Researchers at U of M have discovered a gene, Girk4, associated with adult-onset obesity in mice. The gene's disruption leads to increased food intake and energy expenditure in the hypothalamus, mirroring human obesity patterns.
A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that MLB teams with a greater circadian advantage tend to win more games. The researchers analyzed data from over 24,000 games and discovered that the winning percentage increased when teams held a larger time zone difference.
A new national study examines the rising number of golf cart-related injuries, finding a 132% increase over 17 years. The majority of these injuries occurred at sports and recreational facilities, but those on the street were more likely to result in concussions and hospitalizations.
In a study published in PLOS ONE, capuchin monkeys were found to reason about symbols in economic choices, showing a preference for items A and C over B, both with tokens and actual foods. This suggests that these animals can comprehend and use symbols, although their symbolic competence may differ from that of humans.
Researchers found that tennis players perform better in tasks requiring temporal processing, such as speed discrimination and detecting motion. However, the effects were small, suggesting that these skills are also used in daily life. Training these basic perceptual tasks may lead to improved tennis performance.
Researchers found that three-month-old infants are sensitive to emotional signals referring to objects in the world. Their brain activity shows heightened attention toward new objects when an adult expresses fear or neutral facial expressions towards them.
A new study by the University of Washington found that natural scenes can reduce heart rate and decrease stress faster than technological representations. When participants spent more time looking at a natural scene through a window, their heart rates decreased faster, whereas this effect was not observed when watching a similar scene ...
A new study by Imperial College London found that people with IBS have a higher number of TRPV1 nerve fibers, which can cause abdominal pain and bloating. The study suggests that blocking this receptor could lead to new therapies for treating IBS symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Montreal have established the cause of hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type II, a severe disorder characterized by loss of sensation in limbs. The WNK1/HSN2 isoform has been identified as the underlying gene mutation, allowing for the development of animal models and potential pain treatments.
Research suggests that OSA patients cared for by accredited sleep centers and certified sleep medicine specialists receive better education than those cared for by non-accredited centers and non-certified physicians. This leads to improved diagnosis and treatment outcomes for the condition.
A new study by the Commonwealth Fund estimates that 25.2 million adults in the US are underinsured, facing high out-of-pocket medical expenses and financial stress. This number has increased by 60% since 2003, with middle and higher-income families hit hardest.
The cost of cancer care for elderly patients in the US increased significantly between 1991 and 2002 due to rising costs of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The average cost per patient for lung, colorectal, and breast cancers rose substantially during this period.
Researchers used the Advanced Light Source to study graphene's properties and found that electrons strongly interact with each other. The discovery sheds light on graphene's potential applications in electronic devices.
A new study found that prompt initiation of chemoprophylaxis within five days of detecting an influenza outbreak significantly reduces the duration and severity of outbreaks in long-term care facilities. This approach leads to fewer cases (6.2 vs. 10.5 per 100 residents) and deaths (0.45 vs. 3.3 per 100 ill residents).
A study found that prolonged QRS duration on an ECG is associated with high postdischarge mortality and readmission rates. Patients with a prolonged baseline QRS duration had a 24% increased risk of death and a 28% increased risk for the composite of cardiovascular death or hospitalization.
A global mission to address iron deficiency is underway with a focus on increasing iron content in cereal grains like rice and wheat. Dr Alex Johnson's project aims to improve iron delivery from leaves to seeds, benefiting developing countries where iron deficiency affects 30% of the world's population.
A WCS study in Chile's Karukinka reserve aims to understand guanaco movements and habitat impact. The research will help restore overland migrations of guanacos, critical for biodiversity in Latin America.
A study published at SLEEP 2008 found that school-aged children who are obese have poorer sleep quality and higher rates of daytime sleepiness compared to their overweight or healthy weight peers. The researchers also discovered a significant association between increased weight and lower quality of life scores in children.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health discovered that the prevalence of pre-cancerous masses in the colon is similar between patients aged 40-49 and 50-59. The study suggests that starting colon cancer screening at age 40 may help decrease its prevalence and save more people from the disease.
The medical profession and national governments must develop strategies to meet the challenge of caring for survivors of teenage and young adult cancers. Cancer patients face a double whammy: the burden of the disease and the burden of treatment, leading to increased risk of second cancers, infertility, and long-term health issues.
