A study found that genetic variations in the vitamin D receptor gene are associated with an increased risk of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Vitamin D has been shown to play a role in preventing cancer, but its effects on specific genetic variants and breast cancer risk were unclear until this research.
The BBVA Foundation has awarded six Biomedicine Chairs to leading researchers, facilitating knowledge transfer and strengthening ties between Spain and international teams. The chairs will focus on basic and clinical research, with a total funding of €1.2M.
Fraunhofer researchers develop a Functional DMU framework to simulate mechatronic products, enabling the evaluation of safety issues such as power windows. The virtual product can be tested with various software packages, including SimPack, Matlab/Simulink, and Dymola.
Researchers used a transgenic fruit fly model to study how Salmonella evades immune defenses, finding that the protein AvrA shuts down key signaling pathways. This allows the bacteria to cause severe intestinal infections. The study's results suggest that other pathogens may target similar biochemical networks to avoid elimination.
Researchers at Carnegie Institution found that jet streams in both hemispheres have risen in altitude and shifted towards the poles, possibly due to global warming. This shift may lead to changes in storm patterns, including more powerful and frequent hurricanes.
Researchers present data on new role for MRI in brain cancer and lapatinib's promise for stabilizing disease in patients with liver cancer. Functional diffusion mapping can provide earlier assessment of response for patients with glioma, a notoriously hard-to-treat cancer.
A new study by University of Minnesota researchers identifies unit burst generators in the spinal cord that control rhythmic movements such as walking. The discovery may help lead to treatments for Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries.
Geothermics shifts under Elsevier's leadership to promote geothermal resources as a sustainable energy source. The journal will continue to publish leading peer-reviewed research and critical technical reference studies in geothermal science and technology.
Researchers found that people admitted on weekends after cardiac arrest are more likely to die due to lack of resources and improved resuscitation efforts outside hospitals. The study also revealed men tend to survive better than women and cardiac arrest patients are getting younger.
A new type of anesthetic, ethyl carbamate or urethane, has been found to induce the full spectrum of natural sleep stages, including slow-wave sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. This breakthrough discovery allows researchers to fine-tune sleep medications and anesthetics, ultimately benefiting patients with sleep disorders.
Researchers at Dartmouth have found that chromium displays unexpected magnetic properties, which can be used in spintronics to process and store data more efficiently. This discovery expands the potential applications of antiferromagnets in technology.
Despite being more depressed, women are more likely than men to take stroke medications after a hospital discharge. A study of 491 stroke survivors found that 78% of participants were still taking their medications three months later, with women exhibiting higher adherence rates than men.
Researchers found that higher vitamin D levels were associated with a lower prevalence of PAD. Individuals with the lowest vitamin D levels had a 64% higher risk of PAD compared to those with the highest levels.
A study published in the April 2008 edition of the journal Phytotherapy Research found that Pycnogenol, an antioxidant plant extract from pine bark, significantly reduced osteoarthritis symptoms by 56% and joint pain by 55%. The treatment also improved physical function by 56% and increased patient mobility almost three-fold.
Researchers found that common versions of FGFR2 and TNRC9 genes increase breast cancer risk in women carrying damaged BRCA2 gene. The study suggests that knowledge of a BRCA mutation is necessary but not sufficient to fully understand cancer risk.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that where and how the body stores excess calories is more important than overall weight in determining an individual's risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Overeating, rather than obesity itself, may trigger the development of this health condition.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is expanding its online journal Science Signaling, which focuses on new insights for combating disease and understanding normal human biology. Dr. Michael B. Yaffe will serve as Chief Scientific Editor, aiming to attract and publish top-notch signaling research.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique to image cells under an electron microscope, yielding a sharper picture of chromatin structure. This method allows for enhanced staining and structural preservation, enabling scientists to study chromatin packing and gene expression in high resolution.
Researchers analyzed gene sequences of seasonal influenza virus samples collected from temperate regions and found that new strains emerge annually from the tropics. This understanding can help public health officials develop more accurate flu vaccine strategies.
A new study suggests that pregnant breast cancer patients can benefit from the same treatment as non-pregnant women with minimal health risks to the baby. The research collected data from 122 patients and found that most received surgery and chemotherapy without significant harm to the newborn.
A study using the ultimatum game found that even when subjects stood to gain the same amount of money, they were happier with fair offers and more disdainful of lopsided deals. The brain's emotional response was linked to regions associated with reward and self-control.
