Researchers at the University of Leeds have made a breakthrough in diagnosing pre-eclampsia, a condition that affects up to 15% of pregnancies. A user-friendly diagnostic kit is being developed to test pregnant women, with potential savings estimated at £500m for the NHS.
Researchers monitored 140 sleeping volunteers near London Heathrow and three major European airports, finding that aircraft noise increased systolic blood pressure by an average of 6.2 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 7.4 mmHg. The study's findings highlight the need to reduce night-time aircraft noise levels to protect public health.
Researchers discovered that scattering by impurities occurs in both the pseudogap and superconductive states, challenging existing theories. This finding could help understand why certain materials can superconduct at high temperatures.
A new study by University of Chicago Medical Center researchers found a remarkable overlap between the effects of nicotine and opiates on dopamine signaling in the brain's reward centers. The findings suggest that these two addictive substances share common underlying brain chemistry mechanisms.
A new study found that a 'lung open ventilation' strategy combining low tidal volumes, recruitment maneuvers, and high PEEP levels reduced the rates of severe persistent low oxygen levels and needed rescue therapies. The study also showed improved lung function and reduced organ failure duration.
A study by Thomas Kramer and Lauren Block found that consumers are more disappointed when a supposedly
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have developed a blood test that detects early stage ovarian cancer with 99% accuracy, building on previous work showing 95% effectiveness. The new platform uses six protein biomarkers instead of four, increasing specificity from 95 to 99.4%.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have created a revolutionary new technology that could transform medical scanning. The innovation enables instant analysis of medical screening tests and early detection of cancer, with potential to produce images as wide as the human torso.
A survey by Stevens Institute of Technology found that global companies operating in accelerating economies face a talent wall due to insufficiently trained technical personnel. The study revealed frequent conflict between local and headquarters management, with employees departing for cultural needs and training issues.
A field study of registered voters aged 18-23 found that negative 'attack' ads provoke more voter migration than positive ads. The researchers also discovered that young voters are more likely to weaken their support for a candidate after viewing an ad attacking their preferred candidate.
A study analyzing US adult data from 1997-2005 found that expenditures for back and neck problems increased substantially, with a 65% inflation-adjusted rise. Despite this, health outcomes such as functional disability and work limitations did not improve.
Western lowland gorillas have been observed mating in a unique face-to-face position for the first time in the wild. This behavior is rare among primates, with only bonobos frequently employing ventro-ventral copulation.
Researchers at Washington University developed a gene chip technology that can distinguish pneumonia from underlying critical illness in patients on ventilators. The method identified changes in 85 genes associated with immune system activation, allowing for early diagnosis and potentially improved recovery.
After Italy's comprehensive smoking ban in 2005, acute coronary events among adults decreased significantly, particularly in younger age groups, with a 11.2% reduction for those aged 35-64 and a 7.9% decrease for those aged 65-74.
A new study found that vehicle interlocks significantly reduce DWIs among first-time offenders, with a 60% lower risk of repeat offenses. This economic benefit is substantial, saving $3 for every dollar spent on interlocks.
Researchers found that leaky muscle cells cause fatigue in both marathoners and heart failure patients. An experimental drug that plugs the leak may provide relief from exhaustion for those with chronic heart failure.
Researchers at UCSD developed a gene therapy protocol that successfully activated the immune system in six patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The protocol introduced a gene with potential to activate an immune response and resulted in the production of antibodies reacting against leukemia cells.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh have identified interleukin 22 (IL-22) as a crucial factor in the immune response to bacterial pneumonia. The study, published in Nature Medicine, suggests that stimulating the Th17 arm of the immune system may lead to more efficient treatment and prevention of pneumonia.
Research published by the American Academy of Neurology found no difference between oxcarbazepine and placebo in reducing migraine attacks. The study suggests that other epilepsy drugs like topiramate and gabapentin may be more effective due to their ability to regulate GABA neurotransmitters.
A Saint Louis University study found that less than a quarter of physicians can accurately predict patients' six-month mortality from heart failure. The study highlights existing knowledge gaps and uncertainty among doctors about end-stage care options, including palliative measures and hospice referrals.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a strategy to capture, store and recycle carbon from vehicles, enabling the creation of zero emission cars. The technology involves an onboard fuel processor that separates hydrogen from carbon, allowing for the production of clean energy.
