Researchers at the University of Iowa and France have discovered a gene variant that causes sinus node disease, a potentially fatal heart rhythm disorder. The study found that variants in the ANK2 gene result in dysfunction in the protein ankyrin-B, leading to variable heart rates and bradycardia.
A new University of Georgia study found that even occasional cigarette smoking can decrease arterial responsiveness by up to 36% in young, healthy adults. Repeated bouts of smoking further impaired flow-mediated dilation, indicating a potential long-term risk for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that end-of-life discussions can lead to improved quality of life for patients and their loved ones. Patients who had these conversations were more likely to accept comfort care and received less aggressive medical treatment.
A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) experience cognitive deficits, but the severity is difficult to correlate. Researchers measured regional cerebral oxygen concentration and blood pressure during sleep to understand the comple...
Researchers discovered that tamoxifen can reduce the median time to diagnosis of ER-negative breast cancer by a year, improving detection rates through mammography. The study suggests an unexpected link between tamoxifen use and earlier disease identification in high-risk patients.
Researchers at Burnham Institute have created a peptide that converts Bcl-2, a protein protecting cancer cells from programmed death, into a pro-apoptotic molecule. This breakthrough may lead to novel cancer therapies, as the peptide induces cell death in cancer cells.
Researchers propose a nested case-control study design called PRoBE to evaluate biomarker classification accuracy, minimizing bias. Regular NSAID use is associated with a 12% relative risk reduction in breast cancer risk, according to a meta-analysis of 38 studies involving 2,788,715 women.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed an in-vitro method to test the digestion and absorption of arsenic-laden soil. This simulation can help determine the amount of arsenic that dissolves during digestion, allowing for more efficient assessment of contaminated sites.
Researchers will build bridges between complex systems and engineering fields to design and control large-scale nonlinear networked systems. The project will also develop an agent-based intelligent distributed control scheme for microgrids operated by retail markets.
A subset analysis of a randomized trial found that older patients with renal cell carcinoma derive similar clinical benefits from sorafenib therapy as younger patients, including improved progression-free survival and quality of life. The treatment was well-tolerated regardless of age, with manageable side effects.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has awarded $25 million in grants to develop new diagnostics and treatments for radiation exposure. Researchers will focus on improving the diagnosis and treatment of individuals exposed to radiation, as well as investigating the effects of radiation combined injuries.
The study found that the LYF elimination programme has prevented 6.6 million children from acquiring LF and stopped another 9.5 million people already infected from progressing to more debilitating stages. The programme's success is attributed to its rapid scale-up, delivering what experts call a 'best buy' in public health.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new understanding of thermoelectric materials that can efficiently convert waste heat into electrical energy. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly improve fuel economy in vehicles and contribute to more environmentally friendly cooling methods.
The NIH Human Microbiome Project awards funding to develop innovative technologies and computational tools for analyzing microbial communities in the human body. Researchers aim to improve understanding of how microbes interact with health and disease.
A study found that sequential withdrawal of life support is more common than thought and associated with higher satisfaction among surviving family members. The study suggests that improving communication between physicians and families is key to better care.
Astronomers have discovered evidence that high-speed collisions between large elliptical galaxies can prevent new stars from forming. The study found that gravitational interactions can heat up gas, making it difficult for stars to cool and form.
Young wheezing children are often underdiagnosed due to symptoms similar to common childhood illnesses. Asthma diagnosis is challenging, requiring assessment of symptom frequency and patterns.
Researchers explored the effects of ethanol on IGF-I system and JNK1/2 activity, revealing its role in liver damage. Ethanol exposure altered p-JNK1/2 activity, IGF-I system, and cell viability in hepatocytes.
A study published in The Lancet Neurology found that patients in a minimally conscious state may experience pain perception similar to healthy individuals. This suggests that these patients could benefit from painkilling treatment, which is currently challenging due to limited awareness of their condition.
A new, simpler diagnostic method for detecting blood clots in the leg has been shown to be as effective as a more complex method. The study found that compression ultrasonography was highly accurate, with rates of detection equivalent to whole-leg ultrasonography.
