Researchers present findings on how poverty affects cancer prognosis, ethnicity influences medical care, and genetics impact survival rates among different groups of women. A study reveals African-American women face poorer disease-free survival rates due to racial-specific biology, prompting a reevaluation of screening guidelines. Mea...
The University of Houston will receive a five-year, $2.3 million National Institutes of Health grant to fund a multidisciplinary approach to drug abuse research. The grant will focus on the health and social consequences of drug abuse among aging minority populations, with a particular emphasis on Latino injecting heroin users in the H...
Citrus growers in eastern Australia can now export to Japan with greater market flexibility thanks to the development of cold storage regimes effective against fruit fly. The new method kills Queensland Fruit Fly in citrus stored for 14-16 days at temperatures of 2° or 3°C, reducing damage and improving fruit quality.
Researchers used a novel imaging technique to study autistic children and found increased gray matter in brain areas governing social processing and learning by observation. The study revealed that increased gray matter does not correspond to IQ levels, indicating dysfunctional mirror neuron system function.
Two transporters, SMCT1 and SMCT2, can circumvent the blood-retinal barrier to deliver lactate and ketone bodies to a healthy eye, potentially preventing neuronal cell damage. Understanding these transporters' activity may enable early diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and natural delivery mechanisms for drugs.
A comprehensive review of evidence shows that pneumococcal conjugate vaccines can protect HIV-infected infants against pneumococcal disease. The vaccine can significantly improve the lives of HIV-infected children by reducing mortality rates.
Researchers created a molecular map of aging in mice by analyzing gene expression changes in 16 different tissues. The study found that different tissues exhibit distinct patterns of aging, suggesting three separate clocks for aging, and that some pathways are shared with human aging.
Researchers found a significant relationship between bone mineral density and fracture risk, regardless of trauma severity. Women who experienced high-trauma fractures were at increased risk for future fractures.
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute has established a collaborative Cardiovascular Research Network, tapping into Kaiser Permanente's rich electronic data systems to better understand cardiovascular diseases. The network will conduct three core research projects over the next five years.
LitInspector is a powerful literature and pathway mining system that offers quick and easy retrieval of pathways, genes, gene functions, and gene-gene interactions. The system utilizes cutting-edge text mining technology and leverages the largest gene synonym table available to provide comprehensive results.
Research by The Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry found that maintaining physical activity in middle age leads to better basic physical abilities as we age. Physical activity is associated with fewer than 13% of people developing physical disability. Weight is not a deciding factor in this benefit.
Engineers Dr. Colin P. Ratcliffe and Dr. Roger M. Crane developed SIDER, a nondestructive testing method for detecting flaws in composite materials. The method involves tapping the material with a specialized 'hammer' and recording data from mechanical vibrations.
Researchers report that sustainable biomass production may be hindered by soil organic matter needs, suggesting a need for alternative crops and improved agricultural practices. The study highlights the importance of considering multiple factors beyond just soil erosion when evaluating feedstock supply.
A groundbreaking study measures gene activity in malaria parasites in humans for the first time, revealing three distinct biological states and their connection to the body's inflammatory response. These findings may help explain the varying courses of the disease in patients.
A Harvard Medical School and PIH study found that integrating HIV testing into primary medical care reduced diagnosis delays. In a single clinic, 85% of patients diagnosed on first visit, and median delay was just 62 days.
Researchers found heavy negative ions in Titan's upper atmosphere, which may form complex molecules essential for life. The discovery poses questions about atmospheric chemistry and aerosol formation, suggesting that these ions form in the upper atmosphere before reaching the surface.
A Phase 2 study found that eltrombopag elevated platelet counts to a safe level in over 75% of chronic ITP patients within two weeks, reducing bleeding symptoms. The therapy also showed similar incidence and severity of adverse effects compared to the placebo group.
Researchers found a protective effect of the TT version of the MTHFR gene against colorectal cancer in Asian populations, but not in others. The study suggests genetics may play a role in understanding health disparities in minority groups.
David Sloan Wilson and Edward O. Wilson propose a new consensus and theoretical foundation for sociobiology, affirming Darwin's original conjecture that natural selection is a multilevel process. They show that adaptations can evolve at all levels of the biological hierarchy, from genes to ecosystems.
Researchers found that high-intensity manure management practices can increase the rate of antibiotic dissipation, but were not effective at reducing antibiotic resistance genes. Longer treatment times may be necessary to achieve significant reductions in both antibiotics and ARG.
