Haesun Kim's research focuses on Schwann cells and axon communication links in myelination, which may lead to remyelination and correction of neurological disorders. The study aims to pinpoint the sequence and nuances of communication links involved in myelination.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory scientists have developed a novel, low-cost method for sifting the human genome's high-value regions. The technique, called selective resequencing, enables researchers to target specific areas of interest and extract valuable genomic data from relatively small DNA samples.
Researchers argue that focusing on specific nutrients is misguided and instead recommend considering the benefits of entire food products and patterns. Studies have shown that isolated supplements often do not provide health benefits, while whole foods with naturally occurring nutrients can improve long-term health.
Researchers found that animals, like plants, can build tolerance to infections at a genetic level, allowing them to withstand parasite loads. This tolerance is negatively related to resistance, with animals either killing or tolerating parasites but not both.
David R. Holmes Jr., a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, received the James B. Herrick Award for his pioneering contributions to interventional cardiology and advancements in coronary revascularization through balloon angioplasty and stenting. His work has significantly improved patient care and saved countless lives.
Researchers found that breakdown of chlorophyll in ripening fruits produces highly active antioxidants called nonfluorescing chlorophyll catabolytes (NCCs). These NCCs are effective against oxidative stress and may play a role in human health. The study suggests that consuming ripe fruits regularly can provide potential health benefits.
A new vaccine targeting angiotensin II has shown promising results in reducing blood pressure in a small study. The vaccine produced strong antibody responses and significantly lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressures in patients with mild-to-moderate high blood pressure.
Researchers found that fasting was associated with lower odds of being diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients who fasted. Fasting was linked to healthier arteries, even in people with diabetes, although the study does not recommend skipping meals for diabetics.
A Canadian research team uses IBM's World Community Grid to accelerate the analysis of cancer research data, unlocking insights into protein function and potential cancer-fighting drugs. With over 86 million images of proteins captured in 14.5 million experiments, this initiative aims to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that fat cells release an enzyme called Nampt, which enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. This discovery could lead to new methods for improving glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetic or insulin-resistant individuals.
A new clinical trial in Uganda has found that a combination of nifurtimox and eflornithine is effective in treating African sleeping sickness without treatment failure or deaths. The novel treatment approach holds promise for stage 2 HAT patients, and further evaluation with larger trials is ongoing.
A small study found that diesel exhaust increases clot formation and blood platelet activity in healthy volunteers, which could lead to heart attack and stroke. Researchers measured clot formation, coagulation, and inflammatory markers after exposure to diluted diesel exhaust.
A study found that the prevalence of functional impairments is increasing among older obese individuals in the US, despite improvements in cardiovascular health. Obese individuals are more likely to experience disability, including difficulties with daily activities.
A recent study found that individuals with an affected mother have reduced brain metabolism in certain regions, similar to Alzheimer's patients. This suggests a possible link between maternal transmission and increased disease risk.
Researchers find liquid-like behavior in granular particles bouncing off a target, similar to quark-gluon plasma experiments. The discovery provides insight into phenomena beyond equilibrium states, revealing classical concepts influencing quantum-scale events.
Scientists have found a specific way in which copper contributes to the disease process in Alzheimer's. Copper damages the molecule LRP, which normally escorts out amyloid beta from the brain, leading to increased levels of the toxic substance in the brains of people with Alzheimer's.
Researchers found that a low dose of m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) improves glucose tolerance and lowers insulin levels in obese and diabetic mice. The drug works by stimulating a-melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptors, which is important for appetite control.
A randomized trial found that cardiac resynchronization therapy did not improve peak oxygen uptake in patients with Class III heart failure and mechanical problems. The study's results suggest that CRT may only benefit a smaller subgroup of patients with narrower QRS complexes.
A University of Manchester team discovered that theropod dinosaurs had avian-like air-sac respiratory systems, allowing for efficient oxygen supply. This finding supports the theory that dinosaurs were direct ancestors of birds and had similar characteristics.
A study by Brookhaven National Laboratory found that D-cycloserine reduced cocaine-seeking behavior in mice previously trained to expect cocaine. The antibiotic-like drug showed promise in extinguishing cravings and reducing relapse risk.
