A recent study published in Law and Society Review reveals that pro bono work is influenced more by institutional factors than personal goodwill. The research found significant variations in attitudes towards pro bono work among lawyers in different practice settings, including small firms, large firms, solo practices, and in-house cou...
Researchers found that popularity lists for baby names, music, and dog breeds change at a steady rate, regardless of population size. The study suggests that innovation drives fashion change, with a small proportion of innovators influencing the majority through random copying.
An international study by the University of Bonn found that MRI can detect up to 30 cancers in the opposite breast of women with recent unilateral breast cancer diagnoses. The study's results show a 99.6% confidence level that no breast cancer is present if an MRI scan is normal, making preventive mastectomy unnecessary.
A multi-center study found that MRI screening detected cancer in the opposite breast in 30% of women with recent breast cancer diagnosis. The cancers were missed by previous mammography and clinical exam. The authors recommend MRI screening for high-risk populations, but emphasize its expense and limited ability to detect calcifications.
A new study suggests that balancing omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acid intake can reduce the risk of clinical depression and certain inflammatory diseases. Participants with higher levels of omega-6 and symptoms of depression had elevated markers of inflammation.
Scientists have identified a natural mechanism by which tumors and viruses evade the immune response, leading to the development of new cancer therapies. By inhibiting an enzyme called IDO, researchers hope to restore the immune system's ability to target cancer cells. Early clinical trials are underway to test this approach.
Women in their 70s who engage in moderate physical activity may reduce their risk of developing frequent arthritis symptoms. The study found that increasing exercise to 2 ½ hours per week can further decrease the likelihood of these symptoms appearing.
Experts warn of uncertainty over sea-level rise due to rapidly changing Antarctic Ice Sheet, particularly in the Amundsen Sea Embayment. Thinning ice shelves and increased melting are contributing to faster flow, potentially leading to 'runaway' thinning and several feet of sea-level rise over centuries.
A newly identified immunosuppressive protein, decoy receptor 3 (DcR3), is expressed in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts and protects them from apoptosis. DcR3's expression is increased by TNFα, contributing to the excessive growth of synovial tissue in RA.
Breakthroughs in environmental science and technology are showcased in the ACS News Service Weekly PressPac. Researchers have discovered a sugar-based solution to reduce chromium toxicity in industrial waste, while gold and silver nanoparticles offer an antidote to fuel cell poisoning. Meanwhile, scientists in protective clothing techn...
Researchers studied 366 participants with bipolar disorder, finding that adding antidepressants to mood stabilizers did not improve outcomes or trigger manic episodes. The study suggests careful management of mood stabilizer medications may be a reasonable alternative to adding antidepressants.
Biosite has identified a combination of three biomarkers that performed better in assessing risk of sepsis progression. The sepsis biomarker panel may aid in the rapid assessment of patients presenting to the emergency department with signs and symptoms of sepsis.
A new Duke University study suggests that healthy coastal wetlands can adjust to rising sea levels by maintaining their vegetation and sediment supplies. This adaptation enables the marshes to function as effective buffers against coastal storms, while also providing habitat for commercially important fin and shellfish.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have created nanostructured membranes that can recognize and bind to diverse organic and inorganic molecules. These membranes adopt the properties of the guest molecules, enabling applications such as controlling ion flow through films.
A major clinical trial shows that MRI scans can quickly identify cancer in the opposite breast of women diagnosed with cancer in one breast. The study found a 90% accuracy rate for detecting contralateral breast cancers.
Researchers at the University of Utah have discovered a way to manipulate far-infrared light for efficient transmission, paving the way for faster wireless communication. The technology also enables detection of concealed explosives and biological weapons using vibrational spectroscopy.
A new report published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that bronchial thermoplasty significantly improves asthma control, reducing symptoms and medication use. The procedure, which reduces airway smooth muscle, demonstrates promising results for patients with moderate or severe asthma.
A study assessed whether adding succinobucol, a novel agent with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, to optimal medical therapy reduces coronary events and death. The trial achieved a 19% relative risk reduction in hard atherosclerotic clinical endpoints, including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke.
Researchers design novel peptide-based drug to lower high blood pressure, targeting B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) hormone, and create hybrid molecule for treating both heart and kidney impairment in acute heart failure.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that obese and overweight men are more likely to have aggressive prostate cancer than biopsy results indicate. This discrepancy may lead to inadequate or inappropriate treatment, emphasizing the need for more accurate biopsies.