Stereo mammography has been shown to reduce false positives by 49% compared to standard digital mammography, potentially cutting the number of women recalled for additional tests. The technology produces three-dimensional views of breast tissue, allowing radiologists to better interpret images and detect cancer earlier.
Researchers found that eltrombopag boosted platelet counts in a majority of patients with low platelet counts and cirrhosis due to HCV infection, allowing most to continue or start conventional antiviral treatment. The study's results are an important development for people infected with the hepatitis C virus worldwide.
Research shows that therapeutic drug monitoring of lamotrigine during pregnancy significantly reduces seizure activity and improves fetal health. The study found that adjusting dosages based on blood levels can prevent increased seizure frequency and ultimately improve the health of both mother and baby.
Researchers found energetic electrons most abundantly at sites of compressed density within magnetic islands, contradicting previous theories. This discovery provides an important step towards solving the mystery of electron acceleration during magnetic reconnection.
Research at Emory University found that therapeutic drug monitoring for lamotrigine during pregnancy reduces increased seizure activity and improves health outcomes. The study's findings suggest a potential benefit for pregnant women with epilepsy, allowing for targeted dosage adjustments to minimize risk.
Scientists at Sirtris developed potent SIRT1 activators, 1000 times more effective than resveratrol, to treat Type 2 Diabetes and age-related diseases. These findings hold promise for a new approach to treating metabolic and other diseases of aging.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers found that grape-seed extract is a viable natural alternative to synthetic ingredients for preserving meat quality in pre-cooked meals. The extract's phenolic compounds have been shown to be effective antioxidants in slowing the oxidation of fats.
Fuel cells face challenges such as membrane degradation, carbon corrosion, and platinum instability, leading to reduced durability. Researchers are working to understand the fundamental failure mechanisms and develop new materials or system approaches to mitigate these issues.
A K-State study predicts devastating economic impacts if foot-and-mouth disease were to occur in Kansas, with estimated losses of $36 million, $199 million, and $945 million for the state. The study analyzed three scenarios and found that larger outbreaks would result in longer durations and greater economic ruin.
Scientists have developed a method to control the magnetic properties of a commonly used blue dye, Metal Phthalocyanine, which could significantly improve information processing. The technique uses magnetism to regulate interactions between molecules, offering potential benefits for spintronics and quantum computing.
Scientists discovered three biological classes of malaria parasites with distinct metabolic states, including one linked to patient symptoms. The findings suggest a possible correlation between parasite behavior and disease severity.
Scientists at Jefferson Medical College have used PET imaging to observe hyperactive breast cancer genes in laboratory animals, marking a breakthrough in detecting and classifying cancer. This technology may help physicians identify breast tumors as early as possible and determine the appropriate treatment.
A study presented at RSNA suggests that CT scans can diagnose heart disease in low-risk patients, reducing hospital stays from 12 hours to just over 9 hours. This could lead to significant cost savings and improved resource utilization in emergency departments.
The study found a 121% increase in imaging exams performed on pregnant women between 1997 and 2006, with the greatest increases seen in CT exams. The researchers estimated that pregnant women are exposed to low but potentially harmful levels of radiation during these exams.
New study reveals that alcohol and tobacco use do not increase the risk of head and neck cancers in people infected with HPV16, a common strain of the sexually-transmitted virus. The findings suggest two distinct causes for these major cancers, requiring different prevention and treatment strategies.
A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center has identified the atrogin-1 gene as a key player in statin-related muscle toxicity. The researchers found that statins activate this gene, leading to muscle damage and atrophy, with potential implications for patients taking these cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Researchers at UC Davis Health System have identified a novel pathway that contributes to increased inflammation of blood vessels in type 1 diabetes patients. This finding may lead to the development of new treatments to reduce cardiovascular disease risk by controlling inflammation.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in deriving functional heart cells from human embryonic stem cells, exhibiting excitation-contraction coupling and handling calcium ions. The finding offers hope for future use of stem cell treatment in patients with end-stage disease, potentially avoiding the need for heart transplants.
A new risk prediction model for African American women has been developed and tested, providing more accurate estimates of breast cancer risk compared to the widely used Gail model. The model, known as CARE, accurately predicted the number of cancers observed in African American women in most subgroups.
