A new study published in Biological Psychiatry found that adding N-acetyl cysteine to usual treatment improved depressive symptoms in individuals with bipolar disorder. The study suggests a potential new treatment option for psychiatric disorders, particularly those involving brain glutathione metabolism.
Patients with suboptimal response to aspirin and/or clopidogrel showed a significant reduction in myocardial damage during percutaneous coronary intervention when treated with tailored infusion of tirofiban. This treatment strategy aims to modulate intensity of treatment based on individual platelet reactivity.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic and Virginia Bioinformatics Institute discover that eosinophils exert a strong immune response against the environmental fungus Alternaria alternata. The innate immune system of humans is capable of killing the fungus, which is linked to airway inflammation, chronic rhinosinusitis, and bronchial asthma.
The REGENT trial found that intracoronary infusion of CD34+CXCR4+ stem cells improved LVEF in patients with severely depressed baseline LVEF. While the treatment showed no significant improvement in overall patient groups, it was safe and feasible.
The Broad Institute will develop molecular tools to probe human biology and disease using small molecules. The six-year NIH grant supports high-throughput screening of molecular libraries to identify compounds with interesting biological functions.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have found that deep brain stimulation can halt the progression of dopamine-cell loss in animal models. The study suggests that stimulating neurons with electrodes boosts the amount of BDNF, a protein that promotes neuronal growth.
Research reveals that chronic alcohol consumption alters neural systems in the brain, leading to cognitive deficits and disorders of memory and learning. Dynorphins, a key player in this process, are found to be upregulated in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, impairing learning and memory.
A $1.75 million grant will help experts develop ways to stop the damage caused by thrips-vectored viruses, a major enemy of tomato and pepper farmers in the Southeast US. Researchers aim to reduce the risk and damage of the tomato spotted wilt virus through a coordinated effort among universities.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded Burnham Institute for Medical Research a six-year, $97.9 million grant to establish one of four comprehensive small-molecule screening and discovery centers in the US. The new facility at Lake Nona will enable the center to screen more than 2 million chemical compounds per day.
Research from University of Michigan sleep experts reveals that babies born to moms with depression are more prone to having chaotic sleep patterns in the first half-year of life. The study found that infants born to depressed mothers nap more during the day, take longer to settle down at night, and wake up more often during the night.
Dr. Yong Shi of Stevens Institute of Technology has been awarded a $300,000 NSF grant to design and test an umbrella-shaped micro-actuator for thrombus retrieval in stroke therapy. The actuator uses novel piezoelectric nanofibers to provide dynamic shear force on blood clots.
A UK study found that 2.8 million men and 900,000 women are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease but remain undiagnosed. The research highlights the need for a national CVD risk assessment programme to detect those who haven't already been identified.
The Phase II clinical trial of FX06 showed a statistically significant reduction in myocardial necrosis following intravenous application concurrent with reperfusion. The peptide preserves blood vessel function by binding to VE-cadherin, leading to reduced inflammation and infarct sizes.
Research reveals that as cycling participation increases, so do safety levels for both cyclists and motorists. Studies show a one-third drop in crash frequency with increasing cyclist numbers. Experts attribute this effect to changed driver behavior, not improved infrastructure or laws.
The European Society of Cardiology has released updated guidelines for ST elevation infarction, emphasizing the importance of hospital networks and efficient ambulance services. The guidelines also provide recommendations for selecting primary PCI versus fibrinolytic therapy and incorporating antithrombotic co-therapies.
A new study published in BioMed Central's Nutrition Journal found that popular slimming programmes do result in reduced energy intake while providing enough nutrients. The four commercial diets tested were Slim Fast, Atkins, Weight Watchers, and Rosemary Conley's Eat Yourself Slim Diet & Fitness Plan.
A Phase II study found trends suggesting apixaban reduces heart attack, stroke risk but increases bleeding among higher doses, warranting further study.
Researchers found that both farnesylated and non-farnesylated progerin can cause symptoms of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), a rare childhood disorder resembling premature aging. The study uses a new mouse model to challenge the effectiveness of inhibitors of farnesylation as a potential therapy.
Researchers found that HHV-6 is integrated into the chromosomes of babies born with the virus, differing from congenital CMV infections. This unique mode of infection may occur in up to 1 in 116 newborns, affecting their development and immune system.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have uncovered a molecular circuitry associated with schizophrenia, linking three previously known proteins. The study found that these proteins interact synergistically during normal brain development and are linked to the condition in some patients.
