Researchers discovered that tumors producing high levels of lysyl oxidase (LOX) are more likely to spread and cause death. Blocking LOX production has promise as a new therapy for hypoxic tumors, with trials potentially starting within three years.
Researchers found that aspirin significantly reduces the risk of hearing loss when paired with gentamicin, a commonly used antibiotic. The study, conducted in China and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed a 75% lower incidence of hearing loss in patients given aspirin compared to those receiving placebos.
Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute have created a mouse model of medulloblastoma, a common childhood brain cancer. The study found that mice lacking the XRCC4 gene or both XRCC4 and p53 died early from tumors, which displayed genetic abnormalities characteristic of human medulloblastomas. This new model will help understand...
Researchers observed anomalous signatures in lattice vibrations, suggesting dynamic stripes are present in copper-oxide superconductors. The findings support earlier controversial claims and may help explain the superconducting mechanism.
Researchers developed a new type of stem cell that can repair spinal cord injuries by promoting nerve fiber growth and suppressing scar tissue. The transplanted cells restored function in rats with spinal cord injuries, allowing them to walk normally within two weeks.
Researchers at the University of Washington discovered a regulatory gene named broad that is necessary for insect metamorphosis. The study shows that the broad gene regulates the nymphal stage in lower insects, equivalent to the pupal stage of advanced insects like butterflies.
Researchers found that compounds binding to CB2 receptor suppress white blood cell migration, a key step in fighting infections and inflammation. This discovery suggests potential therapeutic applications for cannabinoids in treating inflammatory diseases.
Researchers found that starlings can classify acoustic sequences defined by recursive grammars, a feature thought to be exclusive to humans. The birds learned to distinguish between two sets of songs using abstract patterns and performed well above chance when tested with novel combinations.
Researchers have developed a new method for detecting brain tumours during surgery using a fluorescent compound, which significantly improves complete tumour removal rates (65% vs 36%) and survival rates without tumour progression (41% vs 21%). The technique has been shown to be safe with no significant difference in serious side effects.
Scientists have discovered a new method to stabilize ferroelectricity in nanostructures using fragments of water, leading to ultra-dense memory storage devices with unprecedented capacities. This breakthrough could enable the creation of storage devices small enough to hold massive amounts of data, such as music or video libraries.
A new study found that patients who saw visual proof of plaque buildup after an EBT scan were more likely to comply with prescribed statin therapy, exceeding 90% compliance. The study also suggests that this method can improve overall health behaviors beyond just medication adherence.
Researchers found that starlings can learn to distinguish between two different patterns of organizing sounds used for communication, including recursive center-embedding. This ability challenges the long-held assumption that human language is uniquely complex and computational.
A study found that training on a virtual 'patient' improved carotid angiography skills in cardiologists, with reduced catheter errors and faster procedure times. The use of simulators provides an objective measure of performance, allowing for the tracking of individual trainees' progress and evaluation of their competence.
The American Sociological Association presents several awards to honor outstanding contributions to sociology. These include the Career of Distinguished Scholarship Award, which recognizes a scholar's lifetime work, and the Distinguished Book Award, which honors an exceptional book published in the preceding three years.
Researchers found that aerobic training can reverse abnormal production of certain neurohormones that cause severe symptoms of heart failure. The study suggests that exercise may be a novel non-pharmacological aid for improving functional capacity, systolic function, and quality of life in heart failure patients.
Researchers discovered that males of the extinct species Thyrohyrax had oversized, swollen lower jaws shaped like a banana, which may have been used to produce sound. The discovery suggests that Thyrohyrax and its fossil relatives were the only mammals to use this skeletal structure for sound production.
A recent study published by Michigan State University's Kay Holekamp found that alpha female hyenas have higher androgen levels during pregnancy, which influences the behavior of their cubs. As a result, the cubs exhibit more aggressive and sexual play, increasing their chances for life-success.
The Baylor Human Genome Sequencing Center has completed the sequencing of human chromosome 3, a significant achievement in understanding the genetic basis of human diseases. This effort involved over 700 researchers from multiple institutions and was an international collaboration between teams from the US, Germany, and China.
Researchers used computer simulations to recreate Tropical Storm Gert's conditions, improving model accuracy and understanding of hurricane formation. The study revealed the importance of topography in Mexico's role in helping storms form.
