Researchers are conducting a phase 1 clinical trial using gene therapy to treat LCA2, aiming to restore vision in individuals with inherited blindness. The treatment involves injecting trillions of replacement genes into the retina, using an adeno-associated virus to deliver the therapeutic gene.
A study found that state Medicaid policies, such as restricting access to pharmacy networks and preferred drug lists, limit the use of naltrexone, an inexpensive therapy proven to reduce problem drinking. Changing these policies could increase naltrexone's availability and address the huge financial burden of alcohol abuse.
A study using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) scans found that men and women's brains respond differently to stress, with women exhibiting stronger lasting responses in the limbic system involved in emotion. The findings suggest a fundamental difference in stress response between genders.
The US is relying on medical graduates from low-income countries to fill primary care gaps, draining developing nations of needed physicians. Family physicians play a vital role in equity in healthcare, with disproportionately high rates of care for disadvantaged populations.
Researchers found significant improvements in memory gains and perception of cognitive abilities in participants who completed a computer-based brain fitness program, surpassing traditional educational training.
A new study from Michigan Medicine found that nasal irrigations with saline are more effective than saline sprays in providing short-term relief of chronic nasal and sinus symptoms. The treatment resulted in a clinically significant improvement in quality of life, with participants experiencing 50% lower odds of frequent nasal symptoms.
Researchers found that drug-eluting stents were not associated with excess risk of death or heart attack compared to bare-metal stents, with a cumulative mortality rate of 7.6% vs 8.7%. The study also showed reduced target vessel revascularization rates and enhanced durability of initial angioplasty with drug-eluting stents.
Researchers found combining methotrexate with a biologic medication works better than using either alone. The combination also shows short-term results in reducing joint inflammation and improving quality of life.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that the brain uses a mechanism in the V2 region to identify figure and background regions of an image, providing a structure for conscious perception. This mechanism enables the brain to quickly generate a foreground-background map, allowing us to focus attention on one region at a time.
Researchers at MIT have identified a family of proteins essential for the formation of communication networks in the brain. The discovery could lead to therapies involving stimulation of neurite growth, repairing spinal column injuries or treating brain injuries or neurodegenerative disorders.
A recent study using PET scans shows that an experimental gene therapy can normalize brain function in Parkinson's patients. The treatment was found to alter brain activity in a favorable way, primarily affecting motor networks.
A study by UC Irvine researchers has revealed how human embryos regulate levels of retinoic acid, a derivative of Vitamin A, to avoid birth defects. The study found that cells regulate retinoic acid within a certain range, using enzymes and proteins to maintain optimal levels.
Most states have implemented NCLB test-based accountability requirements, with three-quarters of schools making adequate yearly progress in 2003-04. However, performance varies significantly across states, with high-poverty and minority schools more likely to be identified for improvement.
Scientists discovered that regulatory T cells can reverse macrophages' role in causing inflammation, allowing tumors to go undetected by the body's natural defenses. This knowledge may lead to new treatments for tumors and could also be applied to block chronic inflammation in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers found that most crime is committed by a small fraction of criminals, and investing in rehabilitation for these individuals may have prevented some murders. By focusing on high-risk areas, governments can reduce crime and violence with more efficient resource allocation.
Research published in Applied Cognitive Psychology found that doctored photos of past events can change people's memories and attitudes. The study showed significant differences in responses between those who viewed original and doctored images, highlighting the impact of manipulated media on our recall of history.
Scientists at UC Berkeley have discovered a technique that enables the detection of biomolecules' dynamic reactions in a single living cell, providing unprecedented resolution. By using gold nanoparticles, researchers can determine enzyme activation and gene expression in real-time without killing the cells.
A 7,000-year-old flood is believed to have triggered the expansion of farming across Europe. The study suggests that rising sea levels led to dramatic social change and displaced millions of people.
A protein called RGS13 has been found to suppress allergic responses in mice, including severe anaphylaxis. Researchers believe RGS13 may be a target for developing new drugs to treat certain allergic diseases.
Jurors presented with gruesome evidence are more likely to convict, a study finds. The evidence can influence jurors' decisions at an unconscious level, leading to unfair outcomes for defendants.
Researchers have discovered that the immune system can enter a dormant state with cancer cells, controlling their growth without eliminating them. This finding may lead to alternative treatments for cancer, such as using immunotherapy to induce equilibrium and convert cancers into chronic but controllable diseases.
