A recent study by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that lower-income individuals and those with lower levels of education tend to have higher levels of stress hormones in their bodies. This association was independent of other factors such as race, age, or body mass index.
Adults who survived childhood cancer are twice as likely to be unemployed than those without a history of childhood cancer. Those treated for brain or central nervous system tumors face a particularly high risk, while blood-cell and bone marrow cancer survivors experience an elevated but non-significant risk.
Researchers have developed a new integrated system that combines MRI and NIR imaging to quantify hemoglobin, water, and scattering values in breast tissue. This technique may help detect early tumor growth and characterize tumor stage by learning about its vascular and cellular makeup.
A new NIAID study found that a higher dose of flu vaccine significantly increases the immune responses of older adults, providing hope for better protection against seasonal influenza. The trial showed that participants who received a high-dose vaccine had 44-79% higher levels of antibody than those who received the standard dose.
A recent study found that AMITIZA improved symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), including abdominal pain and bloating. The treatment was associated with significant improvements in patients' quality of life.
Research links lower physical performance scores to higher risk of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, in older adults. Those with better physical function tend to have slower cognitive decline and lower risk of developing dementia.
Researchers at MIT have created a new energy system that converts light into electricity, enabling more fuel-efficient cars. The system uses advanced materials and photonics to create intense light, which is then harnessed by photo diodes to power electrical systems.
Researchers found that consuming foods with low glycemic levels and glycemic load can naturally stimulate metabolic response. A study on healthy volunteers also discovered that a low-glycemic-index-breakfast increased levels of the hormone peptide YY, promoting satiety and decreasing food intake.
Physicians will happily adopt information technology, according to Canadian Medical Association Journal commentary. The main barriers to IT adoption are often related to time constraints and resistance from physicians, rather than power or politics.
The Chikungunya outbreak in the Indian Ocean affects several islands and India, with a large portion of populations infected. The disease is caused by the chikungunya virus, spread by mosquito bites, and has no specific treatment. Genetic analysis reveals unique molecular features among outbreak strains.
Researchers have discovered an extensive system of deepwater coral reefs off Miami and Bimini, which are likely to harbor diverse marine life. The newly mapped areas will be explored using submersibles and autonomous underwater vehicles to assess their ecological importance and search for pharmaceutical compounds.
This article emphasizes the importance of addressing social determinants of health inequities. It highlights the limitations of reductionism in medicine and suggests that a systems biology approach could be valuable for clinical medicine, focusing on the holistic characteristics of a problem rather than its component parts.
Researchers have discovered a dichotomy in sea turtle migration patterns in the eastern Atlantic, revealing two distinct foraging strategies. The study found that adult turtles occupy different habitats and diets, with coastal adults being larger and feeding on arthropods, while oceanic adults are smaller and feed on floating plants.
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that verbal abuse in childhood can lead to increased symptoms of depression and anxiety in adulthood. The researchers studied data from over 5,600 participants aged 15-54 and found a strong correlation between verbal abuse and self-criticism.
Researchers used satellite tracking to follow ten turtles from Cape Verde, discovering they adopted two distinct approaches to finding food linked to their size. This challenge current conservation efforts, highlighting the need for an international cooperative strategy to safeguard these animals.
Researchers found that ancient whales' hind limbs regressed over millions of years via small genetic changes, not a single dramatic event. This discovery highlights the complex process of evolution and developmental biology.
Researchers investigate how changes in tropical vegetation affect carbon emissions and global climate change. They will make measurements in Africa, Australia, and South America to understand the conditions under which rainforests and savannas thrive.
Research at Group Health Research Institute found that participants with higher physical function were three times less likely to develop dementia. Regular exercise may help stave off dementia by improving and maintaining physical conditioning, say researchers.
A new study using ancient climate data reveals a two-way feedback loop where greenhouse gases increase with temperature, accelerating global warming. The research suggests that ignoring this effect could lead to revised estimates of future warming by up to 50%.
Recent studies have found that biologic therapies, such as adalimumab and certolizumab pegol, can effectively maintain clinical remission and response in patients with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease. These treatments have shown fewer side effects compared to traditional medications.
Researchers have successfully delivered insulin genes to the pancreas of rats using a new 'bubble' technique, resulting in lowered blood sugar levels and no damage to the organ. The technique, known as UTMD, delivers genes via microscopic bubbles that are burst with ultrasound, releasing the genes into the pancreas.
