Researchers at Max Planck Institute and ESRF study bone deformation using X-rays, revealing a hierarchical structure that allows bones to sustain large strains without breaking. The findings provide new insight into the design principles behind healthy bone fracture resistance.
Researchers have identified a circuit diagram that allows movement information from one hemisphere to reach the H2 cell in the opposite hemisphere, enabling the fly to differentiate its own movement from environmental movement. The study found that the HSE cell directly and the CH cell indirectly provide input to the H2 cell.
A study found that heart failure is associated with more common factors than previously believed, including preserved ejection fraction and diastolic dysfunction. Patients with preserved ejection fraction were older and less likely to be smokers, while those with reduced ejection fraction had higher mortality rates.
Mayo Clinic researchers found that difficulties in the heart's ability to fill with blood are a frequent cause of heart failure, and can be just as deadly as deficiencies in pumping. The study suggests that filling problems are often undiagnosed and highlights the importance of testing for abnormalities in the heart's filling phase.
A recent study published in the Canadian Journal of Surgery found that many medical school graduates in Canada lack proficiency in basic surgical skills such as suturing and tube placements. The researchers surveyed 123 recent graduates and 55 surgeons, revealing a significant gap between expected and actual skill levels.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered an enzyme called ACE2 that may hold the potential to treat diabetic kidney disease. Studies suggest that increasing ACE2 levels in the kidneys could reverse or prevent kidney disease from developing.
Research at Harvard University found that 5- to 7-year-olds prefer lucky individuals and groups over the less fortunate. The study suggests this phenomenon may clarify human attitudes toward social groups and help explain the persistence of social inequality.
The American Thoracic Society has published a new statement on the pathogenesis, prevention and treatment of liver damage caused by anti-tuberculosis medications. The document provides recommendations for identifying risk factors, recognizing symptoms and developing safe treatment programs.
Researchers at VCU have developed a unique anti-sickling agent called 5-HMF, which has shown promise in treating sickle cell disease by increasing the oxygen affinity of both normal and sickle hemoglobin. This breakthrough could lead to new drug treatments for the debilitating genetic blood disorder.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that lower doses of radiation are equally effective in treating acoustic schwannomas, a benign but potentially devastating brain tumor. This treatment approach may preserve more hearing and reduce the need for surgery.
A University of Pittsburgh study demonstrates that intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) can be uniformly delivered in a large health care system through centralized planning and treatment. This approach enables patients to receive consistent quality of care despite geographic distances.
Researchers found that synthetic antioxidants significantly reduced pain-like behavior in mice with inflamed hind paws, with 70-90% reduction during acute phase and 78-98% reduction during tonic phase. This suggests that antioxidants may fight chronic pain by helping the body break down free radicals.
New research shows that chain stores' national pricing strategies can boost variety and choice for consumers, particularly in areas with lower average wages and older populations. This approach can also support public health policy by providing important options for consumers on lower earnings.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University Psychology Professor Sheldon Cohen confirms that happy people are less likely to become ill when exposed to a cold virus. The researchers found that positive emotions such as happiness, optimism, extraversion, feelings of purpose in life, and self-esteem provide protection against infectious illness.
The median salary for chemists has increased to $86,900, with bachelor's degrees earning $67,200 and Ph.D.'s earning $96,000. The chemistry workforce is becoming more diverse, with female graduates receiving a higher percentage of B.S. chemistry degrees.
A new radiation technique called intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) significantly reduces painful skin burns in women with breast cancer. IMRT controls the intensity of each beam to spare nearby healthy tissue, minimizing radiation exposure and side effects.
Researchers found significant variation between individuals with depression and healthy women, particularly in the mu-opioid system involved in stress and emotions. The study suggests that these differences may predict treatment response, highlighting the need for personalized approaches to depression treatment.
A study found that children with higher intelligence at age 6 were less likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by age 17, even if they experienced traumatic events. Children with anxiety disorders and conduct problems at age 6 were more likely to develop PTSD.
Researchers discovered that present-day organisms use trace metals derived from ancient changes in ocean chemistry. Protein structures revealed a major influence of geochemistry on life, leading to diversification and complexity. The study links biology and geology, shedding light on co-evolutionary processes.