A new study confirms that colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 50, with colonoscopies being the most effective method for preventing the disease. The study found that the prevalence of colorectal polyps increases sharply after age 50, and African Americans have a higher rate of right-sided polyps.
A CU-Boulder study suggests that growing numbers of dams and impoundments are facilitating the spread of invasive species into natural lakes. The research team found that such species can create 'stepping-stone habitats' for further invasion, posing risks to lake ecosystems.
A recent Australian study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that moderate exercise can significantly improve cognitive function in older adults at risk. Participants who walked for 2 and a half hours a week showed better delayed recall, lower Clinical Dementia Rating Scores, and improved memory problems.
A new study led by Dr. Keiko Watanabe found that periodontitis accelerates insulin resistance in rats with a high-fat diet. The research will explore the impact of periodontitis on diabetic complications in the retina, aorta and pancreas.
A new study by RAND Corporation researchers found that only 18% of parents with chronically ill children were aware of the program and only 5% used its benefits. Most parents who took leave or didn't take leave despite knowing their child's illness required it didn't know about the program.
A new study found that rapid weight gain in early childhood is associated with higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure in adulthood. The research, published in the American Heart Association journal, suggests that changes in post-natal weight gain and childhood weight gain are linked to small but significant increases in blood pre...
A new study has resolved a 50-year-old debate on cell division, finding that both polar relaxation and equatorial stimulation mechanisms exist in cells. This discovery may aid cancer research and provide insights into genetic diseases.
The NIH has funded a network of nine centers to use high-tech screening methods to identify small molecules as probes to investigate cell functions and develop new therapies. The goal is to increase the pace of development and use of chemical probes, which have become invaluable tools for exploring biologic processes.
A study published in JAMA found that using sodium bicarbonate for hydration during coronary angiography does not reduce the risk of developing serious kidney problems compared to using sodium chloride. The results suggest that there is little difference in outcomes between the two hydration strategies.
The Entomological Society of America has named 10 new Fellows, including Dr. Robert N. Coulson, John G. Hildebrand, and Dr. Lawrence A. Lacey, for their outstanding contributions to research and teaching in the field of entomology.
A world-first trial has proven that regular physical activity can lead to a lasting improvement in memory function. Older adults who engage in 20 minutes of aerobic exercise daily outperform those who don't, with improved recall of shopping lists and social interactions.
A recent study has uncovered the mechanism by which Salmonella enterica serovar Senftenberg attaches to salad leaves, causing contamination and health risk. The bacteria use their long stringy appendages called flagella to bind to the leaves, and understanding this process is crucial for developing new methods of prevention.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University develop a way to cultivate cells derived from insulin-producing beta cells, potentially implanting them into patients with type 1 diabetes. This innovative method could reduce the need for life-saving organ transplants and one day be as simple as a blood transfusion.
A new study found that limiting soft drink availability at school is associated with a 4% decrease in overall consumption. However, available soft drinks remain a significant contributor to daily consumption among children, particularly low-income and rural students.
Researchers characterize grapevine transposons, finding they capture and amplify gene sequences, influencing gene evolution. The study also reveals 'domesticated' transposons with cellular roles, contributing to genetic diversity.
Researchers will create immersive virtual environments and assess their effectiveness in undergraduate engineering classes, enabling flexible learning with video games and IT tools. The project aims to enhance student engagement, accessibility, and learning outcomes in mechanical engineering education.
Darapladib's Lp-PLA2 inhibition prevents necrotic core expansion and plaque vulnerability in patients with coronary disease. Despite high standard care treatment, placebo-treated patients showed increased necrotic core volume, while daraplidib halted this increase.
Research reveals cosmic dust originates from Koronis asteroids, with analysis matching mineralogy and chemistry to chondrite meteorite samples. The study provides new insights into the earliest history of our solar system.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends pre-hospital treatment with antiplatelet agents, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, to improve clinical outcomes in STEMI patients. Unfractionated heparin is also used during primary PCI in STEMI, while bivalirudin has been shown to reduce major bleeding and ischemic events.
Researchers at TGen and Washington University School of Medicine have discovered a new approach to treating endometrial cancer using a commercially available inhibitor drug. The study found that the drug can stop tumor growth and kill cancer cells, even in cases where the tumors contain a commonly occurring mutant gene.
