A University of Nebraska Medical Center-led pilot study found that antidepressants significantly reduced the risk of depression in head and neck cancer patients. The study, led by Drs. William Lydiatt and Bill Burke, showed that only 15% of patients who took antidepressants experienced depression, compared to 50% of those who did not.
Researchers have successfully inserted DNA from the extinct Tasmanian tiger into mouse embryos, demonstrating a functional response in developing cartilage and bone. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of new biomedicines and gaining insights into the biology of extinct animals.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers suggests that heart bypass surgery is not the cause of lasting cognitive problems in patients. After six years of testing, both groups experienced similar declines in cognitive function, indicating that the disease itself may be the culprit.
Researchers have doubled the efficiency of infrared lasers in the mid-infrared wavelength range, which could enable next-generation laser-based defense systems and commercial applications like trace chemical analysis and pollution monitoring. The advancements were achieved through improvements to material quality, design, and fabrication.
Researchers found that airbag use significantly reduces injuries to the brain, face, spine, and chest; lowers in-hospital mortality rates, injury severity, and hospital-acquired infections. The study suggests optimal airbag use could lead to cost savings for trauma centers.
A new Management Insights study by Enno Siemsen reveals that software designers intentionally create complex products to advance their careers. Companies are struggling to cope with increasing design complexity, and the study suggests moving compensation agreements towards short-term project success.
Researchers report transformation of y-larvae into a previously unseen parasitic form, challenging current understanding of crustacean taxonomy. The discovery highlights the potential ecological importance of adults in this enigmatic group.
New guidelines provide guidance for medical researchers on how to handle ancillary care needs in developing countries. The four Ps - Positive obligation, Planning Partnership, and Practical steps - offer a framework for addressing these needs.
Scientists have created the first three-dimensional view of the protein TRPV1, which senses the heat of hot peppers and pain. The study reveals surprising information about its structure, including a 'hanging basket' area that regulates the channel.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have made a breakthrough finding that a smallpox drug, hexadecyloxypropyl-cidofovir (CMX001), successfully targets adenovirus in animal models. CMX001 provided protection from the virus when administered prophylactically or therapeutically and reduced viral load to undetectable levels.
A study found black men are less likely to receive elective surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysms compared to white men, even after accounting for disease rates. This disparity suggests potential differences in healthcare access or treatment, warranting further investigation.
Researchers accessed the NINDS rt-PA Stroke Trial dataset to address concerns about its design, results, and ramifications. They found the process of gaining access to the information convoluted and difficult, with some crucial data missing.
Researchers at City College of New York (CCNY) have developed new near-infrared broadband lasers with tunability ranges around triple those of earlier crystals. The lasers can operate in two telecom windows, spanning 460 nanometers, and have potential applications in telecommunications, biomedical imaging, and remote sensing.
New developments in sedation techniques, including computer-assisted systems and propofol administration, are expected to increase the effectiveness of colonoscopy and ease patient concerns. These advancements aim to encourage patients to get screened for colorectal cancer, which is curable when detected early.
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund has awarded $11.2 million to 15 physician-scientists in recognition of their outstanding contributions to medical research. The Career Awards for Medical Scientists program supports early-career investigators as they transition from mentored positions to independent research careers.
Monitoring treatment adherence to AIDS therapy can predict risk of disease progression without blood tests. A simple blood-free method uses pharmacy prescription refill claims to track patient adherence, showing it's a better predictor than CD4 cell counts at 6 and 12 months.
Researchers traced flu samples from around the world to determine migration patterns, finding Asia is the breeding ground for new strains. The study's 'antigenic map' shows relationships between viruses and helps predict future outbreaks.
University of Utah chemists have discovered the ideal photonic crystal structure, dubbed the "champion" crystal, in the shimmering green scales of a Brazilian weevil beetle. The scale material has a diamond-like structure that can manipulate light efficiently, but its chitin composition makes it unsuitable for long-term use.
A national study has found that the majority of kidney cancers are now diagnosed at an earlier stage, with a significant increase in stage I tumors and improved overall survival rates. The study attributes this trend to the increased use of medical imaging, which leads to the detection of smaller, non-symptomatic tumors.
Lubiprostone has been shown to significantly improve all IBS-C symptoms in women, including abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation severity. The drug is also effective in treating IBS-C for up to one year, with improved stool consistency and reduced nausea and diarrhea.