A University of Illinois professor argues that the educational and psychosocial benefits of online communication for teenagers far outweigh potential dangers. Online discussions enable critical thinking, argumentation, and support from peer groups, while also providing a safe space to explore identity and sensitive issues.
Researchers will focus on three projects utilizing different strategies to study psoriasis, including a novel photodynamic therapy and analysis of the role of S100A8/9 protein. The goal is to control inflammation and develop safer therapies for patients with the debilitating disease.
A recent study published in JAMA found that medication tezosentan did not improve breathlessness or reduce the risk of fatal cardiovascular events in patients with acute heart failure. The study included 1,435 patients and showed similar mortality rates between the treatment group and placebo.
The three diseases - lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and onchocerciasis - were brought to the Americas through forced migration from Africa, but tools now exist to eliminate them. A coordinated effort is needed to dedicate financial and technical resources.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine report a 43% increase in functional impairment among obese adults aged 60+, while overall odds of ADL impairment decreased for non-obese populations. Obesity's quality-of-life effects may be deteriorating, highlighting the need to prevent disability.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that oxytocin increases generosity in humans, particularly when considering another person's feelings. The hormone has a dramatically larger effect on generosity compared to trust, with participants offering 80% more money when given oxytocin.
A team of researchers from the University of Reading has developed a powerful X-ray beam technique to study the structure of amniotic membranes and their rupture. The findings reveal that the loss of a molecular lattice-like arrangement governs the timing of membrane rupture, paving the way for therapies to prevent premature birth.
The estimated prevalence of chronic kidney disease in US adults has increased from 10% to 13%, driven by rising diabetes and hypertension rates. The prevalence of earlier stages of CKD accounts for most individuals with the condition, highlighting the need for cardiovascular risk factor management.
Researchers found that recreational cocaine users took longer to inhibit responses than non-users, suggesting an impairment in controlling unwanted actions. This impairment has serious implications for personal and societal functioning, including the potential emergence of addiction.
A new study from Ohio State University suggests that climate change could diminish drinking water resources by up to 50 percent more than previously thought. As sea levels rise, coastal communities may lose fresh water supplies, with vulnerable areas including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and northern Europe.
REMICADE has been used to treat more patients worldwide than all other anti-TNF-alpha agents combined. The treatment of patients with inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, has been transformed by the availability of REMICADE.
A genome-wide analysis of PPARg reveals new targets for drug development against obesity, diabetes, and cancer. The study provides clues into the transcriptional circuitry during adipogenesis and insulin sensitization.
UC Riverside scientists will use genomic technology to develop new and improved cowpea cultivars with drought tolerance and resistance to pests and diseases. The goal is to benefit resource-poor African farmers by increasing yields and income generation.
Researchers identified three pathways common to in vitro and in vivo dengue virus infections, including the NF-kappaB initiated immune pathway, type I interferon pathway, and ubiquitin proteasome pathway. Inhibiting these pathways resulted in significant inhibition of viral replication, suggesting new avenues for drug development.
A study found that prazosin, an alpha-1 receptor antagonist, can block the increase of steroid hormones in the brain, which are associated with brain damage and cognitive impairment. This may provide a neuroprotective effect against post-traumatic stress disorder, Alzheimer's disease, depression, and schizophrenia.
Researchers developed a novel compound that blocks the breakdown of retinoic acid, derived from vitamin A, and found it to be an effective agent in treating animal models of human prostate cancer. The compound resulted in up to a 50 percent decrease in tumor volume and prevented further tumor growth.
A University of Missouri-Columbia research team has developed a biology-based process for printing organ tissue structures, maintaining cell properties and allowing nature to take over. The breakthrough enables the creation of functional tissue structures without needing to control cell location or function.
A single dose of tenofovir and emtricitabine can substantially reduce non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) resistance mutations in women given intrapartum nevirapine for perinatal HIV prevention. The study found a 53% lower risk of NNRTI mutations in the intervention group compared to controls.
Scientists use NASA satellites to monitor environmental changes, predicting infectious disease outbreaks like Ebola, West Nile virus, and Rift Valley Fever. Malaria surveillance also benefits from this technology, providing public health organizations with increased warning time to respond to outbreaks.
A CU-Boulder study suggests that individual brain chemistry and genes play a key role in determining nicotine addiction. The researchers found that the effects of nicotine diminish at night due to genetic differences and melatonin recognition. Higher levels of stress hormone corticosterone during the day enhance nicotine sensitivity.
