Children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are three times more likely to be bullied than other children, according to a new study. Chronic bullying can exacerbate OCD symptoms, and kids with OCD often face social isolation and loneliness.
A study found that women younger than 75 years with high dietary intakes of lutein and zeaxanthin may have a reduced risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. The antioxidants may protect against AMD by absorbing blue light, preventing free radicals from damaging eye cells, and strengthening eye cell membranes.
Studies found that trastuzumab treatment can cause impaired heart function in 28% of women with advanced breast cancer, which may be reversible. Additionally, radiation therapy to the left side of the chest increases the risk of heart disease and coronary artery disease.
A landmark study found that routine follow-up by a nurse improved heart failure patients' functionality and reduced hospitalizations. The study showed significant benefits for both African-American and Hispanic communities, with nurse-managed patients experiencing fewer limitations in physical activities.
A new kidney test, cystatin C, has been found to accurately predict higher risk of chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and death among elderly people. The study, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, suggests that a normal creatinine level should not reassure patients of normal kidney function.
Researchers from the University of Bristol warn that Eurasia, eastern China, Canada, Central America, and Amazonia are at risk of forest loss due to global warming. The team predicts more intense droughts in West Africa, southern Europe, and the eastern USA, while regions north of 50°N will face excessive runoff and flooding.
Health development agencies contribute to insufficient public health budgets by requiring host countries to fund interventions sustainably. Public health budgets increase with stronger national and international financial commitments, improving healthcare capacity within host countries.
Researchers discover that rapamycin blocks abnormal tumor-like blood vessel formation by inhibiting Akt signaling, a key player in tumor growth. This finding suggests a potential clinical utility for rapamycin as an anti-angiogenic agent and opens up a new pathway for rapamycin's therapeutic action.
A new study has found that deuterium, a heavy form of hydrogen, exists in greater amounts than anticipated in the Milky Way galaxy. This discovery could fundamentally alter our understanding of star and galaxy formation.
A proposed US system to protect satellites from solar storms could disrupt high frequency radio wave transmissions and GPS navigation globally. The 'radiation belt remediation' system may lead to intense HF blackouts around the world, isolating remote communities for up to seven days.
New research from Northwestern University confirms that high-maintenance interactions indeed drain us. Study participants who engaged in low-maintenance interactions were more than four times as likely to elect a challenging task, while those with high-maintenance interactions struggled with self-regulation and performance anxiety.
A new study found that liver cancer metastasis is influenced by the local tissue's microenvironment, with a unique gene expression signature predicting metastatic potential. The researchers identified a key role for colony-stimulating factor 1 in promoting anti-inflammatory conditions supporting tumor growth and metastasis.
A study found that 9.9% of chemotherapy medications for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia were prescribed or administered incorrectly. The errors may have put patients at risk of relapse or overdose-related complications.
A study of 173 patients with metastatic breast cancer treated with Herceptin found a 28% incidence of cardiac toxicity, but most cases could be reversed with treatment. The majority of patients improved with cardiac treatments and were able to resume Herceptin treatment.
Researchers link cutaneous leishmaniasis cycles to temperature and El Niño Southern Oscillation patterns. The study predicts disease incidence up to 12 months in advance, offering insights into this emerging disease in the Americas.
A Penn State study reveals that embedded reporters significantly impacted war coverage, prioritizing soldiers' personal lives and downplaying the effects of the invasion on Iraqi civilians. The analysis of 742 print news articles found that embedded reporters published stories with soldier sources in 93.2% of the analyzed stories.
A study published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that weight loss can improve the appearance of cellulite in some women, but worsen it in others. Patients who lost more weight and had lower body mass index (BMI) experienced significant improvements.
A blood test for cystatin C level identified a group of elderly people with 'preclinical kidney disease' who were at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and death. Meanwhile, a review found that a pharmaceutical company systematically promoted its anti-seizure drug for off-label uses despite violating federal regulations.
A preliminary study found that combining argatroban with intravenous rtPA treatment may help restore blood flow to the brain in patients with ischemic stroke. The combination therapy showed promising results, with six patients experiencing complete recanalization and four partially opening their blocked arteries.
A University of Cincinnati researcher finds that unions effectively serve as allies for the unemployed, providing support and mobilizing action. However, a precarious balance exists between union interests and those of the unemployed, with socio-economic matters dominating the debate.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center identified a signaling pathway transforming healthy blood vessels into cancerous tumor vasculature. Rapamycin successfully blocked this pathway and reduced tumor growth and vascular leak in animal models.
