Research ethics committees run for profit face criticism for prioritizing sponsors' interests over study safety. Examples show that well-performing for-profit IRBs exist, but critics argue that the financial stakes create a conflict of interest. Huge profits from clinical trials can lead to delays in approval and impact patient care.
Researchers developed a detailed computational model to simulate AZT metabolism in mitochondria, exploring potential mechanisms of toxicity. The model may help minimize or eliminate toxic side effects of AZT in HIV-infected patients.
Researchers found that elephants in northern Kenya's Samburu/Isiolo/Laikipia districts prefer flat terrain to reduce energy expenditure. The study suggests that large animals like elephants have different views of their surroundings than smaller ones, considering energy replenishment needs.
The Laccaria genome sequence will provide critical insights into the symbiotic relationship between trees and fungi, enabling faster-growing trees with enhanced biomass production. The study highlights the importance of mycorrhizal fungi in terrestrial ecosystems and their potential to mitigate climate change.
The SAGE journals examine the latest research and best practices in public health education to address health disparities. Key findings highlight the importance of a transdisciplinary approach and community-driven initiatives, such as the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program.
Researchers have found that velvet worms, ancient creatures thought to be similar to ancestors of modern arthropods, share brain structures more closely related to those of spiders and scorpions than initially thought. This discovery sheds new light on the evolutionary origin of these fascinating animals.
Scientists found that genetic diversity in foundation species, like the cottonwood tree, drives the structure of entire ecosystems. This knowledge has far-reaching implications for conservation efforts and understanding the impact of genetically modified organisms on landscapes.
A new study finds that tamoxifen has little impact on mortality rates for most high-risk women, with life expectancy improving only at higher breast cancer risks. The high cost of tamoxifen further reduces its utility as a cancer prevention drug in the US.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have created a new mouse model that allows scientists to study how the immune system responds to Chlamydia. The breakthrough enables tracking of T cell responses in reproductive tissues, shedding light on potential avenues for developing vaccines against this common STD.
A new study from Ohio State University suggests that pine plantations in the southern United States could be a significant contributor to rising carbon dioxide levels. The researchers estimate that up to 10 million acres of hardwood and natural pine forests will be converted to pine plantations by 2030, leading to increased carbon emis...
A new study found that men with multiple sclerosis (MS) are more likely to pass the disease to their children than women. The researchers discovered that fathers with MS have twice as many children who develop MS as mothers with the disease.
The University of Leeds is developing a new material for mosquito nets that uses its structure to kill mosquitoes, reducing the need for chemical-treated nets. This approach has the potential to break the cycle of insect resistance to insecticides, making it a safer and cheaper method of protection.
A new guideline developed by the American Academy of Neurology can predict the outcome for patients in a coma after CPR with great accuracy. The tests used to make these predictions include absent pupillary reflexes and corneal reflexes, as well as absent motor responses three days after cardiac arrest.
The newly discovered tomosyn protein appears to play a key role in regulating synaptic release of neurotransmitters, suggesting its involvement in learning and memory. Mutant worms lacking tomosyn exhibit excessive neurotransmitter release, highlighting the protein's negative regulatory effect on synapse efficiency.
Researchers found Alpine glaciers lost 35% of surface area between 1850-1970, with potential disappearance by 2100 under 3 degree Celsius warming. Meanwhile, weekly wobble in Earth's rotation pole was observed and predicted using atmospheric models, explaining centimeter-level displacements during the 2005-2006 winter season.
Researchers found that community-led management systems, which prioritize local goals and social benefits, are effective in conserving resources and promoting compliance. These systems, often implemented through traditional practices and social barriers, can outperform large marine protected areas in reversing reef ecosystem degradation.
Ohio State University researchers used mathematical simulations to study chemical reactions in cells, finding that many graphs indicate quirky behavior. This 'quirkiness' may be essential for biology and could help explain why cells sometimes react unexpectedly to medicines.
Sleep disturbance in the elderly is associated with decreased memory, impaired concentration, and impaired ability to function. Geriatricians recommend addressing sleep problems through lifestyle changes, such as keeping a diary to track sleep patterns, and trying daytime walks and environmental adjustments to improve sleep quality.
The SYMPHONY study revealed that a CellCept-based drug combination, including low-dose tacrolimus and corticosteroids, significantly improved kidney function and reduced early rejection rates. This regimen is expected to prolong the life of both patients and their transplanted organs.
