A study of 200 consecutive patients found that combining clinical history, ultrasonography, and liver function tests effectively excludes common bile duct stones. The triple test has high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing CBDS, making it a recommended pre-operative assessment for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
A Portland researcher argues that overly restrictive intellectual property laws slow the availability of existing medications as life-saving treatments. Berger suggests that 'use' patents involving new uses for old medications need to be reformed to encourage pharmaceutical companies to develop these drugs.
The UCSD team created a 16-element phased array chip that can transmit at 30-50 GHz, reducing size, weight, and cost. The innovation enables breakthroughs in military sensor and communication systems, as well as commercial terrestrial communications.
The Pourquié Lab has demonstrated the crucial role of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) in somitogenesis, a process required for vertebrae formation. The study successfully characterized and verified FGF signaling's importance during this process, providing new insights into the clock and wavefront explanation of somitogenesis.
A new vaccine developed by the Scripps Research Institute could block deadly staph infections by sequestering autoinducers that trigger bacterial virulence. The vaccine works by inducing antibodies that bind and neutralize these molecules, preventing the shift from harmless to virulent bacteria.
Dr. Michael F. Shlesinger receives the 2006 Dr. Fred E. Saalfeld Award for his significant lifetime contributions to science, particularly in nonlinear dynamics and its applications to various fields. He is recognized for fostering research in areas such as shipborne crane control, secure communications, and high-power laser arrays.
Targeting hand-touch surfaces in hospitals is a feasible short-term strategy for tackling MRSA transmission. Dr Stephanie Dancer argues that prioritizing cleaning over hand hygiene is essential to controlling the spread of MRSA.
ResearchChannel will broadcast live performances by local bands and compelling speakers from the science and research community, using advanced technology to stream uncompressed high-definition video. Participants can interact with the performers and watch live broadcasts through the ResearchChannel Web site and KEXP's site.
A new study from the University of California, Irvine, has found that neural stem cells can enhance memory in mice with brain injuries. The treatment promotes neuronal connections and protects existing cells, suggesting hope for a potential drug to restore memory in patients with neuronal loss.
Research at University of Bath finds fibromyalgia pain caused by a mismatch between sensory and motor systems. The study suggests that confusing the brain's sensory-motor systems can exacerbate symptoms, and may even trigger pain flares.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found no correlation between vitamin D levels and overall cancer death rates. However, elevated vitamin D levels were linked to a significant decrease in colorectal cancer mortality rates.
Researchers describe four types of cnidarian fossils preserving traits related to modern jellyfish orders, pushing the known occurrence of definitive jellyfish back to 505 million years. The discovery provides insights into rapid species diversification during the Cambrian radiation.
The Seneca Valley Virus shows promise as a treatment for some metastatic cancers. Cervical cancer survivors are at greater risk of second cancers due to radiation exposure. A novel trial design identifies promising treatments in clinical trials.
Researchers found that Tibetans have 10 times more nitric oxide in their blood than low-altitude dwellers, leading to increased blood flow and improved oxygen delivery. This adaptation allows them to thrive at high altitudes despite low oxygen levels in the air.
Men with low-risk prostate cancer who miss two or more radiation treatments in an eight-week course face a higher chance of their cancer recurring. The study of nearly 1,800 patients found that controlling cancer within the prostate and preventing its spread outside makes the greatest difference for these patients.
Researchers discovered Strongyloides stercoralis, a soil-transmitted worm, endemic in southern Yunnan province, China, with 11.7% of the population infected. The parasite mainly affects healthy individuals, but can be fatal for those with weakened immune systems.
A University of Houston research team has discovered a method to make fuel cells more efficient and less expensive. This breakthrough could lead to the widespread adoption of fuel cell-powered vehicles, which are already two to three times more efficient than internal combustion engines.
Elsevier has partnered with IRTCES and WASER to enhance the International Journal of Sediment Research's global presence through ScienceDirect, providing a platform for sedimentation engineering and water management research. The journal will offer certification and wider dissemination to a global audience.
Researchers found that juvenile mice responded more damagingly to low-dose external radiation than adult mice, indicating potential long-term harm. The study aims to develop biomarkers for treating radiation poisoning and predicting health risks in mass casualty events.
