A new study examines the ecological impacts of commercial cockle dredging on intertidal ecosystems and finds that exploitation leads to a decline in a seabird species by 80%. The research reveals that even the birds' adaptable digestive system cannot save them from starvation due to degraded food conditions.
A comprehensive survey of nanotechnology workplace safety practices found that many companies and laboratories are using conventional EHS practices despite the potential for nanoparticles to pose specific environmental and health risks. The survey, conducted by Rice University's International Council on Nanotechnology, collected data f...
Researchers found that obstructive lung disease patients received only about half of the recommended medical care, with significant variations between asthma and COPD patients. The study estimates that improving care could save lives, such as by increasing oxygen treatment for COPD patients and steroid treatment for asthmatic patients.
UCLA scientists identified gene networks that correspond to specific brain regions in humans and chimps. The study found significant differences in the cerebral cortex region, where human-specific genes show changes at the DNA level. These findings support the theory that variations in DNA sequence contributed to human evolution.
Research found that men with periodontal disease had a 63% higher risk of pancreatic cancer, while those who reported recent tooth loss showed a 2.5-fold increase in risk. Obesity also impairs immune responses to vaccines.
A psychosocial support program for Alzheimer's caregivers has been shown to delay nursing home placement by an average of 1.5 years, according to a long-term study published in Neurology. This delay can result in significant cost savings for families, estimated at over $100,000 annually.
A new study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that depression itself increases mortality risk in heart failure patients, not the use of antidepressant medications. The study analyzed over 1,000 depressed patients with heart failure and found a 15% higher death rate among those who were depressed.
Whole-heart MRI technology has advanced to detect heart disease more effectively, reducing motion blurring and improving image quality. The study found that the technique was accurate in detecting significant narrowing of coronary arteries in 87% of patients.
The new guideline aims to improve diagnosis and treatment of status epilepticus in children with epilepsy. It recommends considering anti-epileptic drug levels and performing an EEG to determine the cause of continuous seizures.
Researchers created a detailed genetic map of the mouse genome using two groups of mice, tracking over 10,000 SNPs to identify patterns of inheritance. The study found variations in recombination rates across the genome, between sexes, and identified sequence motifs that may be representative of recombination hot spots.
A study at the University of Illinois Chicago found that pioglitazone significantly slowed the thickening of carotid artery walls, reducing the risk of heart attack. The medication was shown to be effective regardless of age, sex, or diabetes duration.
A new study by University of Washington professors reveals that companies lose an average of 41% of market value after misconduct is reported. The largest monetary penalties suffered are the result of damage to a firm's reputation, with losses up to $3.08 for each dollar of inflated market value.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a simple 'dipstick' test for detecting cocaine and other drugs using DNA-gold nanoparticle technology. The test is highly sensitive and selective, allowing for quick screening of individuals for various substances.
Renewable sources currently provide about 6 percent of all the energy used in the United States. Meeting the 25 percent renewable energy target for electricity and motor fuels together could reduce carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion by 15% and displace 2.5 million barrels of oil consumption.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that immune system cells recruited from the body can cause muscle dysfunction leading to certain forms of heart failure. Treatment with serum amyloid P prevented the production of these fibroblasts and resulting fibrosis.
A study by HealthGrades found that bariatric surgery complication rates are high in some hospitals, with a mortality rate of 2 per 1,000. Five-star rated hospitals have significantly lower complication rates, and patients can find quality and cost information at HealthGrades.com
A peptide linked to anxiety is found to be overly plentiful in mice with Rett syndrome, suggesting a causal role in the disorder's anxiety-like behavior. This discovery may lead to new treatments for this symptom by targeting the CRH stress response.
Nuno Bandeira's award-winning protein analysis technique allows scientists to study highly modified proteins in snake venom, potentially leading to breakthroughs in drug development and cancer research. The technique surpasses current methods by providing a completely automated approach to identify amino acid sequences and modifications.
Researchers have discovered that mice with a mutated version of the MECP2 protein exhibit high levels of corticosterone, a stress hormone linked to anxiety and other symptoms of Rett Syndrome. The study suggests that blocking receptors for corticotropin-releasing hormone may reduce anxiety in individuals with RTT.
A geologist and his collaborator analyzed Lewis and Clark's data, finding the Missouri River has narrowed and its water levels have become more variable. This narrowing creates an increased risk of damaging floods, as well as fluctuations in day-to-day and seasonal water levels.
