The Edmonton Protocol clinical trial demonstrates islet transplantation as a promising procedure for managing severe Type 1 Diabetes, achieving insulin independence in 44% of recipients and improved blood sugar control. However, long-term sustainability varies, highlighting the need for continued research into this therapy.
The risk of transfusion-transmitted infections has decreased significantly since 1984 due to improved blood-safety measures. However, emerging pathogens such as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and viruses present in high concentrations in blood pose ongoing concerns for patient safety.
The University of Pittsburgh is developing a multidisciplinary nanotechnology undergraduate course with a $200,000 NSF grant. The hands-on research-oriented course will introduce students to nanoscale devices and their applications, with a focus on publishing research in refereed journals.
Researchers found that airbags and antilock brakes may not be effective in reducing accidents and injuries, as drivers adapt to the new safety features by becoming less vigilant. The study used data from Washington state drivers over a five-year period, tracking 1,307 drivers with varying levels of safety feature adoption.
Researchers will analyze FDA database of electrocardiograms to identify early predictors of cardiac risk and develop new biomarkers for drug toxicity. The goal is to improve the safety of new drugs while reducing development costs.
A four-year project aims to dramatically improve scanning for serious illnesses by enhancing electron spin resonance imaging techniques. The technology could provide 10,000 times more spatial information, recording images 10,000 times faster, and improve sensitivity by 100 times or more.
A new study by UW researchers suggests that the 1918 flu pandemic was deadly due to a severe immune system response, contradicting the conventional wisdom of secondary infections. The study found activated genes related to immune responses and programmed cell death, indicating an overzealous host immune system.
Tarantulas can now be known to secrete silk from spigots on their legs, which may have increased traction. This discovery could represent a major change in the evolution of spider silk production.
A clinical trial shows that islet transplantation using the Edmonton Protocol can dramatically benefit certain patients with severe complications of Type 1 diabetes. The procedure has promising implications for treating this autoimmune disease, which affects an estimated 21 million Americans.
The University of Virginia Health System has been awarded a $5.5 million grant to develop new contrast agents for detecting and treating atherosclerosis, a disease that increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. The researchers aim to create tiny ultrasound contrast agents that can be used during simple examinations to detect vuln...
A Rice University study recommends lowering Houston's toxic air pollutant levels due to high health risks. The report proposes a new set of air quality standards based on the underlying toxicology of four pollutants, including benzene and formaldehyde.
Research published in Gut found that female liver transplant recipients live an average of 22 years after the procedure, compared to 18 years for men. The study analyzed data from over 2,700 patients and found that younger people tend to have longer life expectancy but also lose more years of life due to transplantation.
A team of researchers led by Emanuel Hanski discovered a protein called SilCR that blocks the immune system's distress calls, making Group A Streptococcus bacteria more virulent. The findings could lead to new strategies for treating necrotizing fasciitis and halting its rapid destruction of tissue.
Researchers discovered that the cell cycle's temporal regulation evolves rapidly, with changes occurring every 100 million years. This fast evolution is unexpected for a fundamental process like cell division.
A study by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that high-dose intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) achieved a 89% disease-free rate for patients with prostate cancer after an average of 8 years. The treatment also showed improved quality of life by reducing side effects and maintaining urinary continence.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have discovered that the protein ABCB6 is crucial for producing heme, a molecule essential for red blood cells to carry oxygen. The team found that ABCB6 helps regulate the production of heme by ferrying in porphyrins, which are then converted into heme inside the mitochondria.
Research found that a lower second-to-fourth finger ratio is linked to higher athletic achievement in women, particularly in running and team sports like soccer and tennis. The study of 607 female twins suggests that this finger ratio may be influenced by sex hormones and genetic factors.
The study provides valuable insights into the genetic causes of Parkinson's disease and offers a starting point for further research. Researchers have made the data publicly available, creating a resource that can be used by other scientists to accelerate progress in the field.
Teenagers who drink alcohol are more likely to be victims of violence, a Cardiff University study has found. The research, which surveyed over 4,000 children aged 11-16 in England, showed that drinking habits can increase the risk of injury.
A multicenter clinical trial confirmed the Edmonton Protocol's ability to safely promote long-term stabilization of blood sugar levels in 'brittle' diabetes patients, with some achieving insulin independence. Investigators also reported improved measures of blood glucose control and reversal of hypoglycemic unawareness.
