A University of South Florida fetal surgeon successfully treated a rare condition where placental blood vessels block the birth canal and can rupture during labor. The laser procedure sealed off the abnormal fetal blood vessels, eliminating prolonged hospitalization and allowing the pregnancy to progress with a vaginal delivery.
Researchers compared computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) to conventional lungs scans for excluding pulmonary embolism. While CTPA detected more clots, it also resulted in a higher rate of venous thromboembolism diagnoses. The study suggests that CTPA may be a safe and reliable alternative to ventilation-perfusion scanning.
The $9.7 million VIRGO study aims to understand premature heart disease in young women, with 2,000 participants aged 55 and younger, compared to 1,000 men. Researchers will investigate genetic, demographic, psychosocial, and behavioral factors contributing to this high-risk group.
A recent study published in the journal Brain highlights the benefits of rehabilitation training after a cervical spinal cord injury. Researchers found that intensive training can promote natural recovery processes, leading to improved motor function and adaptation strategies for individuals with paraplegia.
A new research project funded by the National Science Foundation aims to improve weather models and analysis for industries such as food, clothing, and energy. The goal is to educate meteorologists on how to apply weather forecasts to real-world business decisions.
Researchers have sequenced the high-quality draft genome of a Pinot Noir grape, providing insights into its relatively small genome and heterozygosity. The discovery offers a treasure trove of variation to investigate gene characteristics and evolution.
Researchers at UT-Houston have discovered an association between genes regulating glucose metabolism and spina bifida, a birth defect that affects the spine. The study found variants in three glucose metabolism genes were linked to an increased risk of spina bifida.
A new brain imaging study has identified specific regions of the brain linked to cigarette cravings in smokers. The findings, published in The Journal of Neuroscience, may help predict relapse in smoking cessation treatment and inform the development of personalized therapy strategies.
Bystolic is a once-daily medication that can be used as monotherapy or in combination with other treatments to reduce blood pressure. It selectively blocks the effects of adrenaline at the heart and vasodilates blood vessels, offering a low incidence of traditional beta blocker side effects.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed new modeling tools to create accurate computer simulations of the human body during pregnancy. This breakthrough enables safer and more effective radiation therapy and nuclear medicine imaging procedures for expecting mothers.
Researchers have created a practical technique to replace silicon with graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms, allowing for 10 times better information processing and radio transmission capabilities. This breakthrough could lead to the development of high-performance wireless devices within a few years.
Researchers designed a technique that uses the body's own cells and a virus to destroy cancer cells, which could lead to a new cancer vaccine. The study shows promising results in treating melanoma, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer by targeting tumor cells in the lymph nodes.
Two studies from the Peninsula Medical School found that moderate drinking is fine for over 65s, with some cases showing better cognitive and general health than abstinence. The research showed no increased risks of physical disability, mortality, or depression among moderate drinkers.
A bone mineral density test given 15 years earlier predicted a woman's risk of developing fractures to her spine over time. More than half of the women with low BMD and existing spinal fractures developed new fractures over the 15-year study period, highlighting the importance of BMD testing for women over 50.
A team of astronomers discovered a long-duration gamma-ray burst (GRB) in the middle of nowhere, thousands of light-years from the nearest galaxy. The GRB's afterglow was bright and fast-fading, but there was no dense gas or dust to absorb its light.
A national study found a disconnect between explicit and implicit preferences for Democratic candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. The study, using an Implicit Association Test, showed that Clinton was the preferred candidate among 48% of participants, while Obama had 25% support.
A study by researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, found that certain marine mammals have evolved to protect their brains from conditions of low oxygen. The amounts and kinds of globins in the brain correlate with physical activity patterns of various wild mammals.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) applauds the National Osteoporosis Society's (NOS) success in appealing the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence's (NICE) Guidance on osteoporotic fracture prevention. IOF calls for continued efforts to ensure clinically appropriate treatments are made available.
A team of scientists developed a new type of explosive material using porous copper structures, which can be mass-produced like computer chips. This technology enables the creation of highly reliable and small detonators with built-in safe and arm capabilities.
A recent study found that maternal grandparents were more likely to maintain daily or weekly contact with their grandchildren than paternal grandparents. The research suggests psychological mechanisms rooted in evolutionary history, where women are always related by maternity, making family ties through the mother more significant.
