A study led by Dr. Antonio Anzueto found that the newer medication moxifloxacin HCI is more effective at treating community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in elderly patients, with a recovery rate of 97.9%, compared to 90% for the standard medication levofloxacin. The study also assessed cardiac safety and found both treatments to be safe.
Daughters of alcoholics exhibit distinct risk factors, with behavioral undercontrol being a strong mediator for both genders. Gender-specific differences are observed in behavior and the impact of parental alcoholism history, particularly for women.
A UAB research team has discovered a new type of construction in Peru, featuring yards built with stone walls where people worked on agriculture and crafts. The buildings date back to the first millennium BC and have been found to contain evidence of large-scale agricultural processing and craftsmanship.
Scientists have developed a new method to study Fanconi anemia proteins using Xenopus eggs, allowing them to study the proteins' function in DNA replication and repair. The research found that Fanconi proteins play a crucial role in preventing DNA breaks during replication, even if the DNA is damaged.
A proposal has been developed by Drs. John L. Hick and Daniel T. O'Laughlin to set guidelines for triage of mechanical ventilators in a pandemic or bioterrorist attack. The guidelines aim to ensure equal allocation of scarce resources to patients most likely to benefit from them, promoting distributive justice.
Research highlights insulin, BDNF, and GDNF as critical growth factors regulating alcohol's effects, including intoxication sensitivity and consumption behaviors. The study suggests these factors have potential applications in treating alcohol addiction.
A study by UF researchers reveals that diabetic patients' cells have difficulty repairing damaged blood vessels due to low nitric oxide levels. The team found a way to improve the cells' movement and repair ability using nitric oxide, opening up possibilities for new treatments.
A Tufts-led study will provide training and support to immigrant workers in Somerville, MA, to improve their health and safety on the job. The program will also launch a non-profit green cleaning cooperative to break down barriers of isolation faced by these workers.
Dr. Mark Estelle of Indiana University has been awarded the Kumho International Science Prize for his seminal contributions to understanding hormone signaling in plants. The award recognizes his pioneering work on the mechanism of action of auxin, a crucial regulator of plant growth and development.
A recent Emory University study used fMRI to investigate how Democrats and Republicans process information during the 2004 US Presidential election. The researchers found that emotional circuits in the brain lit up when partisans held biased opinions, rather than rational reasoning.
A new test developed by Ohio State University researchers helps identify the best algorithms for specific applications, reducing errors and improving results. The test rates algorithms on a scale from zero to one, providing a quick way to determine which methods are most effective.
A study of 230 patients with moderate to severe CO poisoning found that 85 (37%) developed heart muscle damage, increasing their risk of death over 7.6 years. Patients with heart damage had a higher mortality rate compared to those without damage, emphasizing the need for further cardiovascular risk stratification.
A study found nearly 78% of test subjects had neurofibrillary tangles in the substantia nigra, linked to increased gait impairment. The relationship was independent of dementia status and only affected gait.
A Phase 2 clinical study revealed that BiovaxID, a personalized anti-cancer vaccine, induced anti-tumor T-cell responses in most patients despite B-cell depletion. The overall survival rate was 89%, showing the vaccine's potential to treat other types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
A University of Illinois scholar warns that avian influenza poses a significant threat to international security, citing the potential for human-to-human transmission and widespread economic disruption. The expert emphasizes the need for global coordination and increased surveillance to prevent the spread of the virus.
Researchers genetically engineered E. coli to lack its outer protective layer, making it more vulnerable to antibiotics. Synthetic versions of natural substrates for gram-positive bacteria's membrane formation are also being developed, potentially leading to new antibiotic designs.
Researchers found that high white blood cell counts were associated with an increased risk of cancer mortality, even after controlling for other factors. The association was strongest for lung cancer and suggested that aspirin may have a greater protective effect against cancer for those with high WBC counts.
Scientists have created a general circulation model to study Titan's climate and predict cloud distribution. The model, developed by a European team, successfully explains the formation of several types of ethane and methane clouds on Titan.
A study found that nurse pay cuts led to increased insomnia, but trained supervisors reduced symptoms. Trained supervisors offered emotional support and full information to affected employees.
Australian researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in stem cell research, producing the country's first human embryonic stem cell line without using animal products. The new line, named 'Endeavour 1', has the potential to lead to safer treatments for conditions such as diabetes and Parkinson's disease.
