Research found strong associations between several genes and schizophrenia, with evidence of positive selection on genes like DISC1, DTNBP1, and NRG1. This supports the theory that schizophrenia represents a maladaptive by-product of human evolution.
The NASA-NOAO partnership will facilitate major discoveries by enabling simultaneous observations of objects in vastly different regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. This agreement streamlines the approval process, allowing researchers to submit one peer-review proposal for funding from GLAST and observing time on NOAO telescopes.
The invasive green porcelain crab is slowing the growth of small oysters, but not mussels, and may be competing with native crabs for food. The long-term effects on oyster reefs are uncertain due to the crab's rapid reproduction and potential predator shift.
A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that overweight toddlers are at a higher risk of iron deficiency due to exclusive breastfeeding beyond six months without supplementation, early introduction of milk, and excessive cow's milk consumption. The study also highlights the importance of preventing iron deficiency in ear...
Researchers at the University of Alberta have found a new cause of blindness linked to a gene that regulates pH levels in the retina. The study suggests that targeting this process could lead to potential treatments for previously unknown causes of blindness, including hereditary vitreoretinal degenerations.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered a single gene that controls fat formation in various organisms, including humans. The 'adipose' gene is believed to be a high-level master switch that determines whether the body accumulates or burns fat.
A study found that internal medicine residents scored low in a test of biostatistics knowledge, with many expressing low confidence in understanding medical literature statistics. The results highlight the need for more effective training in biostatistics for residency education to prevent incorrect interpretations of clinical research.
Researchers found an antiobesity gene that has kept critters lean since ancient times. Increased activity in fat tissue leads to a slimmer animal and better metabolic function.
A study from the Monell Chemical Senses Center reports that nicotine in breast milk disrupts infants' sleep patterns. Infants spent less time sleeping overall and woke up from naps sooner when their mothers smoked prior to breastfeeding.
A new study at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that parents' beliefs about their children's asthma medications play a significant role in treatment adherence. The study revealed that parents who perceived a stronger need for their child's medication were more likely to adhere strictly to the prescribed regimen.
A new study found a strong link between reduced levels of LR11 in the brain tissue of individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that LR11 may be a biomarker for predicting disease progression and a potential therapeutic target.
A University of Iowa professor has identified a new eating disorder called purging disorder, which is characterized by women eating normal or small amounts of food and then purging. The disorder differs from bulimia nervosa in terms of the amount of food consumed and the compensation methods used.
The NIH has funded eight genome-wide association studies to identify novel genetic variants associated with increased risk for common diseases like prostate cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. These studies will also measure personal environmental exposures using wearable sensors.
The study used knockout mice to test the hypothesis that ultraconserved elements are vital for life, but surprisingly found that mice lacking these elements were viable and fertile. The results suggest that the presence of ultraconserved elements is not required for organism viability.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that Practice-based intervention improved parents' reports of behavioral issues in children, parental discipline, and reading habits. The Healthy Steps program also increased family satisfaction with healthcare services.
Researchers have found that bacteria living in red poultry mites could be targeted to prevent Salmonella and other pathogen spread in chickens. The discovery offers a potential new approach to combat the devastating impact of these blood-sucking pests on poultry and human health.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a new method to eliminate viruses from blood using low-power lasers. The technique selectively targets and destroys viruses while preserving normal human cells.
A recent study found that only 10% of teens receive annual preventive exams, leading to inadequate vaccination rates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends three HPV shots within six months, but many teens are not seeing their doctors often enough.
Two studies found that exercise and yoga can improve quality of life in women with early-stage breast cancer by increasing physical fitness and self-esteem. Yoga was particularly beneficial for women not receiving chemotherapy, promoting better social well-being and overall quality of life.
Researchers have identified a promising drug combination that may help treat metastatic uveal melanoma, a rare and aggressive form of the disease. The combination of decitabine and interferon gamma has shown to cause cancer cell death in human cell lines derived from patients with uveal melanoma.
A recent study by economists at the University of Missouri-Columbia and Vanderbilt University found that linking teacher pay to student achievement results in improved student outcomes. The researchers advocate for school districts to explore performance-based systems as a potential solution to increase teacher effectiveness.
