A multicenter trial found that breast ultrasound combined with mammography detected more cancers than mammography alone in high-risk women. The study used over 2,800 participants, including 40 diagnosed with breast cancer, and showed that breast ultrasound is a cost-effective and non-invasive screening option.
Researchers have developed a genetic trial that can identify the sex of a fetus from the eighth week of pregnancy, surpassing previous methods which required waiting until the fourth or fifth month. The method has an effectiveness rate above 98% and is based on analyzing DNA found in a pregnant woman's plasma.
Researchers identified associations between genetic variants in genes controlling affiliative behaviors and social deficits in autistic children. The strongest findings implicate the prolactin gene, oxytocin receptor gene, and prolactin receptor gene.
Researchers at UC San Diego have created experimental solar cells with nanowires that show promise as efficient thin-film solar cells of the future. The new design increases electron transport and reduces recombination, leading to a significant boost in efficiency.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified a receptor called ALK7 as crucial in regulating body fat deposition and insulin release from beta-cells. Removing the ALK7 receptor improves insulin release and decreases fat accumulation, suggesting potential new therapies for diabetes and obesity.
Queen's University Belfast has received a £900,000 grant to develop successor to the World Wide Web through Grid technology. This will provide huge processing power on tap for industry, commerce, and academic research.
Researchers are studying the effects of lunar dust on astronaut health in low-gravity environments. The study found that tiny particles can remain suspended in the airways and potentially cause lung damage for extended periods.
The report outlines the nature of Northern Ireland's productivity gap and presents potential policymaking solutions. Key sectors such as agriculture, construction, and business services are identified as areas for improvement to help halve the private sector productivity gap with the UK by 2015.
Researchers from UC Davis found that microstamping technology worked well for some guns, but poorly for others. The study tested six brands of semi-automatic handguns, two semi-automatic rifles, and a shotgun, and found varying levels of success depending on the weapon and type of code.
A study found that adding ultrasound to mammography for high-risk women increased cancer detection by 4.2 cancers per 1,000 women, while also increasing false-positive results by 10.4%. The diagnostic accuracy of combined screening was higher than mammography alone
Regulators may need to overhaul regulations for human studies, experts say, to allow patient safety research to move forward. Current rules can hinder the development of low-risk interventions that save lives and reduce costs.
The American Society for Horticultural Science has introduced a new variety of pumpkin called 'Orange Bulldog', which is resistant to viruses and suitable for Halloween carving. Developed by researchers at the University of Georgia, this new breed offers bright orange color and an open cavity making it ideal for ornamental fall displays.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that black patients are 23% less likely to receive chemotherapy and 12% less likely to receive radiation therapy for rectal cancer compared to white patients. Despite similar rates of consultation with oncologists, disparities in treatment initiation persist.
A University of Alberta study found that almost 600 recent graduates showed a significant decrease in depressive symptoms over seven years. Expressed anger declined over time after graduation, indicating improved mental health.
Researchers found that pointed wingtips and reduced weight per wing area reduce flight costs for migratory birds. Climate change may exacerbate this effect, altering bird migration patterns and energy budgets.
A middle school student collaborated with his father and researchers to develop a simplified DNA fingerprinting method using food dyes. The experiments are designed for classrooms or teachers with limited experience and can be conducted inexpensively.
The ASGE has updated its infection control guidelines to emphasize the importance of rigorous endoscope reprocessing and adherence to general infection control principles. These guidelines aim to reduce the risk of patient-to-patient transmission of microorganisms during GI endoscopy procedures.
The University of Colorado at Boulder has built a $34 million solar instrument package to monitor global climate change. The Total Solar Irradiance Sensor (TSIS) will fly on the first flight of the National Polar Orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) in 2013.
Researchers found that girls and children with exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke respond better to montelukast. The medication effectively controls asthma symptoms in these patients by reducing leukotriene levels.
Researchers have successfully treated late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL) with gene therapy, slowing disease progression in children. The treatment, which replaces the faulty CLN2 gene, demonstrated significant improvements over an 18-month period.
Women with a sister diagnosed with breast cancer face an increased risk of developing the disease throughout their lives. Regular exercise during adolescence and young adulthood is associated with a lower risk of premenopausal breast cancer. Meanwhile, disparities in rectal cancer outcomes persist despite access to oncologists, highlig...