Roberta, a German robotics project, aims to encourage high school girls to pursue technical trades and university programs. The program has been successful, with 22 regional centers in Germany and plans for European expansion.
The new LensShape system enables the rapid testing of free-form geometries in aspherical lenses, reducing production time from over an hour to just 15 minutes. This innovative method uses fringe pattern analysis and machine learning algorithms to identify deviations with high accuracy.
A study of 2,050 people aged 70-89 found that 15% had mild cognitive impairment, with men being one-and-a-half times more likely to experience it. The study's findings suggest a delayed progression to dementia in men and potentially faster development in women.
Researchers developed novel probe technology that replaces conventional AFM cantilevers, enabling fast topographic imaging, quantitative material characterization, and single molecule mechanics measurements. These probes can simultaneously measure material properties like adhesion, stiffness, elasticity, and viscosity.
A study of 938 people with Alzheimer's disease found that heavy drinking reduced the age of onset by six to seven years, while heavy smoking reduced it by two and a half years. The combination of both risk factors led to an earlier onset of the disease.
A study suggests seismic hazard maps for New Madrid and Charleston zones may be less dire than current predictions, as a new model assumes earthquakes are less likely to occur immediately after a major quake. The 'time-dependent' model sheds light on assumptions in hazard mapping, which affect building codes and preparations.
A study of 110 women entering menopause found that sleep disruption was the most severe symptom reported, affecting 95% of participants. Despite changes in frequency of other symptoms as they progressed through the menopause, sleep difficulties remained constant, contradicting earlier research.
The use of cell-based assays is increasing in early drug discovery work to test toxic effects, according to Genetic Engineering News. The technique offers a faster and lower-cost alternative, with market estimates projecting over $230 million by 2015.
Researchers identified a new immune polyradiculoneuropathy affecting workers at several pork processing plants, causing nerve damage and inflammation in legs. Thirteen out of 15 patients showed elevated protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid and activation of their immune systems.
Researchers analyzed 13,000 virus samples from 2002 to 2007 to understand migration patterns of seasonal flu. They found that East and Southeast Asia serves as a source for influenza A (H3N2) viruses globally, with new strains emerging in the region before spreading to other parts of the world.
A study found that flu viruses originating in East and Southeast Asia spread globally, with strains emerging in Asia first, followed by Europe and North America. The research aims to improve flu vaccine design by focusing surveillance efforts on these regions.
Recent research has identified seven LRRK2 gene mutations associated with Parkinson's disease, including a rare mutation that doubles the risk in ethnic Chinese. The findings suggest that genetic influences passed down through generations can significantly increase susceptibility to the disease.
A new study by Duke University researchers found that big-brained primates, such as humans and chimpanzees, live longer and have more complex social skills due to their larger brain size. This extended life span allows them to reproduce for a longer period, increasing their chances of survival and passing on their genes.
Researchers have identified a tropical source for the influenza A virus, which infects North Americans each winter and causes an average of 36,000 deaths. The study found that two strains of the virus, H3N2 and H1N1, follow a distinct pattern in their seasonal emergence and evolution.
The Avian Reintroduction & Translocation Database (ARTD) centralizes information on 128 bird species, 405 release sites and 1,207 events. It provides a valuable tool for wildlife managers to design future programs based on lessons learned from past projects.
Researchers found over 10,500 dead animals along 11 miles of roads in Indiana, with nearly 95% being frogs and other amphibians. The study suggests that road-related death contributes to their decline, highlighting the need for mitigation structures like underpasses and fences.
Researchers at the University of Western Ontario discovered that abdominal fat tissue produces a hormone called Neuropeptide Y (NPY), which stimulates fat cell production. This novel finding may lead to new therapeutic targets for combating obesity, including the development of a simple blood test to detect increased levels of NPY.
A recent study found that new anti-TNFα drugs are better than standard treatments for RA, with patients experiencing improved response when combined with methotrexate therapy. However, these drugs also have a higher frequency of adverse side effects, particularly at high doses.
Research reveals a striking decline in US prostate cancer mortality compared to the UK, with faster rates of decline attributed to increased screening and treatment. The study suggests that differences in detection and treatment policies may contribute to this disparity.
Researchers have discovered a new vector, AAV5, that can carry large genes linked to inherited blindness, paving the way for potential gene therapy treatments. This breakthrough enables the delivery of corrected faulty genes into cells where they are required.
