MIT scientists propose that blood modulates how neurons process information and regulate brain activity. Blood flow affects the activity of nearby neurons, changing how they transmit signals and hence regulating information flow throughout the brain.
High-risk morbidly obese patients who lose 5-10% of their excess body weight before undergoing gastric bypass surgery have shorter hospital stays and more rapid postoperative weight loss. Preoperative weight loss also decreases surgical complications, reducing hospital stay length.
Depression is associated with an increased risk of mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes, including heart attacks and strokes. Antidepressant treatments have been shown to be safe and effective in reducing mortality and improving health behaviors in patients with coronary artery disease.
The European College of Neuropsychopharmacology emphasizes the need for early intervention and preventive measures for mental disorders. The vast majority of people with mental disorders remain untreated, particularly in adolescents and young adults.
Research found that people with GERD are more likely to experience sleep impairment, with 41.9% of those with nighttime acid reflux reporting poor sleep. In contrast, only 19.4% of those without GERD reported similar issues.
Researchers investigate various aspects of wound healing, including exercise, compression therapy, and medication. Studies show that patients with leg ulcers often lack physical activity and use inadequate compression therapy, while medication may have a protective association against leg ulcers. Additionally, injection drug use is lin...
A new systematic review of trials comparing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) found that survival to 10 years was similar between the two procedures. CABG was more effective in relieving angina, but had a higher risk for procedural stroke, while PCI led to more repeated revasculari...
Researchers found a significant drop in blood pressure during the sleep trial, but not during resting or standing trials. This reduction occurred mostly after lights out, just before falling asleep, and may explain the lower cardiovascular mortality associated with siesta-taking.
The University of Chicago will establish a Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics (CERT) to focus on hospital medicine and economics. The grant will support research projects on the effective use of hospital therapeutics, gene-drug interactions, and quality-improvement teams.
New studies support continued colorectal cancer screening among healthy elderly Americans, with screenings leading to earlier stage of CRC diagnosis and improved survival. Researchers found that adenomas were detected more frequently in older patients, and asymptomatic patients had significantly improved survival rates.
Obese Medicaid patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery were more likely to return to work, with 37% working after surgery compared to 6% of non-surgical controls. Resolution of comorbid conditions post-surgery was a key factor in return to work.
Scientists have discovered a new gene, Dmp1, linked to human lung cancer, which is often deleted in lung tumors. The study found that the non-functional Dmp1 gene leads to reduced activity of tumor suppressors p53 and Arf, allowing cancer cells to grow unchecked.
The University of Delaware has been selected as a regional research site for the National Children's Study, which will follow 100,000 children from birth to age 21. Researchers will monitor child health and gather data on environmental factors to prevent and treat diseases such as autism and obesity.
African-Americans have a higher incidence of colorectal cancer, with advanced polyps on the right side of the colon more common. Latin Americans also show similar high-risk findings to African-Americans in colonoscopy screenings.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in Alzheimer's disease research, identifying A
The report found that cancer death rates declined by an average of 2.1 percent per year from 2002 to 2004, nearly twice the annual decrease of 1.1 percent per year from 1993 to 2002. Cancer incidence rates among American Indians and Alaska Natives varied two-fold across six geographic regions.
Researchers found acid reflux was a significant factor in patients experiencing serious chest pain and persistent cough. A cost-effective diagnostic tool may help determine which patients benefit from anti-reflux surgery.
Consumers eating raw fish may be at risk of intestinal parasitic infection Anisakiasis, which can cause sudden abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Diagnosed by endoscopy or imaging tests, the condition is often treatable with fluid replacement and rest.
Researchers have found a genetic mutation in zebrafish that causes insomnia, providing a new animal model for studying sleep disorders. The study reveals that zebrafish experience reduced overall sleep and shorter sleep duration compared to normal fish.
A recent study by Laurie Rudman and Julie Phelan reveals that feminism is associated with improved relationship quality, stability, and sexual satisfaction in heterosexual couples. The research challenges the common assumption that feminism and romance are incompatible.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that over one-third of patients receiving HIV medication in Africa discontinue treatment within two years. However, the average retention rate at two years was estimated at 61.6%, indicating some success in maintaining treatment. Researchers suggest improving retention rates by starting treatmen...