A study found that 14% of patients with suspected STEMI did not have a clear culprit coronary artery, and 9.5% had no significant coronary artery disease. This may lead to unnecessary cardiac catheterization activation, which carries risks to the patient.
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has launched the 'Targeting Zero' initiative to eliminate healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which include C. difficile, UTIs, central line catheter-associated blood stream infections, and mediastinitis.
A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers suggests that colon cancer screenings may bring little benefit and pose harm to certain patients. The 'payoff time' method estimates the minimum time required for screening benefits to outweigh harms, revealing a significant gap in current guidelines.
Researchers at Penn State developed a novel surgical technique using a Z-shaped incision to access the stomach, promising reduced bleeding and complication rates. The technique has potential applications in minimally invasive surgeries, such as intestinal bypass surgery and organ biopsies.
Researchers identified four distinct indoor tanning behavior patterns, including special event, spontaneous/mood, regular year-round, and mixed behaviors. These classifications enable physicians to develop targeted health messages for their patients, increasing the effectiveness of cancer prevention efforts.
A new drug has been found safe and effective at reducing levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol by up to 40 percent, a promising approach for treating high cholesterol and related conditions. The drug accelerates the natural process of ridding the body of LDL, offering an alternative to statins and potentially complementing their use.
A new robotic surgery technique called transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has been shown to be effective in removing tonsil cancer with minimal complications and improved patient outcomes. In a study of 27 patients, surgeons successfully removed all cancerous tissues in 93% of cases, with an average surgery time of one hour and 43 minutes.
Engineered blood vessels could be transplanted into tissues such as the kidneys, liver, heart or any other organs that require large amounts of vascular tissue. The researchers created a surface template to grow capillary tubes aligned in a specific direction using nano-scale patterning.
A randomized controlled trial found that robotic teleconferencing resulted in similar patient outcomes and satisfaction as traditional bedside rounds. Patient satisfaction was equally high in both groups, with most rating audio and video quality as very good or excellent.
A new study by University of Iowa researcher Vera Loening-Baucke found that acute and chronic constipation accounted for nearly half of all cases of acute abdominal pain in children. The study recommends that physicians perform a simple rectal examination to diagnose constipation as a cause of abdominal pain.
Researchers have found that rifapentine, an older antibiotic, is a potent treatment for tuberculosis when used at high doses. Clinical trials are underway to test its effectiveness in reducing treatment time from six months to three months or less.
Researchers confirm that bacteria responsible for UTIs are entrenched inside human bladder cells, contradicting previous models. The finding confirms the importance of fully understanding bacterial behavior in the bladder to develop better diagnoses and treatments.
A University of Missouri researcher studied peer relationships among inmates to understand the social structure of California prisons. He found that respect is rooted in perceived similarities and is conveyed through various behaviors, such as eye contact and physical orientation.
A study published in PLoS Genetics identified five seminal proteins necessary to elevate offspring production in mated females. These proteins modulate egg production, sperm storage and release, as well as female post-mating behavior and physiology.
Researchers at OHSU Neurological Sciences Institute have discovered the brain's wiring system that determines when to perform shivering as a defense against cold. The study reveals that this process involves parallel but distinct sensory pathways for conscious and subconscious cold detection.
A national study suggests that infants with complex congenital heart defects have a lower risk of dying if treated at experienced hospitals. The study found significant differences in mortality rates depending on the number of procedures performed at each hospital, with centers treating more cases having lower mortality rates.
Researchers developed two biochips, MetaChip and DataChip, to test chemical and drug compound toxicity on human cells and organs without animal testing. The combined chips provide efficient and accurate way to screen compounds for toxicity earlier in the discovery process.
Researchers found that Argentine ants' ability to switch from carnivorous to plant sap-loving creatures allowed them to rapidly spread throughout coastal California. The change in diet enabled the ants to thrive in irrigated residential communities where more plant material than insect protein is available.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals that poultry workers in the US are 32 times more likely to carry gentamicin-resistant E. coli bacteria than others outside the industry. The study highlights the importance of non-hospital environments in the origin of drug-resistant infections.
A new study from The University of Texas at Austin found that creative activity is key to maintaining good health. Employees who enjoy their daily activities and have more control over their work experience tend to be healthier.