The US Economic Development Administration has awarded $1.5 million to the Rutgers-Camden Technology Campus to develop wet labs for a new Biotech-Life Science Business Incubator. The grant will create 255 jobs and generate over $17 million in private investment, supporting the growth of New Jersey's biotechnology industry.
Scientists have developed 'smart' sunglasses featuring electrochromic polymers that change colors in response to an electric current, offering a wide range of color options. The prototype shades are powered by a tiny battery and resemble regular sunglasses with a button-activated color-changing feature.
A new study by Jefferson researchers found that taking Plavix with aspirin after off-pump heart bypass surgery does not increase bleeding risk. Patients who took clopidogrel and aspirin experienced less gastrointestinal bleeding and fewer strokes compared to those on aspirin alone.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have made significant progress in cardiac tissue engineering, with promising results in growing pulsing heart muscle and tri-leaflet valves. However, challenges such as determining optimal cell types and finding effective methods to grow viable tissue still need to be addressed.
The project highlights the lack of adequate funding and research strategies for addressing environmental, health, and safety risks of nanomaterials. The proposal suggests investing a minimum of $100 million in targeted risk research to establish a science-based foundation for safe nanotechnology.
A new five-year study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that stable heart patients received no significant benefit from undergoing angioplasty compared to those treated with medication alone. The study showed a 19.5% rate of death, heart attack, and stroke among medication-only patients versus 20% for PCI recipients.
Researchers found that genetic mutations affecting DNA repair kits cause greater variation in individuals, leading to increased physical diversity. This contradicts the 'lek paradox' argument that sexually-selecting species should have less individuality.
A randomized controlled trial in Senegal found that training health-care personnel, communication with patients, and considering local context improved treatment adherence by 20%. The action strategy also reduced defaulting rates by two-thirds. This approach aims to restrict disease spread and prevent resistant strains.
A gene expression profiling test has been shown to correlate with oxygen saturation levels, pressure in the heart before pumping, and electrical properties of the transplanted heart. This test may provide a valuable tool to tailor therapies to meet the specific needs of each heart transplant patient.
A new Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that women with the highest trans fat levels in their blood had three times the risk of coronary heart disease as those with the lowest levels. The study, which measured trans fatty acid levels in blood samples, provides strong evidence for the health risks of trans fat.
The EVEREST trial showed that tolvaptan improved signs and symptoms of acutely decompensated heart failure, with significant reductions in body weight and improvements in dyspnea. Long-term use did not differ from placebo on survival endpoints, but tolvaptan may be a potential therapy for patients with heart failure.
According to MSU scientist Bruce Dale, cellulosic ethanol makes it possible to feed the country's population with less land, as animal feed production can be integrated into biofuel production. This will reduce pressure on our land resources and increase raw material yield from one acre of land.
Researchers found that overweight teens who lost weight engaged in significantly more moderate to vigorous physical activity (7.6 hours/week for females, 11.7 hours/week for males) and spent less time watching TV compared to those who gained or maintained weight. This study provides valuable insights into behaviors associated with succ...
Scientists have identified a potential new approach to raising HDL cholesterol levels, using a previously tested B-vitamin called niacin. The goal is to develop drugs with improved efficacy and tolerability compared to current statins.
Researchers have discovered that neural progenitor cells derived from human fetal stem cells can protect the vision of animals with degenerative eye disease. The new findings suggest novel ways to preserve vision in humans with no effective treatments.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have created soy-based macromolecules with comparable reactivity to isocyanates, a toxic intermediate used in many polymer products. The soy-based polymers demonstrate improved mechanical properties and are considered a safer alternative.
Researchers at University of Chicago and Bordeaux use laser beams to generate bulk flow in fluids, a phenomenon known as radiation pressure. The technique may offer a new twist to microfluidics, allowing for rapid adjustments and more efficient chemical reactions.
Researchers have developed smart glasses with electrochromic materials that can change transparency and color using minimal power. The prototype lenses offer endless options on one accessory, improving depth perception and contrast, and avoiding drawbacks of existing photochromic lenses.
A randomized trial found that Crataegus Extract WS1442 safely prolongs the lives of congestive heart failure patients, reducing cardiac-related deaths by 20%. The study involved 2,681 patients and confirmed the safety of the compound, which is currently approved for use in some European countries.
