A new study published in Neurology suggests that women who take valproate during pregnancy may significantly increase their child's risk of developing autism. The research found that children exposed to valproate were seven times more likely to develop autism than those not exposed.
Researchers found that fast-food customers prioritize quickness, accessibility, and taste, but 21% also cite nutritious options. Studies suggest gradual changes in food choices can improve diet quality and meet dietary guidelines.
Archaeologists discovered starch grains on ancient human teeth in Peru, revealing the earliest consumption of beans and pacay. The findings suggest that New World people were committed farmers earlier than thought, dating back over 2,000 years.
A study published in Clinical Immunology describes a new method to induce regulatory T cells, which show great potential for treating autoimmune diseases and improving transplant outcomes. The method uses an inexpensive and simple high-yield approach to generate large amounts of these immune suppressive cells.
A global recession could lead to increased malnutrition in developing countries, with prices of basic staples rising by 13-27 percent by 2020. IFPRI projects 16 million more undernourished children if economic growth and agricultural investment decline.
Researchers identified a faulty brain circuit and developed an experimental agent that improves working memory and EEG signals in people with schizophrenia. The study found the drug MK-0777 to be well-tolerated, but further trials are needed to verify its value.
Coronary CTA accurately evaluates patients with calcified coronary artery plaques, detecting stenosis with 72% accuracy rate. Non-invasive and cost-effective, CTA provides a comprehensive view of arteries from multiple angles.
Researchers found a retrovirus in the DNA of a gray mouse lemur, suggesting lentiviruses may have coevolved with primates for millions of years. This discovery could lead to new insights into why non-human primates don't get AIDS and potential treatments for humans.
Research articles explore impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals on aquatic vertebrates and humans. Studies reveal mechanisms behind reproductive abnormalities and ecological risks associated with environmental contaminants.
Severe Alzheimer disease requires frequent monitoring by healthcare professionals to enhance quality of life. An evidence-based approach is included in the Canadian Medical Association Journal's dementia series, providing recommendations for patient care.
A new study published in the FASEB Journal suggests that the quality of HDL cholesterol, not just its type, matters for good health. Researchers found that high levels of poor-quality 'good' HDL can increase heart disease risk.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered how ovarian tumors use fatty substances to suppress the body's immune response, leaving disease unchecked. The team found that fluid secretions from tumors can block activation of natural killer T cells, which are crucial for fighting cancer.
Researchers at Rutgers University–Camden have identified a complex coding language that allows cells to organize and communicate, enabling the formation of intricate patterns in fruit fly eggs. This breakthrough understanding of genetic patterning has implications for our knowledge of developmental biology and diseases like cancer.
A new study by University of Utah psychologists found that drivers are more distracted by talking on a cellular phone than by conversing with a passenger in an automobile. When drivers talk on a cell phone, they drift out of their lanes and missed exits more frequently than drivers conversing with a passenger.
A study found that pseudoephedrine use is prevalent among US children, especially those under two years old, with 4.9% of all children taking it weekly and 8.1% of those under two taking it in a given week. The study also identified patterns of use, including taking multiple products at once and using it for long periods.
Marine biologists propose that animals learn the unique magnetic signature of their home area early in life and retain it to navigate back to their birthplace for reproduction. The theory suggests that magnetic imprinting helps animals distinguish their home location from others, allowing them to return years later.
Researchers developed a new technique called Topical Endoscopic Fundal Imaging (TEFI) to monitor ocular inflammation in mice. The study found that TEFI enhances the monitoring of clinical disease, allowing for rapid and non-invasive observation of changes in the retina.
Dutch biologist Suzanne van Helden discovered that immune cells lose their adhesive feet before migrating to lymph nodes, allowing them to move faster. This process enables mature dendritic cells to quickly activate T cells and tackle infections.
A nationwide study has confirmed the effectiveness of positron emission tomography (PET) in monitoring tumor activity and changing treatment plans for more than one out of three cancer patients. PET was found to be clinically significant, resulting in a change in treatment in 36% of cases.
