Researchers at Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have been awarded a $2.9 million NIH grant to develop a stem cell repair therapy for stroke damage. The project aims to regenerate damaged brain cells and blood vessels, providing a new source of neural and vascular cells that can be transplanted into the damaged brain.
A clinical trial found that omega-3 fatty acid supplements slowed cognitive decline in patients with very mild Alzheimer's disease, but had no impact on those with more advanced cases. The study suggests that anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids may be beneficial in early-stage disease.
A study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reveals that many insurance companies deny medically necessary breast reductions based on unproven and random criteria. Despite existing medical studies supporting the procedure, insurers often require patients to exhibit specific signs and symptoms prior to approval, including back p...
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a mechanism by which cancer cells become resistant to a specific class of drugs, hemiasterlin. A mutation in a single protein renders the drug ineffective and also makes the worms resistant to several other anti-cancer drugs.
Hydrogen sulfide gas induces a state of suspended animation in mice, maintaining normal blood pressure, which may help treat critically ill patients. The gas reduces metabolic rate and body temperature, but surprisingly does not decrease blood pressure.
Women undergoing radiation treatment for breast cancer who engage in regular aerobic exercise show improved oxygen capacity and maintained red blood cell levels compared to those who do not exercise. Exercise significantly correlated with increased peak oxygen capacity and erythrocyte levels.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital developed a two-drug treatment that rescues heart function after a heart attack by promoting blood vessel growth and cell division. The study shows improved heart function and reduced scarring in rats treated with the combination of agents.
Research found that Parkinson's disease patients developing impulse control disorders show increased rates of depression, appetite changes, and irritability compared to those without the disorder. The study identified nine patients with impulse control disorders, including pathological gambling, hypersexuality, and excessive shopping.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that childhood IQ and physical fitness are indicators of cognitive ability in old age. The research examined 460 participants who underwent cognitive tests at ages 11 and 79, revealing that physical fitness contributes more to cognitive function than childhood IQ.
A large national study found that 18 percent of adults without a history of stroke report having had at least one symptom. Brief physical examinations revealed undiagnosed or silent strokes in many individuals. African Americans and those with lower incomes were more likely to have had these symptoms.
New research shows that consuming walnuts with high-fat meals limits artery damage and preserves elasticity. Unlike olive oil, walnuts' nutrient arginine helps maintain nitric oxide production, keeping arteries flexible.
Eating a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and olive oil is associated with a significantly lower risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study found that individuals with the highest diet scores had 68% lower odds of developing the disease, despite controlling for age and body mass index.
Researchers at UC San Diego aim to reduce genome sequencing costs from $10 million to $1,000 using innovative technologies. The team plans to sequence over 1 billion individual DNA molecules simultaneously on a glass slide the size of a business card.
Injectable fillers can combat aging around the lips and mouth, but not all are created equal, with some carrying a higher risk of complication depending on targeted area. Hyaluronic acid fillers are considered superior for inner lip augmentation due to their short-term results.
Researchers found that naked mole-rats have higher levels of oxidative stress and damage than mice, contradicting the oxidative stress theory of aging. The study suggests that the mole-rat's longevity may stem from its ability to defend against acute bouts of oxidative stress.
Researchers identify crucial role of RhoH GTPase in development and activation of white blood cells, suggesting potential target for leukemia treatment. The study's findings may provide a novel approach to treating hematological malignancy.
A study of 2,223 healthy men and women found that those with high body mass index (BMI) scores performed worse on cognitive tests than those with low BMI scores. The study suggests a possible link between obesity and cognitive decline in middle-aged adults.
Five experts recommend Congressional action to address eight major problems, including inadequate funding and expertise. They propose five key changes to strengthen FDA's ability to assure public safety.
Researchers at the University of Virginia are developing an office-based cancer screening test using biomarkers in urine to detect early signs of cancer. The goal is to improve detection and treatment outcomes, as current tests often rely on invasive procedures or delayed diagnoses.
Researchers found that children from supportive families had a reduced risk for depression, while those from emotionally cold homes were at greater risk. The study suggests that environmental factors can regulate biology and steer the effects of genetic predispositions.
The study reveals that the brain uses non-auditory sensory cues to control speech, with subjects learning to compensate for robotic interference even when speech sounds normal.
