A study found that high-risk individuals are less likely to follow through on HIV testing plans, despite planning to be tested. The study suggests that targeting interventions at these populations could increase testing rates and combat the HIV epidemic.
The World Health Organization has launched a global patient safety challenge to combat healthcare-associated infection in developing countries. The initiative aims to improve hand hygiene practices and reduce morbidity and mortality due to healthcare-associated infection.
Researchers at EMBL used a novel microscopy technique to observe the interplay of signalling molecules in living yeast cells. They found that the actual signal is not produced uniformly throughout the cell but only by specific chain components in the mating projection.
Scientists have discovered that tiny hair-like cell structures known as cilia are essential for our sense of touch. The study found that mice lacking functional cilia responded more slowly to physical sensations, and patients with inherited conditions affecting cilia also had different sensation thresholds.
The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) has selected 18 young scientists from Europe to receive the prestigious Young Investigator Programme. The three-year programme aims to support outstanding young researchers in developing their professional skills and reputation in the scientific community.
A common human virus, Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), has been found to be associated with the deadliest form of brain tumors, glioblastoma multiforme. Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a vaccine targeting HCMV that could empower the body's immune system to fight infected tumor cells and destroy cancer.
Researchers found that patients who openly discussed their HIV status had better adherence to medication regimens and lower rates of treatment failure. Free medication and social support also increased the chances of patients continuing treatment.
A retrospective cohort study of 18,722 hemodialysis patients found that those living farther from their attending nephrologist had increased mortality rates from all causes and infectious causes. Proximity to a nephrologist was shown to impact clinical outcomes for these patients.
AIDS Patient Care and STDs has been selected as one of seven papers presented orally at the NIH Launch of the Council of Science Editors' Global Theme Issue on Poverty and Human Development. The paper explores the importance of human resources for treating HIV/AIDS, highlighting gaps in needs assessment and capacity building.
Overweight children who exercised for just three months showed improvements in executive function and reduced their diabetes risk. The study found that regular physical activity can enhance cognitive development and reduce insulin resistance.
Researchers from Imperial College London found that people with medium levels of HIV in their blood are the most likely to spread the virus. They can remain asymptomatic for six to eight years before progressing to AIDS, infecting multiple sexual partners during this time.
A retrospective cohort study found that elderly patients who started dialysis between 1990 and 1999 experienced significant improvements in survival rates. Patients aged 65-74 years at the start of dialysis showed a 23% improvement in survival, while those aged 75 or more saw a 15% gain.
A new study finds that sleep deprivation leads to overactive emotional centers in the brain, causing irrational behavior. The prefrontal lobe is shutdown, making it difficult for people to regulate their emotions.
A new study reveals that human activities are releasing carbon dioxide at a faster rate than ever, while natural carbon sinks are weakening. The global economy's carbon intensity has increased since 2000, posing a challenge in mitigating climate change.
A virtual simulation model called Pathogen Simulation (PathSim) was developed to study the progression of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in humans. The researchers used PathSim to simulate EBV infection and observe its impact on the immune system, finding critical switch points that determine disease progression.
High-risk individuals face barriers to testing, including lack of healthcare access and mental health issues. Despite CDC efforts, only 27% of those at highest risk have been tested in the past year, highlighting untapped potential for increased testing rates.
Researchers at MIT have made significant advances toward a novel therapeutic device that can selectively provide signals to cells traveling through the bloodstream. The technology leverages cell rolling, a biological process that slows down cells as they flow through blood vessels, allowing them to sense signals from nearby tissues.
Research found that studies funded by pharmaceutical companies were less likely to report adverse effects of inhaled corticosteroids, suggesting a potential conflict of interest. The study analyzed 504 studies and found significant differences in outcomes based on funding source.
Researchers develop biosensors that track metabolic activity and diagnose unhealthy conditions in obesity. ATP's role in metabolism makes it a potential target for early diagnosis and treatment of metabolic syndrome.
A study found that physicians trained to perform cataract surgery in rural China showed improved vision for over 85% of patients, with nearly 96% achieving good visual outcomes. However, only 35% of patients accepted glasses prescriptions and 48% opted for surgery on their second eye due to cost concerns.
A recent study reveals that atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) growth has increased by 35% faster than expected since 2000, primarily driven by inefficient fossil fuel use and declining natural sinks. This acceleration in CO2 growth poses significant challenges for achieving stabilization of atmospheric CO2 levels.