A novel computer technique predicts side effects of major pharmaceuticals, including SERMs for breast cancer treatment. The approach shortens drug development and reduces costly recalls by identifying off-target proteins.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new, catalyst-free approach to create self-healing materials that can repair cracks in composite materials. The new system uses chlorobenzene microcapsules to restore structural integrity, with fracture tests showing a 82% recovery of original fracture toughness.
Using adult human stem cells, researchers found that the treated hearts contained more blood vessels and exhibited increased DNA repair activity. The study suggests that these stem cells have an instant stimulating effect on surrounding heart tissue following transplantation.
A computer model developed by Dr. David Morton is being expanded to prioritize radiation detector placement in high-risk areas, using data on smugglers' routes, materials, and methods. The goal is to detect nuclear smuggling attempts more effectively.
The UK Politics and International Studies research has been rated as world-leading according to a new report by the ESRC, PSA, and BISA. The discipline excels in areas such as political theory, electoral studies, and European Union studies.
A recent study by MIT scientists suggests that adult stem cells produced in the brain can only make limited connections, making it challenging to use them for replacement therapy. The research calls into question the potential of using adult stem cells to repair damaged brain tissue and replace lost neurons.
A study found that approximately 27% of obese gastric bypass patients weighing over 450 pounds were denied standard diagnostic imaging due to weight restrictions. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and compromised patient care.
A new automated dental radiograph matching system can reduce the task of forensic experts by up to 95% and produce matches at an average rate of less than four seconds. The system uses Phase-Only Correlation technology to align images and measure their similarity, resulting in a significant reduction in time spent on identification.
A £1.7 million project led by the University of Leeds seeks to fully sequence the DNA of G. pallida, a parasitic worm attacking potato crops worldwide. The research aims to understand its mechanisms and lead to sustainable management methods.
Researchers at NIST have shown that silicon crystals can develop cracks and breakdown under mechanical stress, contrary to conventional wisdom. The team's findings have significant implications for the design of micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) devices, which are critical components in various industries.
The newly completed map of Antarctica is a result of NASA's state-of-the-art satellite technologies, offering the most geographically accurate and high-resolution views of the continent. The Landsat Image Mosaic of Antarctica will enable researchers to better plan scientific expeditions and help scientists map various rock formations.
Computed tomography (CT) autopsies have been shown to be a sensitive tool for detecting injuries and cause of death in victims of blunt trauma. In a study comparing CT with conventional autopsy, CT accurately identified the cause of death in all 14 blunt trauma cases and five out of six penetrating wounds.
New community-associated MRSA strains have emerged, spreading amongst the public in the USA, and are now a concern for children's health. These strains produce a toxin called PVL, leading to severe infections with high mortality rates if left untreated.
Researchers developed an independent measurement system using cameras, microphones, and laser scanners to evaluate the performance of advanced collision warning systems. The NIST technology detected objects within eight-tenths of a meter from up to 60 meters away at speeds of up to 56 mph.
Two studies led by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers suggest that HIV subtype E is more virulent than other subtypes, leading to significantly shorter survival rates in Thailand. The studies found a median survival time from infection to death of 7.8 years for Thai men, compared to 11 years globally.
A Mayo Clinic study shows cryoablation can provide durable pain relief for patients with bone metastases. Eighty percent of patients experienced significant pain reduction after the treatment, which also improved their quality of life.
Male BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers have a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to noncarriers. A high carbohydrate diet may also promote prostate tumor growth in mice, while infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with an increased risk of head and neck cancers but does not further increase the risk when...
A systematic review of recent studies suggests PET imaging can accurately diagnose and stage lung cancer, even in early stages. The imaging modality is found to be more accurate than CT imaging for treatment decisions in non–small-cell lung cancer patients.
A study found that high-trauma nonspine fractures in older women and men are associated with low bone mineral density and an increased risk of a subsequent fracture. The researchers analyzed data from two U.S. studies and found that low bone mineral density was strongly associated with high-trauma nonspine fractures.
Researchers found that blocking blood vessel growth with an antiangiogenic agent can reduce inflammation and improve antitumor efficacy of oncolytic virus therapy. This approach may increase survival rates for patients with aggressive brain tumors.
A new molecular method can identify multidrug-resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii in four hours, allowing for prompt isolation and infection control measures. This rapid test has the potential to reduce transmission and improve patient management.