Researchers have discovered a potential therapeutic approach to prevent the accumulation of toxic protein plaques in the brain, which are a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that binding cystatin C to soluble amyloid beta prevents its aggregation into insoluble plaques.
Researchers at MIT have created a novel way to model the full-sized human liver using tiny colonies of living human liver cells. These model livers can survive for up to six weeks and allow for more accurate prediction of drug toxicity, reducing the costs associated with their development.
A team of researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology has developed a computer version of the honeybee dance, which directs server power between tasks to reduce the chances of server overload. This system improves service by up to 25% in tests based on real Internet traffic.
Geisinger's rheumatology department redesigned osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis care by simplifying the ordering process for bone density scans. As a result, 88% of patients received the scan, compared to 18% previously, with quadrupling the number of patients who underwent testing.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have received a $2.2 million grant to develop therapeutics for suppressing cocaine cravings by targeting 5-HT2 receptors in the brain. These receptors play a crucial role in controlling a person's desire to use drugs.
A National Academy report attributes gender inequality in academia to unconscious biases and archaic university structures. The editorial advocates for educating the academic community about unconscious bias and reforming the tenure system to promote women's career growth.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have found a protein called Rev-erb that coordinates the body's daily oxygen cycle to maintain correct metabolism. This discovery provides new pathways for treating metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes.
A new NASA study estimates that most US ground-level particulate pollution comes from regional sources within North America. The research found that controlling local pollution emissions is the most effective way to manage US air quality.
This special issue of JRRD examines the clinical characteristics of military personnel with TBI and describes healthcare models providing care and support to them and their families. Topics include posttraumatic stress disorder, telemedicine systems, and neuropsychiatric perspectives on TBI.
A new method of administering antiemetic granisetron, subcutaneously, achieves similar blood concentrations as intravenous administration, making it a potential alternative for non-hospitalized patients. The study supports the use of subcutaneous granisetron for treating chemotherapy-induced vomiting.
Researchers develop nanoparticles that can be controlled by electromagnetic pulses to release therapeutic drugs directly into tumors, a potential breakthrough in cancer treatment. The system uses heat-sensitive DNA tethers to release drugs, allowing for customizable and targeted delivery.
Researchers at the University of Bath have discovered a new method for manipulating light, using a hollow-core photonic crystal fibre that reduces power consumption by a million times. This breakthrough could enable more accurate measurements of subatomic particles and potentially revolutionize attotechnology.
A university-industry team led by Virginia Tech is developing a low-cost dry beneficiation technology for India to increase energy production and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The project aims to test advanced technologies for cleaning coal, increasing thermal efficiencies and reducing CO2 emissions by up to 45%.
A study found Tinea unguium cases increased significantly among children, with 66.6% showing tinea pedis co-infection, highlighting need for proper diagnosis and treatment. Pediatricians should recognize symptoms like onycholysis, nail changes, and environmental factors to accurately diagnose the condition.
A study by Cincinnati Children's reveals that fibrin plays a crucial role in the inflammatory response and development of rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers suggest that therapies targeting the interaction between fibrin and a specific integrin receptor may help treat arthritis patients.
Researchers reproduced Thomas Young's experiment in a hydrogen molecule using electrons and X-rays, revealing wave-like behavior that suggests a quantum nature. The findings provide insight into the transition between classical and quantum physics, with potential implications for quantum cryptography and computation.
Researchers found that brain compensatory mechanisms actively contribute to recovery from spinal cord injury, enhancing function in bilateral primary motor cortex regions. This study reinforces current understanding of neurorehabilitation and may lead to new rehabilitation strategies for patients with spinal cord injuries.
A new underwater nursery in Biscayne National Park is dedicated to the propagation of staghorn corals. The nursery aims to develop effective fragmentation and propagation methodologies to help recover the species from decline due to climate change, coral diseases, and hurricanes.
A meta-analysis of four clinical trials found that patients taking rimonabant experienced a 4.7kg greater weight reduction but were at a 40% higher risk of adverse events. Rimonabant also increased the likelihood of discontinuation due to depressive disorders and anxiety.