A recent editorial highlights the need for further research on bariatric surgery's risks and outcomes to convince non-believers of its benefits for morbidly obese patients. Studies suggest that routine upper GI tests may not be necessary, and complications can have devastating consequences if left untreated.
The HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study found a 71% lower mortality rate at top-rated hospitals compared to the lowest-rated hospitals across 18 procedures and conditions. Improvements were seen in procedures like pancreatitis, pulmonary embolism, and diabetic acidosis and coma.
A review of 13 randomized controlled trials found that only Bifantis showed significant improvement in IBS symptoms. The study evaluated the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of probiotics for IBS treatment.
A Phase 2 study showed ALO-01, an extended-release morphine sulfate plus sequestered naltrexone, provided similar effectiveness and tolerability to KADIAN Capsules for moderate-to-severe chronic osteoarthritis pain. The majority of patients rated both medications as good or excellent.
A study published in JCSM found that CPAP therapy significantly decreases symptoms of depression in OSA patients. Long-term follow-up assessments revealed sustained improvement in depressive symptoms after institution of CPAP therapy.
A new once-daily lamotrigine extended-release formula effectively controls partial seizures in people already taking one to two medications. The study found significant reductions in seizure frequency and improved medication adherence, making it a promising option for those with epilepsy.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine and Rice University have developed a molecular map of the influenza B virus's hemagglutinin protein. The study reveals similarities between the protein's sequence and function in flu A and B strains, suggesting that minor mutations could enable bird flu to spread among humans.
A study by Penn State professors finds that CEOs with stock option-heavy compensation packages lead companies to extreme performance, with more big losses than big gains. High levels of CEO stock options coupled with high investment spending produce a 'combustible combination' resulting in very extreme outcomes.
A study of 130 middle-aged and older African-American men found that many engaged in high-risk sexual practices without using condoms. The research also showed that men who were single and displayed fewer HIV symptoms were least likely to use condoms during sex, with 78% able to answer questions about HIV and AIDS correctly.
Research on male dark-eyed juncos reveals that fluctuations in testosterone levels drive males to seek mates but also cause them to lose interest in parenting. Males with stable testosterone levels are more likely to invest time and energy in parenting, while those with fluctuating levels exhibit mixed behavior.
A new molecular pathway, PROK2 signaling, is critical to the development of neurons controlling the reproductive system. The study's findings could enable better understanding of human reproduction, particularly idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) and Kallmann syndrome.
The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) has declared 2008 as the Global Year Against Pain in Women, highlighting the suffering caused by disparities in pain recognition and treatment. The campaign aims to increase awareness, empower women to seek proper treatment, and improve access to healthcare services.
Researchers found that certain existing drugs can target and inhibit the growth of brain tumors by modifying key signaling molecules. The study suggests that these drugs may be repurposed for treatment of brain tumors.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed genetically engineered poplar plants capable of taking up to 91% of trichloroethylene, a common groundwater contaminant. The transgenic plants can break down pollutants into harmless byproducts at rates 100 times faster than unaltered plants.
Researchers investigated the evolution of army-ant following in tropical bird species, revealing specialization categories from casual to professional dependency. The study found army-ant following has persisted for millions of years, with implications for bird populations facing threats like deforestation and global warming.
A study published in JCSM found that 58% of OSAHS patients reported ever using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, with a high interest in future use. This highlights the importance of considering CAM options for these patients and underscores the need for further research on their effectiveness.
A Princeton University study found that brain cell growth in adult monkeys begins to decline soon after reaching adulthood, but it does not have to stop altogether. The team's research suggests that stimulating the human brain to generate neural cells more rapidly may be possible through methods such as exercise and socialization.
The University of Illinois Chicago has established a new center to study how consumers and clinicians make critical treatment decisions about therapeutic products. The center will design and test systems to optimize drug choice, monitoring, and safety, with the goal of improving healthcare outcomes.
A new software system, 'Tagging Over Time,' uses machine learning to adapt to users' changing preferences for image tags, improving accuracy from 40% to 60%. This innovation enables easier photo search and management, saving consumers time and enhancing searching capabilities.
