Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found no association between the UGT1A1*28 gene variation and neutropenia or diarrhea in children treated with low-dose irinotecan. This allows clinicians to begin treatment sooner and eliminate costly genetic testing.
A new protocol developed by Swedish researchers can identify preschool children at risk for obesity with high precision, using only weight and height data. The protocol has the potential to save significant societal costs and reduce suffering among affected individuals and their families.
A study of over 3,500 French children found that 1.2% used performance-enhancing drugs at 11, increasing to 3% by 15. The most commonly used drug was salbutamol, with health problems and low self-esteem linked to its use. The study highlights the need for adults to monitor young athletes' behavior and address signs of distress.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory discovered a giant magnetocaloric effect in gadolinium-silicon-germanium alloys, which could lead to environmentally friendly magnetic refrigeration systems. The discovery reveals the role of non-magnetic germanium ions in enhancing magnetic interactions.
A new study by UC Irvine economists finds that racial mismatch is the key to the low black male employment rate, not a lack of jobs in the area. The research reveals that when low-skilled jobs are predominantly held by whites, blacks are less likely to get hired.
A study of Medicare Part D plans in California and Hawaii found that while there is significant variation in drug formularies, most classes of drugs have at least one widely-covered option. The researchers identified specific drugs with high coverage rates, including generic drugs and some brand-name medications.
Recent findings indicate a trend of increasing water content in the atmospheres of planets, from Jupiter (depleted) to Uranus and Neptune (water-rich). Computer models provide insights into planetary atmospheric chemistry, predicting the composition of Earth-like planets in other solar systems.
Researchers at University of Alberta developed a microfluidic chip for faster and cheaper FISH cancer diagnosis, enabling widespread use and personalized treatment strategies. The technology could significantly increase cancer detection speed and reduce costs from hundreds to tens of dollars.
Researchers found that genes in the adult brain can be silenced or unsilenced by regulating gene accessibility without changing DNA sequences. This discovery has significant implications for studying gene function and neuronal physiology.
Researchers can now predict where tropical storms and hurricanes will dump the most rain — even days after — and hundreds of miles away from landfall. The new tools, developed by Corene Matyas, use geographical information systems (GIS) to model rainfall patterns based on storm intensity, distance inland, and landscape topography.
A University of Alberta study finds Chinese and White immigrants have the highest adjusted homeownership rates, while Black immigrants face the lowest rates. The study suggests that differences in homeownership patterns are largely due to factors such as wealth, social networks, and knowledge of the real estate market.
A review of studies found that two doses of a malaria preventive therapy during pregnancy provide substantial benefit to HIV-negative women, while more frequent dosing is necessary for HIV-positive women. The treatment also reduces the risk of low birth weight and anemia.
Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered that women consuming most of their daily calcium from food have healthier bones than those relying on supplements. The study showed a significant association between dietary calcium intake and increased production of active estrogen metabolites, favoring bone density and osteoporosis prevention.
Researchers at University at Buffalo discover how enzymes work, providing insight into catalysis complexity and potential for improving synthetic catalysts. The study reveals interactions between enzymes and substrates are critical for large catalytic rate accelerations.
Researchers investigate the role of pheromones in the mating patterns of European corn borer, finding that overall genetic relatedness is a stronger predictor of mate compatibility than pheromone type. This challenges previous assumptions about the importance of pheromone divergence in speciation.
Research published in the European Heart Journal reveals obese and very obese patients have a lower risk of dying after treated for heart attacks compared to normal-weight patients. After three years of follow-up, obese patients had less than half the long-term mortality rate as normal BMI patients.
The method allows researchers to explore protein function and find new drug targets, with potential applications in gene therapy and agricultural genetic engineering. The 'control switch' provides precise control over protein activity levels.
Researchers are studying various biosignatures to infer the composition of extrasolar planet atmospheres. They explore theories about what other worlds might be like, including different types of pigments for photosynthesis. One key clue is disequilibrium, where simultaneous presence of contradictory substances could indicate life.
A study found that children with at least one smoker parent have significantly higher cotinine levels in their urine, quadrupling the risk for mothers and doubling it for fathers. Sleeping with parents and lower temperature rooms were also associated with increased cotinine levels.
Researchers found evidence of two separate networks in the brain that control voluntary behavior, such as reading a word or searching for a star. These networks work independently but toward a common purpose, and understanding their dynamics may aid in treating brain injuries.
