A study warns that climate change and deforestation will lead to significant declines in global bird diversity over the next century. According to the research, even under optimistic scenarios, at least 400 bird species are projected to become imperiled by 2050 due to reductions in their geographic ranges.
Robin Santra, an assistant physicist at Argonne National Laboratory, has been awarded the first-ever Young Scientist Prize for Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics. He was recognized for his contributions to the discovery of hole-orbital alignment in atomic ions generated in strong laser fields.
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund has awarded $8 million to 16 researchers investigating infectious diseases, including HIV, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Plasmodium falciparum. The awards aim to support multidisciplinary approaches to understanding the interaction between humans and pathogens.
Beta-amyloid accumulation is linked to brain dysfunction even in normal elderly individuals, according to a study. Researchers used PIB PET scans to detect early pathological changes of Alzheimer's disease and demonstrated its potential for identifying those in need of treatment.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified cancer stem cells in colorectal tumors, which can propagate and maintain the growth of the tumor. These stem cells have been found to be responsible for the spread of cancer to distant sites and are likely to be responsible when tumors resurface or spread.
The ASCE panel's report confirms the city's vulnerability to hurricanes and recommends steps to reduce damage. The panel estimates that New Orleans residents' pre-Katrina risk was 1,000-fold higher than considered minimally acceptable.
A study published in Neurology found that moderate strengthening exercises can slow the progression of ALS by 12%, maintaining function and quality of life. The research suggests individualized rehabilitation programs can help people with ALS maintain independence for longer.
A trial found that circulating tumor cells in the blood of patients with metastatic prostate cancer can predict how well they will respond to chemotherapy. Patients with more than five tumor cells per blood sample had a worse prognosis, while those whose CTC number went down fared better.
Researchers found that percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) significantly reduces tumor volume and alleviates symptoms in patients with radioiodine-ineffective bone metastasis from thyroid cancer. PEI's effectiveness was also linked to improved quality of life for selected patients.
Researchers identify two distinct cognitive processes underlying consumer behavior: promotion-focused and prevention-focused individuals. Promotion-focused consumers seek time-saving products and perceive a safe environment, while prevention-focused consumers focus on negative outcomes and respond better to unambiguous advertising.
A study from the University of Chicago Medical Center found that African-American men radically underestimate the likelihood of a cancer diagnosis after a needle biopsy for suspected prostate cancer. This underestimation can lead to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes.
A new computer modeling study suggests geoengineering schemes could cool the planet within a few decades, but failure or cancellation could lead to catastrophic temperature spikes. The research highlights the need for careful consideration of these strategies.
A new treatment, Sorafenib, has been shown to increase overall survival by over 40% in patients with advanced liver cancer. The study, SHARP, involved 602 patients and found that Sorafenib delays tumor progression and improves survival.
Researchers have confirmed that arsenic trioxide significantly improves patient survival in newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients. Nearly 600 patients participated in a six-year phase III study, showing improved disease-free rates and longer survival compared to standard chemotherapy alone.
Four-year data from two large clinical trials found that trastuzumab significantly improves disease-free survival and overall survival rates in women with HER2-positive breast cancer. The study showed a 52% decrease in the risk of disease recurrence and a 35% reduction in mortality rates compared to chemotherapy alone.
The NWO Spinoza prize is awarded to Dutch researchers who make groundbreaking contributions to their field. This year's winners are Prof. Deirdre Curtin (law), Prof. Marcel Dicke (ecological entomology), Prof. Leo Kouwenhoven (physics), and Prof. Wil Roebroeks (archaeology), each receiving €1.5 million.
Australian magpie-larks' synchronized duets signal strength and cooperation, eliciting more aggressive responses from rival males. The study found that coordinated displays are crucial for assessing coalition quality and defending territories.
A study of middle school students found that physical fitness gains made during the school year were lost after summer break. The study suggests that exercise interventions should be sustained throughout the year to improve cardiovascular fitness and reduce risk of type 2 diabetes.
Indiana University neuroscientists Olaf Sporns and Christopher Honey found that the brain's spontaneous activity is shaped by its wiring diagram. Their computational model of a macaque monkey's brain shows how fluctuations in activity emerge from chaotic neural interactions, revealing rich temporal structure at multiple time scales.
Research finds that habits of use create a substantial advantage for an incumbent, but only when achieving a specific goal, limiting the impact on consumer choice.
