Patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with EGFR-targeted monoclonal antibodies experience significant magnesium loss, affecting up to 97% of patients. The study suggests that identifying high-risk patients through patient characteristics could aid early intervention to prevent severe hypomagnesaemia.
Researchers have discovered a new substance called Zorro-LNA that can bind to both strands of DNA simultaneously, effectively disabling genes. This development has significant implications for treating dominant genetic disorders such as Huntington's disease and polycystic kidney disease.
A study of female waterfowl reproductive tracts reveals two unexpected structures that may be designed to selectively exclude the male phallus. The findings suggest a dynamic co-evolution between male and female genitalia in response to sperm competition and forced copulations.
Research suggests that estrogen's effects on the hippocampus can lead to increased excitatory synapses and enhanced learning, but also suppress inhibitory synapses, resulting in seizure activity. The study proposes novel therapeutic targets for anti-epileptic drugs, exploiting estrogen's rapid impact on neurotransmitter vesicles.
Researchers found that oxytocin improved heart rate and variability in isolated prairie voles. The peptide also reduced heart rate response to social stressors. These findings suggest a potential protective effect of oxytocin on cardiac function during social isolation.
A Yale University researcher has discovered a Chinese medicinal compound that prevents the formation of cysts in a mouse model of polycystic kidney disease. The compound, triptolide, slowed down cyst growth by 10 percent annually, which could lead to a significant clinical benefit for patients.
A study by Dr. Mary J.C. Hendrix found that inhibiting Nodal signaling in aggressive melanoma cells can reverse their invasiveness and tumor formation, reverting them to a more benign skin cell type. This discovery provides a promising new target for regulating tumor progression and metastasis.
A six-week free weight training program successfully restored physical function in 96% of workers with severe rotator cuff injuries. The majority (75%) returned to their previous job, with all but one participant reporting high satisfaction. This innovative approach promises cost-effective solutions for employers and payors.
A new study suggests that green tea compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) inhibits production of molecules that cause destruction of cartilage and bone in people with rheumatoid arthritis. EGCG also suppresses inflammatory products in connective tissue.
Researchers found that leptin upregulates E-cadherin in breast tissue, promoting tumor growth and cell aggregation. This link between obesity, leptin, and breast cancer suggests new targets for drug intervention.
Hopkins researchers discovered a backup supply of stem cells that can repair severe damage to the nerves responsible for our sense of smell. These stem cells, called HBCs, grow from a population of cells not previously known for repair abilities and generate other active nasal stem cells.
A study found that green tea compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) inhibits production of inflammatory molecules involved in joint damage. EGCG also blocks the production of interleukin-6 and prostaglandin E2, reducing inflammation in joints.
Researchers identified periaqueductal grey area (PAG) as key brain structure involved in cardiorespiratory response to exercise. PAG activity increases during anticipation and exercise, suggesting its role in autonomic regulation of cardiovascular changes.
A new animal study reveals that moderate alcohol consumption significantly increases breast cancer tumor size and angiogenesis, providing insights into the mechanisms of alcohol-induced breast cancer. The study confirms that even low levels of EtOH intake can stimulate tumor growth and malignancy.
The University of Texas researcher, James D. Stockand, has been awarded the 2007 Henry Pickering Bowditch Memorial Award for his work on regulating sodium channels and its potential to control hypertension. His research may lead to better treatment methods for this serious condition.
A synthetic drug activates PPAR-d, the master regulator of fat metabolism, making mice resistant to weight gain and increasing their endurance. This breakthrough could lead to a new approach in treating human metabolic syndrome, which includes obesity-related health issues.
The Wellcome Trust and GSK will collaborate on a new class of antibacterials to combat rising drug resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, which cause pneumonia and septic shock. The partnership aims to accelerate development of compounds for treating these resistant infections.
A study by the University of Exeter found an increase in loggerhead and Kemp's ridley turtles in UK and French waters over the last twenty years. Protective measures in US and Mexican waters are believed to be the reason for this rise.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which adult stem/progenitor cells enhance tissue repair in damaged organs. These cells not only differentiate into replacement cells but also stimulate the proliferation of existing stem cells and transfer mitochondrial DNA to dysfunctional cells.
Researchers found that enriched environments improved learning and memory in mice with neurodegeneration due to p25 activation. The animals showed significant gains on memory tests and recovered long-term memories weeks after training. However, no evidence of new neuron growth was observed.
