A $1.7 billion North American study aims to answer whether reopening narrowed kidney arteries benefits patients. Researchers will compare medical management with medicines coupled with stents, stainless steel scaffolds inserted into blood vessels.
University of Florida researchers validate the use of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to study ancient migrations and population sizes. By analyzing correlations between mtDNA diversity and protein variation, they demonstrate that mtDNA remains a useful tool for understanding population dynamics.
Researchers found that individuals with a preference for immediate rewards had more active ventral striatum regions, which may indicate risk for addictions and gambling problems. The study suggests that understanding individual differences in ventral striatal sensitivity could aid efforts to treat impulsive behavior.
A study found that viewing prior mammograms alongside current mammograms significantly improves radiologist performance and reduces unnecessary recalls. The use of prior mammograms recorded on film in comparison with digital mammograms poses a challenge, but limiting their availability may balance medical benefits with effort.
Researchers found that breast cancer stem cells are relatively resistant to radiotherapy and can even increase in number after multiple treatments. In contrast, statin use is associated with a decreased risk of advanced prostate cancer, according to a large prospective study.
The University of Colorado has licensed its influenza chip technology to Quidel Corp for use in diagnostic tests. This collaboration enables the development of faster flu strain detection, critical for tracking emerging strains and combating epidemics.
A study found that kidney transplantation increases the risk of certain cancers, including nonmelanoma skin cancer and Kaposi sarcoma. The overall incidence of cancer was 3.27 times higher after transplantation compared to before or during dialysis.
A recent study conducted by scientists from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found an innovative DNA test to catalog airborne microbes. The research revealed a diverse bacterial population in Texas cities, which could aid in bioterrorism surveillance and climate change tracking.
A plant evolutionary biologist is conducting genetic studies on red rice to understand molecular differences with cultivated rice, which could lead to eradication of the weed. Researchers are testing hypotheses that red rice may have originated from feral or hybridized wild species, and will use this knowledge to develop control methods.
A cost-utility analysis found that long-course palliative radiotherapy improved survival and quality of life in late-stage non-small-cell lung cancer patients. The study showed a $5,326 difference in lifetime societal costs between the two treatment regimens.
Recent studies have made significant advancements in understanding HIV, bacterial quorum sensing, and cancer treatment. Researchers have discovered innovative strategies to combat HIV resistance and develop novel genetic circuits for industrial applications.
A rare species of batfish has emerged as a potential savior for coral reefs, consuming large amounts of seaweed that were choking the reef. By removing a cage, scientists observed the batfish cleaning up most of the weed in just five days and completely clearing it in eight weeks.
The study found that naked carp respond to increased lake salinity by taking a 'metabolic holiday', drastically reducing oxygen consumption and kidney function. They also adjust their feeding behavior and store more fat, but if the lake continues to dehydrate, these benefits may change to pathology.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic isolated nanoparticles from human kidney stones in cell cultures, identifying proteins, RNA, and DNA linked to nanoparticles. The findings suggest that nanoparticles may play a role in the development of kidney stones.
A CCFA survey reveals that 65% of ulcerative colitis patients are less than fully compliant with first-line therapies, resulting in a significant impact on their quality of life. The most common reasons for non-compliance were dosing frequency, number of pills, and medication inconvenience.
A Saint Louis University study found no link between cash settlements for work-related back injuries and future impairment. Disability ratings didn't strongly correlate with day-to-day function levels, raising questions about the validity and fairness of current disability determination programs.
Scientists analyzed data from a devastating 2006 Java earthquake that triggered a tsunami, leading to the development of an early warning system for earthquakes. Researchers also studied tectonic processes causing subsidence in Louisiana, while investigating ways to monitor volcanic explosivity through ground deformation near vents.
The latest Powertrain System Analysis Toolkit (PSAT V6.1) includes new features and improvements, enabling designers to quickly examine various powertrain configurations and understand their impacts on performance and fuel economy. More than 300 researchers worldwide use PSAT, which has been recognized as an R&D 100 award winner.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation granted $378,780 to WHSRN for shorebird conservation programs. The program will focus on strengthening partnerships, protecting habitats, and applying tools for habitat conservation. WHSRN aims to conserve four high-concern shorebird species and their habitats across the Americas.
A randomized controlled trial found that cognitive training improved cognitive function in well-functioning older adults, with benefits lasting up to 5 years. However, the impact on daily functioning was limited, with only the reasoning group showing significant improvements.
