A novel mist bioreactor system enables the efficient production of murine interleukin-12 in genetically modified tobacco plants. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of new therapies for diseases such as Crohn's, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers discovered over 200 serum proteins in umbilical cord blood, revealing changes in protein levels that indicate cigarette smoke exposure. The study identified biomarkers linked to key metabolic pathways, providing insights into the molecular effects of fetal exposure to toxic chemicals.
A phase III, international randomized clinical trial supports a new standard of treatment for women with advanced ovarian cancer, reducing complications and post-operative deaths. The study demonstrates that neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery can be the preferred treatment for patients with very extensive d...
UT Southwestern researchers found that interferon and another signaling protein are needed to create memory cells that remember how to fight off the virus. Without these cells, the body is defenseless against re-infections.
The partnership aims to translate early research into new treatments for chronic spinal cord injuries, which currently leave patients with lifelong suffering. Dr. Evan Snyder and Dr. Mark Tuszynski will lead the effort to use stem cells to repair damaged neural cells in adults.
A new University of Missouri study examines the effect of golf courses on salamander populations, finding suitable habitats for species native to the area. The researchers propose managing landscapes for human recreation and biodiversity preservation, creating a win-win situation for stakeholders and wildlife.
Research on stereotyping and workplace discrimination has sparked debate, with some studies finding biased decisions while others argue that methodological issues undermine findings. Despite disagreements, experts agree that organizations must take responsibility for reducing discrimination.
Researchers found that tamoxifen promotes aggressive cell behavior in ER+ breast cancer cells with poor intercellular adhesion. The study suggests that oestrogen deprivation may be a more appropriate treatment for these patients.
Neuropathy, a degenerative nerve disorder, has few evidence-based standards for evaluation and management. New guidelines recommend screening laboratory blood tests and genetic testing for accurate diagnosis. The guidelines also suggest considering specialized tests to evaluate neuropathies with autonomic dysfunction.
A study by the American Society of Nephrology found that patients with poor health literacy are less likely to receive kidney transplants. Roughly one-third of dialysis patients had inadequate health literacy, which hindered their ability to navigate healthcare systems and follow transplant instructions.
Researchers have established a novel human stem cell-based model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), confirming that dysfunctional astrocytes can kill off healthy motor neurons. Treating the cultured cells with apocynin, an anti-oxidant, staved off motor neuron death caused by malfunctioning astrocytes.
Researchers at MIT's Alcator C-Mod fusion reactor have found an efficient way to push the hot plasma around inside the vessel, preventing heat loss and turbulence. This breakthrough could be crucial to the success of future power-generating fusion reactors like ITER.
Bui Chi Buu, director general of the Institute of Agricultural Science for Southern Vietnam, has been awarded the Senadhira Rice Research Award for his outstanding work in developing popular rice varieties in Vietnam. His efforts have led to the certification of many rice varieties grown by farmers throughout the Mekong Delta.
Research reveals juries are often less diverse than surrounding communities due to underrepresentation in key groups. This can lead to a loss of confidence in the fairness and legitimacy of the legal system. In contrast, diverse juries tend to have more thorough decision-making processes.
The NHS must make substantial changes in administration and management structure to effectively manage top-up payments and keep accurate records of patient care. The cost of drugs is not the only cost to the NHS, as patients who purchase drugs and stay in the hospital reduce resources for all remaining patients.
Researchers found a potential new cancer risk and path for testing treatments for people with Fanconi anemia. Restoring the FA pathway reverses irregular cell growth in HPV-positive cells and may reduce cancer risk.
New guidelines developed by the American Academy of Neurology identify a combination of blood tests and other specialized assessments as the most helpful for finding the cause of neuropathy. These tests can often point to common causes of neuropathy, such as diabetes or heredity.
Levodopa is recommended for treating both early and advanced stages of Parkinson's disease, improving motor skills, speech, and gait. The treatment can also confirm a suspected diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, providing relief from tremors and other symptoms.
A new method for determining osteoporosis treatment targets has been developed using the WHO's fracture risk assessment tool, FRAX¹. This approach considers both fracture risk and cost-effectiveness to provide more accurate and targeted treatment.
Researchers used fMRI to find that patients with stress-related psychiatric disorders have abnormal brain activation in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, affecting memory suppression. This can lead to poor memory and increased anxiety due to lingering traumatic memories.
