Researchers created a genetically altered mouse strain with overexpressed dopamine receptors in the striatum, which showed specific cognitive deficits similar to human schizophrenics. The study suggests that cognitive symptoms may arise from subtle genetic differences in the dopamine receptor gene.
Orexin strengthens neural communication between dopamine-releasing neurons, playing a key role in drug high experience and craving. Blocking orexin action reverses cocaine-craving behavior in rats.
The team's collaborative efforts led to near real-time determination of upper atmospheric density, improving geostationary satellite orbits. The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration praised this as the 'greatest improvement in atmospheric drag modeling over the last 30 years'.
The AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize recognizes authors and illustrators who produce high-quality science books for children and young adults. The prize includes a $1,500 cash award and a plaque, aiming to promote science literacy through engaging storytelling.
The study found a small but significant increase in hip bone density among women taking calcium combined with vitamin D. However, the supplements had no detectable effect on colorectal cancer incidence or spine fractures.
Scientists are harnessing microbial biotechnology to address global environmental issues by utilizing diverse microbial communities and their functions. By leveraging cutting-edge DNA-based techniques, researchers can identify and utilize beneficial microorganisms to clean up pollutants, generate renewable energy, and detect pathogens.
The Yale Center will assess and improve public health workforce training, develop new continuing education curricula, and collaborate with other CDC-funded centers to increase preparedness resources.
Parallel administration of chemotherapy and darbepoetin alfa every 3 weeks is safe and effective in treating anemia. Gene expression profiling may provide more accurate information for certain high-risk breast cancers than laboratory examination alone.
A new MRI drug, mangafodipir, has been found to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy by increasing antitumoral activity while protecting normal cells from damage. The study suggests that mangafodipir may enhance the therapeutic index of anticancer agents and supports investigation into its use in cancer patients.
A new study by UF researchers reveals that children living in the South are up to three times more likely to experience poor health outcomes, including obesity, teen pregnancy, and death. The study attributes these risks to complex social, economic, and public policies in the region.
Researchers discovered that protein translation takes place in sperm prior to fertilization, essential for sperm functions like motility and fertilization. Inhibiting mitochondrial translation machinery leads to decreased sperm motility and fertility rates.
Rimonabant, a weight loss medication, shows modest benefit in reducing weight and improving cardiometabolic risk factors in obese patients. The study found significant reductions in weight, waist circumference, and triglycerides, as well as increases in HDL cholesterol levels.
Researchers have identified the stage-specific roles of individual cathepsins in tumorigenesis, revealing that inhibiting cathepsin B, L, and S suppresses cancer development. The study found that these cathepsins promote tumor invasion by cleaving E-cadherin.
Research suggests that antioxidant supplementation with vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene is not associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer. However, specific subgroups, such as current or recent smokers, may benefit from high-dose vitamin E supplementation to reduce advanced prostate cancer risk.
Researchers have detected a massive lightning storm on Saturn, with flash rates exceeding those of Voyager 1 and intensities comparable to Earth's thunderstorms. The storm has been observed since January 23 and has varied in intensity, with some 25 episodes occurring since its initial detection.
A study by the University of Toronto found that morphine and a combination of morphine and tetracaine are effective in treating pain in newborns undergoing central line placements. The study also identified potential side effects of these medications.
Farmers in Norway are threatening to scale up bird scaring efforts unless compensated for crop damage, posing a threat to pink-footed geese migration. The model predicts severe consequences for the population if scaring is implemented abruptly, highlighting the need for compensation and adaptation strategies.
Researchers developed an index to predict mortality risk in older adults, based on demographics, illnesses, and ability to perform daily activities. The 12-question form can be completed quickly by patients or medical office staff, providing valuable prognostic information for healthcare providers.
Researchers identified altered expression of proteins involved in muscle differentiation, leading to reduced myoblast differentiation potential. Forced expression of MyoD or desmin restored this defect, providing new mechanistic insight into LMNA mutations contributing to muscular dystrophy.
miR-278 plays a crucial role in regulating insulin sensitivity in flies, with reduced insulin sensitivity and elevated blood glucose levels observed in flies lacking this microRNA. The study highlights the importance of microRNAs in metabolic regulation.
Frank LaFerla, a UCI neurobiologist, has made significant strides in understanding the molecular development of Alzheimer's disease. His work identified beta amyloid and its buildup as the trigger that marks the onset of memory decline, contradicting previous beliefs.