Researchers highlight the challenges of promoting physical activity in a sedentary society, citing political and systemic barriers. The authors emphasize the need for a public health infrastructure to support physical activity promotion, given its substantial protection against obesity and chronic disease.
Recent studies have investigated the cost-effectiveness of drug-eluting stents compared to bare-metal stents. Two articles found that drug-eluting stents were used more frequently in private hospitals, but studies' quality and funding sources influenced their conclusions. The clinical indications for PCI have also been questioned due t...
A study by Matthias Doepke and Martin Schneider found that even mild inflation can lead to substantial redistribution of nominal assets, with younger, middle-class households benefiting the most. Rich retirees are expected to lose nearly 60% of their household-sector losses due to inflation.
A new study suggests that blood transfusions during heart bypass surgery may be linked to a higher risk of developing potentially dangerous infections and dying in the first few months after operation. Women are more likely to receive blood transfusions than men, which may explain their increased mortality risk.
Since expanding screening coverage in 1998, the proportion of patients with colon cancer diagnosed at an early stage has increased. The study found that patients diagnosed during periods with universal coverage were significantly more likely to have early-stage illness than those diagnosed in earlier periods.
Researchers suggest that mental training and physical activity can protect against declines in cognition, including memory, language, and abstract reasoning. A recent study involving over 3,000 participants found immediate improvements in memory and sustained benefits after five years.
A new study reveals that grouped skunks do not enter a torpor-like state to conserve energy like solitary individuals do. Instead, they benefit from huddling, which minimizes water loss and allows them to maintain higher body fat reserves.
Researchers found 56% of gene families studied across five species have grown or shrunk, suggesting frequent evolutionary changes. Humans gained 689 genes through gene duplication and lost 86 since diverging from chimps.
Researchers at USC discovered a link between low testosterone and the development of an Alzheimer's-like disease in mice. Testosterone treatment slowed progression of the disease, predicting potential benefits for humans.
A study by Dr. Xuemei Huang found that participants with lower LDL cholesterol had a 3.5-fold higher occurrence of Parkinson's disease compared to those with higher LDL levels. The results suggest a link between low LDL cholesterol and an increased risk of developing the neurodegenerative disorder.
Research suggests a strong association between higher circulating vitamin D levels and reduced risk of multiple sclerosis among white individuals. The study found a significant decrease in MS risk with increasing 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, especially among those measured before age 20.
Researchers analyze comet Wild 2 samples, finding evidence of material formed at both cold and hot temperatures, and unusual organic molecules with oxygen and nitrogen content. The discovery raises questions about how these fragile materials survived capture and formed in the early solar system.
A survey in southern Sudan found a high prevalence of blindness, with 4% of the population affected. The main causes were cataract and trachoma, with trachoma being more common than expected. Trachoma can be prevented with improved living conditions, hygiene, and early treatment.
A study found that reducing sugary drink intake in childhood can lower the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. The research, led by Penn State, suggests that controlling weight gain and sugar-sweetened drinks may prevent metabolic syndrome in children.
A study by Ann Schlosser found that virtual experiences can improve true memories but also cause people to imagine features and functions that don't exist. This can lead to false positives, where individuals believe a product has attributes it doesn't actually have.
Researchers found that snail hosts arriving from Japan led to novel disease outbreaks in North America. Genetic analysis revealed distinct invasion pathways for two cryptic species of trematode parasites, one arriving with the snails and the other historically dispersed by migratory birds.
Researchers found that moths can detect and respond to bat calls, even when others cannot. The yellow underwing moth's ear adjusts its sensitivity in response to changing sound frequencies, allowing it to stay 'tuned' for up to several minutes after the call stops.
Research shows that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who have anti-NMDA receptor antibodies may experience amygdala damage, leading to altered emotional responses. The study suggests a link between the immune system and brain function in SLE.
A federally funded study found that black cohosh was no better than a dummy pill in reducing hot flashes and night sweats in women with menopause. Symptoms declined by about 30 percent over 12 months, regardless of treatment.
A QUT research project will expand its focus on improving the production and nutritional value of bananas, aiming to control diseased banana planting material in East Africa. The project's success could make a major difference to the health of the region's population.
A new study aims to improve diabetes management by linking patients' glucose levels to their pharmacists. Half of the participants will share their data with their pharmacist for lifestyle advice, while the other half will manage it themselves.