The thawing of permafrost is expected to release a significant amount of carbon dioxide, potentially doubling current atmospheric levels. This could lead to a substantial increase in greenhouse gas emissions and further accelerate global warming.
A new randomised study has found that biolimus-eluting stents are as effective as sirolimus-eluting stents in treating patients with chronic stable coronary artery disease or acute coronary syndromes. The study also showed similar effectiveness of each stent in reducing in-stent percentage diameter stenosis.
The September 2008 issue of BioScience features research on the molecular biology toolbox, permafrost carbon vulnerability to climate change, urbanization impacts on aquatic ecosystems, warfare ecology, sociality in bats, lab-computation collaboration, deforestation and vectorborne disease, and more.
Studies show mixed results on blood glucose control and micro-vascular disease prevention, while oral drugs like metformin offer some benefits. Tight insulin control has limited proven success in reducing complications, emphasizing the need for longer-term studies.
A neuroimaging study found that chronic insomnia is associated with compromised cognitive processes, but these deficits can be reversed through non-pharmacological treatment. Sleep therapy was shown to improve verbal fluency tasks and restore altered brain function in people with insomnia.
Researchers found that depression subtypes differ in cardiotoxicity and response to antidepressive treatment, with somatic and incident depressions associated with poor prognosis. This knowledge could lead to new treatment strategies to prevent future cardiac events.
Research has identified several genes associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including neuroligins and SHANK3. These genetic findings provide new understanding of the underlying causes of ASD, which affect approximately 60 in 10,000 children worldwide.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that transient elastography, a non-invasive technique, can accurately diagnose late-stage liver disease. The study showed high correlation between LSM and pericellular fibrosis, allowing for better prediction of cirrhosis
The Bach study reveals MR-proANP is equally useful as BNP and NT-proBNP for diagnosing acute congestive heart failure. Adding PCT marker supports differential diagnosis of pneumonia vs. heart failure in patients with shortness of breath.
Two percutaneous approaches show promise: edge-to-edge technique reduces regurgitation in 80-90% of cases, while mitral annuloplasty achieves similar results in 90% of patients. However, further trials are needed to assess efficacy and safety compared to surgical repair
School-based programs have been shown to be effective in reducing prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity through interventions such as physical activity education and nutritional education. The URMEL-ICE program demonstrates a significant reduction in body fat mass among children after one year of participation.
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered a new signal path for a growth factor that is crucial for the survival and growth of cancer cells. This finding has significant implications for the treatment of advanced cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer.
Researchers at the University of California and the University of Newcastle are sharing their work on telomerase, a protein that allows cancer cells to grow. The lecture aims to improve treatment outcomes for breast cancer through early detection and prevention.
A CMAJ study found significantly higher rates of anaphylaxis in young women after HPV vaccination, with a rate of 2.6 per 100,000 doses administered. However, the overall rates were low and no serious lasting effects were observed.
A study in Rwanda found that nearly half of orphaned youth aged 12-24 who head households meet criteria for depression. The combined effects of the genocide and HIV epidemic have left many orphans vulnerable to poverty, social marginalization, and poor health.
Researchers confirm that surface temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere were warmer over the last 10 years than any time during the last 1300 years. The study uses a variety of proxy data, including tree rings, marine and lake sediment cores, ice cores, and coral cores, to derive a long-term temperature record.
Researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine have found a second independent site within the HNF1B gene that may contribute to the risk of developing prostate cancer. The new discovery strengthens the link between genetic variants and prostate cancer risk, improving the ability to predict prostate cancer risk.
The FDA has mandated boxed warnings for COX-2 selective inhibitors and traditional NSAIDs due to their cardiovascular risks. Novel anti-VEGF therapies, such as ranibizumab and bevacizumab, may also pose cardiovascular safety concerns despite proven benefits in treating wet AMD
Prof Andre Geim and Dr Kostya Novoselov, who discovered graphene in 2004, have won the prestigious Europhysics Prize. Their work reveals graphene's remarkable electronic properties, with applications such as transistors and sensors.
Active video games can help prevent childhood obesity by increasing energy expenditure and heart rate. According to a new study, children aged 6-12 burned significantly more calories while playing active games compared to seated games.