Tamiflu significantly reduces illness severity and duration in children one year and older, with a 29% reduction in influenza severity and 26% reduction in illness duration compared to placebo. The new lower dose capsules offer a convenient alternative for the treatment and prevention of influenza types A and B.
A recent study published by the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that bites from uninfected mosquitoes can make West Nile virus worse in lab mice. The research showed a significant increase in mortality rates when mice were exposed to multiple mosquito feedings before being infected with West Nile virus.
A team of UWM researchers is analyzing data from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory, searching for signs of Einstein's predicted gravitational waves. The team is using advanced computational power to sort through massive amounts of data generated by LIGO facilities.
The S.T.A.R. Program brings together researchers from top cancer centers to explore the role of targeted heat in cancer therapy for prostate cancer. The program aims to selectively heat cancer cells while preventing damage to adjacent healthy tissues.
A recent study found that CT colonography is effective in detecting new and significant abnormalities outside the colon, including cirrhosis and tumors, in elderly patients. The study also showed that a high percentage of patients had at least one malignancy, with extracolonic malignancies being more common than previously thought.
A study of 3,065 male twin pairs found that those suffering from PTSD symptoms were 2.3 times more likely to have asthma compared to those with fewer symptoms. The association between asthma and PTSD was not primarily explained by genetic factors.
Researchers at The Wistar Institute have discovered that an HIV vaccine construct incorporating the adeno-associated virus (AAV) directly impairs the immune response to the HIV virus. The study's findings suggest that AAV vaccines against HIV may cause more harm than good, and their use in humans should be reconsidered.
High levels of CD200 expression in melanomas represses activation of antitumor T cell immune responses by dendritic cells. Targeting the interaction between CD200 and its receptor may provide a new treatment approach for metastatic melanoma.
Researchers found that brain's memory consolidation process occurs at a rate of six or seven times faster than real-time experiences. This 'thought speed' allows the brain to replay memories in 8-10 minutes instead of an hour, revealing the biological trick behind this phenomenon.
A study of over 7,500 websites found that webmasters intentionally favor Google over other search engines in robots.txt files, resulting in a strong correlation between the favored robots and market share. This bias may disadvantage consumers who prefer other search engines, as Google can index some information not available to them.
A new European study reveals that older people living alone are more likely to experience depression, loneliness, and lower life satisfaction compared to those living with a spouse or others. However, the findings suggest that women in Nordic countries tend to be happier when living alone.
A University of Virginia study shows that plant offspring from maternal plants in the same environment outperform those raised differently, indicating a temporary mechanism of adaptation to local conditions. The findings highlight the significance of maternal effects in plant biology.
Nigersaurus taqueti is a 110-million-year-old plant-eating dinosaur with a unique skull structure, featuring hundreds of needle-shaped teeth and a broad, straight-edged muzzle. Its distinctive anatomy allowed it to efficiently crop plants near the ground, making it an unusual example among sauropods.
A large USC study of over 6,000 Los Angeles-area children found that older children are more likely to develop vision disorders like strabismus and amblyopia. The study highlights the need for early screening and intervention programs to prevent lifelong visual impairments.
The AUA and EAU have released new guidelines for managing ureteral calculi, recommending updated treatment options such as ureteroscopy (URS) for all locations and sizes of stones. The guidelines also identify areas for future research to improve patient outcomes.
The American Thoracic Society has released new clinical standards for treating cystic fibrosis, focusing on aerosolized antibiotics and DNase for patients with moderate to severe lung disease. The guidelines aim to improve lung function, reduce exacerbations, and increase life expectancy.
A customized telemetry system has been successfully tested by Northrop Grumman Corporation, enabling the James Webb Space Telescope to communicate with Earth. The system, developed in collaboration with Raytheon Corporation, will be used for sending commands and collecting telemetry data.
Homoeopathy faces growing opposition in the UK, where it is criticized for its lack of scientific evidence and promotion of ineffective treatments. Despite this, the practice remains popular with the public, with an estimated £38 million market value in 2007.
The November issue of Reproductive Health Matters reports a decline in global maternal mortality rates, with significant reductions in North Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Oceania. However, sub-Saharan Africa's maternal death rate has increased despite declining access to quality healthcare.
New research suggests that greater maternal and paternal support, as well as lower marital conflict and depression, can lead to later onset of puberty in girls. The study found that children from supportive families experienced the first hormonal changes of puberty later than those from less supportive families.