Researchers used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to measure structural integrity of white matter in brains of people with autism. They found reduced white matter integrity in areas around the corpus callosum, which may underlie narrow-focused thought and weak coherence in individuals with autism.
A unique study published in PLoS Medicine found significant differences in street-based drug use patterns between African American and white men, with implications for tailored interventions. The research highlights the importance of understanding cultural backgrounds and motivations to improve patient access and adherence to care.
A new biologic treatment for chronic tennis elbow has shown promising results, with 93% of patients reporting complete satisfaction after a one-time injection of platelet-rich plasma. The treatment, which uses the patient's own platelets, provides significant pain relief and allows rapid return to activity.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered five transcription factors that correlate with socially regulated genes in honey bees. These findings suggest that the study may provide insights into social factors regulating gene expression in human brains.
Tiny Pacific 'housekeeper' crabs play a crucial role in preventing coral death by removing sediment from coral surfaces. Without these crabs, corals experience slower growth rates, increased tissue bleaching, and higher sediment loads.
A study found that women with premenopausal breast cancer and 4+ positive lymph nodes may experience improved 10-year cancer-free survival with aromatase inhibitors. However, patients over 60 years old or those with advanced age, comorbidities, or fewer positive lymph nodes may not benefit from additional therapy.
The People's Health Movement urges transparent selection of WHO Director-General amid concerns about corporate influence and inadequate funding. Candidates' profiles and responses to public questions will facilitate a more open examination of their strengths and weaknesses.
Researchers at Ohio State University used high-resolution carbon isotope stratigraphy to determine the age of Niagara Gorge rocks, finding they formed five times faster than previously thought. This new information will impact studies of global climate change and require scientists to re-examine previous work.
New research reveals statins can significantly reduce stroke incidence, myocardial infarction, and all-cause death in non-revascularized patients with severe carotid arterial disease. Statin treatment also showed no significant differences in age, gender, or other factors.
A Queen's University researcher has discovered a mineral that could explain the mountainous landscape of Mars, suggesting the planet was likely wetter in the past. The study reveals layering in rocks indicative of sediment manipulated by water, which would require significant water on the planet at some point.
Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) undergoing interventional heart procedures are at higher risk for dying within a week and experiencing complications such as blood clots and bleeding. The study analyzed nearly 20,000 patients and found PAD to be a strong predictor of life or death in these cases.
New research reveals that every US Gulf Coast bay in Texas and Louisiana is at risk of significant flooding and expansion within the coming century. The bays' delicate balance between river-borne sediments and rising sea levels will be disrupted by the construction of dams, leading to rapid flooding events with devastating consequences.
Researchers discovered that cells in young fruit flies use simpler DNA repair mechanisms compared to older flies. The findings suggest that these simpler methods may contribute to genetic damage and aging, but also leave behind residual damage from earlier years.
Rita Davis-Goldsberry, a breast cancer survivor, received the Survivor Circle Award for her advocacy work with uninsured patients. Barbara Knight-Meyers, Ph.D., was recognized as a Distinguished Honoree for her volunteer work at Insight Seminars. Both women have given back to their community after receiving treatment for cancer.
The CDF collaboration at Fermilab has discovered two rare types of particles, Sigma-sub-b [Ó <sub> b </sub> ], which are exotic relatives of protons and neutrons. These particles are made of two up quarks and one bottom quark or two down quarks and a bottom quark, and are extremely short-lived, decaying within a tiny fraction of a second.
A new finger-stick test for alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency may help identify patients at risk of developing lung conditions, enabling early screening and treatment. The test shows that World Trade Center rescue workers with low levels of A1AT protein had faster decline in lung function compared to those with normal levels.
Current and former smokers who used statins had lower lung function decline than those not using statins, regardless of smoking status. Statin use was found to decrease the decline in lung function by 10.3% in controls versus 1.3% in statin users.
In a study published in PNAS, researchers found that female pronghorns prioritize male vigor over ornamentation when choosing a mate. This leads to the survival advantage of offspring sired by these vigorous males, as they exhibit faster growth rates and increased survival up to five years.
Researchers report that polycystic ovary syndrome is significantly higher among overweight and obese Spanish women compared to lean women. The study, which evaluated 113 consecutive patients, found a marked increase in the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome among unselected overweight and obese women.
