Researchers developed a novel compound that blocks the breakdown of retinoic acid, derived from vitamin A, and found it to be an effective agent in treating animal models of human prostate cancer. The compound resulted in up to a 50 percent decrease in tumor volume and prevented further tumor growth.
A University of Missouri-Columbia research team has developed a biology-based process for printing organ tissue structures, maintaining cell properties and allowing nature to take over. The breakthrough enables the creation of functional tissue structures without needing to control cell location or function.
A single dose of tenofovir and emtricitabine can substantially reduce non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) resistance mutations in women given intrapartum nevirapine for perinatal HIV prevention. The study found a 53% lower risk of NNRTI mutations in the intervention group compared to controls.
Scientists use NASA satellites to monitor environmental changes, predicting infectious disease outbreaks like Ebola, West Nile virus, and Rift Valley Fever. Malaria surveillance also benefits from this technology, providing public health organizations with increased warning time to respond to outbreaks.
A CU-Boulder study suggests that individual brain chemistry and genes play a key role in determining nicotine addiction. The researchers found that the effects of nicotine diminish at night due to genetic differences and melatonin recognition. Higher levels of stress hormone corticosterone during the day enhance nicotine sensitivity.
Underweight individuals are associated with increased mortality from non-cancer, non-CVD causes, while overweight individuals experience decreased mortality from these causes. Obesity is linked to significantly increased CVD mortality, but not necessarily overall mortality.
Texas A&M researchers Frank Raushel and Ricardo Marti-Arbona use molecular docking to predict enzyme function based on structure alone. The team's method ranks molecules by fit and scores them for physical testing, offering a faster alternative to existing methods.
A small study found that energy drink consumption increased systolic blood pressure by 7.9% within four hours and heart rate by 11% on the seventh day. The increases could be clinically significant in patients with heart disease or those who consume energy drinks frequently.
Researchers have successfully sequenced the complete genome of Malassezia globosa, a naturally occurring fungus responsible for dandruff and other skin conditions. The genetic make-up of M. globosa has expanded treatment targets from a few observational characteristics to over 4,000 molecular targets.
Researchers found that high-fat diets can shift mice's activity patterns, causing them to eat more during the day and altering molecular components of the circadian clock. The study suggests that metabolic processes, like nutrient status, may influence the internal body clock.
The Wildlife Conservation Society's study found that 21 reserves have the potential to support between 58% and 95% of South Asia's tiger capacity, estimated at 3,500-6,500 tigers. Improvements in protected area management, including better funding and enforcement activities, could lead to a doubling of tiger numbers.
The university is implementing an active learning approach in computer science education, focusing on studio courses with team projects and interdisciplinary collaboration. This transformation aims to raise student interaction levels and promote motivation through creative problem-solving activities.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that breastfeeding enhances infant intelligence quotient (IQ) only if they have a specific genetic variant. This variant, found in the FADS2 gene, influences the metabolism of breast milk's long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are essential for...
Regular use of non-aspirin NSAIDs reduced Parkinson's disease risk by up to 60% compared to non-users. Women who regularly used aspirin also showed a 40% reduced risk, especially after two years of use.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals that over half of heart attack patients discontinue taking prescribed medications within three years. Smokers are more likely to stop taking all their medications in the short term, while those in cardiac rehabilitation programs tend to continue medication at a higher rate than non-participants.
A randomized controlled trial found that combining fluoxetine with cognitive behavioral therapy improved depression scores in teens with co-occurring depression and substance abuse disorders. The treatment was as effective as the antidepressant alone in treating depression among teens without substance abuse problems.
The study found that patients who arrived at the hospital within one to two hours of onset had a 77% higher rate of receiving reperfusion therapy, compared to those who waited 11-12 hours. Delayed arrival resulted in lower rates of reperfusion therapy and poorer treatment outcomes.
Steve Sternberg, a medical correspondent for USA Today since 1997, has received the American Heart Association's Howard L. Lewis Achievement Award for his outstanding reporting on heart disease and stroke. He is recognized for his dedication to making a difference through his writing.
TB drug resistance is a growing concern, with millions of cases worldwide each year. Doctors Without Borders advocates for increased funding and collaboration to develop new treatments.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new technology to automate post-silicon debugging, using puzzle-solving search algorithms to diagnose problems early on. This reduces parts of the process from days to hours, making it possible to produce computer chips that work correctly under all scenarios.
