A community-based weight control program, Girls Health Enrichment Multisite Studies (GEMS), demonstrated a significant reduction in the prevalence of obesity among 8-10 year old African-American girls for up to two years. The program's success was attributed to changes in dietary intake and education.
A new study published at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions found that cholesterol-lowering medication simvastatin can disrupt sleep patterns in some individuals. Researchers compared two types of statins and observed a significant adverse effect on sleep quality among those taking simvastatin.
A study of 454 patients with chronic-phase CML taking imatinib for over six years found a high estimated six-year survival rate of 76 percent and strong correlation between overall survival rates and cytogenetic response. The incidence of serious side effects was low, with no long-term new toxicities observed.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System have identified a key enzyme involved in the development of Type 1 diabetes. The discovery, centered on the 12/15-lipoxygenase gene, has significant implications for understanding and treating the disease, with potential applications for preventing or reversing Type 1 diabetes.
The UK's first independent Centre for Charitable Giving and Philanthropy has been established to support high-quality research and inform policy decisions on charitable giving. The centre will explore individual, corporate, and institutional giving, as well as its impact on social and economic inequalities.
New fly genomics research provides a comprehensive view of adaptive protein evolution, revealing the role of adaptation in evolution and human genome uniqueness. The study found that stretches of DNA with high variability in Drosophila simulans did not match up with areas of divergence between species.
The complete genomes of 12 Drosophila species were published in Nature, revealing genetic differences similar to those between humans and chickens. This research provides a less-biased view of evolutionary processes, enabling a better understanding of the human genome.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have identified the normal functioning of an RNA-regulating protein called muscleblind, which helps explain how myotonic dystrophy disease occurs. The study found that muscleblind binds to both normal and toxic forms of RNA, highlighting a key clue to understanding the disease.
Researchers found that caffeine reduced the rates of cerebral palsy and cognitive delay in preterm babies, with only 40% experiencing unfavorable outcomes by age two. The study involved over 2000 premature infants and showed significant long-term benefits of caffeine therapy.
A study found that athletes frequently take supplements without knowledge of their actual effects, leading to potential health risks. The research team recommends that education about supplement use become a required part of sport coach accreditation.
UCSD researchers have discovered that inflammation from immune cells called macrophages leads to insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. By disabling the macrophage inflammatory pathway, insulin resistance can be prevented in mouse models.
Researchers found that mice without lubricin experienced early wear and increased friction in their joints, highlighting the protein's role as a boundary lubricant. The study's findings suggest injecting lubricin or its close cousin could prevent wear in joints, reducing the need for joint replacement surgery.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that fear of weight gain is a significant obstacle to quitting smoking for many women, who often have unrealistic body images and eating problems. Despite this, most weight-concerned smokers can be successful in kicking the habit with help.
The discovery of a fifth planet around 55 Cancri is significant due to its habitable zone, where water could exist as a liquid. The planet's size and orbit suggest it may be rocky, with a potential for life.
Duke University neuroscientists discovered that the brain region processing global gist of an event is more active in individuals with false memories. This finding could lead to tools for early Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and a better understanding of memory changes during aging.
A team of researchers has made a breakthrough in understanding the mechanisms that regulate hemoglobin's ability to transport oxygen. By using sophisticated atomic calculation techniques, they have identified the factors that control hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen, which can now be used to design alterations of its structure.
NIAID has awarded eight contracts to strengthen and expand its VTEUs, which will carry out more clinical trials in larger populations and safely test vaccines in specific vulnerable populations. The units will have inpatient beds for isolating volunteers, making it easier to conduct trials quickly.
Research presented at Neuroscience 2007 found that Concord grape juice and Cabernet Sauvignon polyphenols can slow beta-amyloid neuropathology. The study suggests a potential protective role for non-alcoholic, polyphenol-rich Concord grape juice in maintaining long-term cognitive health.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that heart transplant recipients who receive commonly used blood-vessel-opening drugs can achieve similar survival rates as those without high pressure. The study of 10,331 patients showed a reduced survival rate for those who did not respond to therapy. These findings bring new hope to hundr...
Chronic kidney disease is more common than previously thought, affecting over 13% of the US population, primarily those with diabetes and hypertension. The study highlights the importance of blood pressure control, blood sugar management, and avoiding toxic medications to slow disease progression.