Oxytocin levels in pregnant women predict the formation of an exclusive bond with their infants. Mothers with higher oxytocin levels report more bonding behaviors and are preoccupied with thoughts of their infant's well-being.
A new study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that garlic compounds can liberate hydrogen sulfide in red blood cells, leading to vessel relaxation. This effect is believed to be behind the protective effects of garlic on cardiovascular health.
A recent study by Arizona State University found that people tend to report higher total sleep times compared to objective measurements from a sleep test. The study analyzed data from over 2,100 subjects and found significant differences between self-reported and objectively measured sleep times.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University discovered that humans become aware of fearful faces more quickly than neutral or happy faces. The brain's amygdala area is believed to be responsible for this rapid detection, with the eyes of a fearful face playing a key role.
The team created a three-dimensional metamaterial constructed entirely from semiconductors, enabling negative refraction of light. This property holds promise for the development of superior lenses and compact mid-infrared optics.
A new method called Microarray-based Genomic Selection (MGS) allows researchers to extract and enrich specific large-sized DNA regions for resequencing. This technology enables the detection of subtle genetic variations that may have serious consequences for health and disease.
Research suggests that computerized working memory training can improve executive functioning and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. This innovative approach offers a promising therapeutic strategy for alleviating the condition's impact on daily functioning.
Researchers found that individuals with genetically lower dopamine D2 receptors are more motivated to eat and consume more calories. This study provides insights into the genetic contribution to eating behavior and obesity, highlighting potential targets for tailored treatment programs.
Two new genes, Jmjd1a and Jmjd2c, play a crucial role in regulating self-renewal of embryonic stem cells. Their depletion promotes differentiation at the expense of self-renewal.
The endocannabinoid system has been found to be involved in various physiological processes, including neuroprotection, anxiety, depression, cancer development, vasodilatation, and bone formation. Research suggests that endocannabinoids may have therapeutic potential for diseases such as hepatic encephalopathy.
Researchers have developed a new technique that combines gene chip technology with fast-sequencing machines to enable rapid and accurate sequencing of specific genomic sequences. This technology has the potential to replace traditional methods such as PCR for many purposes, allowing for faster and more efficient genome sequencing.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a blood test that can identify changes in proteins in blood plasma, indicating an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The test showed 90% accuracy in matching clinical diagnoses and predicting the onset of the disease two to six years in advance.
A molecular pathway that plays a critical role in blood vessel growth has been identified by researchers. The finding suggests a potential target for inhibiting the growth of blood vessels that fuel cancers, diabetic eye complications, and atherosclerosis. The study used zebrafish as a model organism to discover the pathway.
New research from Norwich BioScience Institutes and Medical University of Vienna found that only animal food proteins less than 54% identical to human equivalent can become allergenic. The study identified three protein families, including tropomyosins, EF-hand proteins, and caseins, which are responsible for most animal food allergies.
Scientists at UCSF have identified naturally occurring processes that allow multiple genes to slow aging and protect against cancer in the C. elegans roundworm. The study suggests that cellular changes leading to longevity antagonize tumor cell growth and highlights a deep evolutionary connection between lifespan and cancer.
A new microarray technology enables fast and accurate enrichment of thousands of targeted genomic regions for high-throughput sequencing. This method replaces PCR-based approaches, allowing for the resequencing of entire genomes or specific genes in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
The opioid system controls pain, reward and addictive behaviors through mu, delta, and kappa receptors. Mice lacking these receptors exhibit altered emotional responses and sensitivity to pain.
A Chinese medicine compound, delisheng, has shown satisfactory anti-cancer effects on hepatocellular carcinoma cells in a three-dimensional cell culture model. The compound's ginseng component is believed to be responsible for its anti-tumor activity, which may lead to new treatment options for HCC patients.
Researchers have successfully used RNA interference (RNAi) technology to specifically silence the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene, a key player in tumor angiogenesis. This method shows great promise for developing targeted therapeutic approaches to inhibit VEGF expression and potentially suppress cancer growth.
A study found that diabetes increases levels of CA 19-9, a tumor marker for pancreatic cancer. Elevated CA 19-9 levels in diabetics may indicate chronic pancreatitis rather than pancreatic cancer.