The study found that exceptional mathematical ability is not homogenous but diverse, impacting future career choices and success. Commitment, learning environments, and personal attributes play a crucial role in developing scientific expertise.
A study analyzing data from a mail survey found that tinnitus perceived loudness and annoyance are influenced by clinical factors like duration, consistency, and hearing loss. Most patients with severe tinnitus experience high levels of distress, especially men, older adults, and those with co-existing conditions.
The study found that herbal supplements including black cohosh did not reduce menopausal symptoms. In contrast, hormone therapy significantly reduced symptoms in postmenopausal women, highlighting the importance of well-designed research to evaluate complementary and alternative medicine approaches.
Researchers identified a male-specific gene, PlestMID, in an oogamous green algae species that evolved from its isogamous ancestor's dominant sex. This breakthrough provides insights into the evolution of male-female dichotomy and the origin of distinct sperm and egg cells.
Researchers have discovered a new class of genetic mutations in the EGFR gene that occur in glioblastoma, a deadly type of brain tumor. These mutations, located in the extracellular domain of the protein, can activate oncogenically EGFR, making them a potential target for cancer therapy.
Researchers found that an enzyme called aurora-A is required to coordinate protein position within neural stem cells, and its absence leads to overproduction of new neuroblasts and tumors. In humans, this enzyme may prevent abnormal tumor growth by maintaining a steady population of stem cells.
Researchers found that under certain conditions, the surface of a strange star could fragment into blobs of quark material called strangelets, forming a rigid halo. This contradicts traditional models and raises questions about the nature of collapsed stars' nuclear leftovers.
A study found that children who received light therapy (phototherapy) for jaundice as infants had an increased risk of developing skin moles in childhood. The study, published in Archives of Dermatology, examined 58 French children and found a significant association between phototherapy and the number of moles
A study on black cohosh found no significant benefit in reducing hot flashes and night sweats during menopause, contradicting its long-held status as a treatment option. In contrast, enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease slowed progression of complications, but high costs remain a concern.
A study published in Catheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions found that an olive oil emulsion improved stent delivery in patients with abnormal heart arteries. The emulsion was successfully used to place lubricated stents in 85% of patients with no negative effects months after the procedure.
A comprehensive genetic analysis of an invasive marine host and its parasites reveals the accidental introduction of Japanese seed oysters carrying parasitic flatworms, leading to widespread disease in the region. The study highlights the importance of identifying and mitigating disease outbreaks in a globalized economy.
Researchers developed an open-source software system called InvChecker to detect microinversions in genomic sequences. Microinversions can provide insights into genetic diversity and evolution. The new approach confirmed the existing phylogenetic tree for 15 mammals, shedding light on species splits and evolutionary relationships.
The MIT implant, containing iron oxide-coated nanoparticles, can detect metabolites associated with tumor growth and track chemotherapy drug effects. It provides a rapid measure of treatment efficacy, helping doctors determine whether a treatment is working in a particular patient.
A study investigated melanoma growth rate in 404 patients and found that fast-growing melanomas are more likely to occur in elderly men and individuals with fewer moles and freckles. The study provides descriptive data on the spectrum of melanoma rates of growth, offering insights into subgroups associated with rapid growth.
Researchers at Georgia Tech found that multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) remain suspended for over a month when mixed with natural organic matter in water, making them more likely to be transported in the environment. The study highlights the need to study nanomaterials' environmental impact before commercial applications.
MIT researchers report that replayed memories in rats' brains contain visual images, reinforcing the idea that animal dreams mimic human experiences. The study reveals simultaneous reactivation of memory traces in both the visual cortex and hippocampus during sleep.
A recent study reveals that a rare batfish species is crucial in promoting the return to health of disturbed coral reefs overgrown with algae. Researchers found that only two of 27 herbivorous fish species had a significant impact on reef recovery, with parrotfishes and surgeonfishes unable to reverse algal blooms.
A study of 332 HIV-infected patients found that those with high viral loads were at increased risk of surgical complications, including pneumonia. The researchers also found that patients with low CD4 cell counts had more complications than those with higher counts.
A new study suggests that hyaluronate application may reverse skin atrophy, which is more common in older individuals due to the gradual loss of epidermis and dermis. The study found that hyaluronate fragments restore skin thickness and suggest a potential therapeutic approach for this condition.