A new drug, JPC-2056, is 10 times more effective than the current gold-standard treatment for toxoplasmosis and has no toxicity. It inhibits the action of an enzyme produced by the parasite, making it a promising treatment option.
A provocative study by Dan Ariely found that a 10-cent pill is less effective at killing pain than a $2.50 pill, even when they are identical placebos. The study suggests that patients' subjective ratings of pain are influenced by the perceived quality and cost of medications.
A genome-wide association study on Parkinson's disease has made its raw data available to researchers through the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The study, funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, provides valuable insights into the genetic factors underlyi...
A new device containing human kidney cells has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of death from acute kidney injury. The device, called Renal Assist Device, was tested on 40 patients and found to improve recovery rates and reduce mortality by half.
Rep. Bart Gordon to receive George E. Brown Jr. Science, Engineering and Technology Leadership Award for his leadership in ensuring US global leadership in science and innovation. The award coincides with the 50th anniversary of the House Science and Technology Committee.
Researchers found that changes in dissolved organic matter affect coral bacterial communities, potentially leading to disease and reef deterioration. Shifts in microbial populations may be out-competed by problematic bacteria, exacerbated by rising temperatures.
A three-year study at seven major universities reveals that children motivated in the arts develop attention skills and strategies for memory retrieval that also apply to other subject areas. The research identifies eight key points relevant to interests of parents, students, educators, neuroscientists, and policy makers.
A new study by Rush University Medical Center found that women are significantly less likely to be treated with statins, aspirin, and beta-blockers for coronary artery disease compared to men. Despite similar prevalence of adverse drug reactions, the study suggests underutilization of medical therapies may contribute to this disparity.
Researchers identified common genes influencing personality and predisposing people to happiness. The 'affective reserve' of happiness can be called upon in stressful times, suggesting a heritable component of well-being.
Scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine identify genetic variations influencing human longevity. The study found that female children of centenarians had higher IGF-I plasma levels, suggesting a possible compensation mechanism for impaired growth.
Children and adolescents at high risk for substance-use disorder show deficits in executive cognitive function, including reduced frontal brain activation. Researchers used fMRI to assess eye movements and found a link between brain functioning and SUD risk.
Researchers have identified 18 plants with substantial anti-cancer properties, including Rangoon Creeper and Red-Root Sage, which outperform conventional treatments against specific tumor cell lines.
Researchers found that PPARÓ plays a protective role in the blood vessel wall, regulating vascular structure and function. This discovery provides a molecular explanation for some of the beneficial cardiovascular effects of TZD drugs.
A national study found that patients with high cholesterol who received nutrition counseling from registered dietitians were able to reach their LDL cholesterol goal in approximately eight months. The study, which included data from 377 patients, showed significant reductions in cholesterol levels and weight loss among those who follow...
A study at the University of Illinois Chicago found a key molecular event in the brain that links anxiety with alcohol addiction. The researchers discovered a protein called Arc that is produced in response to alcohol exposure, which helps reduce anxiety-like symptoms. Restoring levels of this protein may help alleviate withdrawal-indu...
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a sticky blood protein that regulates serotonin transporter activity, potentially contributing to autism. The discovery may lead to new treatments for autism and depression.
Researchers found that body movements reflect confidence in learning tasks using the Wiiimote, suggesting a link between cognition and action. The study provides new evidence for the deep interconnection between mental processing and bodily movement.
The new method allows researchers to localize pigments with similar fluorescence spectra, providing insights into photosynthesis and cellular function. The study reveals compositional heterogeneity between thylakoid rings, with different processes in photosynthesis occurring in different areas of the membranes.
Researchers aim to understand how a small minority of HIV-positive individuals remain healthy despite years of infection. The new grant will recruit 2,000 participants and compare DNA from elite controllers to those with progressive HIV infection to identify genetic factors behind viremic control.
A study found that adding gemcitabine to chemoradiation improved survival rates for pancreatic cancer patients who had surgery, but the benefit was not statistically significant. The treatment reduced local relapse and systemic metastasis in patients.
