A study found that acupuncture improved knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis, even when compared to sham acupuncture. Another study revealed that Mediterranean diets improved blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels in older adults at risk for heart disease.
Researchers at UCSD have identified a family of 11 genes involved in the synthesis of auxin, a key plant hormone. Disrupting these genes reveals that localized production of auxin controls plant architecture, contradicting previous assumptions. This discovery has significant implications for crop improvement and development.
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that middle-aged adults spend an average of 6.1 hours asleep per night, despite spending 7.5 hours in bed. The study also revealed significant racial and socioeconomic disparities in sleep duration, with African-American men sleeping only 5.1 hours a night.
A new study by Marsha Linehan and colleagues found that women given specialized dialectical behavior therapy treatment were significantly less likely to attempt suicide. The treatment also resulted in reduced hospitalization for psychiatric reasons and improved treatment retention rates.
A study by the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that graduated driver licensing programs decrease fatal crashes involving 16-year-old drivers by an average of 11 percent. The most comprehensive programs, including age requirements and nighttime restrictions, resulted in a 20-21 percent reduction.
A new study published in PLoS Biology found that avoiding punishment activates the same brain reward centers as receiving a reward. Researchers used fMRI to scan the brains of humans performing an instrumental conditioning task, where participants could either lose or win money. The results showed that the medial orbitofrontal cortex (...
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that gene expression patterns in human lung tumors most similar to those seen in early mouse lung development stages predict poorer outcomes for lung cancer patients. The researchers developed a classification system based on genomic analysis, which may help improve treatment options.
The drug, Dz13, targets c-Jun, a master regulator gene involved in diseases such as cancer and inflammation. In pre-clinical models, it has shown effectiveness in treating skin cancers and eye diseases like AMD.
The face transplant technique has achieved an aesthetic outcome better than conventional methods, allowing the patient to regain ability to chew food and improve speech. However, substantial lifelong immunosuppression is required to prevent rejection, posing potential risks.
Individuals who begin drinking at a young age are more likely to develop alcohol dependence throughout their lives. A national survey found that 47% of those who started drinking before age 14 experienced alcohol dependence during their lifetimes.
A Spanish newspaper launched an HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B information service online, which became extremely popular in both Spain and Latin America. The service answered over 900 queries in its first year of operation.
The situation of Nepalese children is dire, with over 1 in 11 dying before reaching the age of five, and almost 70,000 annual deaths from preventable causes. The ongoing conflict has disrupted healthcare delivery and education, exacerbating human rights violations.
Despite modest regional growth in creative individuals, some cities experienced rapid job growth in the creative economy between 1999 and 2003. Creative occupations including engineers, educators, and scientists saw an average $20,000 annual increase in earnings compared to non-creative jobs.
Researchers at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem isolated malignant tumor cells from their nutritional and oxygen supplies, inhibiting growth and stopping metastases. Actibind, a protein found in black mold, was shown to bind actin in human and animal cells, halting cell growth and reducing the ability of cancer cells to form new tumors.
Researchers have discovered four fully different classes of phosphatase inhibitors using the BIOS principle, which mimics natural products to identify potential new medicines. The study found promising results in targeting antiangiogenesis inhibitors, cell cycle regulation, and tuberculosis infections.
Researchers discover that a specific gene mutation increases gene activity to speed up the internal clock, contrary to previous beliefs. This finding has significant implications for developing treatments for circadian rhythm disorders such as depression and insomnia.
Researchers developed a strategy combining two human monoclonal antibodies to combat SARS virus, offering potential breadth of protection against all strains and preventing escape variants. The study presents the characteristics of this antibody combination in cell-culture experiments.
Researchers found that a significant component of the muscle reaction in whiplash injuries arises from being startled by the abrupt motion and loud sound of impact. This new understanding may lead to improved prevention and management techniques for this common injury.