A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that daily zinc intake can help reduce pneumonia risk in nursing home residents, especially those with low serum zinc concentrations. Participants with normal serum zinc levels had a 50% lower risk of developing pneumonia and reduced mortality rates by 39%.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that emotional well-being has no influence on cancer survival, contrary to long-held beliefs. The study examined 1,093 patients with head and neck cancers and found no correlation between emotional status and overall survival.
Interventions prioritizing nutrition, clean water, sanitation, and household fuels can reduce child mortality by 14-31% in Latin America, South Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa. Implementing these interventions primarily for the poor would have larger benefits, closing up to 48% of regional gaps towards the MDG target.
A team of Johns Hopkins scientists found that topical application of broccoli sprout-derived extract can protect human skin against UV radiation-induced damage. The extract works by boosting protective enzymes in cells, providing long-lasting protection even after the extract is removed from the skin.
Local scientists play a crucial role in the fight against HIV, requiring adequate resources to conduct high-quality trials and develop treatments. Western governments must commit to sharing technology and expertise with developing countries on a long-term basis.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that electronic medical records and outreach programs significantly improved osteoporosis diagnosis and management in older women. The study, which analyzed data from 3,588 women aged 67 and older, showed a significant increase in bone density screening and osteoporosis medication after a fracture.
A study presented at CHEST 2007 found that hypnotherapy resulted in higher quit rates compared to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) alone. Patients admitted with a cardiac diagnosis were three times more likely to quit smoking at 6 months than those with a pulmonary diagnosis.
The Council of Science Editors has organized a Global Theme Issue on Poverty and Human Development, with contributions from Mary Ann Liebert journals. Research papers discuss HIV/AIDS treatment, breastfeeding as a solution to poverty, and the social responsibility of naturopathic physicians in addressing human development.
A study in India suggests that simply informing the poor about government-provided health, educational, and social services they are entitled to can lead to increased access. The research team found a 30% increase in prenatal exams, vaccinations, and village council meetings among villages with informational town meetings.
A new study reveals that a carbon monoxide test can quickly and noninvasively identify patients' smoking status, helping doctors deliver targeted smoking cessation counseling. The device's use has been shown to be effective in identifying smokers, secondhand smokers, and nonsmokers.
Rochester Institute of Technology will conduct a year-long study on reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from freight transportation in the Great Lakes region. The project aims to compare different modes of transportation, including shipping, road, and rail, based on cost, energy use, emissions, and time-of-delivery.
Researchers found that influenza vaccine was more effective in a semi-urban population than in a rural population of schoolchildren in Gabon, Africa. Infection with parasites and/or poor nutrition may compromise immune responses to the flu vaccine.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center analyzed 8,300 heart surgery patients and found no association between transfused female plasma and adverse outcomes, even a potential protective effect.
A study of 27,000 women found that regular physical activity can significantly lower cardiovascular risk by 40% over 11 years. The research highlights the importance of exercise in reducing inflammation and blood pressure as key contributors to cardioprotection.
Researchers used transparent zebrafish to study inflammatory breast cancer, discovering how two proteins interact to facilitate metastasis. The study reveals that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and RhoC work together to promote rapid intravasation of cancer cells into blood vessels.
Researchers have identified two genes, ARTS1 and IL23R, that increase the risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis, a common disease causing back pain and progressive stiffness. A potential treatment for Crohn's disease may also be applied to this disease, providing a major step towards being able to treat ankylosing spondylitis.
The team developed a structured gel with tunable optical properties that can rapidly change color in fractions of a second. The gel's color shift is limited to one dimension due to its one-dimensional periodic stack structure, resulting in a dramatic improvement over earlier color-changing gels.
Researchers found that excessive glucose chains induce neuronal death and cause Lafora disease by disrupting glycogen levels. This discovery may lead to new treatment strategies for other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston have identified two genes, ARTS1 and IL23R, that contribute to the development of ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic and disabling form of arthritis. This discovery is expected to lead to new therapies and potentially allow for early identification of patients at risk.
Coral reefs face irreversible destruction due to global warming, with scientists urging immediate action to reduce emissions and implement no-fishing reserves. The Great Barrier Reef alone generates $6.9 billion annually in economic activity, supporting over 65,000 jobs.
