A genetic test has shown promise in predicting lung cancer recurrence in early-stage patients. The test uses five high-risk gene signatures to identify patients at highest risk of cancer return, potentially leading to more aggressive treatment.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a new version of the adeno-associated virus used in gene therapy that works more efficiently than current vectors. By replacing an amino acid on the surface of the virus, they were able to improve its ability to deliver genes into cells and reduce the risk of triggering an immune ...
A study funded by the Economic & Social Research Council suggests that everyday fears of crime are often linked to anxiety about social stability and neighbourhood breakdown. Researchers found that people's experiences of fear and anxiety are complex and multifaceted, rather than solely driven by concerns about immediate threats.
Researchers discovered the Ashwell receptor's essential role in reducing coagulation abnormalities during infection and sepsis, significantly improving survival. The receptor triggers a protective response, limiting lethal side effects by removing pro-coagulation factors from circulation.
A study of caregivers of deceased lung transplant patients found that they reported poorly controlled symptoms and a worse quality of dying and death process, leading to significant depressive and PTSD symptoms. The researchers highlight the urgent need for improved support systems to alleviate caregiver stress.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center have developed the first transgenic nonhuman primate model of Huntington's disease, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder. The model is expected to help researchers better understand the disease and develop more effective therapies.
A study published by the American Thoracic Society found that men with community-acquired pneumonia are more likely to die within a year due to their sicker condition and increased risk of complications. Despite receiving more aggressive medical care, men still face a higher mortality rate compared to women.
A study of children with sickle cell disease found a significant decline in lung function over time, with an average loss of 2 percent per year of total lung capacity. The decline is characterized by a restrictive pattern, and certain hemoglobin-beta genotypes are associated with increased risk.
A new report from Research Australia reveals a strong link between childhood ear infections and exposure to passive tobacco smoke. The study found that Aboriginal children were more likely to develop middle ear infections and experience hearing loss due to early exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.
Researchers have created a genetically altered monkey model that replicates symptoms of Huntington's disease, allowing for a deeper understanding of the disease mechanisms. This breakthrough could lead to major advances in developing new treatments for neurological diseases.
A new study found that swimming pools in remote Aboriginal communities significantly reduced skin, ear, and chest infections. Infections were more than halved in both Jigalong and Mugarinya communities. The pools also provided social hubs and employment opportunities while reducing clinic visits and antibiotic prescriptions.
A genome-wide study has identified a new gene on chromosome 20 that influences a person's risk of developing melanoma. This finding holds implications for the general population, with the associated genetic variations being found in 16% of people who are at nearly double the increased risk of developing the disease.
Researchers found that NSAIDs can reduce adenoma burden by 64% and prevent advanced adenomatous polyp detection by 35%. Additionally, celecoxib has shown promise in preventing post-ERCP pancreatitis.
Researchers found that stroke patients with obstructive sleep apnea die earlier than those without the condition. Those with a higher apnea-hypopnea index were at greater risk of early death, indicating the importance of treating sleep disorder to extend lives.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a computer-based simulation program, CASPER, to help patients with asthma manage their disease. The program allows patients to practice making key decisions in a safe, simulated environment, improving their ability to consistently treat their asthma.
A study found that mothers' prenatal stress may increase their babies' sensitivity to allergen exposure and future asthma risk. High levels of IgE expression in cord blood were observed among infants whose mothers experienced higher levels of stress, even with low dust mite exposure.
Researchers found that CPAP treatment resulted in an average 2mmHg drop in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure at the end of the year. The study suggests that CPAP can be used to reduce cardiovascular risk in apneic patients, beyond just treating daytime sleepiness.
A new real-time microscopic technique called confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) can identify suspicious patterns and precancerous cells, potentially eliminating the need for biopsies in many cases. CLE was found to be accurate in detecting gastrointestinal conditions with an overall accuracy rate of 91%.
A new test using galectin-3 may help identify benign thyroid nodules, reducing the need for surgery. The test showed high sensitivity and specificity, with a positive predictive value of 82%.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified a new type of immune response linked to severe asthma and COPD, enabling more precise diagnosis and targeted treatment. The study's findings promise to revolutionize the management of chronic inflammatory lung disease by detecting specific biomarkers in the lungs or bloodstream.
