A new vaginal gel designed to prevent herpes and HIV infection is being tested in a US study. The gel, called VivaGel, has shown nearly 100% effectiveness in animal trials with few side effects. The study aims to give women more control over their sexual health and reduce the spread of these infections.
University of Alberta researchers identified a specific nuclei in the hummingbird's brain that detects visual motion, enabling it to stay stationary mid-air and hover. This neural specialization is two to five times larger than in any other species, relative to brain size.
NJIT Advance project addresses women faculty isolation through collaborative research and location-aware communication systems. The project aims to increase social capital among female researchers, improving career success.
A Temple University study found that regular church attendance slows pulmonary function decline among men and women over 70. The study suggests that religious engagement provides social contact, emotional support, and psychological well-being, potentially benefiting health.
Researchers are investigating the potential of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to prevent various types of cancer, including colon, esophageal, and lung cancers. The studies focus on the preventive effects of sulindac, atorvastatin, and RaftiloseSynergy1 on cancer development.
Researchers aim to discover genetic predispositions for atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. The multi-year study will analyze DNA data from two large-scale studies to pinpoint specific genes contributing to the condition.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that VIP synchronizes biological clocks, clarifying its role alongside GABA. Without VIP, cells lose synchrony, indicating its coordinator function.
A report by International Agency for Research on Cancer concludes that household coal combustion and biomass fuel emissions are carcinogenic to humans. The study emphasizes the need for adequate ventilation and alternative heating methods to reduce lung cancer burden globally.
A large HIV/AIDS treatment trial found that interrupting antiretroviral therapy more than doubles the risk of AIDS or death from any cause. The study used two levels of CD4+ T cells to guide therapy suspension and restarting, but participants receiving episodic therapy had a significantly increased risk of disease progression.
Researchers have compiled genetic information on over 1,000 patients and controls in the largest-scale search for genes underlying sporadic ALS. The study aims to clarify the role of genes or lack thereof in the disease, with potential implications for therapies and a cure.
A federal plan to vaccinate healthcare workers against smallpox had a low compliance rate and high variability among states. Researchers found that some states ranked poorly due to lack of support and ambivalent messages from authorities.
A study of 44 patients with pulmonary embolism from illicit silicone injection found high fatality rates and severe complications. Transsexual males were disproportionately affected, highlighting the need for increased awareness and medical checks.
A study published in the Journal of Biology found that chemotherapy drugs can cause long-term damage to brain cells, killing neural stem cells and oligodendrocytes, and impairing neural stem cell division. This may explain the adverse neurological side effects observed in some cancer patients treated with chemotherapy.
A study found that patients with lower literacy and those taking multiple medications had difficulty understanding prescription label instructions. The researchers recommend redesigning label text and format, as well as a system approach to verify patient understanding, to improve quality care.
Researchers highlight potential new treatments for Alzheimer's disease, autism, and treatment-resistant depression, as well as a gene influencing nicotine-induced behaviors. The studies suggest innovative approaches to prevention and treatment of neurological disorders.
A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine has discovered a natural toxin, PAR-polymer, responsible for most tissue and organ damage after a period of blood oxygen loss followed by restored blood flow. The toxin triggers cell death through a process called parthanatos, which can be prevented with potential new treatments.
The American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine aims to guide primary care providers in helping patients lead healthier lives through research on daily habits and actions.
A new minimally invasive approach to partial breast irradiation offers an additional treatment option for women with early-stage breast cancer. The procedure uses ultrasound to guide balloon catheter placement, reducing the risk of damaging healthy tissue and allowing for a shorter treatment regime.
A new study finds that hypnosis can significantly reduce pain and anxiety during breast biopsy procedures, while also shortening procedure time and cost. Women who received self-hypnotic relaxation coaching reported improved coping tools for future waits and work-ups.
Consumption of fortified milk significantly reduces diarrhea and acute lower respiratory illness among preschool children in developing countries. The study found that fortified milk reduced the number of days with severe illness by 15 percent and incidence of pneumonia by 26 percent.
