A two-year study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that women who took a weekly dose of risedronate lost significantly less bone than those who did not take the drug. Risedronate improved bone density and prevented excess bone loss in breast cancer survivors, even among those on aromatase inhibitors.
Researchers identified 17 genes linked to high-risk multiple myeloma, which can predict poor prognosis and guide therapy. The activity of these genes could help categorize patients' risk early, enabling personalized treatment plans.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers at Columbia University Medical Center will investigate the link between type 2 diabetes and heart disease using a $10.8 million NIH grant. They aim to understand how insulin resistance contributes to accelerated atherosclerotic lesion progression in diabetics.
A research project at Kansas State University aims to improve scientific communication with the public. The team, funded by a $100,000 NSF grant, is exploring how scientists convey complex information in an ethical and effective manner.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a new material that can produce polarized light, a key component for brighter displays in consumer electronics. The material uses aligned nanoscale pores to confine light and enhance lasing, making it 20 times easier to generate polarized light than traditional methods.
A study found that women experienced worsening mood and increased caution when serotonin levels were reduced, while men became more impulsive. The researchers discovered a genetic link influencing the response in women, highlighting sex differences in serotonin utilization.
A new systematic review found that 'abstinence-plus' programs, which present safer sex as an option when abstinence fails, can increase abstinence, condom use, and reduce unprotected sex among North American youth. The study also suggests limited evidence of reduced pregnancy rates among teenage girls.
New research reveals neutron has negative charge at inner core and outer edge, with positive charge in between to balance it. The discovery changes scientific understanding of how neutrons interact with electrons and protons, with implications for the strong force and atomic nuclei.
Rising sea-surface temperatures in the Barents Sea have led to a decline in winter ice cover over the past 26 years. The study found that warming ocean temperatures, driven by increasing greenhouse gases, are the primary cause of this trend. In contrast, Arctic pack ice is expected to continue its rapid decline due to atmospheric effects.
Researchers found a gene named JAK that disrupts DNA activity, leading to cancer in fruit flies and potentially affecting offspring. The study shows epigenetic information can be passed from parent to offspring, even if the mutation itself is not present.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new material that enhances bone growth on orthopaedic implants, increasing the success rate of joint replacements and other implants. The new material, created by applying carbon nanotubes to anodized titanium, encourages bone cells to grow faster and produce more calcium.
A study found that skin cooling during laser treatment increased the risk of hyperpigmentation in dark-skinned individuals. The cooled sides were three times more likely to become hyperpigmented than the uncooled sides, according to a report published in Archives of Dermatology.
Researchers have uncovered a new pathway that regulates killer proteins called caspases, which are essential for trimming down heavy sperm to make them better swimmers. This discovery provides insights into the causes of human infertility and opens up opportunities for developing drugs that can alter cell death for therapeutic purposes.
A new research project aims to integrate radio frequency identification technology into cardiac sensor networks, improving remote medical delivery. The team will also work to enhance the security of the systems used in the process, reducing the possibility of identity theft and cyber-terrorism.
A study found that a specific tonsil removal technique associated with reduced postoperative heavy bleeding and pain. The intracapsular technique, which removes at least 90% of tonsil tissue while sparing the capsule, resulted in fewer complications compared to traditional tonsil removal surgery.
A new $2.9 million graduate student training program at Cornell will help bridge the gap between different scientific disciplines by focusing on nanoscale surfaces and interfaces. The program aims to train interdisciplinary thinkers and equip students with essential skills in public speaking, writing, and ethics.
Researchers demonstrated a direct link between mercury concentrations in fish and changes in atmospheric deposition, revealing rapid responses over the first three years of study. The study's results show the benefits of regulating mercury emissions and near-term effectiveness of emission reductions.
A review of six hospital comparison websites found inconsistent results, inadequate data reporting, and statistical methods that fail to accurately reflect surgical care quality. The study highlights the need for improved standards and patient accessibility on these websites.
A recent study found that a specific genetic variant affects smoking cessation treatment outcomes, with 45% of individuals benefiting from bupropion treatment and maintaining abstinence longer compared to those without the variant.
Researchers reveal driving force behind protein folding involving water interactions and hydrophobic areas of peptides. This insight builds on previous theories, allowing for the determination of a peptide's structure from its amino acid sequence.
