A Smithsonian-led research team has won a scientific prize for their study on the impacts of habitat fragmentation on the Amazon ecosystem. The team found that tree communities are rapidly changing in forest fragments due to ecological changes near the margins, posing a significant threat to Amazonian biodiversity.
Researchers have developed a new contrast agent that selectively targets and highlights malignant micro-calcifications in the breast, while ignoring similar calcifications found in benign breast conditions. This technique has the potential to improve breast cancer diagnosis by reducing false positives and increasing detection rates.
Researchers studied the effectiveness of estradiol and rapamycin-eluting stents in reducing in-stent restenosis. However, they found no significant difference between the two groups, indicating that adding estradiol to rapamycin-coated stents may not provide a measurable benefit.
A study by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that female rats can detect changes in males' germline cells due to exposure to vinclozolin, leading them to avoid mating with those males. This avoidance behavior is linked to an epigenetic change that affects the male's fertility.
The EXACT study found that community hospital physicians can provide exemplary outcomes for patients in need of carotid stenting with appropriate experience levels and device training. The use of embolic protection devices has been shown to reduce peri-procedural complications by 4.5% compared to the SECuRITY study.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that effective postoperative pain control using continuous peripheral nerve block reduced average hospital stay length by nearly a day. The study analyzed data from over 1,500 patients and showed a significant economic benefit in reducing hospital-acquired infections and complications.
A new study found that boys tend to specialize in areas where they excel, while girls often perform well across various subjects. As children age, their interest and perceived abilities in different areas become more aligned.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that African Americans have weaker muscle contraction in three main regions of the heart, increasing their risk of heart failure. In contrast, Chinese Americans' hearts had a stronger squeezing function and contracted more quickly than other ethnic groups.
A long-term study found that children with higher quality early child care had better vocabulary scores in 5th grade, while those with more time in center-based care were more likely to exhibit problem behaviors in 6th grade. Parenting quality was a stronger predictor of child development than type or quality of child care.
A low-tech operation called symphysiotomy, performed under local anesthesia, can increase the size of the pelvic outlet and permit vaginal delivery of the baby. This procedure has been largely abandoned in developed countries due to its simplicity and effectiveness in addressing maternal mortality in Africa.
Long-term safety of drug-eluting stents in off-label use shows low mortality rates, with cardiac mortality at 0.8%, but high risk of late stent thrombosis among non-responders to clopidogrel. The MATRIX Registry found that 34% of patients had diabetes and 33% a history of heart attack.
Researchers have discovered a deficiency of biopterin in rabies patients and are working on an animal model to test the effectiveness of the Milwaukee protocol. The treatment has already shown promise, with two children surviving twice as long as average for rabies patients.
A new study finds that autistic children can attribute a range of mental states to dynamic and static facial expressions, suggesting they make use of information from the eyes. The study challenges prior research findings on autism and social interactions.
A 5-year study found that giving nitroglycerin to mothers in preterm labor led to significant improvement in their baby's health, especially those born between 24-28 weeks. This therapy resulted in cost savings and longer-term health benefits for premature babies.
The study found that socio-economic status affects food choice, with lower-income individuals more likely to prioritize affordable options. It also revealed gender differences in dietary habits, with women being more concerned about meeting health guidelines.
Researchers developed nanoparticles that can label and track stem cells used in medical treatments, offering a new way to monitor tumors and diagnose cardiovascular problems. The technology uses MRI scanning to detect the presence of labeled cells, allowing for more accurate measurements and better understanding of each cell type's role.
A randomized controlled trial found that peri-procedural hydration treatment with sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride show similar rates of protection against contrast-induced nephropathy. The study evaluated 353 patients undergoing cardiac procedures and found no significant differences in kidney function between the two groups.
Long-term aspirin use in women with low to moderate doses has been associated with a significant reduction in cardiovascular mortality and cancer deaths. The study found that women who used aspirin had a lower risk of death from any cause, particularly heart disease, compared to those who did not use aspirin.
A long-term study found that children in center-based care experienced more aggressive behavior through sixth grade, but problem behavior ceased by first grade. High-quality early child care had a positive impact on vocabulary and math skills.
A combination of aliskiren and valsartan showed improved blood pressure control compared to individual treatments or placebo. The dual renin system blocking drug combo reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, achieving a goal blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg in 49.3% of patients.
