A study in Injury Prevention reveals California's tougher gun show controls have drastically reduced the sale of firearms linked to crimes. The stricter regulations have also limited the availability of assault-style weapons and banned certain types of rifles and handguns.
Researchers identified naturally occurring antibodies in human blood that selectively target toxic beta amyloid oligomers, potentially offering a natural defense mechanism against Alzheimer's. The antibodies recognize misfolded shapes of proteins, which could have implications for immune therapy of other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that female mice with given birth had better auditory neurons at detecting and discriminating pup calls. The study suggests the brain improves information processing for specific communicative functions.
Two studies identify interactions between heart disease and kidney disease, revealing that anemia, microalbuminuria, and declining eGFR are associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The findings highlight the importance of screening and intervention for patients at high risk of kidney disease.
A study found that breastfeeding for at least two months can lower the risk and severity of a childhood sleep-related breathing disorder. Long-term breastfed children had better jaw formation, possibly reducing the risk.
The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) reduces postoperative complications through comparative risk-adjusted adverse event data and prediction models. Studies show significant reductions in wound, surgical site infections, and urinary tract infections using ACS NSQIP.
Resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs is a primary cause of treatment failure in patients with metastatic cancer. The study identifies individual genes associated with resistance to certain drugs, including paclitaxel, and finds that ceramide metabolism plays a critical role in sensitivity to multiple cytotoxic agents.
Research found that aerobic exercise, such as walking or bicycling, significantly improved ejection fraction and reduced heart size in patients with stable heart failure. In contrast, combining aerobic exercise with strength training showed no similar benefits.
Researchers at Stanford University are investigating carbon capture and storage as a solution to combat global warming. The technology can trap over 90% of an individual plant's carbon emissions, making heavy carbon spewers such as coal power plants relatively clean.
A nationwide survey reveals that most Americans are aware of avian influenza but lack knowledge to inform their food choices. Only a small percentage believe cooking chicken properly kills the virus.
Airport baggage screeners may struggle to detect low-prevalence targets during sleep deprivation, impairing their performance. A study found that as time awake increases, errors rise while speed of detection accelerates, suggesting decision-stage impairments.
A study presented at SLEEP 2007 found that even a single night of sleep deprivation affects drivers' ability to coordinate eye movements with steering. The results suggest that sleep deprivation can lead to acute and chronic reductions in eye-steering coordination, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.
A groundbreaking study published in Injury Prevention found that California's tight gun show regulations significantly reduced undocumented gun sales and 'straw' purchases outside of the state. The research, led by UC Davis director Garen Wintemute, observed increased regulation without affecting attendance or business at gun shows.
A 12-year review of skin cancer data in Northern Ireland found that wealthy individuals and older adults are disproportionately affected. The study also shows a significant increase in skin cancer rates, with malignant melanoma being the most common serious form of skin cancer.
Middle-aged African-American women are more likely to experience obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) symptoms than their Caucasian counterparts, according to a study. Menopausal status was not a significant predictor of OSA symptoms, but race remained a significant factor after adjusting for BMI and menopausal status.
Researchers found a strong association between high arterial pulse pressure and high-tension open-angle glaucoma. Individuals with high pulse pressure were more likely to develop the condition, possibly due to increased carotid arterial stiffness.
A recent study published in Ethology revealed that older workers give signals to the queen and rest of the colony initiating swarming activities. Researchers also found worker piping, a general instruction to fly, continues in the swarm after the queen leaves with the swarm.
A daily dose of pistachios may improve risk factors for heart disease without weight gain, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. The pistachio diet led to statistically significant reductions in certain blood lipids and an increase in HDL-C.
Two new studies find that the uninsured and people with certain types of public health insurance are more likely to be diagnosed with more advanced cancer compared to those with private insurance. The strongest predictors of advanced disease were health insurance status and type, according to the studies published in CANCER journal.
Researchers found that patients who tackled all three behaviors simultaneously had better success rates in changing their habits compared to those who addressed them separately. The study suggests a simultaneous approach may be superior for long-term multiple behavior change.
The Sleep Slide-Rule is an effective classroom tool that teaches children about the relationship between age and sleep need. It consists of a top bar for bedtime, a movable center rule with a key to indicate sleep need for different age bands, and a bottom bar displaying wake-up time ranges.
