A study of black and white patients with asthma found that blacks were more likely to visit the emergency department or be hospitalized for the condition, even after adjusting for socioeconomic status. The researchers suggest that genetic differences may underlie these racial disparities in asthma outcomes.
A growing global cancer burden threatens low-to-medium resource countries due to limited health budgets and high communicable disease rates. Europe's successful cancer control policies demonstrate a viable approach that can be extended to these regions.
Research by McMaster University suggests that men's voice pitch affects reproductive success. Men with low-pitched voices have higher reproductive success and more children born to them, while women prefer deeper male voices as more dominant and masculine sounding. The study offers insight into the evolution of human voice preferences.
The Lancet Infectious Diseases report highlights frailty selection bias and non-specific trial endpoints as reasons behind the exaggeration. Few trials have included elderly people, especially those aged at least 70 years, which accounts for three-quarters of all influenza-related deaths.
Researchers used computerized craniofacial anthropometry to diagnose patients with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) in a diverse study population. The study found unique facial features that distinguished individuals with FAS from controls, suggesting that FAS differs across ethnic groups.
A CU-Boulder study shows that high levels of nutrients from farming and ranching activities fuel parasite infections, causing highly publicized frog deformities. The research found that increased nitrogen and phosphorus levels stimulate algae growth, leading to sharp hikes in snail populations and infectious parasites.
Researchers at Rice University successfully detected carbon nanotubes in living fruit flies using a technique called near-infrared fluorescent imaging. The study found that only a small percentage of the nanotubes were incorporated into the flies' organs, suggesting potential for early disease detection and monitoring.
A study published in Journal of Biological Chemistry reveals melanin's role in protecting freshwater crayfish from bacterial infections. Effective melanin production is crucial for the animals' survival against Aeromonas hydrophila.
A new study by University of Minnesota researcher Tony Haitao Cui found that focusing on fairness between business partners yields higher payoffs for manufacturers and retailers in a marketing channel. By setting a consistent wholesale price throughout the channel, both firms can benefit from improved market prices.
Anastasia Ailamaki, a Carnegie Mellon professor, has been awarded the prestigious European Young Investigator (EURYI) Award. She will receive 1 million euros to establish a research team at Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland.
Researchers found that personalized behavioral intervention services significantly improved colorectal cancer screening rates in primary care practices. The tailored interventions resulted in increased screenings among patients who were not up-to-date with guidelines, with rates reaching as high as 48%.
A new study by Oregon State University microbiologists found that one type of bacteria has mutants that shut down communication systems to avoid sharing nutrients. This allows the lazy bacteria to grow faster and outcompete others, but also reveals a paradox in microbiology and potential strategies for combating bacterial infections.
Researchers identified two genes that can predict which breast cancer cells will respond to docetaxel chemotherapy and which will resist it. A simple test for docetaxel resistance could be developed, sparing patients from unnecessary side effects and reducing healthcare costs.
A three-year study found that children of first-generation immigrants develop a robust awareness of their ethnic heritage and identify with being both part of their parents' culture and American. The study also shows that older children demonstrate greater amounts of ethnic identification and exploration, indicating a positive connecti...
Researchers at Tokyo University of Technology created a batter with the perfect crispiness and reduced fat content by adjusting water content and frying time. A moisture level of 60% and 5-minute fry time resulted in a highly crispy, lower-fat batter.
Researchers from NIH identify sources of bias in previous studies, suggesting strategies to reduce severe influenza outcomes among the elderly. The authors emphasize the need for better flu vaccines and new approaches, including antiviral drugs and targeted vaccination for high-risk individuals.
A new acoustic absorber developed by National Physical Laboratory has improved the calibration accuracy of physiotherapy ultrasound machines, reducing the risk of patient injury. The upgrade enables equipment to accommodate spreading beams and provides greater calibration accuracy.
Graduate students at Johns Hopkins University gather data on ragweed pollen behavior using high-tech and low-tech tools. Their findings could lead to better ways to track pollen travel and control its spread, benefiting 15 million people with ragweed allergies in the US and Canada.
Researchers found that administering a drug to stimulate another type of glutamate receptor can normalize abnormal brain function associated with schizophrenia. This finding provides promising therapeutic potential for improving treatments available to patients struggling with the disorder.
Duke University researchers have devised a method to test for the presence of naked singularities, potentially existing in certain instances. Their study suggests that high-spin black holes could shed their event horizon and become observable through gravitational lensing effects.