A new study found that increasing alkali content in the diet through fruits and vegetables can counteract acid-induced bone loss. The study discovered bicarbonate has a favorable effect on bone resorption and calcium excretion.
Scientists are investigating methods to selectively suppress the immune response in transplanted organs, inspired by fetal development. Researchers will explore increasing IDO levels to improve transplant survival and look for biomarkers to detect rejection episodes.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have developed a gene therapy that alleviates sickle cell disease pathology by introducing a corrective gene into mouse blood cells. The treated mice showed essentially no difference from normal mice, with improved red blood cell production and organ function.
Men who survived childhood leukemia treatment into adulthood have lower bone mineral density, increasing their risk of osteoporosis. The study found that male survivors were more likely than female survivors to have weaker bones, and shorter individuals also faced higher risks.
Researchers found that using cover crops, manure, and compost can increase short-term carbon sequestration rates and reduce global warming potential. This win-win option for energy and environment is made possible by proper management of bioenergy cropping systems.
A new study found that a school-based asthma education program, Kickin' Asthma, significantly improves asthma symptoms, medication usage and reduction of asthma-related morbidity among urban adolescent students. The program also reduces days of activity limitations and school absences.
Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered that rooted plants can mysteriously move down greenways, contradicting expectations based on physical forces. The study found that plants with no obvious mechanism for dispersal colonize corridors more quickly and at farther distances than isolated habitats.
A new study by the University of Montreal found that only 30% of children attending elementary school in Quebec walk or bike to school. The primary obstacle is urban sprawl, with parents often driving their kids due to safety concerns, despite walking being crucial for daily energy expenditure.
Research by University of Warwick reveals that hands-free cell phone conversations impair drivers' visual attention, increasing braking distances and errors. The study found that even passive listening to a conversation has a significant negative impact on driving performance.
A new study finds that pediatric obesity can alter thyroid function and structure, with a potential link between fat excess and thyroid tissue modification. Thyroid function returns to normal after weight loss, but the persistence of abnormalities in obese children may progress into chronic disease in early adulthood.
Researchers used a hand-operated robotic device and fMRI to track brain function after strokes, finding that the brain can regain function through rehabilitative exercises even six months post-stroke. The study, which tested five right-hand dominant patients, showed significant increases in cortical activation with hand training.
Scientists study Venus' atmosphere using instruments on board ESA's Venus Express, discovering high-contrast zones created by a mysterious chemical that absorbs ultraviolet light. Clouds are found at similar heights across dark and bright regions, with temperature variations influencing atmospheric dynamics.
A recent study examines the role of monetary aggregates in monetary policy and finds that they are not a compelling reason for assigning a prominent role. Monetary aggregates can provide information about unobserved variables, but their relevance is limited.
The UH Center for Public Policy will create a comprehensive real estate database to understand the complexities of foreclosure in Houston. The database will contain information on home sales, rents, listings, and foreclosures from 2000 to 2008.
The team, led by Assistant Professor Dan Negrut, is working on detecting collisions between particles and predicting frictional contact forces using GPU computation. This technology has the potential to improve vehicle design, particularly for construction equipment and tire treads.
A Canadian and American research group has been awarded a five-year grant to develop gene therapies for human degenerative retinal diseases, including Leber Congenital Amaurosis, Stargardt macular dystrophy, and retinitis pigmentosa. The team will use innovative approaches to partially restore vision in patients.
Swift's Ultraviolet/Optical Telescope (UVOT) observes the chemical composition of comet atmospheres, while its X-Ray Telescope (XRT) studies gas and solar wind interactions. This research offers clues about comets' origins and the solar system.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that natural killer (NK) T cells play a crucial role in preventing chronic inflammatory infection and clearing Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, which cause Lyme disease. The research demonstrates that NK T cells are central to reducing arthritis symptoms.
Researchers developed a new method using laser scanning technology to measure bulk density of soil clods and rock fragments. The results showed excellent agreement between the two methods, enabling a more thorough analysis of a soil's quality.
A team of researchers at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center discovered a new enzyme that plays a primary role in how cancer tumors expand and spread. The enzyme, called sFAP, helps create scaffolding for cancer cells to attach, divide, and migrate.
