A new phylogenetic analysis published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases provides insight into the origins of venereal syphilis. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding the evolution and transmission of this disease.
A year-long clinical trial found that vitamin D2 supplements reduced the risk of falls by 19% among women with low blood vitamin D levels and a history of falling. The therapy was most effective in reducing the risk of single falls during winter and spring, but not multiple falls.
A study of 45 family medicine practices found that those with nurse-practitioners performed better in diabetes care measures compared to physician-only practices and those using physician assistants. Practices with NPs were more likely to measure hemoglobin A1c levels, lipid levels, and treat for high lipid levels.
The MESSENGER spacecraft completed its first flyby of Mercury, collecting scientific data and imagery of the planet's surface. The mission will provide new insights into Mercury's previously unseen surface features.
A new study found that daily pain is far more prevalent and severe than previously thought in adults with sickle cell disease. Over half of the patients reported having pain on most days, with nearly one-third experiencing pain nearly every day.
A study finds that Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization is linked to persistent S. aureus infections, highlighting a potential target for non-antibiotic interventions. Plague remains a current threat globally, with most cases occurring in Africa and Asia, primarily through contact with infected rodents and fleas.
A new study suggests that African-American women's magazines often encourage fad diets and faith-based approaches to weight loss, while mainstream magazines focus on evidence-based diet strategies. Mainstream magazines were twice as likely to suggest eating more whole grains and protein, smaller portions, and low-fat foods.
The vaquita population is projected to decline rapidly due to entanglement in fishing nets, with only about 150 individuals remaining. The species is critically endangered and shares parallels with the extinct baiji dolphin, highlighting the need for effective conservation efforts.
Researchers found that lipoic acid supplements reduced atherosclerotic lesion formation by 55% in mice, lowered triglycerides, and helped normalize metabolic processes. The supplements may be useful as a preventive mechanism before advanced cardiovascular disease develops.
A study by Monell researchers found that over 6,000 genes contribute to an individual's body weight, contradicting the idea of a single 'obesity gene.' This suggests that quick fixes for obesity are unlikely and highlights the complexity of the issue.
Recent research by Natalie Denburg and colleagues found that 35-40% of healthy older adults exhibit poor decision-making abilities, which is associated with increased vulnerability to deceptive advertising. The study suggests that these individuals may experience disproportionate aging of the brain region critical for decision-making.
A new study suggests that toll road privatization could result in more crashes and increased costs associated with the use of other roads. The study found that higher tolls on privatized roads would divert trucks to local roads, potentially increasing safety risks and maintenance costs.
A study led by Monika Vig and Jean-Pierre Kinet found that calcium ion channels play a crucial role in triggering inflammatory responses, providing new insights into asthma and allergy symptoms. The discovery highlights the importance of CRACM1 calcium channels in mast cell activation.
A group of 275 doctors in the UK have spoken out against the government's decision to remove a dying Ghanaian woman from receiving vital life-prolonging dialysis treatment. The doctors argue that this decision is both unethical and dangerous, as it puts the health of both the undocumented migrant and the general public at risk.
Researchers found medullary bone in T. rex specimens, indicating dinosaurs reached sexual maturity earlier than thought and had short lifespans of 3-4 years in adulthood. This discovery sheds new light on the evolution of birds and reproductive strategies.
Scientists at the University of Southern California have achieved a 10-fold life span extension in baker's yeast through dietary and genetic changes. The study, published in PLOS Genetics, suggests that calorie restriction and specific gene mutations may hold the key to controlling cell longevity and preventing age-related diseases.
New research published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences finds that community ecology principles affect parasite species interacting within a single host, impacting treatment effectiveness. The study suggests using ecological thinking to understand and control multiple infections like malaria.
A four-year study found that selectively restraining elderly residents and reducing sleeping pills can significantly reduce falls in nursing homes. The study, led by the Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, analyzed over 2,300 reported falls and fractures to find a link between safety measures and fall risk.
The four-year project aims to make thin-film light absorbing cells for solar panels from sustainable and affordable materials, reducing costs by one millionth of a metre. Researchers will experiment with low-cost materials and nanotechnology to capture increased amounts of energy from the sun's rays.
New research by Arecibo Observatory increases the mass limit for neutron star formation into black holes, suggesting they may be more rare. Neutron stars are found to remain stable between 1.9 and 2.7 sun masses, contradicting previous thought.
