Postmenopausal women with minor or major ECG abnormalities are at increased risk for future cardiovascular events and death. The presence of these abnormalities should prompt physicians to consider further risk stratification and more intensive therapeutic interventions.
Researchers in France have successfully modeled the defects responsible for deformation in the Earth's mantle layer, a 2900-kilometer-deep region that has long puzzled geophysicists. By studying dislocations at the atomic scale, they gained insights into the layer's deformation and its effects on convection movements within the mantle.
A study published in JAMA found that premenopausal women who followed the Atkins diet for 12 months lost more weight than those on other diets, including Zone, Ornish and LEARN. The low-carb diet resulted in greater weight loss and favorable lipid profiles.
A University of Oregon study found that Pell grants help improve access for low-income students, but also lead to higher tuition at private and out-of-state public institutions. Wealthier students face significant increases in tuition, while lower-income students receive a net decline in tuition paid.
A study found that computed tomography (CT) screening increased the rate of lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, but did not reduce the risk of advanced lung cancer or death. CT screening resulted in a 10-fold increase in lung cancer surgeries, which may be insufficiently beneficial to justify the morbidities.
Scientists identified a molecular switch that causes differentiation of neurons in the cerebellum, a part of the brain controlling movement. The discovery provides new insights into brain formation mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications for rare diseases like cerebellar ataxias.
Researchers from top universities explore how crowding impacts visual recognition, finding that everyday surroundings are often crowded and unrecognizable. The study sheds light on the challenges of seeing in cluttered environments, highlighting the limitations of human vision.
Researchers at the University of Virginia Health System are investigating molecular therapies for prostate cancer. They plan to identify compensatory pathways and develop combination therapies using a laboratory-made screening approach.
A new Commonwealth Fund study highlights the importance of comprehensive well-child health services in preparing children for school and helping determine their future success. States are urged to preserve and expand Medicaid's Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) program to ensure access to high-quality preven...
A new analysis suggests that allowing greater access to safety data would enable researchers to independently evaluate risks, resulting in more timely risk detection. The review recommends changes to the FDA's policy, including a heavier burden of proof and comprehensive public disclosure.
The Stanford University School of Medicine study found that the Atkins diet was the most effective for weight loss among four popular diets. The women on the Atkins diet lost more weight and experienced greater improvements in cholesterol and blood pressure compared to those on other diets. The simplicity and high protein content of th...
A study found that specialty cardiac hospitals are associated with higher rates of coronary revascularization services, particularly when compared to general hospitals. The researchers also raised concerns about the potential for increased utilization beyond necessary cases and the need for policy reforms to address these issues.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory explore opportunities to increase solar energy conversion as an alternative to fossil fuels, with potential applications in electricity, fuel, and heat generation. Key findings include advancements in materials science, artificial photosynthesis, and thermoelectric materials that could enhance...
Researchers have discovered four large subglacial lakes beneath Antarctica's surface that contribute to the formation of ice streams and play a crucial role in transporting ice towards the ocean. The lakes' water helps lubricate the bed of the stream, speeding up its flow and potentially disrupting climate patterns.
The AEGIS survey reveals a consistent relation between galaxy mass and star and gas orbital speed over billions of years, constraining galaxy formation theories. The findings suggest fundamental properties of galaxies have changed little over the past 8 billion years.
Fluorescence microscopy reveals how antifreeze proteins protect insect cells from freezing, providing insights into their hyperactive properties. The study also explores potential applications in medical transplants, frostbite prevention, and agricultural protection.
Researchers designed a pulsed microjet system to deliver protein drugs into the skin, eliminating pain and bruising. The system uses high-velocity jets with small diameters to deliver precise doses, enabling local and systemic applications.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research and University of Manchester fabricate ultra-thin membranes made of graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms. The membranes have demonstrated stability comparable to corrugated cardboard despite their thinness.
A study of 47,835 Danish couples found that being overweight or obese increases the likelihood of delayed conception. The researchers found a higher risk of sub-fertility for both men and women, particularly for couples where both partners were overweight.
Women treated with radiation for breast cancer between 1970 and 1986 have an increased risk of heart attack, angina, and congestive heart failure compared to the general female population. The study also found that smoking had a significant effect on heart disease risk in irradiated patients.