A five-year study found that older adults with symptoms of depression are more likely to gain abdominal fat, but not overall fat. Depression is associated with an increase in visceral fat, which may contribute to the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
A recent study published in Cancer Research found that Latina women with higher European ancestry are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer. The risk increases by 79% for every 25% increase in European ancestry, regardless of other factors.
A recent study published in Archives of General Psychiatry finds that nearly half of college-aged individuals meet criteria for a psychiatric disorder, including substance abuse and personality disorders, but only one-fourth seek treatment. The study highlights the need for increased detection and treatment of mental health conditions ...
Scientists at A*STAR have found imidazolium salts with powerful antioxidant properties that could fight diseases. They also efficiently convert carbohydrates into versatile chemical compounds for biofuel production.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found that homeless people in Western countries experience substantially higher rates of mental health problems compared to the general population. The prevalence of serious mental disorders was found to be raised, with notable increases in alcohol and drug abuse, as well as psychosis.
Researchers have identified genetic clues to Pseudomonas aeruginosa's success that will aid in the design of novel therapeutic strategies for cystic fibrosis patients. The study found that prophage genes contribute to the strain's ability to adapt to specific environments.
A new study predicts a severe shortage of general surgeons in US hospitals by 2010, with the number of available surgeons failing to keep pace with public demand. The shortage is expected to worsen over time, leading to longer wait times for emergency treatment and elective surgeries.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered how mosquitoes control the pathogenicity of viruses, using short-interfering RNAs to modulate disease. By altering the virus genome, the team found a way to upset the balance, potentially targeting mosquito-borne diseases.
A large study found that cardiac CT scans can effectively assess coronary artery stenosis with a high sensitivity rate of 98% and specificity of 91%. This non-invasive technique may avoid the need for invasive catheter angiography in patients with intermediate clinical probability of coronary artery disease.
Researchers used Palm Pilots as electronic diaries to analyze mood variability in BPD patients, finding significant instability in positive and negative moods. The devices helped bridge the communication gap between therapists and patients.
Researchers found that immune responses to a partial dose of a meningitis vaccine were comparable to a full dose, making fractional dosing an alternative in mass vaccination campaigns. This strategy could help control outbreaks in sub-Saharan Africa, where meningitis epidemics occur nearly every year.
A study published in Pediatrics found that post-surgical pectus patients experience significant improvements in both emotional and physical well-being. Patients reported greater confidence, reduced irritability, and increased ability to exercise after correction of the chest wall deformity.
A study by Tufts University researchers found that US-born black adults are more likely to have asthma, with 30% diagnosed compared to 11% of those born outside the US. The study also found higher asthma rates among children born in the US.
Researchers at McGill University are targeting a small organelle called glycosome to develop new treatments for Leishmania parasite. The goal is to create less toxic drugs with fewer side effects. A potential breakthrough could help combat devastating diseases like African Sleeping Sickness and Chagas' Disease.
A new statistical model, developed by researchers at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, uses three key characteristics to predict malignancy in breast lesions. The model identifies patients and lesions that are highly likely to be benign, allowing for reduced unnecessary biopsies.
Biologists have discovered a sexual cycle in the deadly fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, revealing its ability to adapt to new environments and evade antifungal drugs. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for patients infected with the fungus, which causes severe asthma and immune deficiency-related deaths.
Researchers found seven different receptors on T cells that can tamp down immune responses, leading to exhaustion. Blocking multiple inhibitory receptors, such as PD-1 and LAG-3, improved T cell responses and viral control.
Researchers found that combining PI3K and MEK inhibitors led to significant tumor shrinkage in mice with lung cancer driven by K-Ras mutations. The combination treatment eradicated the tumors with minimal toxicity, providing a strong rationale for testing this therapy in human trials.
UK scientists claim ancient Earth never froze completely during the Cryogenian Period due to carbon dioxide's insulating effect. This contradicts the Snowball Earth hypothesis, which suggests a fully frozen planet.
A study funded by the Economic and Social Research Council found that NHS hospitals' risk management standards are linked to lower MRSA infection rates. Hospitals that meet certain targets receive discounts on their liability insurance premiums, leading to a reduction in infections.
A study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology shows that Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is as effective as anti-depressant medication in preventing relapse and enhancing quality of life for people with long-term depression. The study found that MBCT provides a cost-effective alternative to prescript...
