A decline in US XDR-TB cases has been observed over the past 15 years, coinciding with improved TB and HIV/AIDS control. However, new cases continue to emerge, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance regarding drug resistance.
A study found that preventing anemia in kidney disease patients is crucial for their physical and mental health. The researchers recommend that treatment should be initiated at lower hemoglobin levels to improve quality of life, contrary to current FDA statements.
Researchers have created a new strategy for controlling autoimmune responses in rheumatoid arthritis by genetically engineering Foxp3 regulatory cells. These cells can be activated to suppress the immune response, potentially reversing or inhibiting the disease process.
Cholesterol crystals released during cardiac attacks can cause further damage to artery linings much farther away from the initial attack site. This discovery has important clinical implications, suggesting that patients may need additional testing to prevent further damage during a cardiac event.
A randomized controlled trial found that patients who received unexpected gifts and positive messages took their medication 43% of the time over 12 months, compared to 36% in the control group. The intervention reduced negative feelings and improved patient affirmation.
A study published at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions reveals a common genetic variation associated with an increased risk of heart events. The discovery enables better prediction of individual risk and informs more targeted treatment approaches.
A comprehensive assessment of HPV-associated cancers found significant racial disparities, with higher rates among African American women and Hispanic men. The study also identified the most common types of HPV-related cancers, including cervical, anal, and oral cancers.
A European study found that many people are unaware of their high blood pressure and struggle to manage it. Despite increasing awareness, only half of those diagnosed have optimal control, highlighting the need for urgent initiatives to address this critical health threat.
A new stent coated with an antibody that binds endothelial progenitor cells has been found to be as effective as drug-eluting stents in keeping arteries open in patients with coronary heart disease. The study of 1,640 international patients showed low rates of stent blockage and revascularization procedures.
A recent study by Temple University Sociology Professor Matt Wray found that Las Vegas faces a significantly higher suicide rate than the rest of the country. Residents and visitors to the city are more likely to die by suicide, with some even experiencing an increased risk when traveling away from home.
A new radar breast imaging system has been developed at the University of Bristol, which uses radio waves to create a 3D image of the breast without radiation risk. The system has been trialled at North Bristol NHS Trust and shows promise in detecting abnormalities earlier than current methods.
Researchers aim to identify undiscovered genes involved in early breast cancer stages by studying genetic information from thousands of breast samples. The technique could help monitor women at higher risk due to inherited gene defects, reducing mortality from breast cancer.
HBV infection induces increased steady state of ATR protein and phosphorylation of downstream targets including Chk1, p53, and H2AX. The level of Mre11 and p21 were reduced after HBV-positive serum addition. This suggests that HBV escapes the consequences of activation of the DNA damage checkpoint by degradation of checkpoint proteins.
A major international study finds catheter ablation is superior to medication for treating irregular heartbeat. One year after treatment, 75% of patients were symptom-free, compared to 21%, highlighting the effectiveness of this procedure.
Researchers aim to identify factors contributing to female engineering students' retention through graduation by examining co-op experiences, mentorship, and self-efficacy. The study will analyze survey data from Virginia Tech students and compare it to schools requiring co-op experiences for graduation.
A study of British men and women found that a high proportion are not using condoms when having sex with a new partner. Condom use is particularly low among people in their 30s and 40s with an age difference of five or more years.
Research reveals that obese children's neck artery plaque thickness is comparable to that of 45-year-olds, indicating a high risk of heart disease and stroke. The study found that children with obesity, abnormal cholesterol levels, and high triglycerides had advanced vascular ages.
Researchers at the University of Delaware found that plants can take up nanoparticles and accumulate them in their tissues. The study provides a new experimental approach for studying nanoparticles and their potential impacts on the environment and human health.
A study found that inactivating a specific gene in adult neural stem cells causes nerve cells to form connections in the wrong part of the brain. The research suggests that cdk5, a protein necessary for correct neuron development, is essential for accurate maturation of newborn granule cells.
A study by Michigan State University researcher Jill Slade examines the ties between statin medications and muscle weakness, fatigue, and deterioration. The research aims to better understand the side effects of statins and identify potential risks in susceptible individuals.
