A large-scale Medicare study evaluated the outcomes of incisional surgeries used to reduce eye pressure in patients with glaucoma. The study found that while surgeries were effective for most patients, rates of severe outcomes and progression to low vision or blindness were higher for those who received implantation of a glaucoma drain...
A University of Missouri study found that Weight Watchers participants lost an average of 5% body weight, but mostly lean tissue. Fitness center members, despite little weight loss, improved health by reducing intraabdominal fat. Group support is crucial for success in both programs.
Researchers found that coronary arterial calcium scans can detect overall death risk in elderly adults, predicting those likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke. The study validated the use of CT scans to assess death risk, enabling physicians to advise patients on lifestyle changes and preventive measures.
Researchers discovered that the body produces substances similar to THC found in marijuana, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin. The findings suggest these endocannabinoids may lead to new treatments for skin disorders like acne and dry skin.
Research found that women over age 90 are nearly twice as likely to have dementia as men of the same age group. The study also showed that the likelihood of having dementia doubled every five years for women, but not for men. Additionally, women with higher education were found to be 45% less likely to develop dementia.
Scientists at Stanford University discovered that a hydrogen atom can transfer energy to a deuterium molecule through a glancing blow, changing the conventional wisdom on energy transfer. This finding has significant implications for understanding chemical reactions and interactions between molecules.
A study published in The FASEB Journal found that gerbils given specific compounds increased brain synapses and improved cognitive tasks. Researchers discovered more brain synapse activity consistent with higher intelligence after dissecting mouse brains.
Researchers found that compact, bedside brain-activity monitors, called amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG) monitors, can detect most seizures in at-risk infants. The monitors are more portable and affordable than conventional EEG devices, but may require training to interpret.
Researchers used metabolomics to identify groups of relevant biomarkers of disease in healthy and diabetic mice. The study found that the ratios between certain metabolite concentrations were more informative than their absolute concentrations.
A new microchip-based device can analyze tumor cells in the bloodstream to identify genetic signatures of dangerous lung cancers, enabling targeted treatment and monitoring. The device detected mutations 92% of the time and showed promise for non-invasive continuous monitoring.
Researchers found that consistently controlling parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorous levels can prolong the lives of hemodialysis patients. Meeting multiple targets simultaneously was associated with improved survival rates, with a 51% higher risk of death for those who failed to meet any targets.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have performed the first computational analysis of transient interactions between proteins, unveiling molecular mechanisms involved in specificity. The study reveals that contextual residues determine protein recognition, with implications for drug design and cellular network resilience.
Researchers at Rockefeller University tested Ceftobiprole against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, achieving a 100% kill rate. The new antibiotic successfully targeted the gene that confers resistance, offering hope in combating staphylococcal infections worldwide.
Researchers found that under certain conditions, a molecule can jump forward instead of backward when collided with another atom. This 'tug-of-war' behavior is crucial for understanding chemical reactions and their mechanics.
Researchers isolated over two dozen novel compounds that could serve as backup anti-viral drugs against avian flu. These compounds showed potentially stronger or equal inhibition than current remedies, including Tamiflu and Relenza.
Duke University scientists discovered how the herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) hides during its inactive phase, using molecular understanding to provide a framework for studying latent viruses. The findings also offer hope for a potential cure by activating and killing the dormant virus with a new drug.
The ETH Zurich and IBM team developed a breakthrough method that combines density measurements with large-scale mechanical analysis of the inner-bone microstructure. This allows clinicians to detect osteoporotic damage more precisely and adjust surgical plates accordingly.
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that quantum dots can penetrate rat skin if there is an abrasion, providing insight into potential workplace concerns. The study shows that even minor cuts or scratches could allow these nanoparticles to penetrate deep into the viable dermal layer and potentially reach the bloodstream.
A team of undergraduate students from UC San Diego has developed a new area of bioinformatics called comparative proteogenomics, which analyzes multiple genomes and proteomes simultaneously. This approach improves genomic and proteomic annotations, unlocking biological mysteries and addressing difficult problems in the field.
A new treatment combining immunosuppressant drugs targeting different immune system parts improves remission rates and reduces side effects for patients with severe lupus nephritis. The therapy shows superior results compared to traditional treatments, achieving complete remission in 65% of patients within nine months.
A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that patients harboring MRSA for long periods are at increased risk of developing infections, including pneumonia and bloodstream events. The study showed that nearly a quarter of MRSA-colonized patients developed infections within a year or more after colonization was confirmed.
A new study found that calorie restriction, reducing daily intake by 300-500 calories, can lower levels of thyroid hormone T3 in humans. This decrease may slow metabolism and tissue aging. The researchers suggest this strategy could be a promising approach to slowing the aging process.