Researchers at Dartmouth College have discovered that microRNAs played a crucial role in the emergence of vertebrates, with diverse regulatory mechanisms driving genome assembly. The study's findings suggest that these tiny molecules were responsible for the origin of unique organs such as the liver, pancreas, and brain.
A new study from the UC Davis M.I.N.D. Institute suggests that brain-directed antibodies during pregnancy may be a causal factor for some cases of autism. The research found that exposure to IgG antibodies in pregnant monkeys exhibited repetitive behaviors similar to those seen in children with autism.
Patients with primary progressive aphasia are more likely to have a history of learning disabilities, suggesting an underlying susceptibility to language network difficulties. The study highlights the potential for learning disabilities to be underestimated among affected individuals and their families.
The Operation Jupiter collaboration highlights the growing threat of fake pharmaceuticals, particularly in South-East Asia and Africa. Researchers found that counterfeit artesunate tablets contained no active ingredients or dangerously small amounts, contributing to malaria parasite resistance.
Researchers found that hostility and depression together elevate inflammatory proteins in the human body, increasing the risk for heart disease. The study examined associations with blood levels of two inflammatory proteins and found a stronger relationship between these negative emotions when considered simultaneously.
A new study by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center found that risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) is associated with a 72% breast cancer risk reduction in women with BRCA2 mutations, compared to 38% for BRCA1 mutation carriers. The surgery also reduced the risk of gynecologic cancer by 85% in women with a BRCA1 mutation.
As patients gain knowledge, they increasingly demand accurate information and higher expectations for their care. Doctors must balance scientific evidence with patient needs, while maintaining accountability for patient safety and care.
A new method to create all-copper connections between computer chips and external circuitry was developed by researchers at Georgia Tech. The technique uses electroless plating to form strong copper pillars that reduce signal loss and enable faster data transmission.
A Mayo Clinic analysis of autopsy results over two decades reveals a long-term decline in coronary disease has ended, with some data suggesting an upward trend. The study's findings are based on the examination of 515 Olmsted County residents who died between 1981 and 2004.
A new study has discovered a set of 15 proteins found in urine that can distinguish healthy individuals from those with coronary artery disease. The protein panel accurately identifies CAD 83% of the time, with high sensitivity and low false positives.
UCLA stem cell scientists have successfully reprogrammed human skin cells into embryonic stem cells without using embryos or eggs. This breakthrough uses genetic alteration to turn back the clock on human skin cells and create cells nearly identical to human embryonic stem cells, which can become every cell type in the human body.
Researchers at MCG are testing a handheld device that can transmit electrocardiograms wirelessly to cardiologists in rural areas, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment of heart attacks. The goal is to bridge the gap between medical expertise and geographical distance.
A new study found that 41 false statements appeared on 18 web pages (5.2%) and that websites with complementary or alternative medicine were 15.6 times more likely to have inaccuracies. The authors advise patients to be skeptical of online health information and consult a clinician before taking action.
A study found that healthcare providers play a significant role in patients' likelihood of being screened for colorectal cancer. Patient barriers such as concerns about payment and fears of detection also impact screening rates. Interventions targeting both providers and patients are necessary to boost screening rates.
A new study reveals that Avastin's side effects may be caused by the blockage of VEGF, which normally protects brain cells from fluid leakage. In mice, this blockage led to brain swelling and cell death.
A robotic probe called ENDURANCE will test its performance in cold, icy conditions on Lake Mendota, simulating the environment of Jupiter's moon Europa. The probe is designed to map underwater environments and collect data on biological conditions.
A collaborative team of researchers has identified somocystinamide A, a highly potent cancer-fighting compound isolated from cyanobacteria L. Majuscula, which inhibits neovascularization and tumor cell proliferation.
Scientists study fluid structures in moist sand using x-ray microtomography and find that the fluid and grains coexist in a filigree structure. This discovery explains the universal stiffness of wet granules, relevant to various industries such as pharmaceuticals and food production.
A study analyzed eyes of 2520 individuals, finding larger drusen and abnormal blood vessel growth more common in whites. Whites were also more likely to develop advanced AMD and geographic atrophy, with black individuals showing potential protection against AMD.