Research in Malaysia found that essential drugs are priced beyond reach of poorer members, with costs up to 16 times higher than international reference prices. The lack of affordability affects the poor and the availability of medicines is also poor, with only 25% available through public sector.
A new study published in PLoS Medicine found that community-based peer education, free condom distribution, and clinic-based STI treatment services targeting high-risk individuals had no effect on HIV incidence in the wider community. However, these measures did reduce HIV-1 incidence among men who participated in the program.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers has identified a link between the absence of the Olig1 protein in lung tumors and poor survival rates among patients with non-small cell lung cancer. The findings suggest that patients with low levels of the protein may benefit from more aggressive therapy after surgery, potentially i...
A study of 9,178 people in Denmark found that those with two copies of the H63D genetic defect were twice to three times more likely to develop stroke than those without the gene. The study suggests a link between the H63D gene and increased risk of stroke, but the exact mechanism is unclear.
A new study found that triple negative breast cancers are more common among young, poor minority women, particularly African American and Hispanic women. The tumors are also associated with later diagnosis and shorter survival rates, with African American women having the poorest five-year survival rate.
Researchers found that longer baking times and higher temperatures can increase antioxidant levels in whole wheat pizza dough by up to 82%. Longer fermentation times also boosted antioxidant levels, with some increases reaching 100%.
The Foundation of the National Student Nurses' Association (FNSNA) awarded a $25,000 Promise of Nursing for New Jersey Nursing School grant to Rutgers College of Nursing. The grant provides additional supervised time and tutoring for undergraduate nursing students.
Xenotransplantation holds promise for replacing diseased organs, but immune rejection and pathogen transmission are major concerns. Genetic modifications in pigs have improved compatibility with humans, offering hope for this technique's success.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a Magnetic Anchoring and Guidance System that uses magnets to attract and manipulate laparoscopic surgical tools. This new technique allows for magnetically maneuvering laparoscopic instruments inserted into the abdominal cavity through the bellybutton or throat.
A systematic review of 13 trials involving over 900 children found that loperamide should not be given to children under 3 years old or with bloody diarrhoea. However, in other children, the drug may be useful in treating acute diarrhea. The risks outweigh the benefits in high-risk situations.
A pioneering biofuel cell has been developed that can generate electricity from low levels of hydrogen in air, offering an inexpensive and renewable alternative to platinum-based fuel cells. The cell uses enzymes from naturally occurring bacteria and can power electronic devices with minimal power requirements.
A new study found that drug-eluting stents are less effective in bypassed veins with longer blockages, particularly those with diffuse disease. In patients with focal disease, the success rate was high, but those with diffuse disease had a higher need for additional procedures to treat restenosis.
A case-control study found that women with no annual medical visits or pelvic examinations and those with no regular health care provider are at a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Postmenopausal women are particularly vulnerable to this increased risk.
A study found that most first-time DWI offenders have high rates of other substance-use disorders and psychiatric disorders, requiring enhanced services in intervention programs. The research suggests that treatment approaches may need to be modified to better serve this more severe subtype of DWI offenders.
A new study reveals that severe dengue infections are more common than previously thought, with 23% of patients requiring hospitalization. The study suggests that the World Health Organization's definition of dengue hemorrhagic fever may be too narrow, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
Researchers developed a new tumor targeting strategy that leverages one of the body's natural antibodies and immune responses. The approach recognizes and kills only cancer cells displaying high levels of integrins, reducing the risk of harming healthy cells.
Researchers have developed an approach using dense arrays of aligned nanotubes as a thin-film semiconductor material for integration into electronic devices. The arrays can be transferred to unusual substrates and enhance the performance of conventional silicon-based chip technology.
The study found that Crestor arrested the progression of thickened carotid arteries in participants with moderately elevated cholesterol levels. The therapy also lowered low-density lipoprotein and increased high-density lipoprotein, as well as reduced triglycerides.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that carbon nanotubes inhibited growth in mammalian cells but sustained bacterial growth, highlighting the need for further research on nanotechnology's environmental impacts. The studies suggest different nanomaterials have varying effects on human health and the environment.
A Phase 1 study evaluating a novel protein kinase C inhibitor, KAI-9803, suggests potential benefit in healing time and tissue function for heart attack patients. The trial showed improved tissue perfusion and reduced infarct size at lower dose levels.
