A study published in Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences identifies the erythropoietin (EPO) gene as a contributor to increased risk of severe diabetic eye and kidney diseases. The research highlights the importance of considering blunting EPO's effects in future therapeutic strategies, such as anti-VEGF therapy.
The American College of Physicians issues guideline for screening osteoporosis in men over 65, emphasizing regular assessments with DEXA scans. A study finds little difference in fracture prevention between osteoporosis drugs risedronate, raloxifene, and alendronate.
A randomized trial found that exclusively breastfed children scored an average of 7.5 points higher on verbal intelligence tests and 2.9 points higher on non-verbal intelligence tests compared to formula-fed children. Teachers also rated these children significantly higher academically in reading and writing.
A study of over 43,000 Canadian patients reveals that two commonly used ACE inhibitors, enalapril and captopril, are associated with a 10-15% increase in mortality compared to ramipril for older adults with congestive heart failure. The authors recommend considering alternative treatments due to the higher mortality risk
Researchers have designed an RFID testbed that can measure hundreds of radio frequency identification tags simultaneously. The system allows for rapid testing of new antenna configurations and enables the evaluation of different signaling schemes without fabricating new chips or constructing multiple antennas.
A Phase 3 study demonstrated that motavizumab reduced hospitalizations due to RSV by 83 percent and lower respiratory infections requiring outpatient management by 71 percent. The study involved 1,410 full-term healthy infants less than six months of age and confirmed high rates of serious RSV disease in this population.
A new study found that increasing alcohol outlet density in a suburb leads to rising rates of violence. Hotel pubs and bars drove violence in inner-city areas, while packaged liquor outlets were more significant in suburban areas.
Researchers at UTMB have developed a promising antiviral therapy against RSV using custom-designed molecules that target the genetic machinery of the virus. These 'morpholino oligomers' show minimal toxicity and significantly reduce RSV replication in cell culture and mouse experiments.
A recent study reveals that nearly one-third of US parents have low-level knowledge of typical infant development, resulting in impaired parent-child interactions. This false parenting assumption can rob kids of cognitive stimulation, as parents often misinterpret behaviors and set unrealistic expectations for their child's growth.
A study found that children's blood lead concentrations at age 6 are associated with reduced IQ and gray matter volume in the prefrontal cortex, highlighting a critical period of vulnerability. Research suggests that even lower levels of lead exposure can result in measurable deficits in cognitive development and behavioral problems.
A team of researchers led by the US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute has analyzed the genome of Trichoderma reesei, a champion biomass-degrading fungus. The study found that despite its reputation, T. reesei employs a surprisingly minimal repertoire of genes to break down plant cell walls.
Preliminary research suggests that high-risk women with breast cancer who don't have a BRCA1/2 mutation may be at a higher risk of developing a second breast cancer. The study supports the use of prophylactic mastectomy as an option for these women, but raises questions about the role of sentinel node biopsy.
Researchers have discovered a unique genetic profile associated with alcohol-induced heart failure, which could enable earlier diagnoses and monitor clinical outcomes. The study's findings offer new hope for addressing this condition, particularly when caught early through aggressive intervention.
Leptospirosis is a major public health problem in South East Asia and South America, with over 500,000 severe cases every year. Researchers have discovered that bacteria can form biofilms, which protect them against harsh conditions and make them more resistant to antibiotics.
Princeton engineers have created a process that can literally melt away tiny defects on microchips, enabling precise shaping of components without increasing fabrication cost. The method, called Self-Perfection by Liquefaction (SPEL), uses a light pulse from an excimer laser to guide the resulting flow of liquid into desired shapes.
A team of researchers has decoded the genetic sequence of Tricoderma reesei, a fungus that can break down plant fibers into simple sugars. This finding could unlock possibilities for industrial processes that convert corn, switchgrass, and cellulose-based waste into ethanol.
Bubonic plague bacteria produce excessive aspartic acid due to missing enzyme, contributing to its high lethality. Researchers found that a single genetic mutation in Yersinia pestis leads to this imbalance.
Researchers found substantial increases in drinking and alcohol dependence among women, particularly white and Hispanic women, between 1991 and 2002. The study suggests that social acceptability of women's drinking increased, leading to a rise in alcohol dependence, especially among those who drank.
A study by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that 90% of high-cost hospitalizations for young children were linked to influenza. The researchers also identified that 65% of high-cost visits required ICU stays, emphasizing the importance of immunizing children with high-risk conditions.