Researchers question the long-held free radical theory of ageing, suggesting that oxidative stress is not a major cause of ageing. The study found no significant impact on lifespan when controlling superoxide levels in nematode worms.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have shown that distinct groups of proteins each control one of four simple activities involved in the cells' collective migration. The study overturns an assumption common in genomics and provides a powerful tool for developing new therapeutics.
Researchers at Heidelberg University Hospital developed a vaccine that prevents multiple sclerosis in mice by suppressing the harmful immune response. The treatment uses autologous immune cells treated with mitomycin and expresses a self-protein from the nervous system, rendering them non-reactive to the disease.
A laparoscopic approach was used to successfully treat two cases of retrorectal cysts, a rare developmental lesion. The procedure allowed for perfect visualization of deep structures in the presacral space, minimizing surgical trauma.
Researchers are exploring how drugs interact with cells to identify new ways to overcome resistance. By combining physics and mathematics, they aim to control drug delivery and reduce multidrug resistance in diseases like cancer and malaria.
Research published in AGU journals reveals a significant decrease in Saharan dust due to increased rainfall, boosting ocean heating. The coastal Southern Ocean also acts as a powerful carbon sink, with Antarctic shelf waters showing high biological productivity and extensive winter sea ice cover.
Researchers at Penn State have discovered that increasing selenium levels in human blood cells can reduce the multiplication of the AIDS virus. By targeting a specific protein called Tat, selenium can slow down viral replication, with results showing a 10-fold decrease.
Dr. Audrey Dussutour's paper reveals how ants regulate sugar intake in response to colony growth, finding that larvae drive the nest's collective stomach. The discovery sheds light on how colonies communicate and regulate nutritional needs.
A study published in the Journal of Ultrasound in Medicine found that portable ultrasound was clinically beneficial in urban and rural settings in Ghana. The technology offered a range of applications, including musculoskeletal, obstetrical, and abdominal examinations, with 81% of performed ultrasounds being abnormal.
The Controlled Impact Rescue Tool (CIRT) is a new concrete-busting technology that has shown faster breach times than traditional methods. It can break through thick concrete walls or barriers in about 13 minutes, compared to 29 minutes or more for other rescue tools.
A Swedish study suggests that a fast food diet rich in fat and cholesterol may be a potential risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that mice fed such a diet developed preliminary stages of the disease, which may indicate a contributory role of dietary factors in its development.
Despite progress, 33 million people live with HIV, and 2.7 million new infections occur each year. New treatments and prevention strategies are underway to combat the disease.
Researchers found that cancer cells use apoptosis inhibitors to prevent programmed cell death while also controlling cell migration. This discovery challenges current treatment strategies and highlights the need for more targeted approaches.
Researchers predict that humans could achieve a top speed of over 17m/s, while dogs and horses have reached their limits. Female sprinters could also shave off significant seconds from the current world record.
Researchers developed a kite-shaped model to assess the level of risk of water contamination from manure. The model identifies four factors affecting risk: accumulated microbial burden, landscape transfer potential, infrastructure, and social and economic obstacles.
A new study by the University of Nottingham found that good pre-schools followed by high-quality primary schools significantly improve children's development. A stimulating home-learning environment at age 3-4 years is also linked to long-term gains in children's development.
Research found that workers with high levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and central obesity had significantly higher self-reported fatigue after work. The study suggests that objective measures such as elevated ALT and increased waist circumference are associated with work-related fatigue in apparently healthy workers.
A study by University of Toronto sociologist Adam Isaiah Green found that gay men deemed less desirable are more likely to engage in risky behavior and experience psychological problems. The research highlights the negative consequences of being marginalized due to low levels of 'erotic capital',
Researchers found serum TGF-beta1 and s-fractalkine levels significantly increased in patients with chronic pancreatitis compared to controls. Measurement of these markers may help diagnose early-stage CP and evaluate the severity status of the disease.
A new study reveals that the master gene SRC-2 plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. Mice lacking SRC-2 develop severe hypoglycemia and die within two days without food. The findings have significant implications for treating genetic diseases like Von Gierke's disease and adult-onset diabetes.