Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center uncovered the mechanism underlying Fragile X syndrome, affecting communication between brain cells. The study suggests targeting the acetylcholine system might provide an alternative to drugs targeting glutamate pathways.
A new study analyzing over 2,000 women found that BRCA1 and BRCA2 carrier status varies significantly in relation to breast cancer incidence. The research highlights the importance of considering additional genetic factors beyond known mutations when assessing risk.
A new computerized tutoring system aims to help middle school students develop a deep understanding of scientific concepts by teaching them to 'think like scientists.' The system will guide students' learning, assess their progress, and provide feedback automatically to teachers.
Adolescent girls who frequently eat with their families are less likely to engage in disordered eating behaviors. The study found that regular family meals reduced the risk of using diet pills or laxatives among teen girls. In contrast, adolescent boys did not show a similar protective effect.
A University of Cincinnati researcher, Dionysios Dionysiou, received a $698,689 EPA grant to investigate processes used to purify drinking water and remove cyanobacterial toxins. The research aims to develop cost-efficient technologies to treat water contaminated by such toxins.
Astronomers at Rutgers and Penn State universities discovered galaxies in the distant universe that are ancestors of spiral galaxies like our Milky Way. The newly discovered galaxies are small and have fewer stars, but were fertile breeding grounds for new stars that ionized hydrogen atoms and emitted Lyman alpha light.
Researchers have discovered a novel circadian clock mechanism in monarch butterflies, involving two distinct cryptochrome proteins. This mechanism is similar to that found in mammals and plays a critical role in navigation during migration.
A new study by the Commonwealth Fund found that the US ranks last among 19 industrialized countries in preventable deaths. If the US had performed as well as France, Japan, and Australia, there would have been 101,000 fewer deaths annually by the end of the study period.
A new meningitis vaccine has been shown to be well-tolerated and immunogenic in infants, providing protection against four strains of the disease. The vaccine, MenACWY, uses a natural mutant of the diphtheria toxin and has been found to induce protective antibody levels in over 90% of infants who received it.
A new study by Fox Chase Cancer Center reveals that most American adults engage in multiple behaviors increasing their exposure to UV rays, including infrequent sun protection and indoor tanning. The study found that younger adults, men, Caucasians, smokers, and those with fair skin are more likely to engage in these high-risk behaviors.
Research found that people who drink moderate amounts of alcohol and are physically active have a lower risk of death from heart disease than those who don’t drink or exercise. Moderate drinkers and regular exercisers had significantly lower risks compared to non-drinkers and inactive individuals.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that eating out can have both positive and negative impacts on obesity. Higher total restaurant density is significantly associated with lower weight status, while a higher fast-food density is associated with higher weight status.
Scientists at Boston Children's Hospital have created a new technology that uses magnetic fields to control cellular signaling, mimicking the binding of drugs or hormones. This innovation has the potential to lead to finely-tuned but noninvasive treatments for various diseases.
The study found significant variation in breast cancer risk among BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers, with younger age at diagnosis associated with increased risk for relatives. The research highlights the need for accurate estimation of risks and tailored interventions.
A new study found that overweight type 2 diabetes patients who consumed moderate amounts of sugar from carrot cake experienced no adverse changes in blood glucose levels. The study, conducted over 24 days, showed improved insulin sensitivity and balanced energy intake.
Recent studies confirm oatmeal's ability to lower total cholesterol levels and reduce LDL 'bad' cholesterol without adverse effects. Whole-grain oats are also linked to improved blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, and weight management outcomes.
The US ranks last among 19 industrialized countries on preventable deaths, with a 4% decline compared to an average of 16% for other nations. If the US had performed as well as top performers France, Japan, and Australia, there would have been 101,000 fewer deaths annually.
The SCImago Journal & Country Rank (SJR) tool provides an open-access alternative to Thomson Scientific products, offering country and journal rankings based on Scopus database contents. Researchers can filter data by large knowledge areas, thematic categories, countries/journals, and years.
Researchers found that women with IBS cannot turn off a pain modulation mechanism in the brain, making them more sensitive to mild discomfort. The study suggests that abnormal brain responses may be the root cause of the disorder and could lead to new treatment approaches.
A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that genetic variants of the RGS4 gene predict antipsychotic treatment response in schizophrenia patients, with varying predictive power across different ethnic groups. The research highlights the potential for pharmacogenomics to guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes.