Researchers found that a combination of beta-blockers, calcium antagonists, and ACE inhibitors effectively lowers blood pressure in Hispanic patients while reducing their risk of developing diabetes. The study showed a 19% increased risk of diabetes in Hispanic patients but a 15% decreased risk with the verapamil-trandolapril strategy.
Researchers have successfully treated a chicken model of LCA1, a form of childhood blindness, using gene therapy. Six out of seven treated chicks developed sight, despite only a small percentage of receptor cells being infected by the virus. This study demonstrates the potential for gene therapy to treat this form of blindness in humans.
Research suggests that artificially sweetened mixers can accelerate gastric emptying and increase alcohol absorption, posing potential risks to digestive health. Moderate alcohol consumption may offer protective effects against colorectal adenomas, a precursor to cancer.
A new study found that high-flavanol cocoa improves skin structure and function, increasing hydration and decreasing skin roughness. The study suggests that the benefits of cocoa flavanols may be due to improved blood flow to the skin.
Researchers found that gene expression levels become more variable with age in both humans and rats, supporting the notion of stochastic aging. The observed increases in expression variation are surprisingly small, leaving room for further explanations regarding the relationship between aging-related changes and molecular mechanisms.
Researchers find tropical forests lose significant amounts of nitrogen to the atmosphere, primarily due to denitrifying bacteria. The study reveals that in dry climates, these bacteria consume nitrate, while in wetter climates, they convert it back into gas.
A new study reviews the therapeutic benefits of lubiprostone for c-IBS patients, showing improvements in abdominal discomfort and bowel movements. Teduglutide is also found to be effective in inducing remission and response in patients with moderate or severe Crohn's disease.
A study of 2,112 adolescents found that low dietary intake of vitamin D is associated with significantly lower lung function. The researchers recommend promoting recommended levels of vitamin D intake to ensure optimal lung function and healthy bones.
Pharmacists are increasingly involved in collaborative care for hospitalized patients, improving medication safety and patient understanding. This expansion of their role has led to better outcomes and job satisfaction for pharmacists, as they work closely with patients, physicians, and nurses to optimize treatment.
Researchers found five predictors associated with bipolar disorder risk: people were unfriendly, co-morbid anxiety, depression diagnosis within five years, family history of bipolar disorder, and legal problems. These findings may help physicians better assess a patient's risk for bipolar disorder.
Researchers at the University of Florida have successfully restored vision to chickens with a genetic defect causing blindeness. Five out of seven treated chickens displayed near-normal visual behavior and responded to light, offering hope for an eventual vision-restoring therapy for children with inherited childhood blindness.
A study of over 500 HIV-positive patients and physicians found significant differences in their perceptions about HIV treatment. Gaps were identified in understanding treatment options, side effects, and patient-physician relationships, highlighting the need for more candid dialogue to improve treatment experiences.
A study found that higher dose flu vaccines significantly enhanced protection against naturally occurring influenza, increasing immunogenicity in the elderly. The research also showed that all three vaccine dosage levels were safe and well-tolerated.
Researchers used fruit fly models to study the effects of 14 different Presenilin mutations, finding a correlation between mutation severity and age of onset in human patients. The study supports the view that Presenilin activity affects clinical heterogeneity in early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers discover bacteria can transfer electrons through biofilms using conductive protein filaments, increasing power production. Genetically engineered bacteria can ferment cellulose biomass to ethanol with high yield.
A new study found that air pollution increases the risk of death by 32% for people with diabetes, 28% for those with COPD, and 27% for those with congestive heart failure. Lowering air pollution levels can lead to improved health outcomes and longer lifespans.
Researchers found 322 genes in the adrenal gland with rhythmic functions, separate from the master body clock. This discovery may impact therapies for diseases and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers found that following a healthy lifestyle plan, including memory exercises, physical activity, and balanced diet, significantly improved brain metabolism and cognitive function in just 14 days. The study suggests that simple lifestyle changes can have a lasting impact on mental health and overall well-being.
Scientists used fossil and developmental data to pinpoint the genetic changes that led to whales losing their hind limbs. The gradual shrinkage of hind limbs was caused by slowly accumulated genetic changes, while the actual loss occurred when a drastic change inactivated the Sonic hedgehog gene.