Research reveals that Hispanic adolescents are less affected by parental divorce, but this is not due to a lack of resilience; instead, they start with more challenges. In contrast, European and Asian American teens face significant problems after family disruption, while African Americans show fewer issues before the breakup.
A study of 12 patients undergoing male-to-female gender reassignment found that nasal surgery resulted in more feminine facial profiles. The procedure was highly effective, with most patients very satisfied with the results and reporting significant improvements in their overall perception of themselves as female.
A new initiative aims to better understand and enhance patient participation in clinical trials. Researchers will use socio-psychological approaches to identify factors influencing patients' decisions to participate. The project has the potential to increase patient accrual rates, leading to faster development of novel treatments.
Researchers at Georgia Tech developed a miniature sensor to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in aqueous and gaseous environments. The sensor uses polymer membranes deposited on a tiny silicon disk to measure pollutant molecules, offering an improvement over classical techniques that require lab analysis.
Researchers studied classic films from Mitchell and Kenyon to confirm lefties' decline in Victorian England, which reversed in the 20th century. The study found that left-waving was more common than left-writing, suggesting a complex pattern of causes behind the decline.
Researchers found that the widely-used numeric rating scale (NRS) fails to identify about a third of patients with pain serious enough to impair day-to-day functioning. The study highlights the limitations of universal pain screening and suggests that other methods may be more effective in addressing this common problem in primary care.
A French surgical team successfully performed a cholecystectomy through the vagina in a 30-year-old woman, eliminating the need for external incisions. The patient recovered promptly with no postoperative pain or scars.
Researchers found that Cyprian honeybees mob and kill Oriental hornets through asphyxiation, targeting the hornets' abdomen to block breathing. This new defense strategy allows the bees to adapt to extreme conditions and survive.
A study found that half of women prescribed medications linked to birth defects do not receive contraceptive counseling. Women filling prescriptions for these medications are no more likely to use contraception than other women, highlighting the need for increased awareness among physicians and women who may become pregnant.
Researchers will focus on biosensors, material-biology interface, and flexible implantable electronics for medical monitoring, diagnostics, and therapeutics. The program aims to advance flexible electronics technology in biomedical devices.
A study by USC researchers found that a storyline on ER about teen obesity and healthy eating habits positively impacted viewers' attitudes and behaviors, with men showing the strongest effects. The study highlights the potential of entertainment television as a medium for health communication.
The NIH grant will support research on biological mechanisms of healthy aging, aiming to identify genes contributing to exceptional longevity and prevent age-related diseases. Dr. Nir Barzilai's team will collaborate with experts in gerontology, neurology, genetics, epidemiology, and statistical genetics.
Researchers have determined the three-dimensional structure of a glycosyltransferase enzyme crucial for viral assembly. This discovery may enable scientists to develop drugs inhibiting certain viral infections.
A pilot study found that patients with head and neck cancer exhibited inferior performance in some driving skills, including longer brake reaction times and greater steering variability. However, there was no significant difference in average speed or total collisions between the patient group and community control group.
A new approach to detect life on Mars, based on technology similar to pregnancy test kits, was successfully launched into space. The Life Marker Chip experiment has the potential to detect trace levels of biomarkers in the Martian environment.
A recent study by a UT researcher found that hybrid salamanders are thriving in California water bodies, contradicting the general understanding of hybridization in animals. The hybrids, created by mating between two different species, show surprising vigor and may even enhance the chances for survival of the native species.
Rutgers University will receive $2.3 million in funding over four years to develop sensor placement and data analysis systems for detecting smuggled nuclear materials. The project aims to thwart terrorists using such materials to create 'dirty bombs' or environmental contaminants.
A study by University of Oregon management professor Jennifer A. Howard-Grenville found that environmental groups can influence core processes by adapting their arguments to the dominant technology-development group's language and metrics.
Researchers have filmed the nanoscale interaction of an enzyme and a DNA strand from an attacking virus in real time. This breakthrough study provides a direct view of the molecular interactions between proteins and DNA, shedding light on fundamental biological processes.
Researchers identify fundamental brain defect in fragile X syndrome and find a potential drug target using a therapy that reverses the effects of the mutation. The discovery could lead to human therapies for this previously untreatable condition.
