A study found that 36% of refractory SLE patients remained well after undergoing B-cell depletion therapy, with median duration of B-cell depletion being 4 months. Patients with low baseline serum C3 levels and anti-ENA antibodies were more likely to flare after treatment.
Researchers found that TRAIL limits excessive immune responses in bacterial meningitis, decreasing brain cell death. The study suggests that TRAIL may be used as an anti-inflammatory agent in invasive bacterial infections.
A study found that drug resistance in the Onchocerca volvulus parasite, which causes river blindness, is emerging and could lead to a resurgence of the disease. Despite ivermectin treatment clearing most microfilariae, four communities showed significant repopulation of skin with microfilariae, allowing transmission of the disease.
Researchers developed a scale to measure sense of humor, finding generational and individual differences in humor preferences. The study shows that humour is not universally good or bad, but rather depends on personal characteristics.
The University of Colorado at Boulder has developed a high-tech leaf sensor that can measure water deficiency and communicate with computers wirelessly. This technology could enable crops to provide information to farmers about when they need water, reducing excessive water use and energy consumption.
A survey of 401 oncology registrars found that 102 experienced psychiatric morbidity, with depression being a major concern. The study suggests that better support and supervision can alleviate stress and improve performance.
A new study found that effective weight loss pills encourage risky behaviors like junk food and sedentary lifestyles. Marketing campaigns emphasizing supplements as part of a healthy lifestyle reduce these risks.
Researchers successfully create a double inversion of an emulsion by adding surfactant to a nanoparticle-containing mixture. The process, which uses silica nanoparticles and a specific type of surfactant, allows for the conversion between oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions.
A new study from Mayo Clinic researchers reveals that the joint effects of common DNA variations in several genes within a well-defined biological pathway largely explain why some people develop Parkinson’s disease. The findings also predict with great accuracy at what age people might develop their first symptoms.
A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council found that over half of participants in experiments failed to plan ahead when making dynamic decisions about their lives. The research shows that people tend to either fully plan or not plan at all, with most taking a route that only appears favorable.
A special issue of Yale's Journal of Industrial Ecology explores the global impact of cities, showcasing their role in driving environmental changes. The study reveals that cities produce greenhouse gases with worldwide effects and stimulate resource extraction beyond city borders.
Preliminary results show that 59% of patients receiving certolizumab pegol 200mg plus methotrexate achieved a 20% improvement in symptoms after 24 weeks, compared to 14% for those taking methotrexate alone. The treatment combination also resulted in higher ACR70 responses and lower discontinuation rates due to adverse events.
A study from Colorado State University reveals that circadian rhythms regulate the function of all genes in mammals, influencing metabolism and health. Researchers analyzed data from thousands of genes using advanced algorithms to identify patterns of oscillation.
Long-term steroid treatment decreases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis-related lymphoma, with benefits observed regardless of when treatment was started. The most pronounced protective effect was seen in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma subtype.
The National Cancer Institute has launched a three-year pilot program to enhance cancer care in community hospitals across the US. The program aims to improve patient outcomes by facilitating collaboration between private-practice oncologists and NCI research, as well as exploring ways to share medical information electronically.
A new study from the University of Illinois found that cytokine resistance contributes to the pathology of type 2 diabetes by impairing the anti-inflammatory response and disrupting insulin-like signaling pathways. This impairment leads to chronic inflammation, which exacerbates health issues in individuals with obesity or diabetes.
Researchers at PNNL have successfully converted glucose and fructose into a promising chemical precursor for fuels, polyesters, and other industrial chemicals. The breakthrough uses a novel non-acidic catalytic system and an ionic liquid solvent to achieve high yields with minimal impurities.
A study at EULAR 2007 found that early treatment with a combination of methotrexate and infliximab can induce clinical remission and reduce joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Almost one-fifth (17%) of patients reached clinical remission, while 51% were able to discontinue infliximab treatment.
Researchers at the University of Michigan are conducting experiments to understand how Martian winds and dust affect NASA's Phoenix mission. They are simulating the effects of blowing Mars dust in a laboratory setting to provide insight for the Phoenix team.
