Dr. Joseph Fins, a leading expert in medical ethics, has received the Robert Wood Johnson Investigator Award to study brain injury care and develop innovative models of treatment. The project aims to improve clinician-family communication and inform educational standards for professionals.
Scientists have discovered a single protein that can inhibit aging, which could hold implications for human longevity and treatment of diseases. The technique used to make the inhibiting proteins opens the possibility of developing new therapeutics.
Researchers at MIT have successfully demonstrated wireless power transfer using coupled resonant objects, enabling the charging of devices without physical connections. The team's 'WiTricity' concept uses magnetic fields to transfer energy efficiently, promising a future free from bulky batteries and power cords.
Scientists at Vanderbilt University have overcome a major obstacle in producing fluorescent nanotubes, which can be used as contrast agents in cells and tissues. The breakthrough allows for the creation of trillions of nanotubes with high quantum efficiency, making them suitable for medical applications such as anti-cancer treatments.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center have discovered a novel anti-inflammatory cell signaling pathway that may serve as a vital Yin-Yang mechanism to maintain the delicate balance of immune response. This discovery may lead to new ways to fight cancer and inflammatory diseases.
A 42-year-old Canadian patient developed compartment syndrome and underwent emergency fasciotomies, resulting in dark greenish-black blood analysis. Sulfhaemoglobinemia was diagnosed as the cause, linked to excessive sumatriptan intake, a medication containing a sulfonamide group.
University of Manchester researchers have identified evidence of several new genes behind rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory disease that affects nearly all joints. The study, part of the largest ever genetics study, has provided insights into what leads people to develop RA and offers new avenues for treatments.
Researchers review developmental and genetic basis of CDH, exploring potential treatments using animal models and examining connections to lung and cardiovascular development. Studies find that TO surgery can stimulate fetal lung growth, while genetic mutations in key pathways contribute to the condition.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center re-evaluated carotid artery narrowing standards, finding that existing methods may be too aggressive. The new standards, developed using high-resolution ultrasound techniques, indicate a lower threshold for determining significant narrowing.
A study published in Clinical Chemistry found that genetic variations in the APOA2 gene are associated with dietary preferences, particularly for fat, protein, and carbohydrate. Individuals with a certain genotype were more likely to consume higher amounts of fat, calories, and be obese compared to those with other genotypes.
Researchers at University of Portsmouth have found that adding cognitive load to interviews can improve police ability to detect deception. The new approach involves asking suspects to tell their stories in reverse order, leading to more non-verbal cues and improved discrimination between truthful and false accounts.
Researchers confirm captive chimpanzees can adopt and pass on complex behaviors, demonstrating a capacity for cultural variation similar to that observed in the wild. This finding supports the idea of common ancestry between humans and chimpanzees, highlighting their shared potential for cultural complexity.
Recent falls in US coronary heart disease deaths can be attributed to a combination of lifestyle changes and medical therapies. Despite decreases in risk factors such as smoking and high cholesterol, increases in obesity and diabetes offset the progress.
A study published in the Journal of Attention Disorders found that treatment rates for ADHD have increased rapidly across all age groups, with females showing the greatest increase. Improved diagnosis and changes in medication types contributed to this growth.
The National Ecological Observatory Network has selected candidate core wildland sites across the United States for deployment, with a focus on understanding climate change and its impacts on ecology. The selected sites will host distributed sensor networks and experiments to record and archive ecological data for at least 30 years.
Scientists at University of Bonn discover endocannabinoids regulate inflammation processes. Extracts from hemp plant also show anti-inflammatory effects, potentially leading to new treatments.
The Department of Energy and Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns have jointly selected 11 projects for awards totaling $8.3 million to accelerate the development of alternative fuel resources, including cordgrass, rice, and switchgrass.
Researchers at NIAID discovered a survival mechanism in gram-positive bacteria that protects it from antimicrobial peptides, which are defense molecules sent by the body to kill bacteria. The discovery may help chart a path to designing new drugs to bolster our antimicrobial treatment options.
A study by University of Pennsylvania researchers discovered that deleting a gene essential for DNA repair leads to premature aging and loss of stem cells in adult mice. This accelerated aging process results from the exhaustion of tissue renewal mechanisms.
A study by Deborah Carr and Dmitry Khodyakov found that education, religious beliefs, and personal experiences with loss are key factors in seniors' decisions to appoint a healthcare proxy. Most people choose a spouse or child as their proxy, but there are also idiosyncratic responses among those outside traditional relationships.