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that a nutrition education program resulted in a benefit-to-cost ratio of $9.59 per $1, indicating significant cost-effectiveness. The program improved quality-of-life outcomes worth over $49 million, suggesting a substantial investment in public health.
The Breast Cancer Campaign emphasizes the need for improved quality of life and treatment options for survivors, citing advances in diagnosis and care. Despite increased survival rates, many survivors experience debilitating side effects such as fatigue and body image issues, affecting their psychological well-being.
Researchers found socially subordinate females consume calorie-rich foods at a higher level, leading to accelerated weight gain and increased fat-derived hormones. Dr. Wilson believes this may be linked to changes in metabolism and cortisol levels.
A clinical trial found gene therapy to be safe and effective at slowing disease progression in Batten disease, a rare genetic disorder. Neurological function was assessed using a rating scale throughout an 18-month follow-up period.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a method to align large groups of molecules using lasers, allowing for atomic-level resolution imaging without crystallization. This breakthrough could enable the study of thousands of human proteins important for drug interactions.
Researchers found that vitamin D increases expression of a key enzyme, protecting prostate cells from damage and injuries leading to cancer. Vitamin D also reduces reactive oxygen species, which can damage DNA and play a role in aging or causing cancer.
A new study sheds light on how centromeric protein E (CENP-E) orchestrates chromosome movements at a critical stage of cell division. The researchers used a technique to watch CENP-E move along its microtubule tightrope, making key observations about its movement and force production.
A randomized trial found that chronic disease management programs significantly reduced healthcare claims for low-risk patients, while having mixed results for high-risk patients. The study also showed a positive fiscal impact of chronic care management for low-risk congestive heart failure patients.
A study found that safety-net hospitals primarily treating low-income patients showed smaller quality gains in recent years. Despite incentive programs aimed at improving care, these hospitals faced increased penalties and reduced bonuses, exacerbating existing disparities.
A study found that clopidogrel reduced early thrombosis of new arteriovenous fistulas, but did not improve their maturity or suitability for use during dialysis. The treatment significantly reduced the risk of fistula thrombosis, but did not lead to a clinically meaningful increase in fistula patency.
Dr. Marrouche's pioneering work with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has improved the curative rates and safety of radiofrequency ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation. His research has led to significant reduction in complications and arrhythmia-free outcomes for patients.
Researchers pinpointed the protein FANCD2 as slowed production leads to genetic changes triggering lung cancer. Low levels of FANCD2 cause DNA damage and faulty cells committing suicide.
Bill Middleton is using satellite imagery to build a detailed landscape map of Oaxaca, where the Zapotec people formed the first state-level and urban society in Mexico. The study will explore how the Oaxacan economy and environment changed as the Zapotec state grew and then collapsed.
A study published in PLOS ONE found a widening gap in death rates between Americans with less than high school education and college graduates. The study analyzed data from 1993 to 2001 and found that mortality rates among the most educated decreased significantly, while those with less education remained relatively unchanged.
A meta-analysis found that PET imaging failed to identify 50% of occult lesions in clinically node-negative patients, while incorrectly identifying normal tissue as cancerous 13% of the time. The study suggests that FDG-PET may not improve diagnostic accuracy for early head and neck cancer
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire Glycomics Center have identified a specific carbohydrate structure that confers anti-inflammatory activity to a glycoprotein antibody. This discovery may lead to improved treatment options for autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Feldmann and Maini were selected for their role in the discovery of TNF-alpha as a therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis. Their pioneering work led to the development of anti-TNF drugs, transforming treatment for chronic inflammatory conditions.
A study has found a possible connection between long-term marijuana use and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Heavy marijuana users showed significant increases in apolipoprotein C-III levels, which may be related to the delayed breakdown of triglycerides.
The spacecraft is equipped with sun shades to block stray light from the Sun, Earth, and Moon, allowing GLAST to accurately track its orientation. Thermal blankets protect GLAST from harsh space environment conditions.
A new study found that only 113 articles about neglected tropical diseases were published in leading international media from 2003 to 2007. This lack of coverage is particularly concerning given the significant burden of NTDs on public health, including widespread illness, poverty, and suffering.
A University of Georgia study found that many female child molesters were themselves victims of childhood sexual abuse, highlighting the need for improved treatment and offender prevention therapy. The study's findings have significant implications for reducing future sexual assaults on children.
Researchers found that mantis shrimp can see colours from ultraviolet to infrared and measure four linear and two circular polarisations, enabling them to detect subtle changes in light. This unique talent presents a new concept of polarisation vision, allowing shrimps to navigate and find food more effectively.