A multi-center study found that CT screening for current and former smokers did not reduce deaths from lung cancer, despite finding nearly three times as many lung cancers. The study also found an increased risk of invasive procedures and unnecessary treatments due to false positives.
A recent study found that few women in underserved populations receive treatment for musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy. Researchers suggest expanding musculoskeletal care to address the issue, particularly among those with a history of pain in previous pregnancies.
A survey found that most physicians support financial incentives for better medical care, but oppose public reporting of quality assessments. Doctors worry that such programs may harm poor and non-compliant patients.
NASA scientists studied thunderstorms off the African coast using satellites and airplanes to better understand hurricane formation. They discovered that dust plumes from the Saharan Air Layer can suppress hurricane development, but the exact mechanisms are unclear.
Scientists have developed a light-activated compound that can silence brain activity when exposed to light, potentially helping treat epilepsy. The compound, called NBD-steroid, works by activating the same receptor used by many anesthetics and tranquilizers, making it harder for brain cells to respond to stimulation.
A novel detection procedure using nanotechnology and high-temperature superconductors enables surgeons to accurately locate the sentinel lymph node for breast cancer. The ultrasensitive magnetic probe detects minuscule magnetic fields, allowing for more effective staging and treatment of breast cancer.
A new study found that consumers reject high-quality medical information in favor of websites with a human touch. Trustworthy sites with personal stories and like-minded contributors have more influence on consumer behavior, while untrustworthy features like advertising can have negative effects.
Researchers found that photodynamic therapy (PDT) was an effective method to minimize destruction of periodontal tissue and provided improved dentin hypersensitivity. PDT may be a preferable alternative to antibiotic therapy, which is becoming increasingly important due to rising antibiotic resistance.
A collaborative research project has sequenced and assembled the complete genome of Pichia stipitis, a native xylose-fermenting yeast. This breakthrough will increase efficiency and economic viability in bioconversion by enabling simultaneous fermentation of glucose and xylose.
Researchers at Temple University have found early indicators of inflammation in work-related injuries caused by repetitive motion, signaling potential warning signs for debilitating conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. The study's findings could lead to early detection and prevention of these conditions.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a mechanism to modify enzymes that stabilize immune regulatory cells, improving their function and preventing autoimmune diseases. The findings offer a new approach to treating multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and arthritis by targeting faulty white blood cells.
A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that female Chinese textile workers with high-level exposure to bacterial endotoxin have a 40% decreased risk of developing lung cancer. The researchers also noted that the protective effect was strongest for women exposed early in their career.
The CATIE study found that treatment needs to be targeted and individualized for patients with schizophrenia. More intensive psychosocial therapies are needed to make meaningful gains in work, home, and community functioning.
A genetic variant of a brain receptor increases the stimulating effects of early alcohol exposure and boosts alcohol consumption. Monkeys with this gene showed enhanced pleasurable effects from alcohol, consuming more and becoming intoxicated more frequently than others.
The study reveals that leptin resistance causes the breakdown of the brain's appetite regulation system. Researchers found that a key gene called SOCS-3 plays a critical role in this process and may be targeted to aid in weight loss. The research provides new insights into obesity and potential therapeutic strategies.
Researchers at the University of Iowa have discovered a link between genetic information in white blood cells and mental health conditions like panic disorder. The study found distinct patterns of gene expression in individuals with and without panic disorder, which could lead to new diagnostic tools and therapies.
A study identifies ceramide as a key contributor to insulin resistance, linked to saturated fats and obesity. Blocking ceramide's synthesis improves insulin response in obese rodents, offering potential for new therapies.
Researchers have developed a new classification system for Rickettsia bacteria, highlighting the importance of plasmids in virulence traits and host recognition. The study provides insight into the evolutionary origin of rickettsiae and has implications for the development of diagnostics and vaccines.
Researchers found that obese mice's brains don't detect critical fat hormone levels, but the rest of the metabolic pathway remains responsive. SOCS-3 may be responsible for this loss of sensitivity to leptin, a hormone regulating energy balance.
Researchers found that changes in breast density over time can predict a woman's risk of breast cancer, with higher densities linked to greater risks. Meanwhile, targeting prostate-specific proteins may lead to effective treatments for prostate cancer and other diseases, leaving non-prostate cells unharmed.
Researchers discovered that brain regions involved in spatial attention, planning movements, and decision-making activate simultaneously when preparing for a task. This preparation enables the brain to get a 'running start', leading to quicker responses. The study's findings have implications for understanding real-world tasks like dri...