Researchers are conducting phase I trials comparing slow-freezing techniques to a rapid method of cryopreservation that transforms tissues into glass-like structures. The goal is to make human eggs, ovarian tissue, blood vessels, and whole organs available when needed.
A study by Penn State researchers found that nearly all Caribbean land-breeding frog species, including coqui frogs, originated from a single ancient species that rafted on a sea voyage from South America. The discovery challenges previous theories of their arrival and reveals the surprising common ancestry of these species.
Recent research confirms statins are well-tolerated and effective in reducing cardiovascular disease risk. The review highlights their impact on LDL cholesterol levels and safety profile, including rare but potential muscle-related side effects.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia are designing a protective wall to shield bridges from terrorist attacks, focusing on materials like concrete and steel. The goal is to create a barrier that can withstand explosions and resulting debris, with easy installation and removal capabilities.
Researchers found that talc stimulates healthy cells to produce endostatin, a hormone that inhibits tumor growth and kills tumor cells. The study reveals talcum powder's potential as a therapeutic agent for metastatic lung cancer, offering new hope for patients with incurable disease.
A team of researchers successfully linked surgeons to robots via a 4,000-mile satellite connection, improving the quality of minimally invasive surgery. The study found that virtual reality prediction would greatly aid this type of surgery, paving the way for new efficient healthcare services.
A new Carnegie Mellon University study found that people are more likely to buy from online merchants with good privacy policies, which were identified by a search engine called Privacy Finder. Participants were willing to pay about 60 cents extra on a $15 purchase when buying from a site with a privacy policy they liked.
Research at University of California - Irvine reveals that dirty snow can explain up to 19% of the Arctic warming attributed to greenhouse gases. Soot-infused snow absorbs sunlight and causes heating.
The QUT microgravity tower will enable scientists to study diverse phenomena in reduced-gravity environments, including nanomaterials and combustion. This facility will be one of only a few in the world and provide an attractive alternative to costly space testing methods.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered a cellular chain of events linking stroke and head injury to Alzheimer's disease. The study reveals how brain cell death triggers the production of amyloid-beta protein, a key component of senile plaques.
Adults with obstructive sleep apnea benefit significantly from prolonged CPAP use, with 7.5 hours shown to maximize daytime alertness and functioning. Most patients should use CPAP for at least 7.5 hours each night to realize the greatest possible benefits of therapy.
A study has identified a common gene, GAB2, that appears to increase a person's risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. The researchers found that the healthy form of the GAB2 gene may protect brain cells from developing tangles, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.
A study found that metabolic syndrome is associated with compromised heart structure and function, including symptomatic heart failure. The association was independent of coronary heart disease risk as predicted by the Framingham risk score for diastolic dysfunction, but not systolic dysfunction.
Researchers found that corporate giving can actually harm public perception when companies with bad reputations donate to charitable causes. On the other hand, companies with good reputations are viewed positively by the public when they give to charity.
Amnesty International's Eyes on Darfur project uses satellite cameras to track possible targets of attack and prevent new atrocities in vulnerable villages. The organization invites the public to help protect 12 villages through its website, putting Sudanese President al-Bashir on notice that areas are being watched around the clock.
Researchers have discovered that stroke or traumatic brain injury can trigger Alzheimer's disease by enhancing the formation of brain-clogging amyloid plaques. Key findings include the role of caspase-mediated depletion of GGA3 in stabilizing BACE and increasing amyloid protein production.
A new bacterium, Bartonella rochalimae, has been discovered and isolated from a patient who suffered symptoms similar to malaria or typhoid fever. The bacterium is genetically similar to one spread by body lice in World War I trenches, causing trench fever.
SNM presented special recognition awards to 7 lawmakers who support the profession. The organization highlighted their dedication to patient care and safety through initiatives like the CARE Act. SNM's annual meeting will be held June 2-6 at the Washington Convention Center.
Researchers at Yale University have identified a new regulatory target for the Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), which may lead to new treatments for Fragile X syndrome. The study also found implications for autism, as both conditions share common physiological pathways.