African-American women with breast cancer had lower survival rates and larger, later-stage tumors compared to Hispanic and Caucasian women. Research suggests intrinsic biological differences in the disease contribute to these disparities.
A recent study published in Neurology found that nearly 40% of children and teenagers with migraines no longer experience headaches 10 years later. Kids with a family history of migraines are more likely to still have migraines by adulthood.
A Montréal research group identified two essential components of negative feedback control in hormone regulation, which are deficient in about half of pituitary tumors from Cushing disease patients. This finding provides a molecular explanation for hormone resistance and may lead to better management of the condition.
Researchers discovered that mating with a 'fit' partner leads to lower rates of reproductive success in the next generation. The findings suggest a twist on evolutionary thinking, where the lowest quality couple produces the best offspring.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that pieces of cell walls from Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria hijack a protein on blood vessel lining and enter the brain and heart. Antibiotic therapy contributes to this damage by shedding more cell wall pieces.
Researchers found that high-fitness parents led to lower reproductive success for their offspring, particularly sons and daughters. This challenged the theory that females benefit from passing on good genes through sons.
A new study finds methylphenidate, a widely prescribed ADHD drug, to be safe and effective in preschoolers when used at low doses. However, younger children may experience slower growth rates and side effects such as irritability and weight loss.
A new 'umbrella-like' valve has been shown to be safe and effective for patients with emphysema, improving ventilation and reducing complications. The device, known as the IBV Valve, may provide a noninvasive alternative to lung surgery for patients who are not good candidates.
Two studies at ACG suggest that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who take medications as directed incur lower medical costs compared to non-compliant patients. Compliance rates were poor overall, but improved with age and education, with the elderly and younger patients scoring poorly.
A team of researchers identified a protein, Lck, that plays a crucial role in stimulating immune cells to recall past encounters with pathogens, enabling quick responses to reinfection. This discovery may aid in the development of vaccines against diseases like AIDS and autoimmune disorders.
Researchers found that a specific gene variation is associated with lower pain sensitivity and reduced risk of chronic pain. The study suggests that individuals with this genetic marker may be less sensitive to pain and have a lower risk of developing neuropathic pain.
A specific gene variant, GCH1, affects both acute and chronic pain sensitivity in humans. The protective version of the gene reduces the risk of developing chronic post-surgical pain.
Researchers have identified a connection between fracture traces and rock-cut tombs in Egyptian valleys, which may aid in locating and protecting previously undiscovered tombs. The discovery also offers insights into preserving the tombs from water damage, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
Researchers have developed a new type of laboratory mouse with human-like immune systems, allowing for the study of human-pathogen interaction and development of disease therapies. The 'Bone Marrow Liver Thymic' mice can fight certain infections, including toxic shock syndrome and Epstein Barr virus.
A panel of genomic tests analyzes a cancerous tumor's molecular traits to determine the most effective chemotherapy, potentially saving lives and reducing toxic side effects. The tests show 80% accuracy in predicting which drugs will kill the tumor.
Seventeen Australian researchers have been awarded funding from Pfizer Australia to conduct studies on various aspects of cardiovascular medical research. The grants, worth over $900,000, are seen as a stepping stone for researchers and will be recognized at the Sydney Hilton Hotel on October 21.
Wade Cooper, a University of Miami student, has been awarded a $80,000 scholarship to advance his research on the early life stage dynamics of stony corals in natural environments. His work aims to aid in coral's survival in the face of climate change and ocean acidification.
A national center for the Materials World Modules (MWM) program has been created at Northwestern University to expand educational efforts introducing materials science topics to students in grades 7-12. The program aims to spark interest in STEM fields by providing hands-on learning tools and real-world applications.
A recent discovery sheds light on fungi's evolution from water to land, revealing diverse mechanisms of spore dispersal and new tools for medicine and industry. The research provides a deeper understanding of these organisms' roles in nature and their potential applications.
A study of over 500 eight-year-old children aims to determine the most important factors present in childhood that lead to changes in blood vessel structure and function, including birth weight and rapid weight gain.
The Lupus Research Institute has awarded $4.5 million in grants to 15 scientists to pursue novel lupus research, with a focus on genes, bacteria, and neuropsychiatric lupus. The funding will support both basic and applied studies that aim to advance new treatments for the disease.
