The STEP study, sponsored by Merck & Co., Inc. and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has discontinued vaccinations due to lack of efficacy. Volunteers will now be informed about receiving either the vaccine or placebo and continue to participate in ongoing risk reduction counseling and study-related tests.
Scientists reveal that the closure of the Rheic Ocean created the supercontinent of Pangaea and the Appalachian Mountains, marking a significant event in Earth's history. The discovery provides new insights into the formation of these geological features and their impact on climate change.
A nationwide survey of epidemiologists found that the HIPAA privacy rule is delaying or curtailing clinical studies, making them more costly and time-consuming. The study, commissioned by the Institute of Medicine, reported that two-thirds of respondents believed HIPAA had made research 'a great deal' more difficult.
A comprehensive review of published research on binge drinking and prenatal exposure found little evidence that serious harm was caused to the developing fetus. However, some studies suggested that binge drinking might impair normal neurodevelopment with small but notable effects on behavior and cognition.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have deciphered the three-dimensional structure of a telomerase domain essential for its activity. This finding may lead to the development of direct inhibitors of telomerase, a promising new target for anti-cancer therapies. The study's insights into normal aging are also warranted.
Elaine Brody, a pioneer in geriatric social work and aging studies, received the M. Powell Lawton Award for her innovative contributions to gerontological treatment and service. The award honors her significant impact on improving the lives of older persons through her research and public policy initiatives.
Using donated kidneys from older donors with health conditions can alleviate organ shortage among older adults, reducing waiting times and improving survival rates. Patient survival rates were similar across age groups, with 91% of patients over 60 receiving ECD kidneys surviving the transplant.
Researchers found that the NF1 gene regulates the development of astrocytes and neurons by controlling two signaling pathways. This discovery may lead to separate treatments for the condition's two major symptoms: brain cancers and learning disabilities.
A study by Deem and Jun Sun found that genetic information becomes increasingly modular when exposed to a changing environment and horizontal gene transfer. This modularity arises spontaneously due to selective pressure, resulting in complex biological structures.
A massive survey by University of Toronto researchers found that Americans living in states with high income inequality are more likely to have disabilities affecting daily tasks. The study also revealed that wealth distribution in states has a significant impact on health outcomes, particularly for physical disability.
A study of U.S. soldiers found that mental health concerns and needs increase several months after returning from the Iraq war, with a significant portion not being identified by initial screening. The findings emphasize the importance of early intervention and better resources for DoD mental health care.
The Aquatest project aims to provide individuals and communities with the information they need to identify unsafe water and take action. The test, which can detect E. coli contamination, will be available in developing countries within 10 years, leading to improved water management and a potential decline in water-borne diseases.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified four molecules in the urine of mice with lupus nephritis that may serve as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis. These molecules, including VCAM-1 and CXCL16, could help predict kidney disease in patients with lupus.
A study found significant decreases in illness and death rates for 13 vaccine-preventable diseases in the US, including near 100% declines for some diseases like diphtheria, measles, and smallpox. High vaccine coverage levels have contributed to these achievements.
The Gerontological Society of America has chosen Qitao Ran to receive the award for his contributions to new knowledge about aging through basic biological research. The award is traditionally presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting the following year, where Ran will give a lecture on his work.
Researchers discovered that different ethnic groups living in California manifest the disease very differently, with African Americans and Caucasians developing tongue cancer at higher rates. Cultural habits such as cigarette smoking and areca nut chewing contribute to the prevalence of oral cancer in certain groups.
A leading neuroscientist is exploring the neural basis of creativity, beauty and love through an interdisciplinary research program funded by the Wellcome Trust. The study aims to understand how beauty and love relate and what it means to be happy, with potential implications for fields like economics and jurisprudence.
A major five-year study will analyze 32 common allergen sources, identifying T cell responses and potential epitope-based therapies. The project may lead to revolutionary new approaches for treating allergies, potentially reducing the need for lengthy desensitization treatments.
A new microscope technique offers real-time analysis of breast cancer biopsies, which could reduce the number of needle biopsies needed from women suspected of having breast cancer. The technique uses reflectance confocal microscopy to examine tissue samples and detect cancer cells in minutes.
