Researchers found that patients treated with single-drug therapy had shorter overall survival, but those receiving sequential treatment had similar survival rates to combination therapy regimens. The study results challenge conventional clinical practice and suggest a more gentle approach for some patients.
A new University of Colorado at Boulder study shows people can suppress emotional memories through practice, which could lead to new therapies for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. The study found two mechanisms in the prefrontal region of the brain are involved in memory suppression.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that adding folic acid to flours significantly reduced congenital neural tube deformation cases in Canada. The incidence dropped from 1.58 per 1,000 births between 1993 and 1997 to 0.86 between 2000 and 2002.
Survival rates for individuals with scleroderma have increased by 12% over the past 30 years, from 54% to 66%, thanks in part to advancements in treatment. Newer medications such as ACE inhibitors have dramatically improved outcomes for patients, particularly in reducing renal crisis mortality.
Researchers studied 150 athletes after ACL reconstruction and found no significant differences between functional knee braces and neoprene sleeves. The study suggests that most patients do not require a rigid knee brace during recovery.
Friendly young people are sensitive to the influence of others on their alcohol use, with men and extroverts drinking more than others. Upbringing, culture, and social environment also play a role in determining drinking behavior.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that installing an electronic health records system can pay for itself within 16 months. The University of Rochester Medical Center saved $393,662 per year by reducing costs associated with manual chart pulling and transcription.
Researchers at Penn School of Medicine have discovered a potential new target for treating muscular dystrophy by targeting the 'brake' on utrophin gene expression. The study proposes using drugs to remove this brake, increasing utrophin production as a possible therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
The Lancet Series explores inappropriate prescribing in elderly people, with evidence suggesting overprescription of drugs and inadequate patient involvement. Drug-drug interactions are also a significant concern, with 46% of elderly outpatients at risk of potentially significant interactions.
Scientists analyze data from the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Moon's surface to predict tropical cyclone development, assess ocean temperature and salinity changes, develop new tsunami forecasting methods, and understand lunar surface composition. These findings shed light on the impacts of climate change on extreme weather e...
The American College of Medical Genetics recommends that all newborns be screened for 29 serious disorders, which can lead to death or mental retardation if left untreated. Early detection and treatment through newborn screening can make a significant difference in the long-term outcome of affected children.
The American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology has recognized 40 distinguished members as its 2007 ASTRO Fellows. The nominees have made significant contributions to the field of radiation oncology through research, patient care, education, or leadership.
Researchers at UCL have detected water vapor in the atmosphere of an extrasolar planet, HD 189733b. The discovery was made using NASA's Spitzer telescope and confirms that water might be more common than previously thought outside our Solar System.
Researchers have developed a groundbreaking new mouse model for lung transplantation, which could lead to breakthroughs in preventing transplant rejection. The study aims to understand the molecular mechanisms controlling lung graft survival and develop therapies to counteract chronic rejection.
A $2 million federal grant will help the OHSU Cardiac Arrhythmia Center pinpoint those at greatest risk of sudden cardiac arrest due to left ventricular hypertrophy. The study aims to improve identification and prediction methods, potentially averting disaster before it happens.
A recent study discovered a gene variant that significantly increases the risk of developing gallstones, with affected individuals being two to three times more likely to develop the condition. The relevant gene contains instructions for building a molecular pump that transports cholesterol into bile ducts.
Research by Temple University Assistant Professor Jennifer K. Ibrahim reveals the tobacco industry's aggressive methods to quash effective anti-smoking campaigns, including strategies to limit funding and litigation. The study finds that ads revealing deceptive practices are the most effective in reducing smoking rates.
Scientists have developed a detailed understanding of neutral-neutral reactions at low temperatures, shedding light on their importance in interstellar chemistry. The study's findings suggest that these reactions can play a significant role in the chemistry of interstellar space, contrary to conventional wisdom.
Astronomers have detected water vapor in the atmosphere of HD 189733b, a gas giant 63 light-years away. The presence of water vapour suggests that the planet may have had liquid water on its surface at some point, increasing hopes for detecting life on other rocky planets.
Astronomers used powerful telescopes to detect giant Jupiter-like planets in the outer regions of nearby solar systems, but found none beyond 5 astronomical units from their stars. The survey, which was conducted over three years, aimed to determine what the average planetary system looks like and whether ours is typical.
