A study found that depression and antidepressants significantly increase the risk of falls among older people. SSRIs were associated with a 66% higher risk of falls. Effective prevention programs include home assessments and modifications to reduce hazards. Family members must be involved in fall prevention strategies.
A new study published in JAMA found that patients with depression are more likely to develop type-2 diabetes, and those with type-2 diabetes are also at a higher risk for developing depression. The study used data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) to investigate this connection.
Researchers have identified potential biomarkers for growth hormone that could aid in detecting doping in athletes. Several proteins increased or decreased in the blood of mice treated with growth hormone, offering new possibilities for testing.
Researchers at MIT discovered a new compound, cDPCP, that targets colorectal cells more effectively than oxaliplatin, potentially sparing other body tissues from damage. The study found that cDPCP requires the assistance of organic cation transporters to enter cells.
Experts propose measuring only systolic blood pressure in patients aged 50+, as it's a better predictor of risk and simplifies communication with patients. This shift could lead to improved treatment outcomes, reduced disease rates, and increased focus on systolic hypertension.
A new study predicts a shortage of primary care physicians in the US, with an expected increase of 29% in doctor visits and less than 5% in supply by 2025. The researchers call for incentives to increase numbers of primary care practitioners and development of new models of primary care.
EuroDYNA stimulates interaction among Collaborative Research Projects (CRPs) in chromatin structure and gene regulation. The programme creates European momentum behind research into chromatin structure and gene regulation.
The article highlights the alarming growth of the human growth hormone (hGH) industry, worth $2 billion annually. Deceptive marketing by anti-aging clinics and compounding pharmacies has led to increased distribution of hGH for non-approved uses, posing significant health risks, including cancer.
The Woods Institute has awarded grants to 17 Stanford faculty members to develop a campus-wide research agenda on the sustainable built environment. The research will focus on enhancing sustainability in buildings, infrastructure, and cities.
A new study suggests that weight loss after gastric bypass surgery may improve immune function, protecting against cancer and infections. The study found that surgically induced weight loss increased the activity of natural killer cells, which play a critical role in controlling infections and cancer.
Researchers at UC San Diego used electron microscopy and computer reconstruction to visualize the protein envelope of an asymmetrical virus and its packed DNA. The study reveals a 'toroid' shape in the neck of the virus, where the DNA twists tightly into a coil that keeps it securely inside.
The study found that patients aged 50 had the highest costs, while those claiming benefits also experienced increased costs due to unemployment, low education, and living alone. Effective prevention programs can lower expenses in both private and public sectors.
A new study found that chronic alcohol abuse can decrease levels of genes needed for brain cells to respond to insulin/IGF, leading to neurodegeneration. Insulin resistance in the cerebellum and frontal lobe was associated with loss of neurons and decreased levels of neurotransmitters.
A new study found that olmesartan medoxomil effectively reverses the narrowing of arteries in patients with high blood pressure. The one-year study showed significant improvements in vascular function and structure compared to a beta-blocker, providing hope for treating this common condition.
Research by Mayo Clinic found that people with lower incomes and education levels are more likely to die after a heart attack. The study analyzed data from 705 patients treated for heart attack between 2002 and 2006, showing survival rates were lowest for those with the lowest income and education.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed an automated technique using wavelets to analyze brain tumors, providing a preliminary diagnosis in seconds. The method improves upon existing methods by analyzing hundreds of slides with millions of pixels, increasing accuracy and reducing analysis time.
A literature review by Johns Hopkins researchers found that hydroxyurea significantly reduces the frequency of intense sickle cell crises and hospital admissions by 68-84% and 18-32%, respectively. However, potential risks include impaired sperm development and unclear effects on leukemia risk.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a panel of seven biomarkers that can predict prostate cancer recurrence with 86 percent accuracy. This finding holds promise for personalized medicine and targeted therapy, potentially improving treatment outcomes and patient care.
A study examining two medications and two behavioral treatments found that medication adherence is still essential for success in treating alcohol dependence. High medication adherents fared better than low adherents across all treatment combinations.