Scientists using NASA's FUSE satellite discovered more 'heavy' hydrogen in the Milky Way than expected, altering theories about star and galaxy formation. The finding indicates that destruction of deuterium has been occurring at a slower rate than previously thought.
A new medication, varenicline tartrate, has been found to be effective both short- and long-term for smokers trying to quit. The study showed that varenicline was more effective than placebo in promoting continuous abstinence across all treatment groups.
A study by researchers at The Miriam Hospital and University of North Carolina found that both computerized and human feedback were effective in short-term weight loss. Participants who received automated counseling lost an average of 8-10 pounds, with 34% achieving a clinically meaningful weight loss.
New research published by the American Physiological Society found that brains of rats bred to be lean are more sensitive to orexin A, a chemical that stimulates appetite and physical activity. This suggests a biological basis for being a couch potato, where fidgeting and other minor movements can burn calories and aid weight control.
A recent study using APPROACH data compares survival outcomes between medically treated and surgically treated patients with heart failure. The findings suggest that revascularization may not offer significant benefits in terms of risks versus benefits.
A new study reveals that racial disparities in cancer outcomes may be attributed to problems in doctor-patient communication. African-American patients tend to receive less information and are less actively involved in their medical decisions, leading to potential negative impacts on care.
A nationwide study found that private SAT prep classes and tutoring significantly boost scores, but are unaffordable for many students from lower-income families. The study also showed that higher SAT scores are linked to higher rates of college enrollment, particularly in selective colleges.
Scientists studying the brains of flies, moths, and cuttlefish have made discoveries about the mechanics of how the brain regulates behavior. Researchers have identified specific brain chemicals and regions that allow for rapid color changes in cuttlefish, similar to the human motor cortex.
A new study by Michigan Medicine found that two-thirds of pregnant women with full-blown major depression aren
Men with low testosterone levels after age 40 face a higher risk of death over a four-year period compared to those with normal hormone levels. Testosterone decline is associated with decreased muscle mass, bone density, and increased mortality.
A high intake of copper, combined with a diet rich in saturated and trans fats, may lead to faster cognitive decline in older adults. Cognitive abilities declined rapidly among participants who consumed the most fat and had high copper levels.
A new, detailed view of a star-forming association in the Large Magellanic Cloud provides a rich sample of newly formed low-mass stars, allowing for accurate age and mass calculations. The image reveals small compact clusters hosting hundreds of infant low-mass stars, as well as distant galaxies decorating the background.
Researchers found that macrophage entry into the eye encourages new vessel formation, while direct injection of macrophages significantly inhibits this process. This suggests regulators of macrophages may be a possible therapeutic target in AMD.
The International AIDS Society-USA Panel has updated guidelines for the treatment of adult HIV infection, recommending antiretroviral therapy for all symptomatic and asymptomatic adults with CD4 counts below 350/μL. The new guidelines also emphasize the importance of adherence to therapy and regular monitoring of plasma HIV-1 RNA levels.
A study by Stefania Galletti and her team has identified a plant-based source of the anti-cancer compound glucobrassicin, which has shown effectiveness against breast cancer. The researchers found that wounding leaves can increase levels of glucobrassicin, highlighting its potential as a natural defense mechanism.
A preliminary study suggests that using a single boosted protease inhibitor instead of the standard regimen may be an effective treatment for select patients with HIV infection. The study found that 91% of participants experienced virologic success after 24 weeks of simplified therapy.
Researchers at Salk Institute and MRC discovered how slime molds synthesise the chemical signal DIF-1 using a unique type III PKS domain arrangement. This discovery informs the development of more efficient methods for producing modified polyketides for human use, highlighting the complexity of natural chemicals in biological systems.
A massive scale-up of HIV/AIDS treatment programs in Zambia showed favorable patient outcomes, demonstrating the feasibility of expansion in sub-Saharan Africa. The program's success was attributed to leadership and advocacy by the Zambian government, strict protocols for patient care, and large financial resources.
Scientists identified several abnormal genetic events in children with mental retardation and pinpointed a specific deletion on chromosome 17, which may account for ~1% of cases. The discovery provides unprecedented insight into the underlying biology and mechanism of genomic disease using NimbleGen's high-resolution CGH microarrays.
