A new species of neotropical treefrog has been discovered that can reproduce both aquatic and terrestrial ways. Researchers found that this frog makes a behavioral decision to lay egg masses aquatically in a pond or terrestrially on overhanging plants, allowing it to avoid predators and extreme temperatures.
A new study found that elderly patients with brain tumors aged 75 and older do not receive aggressive treatments like younger patients. However, treating these patients aggressively with multi-modality therapies can lead to better survival rates without affecting mental abilities or causing unbearable side effects.
Researchers have developed a chemically modified protein that neutralizes inhibitor antibodies in people with Hemophilia A, offering a potential new treatment option. The modified protein, called electrophilic FVIII analog (E-FVIII), permanently inactivates these antibodies, paving the way for more effective blood clotting correction.
The Phase 3 study evaluated two doses of GATTEX and showed that it was generally well-tolerated and effective in reducing PN requirements. Forty-six percent of low-dose patients responded and achieved a significant reduction in PN compared to placebo, with increases in trunk lean body mass and plasma citrulline also observed.
A new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill suggests that radiofrequency ablation is a highly effective treatment for dysplasia in people with Barrett's esophagus. The procedure destroyed up to 85% of abnormal cells, leaving behind no evidence of Barrett's in 74% of patients.
Researchers found that activating the c-Jun gene in cultured neurons with Schwann cells promotes dedifferentiation and speeds nerve healing. The study suggests a new potential target for understanding and treating diseases like Charcot-Marie Tooth disease and Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Researchers found that markers of oxidative stress were positively associated with declines in lung function five years later. The study used data from the CARDIA cohort and found associations between oxidized LDL and lower lung function in both men and women, but particularly in women.
A study found that using silver-coated endotracheal tubes reduced ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) rates by nearly 40% and highly resistant infection rates by less than half. The average costs associated with VAP treatment were also significantly reduced due to the impact on length of stay in ICU.
Researchers at UT Medical School in Houston found that knowing a blood relative with shingles doubles one's risk of getting the condition. The study recommends vaccination for individuals with family history to prevent shingles outbreaks.
Researchers found that polyalkylimide implants can cause infrequent but sometimes severe immune-related adverse effects, including swelling, hardening, and systemic symptoms, in patients who received these fillers at least 12 months prior.
Case Western Reserve University astronomers have upgraded their telescope to detect intracluster light, a type of starlight formed during galaxy collisions. The new camera system allows them to measure the color of these stars, which can indicate the age of the Virgo cluster.
The USGS Great Lakes Beach Health Initiative aims to enhance water-quality forecasting and provide decision-making tools for effective beach closure management. Scientists will focus on improving models, identifying pathogen processes, and evaluating rapid monitoring methods.
New study identifies IKK(beta) protein as key driver of pro-tumor switch in macrophages, which halts production of anti-tumor genes. Inactivating IKK(beta) reprograms macrophages into tumor killers, attracting professional immune cells to shrink tumors.
The study found that aging is associated with more positive than negative emotions, and more passive than active emotions. Women had more negative than positive emotions, and participants with higher income and education levels had significantly more positive emotions.
Researchers discovered that luteolin, a plant flavonoid found in celery and green peppers, can disrupt the inflammatory response in the brain. The study found that luteolin significantly reduced inflammation by inhibiting the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in microglial cells and mice.
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital confirms the benefits of surgery for patients with persistent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. Most patients reported improved quality-of-life scores and high satisfaction rates with their long-term results, suggesting that antireflux surgery is an excellent treatment alternative.
Researchers found that abnormal 'editing' of gene messages in a type of white blood cell may be behind the development of lupus. This could lead to earlier diagnosis and monitoring of patients' responses to therapy.
Researchers have identified a specific gene expression profile of prostate cancer stem cells, revealing key pathways and potential therapeutic targets. The study's findings offer new hope for treatments targeting the rare but aggressive cancer stem cells.
Patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication have low re-operation rates and high patient satisfaction rates, with most achieving near normal GERD-HRQL scores at long-term follow-up. BMI appears to be an important factor in predicting long-term outcomes for these patients.
A new study by LA BioMed researcher Rajnish Mehrotra found that black patients with early-stage chronic kidney disease are 78% more likely to die than whites. The study suggests that socio-economic factors such as poverty, lack of education and medical insurance contribute to the higher mortality rates among blacks.