Researchers used DNA barcoding to identify 190 species of Canadian freshwater fish, representing a significant advance for conservation practices. The approach was successful in 93% of cases, offering promise for species-level identification and management.
A new study found that laparoscopic gastric banding surgery improves the health of morbidly obese teenagers just six months after the procedure. The patients experienced significant improvement in measures of medical disorders, including abdominal fat, triglycerides, and blood sugar levels.
A study by researchers from UWM found that a specific version of the DRD4 gene appears to have different effects depending on one's environment. In nomadic Ariaal men with the 7R allele variant, this gene is linked to better health and nourishment.
A worldwide literature review suggests that increased cannabis potency is not a driving factor behind mental health problems. In some countries, like the US and Netherlands, THC levels have risen, but this variation is greater than over years or decades.
A Finnish study has found that hazardous drinking is common among the general population, with 5.8% of participants meeting the criteria. Hazardous drinkers are at risk but not yet dependent on alcohol, and may not experience significant harm despite their heavy consumption.
Researchers at the University of Alberta found that sprinters closest to the starter pistol had significantly lower reaction times than those farther away. The study suggests that procedures used in Olympic sprint events may give runners closer to the starter an advantage.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with mutations in the RAS gene are more likely to be cured when treated with high doses of cytarabine. Testing for RAS mutations may help doctors identify which AML patients should receive this therapy.
A study found that radiation treatment after radical prostatectomy was associated with a significant increase in prostate cancer-specific and overall survival. Men with rapid PSA doubling time or high Gleason score benefited from early salvage radiotherapy, which improved survival by over 75%.
Researchers from Penn Medicine found that increased activity of the Wnt pathway leads to expansion of lung stem cells. This discovery could hold promise for therapies to repair lung tissue after injury or disease.
Chimpanzee females employ copulation calls strategically to minimize social competition, particularly with other females. This behavioral adaptation allows them to secure the protective support of high-ranking males, thereby reducing risks associated with female-female competition.
A study of 635 men found that radiation therapy significantly prolongs survival in those with recurrent prostate cancer, particularly those with rapidly growing tumors. This breakthrough suggests that radiation can be a life-extending treatment option for these patients.
A study published in JAMA found that treated type 2 diabetes is associated with a higher risk of developing depression, while untreated diabetes has no significant link. The study suggests that psychological stress from managing diabetes may contribute to elevated depressive symptoms.
Restoring normal testosterone levels in hypogonadal men leads to major improvements in metabolic syndrome features. Older men (63+) benefit equally as younger men from testosterone treatment, according to studies presented at The Endocrine Society's 90th Annual Meeting.
A new study from Australia found that obese individuals feel a culture of blame and are often disrespected by medical practitioners. The study suggests that health care providers should do a more thorough assessment of the needs of individual obese patients, addressing social and psychological issues.
The study introduces HB-19, an experimental synthetic molecule that inhibits both tumor cell growth and angiogenesis. In mice models, HB-19 treatment suppresses tumor development and eliminates measurable tumors without toxicity.
A new oral formulation of vitamin B12 has shown promise in improving absorption rates without the need for invasive injections. The eligen technology has been tested in animal studies and is currently being conducted in human trials.
The Shilatifard Lab discovered that ELL plays a critical role in regulating gene expression by causing temporary interruptions of Pol II transcription in fruit flies. This finding has implications for understanding the pathogenesis of childhood leukemia and developing targeted therapeutics.
Octopus brains utilize activity-dependent long-term synaptic potentiation (LTP) to store and recall memories, with findings suggesting a segregation of short and long-term memory systems. This process is comparable to that discovered in vertebrate brains, yet operates differently due to the octopus's unique brain anatomy.
A new study uses computer-aided content analysis to reveal language differences between stakeholders in environmental conflicts, such as the hedgehog culling debate. The tool has great potential to reduce conflicts and promote dialogue among stakeholder groups.
Researchers suggest a new evolutionary model for male homosexuality, involving genetically-based 'sexually antagonistic selection' that promotes female fecundity. This model provides insight into the origins and dynamics of male homosexuality in human populations.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers found a consistent relationship between childhood blood pressure levels and adult blood pressure. Children with elevated blood pressure often grow up to become adults with elevated blood pressure.
