A new meta-analysis of published research concludes that chondroitin has little effect on knee or hip pain caused by arthritis, while a clinical trial testing two different ways to treat Helicobacter pylori infection found sequential therapy cured the infection more often than standard treatment.
Researchers from Harvard University found that ancient aquatic amphibians developed the ability to feed on land before transitioning to terrestrial life. Analysis of skull bones reveals that these extinct animals captured prey by biting or sucking it into their mouth, with one key species showing signs of biting behavior.
Research found that individuals with melanoma diagnosed by a dermatologist tend to have thinner tumors, leading to improved five-year survival rates. The study analyzed data from Medicare and cancer databases, comparing outcomes between dermatologist- and non-dermatologist-diagnosed patients.
A call has been made for the Global Fund to prioritize funding health workers' salaries to ensure medicines are delivered to patients. The absence of skilled healthcare professionals poses a significant challenge in countries struggling with HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
A recent editorial by Dr. Malaz Boustani suggests that primary care physicians should not assess the safety of older drivers due to resource constraints and potential conflicts of interest. The editorial is based on a survey of Canadian family physicians, who reported low confidence in assessing driving fitness.
The hospital has introduced more stringent admission screening methods for MRSA and VRE, detecting many more carriers before infection or spread. Weekly swab testing and bacterial growth cultures were effective in identifying patients with the germs, missing only 35% of those with MRSA.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center have induced cell death in leukemia cells using a combination of bortezomib and romidepsin or belinostat. The findings suggest potentiated lethality and additive effects in human CLL cells.
A clinical trial at UCSF Brain Tumor Research Center has shown promising results using the vitespen vaccine to stimulate the immune system to attack tumor cells. The vaccine, made from a patient's own tumor, induced a tumor-specific immune response in all 12 study patients.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are working to develop new cooling techniques to manage heat aboard modern ships. The project aims to reduce device temperatures below 50 degrees Celsius using novel electronic cooling systems, including liquid cooling and nanoparticle suspensions.
A national smoking ban in Ireland resulted in a significant reduction in air pollution in pubs, with an 83 percent decrease in airborne carcinogens. The ban also improved the respiratory health of bar workers, particularly non-smoking employees, who showed improvements in cough and phlegm production.
A University of Tennessee researcher has been awarded a $296,000 Komen grant to conduct a groundbreaking study on treating depression in breast cancer patients using behavior therapy. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of two treatments: problem-solving therapy and brief behavior activation therapy.
Researchers found that natalizumab significantly reduces vision loss and likelihood of sustained vision loss in patients with relapsing MS. The drug's potential benefits must be weighed against its risks, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.
A new study from Ohio State University found that couples with a strong marital relationship tend to handle temperamental babies better than those without. The study, which involved 97 couples, showed that poor coparenting relationships can have long-term effects on children's behavior.
A Rhode Island Hospital study found patients with long-term elder care and HIV-infection to be at high risk of MRSA carriage. The study quantified the presence of MRSA in nasal swabs from various patient groups, highlighting the need for targeted screening and infection control measures.
Shirley J. Dyke successfully tested wireless sensors in a simulated structural control setting, demonstrating their potential to reduce damage from earthquakes. The technology has the potential to enable less manpower requirements and far less remodeling of existing structures.
Researchers found that as cities grow, their creative output increases superlinearly, generating more wealth and innovation. This challenges traditional models of urban growth, suggesting large cities are a source of solutions rather than problems.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital and MIT found that self-management tools reduce medical costs and improve treatment quality. Examples of such tools include patient-controlled insulin dosing and medication adjustments based on symptoms.
The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and Susan G. Komen for the Cure have launched a partnership to address cancer disparities and promote prevention. The $2M pledge will support educational outreach, public forums, and research initiatives.
Researchers found that early age at first birth protects against ERPR-positive breast cancer, but not receptor-negative. Breastfeeding was protective for both subtypes, regardless of when a woman gave birth. Women who delay childbearing may benefit from breastfeeding to reduce their risk.
A phase III trial of 1,298 patients found that a combination of cetuximab and irinotecan increased progression-free survival over irinotecan alone. The treatment also showed a higher tumor response rate.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found that natalizumab reduces both visual loss and disability in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. Vision loss is a common symptom of MS, and this study provides strong validation for a simple measure of visual function.