A recent study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that eight weeks of antibiotic treatment can reverse local immunosuppression in patients with Buruli ulcer. This reversal leads to an active inflammatory response, which ultimately results in tissue repair and the restoration of normal immune function.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that brothers are at a higher risk of developing heart disease than sisters, with a 20% increased risk within 10 years if any sibling has a heart attack. The younger the age of the sibling who develops heart disease, the greater the risk for other family members.
A team of researchers has explained the discrepancy between computer simulations and experimental observations of protein behavior under mechanical stress. At slower speeds, hydrogen bonds in proteins behave differently, breaking three at a time when pressure is applied slowly.
Scientists observe molecular-level observation of self-selection, demonstrating fundamental step in biological evolution. The study reveals promising nanostructures for catalysts and nanotechnologies.
A new study found that agricultural expansion is the major factor behind mangrove deforestation in tsunami-impacted regions, with aquaculture and urban development contributing less significantly. The study used Landsat satellite images to quantify the rates and causes of change between 1975 and 2005.
A team of Stanford University researchers has identified a gene responsible for giving dogs their black fur, revealing its potential connection to human stress adaptation and weight regulation. The discovery was made by analyzing DNA samples from hundreds of dog breeds, including boxers and Large Munsterlanders.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a new technology that can detect a single molecule of the human papillomavirus, associated with cervical cancer, significantly improving current detection methods. This breakthrough allows for earlier diagnosis and potentially increased vaccine effectiveness.
A USC study found that driving in LA can expose people to harmful air pollutants for up to half their day. The biggest contributors are diesel-fueled trucks on freeways and hard accelerations on surface streets.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed tiny wireless sensors that can detect impending bearing failure in jet engines, providing critical advance warning to prevent breakdowns. The MEMS technology withstands extreme heat and transmits temperature data wirelessly, enabling early detection of failures.
A brain-imaging study found that sound training can correct the sound processing problem in dyslexic children, leading to improved reading. The study suggests new ways of treating dyslexia, such as musical training, and may help clinicians diagnose dyslexia even before reading begins.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville found that partial breast irradiation can expose as much lung and heart tissue to potentially toxic radiation as whole breast irradiation. This suggests that both methods carry equivalent risks and benefits.
Researchers at MIT have successfully applied the concept of optical tweezers to manipulate and measure tiny objects on a microchip. Using infrared light, they were able to hold and move individual cells and other objects with unprecedented precision, opening up new possibilities for biological research and materials development.
A team of chemists at the University of Georgia has proposed a mechanism for how adenine, a key component of DNA, might be formed from five cyanide molecules under terrestrial conditions. The research suggests that simple molecules can combine chemically to form the building blocks of life, offering a new answer to an unsolved puzzle.
Research from the University of Washington suggests that a person's moral identity motivates behavior, but accurate judgments are needed to set it in the right direction. A strong moral identity can push individuals toward socially desirable outcomes, but without proper guidance, it can also lead to undesirable behaviors.
Duke researchers identified a new brain marker that may help predict future Alzheimer's disease by tracking deactivation of the posteromedial cortex. A third of individuals with mild cognitive impairment converted to Alzheimer's in three years, with fMRI scans predicting this progression.
A study published in Genome Biology has identified genes associated with alcohol sensitivity in fruit flies. The research team found over 1000 genes that differ in expression between sensitive and resistant flies, including 23 human orthologs that could be linked to alcohol sensitivity in humans.
Scientists at Newcastle University have developed a technology using UV light to activate antibodies specifically targeting tumour cells. The cloaked antibodies can be used alone or in combination with existing antibodies, minimizing side effects and maximizing destruction of tumours.
Researchers discover mechanism by which rosemary's carnosic acid fights off free radical damage in the brain, potentially leading to new treatments for stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. The active compound activates a novel signaling pathway, providing a 'pathological-activated therapeutic' approach with reduced side effects.
Researchers at Saint Louis University School of Medicine discovered a key brain chemical that causes Parkinson’s disease. They found that dopamine itself is converted into DOPAL, which triggers the death of dopamine-producing cells and leads to Parkinson’s.
A study of 124 patients with acute viral hepatitis found that 5.65% had mild pancreatitis, all of whom recovered on conservative management. Patients with severe abdominal pain should undergo serum amylase and ultrasonography to rule out pancreatitis as a cause.