University of Missouri researchers found a significant variation in projectile points indicating experimental research by prehistoric artisans. The study suggests that the introduction of the bow and arrow technology prompted innovative thinking and experimentation to improve performance.
Researchers found that oncolytic viruses designed to kill cancer cells can stimulate the growth of new blood vessels to tumors, leading to regrowth and immune cell eradication. The study suggests a strategy to design combination therapies that inhibit this effect and enhance viral therapy efficacy.
A new analysis of raloxifene, a medication approved for osteoporosis prevention and treatment, found it reduces the risk of invasive, estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women by at least 50% for up to 8 years. The drug is also effective in reducing the risk of spine fractures.
A recent study published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that evening-oriented college students experience sleep debt during the week, sleep compensation on weekends, and later sleep-wake schedules. The research highlights the need for flexible scheduling options to accommodate different diurnal types.
A protein sequence associated with Huntington's disease has been identified as a potential life-saving vaccine component. The polyQ-based adjuvant efficiently enhances both branches of the immune response to a poor model antigen, with no apparent toxicity in mice.
A study found that CPAP treatment improved cognition in Alzheimer patients with OSA by increasing total sleep time, rather than improving oxygen levels. This finding suggests that short sleep time may contribute to cognitive dysfunction associated with OSA in dementia patients.
A study presented at SLEEP 2008 found that 61% of OSA patients treated at an AASM accredited sleep center were compliant with CPAP for six months, with older age related to increasing compliance. The treatment involved specialized services, close follow-up, and access to a 24-hour CPAP hotline.
Research published in BMC Public Health found that living near green spaces does not encourage people to engage in physical activities like walking or cycling. In fact, those with more green space nearby tend to walk and cycle less frequently due to convenience factors.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are enhancing motion-capture technology to benefit older adults, enabling frequent assessment of physical function and improving exercise effectiveness and safety. The technology preserves privacy while providing valuable insights for healthcare providers.
A recent study found that decreased nighttime sleep time is associated with an increase in REM sleep percentage during subsequent naps. The research, which involved 24 healthy subjects, discovered that even within the normal range, reduced nightly total sleep time led to a higher proportion of REM sleep during afternoon naps.
The study found that younger children reported later bedtimes and wake times, while older children experienced longer total sleep time and more night wakings. Parents also reported significantly more night wakings, with noise and pain being the most bothersome disruptors.
Research suggests that children at risk for sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD) are more prone to anxiety. The study, which surveyed 341 families with children in second to fifth grade, found a significant relationship between SRBD and anxiety, independent of hyperactivity.
Research findings show that maternal depression, breastfeeding, and a lower socioeconomic status are associated with less infant sleep duration in the first six months of life. Infants from lower-income households and those receiving breast milk slept fewer hours than their counterparts.
University of Illinois Chicago researchers modified the procedure for islet cell transplantation and achieved insulin independence in diabetes patients using fewer but better-functioning pancreatic islet cells. The study results are published in the American Journal of Transplantation.
A study of five Stanford University swimmers found that extra sleep improved athletic performance by 0.51 seconds faster sprint times, reaction time, and turn time. Participants also experienced reduced daytime sleepiness and improved mood with extra sleep.
Researchers identified five biomarkers linked to early development of pancreatic cancer in mice that also apply to early stages in humans. These findings bring scientists closer to developing a blood test to detect the disease early, when cure rates are highest.
A new study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology reports a significant disparity in infant mortality rates between black and white mothers, with obese black mothers facing a higher risk of newborn death. Researchers analyzed over 1.4 million births and found that high BMI was an independent risk factor for neonatal mortalit...
A new study found that African Americans with a family history of colorectal cancer are less likely to be screened, contrary to expectations. Regular screening is crucial for early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer, which affects African Americans disproportionately due to their high incidence and mortality rates.
A study published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that women worrying about breast cancer are more likely to experience sleep disturbances, even without a diagnosis. The research highlights the importance of addressing sleep-related complaints in this population through cognitive behavioral therapy.
A meta-analysis of nine studies found that high omega-3 fatty acid intake from fish consumption reduces the risk of late age-related macular degeneration by 38 percent. Regular fish consumption is also linked to a reduced risk of both early and late AMD.