Researchers have found that gene-expression profiling can predict a lung cancer's prognosis, with tumors resembling early lung development having the worst prognosis. The study identifies key genes involved in biological pathways believed to be crucial in lung cancer development, offering potential targets for therapy.
Data from a survey of 43,000 U.S. adults suggest that early alcohol use is associated with an increased risk of developing future alcohol problems, including dependence and relapse.
A study of 9,125 adults found obesity associated with a 25% increased risk of mood and anxiety disorders, and a 25% decreased likeliness for substance abuse. Obesity was also linked to depression through mechanisms such as reduced physical activity and stigma.
A study found that mild sadness can provoke depressive thinking in some recovered patients, leading to a higher risk of relapse. Cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressant medication were tested on 301 patients with major depressive disorder, showing that those who displayed greater cognitive reactivity were more likely to relapse.
Researchers have discovered that substituting Omegaven, an IV fat mixture made from fish oil, can prevent fat accumulation and liver injury in patients with parenteral nutrition. The study has shown promising results in treating liver disease in children and adults, with most patients experiencing complete resolution of the condition.
A study of 42,847 U.S. men found that adopting multiple healthy lifestyle factors, such as not smoking and regular exercise, significantly lowers the risk of coronary heart disease. Men who adopted two or more low-risk factors during the study period had a 27% lower risk of CHD.
A patient with a disorder of consciousness (DOAC) has made a miraculous recovery after 19 years in a minimally conscious state. The study suggests that axonal re-growth may be the key to this recovery, allowing for functions like motor control and speech to resume.
Researchers found that Terry's brain underwent axonal re-growth, allowing for basic motor function and speech recovery. The study suggests a method to monitor brain function and track potential recovery in severely brain-damaged patients.
A study found that diphenhydramine hydrochloride did not improve infant sleep or parents' happiness with their children's sleep. Parents who took the medication experienced no significant difference in nighttime awakenings or parental satisfaction with their child's sleep.
Researchers used modeling to predict cost-effectiveness of treating multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in Peru. Individualized treatment was found to be the most cost-effective approach, despite increased costs.
A new analysis of 22 trials with 15,276 participants found that common bronchodilators like tiotropium and ipratropium reduced respiratory-related deaths by 73 percent. In contrast, regularly inhaled beta-agonists increased the risk of respiratory death more than twofold.
A recent study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found a strong link between obesity and mood disorders, particularly among Caucasian Americans and those with more education. The study revealed that an obese person is about 25% more likely to have depression or anxiety disorders.
A novel gene therapy could provide a permanent genetic cure for hemophilia A patients, including those with expensive and ineffective treatments. The treatment involves cloaking Factor VIII in platelets to avoid antibody attacks, making it effective even in patients with inhibitory antibodies.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered bone marrow adult stem cells play a crucial role in repairing damaged hearts. The 'SOS' distress signal mobilizes these cells to stimulate new blood vessel growth and restore heart function.
Researchers found that genetic mutations cause the PERIOD protein to degrade more quickly, contradicting previous thinking. This discovery could lead to new treatments for sleep disorders and depression by manipulating the circadian rhythm.
Researchers discovered that listeria bacteria first infect the placenta before using it as a breeding ground and then infecting other organs. The bacteria proliferate rapidly in the placenta before pouring out to cause infections.
A 25-year study analyzing over 4,000 young people with Type 1 diabetes found clusters of cases at specific geographical locations and time intervals. The results suggest that infections may be triggering the condition in genetically susceptible individuals.
A literature review provides evidence-based recommendations on treating severe asthma exacerbations with oral corticosteroids and questioning the practice of doubling ICS doses. The review also explores increasing ICS to high doses as an alternative to OCS.
A randomized trial in Zimbabwe found that providing HIV testing at the workplace significantly increases uptake of voluntary counselling and testing. The study suggests that this approach could improve HIV testing rates in Africa, and that intermittent provision might be as effective as continuous testing.
A comprehensive training plan is needed to deliver HIV medicines to patients in poor countries. The authors suggest research is required to define the best approach, including the implementation of such programs.
