A new study published in PLoS Medicine suggests that delivering rheumatoid arthritis drugs directly into the central nervous system improves treatment outcomes. Researchers found that blocking a protein called p38 with spinal cord administration reduced inflammation, arthritis, and joint destruction in arthritic rats.
Rhesus monkeys display neonatal imitation, reproducing human tongue protrusion and lip smacking after watching experimenters perform similar gestures. The study suggests that imitation may have evolved earlier in the primate tree than previously thought.
A study found that maternal drinking during early pregnancy is linked to a higher risk of alcohol disorders in children, with increased exposure associated with difficulties in thinking, learning, and memory. The study suggests that in utero exposure to alcohol may predispose individuals to early onset of alcohol disorders.
Rising carbon dioxide levels pose unprecedented risks to climate change, as evidenced by an 800,000-year Antarctic ice core record. Human activity has increased CO2 beyond natural ranges, raising concerns about future sinks' effectiveness.
A study by UCSD researchers shows that the central nervous system can sense and modulate inflammation in joints, reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Blocking key signaling enzymes in the CNS resulted in decreased joint inflammation and destruction.
The article highlights the alarming rate of chronic diseases and injuries in Latin America and the Caribbean, with seven out of ten deaths attributed to these causes. The authors argue that lack of funding for health research is hindering efforts to address this crisis.
A new study suggests that higher levels of dopamine D2 receptors may provide a protective effect for those most at risk of developing alcoholism. The research found that these receptors, involved in emotional reactions and cognitive control, are elevated in the brains of participants with a family history of alcoholism.
Research supported by NIDA shows that prevention programs in middle school can reduce methamphetamine abuse among rural adolescents. The study found significant effects on both lifetime and past-year methamphetamine abuse, with a relative reduction of 65% compared to controls.
Researchers found a strong decline in lead levels in otters' bones between 1992 and 2004, reflecting reduced emissions from car fuel. The study highlights the importance of long-term monitoring and archiving of samples, providing valuable insights into human health impacts.
A revised dinosaur census by University of Pennsylvania scientist Peter Dodson estimates that 71% of discoverable genera are still awaiting discovery. The researchers predict that new discoveries will decline sharply in the early 22nd century, but a child born today can expect a fruitful career in dinosaur paleontology.
Nearly all U.S. children aged 12-17 years were exposed to tobacco use through movie advertisements televised in 2001-2002. The study analyzed 216 movie trailers, finding that 95% of young people saw at least one trailer with images of tobacco use.
A new study finds that both normal-weight and overweight individuals underestimate calorie content of larger meals. To improve weight loss estimates, consider doubling initial meal size estimates or estimating calories item-by-item. Meanwhile, virgin olive oil rich in polyphenols has been shown to increase 'good' cholesterol levels and...
Researchers argue that emotions, rather than reason, drive public distrust in institutions. The study reveals that concerns about risk are directly linked to lack of knowledge and emotional dread. Building trust requires transparency and reporting back after public consultations.
A US military hospital in Iraq treated 85 children from January 2004 to May 2005, with 56% having traumatic injuries. The experience highlights the need for hospitals near battlefields to prepare for treating civilians, including children.
The article highlights the importance of reliable estimates of global demand for an HIV vaccine in achieving various policy objectives. These objectives include convincing governments and industry to invest more in research and product development, guiding government planning of HIV vaccination programs.
Researchers developed a new, simple, and accurate dipstick test to identify the cause of bacterial meningitis outbreaks in Africa. The test uses patient spinal fluid and can determine the presence of four common meningococcus groups, paving the way for targeted treatment decisions.
Researchers found that anticipation can fire up two brain regions - amygdala and hippocampus - even before the event occurs, strengthening memories of disturbing events. This study has important implications for treating conditions like PTSD and social anxiety.
Scientists found that global warming accelerates springtime flowering, but CO2 and nitrogen deposition have opposing effects on wildflowers and grasses. The overall timing of plant growth is delayed under elevated CO2.
Research suggests that older fathers are more likely to have autistic children, with a significantly increased risk compared to younger fathers. The study, which analyzed data from over 318,000 individuals, found that advancing age among fathers was associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder.
Scientists found that global changes may alter the delicate balance of species coexistence by changing the timing of plant activity. Climate change accelerated springtime flowering of all species, but elevated carbon dioxide and nitrogen deposition caused wildflowers to flower earlier while grasses delayed their blooming.
Researchers found that small-town and rural school-based intervention programs significantly reduced short-term and lifetime methamphetamine use among adolescents. These findings suggest that brief but effective prevention programs can be effective in addressing the growing methamphetamine problem among teens.
Scientists from Newcastle University found a significant increase in extreme rainfall events in Scotland and Northern England over the past 40 years. The probability of such events increased by four times in Scotland and two times in Northern England, posing a major threat to flood risk management.
A new drug has been shown to improve blood flow in diseased arteries by reactivating a damaged enzyme, reducing the risk of high blood pressure and heart attacks. The discovery is a significant development for the treatment of cardiovascular disease and aims to challenge orthodox thinking on heart health.
A study published in Nature Medicine has found that certain non-biological drugs can dramatically reduce tissue inflammation by inducing apoptosis in inflammatory cells. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for patients with lung and joint diseases, including fibrosing alveolitis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Scientists at EMBL have discovered that beta-catenin plays a central role in determining whether blood cells form or not, and that an overactive Wingless pathway can lead to leukemia and other diseases. The study provides new insights into the processes within cells that lead to cancer.
A study of over 68,000 patients in 44 countries found that Eastern Europeans and Middle Easterners have the highest rates of heart attacks, strokes, and deaths from these conditions. The analysis suggests that cardiovascular disease is no longer exclusive to Western, industrialized world.