Researchers found that healthy coral polyps rely on both photosynthetic carbon from algae and feeding-derived carbon for survival. The study suggests a key role for this dual carbon source in coral recovery from bleaching, with implications for the management of these critical ecosystems.
Researchers at Brown University have found that schistosomiasis japonica is significantly more debilitating than previously thought, with a 0.098-0.186 disability impact score. The study's findings suggest that current measures of the disease's burden may underestimate its true impact.
A long-term study has found mercury levels impacting common loons' health, reproductive success, and behavior. Loons with high mercury levels spend less time at nests and produce fewer young, while also experiencing sluggishness and flight issues.
A small study has found that marijuana use does not significantly increase the risk of head and neck cancer. The relative risk was the same as in non-users, unlike smoking cigarettes and heavy alcohol consumption, which were linked to increased cancer risks. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
Researchers found that tobacco hornworm caterpillars could be trained to avoid specific odors, and adult moths emerged from the pupae of these caterpillars also avoided the same odors. The study suggests that memory retention is dependent on the maturity of the developing caterpillar's brain.
A dietary supplement containing blueberry, green tea, vitamin D3, and carnosine extracts has been shown to reduce neural damage and motor deficits in animal models after a simulated stroke. The study found that the supplement increased new neuron production and was 100 times more potent than individual ingredients.
A study found that drinking in these settings increases aggression, especially for women, and that attending parties can also increase aggression. The researchers suggest that prevention programs focusing on preparing women for the risks associated with drinking at parties might help reduce their likelihood of experiencing aggression.
Researchers found that genetic material exchange between closely related influenza A virus strains may have caused the 1947 and 1951 human flu epidemics, challenging the long-held belief that reassortment events lead to severe pandemics.
A recent study found that post-menopausal women who stopped taking combined hormone therapy experienced an increased risk of all cancers, including lung cancer. The research, led by Rowan T. Chlebowski, confirms previous findings on the risks of hormone therapy.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that the PPAR gamma protein regulates blood pressure and vascular function, shedding light on why certain diabetes medications also lower blood pressure. The discovery may lead to more specific treatments for cardiovascular diseases associated with type II diabetes.
The American Chemical Society's 235th national meeting will present hundreds of newsworthy topics, including a new test for gunshot residue and blood from the American alligator being used as a medical lifesaver. Researchers will also showcase discoveries in chemistry and other fields, such as technology to turn waste CO2 into DVDs and...
A new study reveals schistosomiasis japonica has a substantially higher disability impact, estimated to be 0.098-0.186 DALY, compared to the current low estimate of 0.005. This finding suggests the disease burden may need to be revised, with policymakers needing to prioritize control measures.
Research on 44,751 students from 1979-2004 shows that deviance-prone male youth are more likely to use marijuana when social acceptance is high. In contrast, deviance-prone female teens consistently use marijuana regardless of national trends, suggesting a lack of response to social pressures.
Researchers at UCSF have developed a new model for estimating breast cancer risk, incorporating breast density and ethnicity, which is well-calibrated and reasonably accurate across risk factor subgroups. The model may one day be used to calculate a woman's risk for breast cancer during mammograms.
Researchers found that tiny fluctuations in car-road density cause a chain reaction leading to traffic jams. A critical density threshold exists, and once exceeded, gentle braking causes a standstill.
The new device can detect 24 pathogens, including anthrax, plague, and E. coli, and identify them within three minutes, significantly advancing current detection times.
The journal, launched by Mongabay.com, will publish original research papers and reviews on tropical forest and ecosystem conservation. It aims to stimulate publications addressing social, economic, and industrial drivers impacting tropical ecosystems.
Researchers discovered a solitary chemosensory cell plays a crucial role in transmitting irritating chemical odors to the trigeminal nerve. This finding expands our understanding of olfaction and may lead to a better understanding of why some people are exceptionally sensitive to irritating odors.
