Researchers discovered the first human case of insect-transmitted Chagas parasite in Louisiana, with over half of collected insects carrying the parasite. The finding, while significant, does not represent a widespread public health concern due to limited rural housing conditions.
Researchers at the University of Alberta discovered that dichloroacetate (DCA) can normalize mitochondrial function in various cancers, leading to a significant decrease in tumor growth. DCA's unique mechanism may allow it to selectively target cancer cells while sparing normal tissues.
A randomized trial found that increasing chemotherapy dose intensity did not improve survival rates in patients with osteosarcoma. However, the dose-intensive regimen showed better tumor cell death and lower risks of certain side effects. The study challenges the use of histologic response as a key predictor factor for treatment outcomes.
The FDA has approved LIALDA (mesalamine), the first oral once-daily mesalamine for patients with active, mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. Clinical trials found LIALDA effective in inducing remission compared to placebo after eight weeks of treatment.
A study published in JAMA found that South Asians have higher levels of heart attack risk factors, such as smoking and diabetes, at younger ages. The research suggests that lifestyle changes implemented early in life can reduce the risk of heart attacks in South Asians.
Scientists have developed a method to rapidly separate blood plasma without moving parts, leveraging the phenomenon of tea leaves accumulating at the center of a stirred teacup. This technique could significantly speed up medical tests, such as cholesterol level checks and glucose testing for diabetics.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new fuel cell design that allows for precise control over power output and reduces complexity. The system uses a novel approach to regulate hydrogen flow, enabling efficient water management and higher power production.
A new study conducted at Brandeis University and Malaysia found that a modified fat replacing trans fat causes an increase in blood glucose levels and depresses insulin in humans. The researchers discovered that this interesterified fat had a similar impact on cholesterol levels as trans fat, but with weaker effects.
The Eastern Arc Mountains in Tanzania and Kenya are home to over 1000 endemic species, many with ancient lineages. Effective conservation requires addressing human needs and securing protected areas to preserve biodiversity.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that a simple chemical link called a thioester bond acts like a switch to control the handoff of a protein called NEDD8 between enzymes E1 and E2. This switch triggers a biochemical cascade that keeps cells alive and functioning normally, including regulating cell division.
Researchers found that blood vessels associated with brain tumors create a microenvironment that sustains cancer stem cells. Disrupting this microenvironment with antiangiogenic drugs reduces CSCs and arrests tumor growth.
The Society of Hospital Medicine and John Wiley & Sons will launch InfoPOEMs for Hospitalists, providing high-quality evidence-based medical research summaries. POEMs are reviewed by at least 15 physicians prior to publication and published in leading medical journals.
A special section of The Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences explores the relationship between delirium and dementia, finding potential biomarkers for delirium and a link between anesthesia and long-term delirium. Delirium is a common complication in older adults, affecting over 4 million individuals in the US each year.
Researchers found antiviral drugs highly effective in preventing seasonal flu illness, with oseltamivir at 81% efficacy. Treatment also reduced infectiousness, particularly with oseltamivir, but further studies are needed to confirm results.
A new UCLA study warns that the World Health Organization's (WHO) plan to track transmitted HIV drug resistance in Botswana may not be effective due to a high detection threshold. The researchers suggest revising the threshold to around 3 percent to detect resistance earlier and provide more accurate information on the situation in Bot...
Researchers have made progress in nanotech workplace safety, including new instrumentation and innovative exposure control methods. However, critical questions about worker safety remain unanswered, highlighting the need for further study to ensure safe nano-workplaces today and in the future.
A systematic literature review found that opioids are effective only in the short-term (less than four months) treatment of chronic low back pain. Long-term effectiveness is not conclusive, and behaviors consistent with opioid abuse were reported in 24 percent of cases.
AZD2171, a new angiogenesis inhibitor, has shown significant promise in treating glioblastomas by reducing tumor size and alleviating debilitating brain swelling. The treatment also appears to normalize blood vessels, creating a window of opportunity for other therapies to be more effective.
A new form of stem rust, Ug99, has jumped from eastern Africa to Yemen, infecting wheat in the Arabian Peninsula and spreading rapidly. The disease is predicted to reach vast wheat-growing areas of North Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan, and India.
Researchers found that ski pistes above tree line have fewer species and lower bird numbers compared to natural grassland at similar altitudes. Ecologists warn of potentially serious threat to wildlife habitat conservation in the Alps.