Despite an increase in drug development for killer diseases, researchers argue that more incentives and access guarantees are needed to address the lack of economic demand. The rise of public-private partnerships (PPPs) is also cited as a contributing factor.
A recent study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that bipolar disorder exacts twice as much toll on workplace productivity as major depression, costing nearly half as much in lost wages. The researchers attribute this disparity to bipolar disorder's more severe depressive episodes rather than its manic periods.
The genome sequences of P. ramorum and P. sojae could lead to strategies to combat these destructive plant pathogens. Phytophthora species cause significant losses in various crops, including soybeans, oak trees, and cocoa beans, resulting in hundreds of billions of dollars in economic damage annually.
A study by Emory University researchers found that depressed patients exhibit an exaggerated inflammatory response to psychological stress compared to healthy individuals. The study suggests a potential link between depression and other diseases, including heart disease.
A study by Maria-Christina L. Machado and colleagues found that women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who use long-term oxygen therapy have a 54% increased risk of death compared to men. The primary risk factor for developing COPD is smoking.
A new study questions the use of estrens as estrogen-like molecules for treating osteoporosis. Estrens improved bone strength in mice, but also caused adverse effects on reproductive organs and human breast cancer cells. Further clinical trials are needed to determine their safety.
Research finds British Army wives more resilient than their husbands in military life, with 88% wanting them to stay after deployment. Despite work-life tensions, wives prioritize financial security and feel better equipped to cope than husbands.
Genomic technologies hold potential to improve nutritional content and resistance of food crops, but their impact on world hunger depends on efficient exchange of knowledge and experience. Effective collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential for harnessing these technologies.
A recent study examines the effectiveness of forest certification programs in developing countries, finding that existing demand from North American and European markets has not significantly influenced forest management choices. The book argues that increased commercial support is needed for improved environmental and social practices.
Researchers have combined two therapies to enhance the immune system's response against brain tumors. The treatment, called dendritic cell-interleukin-23, promotes the function of dendritic cells and memory T-cells, providing initial and long-term immunity.
A new UCLA/LSU study found that consuming salad and raw vegetables is associated with higher concentrations of essential nutrients like folic acid, vitamins C and E, and carotene in the bloodstream. The research suggests that including one serving of salad or raw vegetables per day can significantly boost nutrient intake.
Researchers found that TRAIL can enhance hepatocyte cell death initiated by signaling through Fas, potentially leading to liver damage. The study has important clinical implications as liver cells expressing Fas are present during inflammation.
According to researchers at the US Department of Agriculture and the National Cancer Institute, most Americans do not meet daily recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables. The new MyPyramid recommendations are 2 to 6 ½ cups per day, with only 17 percent of women age 51-70 meeting their combined recommendation. Salad consumption is p...
Researchers found that estrens improved bone strength in mice with osteoporosis but also had adverse effects on reproductive organs and human breast cancer cells. This study suggests caution is needed for the development of estrens as a treatment for osteoporosis.
Katie Lee Joel joins forces with experts to promote low-phosphorus cooking, sharing six new recipes to honor her grandfather's memory and help patients manage chronic kidney disease. The Kidney Friendly Comfort Foods program aims to show that kidney-friendly foods don't have to be boring.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified a new type of sleep apnea called complex sleep apnea, which is a combination of obstructive and central sleep apneas. Complex sleep apnea patients often appear to have obstructive sleep apnea but do not fully respond to CPAP machines.
Researchers at Harvard University have identified two compounds, LTB4 and LXA4, that stimulate stem cell growth in the brain. These findings may lead to new therapeutic approaches for neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease.
Research suggests that children whose mothers had low vitamin E intake during pregnancy are more likely to develop wheezing and asthma by age five. Vitamin E exposure was found to have a dual effect on lung function and airway inflammation, with effects differing between early and later pregnancy.
A study by Rutgers University found that portion distortion, where consumers perceive large portions as normal serving sizes, may contribute to expanding waistlines. The research suggests that efforts to educate the public on limiting excess calories from foods like salad dressing have been successful.
Researchers found that carbon monoxide can prevent placental cell death caused by oxidative stress injury in a study published in The American Journal of Pathology. This finding suggests that carbon monoxide may be a possible treatment modality for pre-eclampsia, which affects 5-7% of pregnancies.
Researchers found that conservation measures appear feasible in gap locations with large tracts of habitat and sparse human populations. However, difficulties may arise near coasts and in regions with agricultural interests, highlighting the need for further efforts to establish new protected areas.
A study by UT Southwestern Medical Center reveals that mature muscle fibers, rather than their less-developed neighbors, are the tissues that turn malignant in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. This breakthrough provides insight into how the cancer arises and offers a new model for analyzing its genetic causes.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and Makerere University in Uganda have identified how the malaria parasite conceals itself in the placenta, paving the way for a potential vaccine. The study found that several receptors on the placenta are involved in binding to the parasite, contrary to previous laboratory studies.
European blackbirds born in cities exhibit a reduced stress response compared to those from forests, which may be the result of urban-specific selection pressures. This adaptation helps them thrive in concrete habitats around the globe.
A study found that reducing contrast material injection by at least 10% in elderly patients undergoing CT exams of the pancreas and biliary region can decrease costs and complications. This reduction was achieved without affecting image quality.
A new study shows MRI is better than MDCT for determining breast cancer's intraductal component, allowing surgeons to achieve a cancer-free surgical margin. MRI correctly identified 33 of 44 cases with an intraductal component, outperforming MDCT in sensitivity and underestimation accuracy.
A new study published in the Lancet found that aggressive treatment to lower blood pressure significantly reduces the risk of stroke and heart attack. The research, which involved over 160,000 individuals in 50 countries, highlights the importance of driving blood pressure down to very low levels rather than choosing specific medications.