Alan Garen and Zhiwei Hu have developed a way to target and destroy tumor blood vessels using nanoparticles. The technology uses a synthetic gene that activates an immune response, allowing for selective destruction of tumors while leaving normal tissue unharmed.
Researchers monitored nearly 7,000 participants of different ethnic backgrounds, revealing that African Americans developed heart failure at significantly higher rates due to diabetes and hypertension. However, when statistical techniques excluded these risk factors, racial differences in heart failure rates disappeared.
A new Mayo Clinic study found that heart patients' likelihood of receiving a drug-eluting stent varies greatly by insurance type, hospital location, and procedural volume. Patients with private insurance are more likely to receive a drug-eluting stent than those with Medicare or Medicaid, while hospitals serving large numbers of Medica...
A new study shows radiofrequency ablation effective for early-stage, inoperable lung cancer, achieving survival rates equal to or better than traditional external beam radiation. The treatment resulted in a 57% five-year survival rate and controlled tumor progression.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have found that outpatient medication usage is not associated with anemia in patients admitted with decompensated heart failure. Additionally, the team discovered that beta blocker dose adjustment upon hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure can increase length of stay, and Fibul...
Research found that pregnant women who ate more than seven beef meals a week had sons with lower sperm concentrations and higher rates of sub-fertility. The study suggests a link between maternal beef consumption and reduced fertility in sons, potentially due to the presence of anabolic steroids and other xenobiotics in beef.
A new synthetic molecule has been developed to deliver an imaging enhancer to cholesterol-filled cells, improving detection by 79 percent. The technique allows physicians to diagnose unstable plaques and identify high-risk patients for early treatment.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new family of gene vectors, novel polymers that can ferry genetic material into cells. These polymers show promise for gene delivery and tissue scaffolds in biomedical applications, offering reduced toxicity to viral vectors.
A randomized study of 2,287 patients found that percutaneous coronary intervention plus optimal medical therapy did not improve outcomes compared to medical therapy alone. Lifestyle changes and medication management were effective in managing symptoms.
A UGA study reveals that people take notice when they feel worse than expected, but not when they feel better. This 'affective misforecasting' gap influences product evaluations. By creating realistic expectations, businesses can minimize this effect and improve customer satisfaction.
A study by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that blocking immune cell action increased amyloid-beta deposits and shortened life spans in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests potential new therapeutic strategies for early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
A University of Leicester study found that consuming high doses of stabilized rice bran significantly reduced the development of precancerous adenomas in the intestine. The research suggests a potential role for rice bran in preventing colorectal cancer, although further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers at the University of Guadalajara have developed a natural drug carrier derived from tequila that shows promise in targeting colon diseases. The microspheres, made from fructans, can protect drugs from stomach acid and improve their effectiveness.
Dr. Evan Snyder's study demonstrates human neural stem cells slow Sandhoff disease progression in mice, offering promise for brain repair therapies for special-needs children. The research lays groundwork for potential therapies for other complex childhood brain disorders.
A new implantable device has shown to effectively maintain heart function in transplant-listed patients, improving survival rates and quality of life. The study also explores the benefits of diuretic therapies in supporting left ventricular function, with promising results.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have introduced a DNA targeting component in light-activated molecular systems, allowing for more selectivity in attacking cancer cells. The new system uses visible light to signal the synthesized bioactive molecules to cleave DNA, reducing damage to healthy tissue.
A Phase I study at Rush University Medical Center found that adult stem cell therapy significantly improved heart, lung, and global function in heart attack patients. Patients receiving the therapy experienced a lower number of adverse events and were 75% less likely to experience arrhythmic events compared to those receiving a placebo.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have discovered that the impermeable ring formed by osteoclasts is composed of individual podosomes held together by protein filaments. This unique structure allows the cells to confine bone-eating acids and enzymes, enabling efficient bone digestion.
Blind and visually impaired students can engage with nanoscience through tactile models, bridging the gap between observation and experimentation. The 3D models are created from data generated by tools like SEM and AFM, allowing for a more immersive experience.
The MERLIN TIMI-36 study found that ranolazine reduced recurrent ischemia but not cardiovascular death or heart attack in patients with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndromes. The study provided new safety data on the drug's long-term use in high-risk patients.
Researchers found clevidipine to be more effective in controlling blood pressure compared to nitroglycerin and nicardipine. Measuring pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels can help diagnose cardiac versus pulmonary dyspnea.