French researchers applied quantum chemistry to enzyme models and found that lead's electron shield causes toxic effects in the nervous system, kidneys, liver, brain, and blood. The complexation agents used as antidotes may not be lead-specific, removing other important metal cations from the body.
Scientists have developed a powerful method for charting nucleosome positions in the human genome, which could help uncover clues for cancer and other diseases. The technique successfully pinpointed the location of nucleosomes in thousands of promoter regions across seven human cell lines.
A study by St. Jude researchers found that brain tumors arise from cancer stem cells living in microscopic protective niches formed by blood vessels, disrupting these niches may block tumor growth. The team showed that targeting blood vessel cells could eliminate CSCs and prevent tumor reappearance following treatment.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a powerful computer model to explain the mechanism of an intein, a type of protein that cuts itself out of host proteins. The study uses quantum mechanics to reveal new insights into the reaction's behavior and potential applications in nanotechnology.
Researchers found that different statistical methods can produce varying results when analyzing observational data. Using instrumental variable analysis, they found a 16% relative decrease in death rate, whereas other methods showed a 50% relative decrease.
A study found that chemotherapy with gemcitabine significantly delayed cancer recurrence in patients following pancreatic cancer surgery. The estimated median disease-free survival was 13.4 months for the gemcitabine group compared to 6.9 months for those without chemotherapy.
Researchers at U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center and Stanford University have identified a stem cell marker in head and neck tumors, which may help develop targeted therapies. The study found that cells expressing the CD44 marker can grow into new tumors, suggesting a potential target for cancer treatment.
A survey conducted by University of Delaware researchers found that over 90% of Delawareans support offshore wind power, even with increased electric bills. The study suggests that increasing public awareness and concern about climate change may contribute to this strong support.
A new surgical technique, 'beavertail' surgery, has given back the ability to swallow to patients with tongue cancer. The procedure involves modifying an existing technique by adding a 'jellyroll' of fat and connective tissue to replace diseased tongue tissue.
Two studies reveal that nearly 10% of SIDS victims have mutations in genes associated with potentially lethal heart rhythms. Researchers identify several genetic contributors and propose strategies for identifying infant carriers before death.
A team of researchers found the cellular mechanism that prevents protein mutations and accumulation, a hallmark of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This discovery may lead to new insights into neurological disease origins and potential therapeutic strategies.
A new investigation into Napoleon's cause of death reveals that he died of a very advanced case of gastric cancer stemming from an ulcer-causing bacterial infection. The analysis suggests that gastrointestinal bleeding was the likely immediate cause of death and points to a poor prognosis for patients with such advanced cancer.
A new study by Harvard researchers has linked periodontal disease to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Men with periodontal disease had a 63% higher risk of developing the disease compared to those without it, after adjusting for other factors.
A new study found that calcium supplements can reduce the risk of colorectal adenoma recurrence by up to 5 years after stopping supplementation. In contrast, antioxidant supplements did not show a significant effect on gastric cancer risk.
A new study by the University of Washington reveals that early college entrants are not unhappy 'nerds' but rather versatile, interesting, and sociable individuals. The research found that most students who entered college at a young age reported living up to their expectations in various areas of life, including work, intellectual pur...
Applied scientists developed a method for creating wrinkled hard skins on polymer surfaces using a focused ion beam. The technique has potential use in biological sensors and microfluidic devices, as well as custom-made cell templates for tissue engineering.
Researchers have unveiled the size-dependent evolution of structural and electronic structural motifs of gold nanoclusters. The experiments show near perfect agreement pertaining to the cluster structures occurring in the experiments, which is crucial for understanding their behavior as nanocatalysts or in medical applications.
A recent study identified common flaws in oncology microarray studies, including inadequate methods to account for false-positive findings. Researchers provide guidelines to improve the quality of analysis and reporting of such studies, aiming to validate scientific findings through replication.
A study of 62 patients who underwent closed reduction found that nearly one-third reported dissatisfaction with their nose after treatment. The majority of dissatisfied patients wanted revision surgery due to persistent aesthetic concerns or nasal obstruction.
A large randomized controlled trial found that taking low-dose aspirin every other day can reduce the risk of newly diagnosed adult-onset asthma by 22 percent. The study, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, involved over 22,000 healthy male physicians aged 40 to 84 years.