Researchers found a genetic variant linked to an increased risk of developing COPD in smokers, suggesting a gene-environment interaction. The study suggests that genetic factors play a role in the development of COPD, alongside environmental exposure to cigarette smoke.
Researchers have discovered a new physical phenomenon called acoustic plasmon, which can be triggered into an excited state with very low energy input. This discovery could have significant implications for the design of ultra-high velocity electronic devices and materials for medical applications.
Researchers discovered that neutrophils recognize and respond to a specific form of sugar called beta-1,6-glucan on the surface of fungi, which elicits a stronger reaction than another sugar with similar chemical properties. This unique sugar may help stimulate the immune system and combat deadly pathogens.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have uncovered the structure of a key pain molecule, P2X receptors, using microscopic slime moulds. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new painkillers for chronic conditions like migraine and backache.
Researchers have discovered that p27 can act as both a CDK-dependent tumor suppressor and a CDK-independent oncogene. This finding has significant implications for understanding cancer growth and developing drugs to target p27 dysfunction.
A team of researchers has developed a computational approach to accurately predict the function of proteins with unknown structures and functions. By comparing amino acid sequences to known proteins, they can identify potential substrates and understand the protein's biological role.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that microRNA molecules, specifically miR-203, are significantly upregulated in psoriasis and may be involved in regulating keratinocytes. This study suggests that microRNA therapies could become more effective than traditional medicines targeting individual proteins.
Researchers developed a new treatment for liver cancer using a monoclonal antibody targeting PDGFRá. The antibody significantly reduced tumor cell proliferation and increased programmed cell death in human and mouse liver cancer cell lines.
Research found that birds with brightly colored plumage and those that migrate long distances are more adversely affected by Chernobyl radiation due to their high antioxidant levels. Populations of these species declined significantly, while drab species were less affected.
A recent survey found that 40% of community pharmacists have dispensed off-label medicines to children in the last month, with only 66% feeling responsible to inform parents. The most common off-label dispensing involves giving drugs to children younger than recommended ages or higher doses.
Five Oregon Health & Science University faculty members have been honored with the 2007 OHSU Faculty Senate Awards. The winners include Michael Danilchik for groundbreaking research on early morphogenesis, William Hersh for developing a respected academic program in biomedical informatics, Carol Christlieb for exceptional service to nu...
A study reveals that hemoglobin levels vary among dialysis patients due to negative feedback control systems and individual sensitivity to ESA treatment. The analysis suggests optimizing treatment systems on a rational basis to reduce variation in hemoglobin values and stabilize dose regimens.
A recent study has found that Bernese Mountain Dogs are more susceptible to Borrelia burgdorferi infection than other breeds. More than half of the dogs tested were infected, with antibodies against B. burgdorferi found in 58% of those studied.
Scientists at McMaster University have made a groundbreaking discovery about human embryonic stem cells, finding they can generate fuel to sustain themselves. This breakthrough has significant implications for future clinical therapy, as it could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases such as Parkinson's and diabetes.
A study by Shinshu University Graduate School of Medicine found that high-intensity interval walking may protect against high blood pressure and decreased muscle strength in older adults. Walking is a legitimate mode of exercise that doesn't require special equipment or membership, according to Dr. James Levine.
Scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered a modified version of antimycin that selectively kills cancer cells with high levels of survival proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. The compound's unique mechanism provides a therapeutic window, making it a potential targeted molecular therapy to enhance cancer treatment effectiveness.
Immune cells use filopodia to catch pathogens, with the internal scaffolds growing and shrinking through actin filaments. Researchers tracked the dynamic behavior of these structures for the first time in three dimensions, revealing discrete steps of retraction and a possible molecular mechanism underlying it.
Researchers found that each doubling of a program's scale can reduce costs by around a third, making it a cost-effective strategy to prevent more HIV infections. Larger prevention programs use money more efficiently than smaller ones, with some large programs being ten times more efficient.
Research at Harvard Medical School found that uninsured adults before age 65 require more intensive and costlier care than those with private insurance. This can lead to costly complications and reduced health needs after age 65.
Researchers found that consuming diets with a higher glycemic index increased the risk of developing advanced AMD, with severity linked to dietary glycemic index. The study suggests improving dietary carbohydrate quality through simple alterations may help prevent AMD progression.