Michael Garwood, a University of Minnesota professor, has been awarded the 2007 Gold Medal Award for his pioneering work on incorporating MRI with MRS technology to non-invasively diagnose cancer. His research improves the accuracy of cancer diagnosis and monitoring treatment response.
A new U of M study finds that while most Americans value diversity, they struggle to describe its value and give real-life examples. The researchers conclude that American diversity-speak is a sort of 'happy talk,' an upbeat language in which everyone has a place.
A study by Georgetown University Medical Center researchers highlights the issue of inconsistent medical standards across US states, with some relying on local rules rather than national standards. This can lead to inadequate patient care, as doctors may be unsure about what constitutes standard practice in their specific jurisdiction.
Professor Xihong Lin at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health has been awarded a MERIT Award for developing statistical methods to analyze correlated and high-dimensional data in cancer research. The award will support his work on longitudinal and familial data, as well as genomic and proteomic data in epidemiological studies.
Severe human bite wounds are 12 times more common in men, with most injuries occurring during brawls on weekends or public holidays. Eighty-six percent of cases involved alcohol, and 65% of facial injuries were to the ear.
Arizona State University bee researcher Gro Amdam has been awarded a $240,000 Pew Charitable Trusts grant to investigate the role of social reversal in reversing oxidative damage in honeybees. Her research may lead to new insights into human aging and age-related diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Researchers Shepherd and Knutson discuss the ongoing debate over global warming's influence on hurricanes, citing a need for a balanced perspective. The authors argue that significantly more research is needed to determine if a global warming influence is detectable in observed hurricane records.
A team of Canadian scientists has identified 1,155 genes under the control of Oct4, a master regulator of the stem cell state. These genes help maintain stem cells in a flexible state by controlling DNA packaging, cell division, and signaling pathways.
A study found that women with a smaller family history of breast cancer are more likely to carry the BRCA gene mutation, challenging breast cancer prediction models. This may lead to reevaluation of genetic testing guidelines and improved individualized risk management advice.
Researchers at UCSD have identified the relationship between hepcidin and a pair of proteins that monitor hormone levels, potentially leading to new treatments for anemia. The discovery reveals how HIF regulates hepcidin in response to low iron and oxygen levels.
A study found that children of smokers have significantly higher levels of cotinine, a byproduct of nicotine, with mothers' smoking having the greatest impact. Lower room temperatures and sleeping with parents also increase cotinine levels, highlighting the need for education on preventing passive smoking.
Researchers found that online learning communities like Think.com can promote children's learning by encouraging active engagement, digital literacy, and social skills. The teams assess how such systems support students in creating knowledge products and building a sense of identity and audience within the community.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have found a new molecular mechanism that may cause spontaneous liver cancer, but also identified a potential cure. By reintroducing the ELF gene to cancer cells, proteins driving cell division and growth can be kept in check, suggesting an effective new therapy.
A Barrow researcher has received a $120,000 grant to study flicker fusion and its impact on people with epilepsy. The goal is to develop safe brain products that can make artificial lighting appear stable to the brain.
The discovery of a pygmy-sized giant panda skull in south China reveals that the modern giant panda has remained largely unchanged for millions of years. The ancient species lived on bamboo shoots and was adapted to eating bamboo early in its development, highlighting its unique dietary specialization.
Researchers discovered previously unknown exons outside annotated genes in human proteins, suggesting complex gene regulation and increasing the risk of disease-causing mutations. This finding has significant implications for medicine, requiring extra caution when studying genetic phenotypes.
Researchers have created a genetic model of obesity in zebrafish, which could lead to the development of new drugs to help people lose weight and keep it off. The study uses a receptor blockage mechanism that is similar to what causes severe obesity in humans.
The discovery of small perforated sea shells in Morocco has pushed back the known origin of bead adornments to 82,000 years ago. The findings suggest that modern humans possessed symbolic thought and cognitive abilities earlier than previously thought.
A team of researchers from the University of Florida and Harvard Medical School has discovered a protein called IGFBP-3 that may help prevent eye damage in premature babies. The protein activates stem cells and other reparative cells, which could stabilize existing blood vessels and prevent abnormal growth.
A new study in Preventive Medicine reveals that candy cigarettes can favorably set the minds of some children towards becoming future cigarette smokers. Children who played with candy cigarettes were more likely to become adult smokers than those who never consumed them.