A new study from the University of Michigan found that while US residents have the highest out-of-pocket drug costs, they are less likely to take their medications compared to patients in other countries. High costs are only a partial reason for non-adherence, with policy factors also playing a role.
The ARTSI Alliance will develop outreach programs and provide mentoring opportunities for underrepresented students in computer science and robotics. The alliance aims to address the shortage of diverse talent in these fields, with African-Americans currently making up only 4.8% of US computer scientists.
The AAAS analysis reveals that Congress inserted nearly $4.5 billion in federal research and development earmarks in spending bills for fiscal year 2008. The earmarks totaled 2,526 projects, with $939 million allocated to non-defense projects and $3.5 billion to Defense Department projects.
A randomized controlled trial suggests that combining lifestyle intervention with metformin is the most effective treatment for antipsychotic-induced weight gain. Participants who received this combination therapy experienced significant reductions in body mass index, waist circumference, and insulin resistance. In contrast, those who ...
A recent study by Smithsonian researchers reveals that natural blue diamonds exhibit phosphorescence with components of both blue and red light. The study's findings provide a unique 'fingerprint' for individual blue diamonds, enabling scientists to identify them.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have developed a new graft technique using freeze-dried tendon grafts loaded with gene therapy, showing significantly fewer adhesions than traditional autografts. The study demonstrates promising results in restoring range of motion and accelerating healing after hard-to-treat i...
A new study found that reducing drug co-pays for employees with chronic illnesses increased the use of preventive medicines, leading to fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits. The study involved over 35,000 employees and showed significant increases in use of important medications.
A study analyzing 9 EU countries found significant variations in healthcare treatment costs, with prices ranging from €1290 to €8739 per patient. The cost differences between Eastern European and other EU member states create opportunities for cross-border trade.
University of Florida researchers have successfully triggered insulin production in diabetic mice by injecting them with the naturally occurring protein Pdx1. The study found that daily injections of Pdx1 normalized blood glucose levels within two weeks, promoting regeneration of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Research finds that longer waits can facilitate coping with negative events, reducing overall stress levels. Consumers prefer extra waiting time to mentally prepare and cope with the impending event.
Researchers discovered that a transient and local rise in interleukin-6 (IL-6) is essential for the growth of muscle fibers. This finding could lead to new treatments for reversing or improving muscle loss in diseases such as cancer and AIDS, as well as normal aging.
The review highlights the importance of carefully planned medical management to optimize outcomes for liver transplantation. Doctors emphasize the need for careful assessment, optimization, and timing for transplantation, leading to high long-term survival rates.
A team of researchers from Penn State, Naval Research Laboratory, and Smithsonian Institution used spectroscopic analysis to determine that all blue diamonds have a red phosphorescent component. This unique property allows for the identification of individual blue diamonds, distinguishing them from synthetic or altered stones.
A randomized clinical trial found that adding docetaxel to anthracycline-based chemotherapy improved disease-free survival in breast cancer patients. The study showed a 4% increase in five-year disease-free survival rates, with patients receiving sequential docetaxel after doxorubicin having the best outcomes.
Researchers discovered that appetitive stimuli can induce a shared state in consumers, leading them to choose smaller, sooner options in unrelated domains. In experiments, women were more likely to splurge on clothing after smelling chocolate chip cookies, and made unplanned purchases when exposed to the scent of a cookie-scented candle.
A study published in JAMA found that rural patients are less likely to be wait-listed for heart, liver, and kidney transplants, with disparities of up to 15% in transplantation rates. The researchers suggest that differences in disease burden or access to specialty care services may contribute to these disparities.
Researchers have discovered new treatment mechanisms for schizophrenia, targeting the dopamine D2 receptor and novel neurotransmitters like N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) and serotonin. These approaches aim to complement existing treatments and offer new hope for patients with schizophrenia.
Researchers found blue clusters of stars, nicknamed 'blue blobs', in a structure called Arp's Loop between M81 and M82 galaxies. The stars are less than 200 million years old and contain the equivalent of five Orion Nebulae.
A study published in the Journal of Periodontology found a correlation between periodontal disease and an increased risk of coronary heart disease. Regular brushing and flossing can help lower this risk, according to experts from the American Academy of Periodontology.