Studies found that ramipril and rosiglitazone slow atherosclerosis progression, while rosuvastatin treatment reduces arterial plaque buildup in low-risk individuals. Additionally, high-dose atorvastatin improves outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
The study found that the novel PPAR-alpha agonist LY518674 decreased triglycerides and increased HDL-C levels, but also raised safety concerns such as increased serum creatinine levels and cardiovascular toxicity. The results were generally similar to those of existing drugs like fenofibrate.
A study published in JAMA found that rosuvastatin reduces the rate of progression of arterial thickening and stops but does not reverse atherosclerotic disease in middle-aged individuals with low Framingham risk scores and evidence of subclinical atherosclerosis. The medication also showed a similar safety profile to placebo.
The EVEREST trial shows that oral tolvaptan improves patient-assessed global clinical status, body weight, and reduces dyspnea in hospitalized heart failure patients, while also measuring long-term effects on mortality and hospitalization rates.
A comprehensive study by University of California, Davis researchers found organically grown kiwifruit contain more health-promoting factors than conventionally grown counterparts. This increases antioxidant activity and vitamin C levels, suggesting potential benefits for heart health.
A new diagnostic test, dubbed the 'dipstick,' can rapidly detect chemicals formed by disease-causing bacteria in food products, with a 90% accuracy rate. The test could help avoid illnesses and deaths caused by food poisoning, which affects millions annually.
Researchers at Iowa State University identified four chemicals in ladybugs that cause a foul smell, which can lead to 'ladybug taint' in wine. These compounds, including a new one not previously reported in ladybugs, are potent odor-producing molecules also found in other animals and plants.
Researchers will present on alternative energy sources, genetically-engineered crops, and new water purification processes. The symposium aims to address the world's growing demand for clean water and explore sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.
A Phase 1 trial of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has shown significant improvements in heart function and reduced side effects in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). The study, led by Joshua Hare, M.D., found that MSC-treated patients had lower rates of cardiac arrhythmias and improved heart, lung, and global function.
Researchers discovered compounds in black raspberries, blueberries, grape seeds, high-fiber foods, and apple juice that show promise for preventing cancer. Studies found significant reductions in tumors of the esophagus, colon, skin, and prostate cancers.
Researchers have discovered a new type of plastic that can conduct electricity as well as current semiconductors, enabling mobile phones and other devices to withstand accidental drops. This material has the potential to revolutionize consumer electronics, making products cheaper and more durable.
Researchers have developed a fuel cell battery that runs on virtually any sugar source, offering a potential replacement for lithium ion batteries in portable electronics. The biodegradable battery has the longest-lasting and most powerful sugar-based design to date, with promising results from testing with various sugar sources.
A new study by University of Minnesota researchers found that excess nutrients and water can reduce species diversity in ecosystems, allowing a few species to dominate. The findings support the idea that plant diversity is directly related to limiting factors such as soil moisture and nutrient availability.
Researchers Twan Gielen designed a simulation programme to study the interactions between oil and water in a controlled environment. The model shows how capillary pressure affects oil and water movement, providing insights into contaminated groundwater behaviour.
The Digital Locke Project has made John Locke's first texts available online, with a digital critical edition and search functionality. The project aims to produce a definitive text of Locke's work, building on previously rediscovered manuscripts.
A study by Rutgers University and the US Department of Agriculture found that pterostilbene, a potent antioxidant in blueberries, reduced pre-cancerous lesions in rats with colon cancer by 57%. The compound also inhibited inflammation and cell proliferation.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have identified a peptide that can fight infection by boosting the body's own immunity, reducing bacteria counts and mortality in animal models. The innate defense regulator peptide (IDR-1) may be useful as a supplement to antibiotics in combating common hospital infections.
Researchers tested a new cholesterol treatment LY518674 (LY5) in two studies, but found it showed no benefits compared to fenofibrate. Both drugs raised safety concerns, particularly for kidney function.
Scientists have developed a pair of molecular-scale scissors that can be manipulated by light, allowing for precise control over proteins and biological molecules. The technology has the potential to revolutionize gene manipulation and drug delivery, with practical applications still several years away.
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology shows that quitting smoking can reduce lung cancer risk by up to 70%. The research highlights the importance of effective tobacco control policies and notes that women smokers face a significantly higher risk compared to men.