A recent study by Stanford University researchers found that large herbivorous mammals can have a significant impact on ecosystem health. In an experiment in central Kenya, the removal of cattle, elephants, and zebras led to an increase in the populations of trees, beetles, lizards, and other species.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center created a new method to improve leukemia treatment by triggering programmed cell death in cancer cells. The study found that combining agents like ABT-737 with those that reduce Mcl-1 levels can activate pro-apoptotic proteins and induce apoptosis.
A new study from the University of Michigan Health System found that nearly one-third of children having surgery are overweight or obese, with more than half qualifying as obese. This increases their risk of experiencing problems during and after surgery, as well as future health issues such as type II diabetes and breathing problems.
Researchers discovered the first human case of insect-transmitted Chagas parasite in Louisiana, with over half of collected insects carrying the parasite. The finding, while significant, does not represent a widespread public health concern due to limited rural housing conditions.
Researchers at the University of Alberta discovered that dichloroacetate (DCA) can normalize mitochondrial function in various cancers, leading to a significant decrease in tumor growth. DCA's unique mechanism may allow it to selectively target cancer cells while sparing normal tissues.
A randomized trial found that increasing chemotherapy dose intensity did not improve survival rates in patients with osteosarcoma. However, the dose-intensive regimen showed better tumor cell death and lower risks of certain side effects. The study challenges the use of histologic response as a key predictor factor for treatment outcomes.
The FDA has approved LIALDA (mesalamine), the first oral once-daily mesalamine for patients with active, mild to moderate ulcerative colitis. Clinical trials found LIALDA effective in inducing remission compared to placebo after eight weeks of treatment.
A study published in JAMA found that South Asians have higher levels of heart attack risk factors, such as smoking and diabetes, at younger ages. The research suggests that lifestyle changes implemented early in life can reduce the risk of heart attacks in South Asians.
Scientists have developed a method to rapidly separate blood plasma without moving parts, leveraging the phenomenon of tea leaves accumulating at the center of a stirred teacup. This technique could significantly speed up medical tests, such as cholesterol level checks and glucose testing for diabetics.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new fuel cell design that allows for precise control over power output and reduces complexity. The system uses a novel approach to regulate hydrogen flow, enabling efficient water management and higher power production.
A new study conducted at Brandeis University and Malaysia found that a modified fat replacing trans fat causes an increase in blood glucose levels and depresses insulin in humans. The researchers discovered that this interesterified fat had a similar impact on cholesterol levels as trans fat, but with weaker effects.
The Eastern Arc Mountains in Tanzania and Kenya are home to over 1000 endemic species, many with ancient lineages. Effective conservation requires addressing human needs and securing protected areas to preserve biodiversity.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered that a simple chemical link called a thioester bond acts like a switch to control the handoff of a protein called NEDD8 between enzymes E1 and E2. This switch triggers a biochemical cascade that keeps cells alive and functioning normally, including regulating cell division.
Researchers found that blood vessels associated with brain tumors create a microenvironment that sustains cancer stem cells. Disrupting this microenvironment with antiangiogenic drugs reduces CSCs and arrests tumor growth.
The Society of Hospital Medicine and John Wiley & Sons will launch InfoPOEMs for Hospitalists, providing high-quality evidence-based medical research summaries. POEMs are reviewed by at least 15 physicians prior to publication and published in leading medical journals.
A special section of The Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences explores the relationship between delirium and dementia, finding potential biomarkers for delirium and a link between anesthesia and long-term delirium. Delirium is a common complication in older adults, affecting over 4 million individuals in the US each year.
Researchers found antiviral drugs highly effective in preventing seasonal flu illness, with oseltamivir at 81% efficacy. Treatment also reduced infectiousness, particularly with oseltamivir, but further studies are needed to confirm results.
A new UCLA study warns that the World Health Organization's (WHO) plan to track transmitted HIV drug resistance in Botswana may not be effective due to a high detection threshold. The researchers suggest revising the threshold to around 3 percent to detect resistance earlier and provide more accurate information on the situation in Bot...
Researchers have made progress in nanotech workplace safety, including new instrumentation and innovative exposure control methods. However, critical questions about worker safety remain unanswered, highlighting the need for further study to ensure safe nano-workplaces today and in the future.
A systematic literature review found that opioids are effective only in the short-term (less than four months) treatment of chronic low back pain. Long-term effectiveness is not conclusive, and behaviors consistent with opioid abuse were reported in 24 percent of cases.