A new study finds that 92% of older adults with diabetes have at least one other major chronic condition, and nearly half have three or more. The severity and type of co-existing condition matter, decreasing patients' ability to manage their diabetes.
W. Andrew Achenbaum receives the Donald P. Kent Award for his outstanding contributions to gerontology through teaching, service, and public interpretation. The award highlights Achenbaum's dedication to advancing research on aging and disseminating findings to the broader society.
A new study combines data perturbation and query restriction to protect confidential information in statistical databases. The hybrid model provides accurate answers while maintaining online security.
A comprehensive exercise program incorporating walking, strength training, and stretching improved daily function and reduced symptoms in women with fibromyalgia. The benefits were enhanced when combined with targeted education on managing the disease.
Researchers identified distinct molecular markers predicting subsequent invasive cancer after noninvasive breast cancer diagnosis. These biomarkers can stratify women's individual risk and guide aggressive therapy decisions.
A preclinical study found that mice fed extra nitrite and nitrate had 48% less cell death in the heart following a heart attack. Nitrite/nitrate-rich diets may improve outcome following a heart attack by forming nitric oxide gas, which reopens closed or clogged arteries.
A study found that Brazil's strategy of negotiating AIDS drug prices with multinational companies and producing generic drugs locally saved the country approximately $1 billion between 2001 and 2005. However, recent years have seen a significant rise in total AIDS drug costs, driven by increasing treatment numbers and longer life expec...
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center shows that targeted interventions for caregivers can significantly improve their physical and emotional quality of life. The FOCUS Program, a family-based intervention, provided benefits for spouses of prostate cancer patients, including reduced uncertainty and imp...
A diet high in fish, omega-3 oils, and fruits/vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of dementia. The study found a 60% lower risk for those consuming omega-3 rich oils, while a 30% lower risk was seen for those eating fruits and veggies daily.
Researchers develop synthetic compound that promotes death of lung-cancer cells and tumors by mimicking natural 'death-promoting' protein Smac. The compound was effective against nearly one-quarter of lung-cancer cell lines tested, with some breast cancer and melanoma cells also showing sensitivity.
Scientists have identified a new genetic lineage of the Ebola virus in great apes, which contradicts previous assumptions about its evolutionary development. This discovery suggests that wild strains of Ebolavirus can exchange genetic material through recombination processes.
Researchers identified a genetic link between schizophrenia and a faulty brain mechanism, affecting startle response. Mice with increased fatty acid binding protein (Fabp7) showed impaired prepulse inhibition, similar to human schizophrenia patients.
A new study from Rice University and the University of Houston found that proteins pack more tightly in their natural environment, with increased structural content and stability. The research suggests that protein structure is affected by crowding, even when proteins are in their folded state.
Youth with ADHD exhibit delayed brain maturation in frontal cortex areas, which can affect higher-order executive control functions. However, the delay is most pronounced in regions at the front of the brain's outer mantle, supporting ability to control thinking, attention, and planning.
A lead-specific DNAzyme uses the 'lock and key' reaction mechanism, but switches to 'induced fit' in the presence of zinc or magnesium. This discovery could lead to faster and more sensitive sensors.
Patients with focal epilepsy tend to underreport seizures, with up to 85.8% of nighttime seizures going unreported. Seizure documentation accuracy was not correlated with cognitive function or educational level, but patients who documented seizures had better verbal memory performance.
Researchers found that consumers are more likely to anthropomorphize products with features associated with human traits, such as loyalty or helpfulness. This study's findings suggest that marketers' efforts to create personable brands may shift the evaluation process from product to human characteristics.
A study of British doctors and health professionals found they struggle with language barriers, cultural understanding, and uncertainty about how to care for patients from ethnic minority backgrounds. This uncertainty can lead to hesitancy and inertia in practice, contributing to inequalities in care.
According to a Rutgers College of Nursing professor, New Jersey registered nurses are overworked and under-supported, leading to burnout and poor patient care. The survey found that 50% of nurses report insufficient staff, and one-third miss important patient changes due to heavy workloads.
Men diagnosed with prostate cancer who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of death after treatment, according to a new study. The study found that being overweight or obese at diagnosis was an independent risk factor for prostate cancer-specific mortality.
A study found that consumers rely on post-purchase actions and advertising to gauge their past experiences, often misinterpreting these cues as accurate indicators of their true feelings.