The Geoffrey Beene Cancer Research Center will focus on two complementary programs at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, one in Cancer Biology and Genetics, the other in Human Oncology and Pathogenesis. The center aims to translate revolutionary advances in understanding cancer into dramatic progress in controlling it.
A decline in methane emissions from human activities in the 1990s led to slower growth of atmospheric methane levels. However, recent increases in emissions from human sources are offset by reduced wetland emissions, which could mask further rises in methane if drying trends are not reversed.
Prioritizing health facility births with trained midwives can substantially reduce maternal mortality worldwide. The Lancet series highlights the stark disparities between rich and poor countries, with women in developing countries being 1000 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications.
The Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS) has received a five-year award to examine the impact of aging and alcohol use among those with and without chronic HIV infection. The study will investigate the independent effects of these factors, as well as their interaction, on health outcomes.
A four-year, €4 million joint research programme between TU Delft and Shell aims to develop new technologies for sustainable mobility. The programme will focus on hydrogen production, traffic regulation models, Li-ion battery improvements, solar energy conversion, and methane extraction.
The new Hurricane web portal provides a variety of measurements from NASA instruments, including current conditions, image galleries, event-based data, and tools. The portal also features links to various analysis software systems, such as Giovanni, allowing users to explore and analyze Earth sciences data interactively.
A Florida State University study found that parental notification laws and consent requirements significantly reduced risky sexual behavior among teens, with a 20% decrease in gonorrhea rates among Hispanic girls. However, the results were not statistically significant for black girls.
A new study from UC Davis found that older men face barriers to seeking and receiving depression care due to societal stereotypes and stigma. Traditional views of masculinity lead some men to reject diagnoses and conceal symptoms, resulting in lower rates of treatment and referral.
Researchers at the University of Georgia have discovered a way to halt damage caused by root-knot nematodes, devastating plant pathogens worldwide. By genetically modifying plants with RNA interference, they've created crops resistant to all four most economically important species, offering a sustainable solution for growers.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found two genetic mutations in the SLITRK1 gene linked to trichotillomania, affecting 3-5% of the population. The study validates a biological basis for mental illnesses and opens the door for genetic testing.
Researchers at EPFL create polariton Bose-Einstein condensate in solid state, exhibiting macroscopic order and long-range coherence. This breakthrough could lead to new technologies like quantum computing and advanced electronics.
Researchers found that blunt smokers associate clinical symptoms with nicotine rather than marijuana dependence. The study of 92 blunts users in New York City suggests tobacco's presence may foster dependence on blunts.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that gun store reforms led to a 44% decrease in new guns sold to criminals in Milwaukee. The change resulted in a 96% reduction in small, inexpensive handguns and 42% fewer other types of guns recovered from crimes.
A study published in Gut found that babies with low birthweight are at a higher risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome. The research, which analyzed data from 3334 twin pairs, suggests that genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of IBS.
A study explores the diversity of Muslims in Europe, highlighting their inability to form coherent political fronts due to decentralized Islamic structure and ethnic differences. The research suggests that Islam is not a unifying focal point for Western Europeans.
Researchers have identified a single gene mutation that predisposes individuals to herpes simplex encephalitis, an infectious disease that can cause mental retardation and death. A new treatment strategy involving type I interferon may accelerate recovery and limit brain damage.
A study published in Nature found that the reconstructed 1918 influenza virus induces a potent immune system response in mice, yet fails to prevent severe lung disease and death. Researchers hope to understand the trajectory of this infection and develop targeted therapies for other viral infections.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new patterning method called Dip-Pen Nanolithography (DPN), which allows for the simultaneous creation of 55,000 identical nanoscale patterns on substrates. This breakthrough enables mass production of nanoscale patterns, paving the way for miniaturized gene chips and electronics.
A study by the University of Alberta links paternal airborne exposure to organic solvents used in painting, thinning and cleaning to increased risk of low birth weight and congenital birth defects. Workers exposed to these chemicals were up to six times more likely to father malformed babies.
The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory will receive a $11.7-million grant to build an innovative magnet that can generate extremely high magnetic fields using less power than traditional magnets. The new magnet will enable unique experiments in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to study proteins, nucleic acids, and other molecules.
Studies highlight the impact of Medicaid program reductions, including increased coverage loss and unmet healthcare needs, as well as the influence of insurance status on physician decision-making. Undiagnosed diabetes is also found to have detrimental consequences, including increased rates of nephropathy and neuropathy.