Cysteine-containing chewing gum may help eliminate acetaldehyde, a carcinogenic compound found in saliva and upper digestive tract. Long-term randomized controlled trials are needed to prove its potential cancer-preventive effects.
Phuc M. Huynh, an electrical engineering major at UH, has been awarded the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship for his research on infrared bandpass filters that can increase energy efficiency. With a grade point average of 3.89 and recognition from prominent faculty members, Huynh is well-deserving of this honor.
Research presented at Digestive Disease Week 2006 highlights current trends and advancements in GI cancers, clinical studies, and lifestyle choices. The meeting showcases more than 5,000 abstracts on the latest advances in GI research, medicine, and technology.
A study of 97,000 Latin American deliveries found hospitals with high caesarean rates had higher rates of severe maternal illness, death, and antibiotic treatment. Rates of preterm delivery and newborn deaths also rose with increasing caesarean delivery rates.
A study found that one fourth of older patients receive catheters for no medical reason, putting them at risk of urinary tract infections. The risk is higher among women, patients over 85, and those with chronic illness or disability.
A new study found that a nighttime breathing mask can significantly reduce blood pressure in individuals with moderate to severe sleep apnea. The researchers also discovered that correcting oxygen levels alone may not be enough to lower blood pressure.
A new study has compared national, European, and US recommendations for statin treatment in British men to prevent cardiovascular disease. The research found that the UK's National Health Service Framework makes the least effective use of available evidence on prevention.
Researchers explore new GI technologies, including endoscopic ultrasound and fine needle intervention, to visualize the heart and coronary arteries with improved accuracy. The studies show promising results, suggesting that these techniques may be safe alternatives to traditional methods.
The study found that falls among the elderly in North East England resulted in a significant cost to the ambulance service, with an average of £145 per fall. A third of calls required assistance only and were related to sheltered housing organisations, while one in four of those transported to emergency care were admitted to hospital.
A new marijuana-derived drug, IP 751, has shown significant promise in suppressing bladder overactivity and alleviating painful symptoms in animal models of interstitial cystitis. Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine developed a liposome-based delivery system to overcome the hydrophobic properties of the drug.
Recent studies demonstrate improved virus suppression with novel therapy combinations for hepatitis treatment, including valopicitabine plus peg-interferon. Researchers found a higher dose of the drug showed promising results, but also led to side effects that forced dosage reduction.
Researchers found that a conservative fluid management strategy improved lung function, shortened mechanical ventilation time, and reduced intensive care unit days without increasing organ failure risk. The study suggests that using less fluid may be more beneficial for patients with acute lung injury or respiratory distress syndrome.
Men with metabolic syndrome are nearly twice as likely to develop heart failure as those without. The condition may directly affect the heart and boost fatty deposits in arteries, say researchers. Insulin resistance is thought to play a key role in this process.
Researchers found that bariatric surgery significantly reduced health complications and improved symptoms for adolescents (83% reduction) and older adults (51% reduction) with obesity-related conditions. This study suggests that surgical intervention may be a safer alternative to medication for treating GI disorders.
A new study from the University of Michigan finds that patients often struggle to access reliable medical information online. Librarians play a crucial role in helping patients find quality resources, providing expertise and accessing specialized databases not available to the general public.
Researchers found a link between non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and an increased risk of first-time hospital admissions for heart failure in the elderly. People taking indomethacin were three times more likely to be admitted due to osteoarthritis as their reason for taking NSAIDs.
Researchers studied four groups of apprentices, finding that machinists had the worst sensitivity to lung irritants and were more likely to develop asthma and bronchitis. Early occupational exposure to chemicals such as isosyanates may be a risk factor for developing lung disease.
Researchers at Stanford University have uncovered a novel mechanism of the tumor suppressor ING2, which regulates gene expression programs to prevent cancer formation. The findings highlight a new approach to understanding DNA damage responses in normal cells and potential therapeutic targets for cancer prevention and treatment.
A study of 486 children found that early exposure to cats increased their risk of developing eczema, a condition often associated with allergies. Children without asthma mothers were most at risk.
A novel stool testing technique has been developed, showing high sensitivity (88%) in detecting colon cancer. The new test is more sensitive than previous versions, making it easier to perform and potentially leading to better patient outcomes.