Dartmouth researchers discover that low doses of arsenic disrupt steroid hormone receptor signaling, affecting biological processes and disease risks. The study found that arsenic suppresses the ability of critical receptors to respond to normal hormone signals.
A sugar molecule called SSEA-4 has been found on the surface of adult stem cells in bone marrow, which give rise to fat, cartilage, and bone. This discovery may help isolate and purify these cells for use in therapies aimed at bone healing, tendon repair, and cartilage regeneration.
Researchers found that HIV-1 infection leads to the loss of immune cells in the gut, which may never return to normal levels. A subset of patients showed only half the normal number of CD4+ effector memory T cells in their GI tracts despite effective antiretroviral therapy.
A recent study by Group Health Research Institute shows that computer-assisted detection (CAD) technology improves mammographic specificity by 3%, allowing 30 women to avoid further evaluation. However, CAD does not affect overall sensitivity and may lead to deferral of radiologists' own judgment.
Barbara A. Horwitz, a renowned physiologist at UC Davis, has been awarded the Bodil M. Schmidt-Nielsen Distinguished Mentor and Scientist Award for her outstanding contributions to physiological research and dedication to training young physiologists. Her teaching career has also earned numerous awards, including several APS awards.
A 12-year study by University of Pittsburgh researchers suggests that marijuana use at a young age is not a predictor of substance abuse. Instead, environmental factors such as neighborhood exposure and parental involvement play a stronger role in determining drug use patterns.
Research on great tit birds in urban environments found that city songs are shorter, sung faster, and have a higher frequency to overcome noise, while forest songs remain intact. This study supports the acoustic-adaptation hypothesis, suggesting that environmental pressures shape animal communication sounds.
A new database reveals a wide range of patient visits per year, with higher volume facilities concentrated in metropolitan areas. The study suggests different approaches may be needed to ensure access to emergency care for all Americans, particularly in rural settings.
Researchers found that oxytocin significantly reduced repetitive behaviors and improved social cognition in adult autism patients. Intravenous and intranasal administration showed promising results, with effects lasting up to two weeks after treatment.
A simulation of dozens of studies suggests providing minimal enhanced care for employees' depression would result in cumulative savings to employers. This approach reduces absenteeism and employee turnover costs, yielding a net savings of $4,633 per 1,000 workers.
A study found that schizophrenia patients respond equally well to older psychiatric drugs as newer, costlier alternatives. The NHS-funded trial revealed little benefit from switching to second-generation anti-psychotics despite their higher market share.
Researchers Katherine Jones-Smith and Harsh Mathur critique the work of physicist Richard Taylor, who claimed fractal analysis could authenticate Pollock's paintings. They found that fractal analysis leads to mathematical contradictions and inconsistencies in Pollock's works.
A new technology allows users to record and store massive amounts of data onto a single disc, such as the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's entire collection or 500 movies, maintaining excellent quality without damage. The UCF team's Two-Photon 3-D Optical Data Storage system uses lasers to compact information onto a DVD.
Research reveals that even short exposure to loud noise during Stanley Cup games can be harmful, with fans receiving up to 81% of their daily noise dose without ear protection. Earplugs can mitigate this risk and help prevent hearing loss and tinnitus.
Researchers in Taiwan create a new method to accurately analyze the masses of individual, intact viruses using a miniaturized ion trap. They achieve a margin of error of ±1% by employing a gentle ionization technique and a specially designed cylindrical ion trap.
The AMI-QUEBEC Study found that almost half of patients received fibrinolytic therapy within 30 minutes, a significant improvement from previous times. Door-to-balloon times remained a concern, exceeding recommended times in most cases.
Researchers identify barriers and opportunities in treating mental illness, proposing a new paradigm for CNS drug development. The study highlights the need for more effective treatments with fewer side effects, focusing on treatments that act on multiple molecular targets.
Researchers have modeled past tsunamis to determine the likelihood of future waves and potential impacts on cities along the Sumatran coast. The study reveals that coastal communities face substantial exposure to tsunami surges, particularly in cities like Bengkalu and Padang.