A daily pint of milk reduces the risk of metabolic syndrome by 62%, while regular dairy consumption lowers the risk by 56%. The study found that around one in seven men had the syndrome at entry into the study, with those who consumed more dairy produce having a lower risk.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that treating tumors with bevacizumab first and then administering topotecan therapy after improved tumor blood flow can significantly reduce cancer growth, holding promise for improving treatment for children with neuroblastoma.
A team of UO researchers found that human memory has a four-item limit, varying from person to person, with high IQ individuals able to think about more things at once. The study contradicts the assumption that those who can remember more items have clearer memories.
A twin study published by Monell Chemical Senses Center found that genes account for 53% of the variation in sour taste sensitivity, suggesting a genetic component to individual differences. This discovery may help identify the elusive taste receptor for sourness and inform strategies for promoting healthy eating.
Researchers found that commercially important species take a quarter of a century to recover fully, while ecological equilibrium takes even longer to achieve. Fish recovery rates vary among species due to competition for resources.
A recent study published in BMC Health Services Research found that larger HIV prevention programs in low and middle-income countries can reduce unit costs of prevention services by up to a third. By rapidly scaling up well-run existing programs, the study suggests that more HIV infections may be averted.
Researchers developed a predictive model using Bayesian network modeling to estimate sickle cell disease severity and predict mortality risk. The model identified laboratory markers and clinical events contributing to the risk of death, providing a personalized disease severity score for therapeutic decisions.
A study suggests that taxing high-fat foods in the UK could prevent up to 3,000 heart attack and stroke deaths annually. This approach would increase salt intake instead of reducing it, leading to potential health issues.
The 'Focus: Science and Law' section in Isis explores the intersection of science and law, examining how courts shape scientific theories and practices. Scholars discuss topics such as intellectual property legislation, witness testimony verification, and the commercialization of research.
A Cornell study found evidence of recent human adaptation, with 101 regions of the human genome showing strong selection signs. These include genes related to skin pigmentation, muscle attachment, and immune system function.
Food crops like corn, lettuce, and potato take up antibiotics from soils treated with manure containing the antibiotic Sulfamethazine. This raises concerns about the potential for contamination of the human food supply, particularly among vulnerable populations like young children who may experience allergic reactions.
Researchers found Ago2 necessary for normal blood cell development, but its role is independent of slicer activity. Ago2 regulates miRNA biogenesis in blood cells through translational control.
A study published in JAMA Network found that antibiotic treatment after a first urinary tract infection (UTI) in children may not reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs, but increases the risk of resistant infections. The study identified risk factors for recurrent UTI and estimated the effectiveness of antimicrobials in preventing recurrence.
A new study by Brandeis University recommends routine screening in primary care for mental health and substance abuse problems. This can help identify more people with behavioral health conditions, leading to earlier treatment.
Researchers at Biodesign Institute have received nearly $9 million in grants to develop a preventive vaccine against breast cancer. The team aims to identify common signatures across various breast tumors using genomics, proteomics, and immunology.
A new study identifies adiponectin as a long-term regulator of energy homeostasis, boosting appetite and slowing energy expenditure in the brain during periods of starvation. Adiponctein helps preserve adequate fat reserves by acting as a starvation signal.
A new special issue of Integrative Cancer Therapies Journal presents research on milk thistle's liver-protective effects and its potential as an anticancer agent. The studies suggest that silymarin, the active compound in milk thistle, can preserve liver function and provide clinical benefits for cancer patients.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that nearly 80% of Kaposi sarcoma tumors arose independently from multiple cells. This challenges the traditional understanding of cancer origins, suggesting that Kaposi sarcoma is not a true metastatic cancer.
Researchers measured the effect of hepatitis B on patients' quality of life, creating a new tool to better assess overall well-being. The study found that psychosocial impact affected many patients more than physical symptoms, underscoring the need for clinicians to consider social and psychological factors in treatment.
Researchers developed a new drug delivery method using ultrasound to target cancer tumors, releasing chemotherapy drugs from nanobubbles. They found this approach was more effective at blocking tumor growth than other nanoparticle delivery methods. Vitamin D levels were also associated with reduced colon cancer risk in a separate study.