A study identified pulse pressure as an important predictor of atrial fibrillation development, with increased stiffness associated with higher risk. The research found that a 20 mm Hg increase in pulse pressure was linked to a 34% increased risk of developing AF.
Researchers at U of MN have discovered a treatment to halt disease progression in advanced ALD patients by combining NAC and transplant. This breakthrough offers new hope for devastating disease affecting young boys.
Researchers found that dual therapy with Avastin and chemotherapy agent irinotecan halted tumor growth up to twice as long as comparative therapies, offering a significant advance in treatment for aggressive gliomas. The study's findings may lead to new options for patients with the poorest possible prognosis.
A study of 233 individuals found that negative grief emotions such as yearning and anger peak at specific times after loss, declining by approximately six months. Acceptance is the most frequently endorsed item, increasing steadily over time.
USP has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with PHARMEXCIL to develop mutually beneficial activities for improving the quality of medicines and dietary supplements in India. The partnership aims to enhance global pharmaceutical trade, particularly for Indian products.
UCLA scientists have been awarded $4 million in seed grants to fund innovative research projects on human embryonic stem cells. The Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine at UCLA will utilize these funds to explore various aspects of human embryonic development, immune response, and cell differentiation.
Scientists at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that the protein TCTP plays a key role in regulating cell size and proliferation in fruit flies. When TCTP levels are reduced, cells grow abnormally small, leading to reduced lifespan.
Researchers used gene chips to profile tumors before treatment and found markers that identified breast cancer subtypes resistant to Herceptin. They discovered that IGF-1R expression was associated with a lower response rate, and that resistant tumors continued to over-express the HER2 growth factor protein.
Researchers found that a core clock gene regulates stress response and blood pressure, providing a novel link to the diurnal variation in heart attack risk. The study suggests modifying the molecular clock using drugs could be a treatment for people with high blood pressure.
Researchers discovered Dap1, which controls the activity of enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis and drug metabolism. The study found that genetic variations in Dap1 may influence how people react to certain drugs.
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that a primer, developed by researchers at Dartmouth Medical School, improved medical interpretation skills among participants with varying levels of education. The primer, 'Know Your Chances: Understanding Health Risks,' was effective in both low and high socioeconomic groups,...
Stanford University researchers highlight the importance of ethics in addressing climate change, arguing that traditional cost-benefit analyses are inadequate. They propose the creation of a global assessment of human behavior to inform sustainable policies and recognize universities' critical role in solving the human predicament.
A new model developed by Arizona State University researchers predicts patterns of urban sprawl and their implications for natural systems and quality of life. The model aims to provide decision-makers with insights to plan growth that minimizes negative environmental consequences and protects the well-being of city-dwellers.
The AAAS symposium aims to address the environmental effects of large-scale livestock operations, including land degradation, air and water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Researchers will present findings on how to develop policies and practices to reduce adverse effects while ensuring food security and preserving natural resources.
Researchers found that women with pre-diabetic markers are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease and may benefit from more intense screening. The study suggests that the 'diabetes clock' starts ticking sooner for women than men, contributing to sex differences in heart disease mortality.
A new immunochemical fecal occult blood test (I-FOBT) shows promise in increasing colon cancer screening rates by being more accurate and convenient than traditional methods. The test uses antibodies to detect human blood in stool, eliminating dietary restrictions and allowing for personalized positivity thresholds.
Ancient people in Panama processed domesticated plants like maize, manioc, and arrowroot at least 7,800 years ago, revealing an earlier practice of farming than previously thought. This discovery confirms the importance of starch grain analysis as a method for studying human subsistence practices in tropical forests.
A team of researchers investigated the mechanism of phage DNA packaging, directly testing the connector rotation hypothesis. They found that it is unlikely to be the correct mechanism, and instead suggest a nonrotating model where ATPases compress and extend alternately, drawing in the DNA.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that C-Reactive Protein (CRP) directly induces hypertension in mice. The study, which manipulated CRP levels in mice with an engineered gene, showed a direct correlation between CRP and blood pressure elevation.
A study analyzed provider-reported events and errors in stroke patients, finding 12% experienced an adverse event and 86 were preventable. The hospital implemented new procedures to improve patient safety, including check sheets and safer medication delivery.
Researchers will develop software to predict unintended consequences of greenhouse gas reduction policies on the automotive market, life cycle environmental impact, and material demand. The goal is to ensure that policies effectively reduce emissions while minimizing undesirable outcomes.