Researchers have discovered that transplanted neural stem cells can survive, differentiate into neurons, and form synapses with host tissue, potentially offering a new treatment for Parkinson's disease. The study shows promise in reducing the destruction of dopaminergic cells and replacing those lost to the disease.
Two Stanford/Packard studies confirm pro-eating disorder websites promote dangerous behaviors among adolescents, while also finding pre-teens with eating disorders tend to lose weight more quickly. Pediatricians and parents should be vigilant about internet use and recognize early signs of weight loss in pre-teen children.
Women who are underweight before pregnancy are 72% more likely to miscarry in the first three months. However, taking vitamin supplements, eating fresh fruit and vegetables daily, or consuming chocolate can significantly reduce their risk.
Scientists have developed a technique to accurately measure and control extremely short laser pulses, allowing them to track and manipulate electrons at the atomic level. The new method enables precise reconstruction of individual femtosecond pulses, opening up new possibilities for sub-atomic research.
Researchers have identified a molecule, osteopontin, that plays a central role in relapses of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteopontin promotes the survival of T cells that carry out the damaging attack on myelin, increasing their destructive potential.
Hydrogen atoms can simultaneously bond to four or six other atoms, forming highly stable multicenter bonds that explain electronic conductivity in metal oxides. This discovery has significant implications for technological applications and could enable the use of hydrogen as a substitutional dopant in oxides.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a 'super' form of the enzyme Akt1 that can extend the lives of dendritic cells, the master switches of the immune system. This enhances the immune response against tumors by expanding T-cells, which attack cancer cells.
Research highlights the importance of meal preparation in improving diet quality among young adults. The study found that those involved in planning and cooking their meals consumed more fruits and vegetables and had better overall diet quality. Additionally, being served large portions of drinks at meals can increase calorie intake by...
A new computer simulation of tumor growth sets the stage for individualized cancer treatment. The model suggests that the microenvironment around tumor cells determines the tumor's ultimate cellular makeup and invasive potential.
The increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome, a state characterized by cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity and high blood pressure, is a growing concern. Physicians emphasize the need for aggressive treatment and lifestyle modifications to prevent serious health problems.
A study by Allan Garland and colleagues found large differences in resource use among ICU doctors, but these variations did not affect patient outcomes. The researchers suggest that altering practice styles could reduce ICU costs without compromising care.
A new study suggests that older antipsychotic medication perphenazine is less expensive and equally effective as newer medications for treating schizophrenia. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, found that total monthly health costs were up to 30% lower for patients taking perphenazine compared to those taking secon...
Women's long-term weight training programs increase biologically active growth hormone, a key factor in muscle development and bone strength. The study found that heavy loading cycles or workouts with moderate to heavy intensity regimens stimulate growth hormone production.
Seagrasses are critical for coastal ecosystems, providing habitat for aquatic life and mitigating pollution impact. A global conservation effort is needed to protect these habitats.
A study published in JCI Journal shows that silencing the PrPc gene suppresses BSE and CJD accumulation, offering a new approach to treat these fatal diseases. The therapy delayed PrPsc accumulation in mice, providing potential hope for individuals with neurodegenerative disorders.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with decreased cardiac function, leading to increased daytime sleepiness. A behavioral-educational intervention improved nighttime sleep for new mothers and their babies, resulting in better overall sleep quality.
The DOE JGI has released version 2.0 of the Integrated Microbial Genomes (IMG) system, which features 1541 new public microbial, viral and eukaryotic genomes. Additionally, 177 in-house sequenced genomes have been added to the database, bringing the total number of genomes to 2301.
A clinical trial of gene transfer therapy for erectile dysfunction found significant and sustained improvements in patients who received a transfer gene called hMaxi-K. The therapy works by creating additional potassium channels in smooth muscle cells, relaxing the muscle and allowing blood flow required for an erection.
A study at the University at Buffalo found that synthetic cannabinoid AM-1346 can improve fertility in male smokers with poor semen quality, doubling fertilizing capacity. Researchers believe a communication imbalance between cannabinoid and cholinergic receptor systems may be responsible for nicotine-induced infertility.
Researchers study coupled oscillations in predator-prey systems to understand complex interactions in nature. Mathematical simulations reveal coordinated chaos, a phenomenon that helps some species coexist with others.