A mathematic formula has been developed to predict a woman's risk of osteoporotic fracture, accurately identifying 75% of fractures two years after initial measurements were taken. The equation takes into account various risk factors beyond bone mineral density, allowing physicians to tailor treatment strategies to prevent fractures.
A new study found that specific, informative strategies are more effective than fear-based methods in changing people's intentions and behavior. The research identified the most frequently used strategies as prompting practice, setting goals, and generating self-talk.
Two studies developed clinical models, PREMM1,2 and MMRpro, to predict the presence of mutations in MLH1 and MSH2 genes associated with Lynch syndrome. The models accurately estimated genetic risk for colorectal cancer, providing a timely tool for identifying and counseling families at risk.
Researchers found a positive association between periodontal disease and coronary heart disease, particularly in individuals under 60 with significant alveolar bone loss. The study suggests that chronic infections and inflammatory responses from periodontal disease may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
A new analysis technique identifies cellular damage in the brain, allowing for earlier diagnosis and intervention of Alzheimer's disease. The study found increased water content in white-matter areas and brain atrophy in patients with mild cognitive impairment.
Scientists from LANL, NIST and Albion College generated and transmitted secret quantum keys over 184.6 km of fiber-optic cable, setting a new record distance for quantum key distribution. The team used innovative sensors to detect single photons, improving the security of quantum encryption and paving the way for practical applications.
The NASA Scanning Radar Altimeter (SRA) captured detailed information on wave behavior in hurricanes, helping improve sea height forecasts. Ocean wave height responds rapidly to changes in a storm's wind speed, but the overall wave field is also driven by storm size and forward motion.
Researchers at MIT have developed a platform that enables sustained, coordinated, autonomous flight with multiple UAVs, achieving complex tasks such as persistent surveillance. The test platform consists of networked mini-UAVs that can be commanded by a single operator and operate without piloting skills.
Scientists have documented unprecedented warmth in the Arctic Ocean, with recent surges of warm water from the North Atlantic Ocean continuing to pulse into the region. This increase in warm water could lead to a warmer state in the Arctic Ocean, affecting global climate patterns.
A study found that many patients have difficulty interpreting and applying serving sizes on food labels, particularly those with poor literacy and numeracy skills. This can make it hard for patients to follow a good diet, highlighting the need for healthcare providers and the FDA to improve communication and label design.
A recent study of medical audit data found that community mammography screening results surpassed performance recommendations nationwide. The study, which analyzed over 1.1 million women's screening exams, revealed a cancer detection rate of 4.8 per 1,000 women.
A study found that inducing fast thinking can lead to feelings of happiness, energy, creativity, power, and grandiosity. The speed of cognitive processing was as important as the content of thoughts in determining mood. Researchers suggest simple manipulations of thought speed could improve mood and self-esteem.
Two new planets have been discovered by astronomers, both extremely close to their stars and estimated to be around 3,272 degrees Fahrenheit. The discovery is made possible by the transit method, which detects slight dimming of starlight as planets pass in front of their stars.
The Enabling Grids for E-sciencE (EGEE) project maintains a global Grid infrastructure that sustains over 1 million jobs per month, with clusters of PCs executing calculations worldwide. The EGEE project involves 91 institutional partners and produces a production-quality Grid middleware distribution called gLite.
The University of New Hampshire's Space Science Center will design and build the Energetic Heavy Ion Sensor (EHIS) for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) third-generation weather satellites. The instrument will monitor energetic particles in space, helping refine computer models to predict space weather events.
Scientists have created a family of novel molecules called suitanes, which consist of two or more interlocked units. The researchers successfully synthesized the simplest representative of this class of compounds, a suit[2]ane, using computer simulations and self-organization processes.
Scientists at the University of Kentucky are testing a lotion that stimulates melanin production, reducing UV damage and increasing skin protection. The treatment has promising results, offering an alternative to traditional sunless tanning products and tanning beds.
Research suggests that HIV RNA levels have limited value in predicting CD4 cell count decrease and may not be a reliable marker for disease progression. The study found that only 4-6% of the rate of CD4 cell decline can be explained by presenting plasma HIV RNA level.
Researchers developed an online questionnaire to predict an individual's chances of harboring mutations in genes linked to colon cancer. The tool is based on a five-year study of nearly 2,000 patients and can help healthcare providers identify at-risk patients for early screening.