Researchers discovered that nanoscale materials can withstand near-theoretical shear stresses even with high defect densities, challenging traditional concepts of plastic deformation. Using a unique experimental setup, they correlated load-displacement measurements with individual video frames to study the sequence of events.
A study published in Nature identifies a subunit of the NMDA receptor as crucial for young neurons to survive and integrate into adult brain circuits. The discovery sheds light on how newborn nerve cells in adult brains live or die.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that depressed individuals experience greater psychological benefits from marriage compared to non-depressed individuals. Despite lower marital quality and conflict levels among depressed couples, married depressed individuals still report improved mental well-being.
A new study by Rhys Williams and Gira Vashi finds that the hijab provides a clear identity marker for young American Muslim women, allowing them to carve out their own place in the Western world. The research also shows how the hijab symbolizes modesty and moral purity in an American culture perceived as materialistic.
A meta-analysis of 50 studies found no correlation between anxiety symptoms and pregnancy complications, including longer labor or low birth weight. Despite this, further research is needed to understand the impact of anxiety on pre-eclampsia and small infant weights.
Researchers found that genetic instructions are not executed properly, leading to a buildup of malformed proteins in brain cells. This defect is caused by a subtle mistake in the loading of amino acids onto transfer RNAs.
A study of 765 patients with HIV-1 infection found no significant differences between the two regimens in reducing HIV levels, time to virologic failure, or adverse events. The researchers concluded that adding a fourth drug did not provide additional benefits but may increase complexity and costs.
University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a novel therapeutic vaccine that activates killer T cells to target HIV, offering new hope for treatment. The vaccine uses dendritic cells modified with specific molecules to stimulate the immune system's response.
Researchers found that multiracial congregations have dramatically different social ties compared to other Americans. Members in these congregations reported feeling accepted and having cross-racial friendships, which is lower than those in same-race or non-congregation groups.
Researchers found that B cells expressing a special protein called DC-SIGN are necessary for HIV to infect T cells. Activating DC-SIGN on B cells allows HIV to invade T cells, highlighting a new target for future studies and drug development.
The study found that the efavirenz plus two-NRTI regimen was significantly more effective at reducing HIV viral load in the blood. A second approach, lopinavir/ritonavir, also performed well and may be a viable alternative for patients who experience intolerable side effects from NRTIs. The trial included 753 participants and showed su...
Researchers discovered a novel mechanism controlling human growth hormone (hGH) gene expression through non-coding RNAs. This finding may lead to the development of therapeutics for hGH defects and a better understanding of genetic disorders.
Researchers at Indiana University are working on a project to craft messages that encourage women to be tested for HIV and enroll in research clinical studies. The study aims to identify barriers to testing and develop persuasive messages to overcome them.
Researchers find that chronic stress can lead to damage in the brain and body, but also note that certain behaviors like exercise, social support, and coping techniques can modify these effects. Healthy centenarians exhibit slower insulin rates, higher thyroid hormones, and lower cortisol levels compared to younger adults.
The Texas Smoke-Free Ordinance Database shows that over a quarter of Texas cities have passed new smoking ordinances since 2000. The database provides detailed information on smoking policies across the state, including summaries of various ordinances and enforcement measures.
A declaration by top scientists states that mercury pollution poses significant risks to human health, particularly for children and women of childbearing age. The declaration also highlights the need for reduced mercury use and emissions, as well as careful fish consumption to minimize exposure.
A new type of microscopy developed by Xiaowei Zhuang at Harvard University resolves objects as small as 20 nanometers, enabling the first ultra-resolution imaging of living biomolecules and cells. The technique, called stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy, uses glowing molecules to create high-resolution images in real-time.
A four-year study led by Temple University aims to test an internet-based telemedicine system to help overweight and obese African Americans lose weight. The program will be implemented through partnerships with several churches in North Philadelphia, where participants can access the study's website and moderated chat rooms for guidance.
Researchers found physical exercise can slow aging's effects and improve cognitive functions in older adults. Fitness training, particularly aerobic exercise, was associated with improved cognition, brain function, and retained brain volume.
A new CD-ROM containing more than 40 selected chapters from the HIV InSite Knowledge Base is being released to provide comprehensive HIV information in the developing world. The disk features a wide range of topics, including natural science, diagnosis and clinical management, transmission and prevention.