A large population-based study found that 2.4% of breast-cancer cases carried BRCA1 mutations and 2.3% carried BRCA2 mutations, with variations in mutation rates among different racial and ethnic groups. The study also identified predictors of carrying these mutations, including family history and age at diagnosis.
A new study found that over half of men with lower-risk prostate cancer received aggressive treatment, despite active surveillance being a viable option. Men under 55 were more likely to receive surgery, while those aged 70-74 were more likely to receive radiation.
Researchers found that infusing patients with low-dose ethanol, morphine or ketoconazole before and after surgery significantly reduced the incidence of pneumonia from 39% to 5.7%. The treatment also shortened ICU stay by 9 days in alcoholic patients undergoing aerodigestive tract surgery.
A study by Penn researchers found that truck drivers who get too little sleep or suffer from sleep apnea show signs of fatigue and impaired performance. The study examined 406 truck drivers and found that those with severe sleep apnea had performance impairment similar to that of drivers who are legally drunk.
Asian vulture populations are critically endangered due to diclofenac poisoning; diclofenac residues can cause lethal kidney failure if birds feed on treated carcasses. Recent government measures restrict veterinary use of diclofenac, promoting meloxicam as a safe alternative.
A recent study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies found that a plant-based diet combined with stress management training can significantly reduce the rate of progression of prostate cancer. The study showed a significant decrease in PSA levels, indicating a reduction in disease progression.
A study of 340 drivers found that chronic short sleep duration and severe sleep apnea increase the risk of sleepiness, performance impairment, and decreased task vigilance while driving. The researchers suggest that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration should implement plans to identify and treat sleep-impaired drivers.
A large NIH-supported study provides the clearest picture yet of the prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations in the US population. The researchers found that 2.4% of breast cancer patients had BRCA1 mutations, while African American women were more likely to have BRCA2 mutations.
The Jess and Mildred Fisher Center for Familial Cancer will expand clinical and research programs at Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, providing automated cancer risk assessment and genetic predisposition research. The center also endows the Cecilia F. Rudman Arts and Humanities Program Fund, enhancing arts therapy and patient care.
A new study establishes a direct connection between global warming and hurricane intensity, predicting increased damage from Atlantic hurricanes. The research uses statistical analysis to link average air temperatures during hurricane season to sea surface temperatures, vital for nourishing hurricane winds.
Researchers discovered that younger people struggle to ignore secondary targets due to an undeveloped frontal cortex, leading to rapid eye movements and multiple saccades. This study may hold clues for understanding developmental delays in cerebral palsy patients.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have developed a nanoparticle delivery system that targets ovarian cancer cells, reducing tumor size and incidence by up to 98%. The fatty spheres loaded with siRNA also attack the tumor's blood supply, inducing cell suicide and increasing cell death among cancer cells.
Researchers William Minicozzi and Tobias H. Colding break new ground in understanding minimal surfaces, discovering they are composed of fundamental building blocks like planes, catenoids, and helicoids. This breakthrough has significant implications for fields such as nanotechnology, where minimal surfaces can be extremely useful.
A new light microscope allows scientists to peer deep inside cells and study protein organization at a molecular level. This technology, called photoactivated localization microscopy (PALM), has the potential to unlock secrets of intracellular dynamics and provide new insights into cellular structures and proteins.
Researchers found that environmental tobacco smoke suppresses nuclear factor kappa B signaling, increasing apoptosis in infant monkey lungs. This study highlights the dangers of secondhand smoke for unborn and newborn children, emphasizing the need to avoid exposure to prevent permanent lung damage.
A 2004 China polio outbreak caused by vaccine-derived virus was identified and controlled after a province-wide immunization campaign. The outbreak occurred in an area with lower vaccination rates, highlighting the risk of vaccine-derived poliovirus emergence in pockets of low coverage.
A recent study suggests that young breast cancer patients who receive chemotherapy may experience a higher number of serious side effects than previously reported. These side effects result in significantly higher healthcare expenditures for the affected individuals.
A University of Calgary archaeologist has proposed a new theory suggesting the First Nations of the Canadian Plains developed complex tribal social structures around 2,500 to 2,000 years ago. This finding contradicts the long-held view that European arrival and horse domestication led to the adoption of large tribes.
Finasteride increases PSA testing's ability to detect prostate cancer with higher sensitivity and accuracy, according to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The study found that men taking finasteride had improved PSA test performance compared to those taking a placebo.
A new study by University of Southern California researchers reveals that most bacteria species are predictable and follow specific conditions. By understanding these patterns, scientists can improve models for ocean change, providing a more accurate prediction of how the oceans will evolve.
A Northwestern University team sheds light on mussel adhesive strategies, focusing on the amino acid DOPA, which forms strong noncovalent and covalent interactions with surfaces. This discovery could lead to development of medical implant coatings.
A new study found that frequent naps in infants improve their ability to learn abstract concepts and generalize knowledge to new phrases. The research, published in Psychological Science, suggests that sleep plays a crucial role in cognitive development.
A new study published in Vaccine found that a recombinant Protective Antigen (PA) protein vaccine produced the desired immune response in healthy adults, justifying further testing. The investigational vaccine demonstrated a clear relationship between the amount of vaccine administered and the subsequent immune response.
Purdue University researchers identified a precise location where an antibody binds to the West Nile virus and proposed a theory for its neutralization mechanism. The study suggests that this antibody works by blocking the positional changes needed for the E protein before fusion, preventing infection.
A research team at the University of Georgia has identified a crucial metabolic pathway in Toxoplasma gondii that is essential for its survival. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs to control the parasite's effects on humans and animals, particularly pregnant mothers and those with compromised immune systems.
A study examining Memorial University of Newfoundland's medical graduates found that those who stayed in Canada were more likely to have a stronger connection to their province of origin. The researchers identified key characteristics, including education and training, as predictors of physicians' career choices.
A new study found that children from minority groups face higher rates of neighborhood poverty than their white and Asian counterparts. Between 1990-2000, African-American children benefited the most from declining poverty rates, while poor white children were more likely to live in non-poor neighborhoods.
A study found that high-fat diets rich in copper are linked to faster cognitive decline in older adults. Those consuming the most saturated and trans fats, along with higher copper levels, showed accelerated mental decline.
The International AIDS Society guidelines recommend treating HIV patients with an undetectable viral load using a combination of FUZEON and protease inhibitors. This approach is supported by recent clinical trials and has been endorsed by various health organizations, aiming to combat drug resistance and improve treatment outcomes.
A survey of US and Canadian physicians reveals they generally support disclosing medical errors that would be apparent to patients, but differ in when and how to do so. Most patients want detailed information following a medical error, including an explicit statement of the error and explanations for what will be done to prevent future...
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon and Ohio State researchers found that antidepressants are not causally linked to an increased risk of suicidality among most teens. The study suggests that only adolescents with major depressive disorder who take a specific class of antidepressants, SSRIs, may be at higher risk.
Research by Cornell sociologist Sharon Sassler found that cohabiting working-class couples follow traditional patterns in advancing their relationships and pursuing careers. The study suggests that societal institutions of gender shape behaviors in these alternative living arrangements.
Researchers found that fans of 'The Bachelorette' were upset when the female contestant rejected potential suitors, despite her honesty about not having chemistry. The study suggests that viewers prefer fantasy and escape over reality, with most able to distinguish between media portrayal and real life.
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.