A Purdue University researcher has created a compound that prevents replication of the SARS virus, which could lead to a treatment for the disease. The molecular inhibitor was developed through structure-based design and has been tested in laboratory settings.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins have identified the chemical step involved in blocking the phosphodiesterase 5 enzyme, which slows down the breakdown of cyclic GMP and contributes to heart failure. The discovery paves the way for targeted drug therapies to stall progression of heart failure and hypertrophy.
Carbon nanotubes are used to create a non-volatile memory cell with high speed and low power consumption. The new technology combines the benefits of dynamic and flash memories, overcoming fundamental limits of current memory technologies.
A high-fat diet during pregnancy produces permanent changes in the offspring's brain, leading to overeating and obesity early in life. The research found that rat pups born to mothers on a high-fat diet had more neurons producing orexigenic peptides, stimulating appetite and weight gain.
A new study by McGill and Johns Hopkins universities found that routine screening for depression in heart patients is not effective. The researchers argue that there is insufficient medical evidence to support such a massive undertaking, and that testing would not benefit patients in cardiac care environments.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that mixing ten common pesticides within EPA safe limits can cause 99% mortality in leopard frog tadpoles. Endosulfan, a banned neurotoxin, is particularly deadly, causing 84% mortality when used alone.
Researchers at NC State University have discovered a new material that can create interfaces between human tissues and medical devices, resolving issues with protein buildup and inflammation. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in kidney dialysis membranes and other implantable devices.
A new UNC study suggests that cell phone text messaging can be an effective tool for self-monitoring healthy behaviors in children. The study found that children who used text messaging to report their calorie intake, exercise, and screen time had a lower attrition rate and greater adherence to monitoring than those using paper diaries.
Scientists have discovered a biological transformation that occurs in the absence of an enzyme, taking 2.3 billion years to complete. This finding highlights the importance of enzymes as catalysts in life processes and has implications for drug design and molecular studies.
Researchers used ultrasound imaging to view carotid intima media thickness, revealing those in the higher end of low-risk group had intermediate risk for coronary heart disease. The study found that about 4% of individuals with estimated 0-5% risk had a heart attack, while over 13% of those with 5-10% risk suffered from coronary events.
Research found that minority children waiting for heart transplants had significantly higher mortality rates than their white counterparts, even after controlling for age, health status, and socioeconomic factors. The study revealed a 60% greater chance of death among black children, a 50% higher mortality rate among Hispanics, and a 1...
A study by Hayley Frend found that pond snails exhibit handedness in mating behavior, mirroring brain asymmetry pre-programmed by their mother's genes. This discovery sheds light on brain specialization and its importance across species.
Canadian researchers have developed a new laser technology that can mimic protein patterns surrounding cells, enabling the reproduction of complex cellular environments and miniature artwork. The technique has great potential for advances in neuroscience.
Researchers at Princeton University have discovered that protein chains act as adaptive machines, controlling their own evolution in response to natural selection. This finding extends Darwin's model and suggests that organisms can subtly direct aspects of their evolution to create order out of randomness.
Fiddler crabs grow weak and puny 'cheap' claws that deceive rivals about their fighting ability, highlighting the widespread nature of dishonesty in animal communication. The study sheds light on how animals like fiddler crabs bluff their way to survival and reproductive success.
A Johns Hopkins cardiologist disputes the American Heart Association's recommendation to screen all heart patients for depression, citing lack of evidence and potential harm from treatment. Instead, he advocates for a more nuanced approach, such as listening to patients during examinations and asking about their overall well-being.
Elevated nonfasting triglyceride levels are associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke, according to a large population-based study. The study found that men and women with higher triglyceride levels had significantly increased risks of stroke, with the risk doubling or tripling for certain ranges of triglyceride levels.
A randomized trial of over 36,000 postmenopausal women found no association between calcium and vitamin D supplementation and reduced breast cancer risk. The findings challenge previous observational studies suggesting a potential link between vitamin D levels and breast cancer incidence.
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine discovered that joyful music can promote heart health by dilating blood vessels, similar to laughter. The study showed a significant increase in blood vessel diameter after listening to joyful music, while anxious music caused narrowing.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new brain-computer interface (BCI) technology that can detect and decode brain signals associated with hand and arm movements on the same side of the body. This breakthrough may enable patients with partial paralysis to regain mobility in their limbs.
