots due to their greater chemical inertness and reduced cost.
Researchers found that dutasteride suppresses blood flow in benign prostate tissue, enabling targeted biopsies to detect cancer more effectively. This reduction in benign blood flow improved cancer detection rates and may reduce the need for repeat biopsies.
A new CAD system has improved the accuracy of breast MRI analysis, allowing radiologists to better determine cancer lesion sizes. The system reduced analysis time by an average of 7 minutes compared to standard software.
Artificial tactile sensors are being developed to mimic human fingers, providing detailed information on object shape and texture. The new technology could enable robots to handle delicate objects with increased precision and force control.
Researchers at Cornell University developed a nanoscale detection device that can identify even the smallest organic molecules, including proteins. The device uses microfluidics to detect genetic markers for cancer susceptibility and has potential applications in medical and forensic diagnosis.
Researchers at the Salk Institute discovered a mechanism controlling left-right body plan development in embryos of mice, rabbits and fish. The cilia's clockwise rotation generates a right-to-left current that acts as an amplifier to set up a chemical gradient.
Stem cells can be made specific to patients regardless of age or sex, showing promise for treating devastating diseases and injuries. The research yields patient-specific cellular models of human disease, paving the way for more precise study and potential cure.
Scientists led by Professor Jeffrey J. Park have detected the natural tones from seismograms after the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake, providing information on Earth's deep mantle and core. The data supports a model of the earthquake that lasted about 10 minutes, with massive slabs of rock moving over 800 miles.
A study of 23 pancreatic biopsies found ultrasound-guided biopsies to be effective in obtaining adequate samples, with a diagnosis possible in 61% of cases. The procedure is easier on patients than traditional endoscopic biopsies, which require sedation and are less efficient.
A recent study using fMRI found limited reorganization in the primary visual cortex of adult monkeys after retina injury, contradicting previous thinking on brain plasticity. The results suggest that adult brains may not be as capable of compensating for injuries as previously believed.
A study by Dr. Linda Tang found that radiology residents can reliably interpret head CT scans for initial triaging of acute stroke patients, achieving a 97% agreement rate with attending physicians. The results have affected hospital protocol and require certification prior to taking call.
A research team has identified a genetic defect that weakens blood vessels in the brain, making infants vulnerable to cerebral hemorrhage. The discovery may lead to new strategies for disease prevention, such as reducing stress during birth.