Researchers have identified compounds in licorice root that could potentially combat tooth decay. Further studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of these compounds as cavity-fighting agents, but they show promise for use in mouthwash or toothpaste.
A recent study reveals a catastrophic collapse in orangutan populations due to massive deforestation and palm oil plantations. The genetic analysis indicates that the decline occurred within the past hundred years, coinciding with the acceleration of deforestation efforts.
Researchers used ancient dental pulp DNA to identify Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, the organism that causes typhoid fever, pointing to it as the probable cause of the Plague of Athens. The study sheds new light on this enigmatic event in medical history.
A new lentiviral vector combines multiple gene manipulation techniques to efficiently regulate gene expression in cells. This versatile tool has potential applications in studying human genetic diseases, cancer research, and tissue engineering.
Researchers have developed hybrid antibodies from chimpanzees and humans that effectively inhibited the spread of vaccinia and variola viruses in test tube experiments. In mice infected with vaccinia virus, the hybrid antibodies proved more effective than anti-vaccinia immune globulin when given two days after virus exposure.
The incidence of invasive melanoma has significantly increased among Hispanic males in California between 1988 and 2001. The rate of invasive tumors greater than 0.75mm thick is particularly concerning, with a notable increase among Hispanic men compared to non-Hispanic whites.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that sustainable agriculture practices increased crop yields by an average of 79% across four countries, with harvests of some crops like maize, potatoes, and beans rising by 100%. The practices also reduced pesticide use and increased carbon sequestration.
Long-term warfarin therapy increases incidence of osteoporotic fractures by 25% in elderly patients, with men at higher risk. Regular exercise and adequate calcium intake can help maintain bone strength.
A recent study found that darkness more than triples the risk of fatalities in EMS helicopter crashes, while bad weather increases the risk eight-fold. The study suggests that helicopter EMS programs should prioritize patient safety and transport patients by air only when the benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a method to visualize the heartbeat of fruit flies, enabling them to identify genetic mutations associated with human heart disease. The team inserted a mutated gene into the fly genome and observed its effects, revealing similarities with human dilated cardiomyopathy.
A novel pathway for detecting intracellular DNA has been identified, suggesting a unique immune response differs from RNA viruses. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms of antiviral responses and how cells discern viral and self-DNA.
A study of 626 patients found that Black patients on HAART had a lower risk of atheroma than White and Hispanic patients. Genetic variants were associated with dyslipidemia in Hispanic patients, but not in others.
Studies found that erectile dysfunction is common among men and associated with various chronic diseases, including heart disease. The condition was also linked to increased risk of future cardiovascular events, diabetes, and hypertension.
Researchers discovered that surfactant micelles assemble into specific structures on a graphite surface due to van der Waals interactions, overcoming Brownian motion. The dynamic nature of these micelle structures opens new horizons for exploration and potential technological applications.
Researchers at the University of York have developed a novel way to clean up contaminated land using micro-organisms found in soil. The team has isolated bacteria that can use explosives like RDX as a source of nitrogen, and redeployed an enzyme from these bacteria into plants, enabling them to biodegrade the pollutant more efficiently.
A team of NJIT solar physicists observed that the amount of light reflected by Earth has increased since 2000, despite less sunlight reaching the surface. The result is a paradoxical increase in global temperatures, which could be due to changes in cloud cover and altitude.
Researchers use MRI to visualize individual immune cells in live animals, enabling real-time tracking of organ rejection. The new approach offers personalized care and reduces biopsy procedures.
A year-long study using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) technology has localized a small area in the occipital lobes of the brain responsible for generating visual awareness. This breakthrough discovery clarifies how our brains process visual information and recognize stimuli as visible.
Researchers followed 207 patients who survived intracerebral hemorrhage and found no increased risk of second hemorrhage among those taking antiplatelet therapy. The location of the original hemorrhage was associated with a higher risk of recurrence, particularly in the cerebral cortex.
A study of 2337 lung cancer patients with advanced disease found that nearly 1% survived for five years after receiving low-dose palliative radiation therapy, including 18 who achieved an apparent cure. Prognostic factors were not found to predict survival in these patients.
A study of 545 adolescents found that parental alcoholism was associated with early onset and persistent drug use throughout young adulthood. Marriage was also linked to lower levels of drug use, but its effect was limited by the lower marriage rates among children of alcoholics.