AZD2171, a new angiogenesis inhibitor, has shown significant promise in treating glioblastomas by reducing tumor size and alleviating debilitating brain swelling. The treatment also appears to normalize blood vessels, creating a window of opportunity for other therapies to be more effective.
A new form of stem rust, Ug99, has jumped from eastern Africa to Yemen, infecting wheat in the Arabian Peninsula and spreading rapidly. The disease is predicted to reach vast wheat-growing areas of North Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan, and India.
Researchers found that ski pistes above tree line have fewer species and lower bird numbers compared to natural grassland at similar altitudes. Ecologists warn of potentially serious threat to wildlife habitat conservation in the Alps.
French researchers applied quantum chemistry to enzyme models and found that lead's electron shield causes toxic effects in the nervous system, kidneys, liver, brain, and blood. The complexation agents used as antidotes may not be lead-specific, removing other important metal cations from the body.
Scientists have developed a powerful method for charting nucleosome positions in the human genome, which could help uncover clues for cancer and other diseases. The technique successfully pinpointed the location of nucleosomes in thousands of promoter regions across seven human cell lines.
A study by St. Jude researchers found that brain tumors arise from cancer stem cells living in microscopic protective niches formed by blood vessels, disrupting these niches may block tumor growth. The team showed that targeting blood vessel cells could eliminate CSCs and prevent tumor reappearance following treatment.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a powerful computer model to explain the mechanism of an intein, a type of protein that cuts itself out of host proteins. The study uses quantum mechanics to reveal new insights into the reaction's behavior and potential applications in nanotechnology.
Researchers found that different statistical methods can produce varying results when analyzing observational data. Using instrumental variable analysis, they found a 16% relative decrease in death rate, whereas other methods showed a 50% relative decrease.
A study found that chemotherapy with gemcitabine significantly delayed cancer recurrence in patients following pancreatic cancer surgery. The estimated median disease-free survival was 13.4 months for the gemcitabine group compared to 6.9 months for those without chemotherapy.
Researchers at U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center and Stanford University have identified a stem cell marker in head and neck tumors, which may help develop targeted therapies. The study found that cells expressing the CD44 marker can grow into new tumors, suggesting a potential target for cancer treatment.
A survey conducted by University of Delaware researchers found that over 90% of Delawareans support offshore wind power, even with increased electric bills. The study suggests that increasing public awareness and concern about climate change may contribute to this strong support.
A new surgical technique, 'beavertail' surgery, has given back the ability to swallow to patients with tongue cancer. The procedure involves modifying an existing technique by adding a 'jellyroll' of fat and connective tissue to replace diseased tongue tissue.
Two studies reveal that nearly 10% of SIDS victims have mutations in genes associated with potentially lethal heart rhythms. Researchers identify several genetic contributors and propose strategies for identifying infant carriers before death.
A team of researchers found the cellular mechanism that prevents protein mutations and accumulation, a hallmark of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. This discovery may lead to new insights into neurological disease origins and potential therapeutic strategies.
A new investigation into Napoleon's cause of death reveals that he died of a very advanced case of gastric cancer stemming from an ulcer-causing bacterial infection. The analysis suggests that gastrointestinal bleeding was the likely immediate cause of death and points to a poor prognosis for patients with such advanced cancer.
A new study by Harvard researchers has linked periodontal disease to an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Men with periodontal disease had a 63% higher risk of developing the disease compared to those without it, after adjusting for other factors.
A new study found that calcium supplements can reduce the risk of colorectal adenoma recurrence by up to 5 years after stopping supplementation. In contrast, antioxidant supplements did not show a significant effect on gastric cancer risk.
A new study by the University of Washington reveals that early college entrants are not unhappy 'nerds' but rather versatile, interesting, and sociable individuals. The research found that most students who entered college at a young age reported living up to their expectations in various areas of life, including work, intellectual pur...
Applied scientists developed a method for creating wrinkled hard skins on polymer surfaces using a focused ion beam. The technique has potential use in biological sensors and microfluidic devices, as well as custom-made cell templates for tissue engineering.
Researchers have unveiled the size-dependent evolution of structural and electronic structural motifs of gold nanoclusters. The experiments show near perfect agreement pertaining to the cluster structures occurring in the experiments, which is crucial for understanding their behavior as nanocatalysts or in medical applications.
A recent study identified common flaws in oncology microarray studies, including inadequate methods to account for false-positive findings. Researchers provide guidelines to improve the quality of analysis and reporting of such studies, aiming to validate scientific findings through replication.