A recent study of depressed veterans found that younger, white, non-Hispanic men are at the highest risk for suicide, while those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have a lower rate. The study also highlights the importance of substance abuse treatment in reducing suicidal behavior among depressed veterans.
Astronomers have discovered a massive black hole with a mass 24 to 33 times that of our Sun, exceeding expectations. The discovery was made using two NASA satellites and suggests that stellar-mass black holes can be much larger than previously thought.
A major international study found mass drug treatment for lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) to be relatively inexpensive, costing $0.06 to $2.23 per person treated. The disease affects over 1.3 billion people worldwide and can be eradicated through once-yearly mass drug administration of two drugs.
A study reveals an astonishing level of cryptic diversity among frog species in the Guiana Shield region, potentially doubling previously thought numbers. The underestimation of amphibian diversity has broad implications for conservation efforts and management of biodiversity.
Industry experts suggest nanotechnology can improve fuel extraction from dwindling resources and reduce pollution. Nanomaterials may be used to enhance efficiency, purification and storage of hydrocarbons.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine successfully treated cancers by targeting viruses that cause them, slowing tumor growth and even causing tumors to regress. The approach holds promise for preventing cancer by destroying virus-infected cells before they become cancerous.
Research associates ADH2 and ALDH2 polymorphisms with increased esophageal cancer risk, particularly in individuals who consume alcohol. The study found that certain genetic variants can modulate individual differences in alcohol-oxidizing capacity and drinking behavior, leading to a higher risk of developing esophageal cancer.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that treatment with a vitamin A derivative called retinoic acid reduced the growth of lung cells in former heavy smokers. The researchers also found that the treatment slowed down cell growth in the parabasal layer of lung cells, but not in the basal layer.
A single disease-causing clone of the bacterium Leptospira interrogans was identified as the cause of a sustained outbreak of human leptospirosis in northeast Thailand from 1999 to 2003. The researchers used genetic analysis and found that the bandicoot rat was an animal host for this pathogenic strain.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found that stereotactic radiation is an effective alternative to surgery for benign brain tumors called non-acoustic schwannomas. The study showed excellent local tumor control with minimal side effects, making it a promising treatment option.
The NIH has awarded $33 million to three states to support multidisciplinary centers focused on diabetes, cartilage health, and cell development. The awards aim to strengthen institutional biomedical research capability and enhance research infrastructure in historically underfunded states.
A study presented at the American Heart Association conference found that keeping Halloween candy wrappers visible reduces consumption by nearly half. By moving candy dishes away from tempting areas or controlling portion sizes, parents can help their kids develop healthier eating habits during the holiday.
A computer-based method to evaluate the eye's ability to distinguish object details and shape in patients with AMD could provide a more accurate way to assess the effectiveness of eye surgery or vision rehabilitation interventions. The test might help detect early detection of AMD and estimate patient potential visual acuity.
Researchers at University of Bonn use computer simulations to understand how star clusters are formed from interstellar gas clouds and evolve over time. The study finds that small clusters are easily destroyed by radiation from stars, while heavy clusters survive longer.
Three studies investigate how tumors respond to EGFR inhibitors, revealing the crucial role of BIM protein in triggering apoptosis. The findings suggest that induction of BIM may lead to a new way of treating tumors resistant to these drugs.
A large European study found that an extra high-dose radiation boost after breast-conserving surgery significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence in young women. The study also showed that women of all ages benefited from the boost dose, but younger women were most likely to be free of cancer 10 years after treatment.
Researchers have determined the first known structure of a human G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), specifically the beta2-adrenergic receptor. This breakthrough promises to speed the discovery of new and improved drugs, as well as broaden our understanding of human health and disease.
African American women are diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age and have larger tumors than Caucasian women. The study found higher relapse rates in African American patients after treatment.
Researchers found a significant correlation between inhalant use and suicidality, with girls more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and attempts. The study involved 723 incarcerated youth and revealed that over 80% of girl participants who abused inhalants had attempted suicide.
Scientists at Georgia Tech discovered that certain cells can retain information about previous encounters through receptor-ligand interactions. This finding suggests that sequential measurements may not be independent and could impact research conclusions.
A phase II trial of axitinib has shown promising activity in patients with cytokine-refractory, metastatic kidney cancer. In the trial, 23 patients had complete or partial responses, with some responses lasting up to 26 months.