A Mayo Clinic study found that withdrawing anti-seizure medication in children with epilepsy who have achieved seizure-freedom is generally safe and carries a low risk of developing intractable epilepsy. The study, which reviewed records of 241 children, found only 5% to develop intractable epilepsy after withdrawal.
A rectal application of artesunate may be the key to saving lives from severe malaria in remote areas. The study found that pre-referral rectal artesunate significantly reduced mortality and permanent disability among patients with suspected severe malaria who could not receive oral treatment.
New study reveals that despite increased wind speeds, Southern Ocean currents and upwelling patterns remain unchanged, contradicting previous concerns about the ocean's capacity to combat climate change. The research suggests that small-scale ocean eddies balance stronger winds, preventing a significant impact on carbon dioxide storage.
A Yale study reveals that the public's perception of nanotechnology is highly polarized based on cultural values, with some groups viewing it as safe and others as risky. The study suggests that public education strategies should consider citizens' predispositions to effectively communicate about nanotechnology.
Researchers at Georgia Tech establish a new record for quantum information storage and retrieval lifetime, advancing quantum networking. The record-breaking 7-millisecond storage time enables the transmission of data across a thousand kilometers on an optical network.
Scientists at Emory University have developed strain-tuned quantum dots with new optical properties, reducing toxicity and size limitations. These particles can be made mostly of zinc and selenium, emitting light at near-infrared wavelengths, which could improve biomedical imaging and optoelectronics.
Researchers at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center analyzed over 1,100 blood stem cell transplantations and found that older patients (65+) do not have poorer outcomes compared to younger patients. The study also showed that disease type and status at transplant are key prognostic variables for survival.
Researchers have found that preventive use of antithrombotic medication can reduce incidence of thromboembolic events in cancer patients. The PROTECHT Study shows a 47.2% reduction in risk, while also demonstrating safety with minimal major bleeding episodes.
In a phase II clinical trial, lenalidomide demonstrated activity against chronic lymphocytic leukemia in elderly patients. The drug showed a favorable toxicity profile and achieved significant responses, including partial response in 54% of patients.
A team of CSIRO scientists has developed a rapid screening system to identify inhibitors of toxic multimers formed during Alzheimer's disease progression. Folate is shown to be beneficial in the screening system, and could lead to the discovery of new agents that may prevent or delay the onset of the disease.
Researchers discovered 30 genetic variants associated with cholesterol levels, including 11 new ones, which could lead to more effective therapies. The study also found links between melatonin, sleep patterns, and small increases in glucose levels, increasing the risk of diabetes.
Two studies examine the impact of cord blood, peripheral blood, and bone marrow on transplant success rates in adults with acute leukemia. The research reveals that mismatched cord blood transplants can be a suitable alternative to bone marrow or peripheral blood transplants.
Researchers have discovered biomarkers in blood that could aid diagnosis of severe and debilitating forms of malaria, including placental and cerebral malaria. Elevated levels of C5a and angiopoietin-2 were found to be associated with these forms of the disease, potentially allowing for earlier detection and targeted treatment strategies.
Researchers identified 11 new gene sites associated with cholesterol and triglyceride levels, bringing the total to 30 lipid-associated genes. Common variations in these genes can significantly influence blood lipid levels, potentially identifying individuals at higher risk for heart disease.
Cones starve to death due to structural changes in the retina, disrupting nutrient flow. Researchers propose boosting nutrient levels in cones to preserve daylight vision in patients.
A population cohort study found six novel genetic variants associated with lipid levels, a common indicator of heart or artery disease. The research team analyzed over 20,000 DNA samples from European countries, increasing the power of 'genetic microscopes' to identify lipid-gene links.
A new study reveals that nanotechnology is perceived as less morally acceptable in the United States and certain European countries with stronger religious traditions. The survey found that levels of religiosity are a strong predictor of views on nanotechnology, highlighting a paradox in a country known for its technological advancements.
A genome-wide association study found that a mutation near the MTNR1B gene is associated with increased average blood sugar levels and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. The researchers suggest that treating sleep problems could partly tackle diabetes and high blood sugar levels.
A genome-wide association study has identified two new genetic risk factors for variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease, including a SNP near the beta receptor for retinoic acid and a region close to STMN2. These findings suggest that genetic susceptibility plays a significant role in prion diseases.
Researchers identified a gene involved in the body's response to the day-night cycle strongly linked to high blood sugar levels and type 2 diabetes. The melatonin receptor is implicated in conditions like jetlag and sleep disorders, suggesting that disrupted sleep patterns are connected to metabolic health.
A previously dismissed leukemia drug, flavopiridol, has shown promising results in treating CLL patients with advanced chromosomal abnormalities. In a two-phase trial involving 116 patients, approximately half responded to treatment.
A genome-wide study has identified 23 regions of the genome associated with nine metabolic traits, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, blood pressure, and inflammation. The study found 14 known genetic variants and nine novel variants, five of which are good candidates for important variants.
VIB researchers found a way cells can detect nutrients via transceptors, similar to hormone signaling. This discovery offers promising possibilities for treating metabolic diseases by targeting newly discovered receptor proteins.