Researchers have developed new techniques for optimal soil moisture monitoring under drip irrigation systems, helping growers prevent over-irrigation and improve grape yields. By identifying the most suitable locations for soil sampling, vineyard managers can reduce water waste and enhance plant cold-hardiness.
Research debunks five myths about domestic violence in men, revealing serious effects on mental health and long-term consequences. The study found that many men experience domestic violence, with depressive symptoms nearly three times as common among those who have been abused.
A small red dwarf star called EV Lacertae unleashed an unprecedented stellar flare, detected by NASA's Swift satellite. The star's fast rotation and magnetic fields generated the powerful flare, releasing energy across the electromagnetic spectrum.
Regular skin self-exams can help couples detect melanoma earlier, increasing their chances of survival. Couples with strong bonds are more likely to perform these exams and support each other through the process.
The Department of Homeland Security has awarded a $589,000 continuation grant to Florida Tech associate professor Marcus Hohlmann for his research on using subatomic particles to detect hidden nuclear materials in cargo. The project uses muon radiography and a novel micro-pattern particle detector to identify potential threats.
A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine has found that sequential therapy is superior to standard treatment for eradicating H. pylori, with potential implications for future treatments. Additionally, the study reveals a higher risk of certain cancers among HIV-infected patients and suggests a possible association betwe...
A national survey of teachers found that one in eight high school biology teachers present creationism as a scientifically valid alternative to Darwinian evolution. The majority of teachers spend less than five hours on human evolution, suggesting pressure from the community may influence teaching practices. Raising certification stand...
A Canadian study finds that video-conferencing technology improves pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes for rural patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The TELEHEALTH program, which uses video and communications technologies to deliver exercise programs under direct supervision, shows similar results to standard in-p...
Researchers found that high pressure can induce superconductivity in high-temperature superconductors, allowing them to operate at higher temperatures. This breakthrough could change the energy system by providing a new approach to studying and harnessing these materials.
Researchers developed a blood test that can detect lung cancer in its earliest stages with high accuracy, potentially eliminating the need for invasive biopsies. The test uses gene expression analysis of circulating white blood cells and showed an 87% accuracy rate.
A vaccine created by University of Rochester Medical Center scientists prevents the development of Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology in mice. The vaccinated mice demonstrated normal learning skills and functioning memory despite being genetically designed to develop an aggressive form of the disease.
A study of 504 patients with herpes zoster found that individuals with a family history of the condition were 4.35 times more likely to develop shingles. The authors suggest targeting at-risk individuals based on their family history to decrease the risk and health care expenditures associated with herpes zoster morbidity.
A study of 15 Finnish families has pinpointed genetic regions associated with musical aptitude, including genes involved in neural development. The findings suggest that musical talent may be regulated by multiple predisposing genes/variants, offering new insights into music's relationship to language and brain function.
A 3-year 'Greener Voices' study reveals children will engage more in gardening when given responsibility for planning and decision-making. Researchers found that adult assumptions about children's involvement can hinder their participation.
Researchers found that tracking patients' medication adherence was more accurate than CD4 test results in identifying those at risk of treatment failure. Adherence assessments could be used for early identification of high-risk patients, averting health impacts and prioritizing limited viral load testing.
Two studies found that erectile dysfunction is a powerful early warning sign for serious heart disease, including heart attack and death in men with type 2 diabetes. Cholesterol-lowering medications and certain compounds like Viagra may reduce the risk of heart problems.
As people age, they experience more feelings of ease and contentment than younger counterparts. The study found that aging is associated with more positive than negative emotions, and more passive than active emotions.
The Springer Handbook of Robotics presents the latest research in robotics, covering foundations to social and ethical implications. Edited by renowned experts Bruno Siciliano and Oussama Khatib, the handbook sets new standards for future developments and challenges in this scientific discipline.
A new study suggests that taking the antidepressant citalopram before starting treatment for head and neck cancer may help prevent depression during therapy. The study found that patients who took citalopram experienced lower rates of depression compared to those who took a placebo.
Researchers have made significant progress in developing neural cell transplants as a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease. Engineered human neural progenitor cells that produce glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) show promise in promoting functional recovery and improving motor function without causing negative side effects.