A team of researchers, led by Dr Clair Sullivan, aims to understand the link between obesity and cardiovascular disease. They believe that hormones produced from fat may be contributing to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
A Scripps Research study has identified a key regulator of lipid signaling networks that contributes to cancer. The findings suggest that the enzyme KIAA1363 may be a critical factor in tumorigenesis and could serve as a potential diagnostic marker for ovarian cancer.
Researchers discovered that phosphorylation of MeCP2 at S421 increases transcription of genes required for experience-dependent brain maturation, including BDNF. This study reveals a complex regulatory loop between BDNF and neuronal activity in regulating MeCP2 function.
The new biochip enables researchers to obtain 60 times more data in one reading than current technology, accelerating scientific research and drug development for muscle and nerve disorders. It also allows for the screening and identification of different crop lines, reducing time and cost.
Dr. Mara Diaz, a University of Miami Rosenstiel School researcher, is working on a project to develop a rapid detection tool for harmful algal blooms. The goal is to enable early warning systems and improve public health and regional economies affected by these toxic blooms.
Researchers have found a unique habitat on Crosby Beach where Elminius modestus barnacles thrive, offering insights into factors influencing colonisation. The hard surface of the statues provides an ideal environment for settlement and growth.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that individuals living in high Black concentrated neighborhoods were twice as likely to report poor health compared to those in low concentration areas. This association persisted even after adjusting for socioeconomic factors.
A new study by Wake Forest University psychologist Lisa Kiang suggests that positive feelings toward one's ethnic group can provide an extra boost of positivity in individuals' daily lives. Adolescents with higher ethnic regard rated their daily happiness levels higher than those with lower ethnic regard.
Research led by USC earth scientist David Bottjer suggests the Earth's environmental stressors led to mass extinction, contradicting meteorite strike theory. The study proposes a warming Earth and reduced ocean circulation as key factors in creating an environment where toxic hydrogen sulfide dominated, leading to species disappearances.
Researchers discovered that magnetotaxis, a phenomenon where bacteria align like tiny swimming compass needles, helps them detect lower oxygen concentrations more efficiently. This subtle advantage allows the bacteria to thrive in environments with limited oxygen, making their magnetic properties beneficial in nature.
A Princeton-led research group found an isolated community of bacteria nearly two miles underground that derives all its energy from the decay of radioactive rocks. The bacteria's ability to thrive in extreme conditions suggests life might exist on other worlds, including Mars.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a virtual newscast system that collects, edits, and organizes existing news stories based on user interests. The system utilizes Web resources to retrieve video, images, and blogs related to the story content, creating a personalized, automated news report.
Zaditor offers up to 12 hours of continuous itch relief with one drop, a significant improvement over most OTC products that only provide 3-4 hours of short-term relief. The medication is safe for use in children as young as three and does not contain decongestants that can cause rebound redness.
A Queensland University of Technology nationwide study found that women on lower incomes experience increased feelings of vulnerability as they grow older. They need information and want opportunities to learn about protecting themselves against violence, which affects their quality of life and social connectedness.
A large Italian case-control study found a significant association between high bread consumption and an increased risk of renal cell carcinoma. The study also discovered that consuming more vegetables may lower the risk, while eating pasta and rice may raise it.
The Wildlife Conservation Society has fitted GPS collars on eight saiga antelopes in the Mongolian Gobi Desert, aiming to better understand their movements and develop a comprehensive conservation strategy. The saiga numbers have plummeted by 95% due to poaching for Chinese medicines and competition with livestock.
Genentech, Inc has been ranked as the top biopharmaceutical employer by Science magazine for the fifth year in a row. The company was evaluated based on characteristics such as respect for employees and alignment with personal values. A total of 19 other pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies were also included in the top 20 list.
Researchers found an isolated bacterial community thriving in rock fracture water two miles beneath the surface. The unique microbes depend solely on geologically produced sulfur and hydrogen for energy, challenging the notion of life's reliance on sunlight.
Researchers developed a new technique called HYPER-CEST for Magnetic Resonance Imaging that can detect molecules at lower concentrations, enabling better medical diagnosis and treatment. This method uses hyperpolarized xenon signals to generate highly selective contrast and provides both spatial and biochemical information.
Women's math performance varies depending on whether they attribute gender differences to genetic or social causes. UBC researchers found that those who believed in genetic explanations performed worse than those who saw it as a social issue.