Scientists have developed a method for delivering thermal ablation directly to tumor cells using nanotechnology and molecular imaging. By attaching magnetic iron-containing bioprobes to cancer cells and heating them with an alternating magnetic field, researchers were able to weaken and destroy malignant cells without damaging nearby h...
Researchers have used hot nanoprobes to slow tumor growth in laboratory mice without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. The next step is clinical testing in patients with aggressive human breast cancers.
Researchers found that ovarian cancer cells form by using the PAX8 protein to direct adult stem cell proliferation. This discovery opens new avenues for basic research and provides a potential biomarker for detecting ovarian cancer.
A new study reveals that specialty heart hospitals are associated with a significant rise in heart procedures, such as bypass surgery and angioplasties. The study found that the opening of a new specialty cardiac hospital is linked to a regional increase in these procedures, particularly among patients without heart attacks.
A study found that feeding mice copper relieved heart disease and restored proper heart function, even when the animals' hearts were continually stressed. Increasing copper intake, especially in those pre-disposed to heart disease, might reduce mortality rates associated with this condition.
Researchers discovered that cortical inhibitory cells suppress communication by receiving more stimulation from the thalamus and reacting strongly due to faster response time. This finding helps explain early stages of brain processing, memory, language, cognition, and sheds light on epilepsy causes.
Researchers find unique mode of whole body regeneration (WBR) in sea squirts, which arises from systemically induced signals and may travel through circulation. RA signaling plays a vital role in WBR, with overexpression leading to accelerated regeneration.
Researchers at CSIRO have found the genetic mutations that occurred thousands of years ago to give us white grapes. They discovered two genes involved in grape color that were mutated in white varieties, leading to over 3000 different white grape cultivars.
A study found that white adolescents with high exposure to R-rated movies and unsupervised television viewing are more likely to start smoking. However, this association was not seen in black adolescents, who were equally likely to initiate smoking regardless of media exposure. The reasons for these racial differences are unclear.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory developed an advanced concept in nanoscale catalyst engineering, improving polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells for hydrogen-powered vehicles. The study identified a clear trend in the behavior of extended and nanoscale surfaces of platinum-bimetallic alloy.
Researchers have identified several genes involved in Alzheimer's disease development, with the GALP gene showing potential in reducing brain cell tangles, a hallmark of the disease. The study, which tested over 17,000 gene variants in 4,000 volunteers, aims to provide a knowledge base for new treatments and diagnostic tests.
A new study finds that reading violent scriptures increases aggressive behavior, especially among believers. The study, led by University of Michigan social psychologist Brad Bushman, found that participants who read passages from the Bible exhibited increased aggression when told that God had sanctioned their actions.
A study published in Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine found that children under ongoing family stress have more fevers with illness than other children. Interestingly, the immune system's natural killer cell function in these children also increases, unlike adults who experience decreased function.
Researchers at the University of Arizona have discovered Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Pili (MTP), a virulence factor produced by tuberculosis bacteria during human infection. This finding suggests MTP could be a promising TB-vaccine candidate, addressing the need for more effective immunization strategies against this devastating disease.
Anxiety disorders are common in primary care settings, affecting nearly 20% of patients, with many untreated. Internists perform fewer procedures than in 1986, with a significant decrease in varied procedures. Annals of Internal Medicine launches a reproducible research initiative to improve data sharing.
A study by Michigan State University found that BMI does not accurately reflect body fat percentage in most cases, particularly among athletes and younger individuals. Researchers suggest reevaluating BMI cutoff points for different age groups and fitness levels to improve its accuracy as a fat indicator.
The Templeton-Cambridge Journalism Fellowships program brings together a diverse group of journalists to examine the intersection of science and religion. The 2007 fellows will engage in independent research, seminars, and discussions with prominent experts at the University of Cambridge.
The study identifies centrosome asymmetry as a key regulator of asymmetric stem cell division, ensuring the correct differential identity of resulting cells. This complex behavior is precisely regulated, coinciding with the orientation in which the stem cell must divide to guarantee asymmetry.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that higher body mass index scores in girls as young as age 3 and large increases in BMI between ages 3 and first grade are associated with earlier puberty. The study suggests that childhood obesity may contribute to an earlier onset of puberty in girls.