A study found that children of mothers with low education levels who received regular non-maternal care during preschool years had lower levels of physical aggression. The association was statistically significant among children who started day care before age 9 months.
A Washington University team led by Douglas A. Wiens will install seismographs in east and west Antarctica to study the earth beneath the ice. The region has never been visited by humans before, but research may reveal information about glaciers, mountains, and ice streams.
Researchers found that heart failure nurses make a positive impact on patients' adherence to nonpharmacologic treatment, particularly in daily weighing and fluid/salt restrictions. The study showed improved compliance with these measures in patients receiving intensive support from a heart failure nurse.
The Center for Biological Interfaces of Engineering at Clemson University will create identical tissue samples using inkjet printing to study breast cancer causes and progression. The multi-disciplinary research team aims to understand how environmental conditions stimulate breast cancer development.
A Swiss study finds that teens using only cannabis tend to be male, socially driven, and have fewer psychosocial issues compared to those who use tobacco or neither substance. They also report better academic performance, relationships with friends, and sports participation.
The Phase 2b study demonstrated that Albuferon achieved at least comparable efficacy and safety to peginterferon alfa-2a with a dosing regimen requiring half as many injections. Additionally, Albuferon showed less impairment of health-related quality of life on treatment.
A clinical trial of 312 adolescents found that bupropion plus counseling helped them quit smoking, with higher success rates at higher medication doses. After six weeks, 10.7% and 14.5% of teens in the 150mg and 300mg groups had quit, respectively.
A new study found that early BMI rebound age is associated with adverse cardiovascular risk factors and may signal potential heart disease risk as early as age 7. The study of 308 children showed that earlier BMI rebound age correlates with a greater likelihood to become obese adults, particularly girls.
Using CPR combined with bystander use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) significantly increases the chances of surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The study found that when bystanders provided CPR and attached an AED, survival increased to 36 percent – approximately four times that of CPR alone.
Researchers at Princeton University discovered that migrating adult sparrows possess an internal navigational map, enabling them to find their way after being thrown off course by thousands of miles. In contrast, juvenile birds, lacking experience, use only a compass to orient themselves southward and struggle to adjust their flight plan.
Researchers found that computer-aided detection (CAD) combined with multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) improves radiologists' ability to detect solid lung nodules. CAD successfully matched 91.3% of nodules detected in both exams, and reduced reading time for radiologists.
A study published in Neurology found that people with high blood pressure and chest pains lose their memories faster than those without these conditions. Vascular factors such as high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats were associated with a more rapid decline in cognitive tests.
A study by Damon Centola and Michael Macy found that social networks with fewer 'degrees of separation' are less effective in spreading behavioral change. This has implications for health care policy and the treatment of epidemics.
A new analysis shows that as plant species go extinct, natural habitats become less productive and contain fewer total plants. This situation could ultimately compromise the benefits that humans get from nature. The study found that ecosystems with fewer species produce up to 50 percent less plant biomass than those with more natural d...
A study of over 3,000 breastfed infants found that having the FADS2 gene variant increased intelligence by an average of nearly 7 IQ points. The researchers suggest that breastfeeding may account for these differences in intelligence due to the presence of certain fatty acids.
Researchers have identified a molecule, osteopontin-c, that appears more accurate than existing biomarkers in predicting which breast cancers will develop into advanced forms. The discovery could one day influence therapy decisions and prevent patients from undergoing aggressive treatments.
A definitive study reveals that placing automated external defibrillators in public spaces can save up to 522 lives annually in the US and Canada. The widespread deployment of battery-powered devices has been shown to more than double survival rates among victims of sudden cardiac death.
Researchers have identified a sex-ratio meiotic drive system in Drosophila simulans, with an X-linked distorter gene that creates skewed female litters and an autosomal suppressor gene that counteracts this effect. The findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sex ratio distortion.
A five-year study of electronic health records from 15 VA hospitals found significant variations in high blood pressure return-to-normal rates between winter and summer. The average difference was 7.76 percent, suggesting that seasonal factors such as weight gain and exercise may influence blood pressure.
A study found that asking open-ended questions and probing for abuse by healthcare providers can increase disclosure of experiences with domestic violence. Effective provider-patient communication, including empathy and voicing concern, are crucial in stopping domestic violence.