Researchers found that TP10 significantly reduced complement levels during surgery, but there was no significant difference in mortality between groups. The study suggests that female patients may have special mechanisms protecting them from complement activation during open-heart surgery.
A University of California, Irvine study found children with type-1 diabetes exhale higher concentrations of methyl nitrates when hyperglycemic. The researchers developed a breath device that can warn diabetics of high blood sugar levels and the need for insulin.
Researchers at Duke University warn that dams in California's Central Valley are harming spring-run Chinook salmon populations by blocking access to habitat and fragmenting these populations. The study suggests removing dams could help alleviate water shortages and aid fish species.
Researchers from the University of Warwick and University College London found that both lack of sleep and excessive sleep increase mortality rates. A study of 10,308 civil servants revealed that those who slept less than 7 hours per night were 1.7 times more likely to die from all causes.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that hormone therapy taken in early post-menopause has no effect on women's memory, but may lead to increased sexual interest. The research involved 180 women who underwent tests on cognitive function, emotional status, and sleep.
A systematic review of physician awareness found doctors underestimate expensive drugs' costs and overestimate inexpensive ones. Meanwhile, a policy paper reveals drug companies control research, writing, and publication of medical articles, often using medical education and communication companies to promote their interests.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that eye movement can influence problem-solving success. By manipulating eye movements, participants were able to outperform control groups in solving a problem. The findings suggest that eye movements can not only reflect but also affect cognitive processes.
Researchers found that an enzyme called transglutaminase-2 (TG2) may be involved in the development of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF), a rare tightening and swelling of the skin and organs. The study suggests a potential strategy for preventing or treating NSF using drugs that inhibit TG-2 activation.
The International QSAR Foundation will receive funding to develop databases and computer modeling tools increasing the accuracy of quantitative structure-activity relationship models. This technology aims to reduce animal testing in chemical safety testing, improving results with faster, more accurate, and less expensive methods.
Researchers found that personalized interventions significantly improved colon cancer screening rates in primary care practices. Screening rates increased by 33-48% compared to usual care, with the most substantial improvements seen when personal messages addressed personal barriers to screening. The study suggests that a relatively si...
Experts discuss the pitfalls of racial profiling in medical research and practice, highlighting the importance of using race as a proxy for biological difference. Racial categories are social and historical, not biological or attributive, making them imprecise markers of genotypic and socio-cultural determinants of variation in health.
Scientists have developed a breakthrough laboratory technique to isolate and grow hair cells, essential sound detectors in the inner ear. This new method provides a reliable source for researchers studying inner-ear disorders, including hearing loss and balance problems.
The University of Southern California has received a $7.5 million grant to establish a Comprehensive Center of Excellence in Minority Health, focusing on reducing type 2-diabetes and cardiovascular disease among minority youth. The center will analyze fitness activity, nutrition education, and body weight to develop preventive strategies.
A meta-analysis of 9 randomized trials found that static magnets have no effect on pain scores for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. However, the study suggests that further research is necessary to explore potential benefits for people suffering from osteoarthritis.
Scientists at Brown University propose that an asteroid impact triggered catastrophic climate change, leading to the mass extinction of megafauna such as wooly mammoths. The theory is based on evidence of nanodiamonds and other extraterrestrial particles found in sediment samples from archeological sites.
A team of scientists from MIT, NASA, and Carnegie Institution created models for 14 different types of solid planets that might exist in our galaxy. The models predict a planet's diameter for a given composition and mass, revealing surprising similarities in how gravity compresses planets of varying materials.
Researchers have developed a novel strategy to tackle aggressive leukemia by combining targeted therapies that degrade the mutated protein receptor and induce natural cell death. The approach uses histone deacetylase and heat shock protein 90 inhibitors to reduce the function of remaining proteins and kill leukemic cells.
Research reveals lymph nodes facilitate neuroinvasion of prions at low doses, accelerating infection after node removal. The study's findings have important implications for developing new prevention and treatment strategies for prion diseases.
A new study shows that spaceflight affects the genetic responses and disease-causing potential of Salmonella typhimurium, making it more infectious. The research, led by Arizona State University, reveals a key role for a master regulator called Hfq in triggering these changes.