A recent MIT study reveals a genetic link between gene mutations and schizophrenia, focusing on the calcineurin system as a potential target for future treatments.
A new study published in PLoS Biology found that cells change size and shape to form the heart's chambers, with blood flow and cardiac contractility influencing cell shape. The researchers propose a balance of internal and external forces necessary for optimal chamber curvature, potentially underlying some types of heart disease.
A new Saint Louis University study shows that young transplant patients who lose their federally provided insurance coverage are more likely to stop taking necessary anti-rejection drugs. This can increase the risk of losing the transplanted organ and even death.
Researchers estimate malaria transmission to be much higher than previously thought, ranging from 1-3,000, with serious implications for disease control. The study suggests that targeting the most frequently bitten individuals could lead to local elimination of malaria.
The US is training fewer people in computer science than needed to fill available positions, despite an abundance of job opportunities. A lack of adequate education in high schools and universities is contributing to the crisis, with economics being the principle driver.
Researchers have discovered that antibody signals can activate leukocytes to promote cell growth and increase blood supply in precancerous tissues, fueling cancer progression. Potential drugs already being tested may be able to block this pathway, offering a new therapeutic strategy for treating B cell lymphoma and autoimmune diseases.
A team of researchers, led by Alyson Thibodeau and David J. Killick, used physical sciences techniques to analyze archaeological artifacts at the La Isabela settlement. They found that the silver-bearing ore brought from Spain was extracted using an improvised smelting process, contradicting earlier historical accounts.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered that Restylane works by stretching fibroblasts, causing them to create new collagen. This natural collagen then contributes to reducing wrinkle appearance. The study also found that Restylane inhibits the breakdown of existing collagen.
Rebecca Slayton argues that while scientists can inform public debate, their role is limited due to the complexity of computing and testing. Computer professionals played a significant role in opposing missile defense proposals in the 1960s and 1980s, but their warnings were initially dismissed as pessimism.
A study by Thomas Foster at the University of Florida found that rats become forgetful due to an imbalance in brain cell communication. The researchers discovered that 'long-term depression' - a normal process that helps sculpt memory - can lead to rapid forgetting when it occurs excessively.
The American College of Physicians recommends periodic health evaluations to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. A new study found that immunochemical FOBT is an effective tool for detecting colorectal cancer, with high sensitivity and specificity rates.
A University of Alaska Fairbanks scientist advocates for collecting more and better data in fisheries management. This focus on data quality can lead to more accurate assessments of fish populations, ultimately improving the sustainability of fisheries and reducing environmental harm.
A large study of over 27,000 women found that those with high cholesterol were more than twice as likely to suffer a stroke compared to healthy women with lower cholesterol levels. The research suggests that avoiding unfavorable cholesterol levels may help prevent stroke.
Researchers have discovered that aged, fertilization-failure mouse oocytes can be used as cytoplasmic donors in nuclear transfer procedures, paving the way for future human egg use. This breakthrough could optimize cloning protocols and reduce waste of discarded IVF eggs.
A survey of 1,308 Florida adults found that 80% opposed abolishing the juvenile justice system, with nearly 40% strongly opposed. The study suggests that public opinion supports a child-centered approach to juvenile justice, emphasizing rehabilitation over punishment.
Ron Fedkiw's work on physically based simulation has improved realism in feature films, such as Poseidon and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. He designed new algorithms to simulate complex phenomena like water and fire, enabling unprecedented special effects.
A blood marker, procalcitonin, helps identify patients at increased risk of organ failure and death due to abdominal infections. Procalcitonin levels can predict multi-organ dysfunction syndrome and overall prognosis in patients with secondary peritonitis.
The Inuit are adapting to climate change in coastal communities such as Arctic Bay, but the transfer of knowledge between old and young is becoming less relevant. The use of dogs versus snowmobiles for travel over sea ice is a significant issue due to changing ice behavior.
Researchers have made progress in restoring bone function using bone tissue engineering, which uses stem cells to regenerate bone tissue. This technique has shown success in animal studies and holds promise for clinical applications, but further research is needed to overcome existing challenges.
Researchers found that multiple low-energy plasma treatments reduced wrinkles by 37% and improved facial appearance by 68%. The treatments had a minor healing process, making them an attractive option for patients seeking minimally invasive resurfacing procedures.