The Phase 2b trial shows that Albuferon significantly reduces missed work days and improves health-related quality of life compared to peginterferon alfa-2a. Patients in the Albuferon treatment groups reported fewer days of missed work and less impairment of physical and mental health.
A new study by OHSU researchers has found that children carrying the apoE4 gene already exhibit reduced cognitive function. They used a virtual reality test to assess spatial learning and memory in 7- to 10-year-olds with and without the gene.
Research in Zanzibar, Tanzania found a remarkable fall in children dying from malaria, with deaths among the islands' children dropping to a quarter of the previous level. The achievement follows the introduction of improved treatment and the implementation of widespread use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
A study analyzing data from over 4,900 mothers found that children whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy had increased conduct problems, attention and impulsivity issues. The association remained even after controlling for other variables, suggesting prenatal alcohol exposure may cause childhood conduct problems through environm...
A study published in The Lancet found that fenofibrate reduces the frequency of first laser treatment for macular oedema and proliferative DR by 31% and 30%, respectively. These findings suggest additional mechanisms of benefit beyond lipid-lowering effects, potentially additive to blood glucose and blood pressure control.
A recent study found that women with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) had a higher risk of mortality and required more hospitalization compared to men. After adjusting for other factors, the gender gap disappeared, suggesting that women may be sicker by the time they receive ICDs.
Researchers found that breastfed babies had a lower average body mass index (BMI) and higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL or 'good' cholesterol) levels in adulthood. These protective factors against cardiovascular disease were observed even after accounting for personal and maternal demographic risk factors.
Researchers at Ohio State University have successfully used TRAP to preserve the genetic diversity of ornamental geranium collections. The study resulted in a significant reduction of the collection size from approximately 800 plants to around 200, making it more manageable for breeders and researchers.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found no link between diabetes treatment and survival rates after a heart attack. The study, which analyzed data from over 2,700 patients, suggests that commonly used medications for managing blood sugar levels do not reduce the likelihood of survival after a heart attack.
A new analysis from Northwestern University found that consistently high levels of physical activity in young adulthood can stabilize body mass index (BMI) over 20 years. Participants who reported at least 30 minutes of vigorous activity a day gained 14 pounds less over 20 years than those with low activity levels.
A two-year study at PSU found that cooperative learning activities outperformed traditional classroom teaching methods in improving learning outcomes and developing higher-level skills. Students reported improved teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities, while instructors noted increased student participation.
Researchers found that adding stents to clot-busting therapy after the optimal treatment window ends doesn't provide significant long-term benefits. The study, which looked at 951 patients, also revealed higher medical costs associated with delayed angioplasty.
Researchers used C. elegans to study sex differences in brain function, finding that hermaphrodites prefer buttery smells while males prefer fresh vegetables. The team's genetic modification revealed that even few neurons can influence behavior, challenging the idea that all sex differences result from neuron-specific differences.
Researchers developed a new modified comorbidity index to predict post-liver-transplant survival, considering comorbidities such as coronary disease, diabetes, and COPD. This index predicted survival as well or better than other models using recipient characteristics.
A study suggests that urban children with asthma, even mild cases, require more frequent check-ups than current guidelines recommend. This is due to unpredictable symptoms that can worsen over time, especially in inner-city kids.
A recent study elucidates the relationship between environmental stress and cancer by revealing how stress-inducing agents reduce SIRT1 enzyme activity, leading to increased cell survival. By targeting this process, researchers aim to develop new treatments that increase SENP1 activity to promote programmed cell death in cancer cells.
A study by UC Irvine researchers has found that boosting the amounts of a marijuana-like brain transmitter called anandamide produces antidepressant effects in test rats. The drug URB597, which blocks anandamide degradation, was administered to chronically stressed rats and showed promising results.
Researchers found that ABO-incompatible infant heart transplantation is as safe as transplantation with compatible blood group types. The study suggests that this procedure could significantly reduce the number of infants who die while waiting for a donor heart, with mortality rates potentially decreasing by up to 20%.
Researchers found that people with high blood pressure or atrial fibrillation progress more rapidly with Alzheimer's disease. Treating these conditions may also slow memory loss in AD patients.
A Mayo Clinic study found that modest weight gain in lean, healthy young adults impairs blood vessel function, but shedding the weight restores proper functioning. Visceral fat is a key predictor of this disorder, also known as endothelial dysfunction, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.