Researchers found that intermittent streams provide crucial habitats for coho salmon smolts, while the US Supreme Court's decisions may impact these ecosystems. Additionally, natural sacred sites like sacred groves can hold valuable insights into biodiversity management and conservation.
A recent study reveals that 86% of the decline in US teen pregnancy rates is attributed to improved contraceptive use, with most progress seen among older teens. The study suggests that public policies should promote access to accurate information on contraception and support responsible behaviors.
Dr. Pierre Drapeau's research on zebrafish embryos has led to the discovery of signaling between nerve cells' importance in spinal cord development and growth. The $50,000 Barbara Turnbull Award supports his work towards understanding spinal cord repair and potentially treating diseases such as schizophrenia and autism.
Researchers create transgenic Arabidopsis plants by introducing genes into bacteria Agrobacterium, which then infect the plant cells. This method allows scientists to identify and characterize specific gene functions in plants. The technique enables the development of pest-resistant crops, vitamin-enriched foods, and more.
Chronic disability rates decline significantly among older adults from 1982 to 2004/2005, with greatest improvements seen in most severely impaired individuals. The rate of decline accelerates over time, indicating continued improvement in health and function.
Researchers at USC discovered that children without asthma suffered from severe symptoms during the 2003 Southern California wildfires. The study found that wearing masks and staying indoors reduced health problems, suggesting simple protective measures can mitigate effects of wildfire smoke.
A new study reveals that inhibiting glucocorticoids can prevent skin abnormalities caused by psychological stress, which could worsen conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Glucocorticoid blockade reversed psychological stress-induced abnormalities in epidermal structure and function.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered a protein interaction that may explain how Huntington's disease affects the brain, leading to dramatic accumulation of cholesterol.
New mathematical studies suggest that oscillating biological populations can synchronize due to interactions like predation and competition. This phenomenon, known as synchronized chaos, can lead to unpredictable opportunities for invaders in ecosystems.
Research from the Flint Men's Health Study found that African-American men with prostate cancer were more likely to report a family history of both diseases among siblings. This increased risk was particularly notable for having a brother diagnosed with prostate cancer and a sister diagnosed with breast cancer, highlighting the importa...
A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that guanfacine, a commonly prescribed medication for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is no more effective than a placebo. The study, led by researchers at the San Francisco VA Medical Center, involved 63 male and female veterans who received either weekly dose...
A study in mice with type 1 diabetes shows that an initial immune response to proinsulin triggers the attack on other proteins, leading to disease development. The findings suggest a potential therapeutic target for preventing this spreading response.
A multicenter study found that medium-sized colon polyps (0.6-0.9 cm) are associated with a significant number of advanced adenomas and cancers. This raises questions about the effectiveness of observational screening methods, which do not remove polyps.
A groundbreaking study by neurologist Steven Goldman and his team used stem cells to treat Parkinson's disease in rats, achieving a remarkable improvement in symptoms. However, brain tumors appeared due to the stem cells' uncontrolled growth, prompting an urgent need to find solutions.
In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, researchers used RNA interference (RNAi) to silence the gene encoding prion protein, suppressing its accumulation in mice. This breakthrough provides hope for developing a new therapeutic approach to treat neurodegenerative disorders like CJD and BSE. Further research is ne...
Scientists have engineered a molecular complex that can split water into hydrogen and oxygen using solar energy, providing an alternative to traditional electrolysis methods. This breakthrough could pave the way for more environmentally friendly production of hydrogen gas for use as a clean fuel source.
Children with treatment-resistant bedwetting have higher levels of sodium and urea in their nighttime urine, suggesting an imbalance of prostaglandin hormone-like substance. Researchers found that these imbalances lead to polyuria and enuresis, shedding light on the physiological mechanisms behind this condition.
Researchers successfully tested a new method of treatment for fatal brain diseases like scrapie and Creutzfeld-Jakob, slowing disease progression by up to 97% in mice. The approach uses RNA interference to reduce production of the pathogenic prion protein.
A randomized, multi-center study found that adding inhaled iloprost to bosentan treatment increases exercise capability and reduces clinical deterioration in PAH patients. In some cases, the combination also improves diagnostic functional class by one stage.