A genetic test has shown promise in predicting lung cancer recurrence in early-stage patients. The test uses five high-risk gene signatures to identify patients at highest risk of cancer return, potentially leading to more aggressive treatment.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a new version of the adeno-associated virus used in gene therapy that works more efficiently than current vectors. By replacing an amino acid on the surface of the virus, they were able to improve its ability to deliver genes into cells and reduce the risk of triggering an immune ...
A study funded by the Economic & Social Research Council suggests that everyday fears of crime are often linked to anxiety about social stability and neighbourhood breakdown. Researchers found that people's experiences of fear and anxiety are complex and multifaceted, rather than solely driven by concerns about immediate threats.
Researchers discovered the Ashwell receptor's essential role in reducing coagulation abnormalities during infection and sepsis, significantly improving survival. The receptor triggers a protective response, limiting lethal side effects by removing pro-coagulation factors from circulation.
A study of caregivers of deceased lung transplant patients found that they reported poorly controlled symptoms and a worse quality of dying and death process, leading to significant depressive and PTSD symptoms. The researchers highlight the urgent need for improved support systems to alleviate caregiver stress.
Researchers at Yerkes National Primate Research Center have developed the first transgenic nonhuman primate model of Huntington's disease, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder. The model is expected to help researchers better understand the disease and develop more effective therapies.
A study published by the American Thoracic Society found that men with community-acquired pneumonia are more likely to die within a year due to their sicker condition and increased risk of complications. Despite receiving more aggressive medical care, men still face a higher mortality rate compared to women.
A study of children with sickle cell disease found a significant decline in lung function over time, with an average loss of 2 percent per year of total lung capacity. The decline is characterized by a restrictive pattern, and certain hemoglobin-beta genotypes are associated with increased risk.
A new report from Research Australia reveals a strong link between childhood ear infections and exposure to passive tobacco smoke. The study found that Aboriginal children were more likely to develop middle ear infections and experience hearing loss due to early exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.
Researchers have created a genetically altered monkey model that replicates symptoms of Huntington's disease, allowing for a deeper understanding of the disease mechanisms. This breakthrough could lead to major advances in developing new treatments for neurological diseases.
A new study found that swimming pools in remote Aboriginal communities significantly reduced skin, ear, and chest infections. Infections were more than halved in both Jigalong and Mugarinya communities. The pools also provided social hubs and employment opportunities while reducing clinic visits and antibiotic prescriptions.
A genome-wide study has identified a new gene on chromosome 20 that influences a person's risk of developing melanoma. This finding holds implications for the general population, with the associated genetic variations being found in 16% of people who are at nearly double the increased risk of developing the disease.
Researchers found that NSAIDs can reduce adenoma burden by 64% and prevent advanced adenomatous polyp detection by 35%. Additionally, celecoxib has shown promise in preventing post-ERCP pancreatitis.
Researchers found that stroke patients with obstructive sleep apnea die earlier than those without the condition. Those with a higher apnea-hypopnea index were at greater risk of early death, indicating the importance of treating sleep disorder to extend lives.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a computer-based simulation program, CASPER, to help patients with asthma manage their disease. The program allows patients to practice making key decisions in a safe, simulated environment, improving their ability to consistently treat their asthma.
A study found that mothers' prenatal stress may increase their babies' sensitivity to allergen exposure and future asthma risk. High levels of IgE expression in cord blood were observed among infants whose mothers experienced higher levels of stress, even with low dust mite exposure.
Researchers found that CPAP treatment resulted in an average 2mmHg drop in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure at the end of the year. The study suggests that CPAP can be used to reduce cardiovascular risk in apneic patients, beyond just treating daytime sleepiness.
A new real-time microscopic technique called confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) can identify suspicious patterns and precancerous cells, potentially eliminating the need for biopsies in many cases. CLE was found to be accurate in detecting gastrointestinal conditions with an overall accuracy rate of 91%.
A new test using galectin-3 may help identify benign thyroid nodules, reducing the need for surgery. The test showed high sensitivity and specificity, with a positive predictive value of 82%.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified a new type of immune response linked to severe asthma and COPD, enabling more precise diagnosis and targeted treatment. The study's findings promise to revolutionize the management of chronic inflammatory lung disease by detecting specific biomarkers in the lungs or bloodstream.
A University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study found that men with pneumonia are more likely to die than women, even after adjusting for health behaviors and chronic conditions. The researchers discovered differences in immune response between the sexes, which could explain the gender disparity in survival rates.