Researchers have created a more efficient photon mapping approach to reduce computational cost in creating realistic smoky and foggy 3-D images. The new technique, presented at Eurographics 2008, has the potential to increase the reach of ray tracing algorithms into video games and consumer graphics.
A St. Jude Children's Research Hospital study identified genes involved in DNA synthesis and repair that contribute to methotrexate resistance in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study found distinct gene expression profiles among patients who responded well or poorly to methotrexate, predicting treatment response and diseas...
Relearning Aristotle's notion of virtue could bring business and society closer, according to a study published in the International Journal of Business Excellence. Businesses that prioritize purpose and aspirations over profit are more likely to succeed in today’s global economy.
The guidelines aim to increase the effectiveness of PAP devices in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by providing standardized methods for titration. The recommendations include adequate education, careful mask fitting, and acclimatization before titration, as well as limits on CPAP device water levels.
A study from Georgetown University Medical Center suggests that high-energy space radiation can lead to premature aging and prolonged oxidative stress in cells, potentially causing colon cancer. The researchers found that exposure to high-LET radiation induced a highly oxidative environment in cells, conducive to cancer development.
A study published in JCSM finds no significant differences in sleep parameters between patients undergoing sleep studies in a hotel and a hospital-based sleep laboratory. Sleep architecture changes, including REM sleep latency and stage 1 sleep, were similar in both groups.
A team of Japanese astronomers has discovered that the Milky Way's central black hole, Sagittarius A*, let loose a powerful flare three centuries ago. The finding resolves a long-standing mystery about the black hole's quiescent nature.
A study of 250 BRCA carriers found that prophylactic mastectomy significantly reduces the risk of developing breast cancer, with only one case detected. The cost of ongoing surveillance is high and can be stressful for patients, while intensive screening may not always detect cancer at an early stage.
Researchers have found genetic differences in breast tumors between African-American and Caucasian women that may contribute to the more aggressive clinical features of breast cancer in African-American women. These differences were also seen in prostate cancer, suggesting a possible link to viral involvement and genetic factors.
Researchers found that COPD patients who used a computer game to control their breathing showed significant improvements in exercise duration and reduced exercise-induced hyperinflation. The study suggests that teaching these breathing techniques to daily activities could greatly improve quality of life for patients.
A study suggests that the sponsor of rofecoxib, Merck, misrepresented the drug's safety profile in clinical trials involving patients with cognitive impairment. The analysis found a significant increase in mortality among rofecoxib patients compared to placebo patients, which was not reported by the sponsor.
Researchers have engineered a frequency-agile metamaterial that can be tuned over a range of frequencies in the terahertz gap, opening it up to various applications. The team's innovative composite uses semiconducting materials to achieve 20% tuning of terahertz resonance across different frequencies.
Researchers at NIST have developed a new imaging system that detects naturally occurring terahertz radiation with high sensitivity and resolution. The technology enables rapid identification of chemical hazards and may aid in early tumor detection.
Netherlands Railways improved train punctuality by 2.2% through operations research, increasing public satisfaction and attracting more passengers. The project resulted in an additional annual profit of $60 million and is expected to grow to $105 million.
A new study by Deniz Erten-Lyons shows that a larger hippocampus in the brain may protect individuals from the effects of Alzheimer's disease. Researchers compared the brains of 12 people with sharp memories to those of 23 individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, finding a significant difference in hippocampus volume
Palliative care is now considered an integral part of serious respiratory disorders treatment, with individualized and integrated care promoting patient-focused symptom management. The ATS clinical policy statement emphasizes comprehensive care, including professional competence development and education.
Two studies suggest that chemotherapy is not the cause of memory problems in breast cancer patients, but rather stress and quality of life factors. Women with recent diagnoses performed similarly on cognitive tests to those without cancer, while those who had completed treatment showed better scores.
Researchers at UAB have discovered that triphendiol induces cell death in pancreatic and bile duct cancer cells, slowing tumor growth and sensitizing tumors to chemotherapy treatments. The investigational drug has shown promise as a potential treatment for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
The new guide offers techniques for characterizing the purity of SWCNT samples using thermogravimetric analysis, near-infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and optical microscopy. These methods aim to improve production processes, reduce impurities, and enhance the confidence of buyers and sellers in the market.