A study analyzing electronic health records found that 2,354 outpatients (0.7%) received prescription violations of black box warnings. Patients at risk included those over 75, female, or taking multiple medications. The researchers suggest improving FDA warnings to prevent such violations.
Researchers found that most sporadic basal-like breast cancers display abnormalities in the management of the X chromosome, leading to increased expression of specific genes. This defect may contribute to cancer development and progression in these aggressive subtypes.
A study of 61,228 men aged 65 and older with local or regional stage prostate cancer found that lower socioeconomic status was significantly associated with decreased survival. Socioeconomic factors, including education level and community poverty, were the primary drivers of disparities in survival.
Scientists from five institutions identify five vaccine targets for an East Coast fever subunit vaccine, which triggered a strong immune response in lab tests. The researchers used the genome sequence of the parasite responsible for the disease to develop the vaccine.
A study analyzing 487 primary studies found that medical test accuracy is often overestimated, particularly in detecting mild or early disease. The researchers emphasize the importance of knowing test accuracy in real clinical settings and the accuracy of gold standard tests to ensure accurate diagnoses.
Hematologists say coagulation-factor concentrates from plasma are now deemed safe from most infectious agents, but challenges from new agents remain. Recombinant products offer a risk-free alternative, but safety studies have not definitively made the case for either.
Researchers have created temperature-sensitive capsules that can release drugs at different rates, with the release rate controlled by the amount of wrinkling. The solution to cool the capsules without harming surrounding tissue lies in newly discovered nanoparticles chilled through magnetic cooling.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers create tabletop accelerator that produces nuclear fusion at room temperature, doubling the acceleration potential of a previous design. The device has commercial applications in non-destructive testing, explosives detection, and medical imaging.
A Purdue University study found that older adults who receive daily assistance with basic tasks like bathing and dressing are less likely to be hospitalized for acute illnesses. After six weeks of help, hospital admissions significantly declined, suggesting that home-based care can reduce healthcare costs while improving quality of life.
Researchers examined treatment to maintain blood pressure in patients with orthostatic hypotension (OH) caused by a neurological disease. Pyridostigmine bromide, approved for other uses, showed promise in improving symptoms and reducing standing blood pressure. The medication was found to be beneficial with minimal side effects.
Scientists at Georgia Tech have developed reusable hydrogel microlenses that can detect trace amounts of biological or chemical agents in a matter of seconds. These tiny lenses use antibody-antigen binding to change their focus when exposed to the target substance, enabling rapid detection and identification.
A new study confirms that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is associated with improved health-related quality of life in the short term and long term. ECT, a treatment for severe mental illness, was found to improve symptoms of depression and enhance overall well-being in patients who attained remission.
Research reveals that autistic individuals' intelligence is often misjudged using Wechsler scales, which require oral language skills. However, Raven's Progressive Matrices (RPM) tests show that autistics can excel in high-level abstract reasoning and problem-solving, indicating a more accurate assessment of their intelligence.
A study by Gibson and Mace found that villages with improved water supply in rural Ethiopia experienced a significant increase in birth rates, contradicting the expected reduction in fertility. The researchers suggest that development programs should be more comprehensive, incorporating access to contraceptives.
Researchers Kerry Jordan and Elizabeth Brannon found that seven-month-old infants spent more time looking at video images matching the number of women talking, similar to monkeys who chose videos with matching sounds. The study suggests an internal representation of 'two-ness' or 'three-ness' in preverbal infants.
Researchers found that directly reactivated memories are vulnerable to disruption, but associated memories remain unaffected. This study may pave the way for novel treatments of traumatic memories.
Several biomarkers emerged as potentially clinically useful in predicting CAD-related and all-cause death. Increases in plasma levels of IL-6 and total homocysteine were associated with higher risks of death in patients with known CAD.
A large clinical trial found that estrogen therapy did not significantly reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women. However, there was a suggestion of lower risk in women aged 50-59 years, and fewer cases of revascularization and combined endpoints were reported among those taking estrogen.
Research suggests that gay men and lesbians experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and substance misuse due to discrimination and prejudice. Civil partnerships are proposed as a solution to promote greater understanding and stability for same-sex relationships.
Counseling pediatricians on skin cancer prevention is crucial, as childhood sun exposure increases the risk of melanoma. UV light from natural sunlight and artificial sources like tanning beds also pose risks.