A long-term study found that smokers have an increased risk of developing early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and experience greater progression of the disease. Smokers developed AMD at a younger age than non-smokers, and smoking was associated with cumulative progression of AMD over 15 years.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine developed genetically modified carrots that increase the transport of calcium across plant cell membranes. The modified carrots can provide up to 41% more bioavailable calcium than regular carrots, making them a promising source for improving bone mineral density and treating osteoporosis.
Researchers found that TRADD is essential for the transformation of B lymphocytes by Epstein-Barr virus, and that it can be targeted for cancer treatment. The study reveals a unique interaction between the viral protein LMP1 and TRADD, which masks its apoptotic activity.
Researchers successfully switched a gene regulatory element from a bat to a mouse, resulting in abnormally long forelimbs. This study demonstrates that evolution can be driven by changes in gene expression patterns, rather than solely genetic changes.
Researchers compared DNA of patients with reduced MS symptoms to those experiencing relapses, identifying key genetic markers associated with treatment response. The study's findings may help predict which treatments will work best for individual patients.
The American College of Physicians has issued new guidelines to improve palliative care at the end of life, focusing on pain, shortness of breath, and depression. The guidelines recommend regular assessment and use of proven therapies to manage these symptoms, with a focus on improving quality of care for patients with serious illnesses.
Physician spontaneous reporting significantly increased through e-mail reminders, an informational website, and handheld device programs. Key findings show a mean increase of 5.6 reports in intervention group and a mean decrease of 3.0 reports in control group.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have discovered that anti-retroviral drugs given daily before and after exposure to HIV can prevent vaginal transmission of the virus. This breakthrough could empower women worldwide to protect themselves from HIV infection.
A comprehensive genetic analysis supports the 'Columbian theory' of syphilis's origins, suggesting the pathogen was introduced to Europe by Columbus and his men. The study found that the venereal syphilis-causing strains originated most recently and were closest relatives to strains causing yaws in South America.
Recent studies in Annals of Internal Medicine reveal significant advancements in palliative care and insights into sickle cell disease's prevalence. Researchers also discovered a new strain of antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcal Infections primarily affecting men who have sex with men, emphasizing the need for targeted prevention measu...
A specially developed carrot has been produced to help people absorb more calcium, with a net increase in calcium absorption found in humans who ate the carrot. Adding this carrot to the diet can help prevent diseases like osteoporosis.
A new study by UC Berkeley scientists reveals that dinosaurs experienced rapid growth spurs and reached sexual maturity near the end of this phase, well before reaching maximum body size. This finding suggests that dinosaurs were born precocious and suffered high adult mortality, making early sexual maturity necessary for survival.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that lingering doubts and fears among African Americans are major obstacles to their participation in medical research. Blacks were only 60% as likely as whites to participate in a mock study, highlighting the need for improved communication and mutual respect between patients and physicians.
A genome-wide study has identified 18 DNA variants associated with blood lipid levels, including six new regions never before linked to cholesterol and triglycerides. These findings hold promise for predicting genetic risk of heart disease and identifying novel targets for cholesterol-lowering therapies.
A new study confirms a connection between decreased height and increased risk of osteoarthritis, suggesting that genetic variants may play a role in both conditions. The research analyzed the genomes of over 35,000 people and identified a variant associated with an average difference in height of about 0.4 centimeters.
Researchers used computer modeling to show Baryonyx's skull bent and stretched like a crocodile's while eating, revealing it was a fish-eater despite its dinosaur appearance. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of this unusual creature.
A international study of 20,000 people identified seven new genes associated with good cholesterol (HDL) and triglycerides, while confirming the role of bad cholesterol (LDL) in heart disease. The findings suggest that genetic variants influencing HDL levels are not directly linked to lower risk of coronary artery disease.
Research from the University of Bristol finds Antarctic ice loss is concentrated at narrow glacier outlets, driven by accelerating ice flow, and may dominate the ice sheet mass budget. The study estimates a total loss of 192 billion tonnes of ice over the past decade.
A new study found evidence that common genetic variants linked to osteoarthritis may also play a minor role in human height. The variants, associated with an average difference of about 0.4 cm, lie in the region of the GDF5 gene, which influences cartilage development and bone growth.
