A new study by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute reveals that blocks of carbon nanotubes can be used to create effective and powerful pressure sensors. The material's unique electrical and mechanical properties make it suitable for applications such as automobile tire pressure gauges and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
The SPIRIT III trial found that the Xience V everolimus-eluting coronary stent significantly reduced major adverse cardiac events, including heart attacks and deaths from cardiac causes, by 50% after 12 months compared to the Taxus paclitaxel-eluting stent. This reduction in events is an important finding for patients with heart disease.
A new study found that a synthetic form of THC increases serotonin levels in the brain at low doses, acting as an effective anti-depressant. However, at higher doses, the effect reverses and can worsen depression and psychosis.
Two carotid stenting trials, CAPTURE 2 and EXACT, demonstrated 30-day patient outcome results consistent with longstanding AHA guidelines for asymptomatic patients. The studies showed that carotid stenting achieved outcomes comparable to surgery in a population of high-risk patients.
A novel technique of image-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) using endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) guidance is introduced for accurate preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic solid pseudopapillary tumors. This method helps differentiate SPTP from other pancreatic neoplasms with different biologic behavior and treatment.
Experts from the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene meet to address global health concerns and share research on infectious diseases such as Chagas and Dengue fever, which pose a threat to the US blood supply. Researchers also discuss using NASA technology to monitor deadly outbreaks like Ebola and malaria.
Research at Temple University found that obese and overweight children from diverse ethnic backgrounds experience similar levels of body dissatisfaction. The study highlights the importance of addressing psychological consequences of childhood obesity beyond weight management.
Researchers investigated whether individuals with intellectual disabilities who commit sexual offenses have poorer sexual knowledge than those who do not. The study found that Type I offenders, characterized by deviant ideas about sexuality, had more sexual knowledge than a matched group of non-offenders. In contrast, Type II offenders...
Research by biologists at the University of Bonn found that older coal tit males produced significantly more 'cuckoo kids' than younger males. In contrast, younger males father only 0.3 extra-marital offspring on average.
Researchers have identified a bioactive polysaccharide from Decalepis hamiltonii that exhibits multi-step ulcer preventive activity, including gastroprotection, down-regulation of activated H+, K+-ATPase, normalization of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymes, and recovery of damaged mucosal epithelium. The polysaccharide also shows...
David Spiegel, a Yale chemist, has received a $1.5 million NIH Director's New Innovator Award to develop a 'rational' approach for using antibodies to target various cells and diseases. He aims to design DNP-compounds that recognize pathogens and attract anti-DNP antibodies, destroying diseased cells.
Fedorov's work focuses on understanding abrupt climate changes, including simulations of sudden climate change and investigation into permanent El Niño-like conditions. His research has significant social importance, with potential consequences for global ecosystems and economies.
A $2.5 million NSF grant will support an international collaboration between American and Korean researchers, with a focus on student education and exchange at both graduate and undergraduate levels. The program aims to develop global perspectives and foster collaboration among researchers.
Researchers have developed new means of screening vast stores of data to find potential therapies for neuroblastoma and other cancers. By targeting cellular molecules along pathways crucial for sustaining cancer cell life, they identified 47 candidates with good potential against neuroblastoma.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered that uranium's U-235 to U-238 isotope ratio varies significantly in Earth materials. The new findings are consistent with other high-mass isotope systems and may represent the first evidence of a nuclear field shift in nature.
Researchers have found that mate tea can increase HDL (good) cholesterol activity by up to 10% compared to other drinks. An international agreement aims to study 84 genotypes of mate tea, including cultivated and wild varieties, to identify the most nutritionally beneficial types.
A study conducted at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that early mobility therapy in ICU patients reduced length of stay by an average of three days, compared to those who did not receive the therapy. The therapy was provided by a mobility team and proved safe, with no additional costs incurred.
Astronomers study G292.0+1.8 supernova remnant to understand complex star death and dispersal of elements like oxygen into next generation of stars and planets. The new Chandra image shows an intricately structured debris field with varying temperatures, indicating lopsided explosion.
A new bus scheduling algorithm, developed by a University of Southern California engineer, aims to reduce waiting times and improve transit reliability. The algorithm analyzes the impact of slack time on buses and finds that building in between 15 and 20 percent slack time is optimal, depending on total round trip travel time.