Researchers found that pre-treatment with vardenafil (Levitra) can open the mitochondrial KATP channel, providing protection against heart attack injury. The findings suggest a new utility for phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors in cardiac protection beyond erectile dysfunction management.
A two-week expedition to Saba Bank Atoll in the Caribbean has discovered over a dozen new species of seaweeds, including commercially valuable ones, and recorded 200 fish species, compared to fewer than 50 before. The atoll's unique marine life makes it a prime candidate for designation as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA).
A study published in JAMA found that individuals with lower socioeconomic status have poorer physical fitness levels, which can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular death. The researchers discovered that functional capacity and heart rate recovery were strongly associated with SES and accounted for 47% of the association.
DePaoli asparagus offers a higher yield of spears than other varieties, reducing labor costs and making the vegetable more profitable. The new variety boasts an excellent spear quality, with a high percentage of marketable spears.
Defibrillator therapy found to be beneficial in reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death and prolonging life among patients with high-risk genetic cardiac disorders. The treatment is associated with significant cost savings, ranging from $15,000 to $20,000 per quality-adjusted-life-year saved.
A randomized, double-blind study found that morphine and topical local anesthesia (tetracaine) combination reduced pain during catheter placement more effectively than either alone or no analgesia. Local anesthesia was found to be a weak analgesic.
The University of Houston is collaborating with the US Navy to develop nanomagnetic biosensors for detecting biological warfare agents and land mines. The program aims to create high-sensitivity techniques for improving land mine detection.
Researchers found that in two-thirds of world's largest marine ecosystems, fishermen chose to target additional kinds of fish, leading to changes in catch composition. Landings of more valuable fish remained the same or increased, highlighting the need for effective management strategies to ensure sustainability.
A study found that women are more likely to be inspired by female role models than male ones, suggesting they may provide a valuable example for women trying to determine their potential. The research also suggests that female participants were more likely to choose women as role models and consider the gender's impact on their choice.
Researchers have identified small molecules called indoxins that can potentiate the effectiveness of doxorubicin in E6-expressing colon cancer cells. The compounds drive two distinct cell cycle-related mechanisms, overcoming E6-induced drug resistance and increasing sensitivity to chemotherapy.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a new method to analyze the sugar coating on bacteria, allowing for faster diagnosis of infections. The technique uses lectin microarrays to identify specific sugars on bacterial surfaces, providing valuable insights into how the immune system recognizes bacteria.
University of Utah archaeologist Jack M. Broughton's study of ancient Native American bird bones reveals that California wasn't always abundant in wildlife as settlers arrived. Indigenous people hunted some species to local extinction, and wildlife returned after European diseases decimated Indian populations.
A study in rural Ethiopia found that a tapped water supply reduced the time spent carrying water, leading to improved child survival but also increasing birth rates and childhood malnutrition. The researchers suggest that development projects should be multisectoral to avoid long-term problems.
The ice fields on Kilimanjaro are losing up to 50% of their surface area in just five years, with the northern ice field expected to disappear within two years. This rapid melting threatens local water supplies, which rely on glacier meltwater and precipitation from surrounding rainforests.
A team of researchers, led by Xia Zhang, has discovered a potential universal strategy for treating drug addiction. They found that a naturally occurring enzyme called PTEN acts on the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the brain, where many drugs of abuse exert their rewarding effects.
Researchers found that humans lost genes related to the sense of smell, bitter taste, and immune response, which may have improved our ability to fight infections. The loss of the CASPASE12 gene, in particular, led to a stronger immune response, but also made it harder for humans to fight off severe bacterial infections.
A study by UCLA researchers found that men with cardiovascular disease may benefit from lower blood sugar levels, but women's risk of death increases with higher glucose levels. The research analyzed data from over 1,200 patients and suggested that there is no 'normal' blood sugar level for men with heart disease.
Researchers discovered that larval Antarctic fish have thin skin and undeveloped gills, protecting them from freezing temperatures. The production of antifreeze proteins increased gradually over three months, allowing the fish to adapt to their environment.
Researchers discovered that the normal form of mad cow protein promotes neurogenesis by helping precursor cells differentiate into mature neurons. The study found that increased levels of PrP accelerate neuron production, while decreased levels slow it down.