The study provides clues about the function of phosphodiesterase 6 (PDE6) enzyme, essential to vision. PDE6 undergoes a large conformational change after binding with small messenger molecule cGMP, affecting its ability to transmit signals to the brain.
Researchers will conduct a two-year clinical trial at multiple trauma centers to analyze data on vital signs, blood transfusions, and medications. The goal is to improve mortality rates and develop standards for transfusion ratios.
Researchers found that family interventions, including parental supervision and open communication, significantly reduced risky sexual behaviors among teens with mental health issues. Family involvement also showed promise in reducing HIV risk among juvenile offenders.
A large review of 38 studies found regular NSAID use associated with reduced breast cancer risk. Aspirin and Advil showed significant protective effects, with a 13-21% relative risk reduction.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found a solution to the high cost of commercial media for 3D cell cultures using chicken egg whites. The process enables normal and cancer cells to be grown in three dimensions, allowing scientists to study cell signaling and tumor microenvironments.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that tamoxifen treatment may advance detection of ER-negative breast cancer in high-risk women, shortening the time to diagnosis by approximately 1 year. The drug does not alter the risk of ER-positive disease.
A $4 million NIH-funded project led by OHSU aims to discover biologically active molecules from bacteria associated with marine mollusks in the Philippines. The project will catalog and preserve over 10,000 mollusk species, targeting potential central nervous system, cancer, and antimicrobial drugs.
A study found that children serve themselves larger portions when super-sized meals are available, but portion sizes vary by gender, ethnicity, and parental feeding practices. The researchers aim to identify factors affecting children's eating habits and promote healthy choices from an early age.
A recent MSU study found that girls tend to experience more social adjustment problems than boys in a bilingual classroom setting. The research, published in the European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, highlights the challenges faced by young children learning multiple languages.
A team of researchers argues that current publication practices create an extreme imbalance between the abundance of supply and limited venues for publication, leading to unrepresentative results. This distortion affects the broader scientific community, as only a small proportion of research findings are selected for publication.
A new analysis found that African Americans and those from low-income communities have poorer survival rates for head and neck cancer, with earlier diagnosis crucial to improving outcomes. The study reveals racial disparities and socio-economic inequities in cancer treatment, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
The Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX) mission will conduct extremely high-altitude orbits above Earth to investigate and capture images of processes taking place at the farthest reaches of the solar system. The spacecraft will provide scientists with a new understanding of the global interaction between our sun and the galaxy.
A study published in Neurology found that African-Americans are more likely to have cerebral microbleeds, which can increase the risk of having a stroke. Researchers discovered that African-Americans had 32% more microbleeds than Caucasians and were more likely to have them in certain areas of the brain.
Several new studies suggest that probiotics can help improve symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), including constipation or diarrhea. The research findings indicate that probiotics may be effective in normalizing bowel movement frequency, reducing IBS-related symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating.
Studies found that patients with IBD are at increased risk of Vitamin D deficiency, which may be associated with lower quality of life and higher disease activity. Regular Vitamin D checkups may be necessary to reverse deficiency-related bone loss in these patients.
Patients with generalized social phobia show increased blood flow in medial prefrontal cortex and amygdala when reading negative statements about themselves. This context-dependent response may guide future therapeutic formulations for the disorder.
A new study suggests that colon cancer screening for patients starting at age 55 could save the US at least $2 for every dollar spent. The research found that nearly 45% of uninsured patients who underwent free colonoscopies had polyps, highlighting the need for earlier screening.
A recent paper by George Mason University professor Chris Parsons highlights the link between US Navy sonar and mass whale strandings worldwide. The study reveals that sonar is killing more whales than previously known, emphasizing the need for stricter environmental policies.
A study by Mayo researchers found that outpatient stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma patients resulted in a high survival rate of 99% at 100 days. The treatment also showed significantly shorter hospital stays, with a median duration of four days for those who required some hospital care.
Researchers have developed a new three-dimensional computer model that reveals surface tension plays a crucial role in cell sorting. The study found that when minority cells make up at least 25% of the mix, they are more likely to be in direct contact with other minority cells, enhancing the surface tension effect and allowing it to dr...