The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has partnered with Housey Pharmaceutical Research Laboratories to develop small molecule compounds promoting beta cell growth and survival. This research aims to identify new therapeutics targeting key scientific pathways, accelerating drug discovery and development.
GSK923295A, a first-in-class targeted therapy, demonstrates broad activity and potential for enhanced tolerability in preclinical studies. The experimental drug inhibits the mitotic kinesin CENP-E, leading to apoptosis and misaligned chromosomes in cancer cells.
A Phase II trial of a new combination therapy for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer showed a 33% overall response rate, twice as high as traditional chemotherapy regimens. The therapy combines flavopiridol and cisplatin and is promising for developing more effective treatments for this disease.
Research suggests viruses like Human Ad-36 may play a role in causing obesity in humans, with evidence showing weight gain and fat storage in infected animals. Studies also found connections between viral infections and obesity in human subjects, including exposure to the Ad-36 virus.
A new light trap design has led to the discovery of a new species of goby, with DNA barcoding technology confirming its unique genetic profile. The capture of larvae using the innovative trap provided access to previously inaccessible species, shedding new light on marine biodiversity.
Researchers found that darkness amplifies the impact of social stress on anxiety levels, with a startle response boosted in healthy volunteers. The study suggests that stress can alter nervous system function and contribute to anxiety disorders.
Exogenous sphingomyelinase was found to increase intestinal permeability in vitro by altering the composition of tight junctions. This is achieved through the localized accumulation of ceramide at cell-cell contacts, leading to increased permeability and changes in the epithelial barrier.
Scientists have discovered a simple method for detecting vision loss in patients with retinal disease, utilizing the induced twinkle after-effect. This technique, already proven effective in 75% of cases, allows patients to identify visual defects at home before seeking medical attention.
A new study reveals that the ocean was able to store more CO2 during the ice age than it can today. The team measured carbon isotope signatures in sea bed sediments and found that deep Pacific water has not been at the surface for over 2,000 years.
The AMIHOT II trial found that infusing oxygen-saturated blood into the previously blocked artery after an angioplasty procedure significantly reduced the size of the 'infarct zone', or damaged heart tissue. The study showed a 6.5% reduction in infarct zone size and no significant increase in Major Adverse Cardiac Events at 30 days.
Researchers found that quantitative index adds accurate information about patients' responses to first-line chemotherapy, improving tumor response prediction. This method can also identify disease transformation and shorten treatment for favorable responders.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania identified distinct patterns of brain activity associated with successful memory formation and retrieval. The study's findings may help neurosurgeons reduce cognitive deficits in epilepsy patients by identifying neural signatures of successful memory storage and retrieval.
A new study suggests that viruses may contribute to cancer by causing excessive death to normal cells while promoting the growth of surviving cells with cancerous traits. The Phoenix Paradigm model proposes a separate mechanism where viral infection selects pre-existing mutated clones, promoting their further growth and multiplication.
Researchers found that remote infrared imaging can accurately detect sleep disorders during sleep, with results comparable to conventional methods. The non-contact method has potential as a portable alternative for monitoring sleep patterns in natural environments.
Researchers present studies evaluating percutaneous procedures to repair and replace defective heart valves, demonstrating clinical improvements for high-risk patients. The devices have been shown to provide sustained symptom improvement for at least 6-12 months in these patients.
Climate change models predict catastrophic fires in Southern California due to growing vegetation and prolonged drought periods. The region may experience longer-term precipitation patterns with less year-to-year variability, leading to heavier vegetation loads and increased fuel loads.
A new study shows that 32.1% of patients with asthma or COPD use their dry powder inhalers (DPIs) incorrectly, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. The error rate increases with age and severity of airway obstruction.
The 2007 Michael Young Prize winners, Dr Elizabeth Pellicano and Dr Asi Sharabi, have been recognized for their groundbreaking research on autism and its impact. Their studies provide valuable insights into the developmental disorder and offer solutions to improve policy responses and communication with carers.
A team of scientists will use a systems biology approach to build a detailed picture of immune system function, focusing on innate and adaptive immunity. The research aims to develop new treatments, diagnostics, and vaccines for infectious diseases.
Researchers present studies on novel insulin-like growth factor receptor enzyme inhibitors and approved drugs in new applications, showing promising results in solid tumors and metastatic renal cancer. Early evidence suggests antitumor activity and potential benefits for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic ki...