Researchers at MIT have developed synthetic nanoparticles that can quickly pass into cells without harming them. The key to their approach is a striped structure on the nanoparticles' surface, which allows them to directly penetrate the cell membrane and deliver drugs or imaging agents to the cytosol.
A study of 263 college students found that 17% reported falling asleep behind the wheel, while 2.2% had accidents due to sleepiness. The study highlights the increased risk of driving among those with significant daytime sleepiness.
New research clarifies the effects of disruptive clouds of electrons on GPS signals, leading to reduced accuracy and reliability. The study's findings have potential applications for marine users and land-based GPS equipment.
A study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that children born to mothers who gained excessive weight during pregnancy are more likely to be overweight at age seven. The researchers suggest that encouraging healthy eating and exercise before and after pregnancy may help prevent childhood obesity.
High school students with a delayed school start time sleep significantly longer on school nights, reporting less daytime sleepiness. Total sleep time increases by 33 minutes due to a later rise time, while students' bedtime is marginally later and weekend night sleep time decreases slightly.
A study of Kenyan nomads found that an ADHD-associated gene variant is linked to better health in the nomadic population, but malnourishment in settled individuals. This suggests that behavior differences associated with ADHD may be more or less effective depending on the environment.
A study of ancient Danish burial grounds found a man with Arabian origin, contradicting the myth of a pure Scandinavian race. The discovery indicates greater mobility among iron age populations and suggests that people from distant lands were absorbed into Danish communities.
A team of scholars argues that modifying lethal injection protocols in US states could be tantamount to experimenting on prisoners without their consent. Guidelines for human research involving humans were developed to prevent exploitation of vulnerable populations like death row inmates, but many states fail to follow these guidelines.
A study found that specialist nurse-led clinics provided longer, more frequent consultations and better symptom management for cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Patients reported improved social eating, social contact, and reduced oral and nutritional problems. The study suggests that clinical nurse specialists can effectively m...
A recent study found that teenagers and young adults aged 15-24 had an average accrual rate of just 16.6% in clinical trials between 2005 and 2008, compared to 44.1% for 5-14 year-olds. The low recruitment rates are attributed to inappropriate trial design, poor accessibility, and a lack of specialist cancer teams for this age group.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that cocaine's byproduct inhibits nerve cell development by interfering with a specific protein, cyclin A. Treatment of pregnant rats with cimetidine counteracted this inhibition, suggesting potential treatments to protect fetal brain development.
Scientists have disrupted malaria parasite transmission in animal tests by blocking potassium channels, preventing the formation of new infectious parasites. This breakthrough could pave the way for new anti-malaria treatments and counteracting the spread of the disease.
Patients with diabetes who take rosiglitazone may be less likely to develop proliferative diabetic retinopathy or experience visual acuity loss. The medication delays the formation of new blood vessels and preserves vision.
A study by Penn State University found that parents spending any part of the night with their infants experience poorer sleep adaptation, even when bedsharing is endorsed. In contrast, lenient attitudes toward co-sleeping are associated with more time spent with infants at night, but also with poorer adaptation scores.
Researchers identified SPINK1 as a biomarker for an aggressive type of prostate cancer that accounts for 10% of cases. The discovery could lead to a simple urine test to diagnose this variation, which tends to recur quickly.
Global gay communities are experiencing a decline in physical infrastructure and attendance at events. The rise of online dating and achievement of civil rights contribute to this shift.
A study found that bright light therapy improved mothers' nocturnal sleep time by 6.07 hours, decreased daytime sleepiness, and promoted overall well-being. The treatment group received 10,000 lux blue-green bright light therapy for four weeks, while the control group received a placebo dim red light therapy.
A study of 98 junior high, 67 high school, and 64 college students found that sleep variables affecting school performance change by educational level. Junior highs are most likely to report restless legs syndrome, while high schools experience daytime sleepiness and poor academic performance. College students struggle with insomnia, p...
Alogliptin demonstrated significant reductions in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly when used as monotherapy or added to existing oral anti-diabetic treatments. The study results suggest alogliptin is a effective treatment option for patients with inadequate blood sugar control.
Black patients with diabetes are less likely to achieve long-term control of their blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels, even when treated by the same physician as white patients. Racial disparities in quality of care have been previously documented, with black patients receiving fewer recommended components of care.