Underweight individuals are associated with increased mortality from non-cancer, non-CVD causes, while overweight individuals experience decreased mortality from these causes. Obesity is linked to significantly increased CVD mortality, but not necessarily overall mortality.
Texas A&M researchers Frank Raushel and Ricardo Marti-Arbona use molecular docking to predict enzyme function based on structure alone. The team's method ranks molecules by fit and scores them for physical testing, offering a faster alternative to existing methods.
A small study found that energy drink consumption increased systolic blood pressure by 7.9% within four hours and heart rate by 11% on the seventh day. The increases could be clinically significant in patients with heart disease or those who consume energy drinks frequently.
Researchers have successfully sequenced the complete genome of Malassezia globosa, a naturally occurring fungus responsible for dandruff and other skin conditions. The genetic make-up of M. globosa has expanded treatment targets from a few observational characteristics to over 4,000 molecular targets.
Researchers found that high-fat diets can shift mice's activity patterns, causing them to eat more during the day and altering molecular components of the circadian clock. The study suggests that metabolic processes, like nutrient status, may influence the internal body clock.
The Wildlife Conservation Society's study found that 21 reserves have the potential to support between 58% and 95% of South Asia's tiger capacity, estimated at 3,500-6,500 tigers. Improvements in protected area management, including better funding and enforcement activities, could lead to a doubling of tiger numbers.
The university is implementing an active learning approach in computer science education, focusing on studio courses with team projects and interdisciplinary collaboration. This transformation aims to raise student interaction levels and promote motivation through creative problem-solving activities.
A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that breastfeeding enhances infant intelligence quotient (IQ) only if they have a specific genetic variant. This variant, found in the FADS2 gene, influences the metabolism of breast milk's long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are essential for...
Regular use of non-aspirin NSAIDs reduced Parkinson's disease risk by up to 60% compared to non-users. Women who regularly used aspirin also showed a 40% reduced risk, especially after two years of use.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals that over half of heart attack patients discontinue taking prescribed medications within three years. Smokers are more likely to stop taking all their medications in the short term, while those in cardiac rehabilitation programs tend to continue medication at a higher rate than non-participants.
A randomized controlled trial found that combining fluoxetine with cognitive behavioral therapy improved depression scores in teens with co-occurring depression and substance abuse disorders. The treatment was as effective as the antidepressant alone in treating depression among teens without substance abuse problems.
The study found that patients who arrived at the hospital within one to two hours of onset had a 77% higher rate of receiving reperfusion therapy, compared to those who waited 11-12 hours. Delayed arrival resulted in lower rates of reperfusion therapy and poorer treatment outcomes.
Steve Sternberg, a medical correspondent for USA Today since 1997, has received the American Heart Association's Howard L. Lewis Achievement Award for his outstanding reporting on heart disease and stroke. He is recognized for his dedication to making a difference through his writing.
TB drug resistance is a growing concern, with millions of cases worldwide each year. Doctors Without Borders advocates for increased funding and collaboration to develop new treatments.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new technology to automate post-silicon debugging, using puzzle-solving search algorithms to diagnose problems early on. This reduces parts of the process from days to hours, making it possible to produce computer chips that work correctly under all scenarios.
A study found that children of mothers with low education levels who received regular non-maternal care during preschool years had lower levels of physical aggression. The association was statistically significant among children who started day care before age 9 months.
A Washington University team led by Douglas A. Wiens will install seismographs in east and west Antarctica to study the earth beneath the ice. The region has never been visited by humans before, but research may reveal information about glaciers, mountains, and ice streams.
Researchers found that heart failure nurses make a positive impact on patients' adherence to nonpharmacologic treatment, particularly in daily weighing and fluid/salt restrictions. The study showed improved compliance with these measures in patients receiving intensive support from a heart failure nurse.
The Center for Biological Interfaces of Engineering at Clemson University will create identical tissue samples using inkjet printing to study breast cancer causes and progression. The multi-disciplinary research team aims to understand how environmental conditions stimulate breast cancer development.
A Swiss study finds that teens using only cannabis tend to be male, socially driven, and have fewer psychosocial issues compared to those who use tobacco or neither substance. They also report better academic performance, relationships with friends, and sports participation.