The experimental weight loss drug, taranabant, has been shown to induce significant weight loss in obese patients, even at low doses. The drug blocks cannabinoid receptors in the brain, leading to a decrease in appetite and increased energy expenditure.
The study found that Medicare Part D led to a 13.1 percent decrease in out-of-pocket expenses for patients and a 5.9 percent increase in prescription use. Researchers compared data from over 117,000 patients who were eligible for Part D with comparable patients who were not.
New research in Journal of Consumer Research reveals a significant difference between how men and women view stories about protagonists who overcome challenges. Men enjoyed stories more when they were specifically told that they are fictionalized, allowing them to relax emotion norms and become more involved in the story.
A new study finds that moderate sun exposure can increase vitamin D production, which protects against various cancers and diseases. The research suggests that people in southern latitudes produce more vitamin D due to increased solar radiation intensity.
A study published in Clinical Cancer Research examines the antitumor efficacy and safety of various combinations of reovirus and cyclophosphamide. The findings support investigation in human clinical trials to modulate, but not ablate, the immune system before systemic reovirus administration.
The FDA warnings had a modest impact on the use of antidepressants among youth, with significant declines in paroxetine prescriptions. However, other antidepressants also saw declines, albeit less pronounced.
Researchers developed ceramic hybrid needles using two-photon polymerization, creating microneedles resistant to breakage. The new technology enables efficient drug delivery and minimizes trauma during injections.
This special issue of the International Journal of Plant Sciences presents exciting research on flower evolution, pollination, and reproductive strategies in flowering plants. The focus is on evolutionary transitions, which are key elements of biological diversification.
New research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology reveals that longstanding anxiety markedly increases the risk of heart attack, even when other cardiovascular risk factors are taken into account. Anxiety is unique among psychological factors in predicting heart disease risk.
A randomized trial found that telephone mentoring from trained peer coaches increased the likelihood of keeping a first colonoscopy appointment by two times. Patients with peer support were more likely to be insured and have better primary care adherence, and nearly 70% kept their appointments.
Researchers at University of California, Irvine have identified a modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) as a potential alternative to the existing smallpox vaccine. MVA produced similar antiviral responses in human and animal studies, suggesting its safety and effectiveness. The study marks a significant advancement in developing a safe...
A recent study by Yale researchers found significant racial disparities in cancer therapy, with black patients less likely than white counterparts to receive treatment for various cancers. Despite efforts to improve access to care, the disparities persisted, highlighting the need for continued work to address these issues.
A large-scale randomized trial of nearly 4,500 men found no significant differences in sexual satisfaction and performance between circumcised and non-circumcised individuals. The study's findings support the use of circumcision as an effective way to reduce HIV transmission
A new study found trichloroethylene to be a risk factor for parkinsonism, a group of nervous disorders with symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. The study showed that chronic exposure to TCE can lead to degenerative changes in the brain, including reduced mitochondrial function and dopamine neuron damage.
A new study from Danish researchers has found that childless men have a lower risk of developing prostate cancer than fathers, with a reduced risk associated with having more children. The study suggests that this may be due to a "healthy father" phenomenon, where fertile men are less likely to develop the disease.
Dr. Joseph Ravenell receives $416,558 grant to study physician inertia and its impact on hypertension treatment in African-American men. The award supports his research to benefit underserved patients and decrease health disparities.
The SUPERCABLE project will build a 30m superconductor cable with a current value of 3200 Amperes RMS, transporting the electrical strength of 110 MVA. This technology aims to reduce energy consumption by 10-15% and greenhouse gas emissions.
A study of 1,739 participants found that vitamin D levels below 15 ng/mL were associated with a twice higher risk of cardiovascular events. Researchers also observed an increase in cardiovascular risk with each level of vitamin D deficiency.
Researchers found a 53% increase in cardiovascular ailments after Sept 11 stress, with high anxiety levels three times more likely to report heart problems. The study, published in Archives of General Psychiatry, suggests that even indirect exposure to extreme stress can lead to long-term health consequences.
A new gene variant has been found to be more common in people with cerebral venous thrombosis than in healthy individuals. The study, published in Neurology, suggests that testing for this gene and using blood thinning medication may help prevent future blood clots.
Research shows that blind cavefish populations can regain vision in their offspring through hybridization, highlighting genetic differences behind eye loss. The study found that mutations in distinct genes are responsible for eye loss in separate lineages, which can be compensated by good gene copies in hybrids.