Researchers found that tamoxifen does not significantly reduce mortality in women at lower risk of breast cancer. For high-risk women, taking tamoxifen can be expensive with a $1.3 million price tag per year of life saved in the US market.
A prospective study found that higher estrogen levels in older men are associated with an increased risk of dementia. In contrast, testosterone levels were not linked to cognitive decline.
Researchers created a nanoscale probe that can capture both biochemical makeup and topography of complex biological objects in their natural environment. The Scanning Mass Spectrometry (SMS) probe helps understand cellular interactions at the most fundamental level, including cell signaling and protein expression.
Carnegie Institution's Marilyn Fogel receives Fulbright grant for astrobiology research, tracing phenomena and exploring life on Mars. The grant supports her work with the AMASE team in Svalbard, a Norwegian island similar to Martian geology.
Older adults who drink lightly to moderately may live longer and have a reduced risk for cardiac events than those who do not drink. Light to moderate drinking has been shown to reduce levels of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, compounds that circulate in the blood due to inflammation.
Kathryn Abel, Director of Engineering Management Program at Stevens Institute of Technology, receives the Merl Baker Award for her dedication to engineering management division. She is also a university alumna and has held various leadership positions in academic organizations.
A new hypothesis inverts the prevailing view that atmospheric carbon dioxide drives ice sheets. Instead, ice sheets are found to control CO2 levels and drive feedbacks that amplify ice growth and melting at specific cycles.
The project aims to evaluate the effect of the Yuma Desalting Plant (YDP) on the Cienega de Santa Clara's water quality and ecosystem. Researchers will collect baseline information and monitor water samples monthly for a year from 17 locations within the cienega.
Researchers have found a nearby star system that could potentially host an Earth-like planet with the right conditions. The modelled system is expected to have a habitable zone where terrestrial planets can form, similar to our own solar system.
Satellite images from ESA's ENVISAT and NASA's Aura Satellite reveal a UK record heatwave and significant increases in nitrogen dioxide pollution. The data shows extreme temperature and pollution effects on large conurbations, while smaller cities display more moderate levels.
A national trial found that removing steroids from kidney transplant patients after seven days can minimize the risk of organ rejection while reducing negative side effects. Patients on short-term steroids experienced significantly less cardiovascular risk, including cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and weight gain.
A study found that naltrexone increased the urge to drink in individuals with a positive family history, suggesting genetic factors at play. The OPRM1 gene was identified as a key genetic moderator of naltrexone's effects on alcohol cue reactivity.
Researchers have discovered a gene, matrilin-3, that prevents the onset of osteoarthritis in adult mice. The study reveals a correlation between matrilin-3 and osteoarthritis, suggesting potential diagnostic and predictive uses. Matrilin-3 plays a role in early bone development and controls bone mineral density in adulthood.
A randomized controlled trial found that low-income Chinese-speaking patients were six times more likely to be screened for colorectal cancer when a clinic-based health educator provided culturally and linguistically appropriate counseling, educational materials, and screening test instructions. The intervention increased fecal occult ...
A review of 70 studies found insufficient evidence to support complementary and alternative therapies for menopause-related symptoms. The studies showed mixed results, with some individual treatments suggesting benefits but overall quality and quantity of data was not sufficient to recommend any treatment.
A new screening approach can accurately profile compounds in large chemical libraries, speeding the production of data for biological activities and identifying potential drug targets. This advance enables a more complete pharmacological characterization of compounds than traditional methods.
A study found that healthcare providers are more accepting of male patients' gay identities compared to female patients, resulting in better care experiences for men. The research highlighted the importance of disclosure in providing high-quality healthcare, as non-disclosure can negatively impact health outcomes.
MDM2 overproduced leads to unbalanced p53 regulation, promoting cancer cell growth. The study identifies protein fragments binding to MDM2, inhibiting its destructive effect on p53.
Women taking estrogen and testosterone therapy may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those not using hormone therapy. The study found that women on long-term use of estrogen plus testosterone had a 77% increased risk of breast cancer.
Researchers at UCLA have successfully transformed adult stem cells from human adipose tissue into functional smooth muscle cells, which can help regenerate damaged organs like the intestine, bladder, and arteries. The study's findings offer a promising alternative to using patient's own tissue for organ regeneration without anti-reject...
A diet with a high carbohydrate content but a low glycemic index may help promote weight loss and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Participants on diets with lower glycemic loads experienced greater fat loss, particularly in women.