A review of Clostridium sordellii infections suggests that the connection between mifepristone and misoprostol in medically induced abortions is unclear. Despite four reported deaths, nearly 2 million European women have used mifepristone without C. sordellii infections. Further research is needed to identify factors that predispose to...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School Medicine have successfully tested a new gene therapy vector that inhibits HIV replication. The treatment, called VRX496, has shown promising results in reducing viral loads and improving immune function in patients with chronic HIV infection.
A Swedish study found that steroid users were twice as likely to be convicted of weapons offenses and one and a half times more likely to be convicted of fraud. In contrast, there was no association between steroid use and violent crimes or property crimes.
The MIT and Cambridge University team has designed a silent aircraft that can carry 215 passengers, predicted to achieve 124 passenger-miles per gallon, almost 25% more than current aircraft. The proposed plane features an integrated flying wing design, eliminating flaps and embedding engines in the fuselage.
Researchers have identified characteristic changes in cerebrospinal fluid that may serve as biomarkers for psychosis, including schizophrenia. These findings suggest a potential new approach to understanding and treating these conditions.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital use MRI to track muscle damage from radiation therapy in children with soft tissue cancer. The study reveals that changes in muscle images can predict the amount of long-term damage that radiation may cause, enabling clinicians to design better treatment plans.
Researchers developed radioimmunotherapy to target and kill HIV-infected cells using antibodies. By injecting radioactive antibodies into mice with deficient immune systems, the treatment successfully reduced HIV-infected cell numbers and showed promise for eradicating the virus.
Researchers found that aged mice experiencing weekly light-cycle shifts had significantly higher death rates than those on a normal daylight schedule. The study suggests that disruption of circadian rhythms can impact well-being and physiology in older animals.
A University of Alberta researcher found that people understand the dangers of bad habits but struggle to change due to factors like social norms and human defiance. The study suggests that risk communicators need to look beyond knowledge of risks to address underlying issues, such as poverty and unemployment.
A study found that one-third of Ugandan adolescents use the internet for health-related information, while another third would go online to learn about HIV/AIDS if it were free. The findings suggest initiatives improving online access and tailored content for young people could make a difference in Africa.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center use MRI to capture images of the retina's elusive layers, revealing layer-specific changes in retinitis pigmentosa. This breakthrough technology has potential for early diagnosis and treatment of serious eye diseases.
Researchers found that maintenance treatment with escitalopram reduced recurrent depression in patients with major depressive disorder by 38%. Long-term use of the medication also showed safety and tolerance.
Researchers have exonerated Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) as the primary virulence factor for community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) disease. The study found that CA-MRSA strains are equally effective at destroying human white blood cells with or without PVL present.
A nationwide study found that motor vehicle crashes and rider behavior are the leading causes of nonfatal school bus-related injuries in the US. Children aged 10-14 suffered the most injuries, accounting for 42% of total incidents.
A long-term study of Costa Rican children found that iron deficiency in infancy was linked to lower cognitive test scores at age 19. The gap in cognitive scores between iron-deficient and non-iron deficient teens widened to 25 points by age 19, with a wider disparity in lower socioeconomic levels.
Research highlights low self-esteem and social exclusion as major problems for ventilator-dependent children, who often create their own lifestyles and have a good quality of life despite health issues. Greater support is needed to address their aspirations and achieve good quality of life experiences.
A study led by Rush University Medical Center found the Perspecta Spatial 3D system enhances radiation treatment planning by providing a better understanding of tumor location and size. The device generates true 3D imagery, allowing for more efficient and natural visualization of anatomical and dose data.
Researchers at The Miriam Hospital are developing a new vaccination delivery strategy for teens, aiming to prevent Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and other sexually transmitted diseases. The Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation has provided $25,000 in funding to explore effective vaccine distribution methods among high-risk adolescents.
Up to two-thirds of women experience incontinence, which can interfere with daily activities and lead to physical health problems. Most cases can be diagnosed through office evaluation without further tests or referrals, offering relief to up to 90% of patients.
Researchers found that dried plums have high antioxidant capacity and can effectively prevent oxidation of fatty acids in meat products like sausages and roast beef. The plum puree can also enhance flavor and reduce laxative concerns when used in moderation.
Researchers suggest lamivudine as a PREP candidate due to its relative safety and ease of use. Randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate its efficacy in preventing new HIV infections.