A significant association was found between higher red meat consumption and an increased risk of hormone receptor–positive breast cancer in premenopausal women. Women who consumed more than one and one-half servings of red meat per day had almost double the risk compared to those who ate three or fewer servings per week.
A panel of national experts has developed a plan to improve the use of imaging technologies in patients with cardiovascular disease. The proposed action plan focuses on four key aspects: selecting the best imaging technique for each individual patient, acquiring high-quality images, correctly interpreting the results, and communicating...
Researchers developed a potential vaccine targeting HER-2/neu overexpression in early stage breast cancer, yielding promising results for women at high-risk. The study found that nearly all patients exhibited an immune response and many developed protein antibodies to fight the cells.
Researchers developed an immunological purification method to detect synacthen in low concentrations, providing a gap-closing solution for drug testing authorities. This new test confirms the presence of the protein and produces a unique chemical fingerprint.
A new resuscitation approach called Cardiocerebral Resuscitation has been shown to improve survival rates for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims. The technique, which eliminates mouth-to-mouth breathing, enhances the willingness of lay individuals to engage in resuscitation.
A study found that only 40% of US women have ever heard of HPV, and fewer still know about its connection to cervical cancer. The public needs education on HPV and cervical cancer to make informed health care choices, researchers concluded.
Global environmental change scientists emphasize the need for immediate, collaborative action by governments to ensure sustainable development. The conference statement resolves to mobilize knowledge for action to support society with scientific information needed for sustainable development.
Researchers have identified 381 proteins in the sperm of fruit flies, providing a new understanding of how sex evolved. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in male infertility treatment.
Using a free-electron laser, Livermore scientists captured single diffraction patterns of nanostructured objects before destruction and reconstructed images with features 50 nanometers in size. This 'lensless' imaging technique resolves 10 times smaller than optical microscopes.
Researchers have developed a fast and accurate test to track slowed blood flow in dogs, detecting early signs of blocked arteries. The 64-slice CT scanner can replace traditional tests like exercise stress testing and echocardiograms, providing a safe and non-invasive method to diagnose coronary disease.
Women cancer carers face unique challenges, including 24/7 caregiving responsibilities, isolation, and lack of emotional support. In contrast, male carers tend to view caring as a competency task with less emotional labor.
Physicist Lawrence Schein's research uses nano-coating technology to reduce toner adhesion, enabling simplified and cheaper color laser printers. Current models are more expensive and up to three times larger than black-and-white models.
Scientists at the American Association for Cancer Research have developed a novel method to detect DNA methylation in exhaled breath, which may help predict lung cancer development. The test has also shown promise in identifying patients with pancreatic cancer, raising hopes for early detection and treatment.
Researchers found a 36% survival rate for blacks and 46% for whites, despite similar levels of coronary disease. The disparity is attributed to various factors, including bias in treatment, mistrust of the medical system, and socio-economic barriers.
Researchers used MRI to detect small areas of heart damage in patients with sarcoidosis, finding that it was twice as sensitive as conventional methods. The study suggests that cardiac damage is common and often unrecognized in these patients, which can lead to serious complications.
Researchers have developed a new way to track neuropsychiatric symptoms in lupus using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), which measures biochemical changes in the body. The study found that MRS can detect changes in metabolites, such as glutamate and glutamine, that correlate with behavioral tests.
Repeat MabThera treatment improves physical and mental aspects of quality of life measures in RA patients, with significant improvements in disease symptoms and structure. The therapy also inhibits joint structural damage, providing evidence of radiographic progression inhibition.
Researchers found that TSA and SAHA decreased cholesterol deposits and prevented macrophages from forming foam cells inside arterial walls. These findings suggest the potential for these anti-inflammatory drugs to stabilize atherosclerotic plaque and reduce acute coronary events.
A study by Mayo Clinic researchers has found that people with psoriasis are more likely to develop heart disease, including heart attacks and heart failure. The study, which followed 622 adults with psoriasis and a control group of 622 people, found significant increases in cardiovascular events among those with psoriasis.
A population-based study of 393 patients with rheumatoid arthritis found that they aged at approximately 1.25 times the rate of people in the general population. This accelerated aging was consistent with increased mortality rates among RA patients, emphasizing the need for early diagnosis and intervention to address total health.