A worldwide study is screening 220,800 healthy babies for genes that increase risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The researchers aim to identify environmental triggers that determine the risks for the disease.
The polypill could slash the risk of coronary artery disease by 88% and stroke by 80% in those aged between 55 and 64. However, its widespread treatment would require a significant annual expense, with costs ranging from £208 to £282 per person, depending on age and risk level.
Researchers at Rice University developed a new method to coax bone cells into producing up to 75 times more calcium, paving the way for regenerating healthy bone. The study, led by undergraduate Néha Datta, uses adult stem cells and a novel growth medium approach.
Researchers found that glaucoma patients have higher intraocular pressure when lying down compared to sitting. The study measured the pressure of 148 untreated glaucoma patients over 24 hours, revealing a significant difference in peak pressures between daytime and nighttime measurements.
The incidence of pertussis has increased in Canada, particularly among young infants, adolescents, and adults. Authorities have recommended booster doses for adolescents since 2004 to combat the disease.
A study of 17 trials found that pre-intervention drug treatment in ST-elevation heart attacks increased patient mortality and risk of non-fatal heart attacks, strokes, and bleeding. The practice is now recommended against outside of controlled trials.
University of Minnesota researchers identify a new population of cord blood stem cells that can regenerate nerve tissue after stroke. The discovery shows promise for treating neurological disorders such as stroke, which affects nearly 750,000 people in the US each year.
A study analyzing five clinical trials found that low-carbohydrate diets led to greater weight loss and improved HDL levels after six months. However, increased total cholesterol and LDL levels were observed in those on low-carb diets after a year.
A blood test measuring NT-proBNP levels can accurately predict one-year mortality risk in patients with shortness of breath, regardless of underlying heart failure diagnosis. The study suggests that this test should be routinely used to identify high-risk patients needing more intensive treatment and follow-up.
A midriff bulge roughly doubles a woman's chances of needing gallstone surgery, according to a comprehensive study. The study, which monitored over 42,000 women for two years, found that women with larger waist sizes were more likely to develop gallstones.
A UK study found that BBC Panorama programmes airing in 2002-04 led to a marked increase in reported adverse drug reactions for paroxetine, an SSRI used to treat depression. This effect was short-lived and less pronounced after regulatory announcements.
A recent US survey of 1,197 people found that only 8% would use pre-implantation sex selection for non-medical reasons. Most respondents wanted an equal number of boys and girls or had no preference for the sex of their children.
Researchers emphasize the need for proactive measures from pediatricians in early childhood to prevent skin cancer. Pediatricians can play a vital role by counseling children and their parents about UV protection, using sunscreen, and wearing protective clothing.
Researchers analyzed 28,689 cases of non-small cell lung cancer, finding a stronger association between tumor size and metastasis for solid tumors. The study suggests that smaller tumor sizes are associated with higher curability rates, even for micrometastases undetectable by current techniques.
Women with hereditary non-BRCA breast cancer face a significantly higher risk of developing second primary breast cancers (CBCs), with probabilities ranging from 1.9% to 27.3% over 20 years. Adjuvant hormonal therapy can lower this risk, whereas chemotherapy has no apparent effect.
A Dutch study published in European Heart Journal reveals that 43% of total heart attacks had been clinically unrecognised. Women are more likely to have atypical symptoms and may be less likely for their symptoms to be recognized by doctors.
A study found that only 2% of stroke patients receiving clot-busting treatment arrived within three hours of symptom onset. Factors such as ambulance transport, gender, and time of arrival significantly increased the chances of receiving treatment. Warning signs of stroke include sudden numbness, confusion, and severe headache.
A team of scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison reports a breakthrough in making human collagen in the lab, opening doors for medical applications and nanotechnology. The new discovery enables the creation of synthetic collagen that can be tailored for specific uses, including wound healing and implantable sensors.
Tetrabenazine has been shown to decrease involuntary movement by 25% and improve patient outcomes. The medication targets the excessive movements caused by the disease's mutant protein, providing relief for patients with tasks such as eating and walking.
The study found that all 55 percent of plastic surgery patients using herbal supplements took at least two different supplements daily, posing bleeding, respiratory, and immunosuppression risks. Patients should inform doctors about natural supplements to ensure safe discontinuation periods and smooth recoveries.