A new compound, bis(phosphocholine)-hexane, has been designed to inhibit the effects of C-reactive protein (CRP), a protein that contributes significantly to heart attack damage. By blocking CRP's tissue-damaging effects, this potential drug may reduce mortality and scar size in patients who have experienced a heart attack.
A combination of interventions could be highly effective at reducing transmission in a flu pandemic, potentially saving many lives. School closure combined with antiviral drugs can halve the number of people getting ill.
A recent mouse study led by the Salk Institute has discovered that healthy copies of the IL2RG gene used in X-linked severe combined immune deficiency (X-SCID) gene therapy can promote cancer development. One-third of mice treated with the gene developed lymphoma later in life.
A study by Michigan State University zoology professor Kay Holekamp found that high-ranking hyena mothers pass on high levels of androgens to their offspring, making them more aggressive and sexually vigorous. This unique trait helps females secure food resources and dominate their social group.
A team of law professors, physicians, and bioethicists will develop standards for tests on human subjects in research involving genetic technologies for enhancement. The project aims to identify differences between therapeutic and non-therapeutic enhancements and determine ethical conditions for conducting such research.
Researchers found that triclocarban, used in antiseptic soap, persists in sludge and is concentrated several thousand-fold higher than in raw wastewater. The chemical's polychlorinated structure makes it resistant to degradation during wastewater treatment.
Dr. Horwitz's research on paclitaxel's mechanism of action led to its development and approval for treating various tumor types. She now focuses on overcoming drug resistance, a major challenge in cancer treatment.
A Yale University review of key papers found that Black American women define obesity positively, relating it to attractiveness and self-esteem, while White American women view it negatively, associating it with unattractiveness and decreased self-esteem. The study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive approaches to address...
A new survey reveals that one in five working-age adults is paying off medical debt, while nearly two-thirds of those with chronic illnesses skip medications due to cost. The uninsured are also more likely to go without preventive care, screenings, and regular doctors, exacerbating existing health problems.
A new study suggests that drinking the recommended amount of milk during pregnancy may help increase birth weight. The Canadian researchers found that women who limited their milk intake to one cup or less per day gave birth to babies with lower birth weights compared to those who consumed more milk.
The article assesses pension design and policy options, highlighting the importance of effective government and economic growth. Key findings include a problem in financing pensions but not a crisis, and mixed results from different countries' reform experiences.
A study published in Blood found that the newborn immune system functions differently than adults, but one portion of the response is fully functional and can be harnessed to improve immunity. The researchers identified a specific Toll-like receptor, TLR8, that triggers a robust immune response in newborns.
A new study suggests that a defective skin barrier can trigger immune reactions and lead to conditions like psoriasis and eczema. By creating a temporary artificial barrier, researchers hope to break the cycle of inflammation and find more effective treatments.
A new study assesses the relationship between financial conflicts of interest and voting patterns at FDA meetings. The analysis reveals that nearly 28% of advisory committee members and consultants disclosed conflicts, often related to consulting arrangements, contracts/grants, or investments.
A large randomized clinical trial found no association between selenium supplementation and reduced risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, or cardiovascular deaths. The study of 1,004 participants in low-selenium areas showed no difference in endpoints based on baseline selenium levels.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in developing biohybrid lung devices, regenerative potential of stem cells, biomechanical training of tissue constructs, and artificial esophagus using extracellular matrix scaffolds. These advancements aim to restore function of damaged or diseased tissues and organs.
A new diagnostic test using NGAL protein has been shown to predict kidney transplant outcomes, with lower values indicating faster recovery and higher values indicating longer recovery periods. This breakthrough could lead to improved patient care and reduced risk of kidney failure.
Researchers found that garlic mustard targets arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, harming native plants and disrupting their growth. The invasive plant's phytochemical poisons disrupt native plants' mycorrhizal associations, stunting their growth.
Pacemaker reliability improved between 1990 and 2002, while implantable defibrillator (ICD) failure rates increased significantly between 1998 and 2002. The ICD malfunction rate trended down during the first half of the 1990s but then rose substantially in the latter years.
A study of over 2,000 women found that unpaid leave made a significant difference in reducing employee turnover among middle-aged caregivers. Access to family-friendly benefits like flexible hours and paid vacation days did not ease the psychological distress of caregivers.
Researchers at Simón Bolívar University discovered that Lactobacillus casei and Lactobacillus plantarum are the bacteria responsible for fermenting beans. Fermentation increases nutrient digestibility, making beans a valuable source of nutrition for those with digestive issues.