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory discovered that certain bacteria excrete proteins that aggregate metal nanoparticles, reducing their toxicity and mobility. This phenomenon could lead to the development of protein-based methods for cleaning up polluted environments on a larger scale.
Scientists discovered that minor changes in laser intensity can distinguish between healthy and dead cells. The new technique allows for precise microinjection of live single cells, enabling research on drug toxicity and cancer treatment.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have discovered a crucial link between epithelial cells and immune system function at mucosal surfaces. The study found that epithelial cells produce a key antigen called IgA2 to keep bacteria in check, and that this process is critical for preventing infections such as HIV and rotavirus.
A study at EULAR 2007 found that taking x-rays of the semi-flexed knee is the most reliable and responsive way to determine structural severity in knee OA. Measuring joint space width was shown to be more able to detect change over time or after treatment than other techniques.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have shown that hormone therapy can prolong the life of some ovarian cancer patients by up to three years. The study found that targeted use of an anti-oestrogen drug could slow the growth and spread of disease in highly sensitive cancers.
Research abstract finds self-reported sleep complaints among the elderly increase the risk of completed suicide. Poor sleep quality, independent of depression, predicts an increased risk for eventual death by suicide.
Scientists discovered bacteria in a flooded mine emit proteins that accumulate and trap metal nanoparticles, forming large aggregates that reduce mobility. This process may lead to new bioremediation strategies for toxic metals like arsenic and lead.
Motor neurone disease is a degenerative disorder that causes loss of basic motor functions, with symptoms including bulbar-onset, cervical-onset, and lumbar-onset patients. The disease has been reported in certain populations, such as the Chamorro population on Guam, and may be linked to genetic and environmental factors.
Researchers argue that increased US trade with countries like China has significantly increased carbon emissions, with CO2 emissions from imports rising from 12% in 1997 to 22% in 2004. The study concludes that this trend is likely to continue without major efforts towards efficiency gains and cleaner development.
Researchers used specially modified yeast to study the molecular events necessary for establishing and maintaining centromeric heterochromatin, a specialized DNA structure at the chromosome's centromere. The findings provide insight into how cells ensure each daughter cell receives the correct number of chromosomes.
A multinational review of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) found significant national differences in disease severity, directly related to national health expenditure. The study, QUEST-RA, analyzed data from 100 patients across 21 countries and revealed a negative correlation between disease severity and GDP/health expenditure.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute used a three-part screening process to identify the IKBKE gene, which is made inappropriately in about a third of all breast cancers. The mutation arises during a woman's life and spurs cell growth and proliferation.
The ATLAS upgrade, called CARIBU, will enable researchers to accelerate beams of short-lived radioactive isotopes and study unstable nuclei. This will help scientists better understand the universe's heavy elements, including those created in supernovae explosions.
Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center have developed an attention training program that can help older adults block out distractions and improve concentration. The study found that brain activity in areas related to sight and sound increased, while performance on a task improved after the eight-week training.
Australian scientists and optical engineers are working with the International Bureau of Weights and Measures to create a perfect sphere from a single crystal of exceptionally pure silicon. The goal is to redefine the kilogram, currently defined by a physical object in France, using a fundamental constant of nature.
Scientists have discovered a way to transfer genes into diseased tissue of the human inner ear, aiming to restore hearing. The breakthrough could lead to the development of gene therapy compounds that produce new hair cells and restore hearing function in humans.
Researchers have identified three key proteins that work together to execute plant innate immunity in the mustard weed Arabidopsis. These proteins are homologous to human spliceosome-associated components, suggesting potential parallels between animal and plant immune systems.
A recent study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that exercise alone led to significant improvements in blood glucose levels for people with diabetes, outperforming diet and medication changes. The meta-analysis of 10,455 subjects showed that physical activity had equal benefits across age groups and genders.
A two-year study at McMaster University aims to find an effective treatment for children with severe autism who do not respond to Intensive Behavioural Intervention (IBI). The study will provide a functional behavioural skills program and additional training for parents.
Researchers are examining whether attempting to turn breech babies earlier in pregnancy increases success rate and reduces C-sections. A manual procedure called external cephalic version (ECV) is being tested on approximately 1,000 women from around the world.
A new study has found that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms significantly improved during pregnancy, with 40% of patients experiencing a notable decrease in disease activity. Postpartum, 64% of patients remained stable or improved, while only 36% experienced flares.