A recent study by Dr Yin Paradies and colleagues reveals that indigenous people do not have a genetic predisposition to diabetes. The research shows that social factors such as poor diet, reduced physical activity, stress, and low birth weight contribute significantly to the high rates of diabetes among indigenous populations.
The study analyzed existing genetic studies and found that non-genetic factors such as poverty, housing segregation, and poor diet are stronger indicators of diabetes than genes. The findings challenge the widely held thrifty genotype theory, which suggests that certain minority groups are genetically prone to diabetes.
A new study by NHLBI found that elevated risk factors in young adulthood significantly increase the risk of developing coronary calcium, a predictor of heart disease. Young adults with above-optimal levels of risk factors are two to three times more likely to develop coronary calcium than those with lower levels.
The Department of Energy has awarded $27.5 million for two field research studies to investigate contaminated groundwater at the Hanford Site in Washington and a uranium mill tailings site in Colorado. The studies aim to identify new approaches to resolve questions about subsurface contaminant movement.
The Gravity Probe B satellite has confirmed Einstein's predicted geodetic effect to a precision of better than 1 percent, but the frame-dragging effect is 170 times smaller and requires further analysis. Electrostatic patches on the gyroscopes' surface cause small torques, complicating the measurement of relativity effects.
A consortium of Canadian and American researchers have identified three major genetic risk factors for Crohn's disease: PHOX2B, NCF4, and ATG16L1. These findings highlight biological pathways not previously thought to play a role in the disease, including altered reactive oxygen species production and autophagic processes.
Researchers found that Hodgkin's disease survivors with higher chromosomal aberrations are two-and-a-half times more likely to develop another type of cancer. Chromosomal breaks, particularly those on one chromosome arm, may serve as a biomarker for predicting second primary tumor risk.
Researchers found that cetuximab improved overall survival by 23% and reduced disease progression risk by 32%. The drug targets the EGFR receptor on cancer cells, preventing cell growth and triggering an immune response.
Researchers found that microRNA let-7 binds to HMGA2 mRNA transcript, suppressing its expression and preventing tumorigenesis. This establishes HMGA2 as a target of let-7, highlighting the potential role of microRNAs in cancer prevention.
A study found that breast cancer risk is associated with epigenetic changes related to racial group, smoking status, and infant and childhood size. Researchers analyzed DNA methylation patterns in a cohort of women born between 1959 and 1966, finding correlations between these factors and increased breast cancer susceptibility.
A new protein-targeted drug, MCP110, has been found to have a synergistic effect when combined with current chemotherapy drugs like taxanes and vinca-alkaloid compounds. This combination improves the efficacy of systemic treatment for human lung and colon cancer cells.
A study published in Nature Genetics identifies PHOX2B, NCF4, and ATG16L1 as genetic risk factors for Crohn's disease. The research highlights the role of neuroendocrine cells and altered reactive oxygen species production in increasing disease susceptibility.
Researchers used the world's smallest pipette to study tiny liquid metal droplets and found they develop surface facets that form an 'ethereal dance' as they freeze. This challenge to traditional theory may improve understanding of freezing processes in nature and nanotechnology.
Researchers identify three genetic variants associated with an increased risk of Crohn's disease, including PHOX2B, NCF4, and ATG16L1. These discoveries offer new insights into the biological pathways underlying the disease and may lead to more effective therapies.
A research team has identified several novel genetic variations associated with the risk of Crohn's disease, which could improve understanding of the disease process and lead to new therapies. The study found that one of the newly identified genes, ATG16L1, plays a crucial role in autophagy, a biological pathway involved in inflammation.
Researchers have developed tests that diagnose, predict or monitor cancer risks without invasive tissue sampling, benefiting underserved populations. DNA methylation mapping from exhaled breath can identify early-stage lung cancer, while an oral rinse test detects head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Researchers found that astrocytes, carrying a mutated gene, induce motor neuron death in ALS patients. The study suggests that targeting these cells may lead to effective therapies and earlier diagnoses. This discovery could involve transplanting embryonic stem cells to replace damaged neurons.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health discovered a means for early detection of liver cancer using DNA isolated from serum samples. The study found changes associated with cancer in serum DNA one to nine years before actual clinical diagnosis, leading to an overall predictive accuracy of 89%.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic Cancer Center have discovered that chaetocin, a by-product of common wood mold, is more effective than current therapies in killing multiple myeloma cells. The study found chaetocin induces oxidative stress and selectively kills myeloma cells with superior efficacy.
