Researchers at the University of Minnesota have created uniform porous silicon oxide nano-objects with defined sizes and structures by disassembling larger lattice-like structures. The resulting particles exhibit worm-like pores and can be easily customized by varying the colloidal crystals used as moulds.
A human trial of a DNA vaccine designed to prevent H5N1 avian influenza infection began in December 2006. The vaccine instructs human cells to make proteins that act as a vaccine against the virus, providing broad immune responses without infectious material.
A new study found that a large number of patients who receive implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) do not benefit from the device, while a simple heart-rhythm test can predict which patients will get life-saving benefit. The study suggests that using this test could spare millions of dollars in costs.
JDRF is providing up to $2 million in funding for the 'Protégé' trial of teplizumab, a proprietary MacroGenics compound that has shown promise in slowing type 1 diabetes progression. The trial aims to assess teplizumab's capacity to reduce insulin requirements and maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Researchers found that measuring alcohol consumption and depression differently, as well as examining gender, are key issues when interpreting findings on the relationship between alcohol and depression. The study showed stronger associations between depression and heavy episodic drinking for women than men.
Teens with cancer face poor survival rates due to limited clinical trial participation, lack of awareness about their risk, and delayed diagnoses. The 15-29 age group has seen no improvement in survival rates over the past 25 years.
A new study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that breast cancer patients who pray in online support groups experience lower levels of negative emotions and higher self-efficacy. The study analyzed message transcripts from 97 patients and discovered a positive correlation between prayer and improved mental well-being.
Class-action lawsuits can significantly slow or halt science's ability to establish links between neurological illness and environmental factors. The authors suggest policy changes to shield scientists and their research, including enhancing privacy protections for patient data.
A new study finds that reduced frontal-lobe activity and impulsivity are linked to an increased risk of developing alcoholism. The study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, suggests that individuals with high impulsivity may be more vulnerable to excessive drinking and other disinhibitory disorders.
In semi-arid environments, trees have evolved to access moisture from bedrock fractures and quickly recover when heavy rains occur. Understanding these surface-atmosphere interactions is crucial for predicting water supplies and managing scarce resources.
A new model could give an additional 10% of waiting list patients access to organs for transplant while reducing discarded kidneys from 11-15% to 3%. The system aims to achieve a better balance between efficiency and equity in kidney transplantation.
A recent study found that children who watch more TV, eat fewer family meals, and live in less safe neighborhoods are more likely to become overweight from kindergarten on. Additionally, researchers discovered that under-reporting calorie intake can lead to inaccurate dietary patterns and weight issues among older adults.
Researchers at the University of Vermont have clarified the cellular process responsible for signaling regional blood flow changes in the brain. Astrocytes play a crucial role in communicating with blood vessels through potassium ions, leading to rapid dilation and increased local blood flow.
Research has identified five hotspots of high mercury contamination in fish and birds across eastern North America, posing a risk to human health and wildlife. The study highlights the need for stricter regulations on mercury emissions from coal-fired power stations and municipal waste incinerators to mitigate this environmental threat.
A study by Teachers College, Columbia University found that telephone outreach significantly increased the incidence of colorectal cancer screening among an urban minority population. The intervention resulted in a 27% increase in screening rates compared to those who received printed materials.
A recent study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that men with only daughters had a higher risk of prostate cancer than those with at least one son. The research suggests that genes on the Y chromosome may be involved in prostate cancer risk, and that lack of sons increases this risk by 40%.
Researchers can now observe live cells for extended periods using advanced microscopy techniques, allowing them to study complex cellular processes and identify potential avenues for disease treatment. The new protocols provide a comprehensive toolkit for scientists to visualize and analyze cell movement, growth, and function.
A study from Carnegie Mellon, Stanford, and MIT used fMRI to determine brain activity when considering product purchases and predicting buying behavior. The results suggest that consumers trade off immediate pleasure for delayed pain of spending money, explaining overspending on credit cards.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a hybrid molecule that combines a sugar with a short-chain fatty acid to kill cancer cells in lab tests. The molecule triggers cellular suicide and orchestrates the expression of genes responsible for halting uncontrolled growth.
A study by Cornell and US Military Academy researchers found that waste and drinking water treatments, including UV radiation and bacterial digesters, can eliminate avian flu viruses. H5N2, a low-pathogenic virus similar to deadly H5N1, was inactivated at levels within industry standards.
Research at Yale University reveals estrogen regulates brain energy metabolism similarly to leptin, leading to a promising avenue for addressing obesity in those resistant to leptin. The study's findings suggest that estrogen may suppress appetite using independent pathways from leptin, making it a potential target for weight management.
A University of Georgia study finds that rapid detection and aggressive education can dramatically reduce the size of emerging infectious disease outbreaks. The model developed by John Drake takes into account factors like information speed and public dissemination to predict outbreak sizes.
Uric acid may promote early intervention against chemical damage to neurons following spinal cord injury or stroke. The compound can stimulate astroglial cells to produce transporter proteins that carry harmful compounds away from damaged neurons.
A new study finds significant ethnic differences in treatment use for alcohol problems among whites, blacks, and Hispanics. The majority of services are provided in settings like hospitals and medical clinics, but financial and logistical barriers hinder access for minorities.
A study found that individuals with a G allele of the mu-opioid receptor gene crave alcohol more than those with the A allele. This genetic marker may be related to how much a person craves alcohol in high-risk situations, potentially affecting treatment options.
A team of physicists and neuroscientists has discovered a bottleneck in the brain's blood supply, specifically in penetrating arterioles, which makes it vulnerable to strokes. This finding may explain the origin of gray matter damage detected in brain scans, especially among the elderly.
Research from Northwestern University found that primary care physicians rarely address sleep problems in elderly patients, with 70% experiencing at least one sleep complaint. Treating sleep disorders can improve quality of life and overall health, with options including meditation, exercise, and bright light therapy.
A study found that herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores, may be more active in the brains of people with the ApoE-4 gene variant, a known risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. The research suggests that ApoE-4 may alter the balance between the HSV life cycle forms, potentially increasing the risk of Alzheimer's.
Neuroscientists at Duke University mapped neural activations for focused attention, shedding light on brain regions and timing involved. The study may aid clinicians addressing attention-related problems in conditions like schizophrenia and ADHD.
A new study found that 61% of chronic hepatitis C patients treated with Interferon developed asymptomatic retinopathy, including retinal hemorrhage and cotton-wool spots. The condition was associated with increased blood velocity and endothelial dysfunction, highlighting the importance of monitoring patients during treatment.