Four adults received highly concentrated, unlicensed botulinum preparation for cosmetic injections, resulting in toxin levels up to 40 times the estimated human lethal dose. Botulism can cause respiratory failure and death if left untreated.
A new study finds that employers who use criminal background checks tend to hire more black applicants, particularly black men, due to implicit biases. The study suggests that curtailing access to criminal history records may worsen racial disparities in labor market outcomes and affect other stigmatized groups.
The University of Minnesota's Maryam Valapour has received a grant to analyze the ethical and policy issues surrounding living-donor lung transplants. She aims to identify factors that encourage and discourage wider use of this procedure, which is currently less common than deceased donor transplants.
Researchers have successfully tested a gene therapy to combat alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a common hereditary disorder that causes lung and liver disease. The treatment showed no adverse effects and introduced the corrective gene into patients' blood, with some evidence of protein production.
SUNY Downstate researchers develop a substance that inhibits the progress of multiple sclerosis in an animal model. The agent, a novel calpain inhibitor, can be administered orally and has shown promise in treating both acute and chronic phases of MS.
A survey of US physicians found that over 90% believe participation in health-focused community activities and political involvement are important. Two-thirds of respondents reported actively engaging in such activities, with key areas of focus including healthcare coverage, tobacco control, and reducing air pollution.
A recent study found that Iceland's Laki volcanic event significantly changed atmospheric circulations, causing unusual temperature and precipitation patterns that peaked in the summer of 1783. This resulted in record low river levels on the Nile River for up to a year due to reduced evaporation and increased temperatures.
Researchers found that Minnesotans in the Twin Cities metro area are expending a significantly greater amount of energy participating in moderately intense physical activities than they were five years ago. The majority of this energy expenditure came from leisure-time physical activities such as walking, running, or biking.
A multi-center study with Stanford University found that regular exercise can improve a person's score on a standardized test of physical mobility, balance, walking speed, and ability to rise from a chair. The study showed that seniors who exercised regularly performed better on the fitness test than those who received health education.
A Rutgers-based team found a connection between the 1783 Icelandic volcanic eruption and a famine in Egypt, which reduced the Nile valley population by a sixth. The study used computer models to trace atmospheric changes from the eruption to their impact on North Africa.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a rapid diagnostic test for cocaine detection using tiny gold spheres and aptamers. The test strip, which can be used with just a sample dip, accurately identifies cocaine presence and has broad practical application potential.
A University of Utah study suggests that proteins serve as anchors, holding other proteins in place to strengthen synapses and contribute to forming and retaining memories. The research is relevant not only to how memory and learning work but also to Alzheimer's disease, which involves a breakdown in protein movement within synapses.
Patients with lumbar disk herniation showed similar improvement in pain reduction with surgical and nonoperative treatments over a 2-year period. Surgical treatment slightly outperformed nonoperative care, but results were not statistically significant, indicating equivalence of the two approaches.
The US joins an international collaboration to build ITER, a project aiming to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of clean fusion energy. Fusion energy could provide significant amounts of electricity and generate hydrogen for fuel cell vehicles.
Scientists have discovered that autoimmunity can be triggered in the thymus if T cells fail to recognize a single protein as self. This finding suggests that effective strategies to treat autoimmune disease should target not only peripheral sites but also the thymus.
Researchers analyzed data on consecutive earthquakes to find that seismic activity may affect a larger area than previously believed, potentially supporting long-range earthquake triggering. This phenomenon challenges the traditional view of earthquakes influencing only their immediate rupture zone.
A study published in Archives of Surgery found that a single dose of antibiotics prior to surgery is as effective as a 24-hour dosing regimen in preventing surgical site infections. The new protocol resulted in significant cost savings, with a 63% decline in antibiotic costs and a monthly saving of $1,980.
Researchers used advanced microscopy techniques to visualize T cells actively migrating through and killing tumor cells in real-time. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms of interaction between T cells and tumor cells, with the presence of antigen determining migration and interaction.
A tailored intervention addressing five areas of caregiving challenges improved quality of life and reduced clinical depression among caregivers. Hispanic and white participants saw the greatest benefits, while African-American spouse-caregivers also showed improvement in specific areas.