Researchers found that nicotine can initially reverse alcohol-induced cognitive deficits, but tolerance develops with continued administration. Chronic nicotine exposure produces cross-tolerance to the effects of low-dose alcohol on learning, potentially exacerbating addiction.
A $50,000 USDA grant will help Kansas State University's Rural Grocery Store Sustainability Initiative connect independent grocers and provide strategies for keeping small-town stores viable. The goal is to improve customer health by promoting healthier food options in rural areas.
A Northwestern University study found that a high-fat diet disrupts the body's internal clock, causing animals to eat during their natural rest periods. The study suggests that this disruption can lead to negative effects on metabolism and increase the risk of obesity and diabetes.
A team of Australian researchers has developed a novel treatment for obesity and extreme weight loss in late-stage cancer patients. By targeting the MIC-1 molecule, which sends a 'don't eat' signal to the brain, they hope to prevent this condition and improve chances of recovery.
A study of over 1,300 youths found that those with asthma are 1.9 times more likely to develop depressive or anxiety disorders. Young people with both conditions often struggle to manage their asthma, leading to impaired physical functioning and increased risk of smoking.
Haesun Kim's research focuses on Schwann cells and axon communication links in myelination, which may lead to remyelination and correction of neurological disorders. The study aims to pinpoint the sequence and nuances of communication links involved in myelination.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory scientists have developed a novel, low-cost method for sifting the human genome's high-value regions. The technique, called selective resequencing, enables researchers to target specific areas of interest and extract valuable genomic data from relatively small DNA samples.
Researchers argue that focusing on specific nutrients is misguided and instead recommend considering the benefits of entire food products and patterns. Studies have shown that isolated supplements often do not provide health benefits, while whole foods with naturally occurring nutrients can improve long-term health.
Researchers found that animals, like plants, can build tolerance to infections at a genetic level, allowing them to withstand parasite loads. This tolerance is negatively related to resistance, with animals either killing or tolerating parasites but not both.
David R. Holmes Jr., a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, received the James B. Herrick Award for his pioneering contributions to interventional cardiology and advancements in coronary revascularization through balloon angioplasty and stenting. His work has significantly improved patient care and saved countless lives.
Researchers found that breakdown of chlorophyll in ripening fruits produces highly active antioxidants called nonfluorescing chlorophyll catabolytes (NCCs). These NCCs are effective against oxidative stress and may play a role in human health. The study suggests that consuming ripe fruits regularly can provide potential health benefits.
A new vaccine targeting angiotensin II has shown promising results in reducing blood pressure in a small study. The vaccine produced strong antibody responses and significantly lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressures in patients with mild-to-moderate high blood pressure.
Researchers found that fasting was associated with lower odds of being diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients who fasted. Fasting was linked to healthier arteries, even in people with diabetes, although the study does not recommend skipping meals for diabetics.
A Canadian research team uses IBM's World Community Grid to accelerate the analysis of cancer research data, unlocking insights into protein function and potential cancer-fighting drugs. With over 86 million images of proteins captured in 14.5 million experiments, this initiative aims to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that fat cells release an enzyme called Nampt, which enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. This discovery could lead to new methods for improving glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetic or insulin-resistant individuals.
A new clinical trial in Uganda has found that a combination of nifurtimox and eflornithine is effective in treating African sleeping sickness without treatment failure or deaths. The novel treatment approach holds promise for stage 2 HAT patients, and further evaluation with larger trials is ongoing.
A small study found that diesel exhaust increases clot formation and blood platelet activity in healthy volunteers, which could lead to heart attack and stroke. Researchers measured clot formation, coagulation, and inflammatory markers after exposure to diluted diesel exhaust.
A study found that the prevalence of functional impairments is increasing among older obese individuals in the US, despite improvements in cardiovascular health. Obese individuals are more likely to experience disability, including difficulties with daily activities.
A recent study found that individuals with an affected mother have reduced brain metabolism in certain regions, similar to Alzheimer's patients. This suggests a possible link between maternal transmission and increased disease risk.
Researchers find liquid-like behavior in granular particles bouncing off a target, similar to quark-gluon plasma experiments. The discovery provides insight into phenomena beyond equilibrium states, revealing classical concepts influencing quantum-scale events.