Researchers have identified a gene sequence associated with an expanding waist line, weight gain, and insulin resistance, affecting half of the UK population. The sequence is more common in Indian Asians than Europeans, providing a possible genetic explanation for the high levels of obesity and diabetes in this group.
Researchers at EMBL and CNRS identified the key protein domain responsible for binding to host RNA molecules, allowing the virus to multiply. The PB2 cap-binding site is a promising target for designing mimics of the cap that would inhibit viral replication.
A recent study found that US mothers are less likely to vaccinate their youngest daughters against human papillomavirus virus (HPV), even though the vaccine is recommended for girls aged 11 and 12. The researchers identified key factors associated with intention to vaccinate, including beliefs about HPV vaccination and perceived benefits.
A study published in The Lancet Neurology found that cilostazol is as effective as aspirin in preventing recurrent stroke, but causes fewer bleeding events. This suggests that cilostazol could be a more effective and safer alternative for Chinese patients with ischemic stroke.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that the association between Nanog and Oct4 proteins with transcription repression complexes determines embryonic stem cell fate. The complex, called NODE, contains histone deacetylases that control gene expression.
Researchers Philip A. Beachy and Clifford J. Tabin received the 2008 March of Dimes Prize for their work on hedgehog genes and their role in embryonic development, including limb formation and organ development.
The Nix protein plays a crucial role in the maturation of red blood cells by facilitating autophagy, a process that removes damaged organelles like mitochondria. This regulation is essential for maintaining cellular quality and preventing anemia.
A recent study published in Nature Genetics has identified two new genetic variants associated with fat mass, weight, and risk of obesity. The variants, located near the MC4R gene, act in addition to previously described FTO gene variants, resulting in an average increase of 3.8 kg (or 8.5 lb) in weight.
A new study using adolescent rats has found that early exposure to alcohol during adolescence can quickly lead to heavy drinking patterns. Researchers examined the characteristics of rats that developed problem drinking behaviors and found that novelty seeking and stress responsiveness were not related to drinking outcomes.
Researchers found that 10.1% of US children use cough and cold medications in a given week, with decongestants and antihistamines being the most commonly used active ingredients.
Research from the University of Rochester Medical Center reveals that uninsured children in middle-class families are just as likely to go without health care as those in poorer families. Nearly 3 million children had no medical care and no prescription use for a full year, according to an analysis of nationally representative data.
A new study found that interior renovation of older housing is associated with a modest increase in children's blood lead levels and long-term health risks. To reduce the risk, parents can take precautions such as wearing personal protective devices and hiring contractors with lead safety training.
A study of over 3,000 older adults found that those taking multiple anticholinergic medications experienced worse physical function, similar to someone three to four years older. The researchers recommend careful consideration when prescribing these medications to older adults due to the potential effects on their physical function.
Treatment advances for fibroids and endometriosis aim to preserve reproductive potential while treating these conditions. Novel conservative approaches, including medical treatments and non-invasive procedures, are now available, offering women more choices during menopause.
Two studies by Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that children whose parents lose or change jobs are more likely to experience unmet healthcare needs and have interrupted insurance coverage. This can lead to poor health outcomes, including unfilled prescriptions and a lack of regular healthcare access.
A team of researchers has cloned nearly all predicted human protein kinase genes in functional form, providing a valuable resource for studying kinase signaling networks. This achievement has significant implications for understanding the mechanisms of various cancers and identifying promising therapeutic targets.
Researchers found that diatoms store phosphorus in polyphosphate and apatite forms, and transport it to the ocean floor. This discovery sheds new light on the ocean's phosphorus cycle.
A recent study led by Northwestern Memorial physician Virginia Kaklamani suggests that variations of the adiponectin gene may increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. This discovery could lead to the development of a genetic testing model to predict breast cancer risk more accurately.
The Solar Probe mission will study the streams of charged particles emitted by the sun, exploring the processes that heat its corona and produce solar wind. The spacecraft will zip past the sun at speeds up to 125 miles per second, gathering data on magnetic fields, energy flow, and energetic particle formation.
Childhood pneumonia is a leading killer of children worldwide with over two million deaths annually. Proven preventive measures include vaccination, exclusive breastfeeding, zinc supplementation, and controlling indoor air pollution.
A randomized controlled trial confirms the efficacy of the ketogenic diet in reducing epileptic seizures in children with drug-resistant epilepsy. The study found significant seizure reductions in children assigned to the ketogenic diet, compared to those on a control diet.