A team of scientists has developed a new type of probe for examining protein interactions using luminescence, enabling non-invasive tracking of protein association in living cells. The technique could aid understanding of serum albumin function and drug-protein interactions.
Retired NFL players had a lower prevalence of diabetes and hypertension compared to control groups, but higher rates of elevated cholesterol and impaired fasting glucose. Staying physically active may help protect against these health risks in former athletes.
Research on sildenafil use in cirrhosis patients found that it does not induce profound changes in splanchnic blood flow and portal hypertension. The study suggests phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibition is not a useful therapeutic agent for alleviating portal hypertension in end-stage liver disease.
The US Agency for International Development has awarded a $1 million grant to Virginia Tech to enhance agricultural productivity and trade barriers in Africa. The project aims to increase yields, reduce crop risks, and promote long-term productivity growth through science-based methods.
The F.M. Kirby Foundation awarded a $750,000 grant to support the education of 10 doctoral fellows at Rutgers College of Nursing. The grant will also fund a faculty member's work in teaching, research, and service.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center discovered dental pulp stem cells can stimulate growth of neural cells, showing therapeutic potential for diseases like Huntington's and Parkinson's. The study suggests dental pulp stem cells may be used in cell therapy and regenerative medicine.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine found that low concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can protect mice from heart failure. The gas is administered intravenously to treat humans with heart failure, showing promising results in regaining heart function and reducing mortality.
Researchers aim to identify youth at high risk for psychosis with 85-95% accuracy, using brain development patterns, electrical activity, and gene expression. The study seeks to understand the neural mechanisms involved and potentially modify cortisol secretion to buffer teenagers against its effects.
A recent study discovered that the Overexpressed in Lung Cancer 1 (OLC1) gene is consistently expressed at high levels in most lung cancers, particularly in smokers. OLC1 overexpression was also shown to induce tumor formation in tissue culture cells and mouse models of lung cancer.
Researchers discovered that Cdk5 protein stimulates stem-cell maturation but also causes neurodegenerative diseases. Removing Cdk5 from immature nerve cells promotes normal cell division, but the cells never reach maturity. The 'Mr. Hyde' component of Cdk5 causes destructive effects on motor coordination and learning.
A clinical study presented at the AAO-SOE Joint Meeting shows that anti-VEGF therapy can effectively treat retinopathy of prematurity in premature infants, resolving abnormal blood vessels and promoting normal retinal vessel growth. The treatment has been found to be rapid, effective, and simpler than existing laser treatments.
Researchers at the University of Exeter found that a 15-minute brisk walk can reduce chocolate cravings in regular eaters. The exercise not only lowered cravings during the walk but also for at least ten minutes afterwards.
Researchers have generated a comprehensive genetic blueprint of a forming mammalian organ, shedding light on the genetic and molecular dynamics of kidney development. The study found overlapping gene expression between different structures, revealing a more complex picture than previously thought.
The report aims to improve cancer clinical trial participation, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities and low-income groups. It recommends integrating community representatives into the research development process and disseminating results in ways that patients can understand.
Researchers identified associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and altered blood folate, homocysteine, and DNA uracil concentrations in Puerto Rican adults. These findings suggest that SNPs may increase the risk for cancer by causing DNA breakage.
A study by University of Rochester Medical Center researchers found that black Americans have a higher risk of death from heart disease and stroke due to uncontrolled blood pressure. The researchers concluded that reducing mean blood pressure among blacks could prevent 5,480 deaths annually.
Scientists found that higher education may delay cognitive decline in individuals with brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a potential 'cognitive reserve' benefit.
Research on small skink lizards reveals extensive body shape changes over brief geological periods, with species evolving an elongate, limbless body form. The study found rapid evolution of this snake-like body form, without reversals, and estimated the loss of limbs to have occurred within 3.6 million years.
The study found that contaminated contact lens storage cases pose a significant risk of severe eye infection, with pathogens detected in over two-thirds of cases. Refractive surgery practices for people with HIV/AIDS are also highlighted, with most surgeons taking precautions but acknowledging the need for formal study.
A diuretic has been found to reduce the risk of heart failure in women with a preserved ejection fraction, according to a study published in Circulation. The medication, chlorthalidone, was shown to be effective in reducing the occurrence of heart failure in people with a wide range of left ventricular ejection fractions.