The study ranked top 10 states based on seismic activity, with Nevada ranking third, behind Hawaii and Alaska. The rankings were determined by analyzing earthquake data from 1898 to 2005, including data from the USGS catalog of significant U.S. earthquakes from 1568-1989.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute identified a specific enzyme called sphingosine phosphate lyase (SPL) that can cause the death of cancer cells. The study found that SPL makes cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy, while removing the enzyme makes the cells more resistant to treatment.
A powerful analysis reveals that only one-third of high-risk populations in Europe receive seasonal influenza vaccine, resulting in avoidable morbidity and mortality. Implementing EU vaccination recommendations could reduce the number of cases of death and illness from influenza, as well as contribute to flu pandemic preparedness.
Medicaid patients are less likely to receive recommended cardiac care, including short-term medications and invasive procedures. They also have higher in-hospital mortality rates and are less likely to receive recommended discharge care. The study suggests that system problems and biases may contribute to these disparities.
A team of scientists has observed bizarre deep-sea communities living around methane seeps off New Zealand's east coast, including tube worms, shell beds, and coral. The expedition discovered four types of chemosynthetic habitats in close proximity, providing valuable insights into the distribution patterns of biological life.
Cottonseed with reduced gossypol levels has been developed by Texas researchers, meeting World Health Organization and FDA standards for food consumption. This breakthrough could provide a new high-protein food source for 500 million people annually.
A recent study published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases found no association between Kawasaki disease and coronavirus NL63. This conclusion contradicts an earlier study suggesting a potential link, which was later disputed due to selection bias concerns.
The Genome Sequencing Center will use DNA sequencing to unlock cancer secrets and improve diagnosis. The four-year grant focuses on disease genes, particularly those involved in cancer.
Researchers found that adult-born hippocampal neurons have similar properties to mature neurons, including excitatory and inhibitory input responses. This suggests that these cells can form connections indistinguishable from those developed in early life, potentially leading to new treatments for brain disorders.
Street drug users increasingly rely on prescription opioids instead of heroin, raising concerns about treatment programs and public health. The shift has significant implications for addiction treatment, highlighting the need for adjustments to opioid addiction programs.
A new study challenges the idea that increased science and mathematics achievement correlates to nation-wide economic gains. Without Asian Tiger countries, correlation diminishes, and all but disappears.
Researchers at UCI found that atmospheric methane levels have remained nearly flat for seven years, indicating a possible slowdown in global warming threats. Methane pulses were paralleled by increases in ethane, supporting the theory that biomass burning is a significant source of methane.
A study conducted by Dr. Benedikt Fischer and his team reveals that prescription opioids are the major form of illicit opioid use in seven Canadian cities, surpassing heroin use. The findings suggest a significant decline in heroin use among participants between 2001 and 2005.
Developed using best evidence and expert panels, a triage protocol prioritizes access to ventilators and antiviral medications in patients with severe symptoms. The protocol aims to ensure fair distribution of limited resources during an overwhelmed healthcare system.
A multifaceted intervention improved quality of life for caregivers of people with dementia, reducing clinical depression and caregiver burden. The program showed significant benefits for Hispanic and white caregivers, while African American spouse caregivers also saw improvements in self-care.
Researchers at Oregon State University developed a new method to identify DNA-binding transcription factors that help steer stem cells. The study, announced in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, used mouse embryonic spinal cord as a model and identified the subset of genes involved in producing various cell types.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire are using satellite observations to track the ecology of avian influenza and develop early warning systems for potential outbreaks. By analyzing environmental data from satellites, they aim to understand how the virus spreads among poultry and wild birds in China.
The National Human Genome Research Institute has awarded funding to three large-scale sequencing centers, which will focus on unlocking genomic secrets of human diseases. The centers will utilize existing technology to sequence important targets and pursue new technologies to increase speed and reduce costs.
Researchers have identified eosinophils as a major contributor to asthma symptoms, finding that they play a crucial role in mucous production and airway obstruction. The study suggests that targeting eosinophils could lead to the development of new treatments for asthma, which affects an estimated 17 million people in the US.
Male crayfish exhibit pseudo-copulation behavior, mirroring normal sexual copulation, to reduce aggression and secure social dominance. This mutual behavior is crucial for the survival of subordinate males, highlighting its evolutionary significance in invertebrates.
Dr. Youqi Wang is creating a new approach to designing ballistic-resistant fabrics and textiles. Her research focuses on the mechanical properties of fibers and how they interact with each other.