A study by Lopez et al. found that anti-malarial drugs significantly lower TNF-alpha levels in lupus patients with specific polymorphisms, improving treatment outcomes. Patients taking anti-malarials had better responses to therapy compared to those not on the medication.
A subset of brain cells with pacemaking abilities has been identified as essential for gasping in infants, resolving a 15-year-old controversy. The discovery highlights the importance of autoresuscitation and gasping in maintaining oxygen supplies and heart rate during critical low-oxygen conditions.
Researchers have identified two large subglacial lakes in East Antarctica, which may harbor exotic ecosystems. Additionally, a study found that global sea levels likely rose by 195 millimeters between 1870 and 2004, with a rate of 1.7 +/- 0.3 mm/year.
PULMOTENSION aims to uncover underlying molecular pathways of PH, identify distinct targets for anti-remodelling therapy and test new treatment options in preclinical and clinical trials. The combined expertise in PULMOTENSION extends from gene mutation discovery to therapeutic regimen establishment.
The Times-Picayune won a special award for its consistently excellent coverage of scientific research on the vulnerability of New Orleans to hurricanes and other environmental impacts. Michelle Nijhuis, writing for High Country News, won the Walter Sullivan Award for her three-part series on global warming in the West.
A study led by Dr. Richard Goldberg found that the chemotherapy regimen FOLFOX4 is effective in treating colorectal cancer regardless of age, including older patients over 70. The analysis of nearly 4,000 patients showed consistent benefits and side effects across all age groups.
Research reveals farmed salmon have evolved genetically differently to wild salmon, backing claims of negative impact on health. The study found 20% difference in genes and potential for hybridization altering wild salmon's fitness.
Researchers found that moderately thin models have a positive impact on women's self-perception of thinness and self-esteem. In contrast, extremely thin or moderately heavy models can lead to negative thoughts about weight. The study sheds light on the effectiveness of campaigns featuring plus-sized models.
Researchers found that parents' conflict resolution styles predict children's reactions to simulated phone conflicts, with both overtly hostile and indifferent approaches linked to increased distress. Children's prior experiences with parental conflicts can alter their coping mechanisms for later conflicts.
Researchers found that low self-monitors are more responsive to self-prediction, which involves predicting one's own behavior, whereas high self-monitors are more influenced by situational factors. This technique can be a simple tool to boost motivation and commitment to resolutions.
A study found that receptors on brain nerve cells bind to apolipoprotein E and glutamate, affecting memory formation. Efficient APOE levels may clog these binding sites, preventing glutamate from activating processes necessary for memories.
A new computer chip lithography method, evanescent wave lithography (EWL), has been developed at Rochester Institute of Technology, allowing for optically imaging the smallest-ever semiconductor device geometry. The breakthrough has enabled resolution smaller than one-twentieth the wavelength of visible light, surpassing previous limits.
A study at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that Z-DNA, a twisted shape of DNA, can cause genetic instability and breaks in human cells, particularly in those with Burkitt's lymphoma. The research opens up a new field of inquiry into the role of DNA shape in genomic instability and cancer.
A multi-hospital project led by the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center improved angioplasty care, increasing preventive medication use, reducing heparin and dye, and lowering complication rates. The study found a strong association between quality improvement efforts and patient outcomes.
A new study by Aradhna Krishna found that when blindfolded, subjects perceived the shorter glass with a wider surface area as having a larger volume. The study also revealed that visual distractions can influence consumer perceptions and behavior.
A new study suggests that a vaginal gel containing the antiretroviral drug tenofovir may be effective in preventing HIV transmission in women. The gel produced mild or no side effects in both HIV-positive and negative women, but further studies are needed to evaluate its effectiveness.
The RAVE survey has released its first dataset, containing information from 25,000 stars born when the Milky Way was in its infancy. The data will allow astronomers to test ideas of the galaxy's origins laid out by various cosmological theories.
Researchers found a direct link between aldosterone levels and the ability to hear normally as people age. Lower blood levels of aldosterone are associated with severe hearing loss, suggesting that the hormone plays a role in maintaining good hearing.
Scientists study Cu3Au alloy's corrosion behavior, observing the formation of a protective passivation layer that protects against further corrosion. Controlled corrosion allows for nanometric-scale material structuring, potentially leading to new catalysts with high surface areas.
A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research suggests that emotions like guilt and regret play a critical role in motivating people to make wise decisions about self-protection. The research finds that appeals combining fear and accountability are more effective than those relying on hope or good intentions.