Researchers are analyzing the likely effects of climate change on the state's health over the next century. They will recommend strategies to mitigate and prevent anticipated public health problems, including heat-related illnesses, air and water quality issues, and disease migration.
A randomized trial found that vaginal brachytherapy significantly improves quality of life for women with endometrial cancer, reducing bowel symptoms and fatigue. Quality of life scores were higher in the brachytherapy group after six months, but did not differ at initial surgery.
A team of international researchers suggests that a comet or low-density object caused the mass extinctions at the end of the Ice Age, proposing a 'mini nuclear winter' triggered by a 10-million-megaton detonation. This impact would have destabilized a vast ice sheet, leading to rapid cooling and subsequent climate change.
A cohort study of 8,755 employees found that long-haul flights significantly increased the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. The researchers estimate that airline passengers are at least twice as likely to develop DVT during a long-haul flight compared to non-air travelers.
Scientists discovered a key biochemical cycle that allows cancer cells to multiply unabated by suppressing the immune response. The research found that tryptophan is broken down into toxic kynurenines, starvng T-cells, which are then overwhelmed by an excess of kynurenine in the body fluids.
A study found that hospitalist care led to shorter hospital stays, particularly for patients with specific diagnoses and complex discharge needs. Hospitalists' real-time monitoring and treatment adjustments may facilitate earlier discharge.
The University of Leeds is partnering with Dr Tony Marchington's M2 Ventures to offer outsourced research and development in membrane biology to industries. Membrane biology research plays a crucial role in developing pharmaceutical drugs, and the partnership aims to capitalize on this expertise.
A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that six months of acupuncture treatment was more effective than conventional therapy in treating low back pain. The treatment, which involved verum acupuncture and sham acupuncture, resulted in significant improvements in pain relief for patients with chronic low back pain.
A new study found that only seven percent of white college students showed no racial bias, with nonbiased individuals less likely to form negative associations in general. Nonbiased individuals were more resistant to classical conditioning, which can lead to racial bias in society.
Scientists have developed a method to detect circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in blood before and after chemotherapy treatment, potentially identifying patients at risk of cancer recurrence. The study found that CTCs persisted in the blood of patients who were more likely to experience recurrence.
Cystic fibrosis patients may benefit from a new therapeutic strategy that targets deadly bacterial infections by manipulating the binding of antimicrobials in mucus. By reducing the charge on lysozyme, researchers found it could float independently in the mucus and kill bacteria effectively.
A study has identified mimecan and TXNDC5 as potential biomarkers for early detection of colorectal cancer. The research found that these proteins are differentially expressed in colorectal adenoma, a precursor lesion to the disease.
A new MIT model can predict structural changes in antibodies to enhance their effectiveness. The team has already created a new version of a cancer treatment drug with improved binding affinity.
Italian scientists have discovered a new target for anti-tumor therapy in cancer, finding that the Trop-2 gene is expressed in the vast majority of human cancers. The gene's over-expression was found in between 65% and 90% of tumor types analyzed.
The increasing elderly population will pose significant challenges in cancer care, including inadequate training of healthcare professionals and inappropriate ageist attitudes. Improved technology may help address some issues, but a digital divide and escalating costs threaten the accessibility of cancer treatment.
Scientists have discovered a new enzyme that produces vitamin C in plants, revealing the antioxidant's critical role in plant growth. The findings also suggest that vitamin C is necessary for plants to grow, contradicting previous assumptions.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a fast and inexpensive method to detect palladium and platinum, reducing the time required for chemical analysis from days to just one hour. This breakthrough could streamline pharmaceutical production and mining processes, making these essential metals more accessible.
A heat-sensitive camera has discovered seven small, deep holes on the flanks of Arsia Mons, a giant volcano on Mars. The team suggests that these holes may be openings to underground caves, formed as faults created stresses that opened spaces underground.
Decreased inhibitory ability in late adulthood can lead to prejudice, social inappropriateness, depression, and gambling problems. Poor inhibition also predicts increased rumination, leading to depression. Scheduling social activities earlier in the day may help mitigate these issues.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that multiple corticosteroid injections in pregnant women are linked to an increased rate of cerebral palsy among children. The study suggests that exposure to repeat courses should be limited to minimize this risk.
A study in primates suggests that infants and children carrying a specific gene variant may be more vulnerable to the effects of fetal alcohol exposure. The research identifies a potential genetic marker for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, which can help recognize susceptible individuals early on.