Most patients with depression treated by primary care physicians don't receive consistent care with quality standards, a new study finds. However, patients who received better-quality care reported fewer symptoms up to two years after treatment began.
Scientists at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography have developed a new method to create natural antibacterial molecules using enzyme ingredients. This breakthrough process allows for the synthesis of complex molecules in a relatively simple mixing process, paving the way for cheaper and more sustainable 'green' chemistry.
Research reveals a key mechanism by which gene expression is modified in response to addictive drugs, identifying a splicing factor as a critical regulator. This study provides new insights into the molecular underpinnings of addiction and offers promising avenues for developing novel treatments.
Bacteria and nematode worms work together to kill insects using insecticidal toxins. The toxins, found in Photorhabdus luminescens, are also found in human pathogens Yersinia pestis and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.
A Canadian study found that high-dose ibuprofen can slow the decline of lung function in children with mild cystic fibrosis. The treatment reduced hospital stays and improved quality of life for patients.
Researchers found that mice with a disrupted enzyme involved in protein metabolism became slimmer despite eating more food, showing improved glucose and insulin tolerance. The study suggests a new potential weight-loss therapy by manipulating protein turnover through pharmacological means.
Researchers have developed a protocol for generating mice with squamous cell carcinoma, allowing them to study the disease in a controlled environment. The method involves injecting mice with DMBA and TPA, leading to tumor formation and enabling scientists to examine the role of the immune system in susceptibility to skin cancer.
The Lancet Global Mental Health Group urges governments, agencies, and donors to scale up mental health services worldwide due to inadequate treatment rates. The cost is estimated at $2-$4 per person in low-income countries, a modest investment compared to other global disease burdens.
A study found that adult offspring of Holocaust survivors with PTSD had lower cortisol levels than those without PTSD. Lower cortisol levels in these offspring suggest a predisposition to PTSD or a protective effect against the condition.
The mass media's influence on public attitudes about mental health is significant, with negative stereotypes prevalent in coverage. Mental health professionals and consumers can help improve coverage by engaging with the media and educating them about accurate representations of mental illness.
A study found that a mis-regulated plant immune system can establish reproductive barriers, potentially leading to speciation. Researchers discovered that hybrid necrosis, a syndrome affecting unfit hybrids, is caused by a common group of genes being more strongly or weakly active in the hybrids than in their parents.
Researchers at Nottingham University have identified antibodies that can prevent infection with various strains of Hepatitis C virus in laboratory models. This breakthrough could lead to the development of a vaccine, which would significantly improve healthcare benefits for those suffering from hepatitis.
A study of 6,522 US adolescents found that those exposed to more smoking in movies were more likely to become established smokers. The association remained significant after controlling for other factors, suggesting frequent exposure to smoking cues may lead to increased risk of smoking.
Scientists at the University of Sheffield have developed a long-acting growth hormone that can promote growth over ten days with just one injection. This technology could reduce the need for frequent injections in children and adults with growth hormone disorders.
Research found knee monoarthritis in 296 patients (4.4%) with rheumatic disorders, a rare condition associated with operable non-small cell lung cancer. The disease is challenging to treat unless caught early, and the discovery provides new insights into potential early warning signs.
Mental disorders contribute significantly to the global disease burden, with a chronically disabling nature that complicates treatment and worsens outcomes. Research highlights the need for integrated mental health awareness into healthcare policy and delivery.
A study by National Space Biomedical Research Institute has found that osteopontin plays a significant role in the immune response to chronic stress. Mice with normal OPN gene experienced weight loss, spleen and thymus atrophy, and reduced white blood cells after three days of hindlimb unloading.
Despite financial constraints, countries like Brazil have made progress by integrating mental health care into community settings and increasing access to medication. Lessons can be learned from these examples to improve mental health prioritization in low-resource settings
A study found that clinicians follow depression treatment guidelines poorly, failing to address key issues like suicide risk and alcohol use. Better clinician adherence is associated with reduced persistent depressive symptoms.
Research reveals that fat in the stomach converts vitamin C from an inhibitor to a promoter of nitrosamines, potentially increasing cancer risk. Vitamin C levels were significantly boosted when fat was added, contradicting previous findings that supplements fail to reduce cancer risk.