A study by Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine found that 78% of survey respondents wanted to be greeted by a doctor's name, while only half addressed the patient by name in first-time visits. The researchers recommend using patients' first and last names for a respectful and comfortable introduction.
Researchers have discovered a new gene, LCA5, that causes inherited blindness in babies. The finding holds promise for future gene therapy treatments, which may restore vision by injecting genes into the eye.
Chromosome condensation, essential for successful cell division, begins early but continues late, acting as a safety net against separation defects. The EMBL researchers discovered that an enzyme called Aurora kinase is crucially involved in this process.
A review of eight population-based studies found that none met criteria for accurate SIDS diagnosis, leading to inflated risk estimates. Families with initial investigation and no major risk factors can be advised that the risk of a second death is very small.
Researchers identify complex regulatory network controlling epithelial stem cell proliferation in mouse incisors. Spatial differences in gene expression levels contribute to characteristic asymmetry of rodent incisors.
Researchers have identified a set of molecular markers that can distinguish between healthy and tumor blood vessels, paving the way for more selective anticancer therapeutics. The study reveals 13 genes selectively overexpressed in tumor blood vessels, offering new targets for developing safer therapies.
Florida Tech associate professor Eric Perlman has received $490,400 in funding from NASA's Long-term Space Astrophysics grant program to study jets and their impact on cosmic rays. His work will access the Hubble Space Telescope and Chandra X-ray Observatory to further understanding of jet dynamics and emissions.
A Yale University study found that limiting medical residents to 80-hour workweeks improved patient care by reducing transfers to intensive care and minimizing medication errors. More patients were discharged home or to rehabilitation centers instead of nursing homes.
Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds have poorer sleeping patterns, including bedtime resistance and daytime sleepiness. The study emphasizes the importance of screening for sleep problems in this population, as it can impact their health and academic performance.
Researchers discovered a genetic link between primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and heterotaxy, an abnormal position of the heart and lungs. This connection suggests that PCD may cause respiratory complications in children with congenital heart disease, leading to improved diagnosis and treatment.
A new study by Professor David Holtgrave in PLOS Medicine suggests that targeting HIV counseling and testing towards high-risk individuals is more effective than offering opt-out testing to everyone. The study found that this approach could prevent up to 36% of new HIV infections, while also improving diabetes care for ethnic minorities.
A targeted approach to HIV testing and counseling is more effective in identifying people with HIV and preventing new infections. The study estimates that for the same cost, a targeted program could diagnose over three times as many people with HIV and prevent four times as many new infections compared to the CDC's mass testing plan.
Researchers at Seattle Children's Hospital Research Institute have identified a new genetic cause for Joubert syndrome, an inherited condition affecting brain development. The discovery sheds light on the role of cilia in this disease and possibly others, providing a breakthrough in diagnosis and treatment.
A recent study published in Arthritis & Rheumatism found gabapentin to be an effective treatment for fibromyalgia pain, with patients reporting significantly less pain and improved sleep. The medication was well-tolerated, with mild side effects such as dizziness and sedation.
A recent study published in PNAS U.S.A. utilized functional MRI to examine the brain activity of awake, mildly sedated zebra finches during song stimulation. The research found that the right side of the birds' brains discriminated sounds better, suggesting a possible link between bird song and human speech disorders like stuttering.
Research suggests that individuals with sleep problems are less likely to cook at home and opt for restaurant-prepared meals, leading to a diet lacking in nutritional value. The study also found that prolonged sleep deprivation can contribute to weight and health issues related to nutrition.
Researchers found that mothers' brains respond more quickly and robustly to ultrasonic calls of mouse pups, enabling them to detect and discriminate between sounds. This improvement in brain function is associated with the ability to recognize behaviorally significant sounds, such as those made by their young.
A study found that men and women with diabetes at age 50 and older have a significantly reduced life expectancy and fewer years without cardiovascular disease. This increase in risk of illness and death is attributed to the global prevalence of Western lifestyle habits, leading to an alarming rise in diabetes cases.
Research reveals that patients with insomnia pay approximately three times more in health plan-paid costs than those without insomnia. Mental health-related costs are also seven times greater for insomnia patients.