Scientists at the University of Minnesota Center for Cardiovascular Repair successfully grew a functioning beating heart by reseeding dead rat and pig hearts with live cells. The decellularization process shows promise for creating transplantable blood vessels or whole organs made from a patient's own cells.
Researchers discover that individual brains are adapted to their unique auditory environment and can learn to localize sounds. The study may lead to more sophisticated hearing aids and speech recognition systems.
Researchers have discovered more than 25 genetic variants associated with lipid levels, including seven previously unknown genes. These variants may lead to new strategies for treating and preventing coronary artery disease.
A new Folic Acid for a Healthy Pregnancy seal will help women easily identify grain products with folic acid. The seal aims to increase consumption of the essential nutrient among women of childbearing age, reducing neural tube defects by 26% since 1998.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found that cancer stem cells in multiple myeloma share properties with normal stem cells and exhibit resistance to chemotherapy. These cells contain high levels of enzymes that neutralize toxins, making them harder to treat.
Scientists have identified two separate neural pathways that regulate the transition in and out of anesthesia. The study found that mice with impaired orexin signaling took longer to emerge from general anesthesia, but not to fall asleep during the procedure. This breakthrough could lead to new approaches for administering anesthetics ...
Researchers analyzed E. coli adaptation in germ-free mice, finding rapid selection of bacteria carrying mutations in a master regulator controlling over 100 target genes. This suggests global regulators coordinate physiological activities necessary for adaptation to complex environments.
The Global Environment Facility is providing an additional $20 million to protect unique and threatened areas like island ecosystems and temperate forests. This funding will support conservation efforts in biodiversity hotspots, home to half of all terrestrial plants and animals.
The Bering Sea's rich food web could fray as algae adapt to greenhouse conditions, affecting top predators like pollock and hake. A shift away from diatoms towards smaller phytoplankton could undermine the biological pump, making the ocean less able to soak up atmospheric carbon dioxide.
A study found that providing a biological and genetic explanation for anorexia nervosa reduced blame towards individuals with the disorder. The research suggests that disseminating accurate information about the underlying causes of anorexia can help decrease stigma.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a functional equation that explains how cells pack together to form the eyes of Drosophila, or fruit flies. This pared-down model uses only two parameters and demonstrates how it can be applied to different kinds of tissues, leading to potential advances in regenerative medicine.
Nucleonics has initiated a Phase 1 human safety study of its experimental treatment NUC B1000, an expressed interfering RNA-based product designed to target and destroy HBV within infected cells. The therapy aims to reduce viral antigen load and potentially resolve viral infection in patients with mild to moderate disease.
A research team led by Andrea D. Bianchi discovered a way to control superconductivity in a material by applying a magnetic field, leading to a better understanding of the phenomenon and potential applications in energy storage and transmission.
Researchers discovered that a specific region of the HIV-1 envelope protein is embedded in the viral membrane, making it difficult to target with antibodies. However, a new approach using antibodies targeting this region could lead to the development of an effective HIV-1 vaccine
A new study by Rhode Island Hospital researchers reveals that the majority of psychiatry outpatients have more than one disorder when seeking treatment. The study found that patients with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder had the highest number of diagnoses.
A recent study found that Arctic birds carry antibiotics-resistant bacteria, highlighting the global spread of antibiotic resistance. The researchers believe immigrating birds from Southeast Asia may have introduced these resistant bacteria to the tundra.
A pioneering Spanish study reveals that nearly half of patients with head injuries feign psycho-cognitive disorders to profit from insurance claims or sick leave. Researchers have developed reliable tools to detect these 'simulators', providing a valuable solution for healthcare professionals.
Researchers discovered that people from different cultures use their brains differently to solve visual perceptual tasks. East Asians and Americans showed distinct patterns of brain activation when performing absolute and relative judgments.
The MESSENGER spacecraft will make its first flyby of Mercury on January 14, 2008, capturing images of large portions of the planet never seen before. The encounter will provide critical gravity assist needed to keep the spacecraft on track for its orbit insertion around Mercury.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a key protein in dendritic cells that can stop HIV from 'budding', a crucial step in its life cycle. DC-SIGN and DC-SIGNR demonstrated strong inhibition of viral production, rendering released particles uninfectious.
The MIT gas sensor is a tiny energy-efficient device that can detect minute quantities of hazardous gases in 4 seconds. It uses gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques on a miniature scale, reducing the size and power consumption compared to current devices.