A new study sheds light on how histone and DNA methylation cooperate to silence genes. Mammalian HP1 proteins facilitate this cooperation by stimulating the activity of DNMT1, a DNA methyltransferase.
A recent study has established a significant correlation between bile duct obstruction and the growth rate of bile duct cancer cells in animals. In fact, cancer cells in obstructed bile ducts grew up to five times faster than those without obstruction, leading to increased metastasis outside the liver.
Researchers identified an enzyme called SIK1 that regulates a pathway involving exercise-induced hormones and controls muscle-specific gene expression. Boosting SIK1 levels or inhibiting HDAC activity restored normal muscle function in genetically engineered mice with weak muscles. The discovery may provide clues for improving cellular...
The discovery of microRNAs in the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii expands our understanding of small RNA regulation and challenges existing dogma. The researchers found functional characteristics between plant and animal miRNAs, suggesting a potential role in regulating sexual reproduction.
A UN-led pilot project has improved the lives of 100,000 people in poverty-stricken rural India by providing household financing for solar home systems. The project expanded to other developing countries, including Tunisia, China, Indonesia, and Egypt.
A new study by the University of Michigan found that aspirin therapy is four times more likely to be ineffective in women compared to men with the same medical history. The researchers used a device to test platelet reactivity and found that gender was a predictor for aspirin resistance, rather than medical history.
Researchers have discovered that the anti-fungal medication itraconazole can stop the growth of new blood vessels, which is commonly seen in cancers. In mice models, treatment with itraconazole reduced blood vessel growth by 67%, providing a promising lead for cancer treatment
Researchers have identified a lack of precise methods for studying nanostructured materials' atomic arrangements, dubbed the 'nanostructure problem.' A comprehensive solution requires coordination among multiple experimental methods and theory.
A study by the New York Academy of Medicine found that many NYC pharmacies do not translate prescription labels into languages other than English, despite being able to do so. This poses a significant risk to limited-English patients who may face serious errors if they cannot understand their medication instructions.
A new study has found that the human brain is more adept at distinguishing smells than previously thought. The research demonstrates the importance of smell as a means for people to gather information from their environment and shows how the brain processes scent information.
New nanocomposites may mean more durable tooth fillings, according to scientists at NIST. The researchers' technique solves a problem with standard composite resin fillings by producing stronger and more effective restorations.
Thomas Steitz received the 2007 Gairdner International Award for his work on the structure and function of the large subunit of the ribosome, which has led to a better understanding of human disease and the development of new antibiotics. His research has also highlighted the importance of basic discoveries in medical science.
A RAND Corporation study finds that women-owned small businesses are underrepresented in more than half of industry categories when measured by total contract awards. However, their representation is not significant when measured by dollar value of contracts awarded.
Researchers at Dartmouth and UCLA discovered the last unknown enzyme in plant vitamin C synthesis, a key step in understanding how plants produce this essential nutrient. The enzyme, VTC2, is responsible for the seventh step in vitamin C synthesis, marking a significant breakthrough in the field.
The study found that strong extended family ties facilitated evacuation decisions, providing access to transportation and shelter, but also hindered it by creating conflicting opinions about evacuation messages. This highlights the importance of considering social networks in disaster planning for vulnerable communities.
Researchers found that a 15-week Tai Chi program significantly improved headache pain and overall quality of life for adults suffering from tension headaches. The exercise's emphasis on relaxation and breathing may address the underlying cause of tension headaches.
Researchers at NIST have devised a system for manipulating and positioning individual nanowires using optical microscopy and conventional photolithographic processing. They can fabricate sophisticated test structures to explore the properties of nanowires with high control, enabling the creation of elaborate structures for testing.
The cost of treating arthritis in the US has more than doubled between 1998 and 2003 due to the increasing number of people with the disease and inflation-adjusted prescription costs. Total medical care expenditures for arthritis patients increased by $88 billion annually, with estimated incremental costs reaching $81 billion.
The Healthy Heart Handbook for Women provides practical suggestions for reducing heart-related problems and includes warning signs of a heart attack. The handbook offers tips on following a nutritious eating plan, physical activity program, and quitting smoking to reduce risk factors.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that zinc pyrithione, an active ingredient in dandruff shampoos, can calm overexcited nerve cells, potentially treating seizures. The compound works by allowing more potassium flow through defective channels, restoring normal nerve cell activity.