A new study from Duke University Medical Center shows that even a modest amount of brisk walking weekly can trim waistlines and cut the risk of metabolic syndrome. The research found that participants who exercised for at least 30 minutes a day, six days a week, saw significant benefits in reduced MetS scores.
Scientists at Einstein College of Medicine identified two genes crucial for packaging fat into lipid droplets. Overexpressing these genes led to a significant increase in lipid droplet formation, while suppressing one of the genes resulted in a drastic reduction. This discovery could lead to new strategies for treating obesity and rela...
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have identified that dioxin targets the mitochondria, disrupting normal cellular function and promoting tumor progression. The study's findings suggest that understanding this mechanism could lead to new ways to block the propagation of mitochondrial stress signaling and inhibit cancer growth.
Researchers found that vacuuming is an effective way to kill fleas, with a high success rate in killing adult fleas (96%) and destroying younger stages (100%). The study suggests that the physical abuse caused by the vacuum's brushes and fans leads to flea death.
A study by Indiana University found that veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War were 25% more likely to visit an emergency department than those who did not serve. The study also suggested that limited access to outpatient services or higher rates of accidents and injuries may be contributing factors.
A new study suggests that urban sprawl has continued to grow significantly in the US over the past few decades, particularly in exurban areas. The research found significant increases in fragmentation of land use patterns, with housing development juxtaposed with agricultural or forested areas.
A joint study will assess changes in brain structure and cognitive functions in adult cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. Researchers hope to identify neuroprotective agents to prevent chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction, a condition affecting many cancer patients.
Fibroblasts, key cells in wound healing, transform into powerful contractile cells through a mechanical process. This new understanding could help prevent fibrosis and improve tissue engineering by controlling the rigidity of cell cultures.
A recent study of 213 elderly adults found that adherence to moderate exercise improved their physical function. Participants who exercised for 150 minutes or more per week showed greater improvements in walking speed, strength, flexibility, and balance.
Researchers found that monkeys and college students perform approximate mental addition with remarkable similarity. This cognitive ability likely reflects an evolutionary link between humans and nonhuman primates.
A hot spot on Enceladus's south pole generates enough heat to eject ice and vapor plumes, indicating geological activity. The presence of water vapor and lack of sodium suggest a different mechanism may be at play, fueling questions about the moon's habitability.
Researchers at CSHL have identified and repressed breast cancer stem cells in mouse tissue by manipulating microRNAs, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment. The study found that the delivery of the microRNA let-7 to breast-tissue cells can help distinguish stem-like tumor-initiating cells from other cells.
The American College of Physicians has issued new clinical guidelines that recommend against routine screening for carotid artery stenosis. Meanwhile, the use of vitamin D as a standard treatment for chronic kidney disease remains unchanged despite concerns over its effectiveness. Additionally, experts have called for revisions to orga...
A systematic review of published research explores the benefits of seven key behaviors (AADE7) in diabetes management. The studies were rigorously reviewed to identify effective strategies and remaining gaps in knowledge, providing direction for future researchers.
A study published in PLoS Medicine finds IBCs in cystitis patients, associated with E coli and filamentous bacteria, suggesting a need for longer antibiotic treatment. The researchers collected urine samples from women with cystitis and found IBCs in nearly one in five cases.
A new report by Karolinska Institutet and KTH identifies untapped potential for enterprise and new jobs in the medtech field. The report recommends closer collaboration between academia, healthcare, and industry to achieve industrial growth.
The Medical College of Georgia Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine has been selected to isolate RNA and DNA from the blood of thousands of children involved in a worldwide study of the causes of type 1 diabetes. The TEDDY study aims to identify environmental triggers for diabetes in children with known high-risk genes.
An international team of scientists proposes strategies to overcome obstacles posed by the blood-brain barrier, a gate-keeping system protecting the brain from toxins and letting in nutrients. The review article highlights the importance of understanding the blood-brain barrier in treating brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, multiple s...
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that rapid diagnosis and treatment of pain syndromes leads to better outcomes for soldiers. The study shows that establishing pain treatment centers in combat areas can dramatically increase troop levels and military success.
Researchers found that individuals with Type 1 myotonic muscular dystrophy overproduce the heart protein NKX2-5, yet experience similar cardiac problems. Reducing excessive NKX2-5 levels may protect against these issues, leading to potential diagnostic and therapeutic breakthroughs.