A University of Minnesota study found no evidence that prostate cancer is more aggressive in black men, contradicting previous studies. The research matched patients by age, Gleason grade, clinical stage, and PSA levels before prostatectomy.
Researchers found that alternate-day fasting shrinks fat cells and boosts fat breakdown mechanisms. Statin drugs also reduce cholesterol and fats in blood vessels by affecting lipases. Exercise after a high-fat meal stimulates the breakdown of fats in skeletal muscle, making it healthier.
Both aerobic and resistance exercise improved glycemic/blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes, with the greatest improvements seen in those who performed both types of exercise. The study found that combining aerobic and resistance training resulted in a significant decrease in A1c value, indicating better blood sugar control.
Researchers identified a consistent association between the TRAF1/C5 region and rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting a link to the inflammatory response. The study adds to accumulating evidence that this genetic region is associated with the disease, paving the way for further investigation into its role.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have elucidated a mechanism for the uptake of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) in mammals, which involves conjugation with fatty acids and binding to lipophilic proteins like HDL and LDL. The discovery has significant implications for siRNA therapies and gene regulation.
A groundbreaking Canada-US study proves a direct link between atmospheric mercury emissions and mercury in fish, with implications for global environmental protection. The research suggests that reducing mercury emissions can lead to lower levels of mercury in fish within a decade.
Researchers have identified human-induced changes in atmospheric moisture content using rigorous statistical methods. The study found that the atmosphere's water vapor content has increased by about 0.41 kg/m³ per decade since 1988, primarily due to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.
A study on Gambel's white-crowned sparrows reveals that the brain regions controlling singing behavior shrink rapidly after testosterone withdrawal, leading to neuron loss and apoptosis. This natural phenomenon may hold potential medical implications for understanding age-related degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and dementia.
Researchers propose a new way to diagnose Alzheimer's disease in its earliest stages, allowing for earlier treatment and potential prevention through vaccines or targeted drug therapies. The new guidelines focus on advanced brain imaging techniques and biomarkers, enabling early detection of the disease.
The American College of Physicians recommends setting blood sugar targets for patients with type 2 diabetes, aiming to prevent microvascular complications. Additionally, a study reveals that many women of childbearing age are prescribed dangerous drugs without proper birth control monitoring.
Researchers analyzed genes of 278 people with Parkinson's disease and found a higher prevalence of mutations in the GBA gene among those diagnosed before age 50. The study suggests that Jewish ancestry may be an important risk factor for younger-onset Parkinson's disease due to the increased presence of GBA gene mutations in this group.
A new study found that limiting work hours for surgical residents enhances their training and improves patient care. The study also showed that the new model improved overall teaching effectiveness and increased operating room experience for residents.
Researchers are exploring nanoscale materials to mimic the architecture of grass and photosynthesis for efficient solar energy production. Tiny nanoparticles can be embedded in everyday products like house paint and roof tiles to create sustainable solar cells.
A study found that a third of spam messages advertise health products, including prescription drugs and natural health products. Researchers successfully purchased several controlled substances through these messages.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a nanoparticle vaccine that delivers vaccines more effectively with fewer side effects, at a fraction of the cost. The technology targets dendritic cells to trigger a strong immune response, and has potential applications for diseases like hepatitis and malaria.
A human peptide called LL37, normally used as a natural antibiotic, can bind to the body's own DNA and trigger an immune response. This may drive autoimmunity in psoriasis and other autoimmune diseases.
Researchers discovered that specific genetic variants of an odor receptor determine how people perceive pleasant or unpleasant odors. The study focused on two sex steroid-derived chemicals and found that different genetic variations led to varying reactions.
A new study reveals that a single gene, OR7D4, plays a crucial role in determining how people perceive the scent of androstenone, a potent ingredient in male body odor. Variants of this gene can make humans perceive androstenone as sweet or unpleasant, with some unable to detect it at all.
A new study reveals that genetic variation in regions controlling gene activity is a significant contributor to common diseases. The researchers analyzed the activity of almost 14,000 genes and found over 1300 genes affected by DNA sequence changes in regulatory regions.
Researchers have found that the protein responsible for producing geosmin, a soil-scented compound, has two distinct halves that work together to create the organic compound. This discovery could help microbiologists develop strategies to block geosmin in drinking water, which can cause an unpleasant taste.