A study published by The Endocrine Society found that a mother's prenatal diet high in fat can lead to an early onset of puberty in her child, increasing the risk of adulthood obesity. The research also showed alterations in sex hormones and higher body fat levels in adult offspring.
Researchers developed a computer-based method called CoMet to analyze cellular activity and predict anti-tumor activity of metabolites. The tool identified nine metabolites that exhibit anticancer properties when added to leukemia cells.
A study found that metformin treatment delayed menstruation and decreased insulin resistance in young girls at risk of early puberty. The treatment also reduced abdominal fat and improved cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of future heart disease.
Research reveals that olfactory bulb volume changes in response to individual sense of smell changes. Patients with reduced or lost sense of smell show varying increases and decreases in olfactory bulb size. The correlation between olfactory bulb volume and function may aid in predicting disease prognosis.
A new study found that Mexico's southern region has the highest rates of infectious and nutritional diseases, as well as non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. The study also identified being overweight, high blood glucose, and alcohol use as major risk factors for these diseases.
Researchers developed a promising new technique to track genetically engineered cells using antibody fragments as reporter genes, which could advance disease treatment. The technique offers several advantages over existing methods, including improved specificity and accuracy.
A recent study highlights the need for better treatments for malaria in pregnancy, where the use of new medicines is often restricted due to limited clinical data. The authors argue that this 'catch-22' situation can lead to inferior drugs being prescribed, putting pregnant women's lives at risk.
Researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine identify adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) as a central organizer of neuronal cholinergic synapse assembly. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms directing synapse formation, potentially shedding new insights into learning and memory disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and schi...
Researchers used PET imaging to detect structural and functional alterations in the circulatory system of asymptomatic diabetic patients. The study found that PET revealed coronary vascular dysfunction as a precursor to coronary artery disease, which may precede structural changes in the arterial wall.
Researchers are developing unique brain maps using microscopic imaging to enhance accuracy of brain surgery and disease diagnosis. The new technology will revolutionize the field by providing detailed views of individual brains.
A team of European astronomers has discovered a triple system of super-Earths around the star HD 40307 using the HARPS instrument. The planets have masses between 4.2 and 9.4 times that of Earth, and orbit the star with periods ranging from 4.3 to 20.4 days.
Researchers used PET imaging to assess the effects of methylphenidate on brain function in healthy adults. The study found that MP improved performance in those who needed it, but deteriorated it in others.
A gene variation called alternative splicing may explain why some people don't respond well to cholesterol-lowering drugs. Researchers found that this variation accounted for 9% of the reduced power of statins in lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels.
A study of over 7,600 Swedish twins found that genetic factors and the individual's unique environment play a significant role in determining their choice of sexual partner. The results suggest that familial and public attitudes have a minimal impact on this decision.
Older adults experience increased bone loss, but antiresorptive medications can attenuate this process. Researchers found that even in women aged 50-54, bone loss was only 1.3% per year.
Researchers developed a method to track mesenchymal stem cells in tumors using noninvasive molecular imaging technology. The technique offers promise for personalized medicine and gene-modified stem cell therapies to fight cancer.
Researchers found that hormone replacement therapy maintained coronary endothelial function, while those without HRT experienced worsening endothelium function. Postmenopausal women who gave up HRT demonstrated the most severe drop in endothelial function.
Researchers have identified a new family of compounds that can effectively treat estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers resistant to tamoxifen. The compounds, including TPBM and related agents, work by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells stimulated by estrogen.
Researchers developed a therapeutic system targeting HIF-1 activated cancer cells, showing success in laboratory tests. The system uses a reporter gene to detect and treat hypoxic cancer cells that are resistant to traditional treatments.
A new gene therapy has helped pet dogs with cancer live longer by increasing muscle strength and correcting common complications. The treatment has been shown to improve quality of life and survival rates, with 54% of dogs responding to the therapy and surviving 84% longer.