Researchers found a moderate increase in risk of coronary heart disease associated with very low estimated glomerular filtration rate, according to a new prospective study and systematic review published in PLOS Medicine. The study suggests that renal function may be an important factor in the development of cardiovascular disease.
Hepatitis E virus has been detected in European pigs and pork products, posing a risk to human health. The disease is often fatal for pregnant women and can be transmitted through direct contact with animals or contaminated food.
The study found that the number of office visits resulting in a bipolar disorder diagnosis for youths ages 19 and younger increased from 25 per 100,000 people in 1994-1995 to 1,003 per 100,000 people in 2002-2003. In contrast, adults saw a rise from 905 per 100,000 people to 1,679 per 100,000 people over the same period.
A 2-year survey in Ireland aims to determine how the bacteria enters the food chain. Scientists analyzed 1,800 pig tissue samples and found non-disease causing Yersinia enterocolitica in 12 samples and disease-causing genes in 15 samples.
Researchers found that flies have a complex immune system regulated by AP-1 and STAT transcription factors, which edit and repress the immune response to prevent 'friendly fire'. This mechanism is evolutionarily conserved to maintain balanced immune responses.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that family-based treatment was more effective than supportive psychotherapy in reducing binge eating and purging behaviors in adolescents with bulimia. The treatment showed promising results, with 39% of patients achieving remission after treatment.
A study found that UK children with asthma are being treated inappropriately, with over 121,000 prescriptions for bronchodilator syrups still issued in 2006 despite guidance discouraging their use. The number of combination inhaler prescriptions also increased significantly.
Researchers at JCVI have published the first true diploid genome from one individual, Craig Venter's, covering over 2.8 billion base pairs. The study reveals high genetic variation between two chromosomes within an individual and uncovers a total of 4.1 million variants, including 3.2 million SNPs.
Scientists have discovered thousands of new compounds in marine sponges, which are made by the bacteria living inside them. However, growing these bacteria in the laboratory is difficult due to the unique environment inside the sponge.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina and Max Planck Institute discovered that an autoimmune response can create a barrier to producing viable offspring in plants. This phenomenon, known as hybrid necrosis, can be triggered by specific gene combinations, suggesting a potential early step in the development of new species.
Researchers examine hypertrophic scar formation, current treatments, and promising research areas to advance the field. Current treatments for hypertrophic scarring are estimated to cost at least $4 billion annually in the US.
A new risk assessment tool has been developed to help reduce the transfer of disease-causing bacteria from farmed environments to watercourses. The expert-weighted risk tool identifies fields and farmyards with the greatest likelihood of contaminating waterways, allowing farmers and landowners to prioritize clean-up efforts.
The Lancet launches a new series on Global Mental Health, emphasizing the need for better attention to mental health services. The initiative aims to track progress and monitor mental health indicators in the lead-up to a global summit.
A study found that a school-based obesity prevention program reduced disordered weight-control behaviors in middle-school girls by two-thirds, compared to those receiving regular health education. The 5-2-1-Go! program emphasized eating a balanced diet and reducing screen time.
A global shortage of mental health resources has severe consequences, including inadequate care for those who need it. The authors emphasize the need for increased investment in mental health to address these obstacles.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that humans tend to choose mates based on physical attractiveness, with men prioritizing looks and women valuing security and material stability. The research, conducted via speed-dating sessions, suggests that this preference is rooted in evolutionary theory.
A new study by Yoshida et al. reveals that evolutionary dynamics can mask strong interactions between predators and prey, leading to cryptic dynamics in ecology. The research uses laboratory microcosms to demonstrate how rapid evolution of prey genotypes can influence predator-prey cycles.
Research estimates that approximately 8.7 percent of U.S. children between the ages of 8 and 15 have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Despite this prevalence, only a minority of affected children receive consistent treatment with ADHD medications.
A nationwide survey of American physicians found that psychiatry is the least religious medical specialty, with Jewish psychiatrists making up over half of the field. The study also revealed that religious physicians are less likely to refer patients to psychiatrists and more likely to send them to clergy or counselors. This gap in rel...