A team of researchers has identified a specific protein segment within the GBV-C viral protein NS5A that strongly inhibits HIV from replicating in cells grown in labs. This finding builds on earlier work showing that people with HIV who are also infected with GBV-C live longer than those infected only with HIV.
Researchers at UTMB discovered that blocking aldose reductase can short-circuit sepsis, protecting heart function and reducing deaths. The compound is similar to an existing diabetes drug in stage three clinical trials.
Researchers discovered that germanium nanocrystals in silica glass don't melt until temperatures rise nearly 200 degrees Kelvin above the melting point of bulk germanium. The nanocrystals also require more than 200 K below the bulk melting point to resolidify.
A prolific parasite is shaping the destiny of a species it doesn't infect by medling with its host's sexual behavior. The parasite, Wolbachia, has been found to cause a change in the sexual behavior of a species that is not infected, potentially contributing to evolutionary pressure.
A study by Indiana University researchers found that hospitals implementing specific measures to control antibiotic use were more likely to succeed in controlling antibiotic resistance. Measures such as limiting broad-spectrum drug availability and restricting formularies were associated with lower rates of antibiotic resistance.
Researchers found that a 'trapped wave' amplified by Hurricane Dennis's winds caused an unexpected 10-foot storm surge in Apalachee Bay. This discovery led to improved storm surge models for the entire Gulf coast from Florida to Texas.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found a strong association between heavy alcohol consumption and high-risk sexual behaviors in men and women in Botswana. The research highlights the need to address alcohol abuse within HIV prevention programs, considering cultural and social significance of alcohol use.
A University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study suggests that teens with higher media literacy scores are nearly half as likely to smoke. The results provide quantitative evidence linking media literacy to smoking and hold promise for schools and community organizations seeking to implement effective tobacco control programs.
A novel genome mapping method has been extended to humans, offering a faster and more cost-effective tool than traditional DNA sequencing. The algorithm makes it possible to optically map the human genome, revealing large-scale structure and detecting genomic abnormalities. This breakthrough may accelerate research in cancer biology.
A study by OHSU eye doctor William Mathers found a higher risk of suffering vision loss from contact lenses compared to laser vision correction surgery. This contradicts traditional assumptions that contact lenses are safer than laser surgery, highlighting the importance of proper care and cleaning.
Researchers use sugars and vitamin C to transform atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) into a 'green' approach, enabling large-scale production of specialty plastics. The new process reduces industrial purification costs and permits the creation of unprecedented materials.
A study by Dr. John Ratliff found that obese patients are more likely to experience complications during spine surgery, including blood clots and wound infections. The risk increases with the degree of obesity, emphasizing the importance of weight loss before undergoing elective spinal surgery.
Researchers from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found that a combination of artemether and lumefantrine was the most cost-effective option, despite being the most expensive in the short term. This approach may delay the emergence of resistance to malaria drugs.
A substantial decline in unintentional injuries among Canadian children living in urban areas has been documented since 1971. Greater injury prevention advocacy is needed to reduce child injuries in Canada, according to experts.
Researchers found archerfish automatically tune water force based on prey size, with strategy resistant to learning. The technique is also metabolically costly, with fish adjusting water mass for efficient force application.
A new technique for collecting and identifying intrinsically unstructured proteins (IUPs) has been developed at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The study confirmed that most IUPs perform vital roles in daily cell activities, while also being linked to diseases like cancer.
A new study found that obese men have lower levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and free PSA, suggesting they may be at higher risk for prostate cancer. The researchers also discovered an inverse relationship between BMI and PSA levels, which was strongest in men under 60.
Australian scientists identified a toxin produced by E. coli bacteria that causes severe gastrointestinal illnesses, including food poisoning and haemolytic uraemic syndrome. The research breakthrough may provide insights into age-related diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, as well as cancer treatments.
A study of 1,911 adults found that visual impairment significantly increases the risk of hearing loss, with both conditions affecting physical and mental domains. The two impairments share common risk factors, including oxidative stress, smoking, and atherosclerosis.
Researchers have developed a gene therapy treatment that restored retinal function to near-normal levels and prevented degeneration in cones of mice with Leber congenital amaurosis. The study shows promise for potential human applications, offering new hope for individuals affected by this condition.