Researchers develop computational method to better understand protein networks and their regulation through phosphorylation. This approach aims to target human diseases by identifying aberrant genes in kinase-controlled processes.
Treatment with belimumab resulted in a sustained improvement of SLE disease activity in 46% of patients at week 52, according to the study. The novel combined responder index takes into account three measures of disease progression and is associated with biomarker improvements and quality of life enhancements.
Researchers have sequenced and analyzed the complex heterochromatin of fruit flies, revealing over 200 protein-coding genes and functional elements. The study sheds light on the critical role of heterochromatin in cellular survival and organization.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh successfully isolated and cultured human hematopoietic stem cells from fat tissue, suggesting an alternate source for life-saving bone marrow transplants. The study's findings indicate that these stem cells are integral to normal adipose tissue and may provide a safer alternative for patients...
Researchers tracked 172 patients with hand osteoarthritis for two years, showing a significant increase in pain intensity and functional limitations. Radiological progression was also detected in 20% of subjects, highlighting the need for early intervention to prevent irreversible progression.
A study led by Stanford surgeon John Morton found that patients who undergo gastric bypass surgery are more sensitive to alcohol, reaching higher breath-alcohol levels and taking longer to sober. This altered metabolism may contribute to an increased risk of addiction.
Researchers found S. aureus bacteria can remain dormant for up to two weeks within human lung cells, evading detection and antibiotics. The bacteria's gene expression profile changes to limit cellular damage and resume metabolic functions.
A Purdue University study projects a 200-500% increase in dangerously hot days in the Mediterranean by the end of the 21st century if current greenhouse gas emissions continue. Reducing emissions could reduce this increase by up to 50%.
Scientists discovered that ezetimibe targets NPC1L1 protein in both the intestine and liver, lowering cholesterol levels by blocking absorption. This dual action may increase the risk of gallstones, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory cloned the band gene, finding it's an allele of ras-1, which plays a crucial role in circadian rhythms. The study uses Neurospora crassa as a model organism, demonstrating how a dominant point mutation in ras-1 affects circadian growth cycles.
A team of Yale chemists is working on converting sunlight into chemical fuels with the goal of increasing the nation's energy supply. They are part of a $12.8 million initiative funded by the US Department of Energy to develop efficient photocatalytic cells for water cleavage with visible-light power.
Oxygen restriction increases Listeria's infective potential by allowing it to smooth its path through the gut and liver, increasing the risk of infection.
A study of 1041 RA patients found obese participants reported significantly increased ratings for pain and fatigue compared to normal weight counterparts. Obese patients also experienced worse physical functioning, with lower overall quality of life assessments.
A study from Massachusetts General Hospital found that genetic alterations in the bone marrow of mice can cause a type of myeloproliferative syndrome, an overproduction of certain blood cells. The discovery may help find better therapies for these disorders, which can be difficult to treat, and also for some leukemias.
Researchers at Louisiana State University studied the effects of gold-based nanoparticles on cell freezing, which could impact cancer treatment. Despite initial expectations, the study found significant damaging interaction between nanoparticles and cancer cells.
A new pacemaker-like device has been developed to treat treatment-resistant depression, showing statistically significant improvements in mood and cognitive abilities. The research, led by James McInerney and Elana Farace, offers hope for millions of people affected by the debilitating disease.
Women with rheumatoid arthritis receive anti-TNF treatments at a higher level of disease symptoms than men, despite similar disease activity measurements. The study suggests that physicians often rely on objective markers rather than subjective measures, leading to unequal treatment.
Researchers at LIAI demonstrated that retinoic acid regulates inflammation in laboratory mice, affecting pro-inflammatory T cell lineages. This finding suggests a new avenue of therapies using retinoic acid to treat autoimmune diseases.
New data from the University of New Hampshire reveals that at least one-third of college students are overweight or obese. Additionally, a significant number of students have high blood pressure and are not meeting their nutritional needs for iron, calcium, or folate.
Delft researchers achieved the first 'controlled-NOT' calculation with two qubits using superconducting rings, paving the way for more complex quantum calculations. This breakthrough demonstrates a crucial step towards creating a functional quantum computer.