Scientists have found a specific way in which copper contributes to the disease process in Alzheimer's. Copper damages the molecule LRP, which normally escorts out amyloid beta from the brain, leading to increased levels of the toxic substance in the brains of people with Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that a low dose of m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) improves glucose tolerance and lowers insulin levels in obese and diabetic mice. The drug works by stimulating a-melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptors, which is important for appetite control.
A randomized trial found that cardiac resynchronization therapy did not improve peak oxygen uptake in patients with Class III heart failure and mechanical problems. The study's results suggest that CRT may only benefit a smaller subgroup of patients with narrower QRS complexes.
A University of Manchester team discovered that theropod dinosaurs had avian-like air-sac respiratory systems, allowing for efficient oxygen supply. This finding supports the theory that dinosaurs were direct ancestors of birds and had similar characteristics.
A study by Brookhaven National Laboratory found that D-cycloserine reduced cocaine-seeking behavior in mice previously trained to expect cocaine. The antibiotic-like drug showed promise in extinguishing cravings and reducing relapse risk.
A University of Illinois professor argues that the educational and psychosocial benefits of online communication for teenagers far outweigh potential dangers. Online discussions enable critical thinking, argumentation, and support from peer groups, while also providing a safe space to explore identity and sensitive issues.
Researchers will focus on three projects utilizing different strategies to study psoriasis, including a novel photodynamic therapy and analysis of the role of S100A8/9 protein. The goal is to control inflammation and develop safer therapies for patients with the debilitating disease.
A recent study published in JAMA found that medication tezosentan did not improve breathlessness or reduce the risk of fatal cardiovascular events in patients with acute heart failure. The study included 1,435 patients and showed similar mortality rates between the treatment group and placebo.
The three diseases - lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and onchocerciasis - were brought to the Americas through forced migration from Africa, but tools now exist to eliminate them. A coordinated effort is needed to dedicate financial and technical resources.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine report a 43% increase in functional impairment among obese adults aged 60+, while overall odds of ADL impairment decreased for non-obese populations. Obesity's quality-of-life effects may be deteriorating, highlighting the need to prevent disability.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that oxytocin increases generosity in humans, particularly when considering another person's feelings. The hormone has a dramatically larger effect on generosity compared to trust, with participants offering 80% more money when given oxytocin.
A team of researchers from the University of Reading has developed a powerful X-ray beam technique to study the structure of amniotic membranes and their rupture. The findings reveal that the loss of a molecular lattice-like arrangement governs the timing of membrane rupture, paving the way for therapies to prevent premature birth.
The estimated prevalence of chronic kidney disease in US adults has increased from 10% to 13%, driven by rising diabetes and hypertension rates. The prevalence of earlier stages of CKD accounts for most individuals with the condition, highlighting the need for cardiovascular risk factor management.
Researchers found that recreational cocaine users took longer to inhibit responses than non-users, suggesting an impairment in controlling unwanted actions. This impairment has serious implications for personal and societal functioning, including the potential emergence of addiction.
A new study from Ohio State University suggests that climate change could diminish drinking water resources by up to 50 percent more than previously thought. As sea levels rise, coastal communities may lose fresh water supplies, with vulnerable areas including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and northern Europe.
REMICADE has been used to treat more patients worldwide than all other anti-TNF-alpha agents combined. The treatment of patients with inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, has been transformed by the availability of REMICADE.
A genome-wide analysis of PPARg reveals new targets for drug development against obesity, diabetes, and cancer. The study provides clues into the transcriptional circuitry during adipogenesis and insulin sensitization.
UC Riverside scientists will use genomic technology to develop new and improved cowpea cultivars with drought tolerance and resistance to pests and diseases. The goal is to benefit resource-poor African farmers by increasing yields and income generation.
Researchers identified three pathways common to in vitro and in vivo dengue virus infections, including the NF-kappaB initiated immune pathway, type I interferon pathway, and ubiquitin proteasome pathway. Inhibiting these pathways resulted in significant inhibition of viral replication, suggesting new avenues for drug development.
A study found that prazosin, an alpha-1 receptor antagonist, can block the increase of steroid hormones in the brain, which are associated with brain damage and cognitive impairment. This may provide a neuroprotective effect against post-traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer's disease, depression, and schizophrenia.