Rising temperatures could lead to extreme infant mortality and declines in nesting beaches across the USA, according to a study analyzing 26 years of loggerhead turtle nesting and climate data. Conservation efforts are recommended for protecting northern breeding grounds, as male turtles are essential for population sustainability.
Researchers found that hyaluronic acid injections induce type 1 collagen production in photo-damaged skin, suggesting potential benefits for facial skin as well. This mechanism may involve mechanical stretching of fibroblasts, stimulating growth factors and inhibiting collagen breakdown.
Researchers found a significant decline in moderate to vigorous physical activity among teenagers, from 5.9 hours/week in early adolescence to 4.9 hours/week in midadolescence for girls. Meanwhile, sedentary behaviors like computer use increased substantially, associated with increased risk of obesity.
A new multislice CT scan can quickly detect fatty blockages in the heart's arteries, ruling out heart attacks and reducing diagnostic time. This simple outpatient scan allows doctors to confidently send home patients with normal coronary arteries, while accurately identifying those with serious heart disease.
A team of Penn State researchers found that plant-derived omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may have a protective effect on bone health. The study, which included a controlled diet with three diets high in PUFA, showed significant decreases in biomarkers of bone resorption.
A study of 345 patients found that chronic dizziness was often caused by underlying psychiatric or neurologic conditions, with anxiety disorders accounting for 60% of cases. The research suggests that careful inquiry about key symptoms during evaluations can lead to more accurate diagnoses and targeted treatment recommendations.
Drinking spearmint tea can reduce androgen levels in women with hirsutism. A recent study found that consuming two cups of spearmint tea daily for five days lowered androgen levels in women with mild symptoms.
A genome-wide study of 1,200 families with multiple cases of autism has identified a previously unidentified region on chromosome 11 and implicated genes affecting glutamate neurons. The findings provide new insights into the genetic basis of autism and offer potential routes to breakthroughs in treatments.
Researchers found a specific area of the genome on chromosome 2 associated with attempted suicide, bipolar disorder and major depression. The study identified a high degree of genetic similarity among family members with a history of attempted suicide and bipolar disorder.
A global survey of healthcare professionals found that they rank childhood immunization and cancer treatment for smokers lowest, while prioritizing spending on younger populations. The study highlights the disconnect between professional priorities and actual spending patterns in most countries.
A novel Brandeis University study confirms that sight and sound use similar neural mechanisms for encoding and retrieving short-term memories from both senses. The study found that the errors made in memory for sounds are the same types of errors made in memory for sight, suggesting a common brain process.
A DNA study on ancient cave bear teeth found a sudden replacement of the mitochondrial DNA sequence around 28,000 years ago in the Ach Valley. The new genetic group is believed to have originated from neighboring bears who infiltrated the area after human migration and eventually became extinct.
Researchers found that surgeons who played video games regularly made fewer errors and worked faster during the Top Gun course. Video game players scored better overall than non-players, with those in the top one-third of gaming skill performing even more impressively.
David R. Franz, Kansas State University's National Agricultural Biosecurity Center director, warned of the vulnerabilities and threats to the nation's livestock industry due to increased animal concentrations and international transportation. He emphasized the need for a different set of tools to protect against intentional disease int...
A team of scientists has discovered a strong connection between carbon dioxide increase and warming during the Paleozoic Era. The research found that as Gondwana deglaciated and atmospheric CO2 rose, tropical regions became arid and vegetation changed dramatically.
An international team of researchers has identified one gene and a previously unidentified region on chromosome 11 as potential contributors to autism. The study, published in Nature Genetics, is based on genetic samples from nearly 1,200 families with two or more children who have autism.
Researchers found that an excess of SF2/ASF, a critical protein in RNA splicing, can cause cancer. The study identified specific genes whose patterns of splicing were altered by this factor, including a gene encoding a protein kinase required to maintain tumor cells in a cancerous state.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs with RNAi gene therapy, showing its effectiveness in shutting down viruses that cause diseases such as hepatitis and HIV in mice. With three human trials underway, the technique may be on the verge of widespread use for treating various human diseases.
A UI researcher emphasizes the importance of understanding molecular processes in solving environmental issues, as demonstrated by the case of Antarctic ozone thinning. She advocates for further research on molecular assembly and disassembly to safely recycle materials from outdated computers.