A new study by Georgetown University Medical Center found that diphenhydramine, a widely used antihistamine, has no benefit in helping infants and toddlers sleep. The study involved 44 children aged 6-15 months and showed only 1 out of 22 children improved sleeping after using the drug.
Researchers successfully converted human embryonic stem cells into mature T-cells, a key step towards gene therapy for HIV and other diseases. The breakthrough could lead to the development of new treatments for severe combined immunodeficiency and other conditions.
A 14-year study found that consumer fireworks cause an alarming number of serious preventable injuries among pediatric users and bystanders in the US. The study estimates over 85,800 pediatric fireworks-related injuries treated in emergency departments from 1990 to 2003.
A large-scale cross-platform study of research microarrays has uncovered high concordance across platforms, addressing a crucial issue in biomedical research. The study, led by Winston Patrick Kuo, used 10 different microarray platforms and two QRT-PCR approaches to compare gene expression measurements.
A team of researchers identified a unique genetic fingerprint in the pathogen responsible for potato blight, showing that genome plasticity plays a crucial role in its virulence. The study provides insight into how plant pathogens adapt to their environments by tailoring their genomes.
Researchers have identified a set of 16 genes that can reliably distinguish carriers of recessive genetic disorders from non-carriers. These genes can be used to develop clinical tests to identify carriers of diseases such as Nijmegen breakage syndrome, which exhibit distinct gene expression patterns compared to controls.
A new method, metabolic stress disinfection (MSDD), sucks the life out of bugs by subjecting them to alternating vacuum and carbon dioxide, effectively suffocating organisms. The technique could replace post-harvest pesticides and may complete phasing out ozone-depleting methyl bromide, reducing chemical costs and environmental impact.
Researchers discover miRNAs silence genes through two independent mechanisms: repression of translation and induction of mRNA degradation. This finding resolves controversy over whether miRNAs affect mRNA levels.
A study found that external 'condom' catheters reduced the risk of urinary tract infections by 80% compared to indwelling catheters. The condom catheters were also associated with lower rates of discomfort and pain, making them a more comfortable option for patients.
Researchers analyzed 22 multispecies plans and found that 41% of covered species were unconfirmed. This lack of data can lead to nonuniform land use, posing a threat to protected species.
A recent study suggests that dental disease may contribute to an elevated risk of stroke. The research found a significant association between periodontal disease and the prevalence of carotid atheromas, a type of plaque buildup in the arteries that can lead to stroke.
The survey found that dogs received 16% fewer animals since 1996, while cat intake increased by nearly 20%, leading to a rise in cat euthanasia rates. In contrast, dogs saw a significant decrease in euthanasia rates and more adoptions, with 63,700 dogs adopted compared to 51,600 in 1996.
A new study has found that gabapentin is as effective as estrogen in reducing hot flashes in postmenopausal women. The medication was tested against estrogen and a placebo in a randomized, double-blind trial over 12 weeks, with significant reductions in symptom severity reported.
A study at UCLA found that pomegranate juice can increase doubling times of PSA levels in men with prostate cancer, allowing for delayed use of hormone therapy. The study involved 50 men who experienced increases in PSA levels after surgery or radiation.
A study of 93 patients found that more than half with clozapine treatment had metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions increasing heart disease and diabetes risk. Regular monitoring is crucial for patients taking clozapine due to its potential long-term health implications.
A large population-based study found that long-term smokers who never used NSAIDs had the highest risk of colon cancer. Smokers using NSAIDs still faced a 30% higher risk than nonsmokers. The study suggests NSAIDs may not counteract smoking's adverse effects on colorectal-cancer risk.
Researchers found that pomegranate juice reduced PSA levels by 30% in patients with recurrent prostate cancer, slowing the doubling time of PSA levels. The antioxidant ellagic acid in pomegranate juice was also shown to increase nitric oxide production and induce programmed cell death.