A collaborative study found that fake anti-malarial drugs, containing potentially toxic ingredients, were manufactured in China. The counterfeiters included dangerously small amounts of artesunate to fool screening tests, but these doses are too low to treat malaria effectively, encouraging the spread of resistant parasites.
A panel discussion at the AAAS Town Hall Event features University of Pennsylvania School Medicine researchers exploring interactions between culture, social, and environmental factors influencing child and parent behaviors related to obesity. Nutrition experts also present on setting nutrition standards in schools.
A new molecular signature predicts response to lenalidomide in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome without chromosome 5q deletions. Gene expression profiling identifies a defect in erythroid differentiation, providing potential treatment insights.
Researchers found that men with physically active jobs had a lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to those with low-activity jobs. The study also revealed that increased physical activity was associated with reduced exposure to carcinogenic chemicals.
The MIT-developed thin-film coating can deliver precise, remote-controlled doses of drugs to specific targets in the body. The film is made from alternating layers of materials and can be activated by applying a small electric field.
A new study reveals that farmed salmon exposure leads to significant declines in wild salmon survival rates, threatening global salmonid populations. The research found a 50% reduction in wild salmon abundance when associated with salmon farms, highlighting the need for sustainable aquaculture practices.
Research finds link between temperature and insect feeding on leaves, boosting foraging of plant-eating insects. The study links past climate spike to increased insect damage.
A recent study found that a small proportion of individuals with hypertension eat diets aligned with government guidelines, while many others consume unhealthy patterns. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) trial showed that a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables can significantly lower blood pressure.
Decades-long decline in coronary artery disease may have ended and possibly reversed after 2000, according to a study. The analysis of autopsy data from Olmsted County residents suggests that declines in high-grade disease ended after 1995 and possibly reversed after 2000.
A recent study found that many interactions detected by ChIP-chip are functionally irrelevant. The researchers discovered a clear relationship between the number of factor molecules bound at a given site and its role in gene regulation, suggesting that DNA sites with low-level binding may play no role in regulating gene expression.
A study by Alysha Heimberg and colleagues found that microRNAs, previously considered 'junk DNA', are diverse in primitive vertebrates like sharks and lampreys, but less common in invertebrates. This discovery suggests that microRNAs played a crucial role in the evolution of complex organs unique to vertebrates.
A study by UC-Davis researchers found that antibodies in mothers of children with autism bind to fetal brain cells, potentially disrupting healthy development. The findings suggest a possible link between the maternal immune system and autism risk, paving the way for future research on prenatal identification and prevention.
A University of Alberta study recommends monitoring swine flu in workers on pig farms as part of pandemic preparedness due to potential adaptation into efficient human-to-human transmission. The strain was detected in several household members and pigs without direct contact with the child who initially contracted it.
The expedition's data indicates the foot of the continental slope off Alaska is over 100 nautical miles farther from the U.S. coast than previously thought, supporting U.S. claims to natural resources in the area. The findings also shed light on the geological history and bathymetry of the Arctic region.
Research suggests that high self-monitors are less committed and happy in their romantic relationships than low self-monitors. They may present a false image to avoid face-threatening interactions, leading to intimate partners being unaware of their true feelings.
Patients with refractory asthma experienced longer term improvement in pulmonary function, improved quality of life, and reduced rescue medication use after undergoing bronchial thermoplasty. The procedure resulted in a significant reduction in corticosteroid use, particularly among those who were able to wean off medication completely.
A recent study by the Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center found that only one out of 63 patients with complex fibroadenomas had a malignancy. The researchers concluded that these lesions can be treated similarly to simple fibroadenomas, allowing for non-surgical follow-up.
A new study reveals that well-meaning efforts to protect cougars in Washington State have actually increased dangers for the species. Biologists are now scrambling to find a science-based path to coexistence between people and predators.
Researchers have developed a new imaging method that uses glycosaminoglycan concentrations to diagnose osteoarthritis in its early stages. This non-invasive technique has the potential to monitor diseases like inter-vertebral disc degeneration and heart valve defects.
Researchers found that a delay in disabling conditions was crucial for centenarian survival, with male and female centenarians exhibiting different resilience levels. The study highlights the importance of understanding mechanisms for delaying disability to improve health outcomes and therapies.