A University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study found that men with pneumonia are more likely to die than women, even after adjusting for health behaviors and chronic conditions. The researchers discovered differences in immune response between the sexes, which could explain the gender disparity in survival rates.
Research suggests that individuals with severe obstructive sleep apnea may experience increased physiological stress and demand for oxygen during commercial air travel, which can lead to adverse events. This study used simulated flight conditions to assess fitness to fly without supplemental oxygen.
Scientists from NASA, CDC, and University of Alabama are using public health projects that utilize NASA satellite data on air quality, climate, vegetation, and flooding to explore possible linkages with diseases like lung disease, stroke rates, and asthma.
Researchers presented preliminary results of a prospective randomized controlled trial showing NOTES to be equally successful as traditional laparoscopic surgery, but taking longer. The study also demonstrated complex surgeries can be performed via the mouth using flexible endoscopes.
A study published in Science reveals that anthropogenic nitrogen has a significant impact on ocean biology, photosynthesis, and the global carbon cycle. The research highlights how increased nitrogen deposition from human activities affects the oceans' ability to absorb CO2.
Researchers found that thymoquinone blocked pancreatic cancer cell growth and killed cells by enhancing programmed cell death, with 80% of cancer cells killed. Thymoquinone also triggered epigenetic changes, including acetylation of histones, which could lead to new cancer treatments.
New data suggests finasteride may be more effective than previously thought in preventing prostate cancer. The study analyzed over 18,000 men and found a significant reduction in aggressive tumors and an increased prevention of clinically significant disease.
Early nursing intervention and effective strategies can decrease lymphedema incidence, manage chronic lymphedema, and improve quality of life in breast cancer patients. Nurses play a crucial role in educating patients about triggers and symptoms, conducting regular assessments, and pursuing research to address this issue.
Researchers discovered a drug combination that inhibits glycolysis and intensifies cellular starvation, resulting in over 90% cell death in human tissue cultures of acute lymphocytic leukemia. The novel approach offers a promising alternative to current treatments.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) is urging comprehensive reforms to address the declining state of primary care medicine in the US. The ACP suggests that payment policies need to be restructured to prioritize patient-centered medical home models, which focus on continuous and coordinated care.
Researchers at NIST have confirmed that underground tunnels can have a frequency 'sweet spot' where signals travel several times farther than at other frequencies. The optimal frequency depends on tunnel dimensions, with a typical subway-sized tunnel finding its sweet spot in the 400 MHz to 1 GHz range.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that a bone-strengthening drug called zoledronic acid reduced the growth of breast tumor cells in bones by 23% after three months. Women treated with the drug were also less likely to develop large metastatic tumors, suggesting it may help prevent cancer spread.
A team of scientists found that intrinsic disorder in relaxor crystals leads to their extreme sensitivity to mechanical pressure or voltage. This property makes them useful for applications such as medical ultrasound imaging, loudspeakers, sonar, and computer hard drives. The research was published in Nature Materials.
A Phase II clinical trial led by researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that Iressa enhanced the effectiveness of hormonal therapy in treating specific types of metastatic breast cancer. The combination resulted in a 45% reduction in risk and improved clinical benefits for patients.
Researchers at NIST developed a new method to sort carbon nanotubes by length using high-speed centrifuges. This technique shows promise for scaling up production of high-quality nanotubes with specific lengths, crucial for various applications in electronics, medicine, and displays.
Researchers develop a biomarker to detect pleural mesothelioma through plasma osteopontin levels. NYU Cancer Institute also explores using microRNAs to discover novel biomarkers and presents a new strategy for restoring androgen sensitivity in prostate cancer, as well as a potential melanoma vaccine
A new biosensor measures the oxidation state of glutathione, an important protection molecule, to detect cellular stress. The sensor is highly sensitive and precise, allowing researchers to track short-term variations in oxidative processes.
A new study found that submucosal fibroids may migrate to the endometrial cavity after uterine artery embolization (UAE), but most are expelled spontaneously. Women can choose alternative treatments like hysteroscopic resection and/or myomectomy for better management of symptoms.
Researchers identified proteins that may serve as reliable biomarkers for Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) and its associated malignant tumors. Adrenomedullin levels were found to be significantly higher in NF1 patients and MPNST cell cultures, indicating a possible association with tumor growth.