A recent study of chimpanzees in western Tanzania suggests that early humans may have dug potato-like foods with tools, challenging the long-held assumption that meat was more important for brain evolution. The research found that chimps only dig for roots during the rainy season, when other food sources are abundant.
A hospital-based peer intervention program reduced criminal justice involvement among youth aged 12-20 by 33%, saving $60,000 per patient. The study showed that the program was cost-efficient compared to juvenile detention, with a potential annual savings of $750,000 to $1.5 million.
A new national study finds that burn-related injuries among children and adolescents in the US may be a more significant public health concern than previously estimated. The study found that young children are most at risk of burns, with those under 2 years old accounting for half of all pediatric burn hospitalizations.
A new study finds that large cascades of influence are driven by a critical mass of easily influenced individuals, rather than highly influential ones. The researchers created an influence network with opinion flows in many directions at once and introduced various factors to evaluate their effects.
The University of Texas at San Antonio College of Engineering has been awarded a grant to build and support new research laboratories in manufacturing engineering. The center aims to attract federal funding and assist local communities in building up their manufacturing businesses.
A study found that long-term beta carotene supplementation significantly improved cognitive function in men, with a potential to prevent dementia. The study suggested that antioxidant supplements like beta carotene may provide neuroprotection against age-related cognitive decline.
A study led by UCSF researchers identified p16 and COX-2 biomarkers as predictors of future tumor formation in women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The findings suggest that these biomarkers can help determine the best treatment option for DCIS patients.
A new study investigates how culturally engrained systems of ideas influence persistent goal striving for parenthood. The researchers identify three major discourses: scientific rationalism, self-management, and fatalism, which shape people's appraisals of means, planning, and persistence in achieving parenthood. These discourses help ...
A new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics reveals that babies born just a few weeks premature are at increased risk of death during their first week of life. The study found that late preterm infants face a six-fold higher mortality rate compared to full-term infants.
Miniature smart dust probes are being developed to collect data on fluid systems. Researchers have also created stealthy gas-filled antennas that can be reconfigured for improved signal reception, while a new analysis improves calculations for high-energy physics experiments by factors of a million
A new study identifies netrin-1 as the key molecule responsible for repelling adult stem cells away from spinal cord injuries. This discovery could lead to novel therapies for repairing previously irreversible nerve damage.
Researchers analyzed long-term cost trends of HAART drugs in Brazil, finding that while costs increased due to rising treatment needs, the country saved $1 billion through price negotiations with pharmaceutical companies. The study highlights the need for increased resources to achieve universal access to AIDS treatment.
A recent study found that early and routine testing for HIV is key to curbing the spread of the disease among teenagers. Teens who have previously been tested are more likely to get re-tested, highlighting the importance of making testing readily available.
Researchers are studying a novel smoking-prevention strategy targeting black fourth-graders and their parents in Georgia. The program aims to reduce smoking rates by teaching life skills, communication, and assertiveness, as well as providing self-help information and nicotine replacement therapy.
A study using high-speed videography and neural recordings reveals that cortical neurons' firing patterns can predict the texture identification decisions of rats. The findings shed light on the neural mechanisms underlying tactile sensory discrimination.
A study found that correcting refractive error in nursing home residents with eyeglasses improves their quality of life and reduces depressive symptoms. The study showed a significant improvement in visual acuity and quality-of-life scores after two months.
Researchers have discovered that chimpanzees in a savanna environment use bark and stick tools to exploit underground food resources, challenging the notion that this behavior is uniquely human. This finding supports the idea that chimpanzees can serve as models for understanding early human behaviors and adaptations.
A new study from University Hospitals Case Medical Center found that Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) can reduce tic frequency and severity in some adults with refractory Tourette Syndrome, improving quality of life. The treatment was safe and showed promising results in a double-blind clinical trial.
Researchers have identified a key pathway involved in autoinflammatory diseases, including arthritis and certain types of cancer. Mutant forms of the PSTPIP1 protein can activate pyrin, leading to excessive IL-1 beta production and inflammation.
Scientists found that Roaccutane increases production of proteins reducing serotonin availability, potentially leading to depression-related behavior. Low serotonin levels are linked to aggression and clinical depression.