A recent study from Georgetown University reveals that the number of new high-tech visas required by the US economy over the next decade is significantly higher than initially assumed. The report suggests that Congress may be authorizing too many visas, with 630,000 left over after filling all available positions.
Stephen Kellert, Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies professor, receives North American Association for Environmental Education award for his theoretical and scientific contributions. His work focuses on the value and conservation of nature, with a particular interest in harmonizing natural and human-built environments.
A study presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons Annual Meeting found that approximately one-third of breast cancer patients are dissatisfied with their cosmetic result after undergoing a lumpectomy. Many patients consider reconstruction to improve their physical appearance.
Significantly obese women may experience complications and lower satisfaction rates after breast reconstruction following mastectomy. A retrospective study found a high complication rate for morbidly obese patients with a BMI over 40.
A study presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons annual meeting found that breast asymmetry surgery significantly improves vitality, mental health, and self-esteem in patients. The procedure can elevate quality of life and reduce emotional distress associated with the condition.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that moving eyes helps resolve ambiguous visual inputs, improving object recognition. The brain uses internal image stabilization and eye movement feedback to maintain stable perception despite shaky video streams.
A study at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons annual meeting found that plastic surgery can lead to a significant decrease in antidepressant medication use among patients. Cosmetic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and facelifts were associated with improved self-esteem and reduced antidepressant needs.
Four inspirational patients - Lillie Shockney, Ashley McGrath, Susan Carlisle, and Marine Sergeant Oscar Canon - were honored with the Patients of Courage: Triumph Over Adversity awards for their courageous actions after undergoing life-altering reconstructive plastic surgery. The awards recognize their determination to help others des...
A recent study published by the American Heart Association found that children with high blood pressure are at risk for sleep breathing disorders. Researchers discovered that 60% of hypertensive children had sleep disordered breathing, which can lead to daytime fatigue, poor school performance, and increased blood pressure.
Rice and IBM collaborate to develop an open-standards-based service-oriented architecture (SOA) to integrate diverse academic software applications. The SOA will enable institutions to tie together their applications, making it easier for faculty and students to create a more integrated learning environment.
A clinical trial shows that Garli-Eze, a unique garlic product, can deliver large amounts of allicin directly to the upper gastrointestinal tract for easy absorption. This process eliminates degradation issues and allows for effective cardiovascular benefits.
Researchers found a genetic link between APOA5 and heart disease risk, specifically in those consuming high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids. Carriers of the gene variant who ate more than six percent of total calories from omega-6s had increased triglyceride levels and elevated lipoprotein particles.
A team of researchers is developing nanoscale surfaces that actively reassemble in the presence of DNA, which could lead to more efficient separation tools for genomics and proteomics. The new approach mimics nature's lipid bilayers and can be dynamically modified using temperature, light, or electric fields.
A recent study published in Social History of Medicine reveals that LSD can be an effective treatment for alcoholism, with 65% of participants abstaining from drinking for at least a year after receiving a single dose. The therapy worked by allowing patients to experience a spiritual journey that empowered them to heal themselves.
Scientists at Harvard University have developed a method for creating microfluidic channels with parallel metal wires, allowing for the control of magnetic components. The method uses polydimethylsiloxane resin and molten solder to produce stable metal cables, which can generate strong magnetic fields within the channel.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed arrays of robotic whiskers that sense information about object shape and fluid flow. These artificial whiskers can extract three-dimensional features from solid objects by analyzing bending moments and strain gauges.
The HiRISE camera took a remarkable picture showing the entire 800-meter Victoria crater and the rover down to its tracks and shadows. The images reveal a distinctive scalloped shape to the crater's rim, layered sedimentary rocks, and sand dunes on the floor.
Physicians can now provide personalized exercise recommendations using the FITT-PRO guidelines, which include frequency, intensity, type, time, and progression. Regular physical activity has been shown to benefit people of all fitness levels, particularly seniors who have limited access to information.
A $500,000 USDA grant will enable researchers to develop a new course on the science of food for health, focusing on phytochemicals and antioxidants. The course will be taught to 20 students from three universities, who will receive hands-on training and lab work in various disciplines.