Research found that people with H. pylori strains carrying a gene called CagA were almost half as likely to get adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. The study suggests that declining rates of H. pylori in developed populations may contribute to the increase in esophageal adenocarcinomas.
Researchers have identified SLC2A9 as a high-capacity urate transporter, playing a crucial role in controlling serum urate levels. The study suggests that genetic variants in SLC2A9 may contribute to increased serum urate levels and associated diseases such as gout.
Researchers found that whites who try to be colorblind in conversations about race are more likely to be perceived as prejudiced by black people. This includes even children as young as 10, who adopt this approach despite it leading them to perform poorly on a basic cognitive test.
Researchers found that endoscopic therapy was successful in treating esophageal cancer, with a 90% success rate and low recurrence rates. Patients treated endoscopically had higher survival rates compared to those who underwent surgery.
The Global Mammal Assessment project has identified seven Texas mammal species as threatened, including the Mexican long-tongued bat and desert pocket gopher. The IUCN Red List reveals that one in four mammalian species are currently at risk of extinction.
Children who are aggressive in infancy, have harsh parenting styles, and come from low-income families are more likely to be chronically victimized by peers. Research suggests that multiple forms of victimization are common among these children, including verbal bullying and social aggression.
Research reveals that blocking avb3 integrin leads to a5b1's increased trafficking and association with EGFR1, activating the Akt pathway and promoting random migration and invasive ability. This study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying metastatic movement in tumor cells.
Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute have created a non-invasive blood test that accurately detects Down syndrome and two other serious chromosomal defects. The test is more accurate than previous methods and can provide results within a few days, reducing the wait time for anxious parents.
Two studies presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's Annual Scientific Meeting highlight new technologies that improve the detection of colorectal polyps and flat lesions. The Retroscope device was found to significantly increase polyp detection, while narrow band imaging improved detection of flat or depressed lesions.
Using precise microscopes, University of Missouri researchers identified tumor necrosis factor-α and advanced glycation end products as major contributors to blood vessel dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. This discovery could lead to new treatments for blood vessel diseases and disorders in people with type 2 diabetes.
LIALDA demonstrated a steady 5-ASA release throughout the entire colon, with prolonged disintegration in the ascending colon. A post hoc analysis also found that patients could achieve complete symptom resolution after up to 16 weeks of LIALDA treatment.
The Caspian seal population has dropped from over 1 million to just 100,000 due to commercial hunting, habitat degradation, and pollution. Conservation efforts are underway to establish protected areas and ban hunting to prevent further decline.
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends high-intensity behavioral counseling for all sexually active individuals at increased risk for STIs. The new stool DNA test is twice as effective at detecting colon cancer and polyps than previous tests, showing promise for improved screening effectiveness.
A genetic association with SERPING1 has been found to be strongly linked to age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of visual impairment and blindness. The study's findings have significant implications for the development of novel treatments for this devastating disease.
The new guidelines provide a tiered system of resource allocation to implement early detection, diagnosis, and treatment programs. The initiative aims to improve breast health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries, where cancer mortality rates are highest.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new prenatal test for Down syndrome that requires only a maternal blood sample, significantly reducing the risk of miscarriage. The test uses fragments of fetal DNA in the woman's blood to detect chromosomal disorders and could provide an earlier diagnosis than current methods.
Studies emphasize the importance of adequate bowel preparation prior to colonoscopy, highlighting its effectiveness in detecting and removing pre-cancerous polyps. Poor quality bowel preparation is associated with missed cancers and undetected polyps.
Researchers found that summer months are the most common time to diagnose eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), with August being the peak month. The condition can mimic symptoms of acid reflux disease and requires a biopsy to distinguish it.
A Mayo Clinic-led study finds that infliximab administered alone or in combination with azathioprine is more effective for moderate to severe Crohn's disease than azathioprine alone. The study demonstrates improved patient outcomes, including higher remission rates and mucosal healing.
Researchers at Wake Forest University are using nanotechnology to screen millions of chemicals simultaneously for cancer-fighting properties. The 'Lab-on-Bead' process uses tiny plastic beads to identify potential drugs faster and more efficiently than current methods.