Researchers create computer algorithms to verify connection between material delivery and fluid pressure, potentially increasing chemotherapy success rate. The method may be used before chemotherapy begins to determine if high fluid pressure could render treatment ineffective.
A study published in NeuroImage found that alcohol selectively suppresses cognitive activity in the frontal and posterior parietal brain regions, leading to poor coordination. This suppression is due to impaired feedback processing in brain areas critical for updating mental models for motor action.
A study by Eric D. Peterson and colleagues found that hospitals following American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines had significantly lower in-hospital death rates. Hospitals with higher guideline adherence scores showed a 10% decrease in patient mortality for every 10% increase in composite adherence.
Researchers used terahertz light to examine excised breast tissue and determine if removed margins were clear of cancer, with promising results. This technology has the potential to eliminate the need for multiple surgeries and tissue samples.
Stanford University has a total of 230 scholars in the academy. The newly elected members include Lawrence D. Bobo, Savas Dimopoulos, Margaret T. Fuller, Larry Kramer, and Lawrence Lessig. They are recognized for their contributions to various fields such as sociology, physics, biology and law.
A survey by the European Society of Cardiology found that care for adults with congenital heart disease in Europe is suboptimal, with many specialist centres failing to meet basic standards. The report identifies key areas for improvement, including the need for more trained healthcare professionals and specialized equipment.
Researchers identified a gene variant that protects against type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertriglyceridemia. The T-87C variant was found to lower triglyceride levels by 12% and reduce heart disease risk by 34%, offering potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers analyzed data from 1990-2002 and found that ICDs had a significantly higher malfunction replacement rate (20.7 vs. 4.6 replacements per 1,000 implants) than pacemakers, with battery/capacitor abnormalities and electrical issues being major causes of device failures
Researchers found that using a high-dose nicotine patch significantly reduced relapse rates among smokers who experienced lapses. Participants who used the active patch after lapsing were up to 4-6 times less likely to 'cheat' again, making it more effective in preventing full relapse.
Dr. Elliott's CAREER award supports his work in developing cross-cutting curricula and high-risk investigations of biological electron transfer reactions in microbes.
The 'Ethnicity and Democratic Governance' project, led by Queen's Professor Bruce Berman, explores the complexities of democracy in multi-ethnic states and how to accommodate linguistic and cultural diversity. The team aims to develop practical tools for managing ethnic conflicts and promoting social justice.
A Canadian study found that ICD device replacements due to advisories resulted in significant complications, including death, in 8.1% of cases. The study highlights the need for guidelines to determine appropriate treatment for patients with advisory devices.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that hospitals following nine different treatments recommended by the ACC and AHA had a mortality rate of 4.15 percent, compared to 6.31 percent for those that didn't adhere to guidelines. Improving guideline adherence led to a 10 percent decline in mortality.
A study by the University of Sussex and ESRC found that radical niche initiatives in wind energy, organic food, and eco-housing significantly influenced mainstream activities. Although activists' original ideas were not fully adopted, their influence contributed to the development of climate change solutions.
Researchers discovered a mechanism by which misfolded SOD1 proteins form aggregates that kill motor neurons in ALS. The normal form of SOD1 is recruited to participate in disease formation through intermolecular disulfide bonds, providing potential sites for therapeutic intervention.
Research finds high incidence of skin diseases among Hispanic migrant farmworkers, including acne and foot fungus. The study highlights the need for better health education and access to services for these workers.
A group of high school students will participate in a groundbreaking coral reef research expedition to the Red Sea, assessing threats such as climate change, ecotourism, and pollution. The team's findings will guide international policy on coral reef management and have significant economic and social implications for the world's oceans.
Exposure to combustion-related urban air pollutants during pregnancy is linked to lower scores on mental development tests and a higher risk of developmental delay at age three. The study found that children exposed to the highest levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) scored significantly lower on cognitive tests.
Research by Vanderbilt University's Stephen Camarata and Richard Woodcock found females have a significant advantage over males on timed tests and tasks, especially among pre-teens and teens. The study highlights the need for teachers to understand sex differences in processing speed and teaching strategies.
A study found that blocking key protein etanercept reduced inflammatory markers in patients with metabolic syndrome, a condition characterized by abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol. The treatment also showed promise in reducing cardiovascular risk factors.