The iPLEDGE program, an internet-based system, aims to prevent birth defects caused by isotretinoin by verifying pregnancy prevention measures. By ensuring that patients provide documentary proof of non-pregnancy and contraceptive use, the program significantly reduces the risk of birth defects associated with isotretinoin treatment.
Children who survive childhood cancer are more likely to experience strokes later in life. Cranial radiation therapy increases the risk of stroke in these patients. Researchers are now exploring ways to screen and prevent strokes in high-risk survivors.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that proton beam radiation therapy achieved better tumor control for advanced adenoid cystic carcinoma of the cranial base compared to traditional radiation therapy. The study reported a 9% local recurrence rate, while traditional radiation resulted in over 70% local recurrence.
A preliminary study suggests that high-resolution CT scan modeling allows surgeons to custom-design acrylic implants prior to reconstructive surgery for patients with severe defects in their faces and eye cavities. Long-term outcomes showed no significant complications, sustained improvement of facial deformities, and improved function.
Scientists used a magic trick to investigate how magicians manipulate our perception by exploiting social cues and expectations. They found that observers perceived the ball leaving the magician's hand due to cues from the magician's head direction, but not when it was no longer present in the illusion.
Researchers developed a safer method for large-scale malaria screening using PCR tests in urine and saliva, instead of blood. This approach reduces the risk of spreading HIV and other diseases, while maintaining high sensitivity for clinically significant infections.
Researchers discovered a new diamondback moth variety that can thrive on hyperaccumulator plants guarded by toxic levels of selenium. The moth's adaptation allows it to accumulate selenium like the plant, rendering its defense ineffective. This finding suggests a potential
The Long-term Oxygen Treatment Trial aims to determine whether supplemental oxygen improves patients' quality of life and lifespan. The six-year study will monitor 3,500 patients with moderate COPD to guide Medicare's policy decisions.
A study of marathon runners found that those who ran longer distances and wore inadequate clothing during training were more likely to develop skin cancer. The authors advise runners to reduce UV exposure by choosing low-sun schedules, wearing adequate clothing, and regularly using water-resistant sunscreens.
University of Oregon researchers identified protein interactions that regulate cell response to steroid hormones, targeting heat shock proteins for drug design. The discovery could lead to more effective treatments with reduced side effects.
A new study proposes that myelin, the fatty insulation around brain cells, is linked to various neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's. The research suggests that enhancing myelination through cholinergic treatments may improve neuron signaling and potentially delay disease progression.
A team of researchers from CNSE and Einstein College of Medicine are developing a next-generation microchip to detect metastatic cells in tumors, enabling more aggressive cancer therapy. The device will be assembled from nanoscale components and implanted in human tumors to gather information on cancer cell behavior.
The Baylor Research Institute has received a $6.2 million grant to establish a Center for Lupus Research, which will focus on understanding the immune system's role in lupus. The center aims to identify how lupus alters cells of the immune system, leading to abnormal protein levels and disease activity.
A study published in the American Journal of Medical Quality found nearly 12,000 hospital-acquired infections associated with over 1,500 additional deaths and $2 billion in extra hospital charges. Changing mindset is crucial to improving quality of medical care.
Research on parasitic-infected dragonflies reveals metabolic disorders similar to human obesity and type-2 diabetes, with parasites triggering an inflammatory response and changes in metabolism. The study suggests that microbial communities found in human intestines may also contribute to these diseases.
Researchers found that intensive support programs for caregivers improved their quality of life, reducing depression and stress. Coordinated support systems also enhanced dementia patient care, with 64% meeting guidelines in the intervention group.
The facility has attracted high-risk injection drug users, leading to significant reductions in syringe sharing and public discarded syringes, as well as increased uptake of addiction treatment services.
Astronomers have observed a rare phenomenon of two supernovas occurring simultaneously in the same galaxy, with implications for our understanding of galaxy mergers. The high frequency of supernovas in NGC 1316 suggests that massive star formation may be driving this activity.
Male chimpanzees show a preference for mating with older females, a stark contrast to human behavior where younger females are often preferred. This finding suggests that long-term pair bonding and menopause may have evolved in the human lineage after diverging from chimpanzees.
A systematic review of HIV medication adherence factors reveals common barriers in both developed and developing countries, as well as unique challenges in resource-constrained settings. Facilitators of adherence include having a sense of self-worth, simplicity of regimens, and reminder tools, but no such facilitators were identified i...