Researchers found that mice treated with rimonabant, a cannabinoid receptor blocker, developed resistant livers to alcohol's fat-building effects. This discovery suggests that treating fatty liver with CB1 antagonists may slow its progression and prevent severe liver disease.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a magnetic levitation-based haptic interface that provides a highly realistic sense of touch. This device uses magnetic levitation and a single moving part to give users a realistic experience, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical components.
Researchers found non-polypoid (flat) colon lesions are relatively common and more likely to contain cancerous tissue than polypoid lesions. The study estimated the prevalence of NP-CRNs to be 9.35% and found that depressed-type NP-CRNs had a higher risk of containing cancer.
A participatory action research project aims to reduce ethnic group conflicts among adolescents by using trust-building exercises, conflict resolution training, and empowering youth to participate in dialogues. The study suggests a promising approach for fostering positive intergroup relations.
A research team led by the Genome Institute of Singapore found that a molecular alliance between specific proteins known as transcription factors sustains the pluripotent embryonic stem cell state. The team identified Klf2 and Klf5 as redundant molecules that substitute for Klf4, maintaining the ES cell state.
A combination therapy of Prostacyclin, Sildenafil, and Bosentan improved a young male patient with severe portopulmonary hypertension, allowing him to undergo liver transplantation. The therapy was also used post-transplant to maintain his health.
A follow-up study of WHI participants found an increased risk of invasive breast cancer and other cancers in women taking estrogen plus progestin. The risk of heart disease, stroke, and blood clots decreased after the intervention was stopped.
A follow-up study of the Women's Health Initiative confirms that long-term use of combination hormone therapy in healthy postmenopausal women increases risks of heart disease, stroke, and blood clots. After stopping hormone therapy, cardiovascular disease risk decreases but overall risks remain high.
A study published in AIDS found that neural progenitor cells can form HIV reservoirs in the brain, similar to astrocytes. These cells have the potential to replicate the virus and transmit it outside the brain. Researchers hope to investigate how to protect these cells from the virus and develop new treatments.
A University of Michigan study found significant achievement gaps within racial and ethnic groups, but also showed that substantial numbers of children catch up to high achievers in their groups over time. The study analyzed reading and math achievement data for a national sample of 8,060 students, revealing patterns of high achievers ...
Resilient children of alcoholics have greater control over emotional responses due to enhanced activity in the orbitofrontal cortex and insula, while vulnerable COAs struggle with processing negative emotions. This may lead to differences in behavior and risk of developing alcohol-use disorders.
Researchers have found that humans can filter out background noise and focus on a single speaker's voice due to unique temporal fine structures in voiced speech. Long-range inhibitory interactions in the auditory cortex enable this selective representation.
Researchers have developed a new system to improve hearing in patients with cochlear implants, analyzing Compound Action Potential records and voice processor programming. The study found that refractory periods decrease with auditory experience, reaching a stable value after 3-4 months.
Researchers found that viruses infecting bacteria in the region are unrelated to their counterparts globally, with only 5% shared DNA sequences. This contradicts previous studies suggesting widespread dispersal and uniformity of viral genotypes worldwide.
Scientists at the Salk Institute have identified PPAR delta as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that can slow down lesion progression and reduce plaque buildup in arteries. Activating this protein may offer a novel approach to treating metabolic syndrome and its associated cardiovascular risks.
Researchers found that ancient sediment cores indicate the arctic tundra burned frequently in the past, with some fires occurring as often as every 30 years. A warming climate could make this type of burning more common, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere.
A network of seismic instruments has been placed around Panama's Baru Volcano to help detect eruptions and mitigate danger. The Panamanian government funded the instrumentation, completed by the University of Panama's Department of Geosciences, in response to a joint study that revealed the volcano's potential for future eruptions.
A follow-up study of women who stopped taking hormone therapy after a clinical trial found an increased risk of cancer, with higher rates of invasive breast cancer and other cancers. Cardiovascular events were comparable between the two groups.