A recent study published in Neurology found that patients undergoing combined heart bypass surgery and carotid endarterectomy experience a 38% higher chance of death or postoperative stroke compared to those who undergo coronary artery bypass surgery alone. The study suggests that the combined procedure may not provide additional benef...
A new study suggests that HIV-positive mothers who receive adequate support can safely breastfeed either formula or short-term breastfeeding without compromising their infant's chances for survival and health. The research highlights the importance of providing comprehensive care to these mothers, enabling them to make informed decisio...
A study found that learning skin self-examination with a partner enhances the perceived importance and performance of this critical cancer prevention behavior. Participants who learned together showed stronger intentions to examine their skin regularly, especially in hard-to-see areas like the scalp and back.
Researchers are developing a new treatment approach using a patient's own immune cells, called T cells, to fight skin and breast cancer. The goal is to train the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, potentially leading to improved treatments.
The James Webb Space Telescope will enable fundamental breakthroughs in our understanding of the formation and evolution of galaxies, stars, and planetary systems. The telescope will complement and extend the discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope with longer wavelength coverage and greatly improved sensitivity.
Patients with hippocampal damage experience severe impairments in imagining new experiences and planning for the future. They struggle to visualize complex scenarios, instead seeing fragmented images. Researchers suggest a common brain mechanism underlying memory recall and imaginative thinking may be affected.
A systematic review found smokers have a higher risk of TB infection and disease compared to non-smokers. Indoor air pollution from tobacco smoke was also associated with an increased risk of TB infection, disease, and mortality.
Researchers at Queen's University have discovered a new peptide molecule that significantly enhances the effectiveness of current treatment for advanced breast cancer. The molecule, called ANK, blocks resistance to cancer drugs and has shown a 3.5-fold increase in anti-cancer drug efficacy.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota successfully used adult stem cells to replace the immune system and bone marrow of mice, offering a promising new therapy for people in the future. The study replicated previous findings and demonstrated that multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) can give rise to blood cells.
A recent study published in Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery found that outcomes following surgically implanted bone-anchored hearing aids are comparable for children younger than 5 years and those older than 5 years. Early and consistent stimulation of the cochlea is critical to a child's development of speech and language.
Researchers found a blood test ratio to be an effective alternative to the expensive mononucleosis spot test. The lymphocyte-white blood cell count ratio can correctly diagnose mononucleosis with high sensitivity and specificity, differentiating it from tonsillitis.
A review of human growth hormone use in healthy elderly people found minimal benefits and high adverse events. Narcotics are often prescribed for chronic back pain but have poor efficacy data and high abuse rates. Meanwhile, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has improved HIV survival rates among those diagnosed since 2000.
A Stanford study systematically reviewed medical literature on growth hormone therapy for the elderly, concluding that it has minimal to no benefit and potential adverse side effects. The research found modest effects on body composition but no impact on clinically important outcomes such as bone density or cholesterol levels.
A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that combining a long-acting bronchodilator with an inhaled corticosteroid reduced exacerbations by 35% in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The treatment was well-tolerated, but raised concerns about potential sys...
Researchers developed a score based on protein markers to predict inflammation in amniotic fluid, associated with preterm delivery and infant sepsis. The 'Mass Restricted' (MR) score showed promise in identifying women at risk of preterm birth and babies with suspected or confirmed sepsis.
A study of 44 industry-initiated trials found that ghost authorship was present in 33 trials, with statisticians being the most common ghost authors. This practice undermines scientific integrity and highlights the need for stricter guidelines to prevent it.
A study has identified rural individuals who frequently visit trauma centers for separate injuries, with substance abuse being the common thread. These recidivists are more likely to be older, white, and female, and have higher rates of positive blood alcohol screening results.
A review found that growth hormone had minimal effects on body composition but increased rates of unhealthy side effects, diabetes, and adverse events. The use of GH for anti-aging in healthy adults is not recommended due to the lack of evidence and potential risks.
A new study of over 7,000 Japanese-American men found that those from large families were more than twice as likely to develop stomach cancer due to the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Younger siblings in these families appeared especially vulnerable to the most common type of stomach cancer.
The Chicago Parent Program, a successful parenting skills program, aims to reduce child misbehavior by equipping parents with preventive strategies. A new study will explore ways to increase parent participation and provide insights into the cost-effectiveness of the program.