A national survey of US high school girls found that those reporting anabolic steroid use had more health-harming behaviors, including smoking and taking diet pills. They were also more likely to experience mental health issues, such as depression and suicidal thoughts.
Northeastern University researchers have discovered a novel method for studying the DNA binding of small molecules, which may aid in rational drug design targeting cancer and other diseases. The team used single DNA molecule stretching to investigate ethidium and ruthenium complexes, achieving unprecedented detail.
Researchers developed a novel imaging technique combining CT and PET scans to detect 'high-risk' plaque that causes heart attacks and strokes. The approach provides detailed information about the size of plaque, inflammation, and potential risks, offering new insights into atherosclerosis.
Researchers developed a 3D fusion technique combining CT angiography and nuclear imaging scans to improve the accuracy of diagnosing coronary artery disease. This technology significantly enhances diagnosis and could be used in the future with molecular imaging agents to detect and guide treatment.
A large multicenter study examined circulating tumor cells in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, showing their predictive value for survival and cancer progression. Patients with fewer than 3 CTCs had superior median survival times compared to those with detectable CTCs.
A team of researchers discovered a receptor molecule for serotonin plays crucial roles in fear responses to ambiguous stimuli in mice. The hippocampus brain region is involved in processing and assessing value of stimuli, making it easier to interpret situations as threatening.
The drug lapatinib has modest but real activity against brain metastases, shrinking tumors and slowing disease progression in some breast cancer patients. The study's findings suggest that the drug should undergo further testing as a treatment for breast cancer with brain metastases.
Michael R. Zalutsky received the award for his significant contributions to medical science, especially in using molecular targeting to combat cancer. His research has had a substantial impact on therapeutic nuclear medicine and its applications.
Early metabolic imaging with PET accurately identifies patients responding to chemotherapy for esophageal cancer, noting a remarkably favorable outcome for metabolic responders. This study supports the use of PET-response-guided treatment to tailor multimodality therapy based on tumor biology.
A recent study published in Health Psychology by the American Psychological Association found that young adults with a short temper tend to have compromised lung function. Higher levels of general frustration were also associated with statistically significant reductions in pulmonary function among Black and White women, as well as Bla...
Researchers discovered patterns of cellular activity that confer poorer prognoses in younger women with breast cancer, highlighting the need for age-appropriate targeted therapies. The study aims to identify effective treatments targeting these tumor cell activities in premenopausal women.
Researchers found a widening disparity in life expectancy between white and black women with advanced breast cancer, with median survival rates differing by up to 8.8% over the last two decades. Socio-economic factors, such as access to healthcare and treatment options, are suspected to be contributing factors.
Researchers have identified novel genetic mutations linked to hereditary diffuse gastric cancer, which are due to both independent mutational events and common ancestry. The study found that between 30% and 40% of families with a positive family history of gastric cancer will carry germline mutations in the CDH1 gene.
A five-year study found no significant increase in congestive heart failure among women treated with Herceptin and chemotherapy. The research team developed a prediction model to assess individual cardiac risk factors and personalize treatment.
Researchers found vorinostat's anti-cancer activity in patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme, with a 15% patient success rate and improved median overall survival. The study aimed to explore the novel application of vorinostat in targeting brain cancer.
A recent study published by researchers at Duke University Medical Center and The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has found that chemotherapy may actually enhance the effectiveness of cancer vaccines used to treat brain tumors. The process by which immune cells regenerate after being wiped out by chemotherapy makes the...
Adding radioimmunotherapy to chemotherapy increased complete response rates for patients with follicular lymphoma, a slow-growing type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Over 90% of study patients responded completely to the treatment, with limited side effects.
A MUHC-led international team has identified the gene LCA5 as the cause of Leber Congenital Amaurosis, a condition affecting 200,000 worldwide. The discovery is part of efforts to fast-track a cure for this disease using gene therapy.
A recent study found that antidepressant sertraline does not improve symptoms or survival in advanced cancer patients without major depression. The researchers concluded that the overmedicalisation of these patients should be avoided, and treatment with sertraline should be reserved for cases with a proven indication.
A small group of Rochester breast cancer survivors experienced major improvements in memory, concentration and learning after taking modafinil for eight weeks. The study suggests the drug could provide relief to those suffering from 'chemo-brain', a persistent side effect of chemotherapy.