NC State University is leading a $236,000 nationwide effort to recruit and mentor young researchers to study disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. The project aims to train well-equipped experts to analyze disaster impacts, building on earlier projects led by Texas A&M University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Researchers found that heart failure patients with poor health status have higher symptom burden, depression, and lower spiritual well-being than cancer patients. Palliative care is underused in heart failure patients, but identifying those who may benefit from it, such as those with low health status scores, can improve quality of life.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed Ono, a unique software solution that allows users to efficiently identify nearby P2P clients. By using observations of Internet companies like Akamai, Ono improves transfer speeds for both ISPs and P2P users.
Researchers found that young women with heart attacks often misattributed their symptoms to fatigue or other conditions, failing to connect them with a heart condition. The study suggests that there are large gaps in understanding the symptoms and reasons for delaying prompt care among this age group.
Researchers found higher levels of beta-catenin, a protein involved in cell signaling and development, in the brains of chronic alcoholics. The protein may play a role in the reward circuitry, suggesting a potential treatment target for alcohol dependence.
A study at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Forum on Quality of Care and Outcomes Research in Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke found that focused measures improved high blood pressure control among veterans. The proportion of patients reaching their blood pressure goal increased from 61.8% to 64.3%, with an estimated 1,349 ...
A study by UT researchers found a strong dose-response relationship between exposure to tobacco advertising and promotions and tobacco use among Indian youth. The study revealed that 37% of youth had seen tobacco advertising in more than four places, with those exposed being more likely to have ever used or be currently using tobacco.
Aerobic exercise combined with cognitive behavioral therapy may improve depression, physical function and quality of life in depressed heart failure patients. The study found that the combination group showed significant improvement in depression symptoms and physical function tests compared to other groups.
Researchers have developed a new immunotherapy technique called OPAL therapy that stimulates immunity and controls virus levels in HIV-infected individuals. The treatment involves reinfusing fresh blood cells with overlapping peptides, showing promise in preventing AIDS progression.
Researchers are simulating Type Ia supernovas to better understand dark energy, a mysterious force causing the universe's expansion. The Blue Gene/P supercomputer will analyze how burning occurs in four possible scenarios leading to these exploding stars.
A recent review of 49 clinical trials found that dairy products and calcium intake have no effect on weight loss. Only five trials showed weight loss, but this was often associated with other factors such as exercise or lifestyle changes.
International health experts call for urgent action from international development banks and pharmaceutical companies to address blood pressure-related diseases affecting developing countries. The authors argue that deaths from heart disease and stroke are largely avoidable but lack of effort has resulted in over 50 million deaths, wit...
Researchers discovered Vibrio cholerae interacts with chitin in aquatic environments, influencing survival, spread, and human infection. This knowledge can inform risk assessments and develop new responses to combat pathogens.
A Cardiff University study suggests that the sun's movement through the Milky Way causes comets to collide with Earth every 35-40 million years, coinciding with mass extinctions like the dinosaurs' extinction. This cosmic 'bounce' effect may also have helped life spread by dispersing micro-organisms into space.
Researchers at UC Berkeley developed a method to image carbohydrates inside living cells using glow-in-the-dark fish. This technique allows study of carbohydrate coating on cell surface, shedding light on stem cell development and disease markers.
19 million full-time workers and dependents are uninsured, with 11 million on public programs; public spending increases from $31b to $45b between 1999 and 2004. Low-wage workers face growing gap in health care access and coverage.
Researchers at UCR propose a novel pathway for how anti-aging compounds like EthylBloc and SmartFresh block ethylene's action on plants. This knowledge could guide the design of new ethylene-blocking chemicals, benefiting producers and consumers.
A study suggests that effective parenting practices following trauma can mediate the relationship between trauma exposure and child adjustment. Positive parenting behaviors such as skill encouragement, monitoring, and interpersonal problem-solving can support healthy child development and promote resilience after trauma.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism of infection for American Foulbrood, the deadliest bee disease, allowing for potential prevention and control measures to be developed. The study provides a better understanding of pathogen-host interactions, crucial for combating infectious diseases in honeybees.
A new study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco found that brief exposure to secondhand smoke can cause blood vessel injury in young and healthy nonsmokers. The study also showed that smoke exposure impairs the body's natural repair mechanisms, leading to persistent effects on vascular health.