A new study suggests that firing clay in unvented kilns could be a significant source of exposure to dioxins, particularly for individuals who use the kilns regularly. The study found elevated levels of dioxins in two women who frequently used kilns in their homes.
A systematic review found that 44% of activity-based trials and 50% of psychological studies reported significant results in reducing fatigue among cancer patients. However, the effects were considered modest, and more research is needed to determine their effectiveness.
A new University of Missouri-Columbia study highlights the importance of religion and spirituality as positive health coping mechanisms for persons with chronic disabilities. The research suggests that healthcare providers should encourage religious practices to improve patient outcomes.
A team of experts is conducting a genome-wide association scanning study to analyze DNA samples from 14,000 people with late-onset Alzheimer's disease and healthy controls. This study aims to identify common genetic variations that increase the risk of the disease, providing valuable insights into its causes.
New research by Jeffrey W. Legro assesses China's outlook on the international order, finding that integrationist foreign policy is driven by national economic development and sovereignty. The study advises US policymakers to pay attention to emerging ideas in China that may replace current strategic intentions.
Researchers at Yale University discovered that Legionella proteins work together to survive by hijacking cellular compartments. The bacteria manipulate macrophages to transport them to nutrient-rich organelles, where they replicate in high numbers.
The Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor College of Medicine has acquired seven additional Genome Sequencer FLX Systems from 454 Life Sciences, a Roche company. The center will use these instruments to analyze genetic changes in diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and asthma.
Research reveals greater asthma severity and poorer perceived control increase the risk of death among adults. Additionally, uncontrolled asthma leads to more school/work absenteeism and may result in fewer doctor visits for those keeping an asthma diary, according to a new study.
The Sunrise project successfully launched a solar telescope to an altitude of 120,000 feet, enabling scientists to view features of the Sun that were previously unseen. The telescope will capture stable images in the ultraviolet range, allowing for higher resolution than can be obtained from Earth's surface.
A recent study found that diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) can predict moderate to severe chronic liver disease. The technique measured water diffusion in the liver tissue and showed promise as a non-invasive alternative to liver biopsy.
A team of researchers developed a new class of electrocatalyst that outperforms pure platinum in reducing oxygen. The catalyst features nanoparticles with a platinum-rich shell and a copper-cobalt core.
Researchers found that influenza vaccine is less effective in rural children of Gabon compared to semi-urban counterparts due to co-infections and poor nutrition. This study highlights the need for tailored approaches to pandemic influenza prevention in developing countries.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center discovered how gold eases pain of arthritis by blocking release of HMGB1 from the nucleus, weakening inflammatory response. Gold inhibits HMGB1 release using interferon beta and nitric oxide, a promising mechanism for new treatments.
A study found that care provided by nurses and clinicians in primary health care settings can lead to good outcomes for HIV-infected children in Africa. Children receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) showed significant improvements in CD4 cell status, weight gain, and hemoglobin concentration.
Researchers found that when individuals contemplate death, their unconscious mind actively seeks out and activates pleasant memories to cope with the threat. This 'terror management theory' suggests that the brain protects itself from paralyzing fear by involuntarily searching for positive associations.
A study found that sleep deprivation excessively boosts the part of the brain connected to depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders. The amygdala becomes hyperactive in response to negative visual stimuli, shutting down the prefrontal cortex and preventing the release of chemicals needed for calmness.
Research finds that women in Botswana and Swaziland who experience food insufficiency are nearly twice as likely to have high-risk sex. Protecting access to food may decrease vulnerability to HIV infection, says a new study published in PLoS Medicine.
A new research study found that chewing gum before an afternoon snack can significantly reduce calorie intake from snacks by 25 calories. Nutritionists say even small changes in calories can have a long-term impact on weight management.
A study published in Neurology found that people with more years of education lose their memory at a faster rate before a dementia diagnosis. The researchers discovered that higher levels of education delay the onset of dementia but accelerate memory decline once it begins.
A Princeton University study reveals that quick facial judgments can accurately predict real-world election returns, with a rapid appraisal of two candidates' faces sufficient to predict the winner in about 70 percent of U.S. senator and state governor races in 2006 elections.
A study at Mercy Medical Center found that implementing Six Sigma performance improvement practices reduced in-patient mortality, length of stay, and healthcare costs for patients with community-acquired pneumonia. The initiative also improved compliance with Joint Commission Core Measures.