Merchant identified a critical protein molecule that measures copper levels and responds to its presence in green algae, shedding light on the adaptive mechanisms of life. Her research has implications for human nutrition and may reveal new strategies for allocating essential nutrients.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that 22.4% of people with chronic pain did not inform their physician about it, likely due to poor experiences or barriers to healthcare. The study highlights the need for better pain management and increased awareness among healthcare professionals.
Researchers at Duke University have shown that hydrogen bonds are crucial for protein folding and are highly conserved across different proteins. Their study found that deleting hydrogen bonds from proteins led to destabilization of the structure, supporting the importance of these bonds in protein folding.
A new guide for junior doctors suggests that napping as short as 20-45 minutes can provide positive benefits for shift workers. This guidance aims to improve the survival and recovery of medical professionals working night shifts, ensuring better patient care.
A new study from UCSD found that macrophage signaling can activate processes in both cancer cells and immune cells, altering the activity of androgen antagonists and allowing tumor growth. The research identifies a novel binding site on steroid receptors that makes them responsive to inflammatory signals.
Researchers at Purdue University have visualized the binding of the dengue virus to a key host cell receptor, DC-SIGN. The study provides new insights into how the virus initiates infection and could potentially lead to the development of new treatments.
A study by Cornell University researcher Brian Wansink found that women eat significantly more Hershey Kisses when they are in clear containers on their desks, but fewer when they are six feet away. This suggests that the temptation factor plays a role in overeating, and that making food less visible can lead to reduced consumption.
The new Bill and Rita Clements Advanced Medical Imaging Building will house a 7-Tesla magnet, enabling high-resolution imaging of small anatomical structures in the living human brain. This technology is expected to accelerate research into new diagnostic tests and treatments for neurological and metabolic illnesses.
A new study found that taking medication for overactive bladder syndrome as prescribed can significantly reduce annual healthcare costs. The research, published in the Journal of Urology, shows that participants who took their medication properly saved around $3,700 compared to those who didn't.
A new study by Ilana Redstone Akresh found that 39% of US immigrants reported significant changes in their diets, resulting in increased junk food and meat consumption. This can lead to negative health outcomes, as those who consume more junk food have higher BMI and lower levels of education, English proficiency, and social integration.
Studies show that deleting a specific gene called BDNF improves behavior in stressed mice, while also providing insight into the underlying molecular events involved. The researchers' findings have implications for understanding human ailments like social phobia and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in infants and young children may be shortened by three weeks per degree Celsius rise in annual mean daily temperature. Rising temperatures may also increase the spread of other respiratory illnesses, such as influenza.
Researchers identified a new dinosaur species, Guanlong wucaii, as the oldest known cousin of Tyrannosaurus rex, pre-dating its branch by about 100 million years. The discovery sheds light on early evolution and geographical distribution of tyrannosaur ancestors.
Researchers found that volcanic aerosols can cool the ocean surface by up to .037 degrees Celsius, reducing sea level rise by several centimeters. The cooling effect can persist for decades, offsetting human-induced warming and showing a significant impact of volcanoes on climate.
The Female Athlete Triad combines disordered eating, absent menstrual periods, and bone loss, particularly affecting elite athletes struggling with eating disorders. The International Olympic Committee's new position statement prioritizes athlete health over performance.
Researchers analyzed temperature data and tree rings, ice cores, and diaries to establish the spatial extent of recent warming. The study found evidence for periods of significant warmth during medieval times and clearly colder periods during the Little Ice Age.
A study by Professor Renzo Guerrini highlights the importance of special precautions for children with severe epilepsy at home to prevent accidents. These precautions include using shields around heat sources and ensuring children are never left alone during bathing.
A majority of patients with small kidney tumors have their entire kidney removed, despite the availability of organ-sparing surgery. Studies show that partial nephrectomy is just as effective in controlling cancer while preserving long-term kidney function. However, its infrequent use may be due to surgeon expertise and hospital policies.
The study revealed that radiologists can use four radiologic signs to prospectively identify radial meniscal tears, increasing detection sensitivity from 37% to 89%. Repairing damaged cartilage is preferred over removal when possible.
A Vanderbilt University Medical Center study found that media coverage had a significant impact on pediatric flu vaccination rates nationwide. The study surveyed 256 parents and found that 75% of children with confirmed influenza dates received the vaccine after mid-November 2003, influenced by media attention.