A new University of Michigan study shows that pill-splitting, slicing high-dose pills in half, can save Americans thousands of dollars on prescription drugs. Most participants said they would continue splitting pills if given a 50%-co-pay reduction, but some reported no issues with the practice.
A UGA study finds that weaker nations succeed in 39% of military conflicts, often due to the objective requiring cooperation rather than brute force alone. The model created by Patricia L. Sullivan accurately predicts probabilities of success in 80% of conflicts.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed self-healing materials that can heal cracks in a continuous cycle. The new materials feature embedded microvascular networks that emulate biological circulatory systems, allowing minor damage to be healed repeatedly without exhausting the supply of healing agent.
A study found that CPAP treatment significantly reduces nocturnal awakenings and improves oxygenation in adults with Alzheimer's disease and sleep-related breathing disorders. The therapy also increases deep sleep levels, leading to improved quality of life.
ChemGenex's lead compound Ceflatonin demonstrates clinical activity against Gleevec-resistant CML patients with the T315I Bcr-Abl mutation. A significant reduction in T315I levels and complete disappearance of the mutation were observed, indicating a potential therapeutic alternative for these patients.
A study found that counter-advertising at the cinema reduces the appeal of smoking images in movies only to young non-smokers. The ad's effectiveness depends on its type, with some potentially increasing intentions to smoke among smokers.
Researchers Philip Mote and Georg Kaser attribute Kilimanjaro's ice decline primarily to solar radiation and sublimation, rather than atmospheric warming. The decrease in snowfall and energy absorption by the ice also contribute to its shrinking size.
A breast cancer cell line has been found to behave like cancer stem cells, allowing researchers to study the dynamics of cancer stem cells in tissue. This breakthrough could lead to targeted treatments for breast cancer by specifically targeting cancer stem cells for destruction while leaving normal stem cells intact.
U-M researchers found that a gene called Brahma is silent in some cancer cells but can be reactivated using inhibitor drugs. The study shows promise for developing new targeted therapies to slow or stop cancer progression.
Researchers found that a breakdown of myelin in the developing brain may contribute to the progression of Huntington's disease. The study, led by Dr. George Bartzokis at UCLA, suggests that an abnormality in the Htt gene affects myelin nourishment, leading to neuron death and disease symptoms.
People who experience negative emotions such as depression and anxiety are 40% more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment. Chronic stress affects the brain's stress response area, also regulating memory. Researchers found that distress-prone individuals are at a higher risk of developing memory problems over time.
Researchers at EPFL discovered how tumor cells exploit slow fluid flow in the lymphatic system to migrate to functional vessels. The study highlights the importance of biophysical environment and continuous slow flow in tumor cell migration.
A new study by VCU researchers identifies the mechanism of action used by anti-cancer drug sorafenib, which inhibits protein translation and reduces expression of pro-survival factors. This finding may lead to the development of novel regimens combining sorafenib with other molecularly targeted agents.
A study of 320,000 men found that former military personnel are twice as likely to kill themselves as the general population, especially those with health problems. The research highlights the need for clinical and community interventions targeting veterans at risk.
A study of 289 night shift nurses found 56% were sleep deprived, leading to increased error rates and safety risks. Experts recommend 7-8 hours of sleep per night for optimal health and performance.
Research shows that premature infants and toddlers are more likely to develop a sleep-related breathing disorder earlier than expected, with higher rates than full-term infants. The study also found that these children tend to be underweight, which is consistent with the poor growth patterns seen in SRBD patients.
Patients who experience a significant drop in blood pressure during bypass surgery may be at risk for early difficulties in thinking, learning, and memory. Those with higher pre-surgery blood pressure levels were more likely to have decreased cognitive scores after the procedure.
The global prevalence of Alzheimer's disease is estimated to grow from 26 million in 2006 to over 106 million by 2050. A significant increase in Asia is predicted, with the region accounting for 59% of worldwide cases.
A simple test combines medical history, cognitive testing, and physical examination to predict dementia risk within six years. The 14-point index is accurate in predicting dementia with 87 percent accuracy.
New study links unexplained late-life weight loss with Alzheimer's disease severity, suggesting it may be an early predictor. Researchers found that weight loss preceding dementia by more than 10 years is associated with the severity of brain changes in Alzheimer's patients.