A new species of neotropical treefrog has been discovered that can reproduce both aquatic and terrestrial ways. Researchers found that this frog makes a behavioral decision to lay egg masses aquatically in a pond or terrestrially on overhanging plants, allowing it to avoid predators and extreme temperatures.
A new study found that elderly patients with brain tumors aged 75 and older do not receive aggressive treatments like younger patients. However, treating these patients aggressively with multi-modality therapies can lead to better survival rates without affecting mental abilities or causing unbearable side effects.
Researchers have developed a chemically modified protein that neutralizes inhibitor antibodies in people with Hemophilia A, offering a potential new treatment option. The modified protein, called electrophilic FVIII analog (E-FVIII), permanently inactivates these antibodies, paving the way for more effective blood clotting correction.
The Phase 3 study evaluated two doses of GATTEX and showed that it was generally well-tolerated and effective in reducing PN requirements. Forty-six percent of low-dose patients responded and achieved a significant reduction in PN compared to placebo, with increases in trunk lean body mass and plasma citrulline also observed.
A new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill suggests that radiofrequency ablation is a highly effective treatment for dysplasia in people with Barrett's esophagus. The procedure destroyed up to 85% of abnormal cells, leaving behind no evidence of Barrett's in 74% of patients.
Researchers found that activating the c-Jun gene in cultured neurons with Schwann cells promotes dedifferentiation and speeds nerve healing. The study suggests a new potential target for understanding and treating diseases like Charcot-Marie Tooth disease and Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Researchers found that markers of oxidative stress were positively associated with declines in lung function five years later. The study used data from the CARDIA cohort and found associations between oxidized LDL and lower lung function in both men and women, but particularly in women.
A study found that using silver-coated endotracheal tubes reduced ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) rates by nearly 40% and highly resistant infection rates by less than half. The average costs associated with VAP treatment were also significantly reduced due to the impact on length of stay in ICU.
Researchers at UT Medical School in Houston found that knowing a blood relative with shingles doubles one's risk of getting the condition. The study recommends vaccination for individuals with family history to prevent shingles outbreaks.
Researchers found that polyalkylimide implants can cause infrequent but sometimes severe immune-related adverse effects, including swelling, hardening, and systemic symptoms, in patients who received these fillers at least 12 months prior.
Case Western Reserve University astronomers have upgraded their telescope to detect intracluster light, a type of starlight formed during galaxy collisions. The new camera system allows them to measure the color of these stars, which can indicate the age of the Virgo cluster.
The USGS Great Lakes Beach Health Initiative aims to enhance water-quality forecasting and provide decision-making tools for effective beach closure management. Scientists will focus on improving models, identifying pathogen processes, and evaluating rapid monitoring methods.
New study identifies IKK(beta) protein as key driver of pro-tumor switch in macrophages, which halts production of anti-tumor genes. Inactivating IKK(beta) reprograms macrophages into tumor killers, attracting professional immune cells to shrink tumors.
The study found that aging is associated with more positive than negative emotions, and more passive than active emotions. Women had more negative than positive emotions, and participants with higher income and education levels had significantly more positive emotions.
Researchers discovered that luteolin, a plant flavonoid found in celery and green peppers, can disrupt the inflammatory response in the brain. The study found that luteolin significantly reduced inflammation by inhibiting the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in microglial cells and mice.
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital confirms the benefits of surgery for patients with persistent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. Most patients reported improved quality-of-life scores and high satisfaction rates with their long-term results, suggesting that antireflux surgery is an excellent treatment alternative.
Researchers found that abnormal 'editing' of gene messages in a type of white blood cell may be behind the development of lupus. This could lead to earlier diagnosis and monitoring of patients' responses to therapy.
Researchers have identified a specific gene expression profile of prostate cancer stem cells, revealing key pathways and potential therapeutic targets. The study's findings offer new hope for treatments targeting the rare but aggressive cancer stem cells.
Patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication have low re-operation rates and high patient satisfaction rates, with most achieving near normal GERD-HRQL scores at long-term follow-up. BMI appears to be an important factor in predicting long-term outcomes for these patients.
A new study by LA BioMed researcher Rajnish Mehrotra found that black patients with early-stage chronic kidney disease are 78% more likely to die than whites. The study suggests that socio-economic factors such as poverty, lack of education and medical insurance contribute to the higher mortality rates among blacks.