Researchers suggest targeting beta1-integrin to treat cancer by reducing tumour cell proliferation and inducing cellular senescence, potentially preventing metastases. Blocking this protein function in transgenic mice with pancreatic insulinomas resulted in tumour cells becoming senescent and unable to form new tumours.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have constructed the largest synthetic gene ever built, which contributes to malaria drug resistance. The PfMDR1 gene, when expressed in yeast, produces large quantities of its protein, allowing for molecular understanding of how Plasmodium falciparum becomes resistant to drugs.
Process Systems Enterprise, a global operation that provides mathematical modelling software, has won the MacRobert Award for demonstrating engineering excellence and innovation. The technology helps process industry companies to maximize product quality and minimize production cost.
Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered a new approach to contain genes in genetically modified (GM) crops by implanting them into plastids, minimizing the risk of escape. This innovation has the potential to alleviate concerns about 'foreign genes' contaminating wild species and ecosystems.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory identified a family of micro RNAs (miRNAs) that enable the p53 pathway to fight cancer growth. By comparing levels of miRNAs in cells with various pre-cancerous genetic lesions, they found a connection between changes in the p53 pathway and the loss of specific miRNAs, such as miR-34.
The EASE Trial investigates an experimental procedure called airway bypass designed to create pathways in the lung for trapped air to escape, potentially relieving shortness of breath and other symptoms. The study aims to improve lung function and quality of life for emphysema patients.
A new experimental drug blocks a protein linked to metabolic diseases, preventing and treating type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis in genetically predisposed mice. The compound's effectiveness suggests it may be protective against other metabolic disorders, including asthma.
Researchers found mutations in integrin alpha 7 associated with cancer progression and metastasis in various cancer cell lines. Increasing normal integrin alpha 7 levels inhibited tumor growth and migration, indicating its potent tumor suppressor activity.
A new online effort by Amnesty International USA uses high-resolution satellite images to track the status of settlements in the war-torn Darfur region. The project provides evidence of destroyed villages and allows users to visually track the status of settlements considered possible targets of attack.
Scientists have discovered a mechanism that can organize the activity of cells involved in short-term recall known as working memory. The study found that inhibitory neurons play a key role in coordinating this process, which could lead to improved treatment options for individuals with schizophrenia.
Researchers found that blood-forming stem cells in mice accumulate DNA damage with age, leading to reduced ability to produce new blood and immune system cells. This finding may explain the origin of blood cancer and immune dysfunctions that occur as people age.
Researchers at UCLA have successfully manipulated nanomaterials to create a new drug-delivery system for anticancer drugs. The system uses silica-based nanoparticles to deliver water-insoluble drugs into human cancer cells, increasing their effectiveness and reducing toxicity.
Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new method to compact carbon nanotubes into dense bundles, which could outperform copper as an electrical conductor. The process boosts the density of these bundles by five to 25 times and is expected to play a critical role in the development of 3-D computer chips.
A special publication from the University of Rochester Medical Center aims to improve understanding and management of cancer-related fatigue. Studies show that exercise and support groups are effective in helping people cope with this challenging side effect.
Researchers are developing an interactive simulation of a wildfire spreading through Volusia County to study how residents make decisions about prescribed burns and insurance. The study aims to demonstrate that virtual reality can be an effective public policy tool in encouraging residents to invest in prevention.
Researchers used CT scans to reveal a close-to-the-shoulder artery lesion in the Iceman, confirming his cause of death as a result of an arrowhead injury. The discovery sheds new light on life conditions in the past and the evolution of diseases.
Researchers at UCLA successfully reprogrammed normal tissue cells into cells with unlimited properties as embryonic stem cells, offering a promising alternative to current cloning methods. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of immune-compatible cells for disease treatment and regenerative therapies.
A £9 million study of 17,000 people has identified over 10 genes that predispose to common diseases, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as Crohn's disease. The findings have significant implications for understanding the genetic basis of disease and developing personalized treatments.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has developed a broad definition for molecular imaging, capturing the essence of an evolving and multidisciplinary field. The definition provides a concise explanation of the meaning of molecular imaging, including techniques such as radiotracer imaging, MRI, and optical imaging.
Researchers successfully induced pluripotent cells from fibroblasts using four transcription factors, exhibiting properties similar to embryonic stem cells. These findings have significant implications for regenerative medicine and may pave the way for generating patient-specific stem cell lines directly from a person's own cells.
A recent study found that pesticides block a key receptor in soil bacteria, disrupting natural nitrogen-fixing communications. This results in lower crop yields or significantly delayed growth. The research highlights the importance of preserving natural symbiotic relationships between crops and soil bacteria.