A new study by the University of Leicester found that overconfidence among businesspeople is a major reason for venture failures in the first few years. The research shows that individuals with absolute confidence in their abilities are more likely to enter markets with limited capacity, leading to excess entry and higher failure rates.
Researchers at the University of Akron discovered that temperature and humidity significantly impact a gecko's ability to stick to glass. The study revealed that under humid conditions, geckos can cling with twice the force as in dry conditions. Conversely, high temperatures reduce their adhesion, making humidity level less crucial.
Researchers found that mice lacking a specific receptor display hyperactivity and lack inhibitory interneurons, a common deficit in schizophrenia. This study provides a potential animal model for developing new treatments for psychiatric disorders.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a gene, Pirt, that regulates a heat-activated molecular sensor, leading to variable pain sensitivity. The study found that mice lacking Pirt responded slower to heat and were less sensitive to capsaicin, suggesting Pirt's specific role in pain perception.
A nationwide study found a significant association between coarse particulate matter and increased risk of cardiovascular disease hospital admissions. The research also suggested that the risk was higher in more urban counties.
Scientists discovered that fecal bacteria survive better in sand than seawater, with higher counts in dry sand above the intertidal zone. This finding has implications for beach managers, who may need to sample water further from shore to avoid complications of bacterial run-off.
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has updated its guidelines on antibiotic prophylaxis for gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, citing a lack of data supporting the use of prophylactic antibiotics solely to prevent infective endocarditis. Clinically significant infections after endoscopic procedures are extremely rare.
Researchers found that treatment with BH4 stabilizes the pumping function of failing hearts and dramatically shrinks muscle size in a short timeframe. The study's findings offer proof of principle that damage to the heart can be stopped and reversed, providing a potential therapy for high blood pressure.
A study of nearly 65,000 women found that physical activity significantly reduces the risk of premenopausal breast cancer. Women who exercised regularly had a 23% lower risk of developing breast cancer before menopause.
A study found no significant association between exposure to coarse particulate matter and emergency hospital admissions for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. However, there was a statistically significant association between fine particulate matter and increased risk of illness and death.
Researchers found that a mixture of 70%-80% Kentucky bluegrass and 30%-20% perennial ryegrass provides the best results for football fields. Planting in late summer also yields superior turf quality compared to spring plantings.
Researchers have successfully applied DNA fingerprinting to identify viable embryos after in vitro fertilization (IVF), opening the door for more precise embryo selection. By analyzing gene expression patterns, they aim to improve IVF outcomes by reducing multiple pregnancies and increasing successful births.
A clinical trial found that adding ultrasound screening to mammography increases the detection of breast cancer, but also raises the risk of false positive findings and unnecessary biopsies. The study suggests that women at high risk of breast cancer may benefit from supplemental ultrasound screening.
Researchers successfully recorded the electrophysiology of sleep in a wild animal, three-toed sloths, and found they slept 9.63 hours per day, significantly less than captive sloths. This study provides insight into the function of sleep in mammals and challenges previous comparative studies conducted in captivity.
Researchers at University of Oklahoma discovered a chemical compound that prevents cancer in lab tests, successfully stopping normal cells from turning into cancer cells and inhibiting tumor growth. The compound, SHetA2, is being developed by NCI as a cancer prevention drug to be taken daily like a multi-vitamin.
A study published in PLOS ONE demonstrates that the spontaneous activity of small neuronal networks in the cortex consists of highly structured patterns rather than random noise. These patterns are shaped by network connectivity and can be used to inform researchers about the underlying anatomy.
A new study suggests that government-backed pay-for-performance programs may widen disparities in healthcare quality between rich and poor hospitals. Safety-net hospitals face smaller performance gains and are more likely to be financially penalized, which can damage their reputation and limit quality improvements.
A team of Canadian researchers has completed a massive survey of the network of protein complexes that orchestrate the fundamental processes of life. The study reveals protein complexes never before observed, including those implicated in diseases such as cancers and degenerative neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Huntington's.
A possible solution to the global carbon dioxide problem involves planting forests that can absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, then removing it by burial. This approach has been proposed as a realistic method to tackle the issue.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a new class of small RNA molecules that modify gene activity and suppress transposable elements in fruit flies. These findings expand our understanding of the regulation of gene expression and blur distinctions between previously identified classes of small RNAs.