Scientists at WashU Medicine have successfully directed mouse embryonic stem cells to build the heart using the Mesp1 gene, a crucial discovery that may lead to new therapies using human stem cells. The study found that Mesp1 regulates cardiovascular fate restriction and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in differentiating ES cells.
Researchers analyzed data from the 90+ Study, finding that 45% of women over 90 had dementia, compared to 28% of men. The study highlights concerns about healthcare resources for the growing 'oldest old' population.
Monash University scientists have initiated a clinical trials program for a footrot vaccine using reverse vaccinology to identify potential antigens. The goal is to develop a cross-protective vaccine that could significantly reduce the financial impact of footrot on the Australian wool and livestock industry.
Researchers at USC have identified a specific tumor suppressor called UVRAG, which regulates membrane traffic routes for cellular cleaning and recycling. The study found that UVRAG facilitates autophagosome formation and maturation, and is connected to endocytic trafficking.
A team of Oregon researchers discovered a computational mechanism in roundworms that enables them to find food and avoid poisons. The study used imaging and molecular tools to identify two chemosensory neurons that act like on/off switches, regulating behavior.
The DOE JGI has announced 44 DNA sequencing projects to explore the genetic potential of various organisms, including pine trees, duckweed, and microalgae. These projects will generate over 60 billion nucleotides of data, roughly equivalent to 20 human genomes.
The GLAST Mission Operations Center (MOC) at NASA Goddard is responsible for several aspects of the GLAST mission, including command planning and monitoring the Large Area Telescope's health and safety. The observatory is commanded from MOC and is receiving high-quality data, enabling optimal science return.
Scientists have made direct measurements of the solar wind termination shock using Voyager 2 data, which could help understand how cosmic rays are produced. The observations reveal intense plasma wave turbulence and unexpected effects, sparking revisions to theories.
Research finds that extreme climate conditions can create conditions for diseases normally tolerated singly to converge and cause mass die-offs in wildlife. In a study on Serengeti lions, researchers linked deadly outbreaks of canine distemper virus to debilitated prey populations and heavy tick infestations after droughts and floods.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a computational tool to study complex units of clustered genes called operons in bacteria. The tool allows scientists to analyze many bacterial genomes at once and is more accurate than previous methods.
Researchers found that current mathematical models overlook random differences between individuals in a given population, leading to underestimated extinction risks. The study's results suggest that factors such as sex ratio variations and physical variation within populations can significantly impact extinction rates.
Scientists found that delaying childbirth has contributed to rising caesarean sections, with advancing maternal age associated with impaired uterine function. The study suggests that understanding the effects of age on childbirth is crucial in addressing increasing rates of intervention in pregnancy.
Researchers are gathering genetic samples from 10,000 people across Australia to investigate the possible genetic causes of cerebral palsy. The study aims to identify specific genetic mutations that may lead to the condition, with the goal of developing potential disease preventions and treatments.
A recent study found that green tea rapidly improves the function of endothelial cells lining the circulatory system. The consumption of green tea resulted in increased brachial artery dilatation, indicating improved endothelial function. This is significant as endothelial dysfunction is a key event in the progression of atherosclerosis.
Researchers use twin STEREO spacecraft to detect neutral atoms and map the energized particles at the edge of the solar system. The findings clear up a discrepancy in energy dumped into space by decelerating solar wind, and provide new insights into the heliosheath and its structure.
A clinical trial found that motesanib diphosphate, a VEGF inhibitor, slowed disease progression in some patients with metastatic thyroid cancer. The study also identified a genetic mutation associated with better response rates, offering potential for personalized therapy.
Chemists at Ohio State University have successfully created synthetic molecules that can change shape to suit a particular chemical reaction, similar to natural enzymes. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new catalysts for the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
Researchers have developed a haplotype map of the human genome to study genetic diseases. The Cold Spring Harbor Protocols journal provides step-by-step instructions for analyzing HapMap data using tools like the Genome Browser and DDDP methods.
Research finds that dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) can reduce the need for hand-weeding by suppressing weeds in container-grown ornamentals. When applied to the soil surface, DDGS was found to be effective in controlling common chickweed and annual bluegrass without causing injury to plants.
The American Society of Hematology's Clinical Research Training Institute is providing a unique year-long education and mentoring program for promising hematologists. Participants will receive tools to develop their research skills and work on proposed clinical projects with expert faculty guidance.
A team of researchers at the University of Rhode Island is working on developing a new variety of salt-tolerant grass that can thrive in roadside environments. The project focuses on identifying a salt tolerance limit for native and ornamental turf grasses, with the ultimate goal of improving highway maintenance.