Researchers Dekel, Jackson, and Wolinsky analyze the economics of election year promises, finding that direct vote buying involves lower costs, while campaign promises lead to higher payments for voters. The study provides insight into election strategy and its economic implications.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that disabling an enzyme that attaches sugars to a hormone increased fertility levels in mice by nearly 50 percent. The altered hormone regulation may be used to enhance human fertility.
A new study from the University of Rochester Medical Center warns that temporary separations from one or both parents before kindergarten can predict disadvantages in the classroom. Children who experience separation scored significantly worse on measures of learning and pre-literacy skills, but fared better on expressive language and ...
A new study has found that antimicrobial ingredients in personal care products, such as triclosan and triclocarban, persist in estuarine sediments and can harm aquatic life. The study also discovered a potential pathway for the breakdown of these chemicals, but notes that their continued use poses significant environmental risks.
CAPHOSOL, an advanced electrolyte solution, has been shown to relieve oral mucositis and improve quality of life for cancer patients. The study found that 95% of patients reported favorable OM scores and high levels of patient and practitioner satisfaction with CAPHOSOL.
The milk-derived dietary supplement AmealPeptide has been shown to significantly reduce daytime ambulatory systolic blood pressure by 3.6 mmHg and 24-hr systolic blood pressure by 6.2 mmHg in two placebo-controlled trials, confirming its safety and efficacy for patients with Stage I and Stage II hypertension.
A new study suggests that the depth of cancer penetration in the bowel wall affects survival rates, and proposes changes to current guidelines. Patients with thin lesions confined to the bowel wall have better survival outcomes than those with thicker cancers.
Scientists at the University of the Basque Country have developed robots with improved precision control using shape-memory alloys. These materials enable precise positioning, making them suitable for applications such as machine tooling and large-dimension telescopes.
Scientists at The Wistar Institute have developed a novel enzyme inhibitor that effectively blocks a key biochemical pathway in cancer development. By targeting the PI3K enzyme, the agent shows promise in treating melanoma by dampening overactive enzyme activity that leads to uncontrolled tumor growth.
Researchers discovered extensive deep-sea coral habitats off the coast of North Carolina, containing commercially valuable fish populations and many newly discovered species. The reefs are important habitats for several species and contain historical data about changing ocean climate and productivity.
A Phase III clinical trial found that everolimus significantly delays cancer progression in patients with metastatic kidney cancer. The study showed a 26% reduction in disease progression after six months compared to the placebo group.
A team of international scientists mapped and analyzed geologically young faults in Sichuan Province, finding clear evidence of slip during the last few thousands of years. The faults showed rates of slip varying between fractions of mm per year to possibly many mm per year.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) for bitter orange, a compound used in herbal weight-loss products. Researchers can use these materials to develop and test analytical methods, as well as ensure the quality of their measurements.
Researchers at NIST have developed a new class of materials that can store relatively large quantities of hydrogen for later release. The material combines lithium amide with lightweight metal hydrides, resulting in improved hydrogen storage properties.
Researchers have developed a novel method to expand natural killer cells from umbilical cord blood, effectively killing human leukemia cells in mice. The treatment demonstrates significant cytotoxic activity against both acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
Dr. Kristina M. Johnson, an IEEE Fellow and electrical engineer, received the John Fritz Medal for her internationally acknowledged expertise in optics and optoelectronic switching technology. She was also recognized for increasing women engineering faculty at Duke University.
Researchers developed nanoparticles consisting of metallic iron with a protective carbon coat that could serve as a safe and effective hyperthermia agent. The carbon coating prevented the iron from rusting, allowing heating at greater temperatures and reducing cytotoxic effects on normal cells.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found a correlation between women who underwent pre-surgical breast MRI and an increased rate of mastectomy. The study suggests that MRI may lead to greater anxiety, prompting patients and physicians to choose mastectomy over lumpectomy.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have made the first measurement of entangled states in nitrogen, resolving a long-standing debate on electron localization. The study uses COLTRIMS technology to probe the pathways of two electrons, demonstrating that electron location can only be determined for the complete system.
A new study by the American Urological Association finds that elderly men experiencing moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms are significantly more likely to fall. Symptoms such as urinary urgency and nocturia increase the risk, highlighting the need for precautions to prevent falls.
The International Association for Dental Research and GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare announced the winners of the 2008 IADR/GSK Innovation in Oral Care Awards. Three researchers were recognized for their innovative work on reducing oral biofilm and targeting post-transcriptional signaling for periodontitis.