Mathematicians Brams, Jones, and Klamler describe a new method for cutting a cake called SP (Surplus Procedure), which ensures both parties feel they get approximately 65% of what they want. The article discusses potential uses of this method in dispute resolution and land division, and highlights its strategy-proof nature.
Researchers identify Caveolin-3 gene as key to understanding electrical imbalance in heart rhythm disorder, long QT syndrome. The mutation of this gene can trigger arrhythmia and increase risk of sudden cardiac death, highlighting the need for new treatment targets.
Researchers developed a formula that takes into account various risk factors, including age, cancer size and grade, and treatment options. The new computer tool helps doctors evaluate the potential benefit of additional radiation therapy for patients with early stage breast cancer.
A study published in Pediatrics reveals a significant increase in children's abdominal obesity, with boys experiencing a 65% rise and girls a 70% increase between 1988 and 2004. This growing trend poses serious health risks, including cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
A new study found that women with disabilities are less likely to undergo breast-conserving surgery after a breast cancer diagnosis. In contrast, older adults with three or more chronic diseases may not benefit from colorectal cancer screening due to shortened life expectancy.
The Kennedy Krieger Institute is establishing a Learning Disabilities Research Center to examine the causes of reading disorders in children grades three through eight. The center aims to improve literacy by developing effective educational interventions.
Researchers at UC Davis and colleagues discovered that green plants contain a bacterial toxin called lipid A, which is also found in Gram-negative bacteria. The presence of this toxin in plants challenges current knowledge about plant biology and evolution.
A randomized study found that intravenous chemoradiation was as effective as intra-arterial treatment for patients with inoperable head and neck cancer. The study compared the two treatments in 240 patients, both of which were able to control cancer growth.
A new FSU study reveals that individuals with high anxiety sensitivity are more likely to develop a clinical case of anxiety or panic disorder. This link was established through a two-year follow-up study involving 404 young adults, indicating anxiety sensitivity as a risk factor for anxiety disorders.
A Phase I study of novel gene therapy VRX496 for HIV treatment found five patients experienced decreases in viral load and stable or increased CD4 T cell counts after receiving the treatment. The trial also demonstrated the treatment's potential to restore normal immune function against other infections.
Two studies show that land surface evaporation increased during the second half of the 20th century. Researchers also found a more stable geomagnetic field with greater symmetry, while a third study analyzed the October 2005 Pakistan earthquake and found shallow slip with structural control.
A national survey found that 80.4% of participants supported comprehensive sex education programs, while 39% believed abstinence-only programs were effective. The study also revealed strong support for condom instruction among most respondents, regardless of political affiliation or religious behavior.
A new study provides a reliable way to diagnose cerebral malaria in children through changes to the retina. This discovery could greatly reduce child mortality rates from this major childhood killer.
A new study suggests that early Earth haze could have provided a substantial source of organic material useful for emerging life on the planet. The researchers found that hazy conditions could have produced a similar organic haze over a wide range of methane and carbon dioxide concentrations.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed two new techniques to attach carbon nanotubes to metal surfaces, overcoming key hurdles to using them in computer chips, displays, and sensors. The techniques use either high-temperature chemical vapor deposition or a low-temperature contact printing method, allowing for st...
A new mechanism has been discovered linking chemical emissions from ocean phytoplankton to increased cloud cover, which could impact global climate models. The study found that airborne particles produced by oxidation of the chemical isoprene may contribute to a doubling of cloud droplet concentrations.
Researchers at UCI identified natural compounds that block autoimmune T-cell activity, potentially developing new treatments for type-1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The study found the compounds suppressed autoimmune T-cell function without affecting other immune cells.
The study found that men with aggressive locally advanced prostate cancer who received additional hormones lived longer, with a 31.9% increase in survival compared to those without further hormone therapy. The benefits also extended to men with less aggressive cancers, with improved disease-free and disease-specific survival rates.
A study analyzing Saskatchewan's pertussis incidence between 1995-2005 found lower rates among children with whole-cell pertussis or a combination of whole-cell and acellular pertussis vaccines. The findings contradict recent reports, suggesting reconsidering the optimal immunization strategy against pertussis.
Dr. Stephen S. Hecht is recognized for over three decades of research on tobacco carcinogenesis, identifying nicotine's role in lung cancer formation. His work has led to the development of biomarkers for exposure to tobacco smoke and informed public policies on smoking restriction.