Patients hospitalized with bacterial pneumonia face a higher risk of new or worsening heart problems, with nearly 20% experiencing a heart attack or major heart condition. The presence of heart disease significantly increased mortality from pneumonia.
A Canadian study found that behaviors like dating, substance use, and sexual activity make teens feel older than they are. The gap widens as adolescents get older, with girls more likely to feel older than boys.
Researchers at K-State are working on making sodium-cooled nuclear reactors safer and more efficient by developing technology to measure coolant velocity, pressure, and temperature. The goal is to improve reactor operations and maintenance with minimal investment in new equipment.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that men who participate in sports or vigorous physical activity are less likely to suffer from osteoporotic fractures. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,000 men and found that those with higher levels of physical activity had a significantly lower risk of fractures. By taking exercise, ...
A team of researchers from Oregon State University has discovered a unique genetic material acquired through evolution that allows Mycobacterium avium to infect human tissue cells. This 'island' of genetic material enables the bacterium to evade the body's immune response, compromising immunity in patients with lung infections and AIDS.
A team of Johns Hopkins undergraduates has invented a handheld metal detector to aid in the removal of orthopedic screws from patients' bodies. The device emits a tone that rises in pitch as the surgeon moves closer to the screw, guiding them to hidden hardware.
A novel signaling pathway has been identified as being altered by genetic mutations in Parkinson's disease, affecting cellular function and potentially leading to new therapeutic targets. The research found that mitochondrial protein PINK1 plays a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative stress and promoting cell survival.
A multidisciplinary team approach has successfully treated acute heart attacks by expediting patients to specialized treatment centers within 90 minutes. This program evaluation demonstrates improved outcomes for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients in Canada.
During exercise, muscles primarily use carbohydrate and fat as fuels, shifting from fat to glucose with increasing intensity. The study found that adaptations in the rest of the body, not muscle itself, drive this shift.
The CARVER + Shock program provides interactive questions to help food-processing companies identify vulnerabilities in their supply chain. The tool, developed by Sandia National Laboratories and the FDA, enables companies to evaluate their risk and protect their products.
Infants are most at risk for elevator-related injuries in the United States, with an estimated 29,030 cases occurring between 1990-2004. The majority of these injuries were caused by the elevator door closing on a body part or soft tissue injuries.
A study in Toronto found that restricting non-urgent hospital use during the 2003 SARS outbreak resulted in a 12% decrease in admissions. This reduction would only offset one-quarter of expected additional admissions in an influenza pandemic, highlighting potential limitations on future epidemic capacity.
A magnitude 7.8 earthquake triggered a slow-rupturing tsunami with unexpectedly high wave heights, catching lifeguards off guard and claiming over 600 lives in Java, Indonesia. The study highlights the limitations of traditional warning systems for tsunami events near earthquakes.
Women with diabetes experienced a decline in death rates, but at a cost: their bone density and endometrial thickness may have increased. In contrast, a study on soy products found that genistein supplements boosted bone mineral density and improved markers of bone metabolism.
Researchers discovered a link between consuming foie gras and the formation of amyloid fibrils, which can accelerate AA amyloidosis in susceptible mice. The study suggests that people with a family history of diseases like Alzheimer's and rheumatoid arthritis may want to avoid consuming foie gras.
Climate change poses significant threats to public health in developing countries, where urbanization and rapid economic growth are concentrated. The article highlights the need for action towards fairness and equity in urban development processes to mitigate these effects.
A study comparing patients aged 60 and younger found similar postoperative complication rates, with no age-related mortality differences. Bariatric surgery is also deemed acceptable for Medicare recipients, with expert management leading to low morbidity and mortality rates.
Researchers have developed a unique nanoparticle that can safely deliver a compound to the eye, blocking an enzyme that contributes to glaucoma. This non-toxic tool offers high penetration rates and little patient discomfort, making it a promising treatment option.
Scientists developed a flexible patch that can stick and unstick repeatedly like a gecko foot, featuring carbon nanotube hairs for improved properties. The material has potential applications in robotics, electronic devices, and outer space.
Researchers identified common DNA variations that underlie susceptibility to fever after smallpox vaccination. Eight genetic alterations increased the likelihood of fever, while a few reduced it. The study raises the possibility that these genetic variations may also influence fever risk after other live-virus vaccines.