Researchers developed a genetic test for CMT2, a leading cause of the condition, which is characterized by muscle weakness and nerve damage. The new test offers hope for early diagnosis and potential treatment of CMT2, a complex disorder with no effective therapies yet.
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research found that nicotine decreases blood alcohol concentrations in adult rats. The second key finding is that the capability of nicotine to decrease BAC can only be observed if alcohol is given through the oral route of administration.
A recent study found that prescription painkillers, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, are involved in more drug overdose deaths than cocaine or heroin in the US. Overdose deaths from these drugs have increased significantly over the past 15 years, with sales of opioid painkillers rising parallel to deaths.
The UK fuel cell industry lags behind others due to underdeveloped supply chains and limited government support. In contrast, Germany has established a robust industry with technological excellence and active government incentives.
A study by Thomas Force and his team found that Gleevec, a 'miracle' cancer drug, can cause heart failure in patients with CML due to its effect on the Abelson tyrosine kinase protein. The researchers also discovered that second-generation Gleevec drugs may have similar toxicities.
A preclinical study by the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that chronic stress hormones stimulate tumor growth and spread in mice with ovarian cancer. Reducing stress using a medication commonly prescribed for heart disease slows tumor growth.
Research suggests that present-day non-human primates, such as rhesus monkeys and macaques, use brain regions similar to those in humans to process species-specific vocalizations. This finding bolsters the hypothesis that a shared ancestor possessed the neural mechanisms for language, which may have evolved in humans.
Researchers found that chronic ibuprofen therapy given after brain injury worsened cognitive abilities in animal models. The study suggests potential implications for traumatic brain injury patients who often receive ibuprofen for chronic pain.
Mayo Clinic researchers found robot-assisted, laparoscopic surgery to be effective in repairing vaginal vault prolapse. The procedure resulted in less recovery time, lower risk of bleeding and pain, and higher patient satisfaction compared to traditional open surgery.
Researchers at Ames Laboratory have successfully created metamaterials that can refract light at negative angles, potentially enabling the development of superlenses for medical imaging. This achievement demonstrates a new way to manipulate light's path and speed, moving closer to Einstein's theory of relativity.
A new study by Tulane University and Utrecht University suggests that compaction of the shallowest and most recent delta sediments is the main cause of subsidence in coastal Louisiana. The research challenges the notion that tectonic subsidence bears much of the blame for Louisiana's coastal geologic problems.
Hopkins researchers have created a biosensor that allows them to see multiple, real-time chemical reactions in living cells. The sensor can locate where an enzyme is being turned on or off within the cell, providing valuable insights into how chemicals interact with enzymes.
University of Chicago scientists found that people unconsciously modulate their voices to convey additional information beyond words. They can compress words to indicate meaning and adjust pitch to describe motion, making conversations more comprehensible.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified potential ovarian cancer stem cells, which may be responsible for tumor recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy. These stem-like cells were found in mouse and human ovarian cancer lines, and were sensitive to certain treatment approaches.
Scientists investigate how volcanic ash affects ecosystems, find evidence of ancient desert landscapes and discover fossilized bone marrow in 10 million-year-old amphibians. Researchers also analyze the erosion rates of the Alps and explore the origins of zircon crystals.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found a surprising connection between the energy usage of yeast cells and their genetic material. Removing an enzyme involved in energy production led to the shutdown of 70% of genes and cell death. This study could lead to new strategies for slowing aging and treating cancer.
Researchers developed an Alcohol Attention-Control Training Programme (AACTP) that helps excessive drinkers reduce their drinking by distracting them from alcohol stimuli. The programme, which consists of four sessions, showed significant reductions in alcohol consumption and maintained results at a three-month follow-up.
The NIH has awarded over $8.5 million to seven science education programs aimed at engaging the public in medical research and reducing health disparities. The programs target minorities and students in rural and underserved communities, providing hands-on science curricula and training for teachers.
Researchers have identified a possible mechanism used by an important motor protein that enables bacteria to travel through the bloodstream and infect organs such as the heart. The discovery may lead to the development of new pharmacological therapies that can target and kill bacteria, preventing or minimizing damage to the heart muscle.
Researchers found that transvenous pacing, a procedure inserting a lead into the heart, is a better first alternative for patients with ongoing difficulty maintaining their heart rate. The study suggests this approach can help prevent cardiovascular problems and death in these patients.