New research by CSIRO Australia suggests that climate change is enhancing the growth of shallow-water fish species, but decreasing their growth rates at greater depths. This finding has implications for the long-term viability of deep-water stocks.
A University of Houston engineer is using a new device to study the adult brain's ability to adjust and recover from injuries. The research aims to understand the level of plasticity in adult brains and potentially develop new treatments for brain damage.
Corn-based ethanol faces environmental and economic challenges, prompting scientists to explore cellulose as an alternative. Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a class of plant enzymes that can improve the efficiency of cellulose degradation, potentially making biofuel production more cost-effective.
Researchers found people taking antidepressant medications were nearly twice as likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those not taking the medication. Depression was identified as an early symptom of Parkinson's, appearing in the year before diagnosis.
Scientists at Northwestern University developed a simple method to detect mercury using gold nanoparticles and DNA. The technique can identify mercury levels in water samples by visual inspection, offering a faster and more convenient alternative to existing detection methods.
William B. Bonvillian and David J. Goldston, two former Congressional staff members, will share the 2006 IEEE-USA Distinguished Public Service Award for their outstanding support of science and technology-related legislation and policy in the U.S. Congress. They are recognized for their work on various initiatives, including federal R&...
Scientists forecast a moderately strong or weak solar storm cycle starting in March 2008 and peaking in October 2011 or August 2012. The panel's predictions are evenly split on the intensity of the cycle, with some expecting a record-breaker.
A recent study presented at ISHLT meeting reveals that profiling gene expression can detect organ rejection in lung transplant patients. The LARGO study uses quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to identify molecular signatures associated with acute cellular rejection.
A recent study found that carbon dioxide consumed by animals and bacteria in the twilight zone is often recycled back into the atmosphere, rather than being stored in the deep ocean. This discovery adds complexity to proposals for mitigating climate change through ocean fertilization.
A study associates DRB1 shared epitope genotypes with increased risk of death in RA patients, particularly those who died young without clinical evidence of heart disease, highlighting the importance of genetic factors on mortality
Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have devised a method to tackle antibiotic resistance, identifying four promising new compounds with preliminary antibacterial activity. The compounds show promise against MRSA and other Gram-positive bacteria, but further research is needed to understand their mechanism of action.
Researchers have developed a genetic test that can predict which hepatitis C patients are at high risk of developing cirrhosis. The test uses a 'Cirrhosis Risk Score' based on seven genes and has been validated in independent studies, offering hope for more targeted treatment.
A new stent has been shown to relieve GI upper cancer distress by incorporating an anti-reflux valve, which reduces backflow of intestinal contents into the bile duct. The study found that patients with the Dua stent had a longer median of 145 days without complications compared to those with standard stents.
A recent study in Nature suggested plants emit methane, but a new study in New Phytologist found methane emissions from plants are negligible and do not contribute to global climate change. The researchers used a novel experiment with heavy carbon isotopes to detect any methane emission, which was undetectable.
The study found a significant increase in arthritis prevalence from 36.8 million to 46.1 million adults between 1997 and 2003. Medical expenditures for prescription drugs almost doubled during this period, while inpatient expenditures declined, resulting in stable total medical care spending for individuals with arthritis.
A new study led by the University of Alberta found that mailing brief self-help materials to interested drinkers in the general population reduced binge drinking by 10%. The study provided self-help materials to 877 male and female drinkers, aged 43, who were recruited from the general population.
A team led by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory has developed a fully integrated prosthetic arm that can be controlled naturally and provide sensory feedback, with eight degrees of freedom. The prototype, Proto 1, was fitted for clinical evaluations and demonstrated substantial improvements in functional testing.
A new immunosuppression regimen for heart transplant patients has been found to improve kidney function and prevent transplant coronary artery disease. The study, led by Sudhir Kushwaha, used sirolimus as an alternative to calcineurin inhibitors, with consistent improvement in kidney function in stable patients.
Scientists have successfully demonstrated a novel terahertz (THz) imaging technique that can capture high-quality images of objects from distances of up to 25 meters. The approach utilizes a quantum cascade laser and detector, which are designed to minimize water absorption in the THz spectrum.
A UK collaboration of scientists has identified three new genes that predispose individuals to develop type 2 diabetes. The study confirms the link between two previously-identified genes and brings the total number of genes known to be involved in the disease to nine.