A Phase II study has shown that combining chemotherapy drugs with an antiangiogenic agent can significantly delay the spread of tumors in patients with metastatic melanoma. The treatment, which included paclitaxel and carboplatin with bevacizumab, prevented tumor growth for almost six months and improved survival rates.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique that combines functional and anatomical imaging to diagnose coronary artery disease more accurately. This 'synergy' approach uses software to integrate data from SPECT and CT angiography scans, providing clearer pictures of the heart muscle and coronary arteries.
A new study reveals that patients with localized prostate cancer are more likely to receive surgery if they see a urologist, while those who see a radiation oncologist and urologist tend to receive radiation therapy. The study suggests that men should seek a balanced perspective on treatment options from specialists.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have discovered that low doses of gabapentin substantially reduce hot flashes in patients undergoing anti-hormonal treatment for prostate cancer. The study found that gabapentin reduced the frequency and intensity of hot flashes by up to 46% in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy.
Using metabolic imaging, UCLA researchers found that FLT-PET is a powerful predictor of treatment response and outcome in brain tumor patients. The study showed that FLT-PET imaging was predictive of patients' overall survival, with those who responded to drug treatment living three times as long as those who did not.
Researchers have developed small acoustic heat-engine devices that convert waste heat into sound and then into electricity. The technology shows promise for harnessing solar energy and cooling electronics, with plans to test the devices within a year at military radar facilities and universities.
A Dana-Farber study found that honest prognostic information can actually help parents feel more hopeful, not less. Parents who received extensive prognostic information were also more likely to report feeling hopeful, even when the child's prognosis was poor.
R. Edward Coleman received the award for his contributions to molecular imaging and nuclear medicine practice, particularly in advancing positron emission tomography (PET) for breast cancer, Alzheimer's, and brain tumors. His research has had a significant impact on medicine, and he is recognized as one of the best doctors in America.
A large Phase III study found that shark cartilage extract AE-941 has no benefit when combined with chemotherapy and radiation for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. The study did not meet its primary endpoint: survival, and the researchers cast major skepticism on the efficacy of shark cartilage products.
A new study by Duke University Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers shows that E Tables may be useful in collecting patient history data and conducting clinical research. Patients report being satisfied with the tablets and finding them comparable to paper forms in terms of data quality.
A recent Phase II study evaluating the addition of GEMZAR to standard chemotherapy regimens showed promising results in treating stage II-III breast cancer. The treatment regimen demonstrated a high pathologic complete response rate, with additional benefits for HER-2 positive patients who received trastuzumab. These findings support t...
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that exercising lower insulin levels in breast cancer survivors, potentially improving prognosis. The research suggests exercise may also improve insulin sensitivity and reduce hip circumference, leading to improved health outcomes.
Research from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute reveals that Black Americans are less certain about lung cancer prevention recommendations and more fearful of symptoms evaluation, potentially delaying treatment. This fatalism may contribute to Black patients being diagnosed with advanced stages of the disease.
Recent studies conducted at Mayo Clinic have found that MRI is superior to mammography in detecting additional tumors in the same breast and identifying new tumors in the healthy breast. The technology has also revealed distinct patterns between ipsilateral and contralateral tumors, guiding its use.
A new study published by Duke University Comprehensive Cancer Center found that patients with chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease are no more likely to receive an early cancer diagnosis due to frequent healthcare interactions. Screening is still crucial regardless of medical management.
Pazopanib, an oral angiogenesis inhibitor, demonstrated a 27% week 12 response rate and 73% total disease control rate in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma. The study showed clear clinical activity in treating this type of cancer.
A pilot study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that high-dose American ginseng improves fatigue and vitality in cancer patients. Patients receiving the highest dose showed significant improvements in overall energy levels, mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being.
Researchers found that radium-223 significantly reduced levels of bone alkaline phosphatase, a marker for HRPC progression, by 66% and prolonged median survival time by 41 weeks. However, treatment had no significant effect on skeletal-related events.
Researchers delivered gene therapy containing nerve growth factors to rats with erectile dysfunction, resulting in significant recovery of intracavernous pressure and systemic arterial pressure. The study suggests a long-term treatment option for erectile dysfunction without chronic drug administration.
Preliminary results of a Phase II trial show favorable outcomes for patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer treated with VEGF Trap. After one month, 85% of participants showed stable disease, while 41% continued to have stable disease after fourteen weeks.