A nationwide study of over 18 million women found that pregnant women with systemic lupus have a significantly higher risk of death or medical complications compared to those without the disease. The study suggests that these women should be closely monitored by healthcare providers and consider planning their pregnancies carefully.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that a brain protein called Arc controls how brain cells learn and associate behaviors, leading to improved long-term memory. The study also sheds light on the mechanisms behind certain addictive behaviors, such as drug addiction.
Researchers at Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute have identified a novel biomarker called 'soluble attractin' that is elevated in patients with malignant astrocytomas. This protein plays a key role in the migration and recurrence of brain tumors, making it a promising target for future therapeutic intervention.
Researchers analyzed human remains from grave sites and found high ratios of female-to-male remains at certain sites, suggesting the practice of raiding women was common. Many female remains showed signs of abuse, providing insight into the impact of warfare on local communities.
A study found that only 14 of 15 hospitals provided inadequate discharge information, with most instruction sheets written at a high reading level. The researchers propose an evidence-based emergency department discharge form to improve patient safety and reduce the risk of brain hemorrhage or swelling.
Researchers developed carbon nanotube films that can stimulate nerve cells without damage, enabling potential use in pain management and muscle control. The technology bridges the gap between biology and electronics, offering new possibilities for biomedical devices.
Researchers use digital signal processing methods to eliminate echoes and scatter, enabling high-speed data transfer through the atmosphere. The approach provides fiber optic quality signals for improved air-to-air and ground-to-air communication links.
The study reveals substantial global health inequalities influenced by geography, with countries like sub-Saharan Africa and Afghanistan facing higher child mortality rates. The authors found a four-fold difference in poverty levels and less investment in human resources between these countries and their low-mortality counterparts.
Researchers at Yale University found that Ang2 protein levels are higher in patients with acute lung injury and pulmonary edema. The study suggests that modulating Ang2 levels may help control acute lung injury, offering new potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers are urging more study on non-pharmaceutical interventions such as social distancing and hand washing during annual flu season. The lack of comprehensive data on community epidemiologic data hinders the design of effective interventions, making it crucial to prepare for potential pandemic flu.
Researchers found that combining imantanib with apoptosis-inducing drugs inhibits tumor growth more effectively than either therapy alone. The combination increased sensitivity to TRAIL, a drug that induces cell death, leading to reduced pulmonary metastases and primary tumor growth.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that firefighters are twice as likely to develop testicular cancer and have higher rates of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and prostate cancer. The study analyzed data from 110,000 firefighters and confirmed previous findings on multiple myeloma risk.
Researchers have found that a new anti-cancer drug, BB-10901, is well-tolerated at higher doses than previously used, with patients responding to treatment and experiencing durable complete responses. The drug targets cancer cells expressing CD56, leading to clinical activity and stable disease in some patients.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute developed a technology to identify and quantify specific protein phosphorylation sites in response to stimuli. They discovered 6,600 phosphorylation sites in 2,244 proteins, with 90% being unknown, and created the Phosida database to share their findings.
The ESSP launched a new research initiative to identify and quantify health risks posed by global environmental change, aiming to develop cost-effective adaptation strategies. Climate and land-use changes pose significant health threats, including malaria, malnutrition, skin cancer, and immune system depression.
Ghrelin, a stomach hormone, induces food intake by signaling in the brain's reward circuitry, controlling craving behavior. Blocking ghrelin may suppress feeding and seeking out food or energy.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have identified micro-ribonucleic acids (micro-RNAs) as potential biomarkers for lupus. The study found significant differences in micro-RNA expression between lupus patients and healthy controls, with certain micro-RNAs linked to histone deacetylases and the development of lupus.
Scientists have developed a protoxin that targets and kills prostate cancer cells using the protein PSA made by prostate cancer. The therapy shows promise in treating locally recurrent or advanced prostate cancer, with potential to reduce enlarged prostate size. A phase I clinical trial is currently underway.
A study by Yale researchers found that extensively drug resistant TB is prevalent among HIV co-infected patients in South Africa, with high mortality rates reported. The study suggests urgent intervention is necessary to address this global health issue, which threatens the success of TB and HIV treatment programs.
Researchers found that Mexican immigrants in the Chicagoland area possess a wealth of artistic and networking assets contributing to economic activity and community cohesion. Their participation in cultural activities stimulates economic growth, particularly in the music industry and service sector.