Research suggests that genetics, socioeconomic status, and neighborhood environment play a role in cancer incidence and mortality disparities among African-Americans, Hispanics, and Caucasians. A survey found that late-stage cancer diagnosis is more common among older, low-income individuals living in unsafe neighborhoods.
A USC study found that patients with later stage cancer diagnoses were more likely to live in unsafe neighborhoods, use public transportation, and travel long distances to receive medical care. The study suggests that addressing neighborhood conditions and prioritizing health care can help reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses.
A study published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that men who consume more alcohol have a higher risk of sleep-related breathing disorders. For each additional drink per day, the risk increases by 25%. The study suggests that men should avoid drinking before bedtime to minimize the risk.
VIB researchers have discovered that MYB duplication is associated with T-ALL cases, leading to increased MYB concentrations. This finding opens up possibilities for targeted therapies against this specific group of patients.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have developed a novel antigen-cloning technique that may boost efforts to develop a melanoma vaccine. The new approach has been used to identify a tumor antigen called ribosomal protein L8 (RPL8), which has the potential to elicit both helper T cell and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses.
A study published in JCSM found that 'night owls' experience more sleep/wake irregularities and waking distress due to insomnia. Insomnia affects 30% of adults, leading to serious health problems like depression, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
A new imaging method measures water diffusion in tumors to detect early response to treatment for advanced prostate cancer. Researchers found that changes in water diffusion could predict tumor response to chemotherapy as early as seven days after treatment began.
Researchers have discovered a biological mechanism whereby two compounds in broccoli and soy reduce the invasive and metastatic potential of breast and ovarian cancer cells. Studies also suggest that a diet high in flavonols may help reduce pancreatic cancer risk, especially in smokers.
A study by UNC researchers found that normal breathing's rhythmic motion regulates mucus clearance, promoting lung health in CF patients. This rhythm also re-hydrates airways, accelerating mucus removal.
Scientists at the University of Bristol have found that inflammation caused by trapped white blood cells can obstruct blood flow to the brain, leading to poor oxygen supply. This discovery suggests a new mechanism for high blood pressure, with potential therapeutic targets for treatment.
Researchers discovered that an investigational cancer drug selectively kills cancer cells due to its affinity for a modified version of heat shock protein 90. The modification, called acetylation, allows the drug to target and block the activity of this protein, promoting cell survival.
Research reveals how interneurones process information from senses and brain to control movement, with persistent sodium current playing a critical role. Abnormal regulation of this current may impair motor command integration, affecting normal movement patterns.
Researchers have identified a minimal DNA structure that activates the ATR-mediated DNA damage checkpoint in a cell-free system. This discovery enables precise control and quantitative probing of checkpoint signaling responses.
Researchers have discovered that bacteria can enter immune system cells through a pore in the cell membrane, triggering an immune response without activating Toll-like receptors. This finding offers new perspectives for developing human vaccines and drugs that target inflammatory responses in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers have built a new model that suggests neutron star surfaces run hotter than previously thought, releasing 10 times more heat. This helps explain the observed frequency of superbursts on such stars' surfaces, but scientists still don't know why they occur annually.
Research found that students who watched more TV on 9/11 had higher levels of stress in their dreams, while those who talked to family and friends experienced better processing of traumatic events. The study suggests that repeated exposure to horrific images through TV may amplify stress and trauma.
Researchers have identified ten areas of the wild tomato genome associated with resistance to grey mould. The discovery could lead to the development of new, pesticide-free tomato varieties.
Researchers created ultra-small microreactor chips that increase chemical reaction rates by up to 1.7 times, reducing safety risks and increasing efficiency. The miniaturized Total Analysis System (µTAS) is now a feasible future technology.
An international science team led by LSU professor Robert Twilley is developing an environmental observation system for India to help reduce climate-related risks. The system will provide a scientific foundation for long-term government policies aimed at meeting international accords on greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at Rowan University and Penn Medicine developed a high-accuracy method to diagnose early-stage Alzheimer's using EEG signals. The test, which can be done in a physician's office, has an accuracy rate of 82-85% and may provide earlier treatment and improved quality of life for those affected.