An international team of researchers has discovered two genes linked to ankylosing spondylitis, a painful and progressive disease affecting the spine. The study also validated the association of two genes implicated in Graves' disease, increasing the number of known genes involved in both diseases.
Researchers identified a link between impaired interferon-gamma and substance P levels and severe bronchiolitis in infants. This innate immune predisposition increases susceptibility to respiratory viruses, leading to frequent chest problems in childhood.
Cmdr. Dylan Schmorrow, a pioneer in Augmented Cognition, has received the first Leland S. Kollmorgen Spirit of Innovation Award for his groundbreaking work. He aims to remove technology burdens and enable humans to think more freely, using techniques like brain-computer interfaces.
Paleontologists from Emory University have discovered large carnivorous dinosaur tracks in Victoria, Australia, revealing that these dinosaurs roamed a polar environment. The tracks are estimated to be around 115 million years old and suggest that dinosaurs were larger than previously thought.
Researchers at Yale University have discovered a massive stellar black hole, located in a distant galaxy, which challenges the current understanding of how these objects form. The black hole has a mass of 15.65 times that of the sun and was detected using precise measurements of its gravitational effects on nearby stars.
The UAB Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics has won a $3.8 million grant to continue its research on the safety and effectiveness of new therapeutics for inflammatory, arthritic, and musculoskeletal diseases. The funding will also support efforts to reduce treatment disparities among minority communities.
Two scientists report a new type of mouse replaced an old type in Volo Bog between 1976 and 2001, with genetic differences apparent in just 25 years. The study suggests that environmental changes can drive rapid adaptation in animal populations, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have found that ubiquitin attaches to Malt1 protein in T cells upon antigen stimulation, regulating immune defense. This process is reversible and helps prevent over-activation of T cells, a common cause of chronic diseases.
The MacArthur Foundation is funding Pathfinder International to implement a range of interventions, including the non-pneumatic anti-shock garment, to treat postpartum hemorrhaging in developing countries. The program aims to reduce maternal mortality by addressing the leading cause of maternal death, postpartum hemorrhage.
NASA's CRISM instrument provides critical data for selecting a Mars rover landing site with a mineral record indicative of past water. The instrument offers 544 spectral variations to detect minerals, mapping the Martian surface in unprecedented detail.
A research team proposes that sexual conflict can establish novel sex-determination genes and sex chromosomes, explaining their rapid evolution. The model suggests that genes with sexually antagonistic effects and mutations influencing sex determination are common in nature.
A new study by researchers links low temperatures and relative humidities to the rapid spread of influenza, validating the seasonal flu theory. The study found that low relative humidities facilitate viral transmission, with opposite effects at higher humidity levels.
A clinical trial aims to identify individuals at risk of osteoarthritis through the analysis of Smurf2 enzyme expression in cartilage cells. The study seeks to develop a diagnostic test and potential injection to prevent or slow disease progression.
A study found that a structured quality improvement program called RightStart improved outcomes for new dialysis patients, including significant reductions in mortality and hospitalization rates. The program, which included education, close medical follow-up, and self-empowerment, was associated with better nutrition, less anemia, and ...
Researchers found that industrial UV reactors can inactivate Cryptosporidium parasites with an efficacy rate of over 99.998%. This breakthrough could prevent waterborne outbreaks and secure drinking water supplies.
A new mouse study found that mice who are more susceptible to social defeat show increased levels of a growth factor known as BDNF in their brains' reward circuits, which promotes plasticity and learning. Resilient mice, on the other hand, did not exhibit this chemical rise, suggesting a potential link between BDNF and human resilience.
The WHO EURO region's Ministerial Forum on tuberculosis must consider the global impact of the disease and take collective action to control poverty and inequality. The authors propose a six-pronged approach to tackle the threat, including addressing trade policies and global poverty.
A new study suggests that a long-acting erythropoiesis-stimulating agent variant of epoetin could be an effective alternative to conventional therapy for treating anaemia in haemodialysis patients. The treatment involves giving the drug every 2 or 4 weeks, which may reduce errors and improve patient quality of life.
A study at the University of York found that microbes in plant roots rapidly consume sugars and convert them into carbon dioxide, creating a shortcut in the carbon cycle. This process was demonstrated using C-13-labeled carbon dioxide, allowing researchers to identify the active microbes.