Research suggests that individuals with severe obstructive sleep apnea may experience increased physiological stress and demand for oxygen during commercial air travel, which can lead to adverse events. This study used simulated flight conditions to assess fitness to fly without supplemental oxygen.
Scientists from NASA, CDC, and University of Alabama are using public health projects that utilize NASA satellite data on air quality, climate, vegetation, and flooding to explore possible linkages with diseases like lung disease, stroke rates, and asthma.
Researchers presented preliminary results of a prospective randomized controlled trial showing NOTES to be equally successful as traditional laparoscopic surgery, but taking longer. The study also demonstrated complex surgeries can be performed via the mouth using flexible endoscopes.
A study published in Science reveals that anthropogenic nitrogen has a significant impact on ocean biology, photosynthesis, and the global carbon cycle. The research highlights how increased nitrogen deposition from human activities affects the oceans' ability to absorb CO2.
Researchers found that thymoquinone blocked pancreatic cancer cell growth and killed cells by enhancing programmed cell death, with 80% of cancer cells killed. Thymoquinone also triggered epigenetic changes, including acetylation of histones, which could lead to new cancer treatments.
New data suggests finasteride may be more effective than previously thought in preventing prostate cancer. The study analyzed over 18,000 men and found a significant reduction in aggressive tumors and an increased prevention of clinically significant disease.
Early nursing intervention and effective strategies can decrease lymphedema incidence, manage chronic lymphedema, and improve quality of life in breast cancer patients. Nurses play a crucial role in educating patients about triggers and symptoms, conducting regular assessments, and pursuing research to address this issue.
Researchers discovered a drug combination that inhibits glycolysis and intensifies cellular starvation, resulting in over 90% cell death in human tissue cultures of acute lymphocytic leukemia. The novel approach offers a promising alternative to current treatments.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) is urging comprehensive reforms to address the declining state of primary care medicine in the US. The ACP suggests that payment policies need to be restructured to prioritize patient-centered medical home models, which focus on continuous and coordinated care.
Researchers at NIST have confirmed that underground tunnels can have a frequency 'sweet spot' where signals travel several times farther than at other frequencies. The optimal frequency depends on tunnel dimensions, with a typical subway-sized tunnel finding its sweet spot in the 400 MHz to 1 GHz range.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that a bone-strengthening drug called zoledronic acid reduced the growth of breast tumor cells in bones by 23% after three months. Women treated with the drug were also less likely to develop large metastatic tumors, suggesting it may help prevent cancer spread.
A team of scientists found that intrinsic disorder in relaxor crystals leads to their extreme sensitivity to mechanical pressure or voltage. This property makes them useful for applications such as medical ultrasound imaging, loudspeakers, sonar, and computer hard drives. The research was published in Nature Materials.
A Phase II clinical trial led by researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that Iressa enhanced the effectiveness of hormonal therapy in treating specific types of metastatic breast cancer. The combination resulted in a 45% reduction in risk and improved clinical benefits for patients.
Researchers at NIST developed a new method to sort carbon nanotubes by length using high-speed centrifuges. This technique shows promise for scaling up production of high-quality nanotubes with specific lengths, crucial for various applications in electronics, medicine, and displays.
Researchers develop a biomarker to detect pleural mesothelioma through plasma osteopontin levels. NYU Cancer Institute also explores using microRNAs to discover novel biomarkers and presents a new strategy for restoring androgen sensitivity in prostate cancer, as well as a potential melanoma vaccine
A new biosensor measures the oxidation state of glutathione, an important protection molecule, to detect cellular stress. The sensor is highly sensitive and precise, allowing researchers to track short-term variations in oxidative processes.
A new study found that submucosal fibroids may migrate to the endometrial cavity after uterine artery embolization (UAE), but most are expelled spontaneously. Women can choose alternative treatments like hysteroscopic resection and/or myomectomy for better management of symptoms.
Researchers identified proteins that may serve as reliable biomarkers for Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) and its associated malignant tumors. Adrenomedullin levels were found to be significantly higher in NF1 patients and MPNST cell cultures, indicating a possible association with tumor growth.
Researchers Dekel, Jackson, and Wolinsky analyze the economics of election year promises, finding that direct vote buying involves lower costs, while campaign promises lead to higher payments for voters. The study provides insight into election strategy and its economic implications.