The Wildlife Conservation Society proposes a simpler, four-tiered system to measure conservation success for wildlife populations. The system aims to move beyond demographic sustainability and focus on ecological functionality, where species serve their role in ecosystems.
Researchers have cracked the workings of the Antikythera Mechanism, a 2,000-year-old computer that tracked astronomical movements with remarkable precision. The ancient Greek device predicted eclipses and recreated the moon's irregular orbit, challenging previous assumptions about their technological capabilities.
Researchers found milk to be an effective alternative to the costly oral contrast agent VoLumen in gastrointestinal imaging exams. Milk was shown to produce similar bowel distension and enhancement without causing more abdominal discomfort than VoLumen, making it a viable option for patients.
A multi-study review found that low impact aerobic exercise significantly reduced fatigue in adults with multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Effective interventions included supervised exercise classes and home-based programmes, lasting up to 12 weeks.
Researchers have developed a breathable protective garment material that blocks toxic vapors while allowing water vapor to pass through, maintaining personal comfort and safety. The material is lightweight and selectively rejects chemical agents, making it an ideal solution for military personnel and emergency services.
A large-scale study found that immunosuppressive medications in RA patients may increase cardiovascular risk, particularly with cytotoxic agents and glucocorticoids. Biologic therapies, including TNF blockers, showed no protective effect against heart attacks or strokes.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that common chemotherapy drugs can be toxic to healthy brain cells, causing long-term damage and cognitive impairment. The study suggests that these drugs can disrupt neurogenesis and destroy oligodendrocytes, leading to significant neurological consequences.
A survey of IRB members found that over one-third have financial relationships with commercial firms, which could compromise the review process. The study highlights the need for clearer policies and more oversight to address these conflicts of interest.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has received a $1.3 million federal grant to create a graduate-level training program in second-language acquisition, focusing on the Yupik language. The program aims to provide K-12 teachers with tools to increase fluency and address second-language issues in the classroom.
Researchers will investigate how teacher understanding of professional development affects their teaching practices and student learning outcomes. The three-year project aims to understand the impact of professional development on student achievement, using data from 90 mathematics teachers.
The Embrace Journalism Award recognizes accurate and responsible reporting on urinary incontinence. Journalists from around the world were honored for their articles on this debilitating condition, which affects one in every three women at some time in their lives.
A new study found that nearly half of patients misinterpreted at least one prescription label instruction, regardless of literacy level. Patients with low literacy made the most mistakes, but even those with higher education struggled to understand the labels.
Researchers at Rutgers University have found chemical evidence of recycled rocks in Hawaiian volcanoes, suggesting the Earth's crust is being recycled on a grand scale. This discovery extends beyond calcium and includes other elements such as sulfur, hafnium, and lead, which provide clues about the origin and behavior of magma.
A study from Michigan Medicine found that over half of breast cancer patients who sought a second opinion received a change in their recommended treatment plan. Changes were often made based on reinterpreted imaging results or differing diagnoses, leading to new treatment recommendations.
Many developing country universities are at risk if they don't strengthen their research capabilities and address regional development problems. The pressures are greatest, the need most acute, and it's a matter of life and death. Strong research capabilities are essential for relevance and survival.
A new genetic theory suggests that certain offspring characteristics can only be explained by genetic cooperation between maternal and paternal genes. This challenges the prevailing view of a parental power struggle, instead proposing that positive interactions between mothers and their offspring drive imprinting patterns.
Researchers found that embryonic cells from a dog's notochord can regenerate disc cartilage, providing new therapeutic options for degenerative disc disease. The study suggests that CTGF-secreting notochord cells protect non-chondrodystrophic dogs against the condition.
Dr. Pierre Drapeau is being awarded the highest distinction in Canadian spinal cord research for his pioneering study of spinal cord development using the zebrafish embryo. This groundbreaking work has opened new avenues for understanding vertebrate development and genetics.
Researchers found lower levels of dopamine transporters in certain brain regions of ADHD patients compared to controls. ADHD patients experienced higher levels of inattention despite similar dopamine transporter levels, indicating a complex relationship between dopamine and attention.