Researchers found that Viagra's inhibition of PDE6 enzyme causes transient losses in sensitivity to flicker, with severe cases showing almost doubled integration times. This unique effect enables scientists to study the role of PDE6 in vision and light adaptation.
Three promising young science reporters from Latin America were selected by the program's recruitment committee to attend and report on the 2006 AAAS Annual Meeting. Lorena Guzmán from Chile, Roberta Jansen from Brazil, and Rosalía Servín Magaña from Mexico will receive full support to cover the conference.
A new prediction rule identifies patients with pulmonary embolism who are at low risk of short-term mortality and other adverse medical outcomes, making them eligible for outpatient treatment. The model accurately predicted low-risk patients in two studies, resulting in very low mortality rates within 30 days.
Dr. David Wake will receive the prestigious Joseph Leidy Award for his groundbreaking work in conservation biology and systematics on worldwide amphibian decline. The award recognizes his contributions to understanding the complex causes of this alarming phenomenon.
Researchers have developed a 'nanoshuttle' that uses viral particles to precisely home to disease, where it can perform various functions such as destroying tissue or emitting signals. The system has the potential to deliver stem cells to damaged areas, potentially treating heart disease and cancer.
Marine scientists are investigating the world's coral reefs to assess biodiversity, identify species, and predict reef collapse. The CReefs project aims to answer key questions about reef dynamics, species survival, and conservation strategies.
New research reveals that blackcurrants' anthocyanins and polyphenolics have a protective effect against Alzheimer's disease in cultured neuronal cells. The effects are likely to be reproduced in the human body, potentially preventing or delaying the onset of the disease.
A new method has been developed to identify secondary metabolites in fungi, which are compounds that can have medicinal properties. The technique, known as genomic mining, allows researchers to pinpoint the genes responsible for producing these compounds, offering a promising tool for finding new medicines.
A study reveals that angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) plays a pivotal role in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a condition affecting 40% of patients with sepsis. Elevated Ang-2 levels can cause leakiness in lung blood vessels, impairing lung function and leading to trouble breathing.
Activation of protein kinase A (PKA) solidifies fear memory in the brain, according to Yale researchers. The study found that selective PKA activation enhances reconsolidation and strengthens previously established fearful memories.
Researchers found no association between aspirin use and increased risk of recurrent intracerebral hemorrhage. However, the benefits of aspirin for certain patients with intracerebral hemorrhage are uncertain due to limited data.
New Zealand tops the list with strong commitment to environmental protection, while the US falls short on critical issues like renewable energy and greenhouse gas emissions. The report highlights the importance of sound policymaking and good governance in achieving successful pollution control and natural resource management.
A collaboration between Centre for Eye Research Australia and Pfizer Australia has led to a breakthrough in predicting cardiovascular disease through retinal analysis. The research uses advanced imaging software to identify subtle damage in blood vessels, which can predict stroke, hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure.
Researchers have identified two chitin deacetylase genes as controlling tracheal tube length in Drosophila. These enzymes modify the chitinous mandrel to instruct termination of tube elongation, suggesting a mechanistic model for size regulation.
Scientists are studying the tropopause, a key transition zone in the atmosphere where air from the troposphere flows into the stratosphere. This region is critical for understanding climate change and ozone recovery, with water and bromine chemicals playing major roles.
A recent study compared neurocognitive recovery in NFL and high school athletes after concussion. The results showed that NFL players returned to pre-injury baseline performance in just one week, while high school athletes took longer to recover. The study used computerized neurocognitive testing tool ImPACT to evaluate the athletes.
A recent study has found that human and chimp molecular evolution rates are surprisingly similar, indicating that certain human-specific traits such as generation time may have evolved only one million years ago. This slowdown in the molecular clock correlates with a longer generation time, which is also characteristic of humans.
Researchers discovered that reactive oxygen species are essential for the development of balance machinery in the inner ear. The study found that a specific mutation in the Noxo1 gene, which encodes an NADPH oxidase enzyme, led to impaired balance and altered posture in mice.
Facial plastic surgeons have found that complication rates are unaffected by the length of anesthesia, contradicting existing guidelines. The study analyzed 1,200 patients and found only three cases of major complications across all patient groups.