A USC team applied engineering principles to reduce operating room turnover time at three California hospitals, resulting in a 21% average reduction. The implemented changes improved patient flow, reduced queuing, and enhanced communication between staff members.
A 25-year study on Welsh streams found that climate change hampers long-term recovery from acid rain effects. Despite improvements in acid levels, only four new insect species colonized the improving rivers, falling short of expected numbers.
The journal Cold Spring Harbor Protocols presents two articles detailing experimental culture methods for cells from the immune system and the nervous system. These protocols enable researchers to isolate and grow specialized cells like macrophages and cerebellar granule neurons, facilitating studies on their functions and interactions.
Child maltreatment includes physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect, with severe consequences on childhood and adulthood. The authors conclude that child maltreatment is a chronic condition with repeated exposure leading to adverse outcomes.
A study by UCLA researchers found that approximately 4.7% of the nation's population suffers from persistent depression or anxiety disorders. Many individuals who remain ill receive modest increases in medication use but no significant increase in counseling, highlighting a need for improved treatment and insurance arrangements.
A twin study found that identical and fraternal female twins had distinct gut microbial communities, but shared a common core set of genes that performed key functions. Obese individuals had an increased representation of bacterial genes devoted to extracting calories from food.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism by which temporarily cutting off blood flow to arteries before a heart attack reduces damage caused. The study suggests that boosting the effect of this natural response, possibly through administering nitro-linoleic acid (LNO2) beforehand, may reduce heart attack damage in the future.
A meta-analysis of studies on generic vs. brand-name cardiovascular drugs found clinical equivalence in most cases, supporting the use of FDA bioequivalence ratings as a proxy for clinical efficacy. The study suggests that physicians and patients can rely on these ratings to make informed decisions about medication substitution.
New research from Harvard University finds that improvements in behavior and screening are primarily responsible for the decline in cancer mortality. Screening has proven especially effective in early detection of colorectal and breast cancer, while behavioral changes have had the greatest impact on lung cancer.
Chris Bronk, a fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute, argues that the concept of wiretapping is obsolete due to advancements in VoIP technology. He advocates for clear, openly stated policies on government surveillance adapted to the latest technology.
A new study published by researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina suggests that the risk of cancer from radiation exposure during cardiac CT scans is substantially lower than previously reported for general populations. The study found a cancer risk of 1 in 1000, which mirrors more closely the typical patients who receiv...
Researchers are developing ways to empower consumers and transit service providers in designing accessible transportation equipment, information services, and physical environments. A new Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) will focus on creating a public Web site where riders can report on their experiences and collabora...
The supplement addresses complex issues surrounding second trimester abortion, including methods, values, and public policy. In-depth country-based research is needed to bring out facts and support second trimester abortion as a legitimate form of women's health care.
Researchers at University of Nottingham identified the tumour suppressor gene LIMD1 as a protector against lung cancer. The study found that LIMD1 was missing in majority of lung cancer samples, indicating its protective role. This breakthrough could lead to early screening techniques and treatments for lung cancer.
Exposure to secondhand smoke has been reduced by 25-40% since 2000, resulting in a 25-30% decrease in its clinical burden. Treatment costs attributed to passive smoking have also decreased by approximately $1.8 billion to $6.0 billion annually.
Scientists are working on a new strategy to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases by disabling insects from transmitting viruses. The approach targets ticks, sand flies, and mosquitoes, which are responsible for most deaths worldwide.
A systematic review of 49 randomized trials found aprotinin to be slightly more effective at controlling blood loss but with a higher risk of death. Health Canada is set to decide on its use, with alternative treatments like tranexamic acid and aminocaproic being suggested as alternatives.
A new study by the Children's Sentinel Nutrition Assessment Program (C-SNAP) found that 38% of families with children under three were experiencing frequent moves or overcrowded living conditions, leading to increased hunger and poor health. The 'hidden homeless' families are at a higher risk of poor health compared to those in stable ...
Two pivotal Phase 3 trials evaluating HZT 501 met primary endpoints, showing a statistically significant reduction in gastrointestinal ulcers compared to ibuprofen alone. The treatment also demonstrated good tolerability and was well-received by patients.
A new study suggests that having an imperfect body may come with benefits for some women, as hormones redistribute fat from the hips to the waist. This redistribution is associated with increased strength and competitiveness, but not necessarily lower fertility or chronic disease rates.