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.
Key stakeholders in Belize's cruise industry have agreed to an environmental action plan to protect the country's coral reefs and natural heritage. The initiative aims to promote sustainable tourism practices and reduce the industry's footprint on the environment.
Researchers use feces found by trained dogs to learn about the habits of rare and endangered mammals, revealing that farms with less than 30% natural vegetation have fewer endangered species. The study highlights the importance of preserving open grasslands for threatened species like maned wolf and giant anteater.
A randomized clinical trial found that anti-inflammatory drugs celecoxib and naproxen had no effect on cognitive function in older adults with a family history of Alzheimer's disease. In fact, naproxen may have a slightly detrimental effect, according to the study published in Archives of Neurology.
A study found a strong association between air pollution and an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, with higher exposure levels leading to faster clotting. The risk was stronger in men than women, highlighting the need for tighter air quality standards.
International experts call for improved end-of-life care for older people with dementia, citing a need for timely and accurate communication, avoiding aggressive treatments, and promoting multi-disciplinary care. High-quality specialist palliative care services are essential for those dying from end-stage dementia.
Researchers at U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center found that HPV-positive tumors are more responsive to chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The study also identified biomarkers that can determine which patients are most likely to survive and thrive with tailored treatment plans.
Researchers developed a new MRI technique that can detect diffuse axonal injury, a type of brain damage often overlooked. The test analyzed water motion in areas surrounding nerve cells and found significant links to recovery rates.
A recent study published in Archives of Internal Medicine has documented the association between obesity and increased risk of heart disease. The research found significant ethnic disparities in weight and cardiovascular health, with non-Hispanic white participants showing a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that men are overrepresented in research on conditions affecting both sexes, while women are underrepresented. The authors recommend standardizing mechanisms for sex-specific reporting and analysis in publications.
A study led by UCLA researcher Istvan Molnar-Szakacs aims to understand how children with ASD process emotions through musical excerpts and facial expressions. The goal is to develop more optimal interventions and promote music as a powerful tool for brain function research.
A qualitative study of English family practice found that pay-for-performance programs reduce continuity of care and increase fragmentation. The programs also changed the nature of patient consultations, leaving physicians feeling less skilled and disconnected from patients.
Researchers have developed a new technology using ozone and hydrogen peroxide to eliminate contaminants in water by advanced oxidation. The team created models for the degradation of various compounds and tested their efficacy in real-world scenarios.
A study of seven patients with Parkinson's disease found that re-implanting electrodes to correct placement can improve symptoms and reduce medication doses for those who had poor results after initial implantation. The procedure led to significant improvements in motor function scores and reduced levodopa medication doses.
The Plant Journal special issue explores how plants can convert their fixed carbon into fuels and other useful products. This provides a renewable and affordable source of carbon to sustain future economic development without negatively impacting the environment.
ASU researchers designed a molecule that mimics nature's non-photochemical quenching process, regulating light intensity and converting sunlight into chemical energy. The molecule adapts to its environment, reducing the efficiency of energy conversion as light intensity increases.
Researchers found a motor protein, myosin 2, remains structurally identical in turkeys and scallops despite their different physical paths. This suggests the protein's importance in regulating smooth muscle function, potentially holding key to understanding aneurisms in humans.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem demonstrate the exact mechanism by which embryonic stem cells develop into specific cell types. The study reveals that ES cells express a large proportion of their genome in an 'open and active' state, enabling them to become any cell type before undergoing global genetic silencing.
The Economic & Social Research Council invests £3 million in five projects across the UK to enhance student engagement and understanding of Science and Mathematics related subjects. The projects focus on curriculum reform, assessment methods, and developing effective interventions to improve participation rates.
A low-vision therapy program significantly improved vision in veterans with diseases of the macula, with notable gains in reading ability, mobility, and visual motor skills. The study suggests that at least 10 hours of low-vision therapy is justified for patients with moderate and severe vision loss from macular diseases.
NC State's Dr. Brenton Faber and Dr. David Berube are crafting a white paper to advise the government on communicating nanotechnology risks to the media and public. The goal is to ensure accurate risk communication for years to come.
A randomized trial found patients given beta-blockers after non-cardiac surgery had a higher risk of death or stroke compared to those given placebo, while having a lower risk of non-fatal heart attacks. However, these medications may not outweigh the increased risk of cardiovascular complications.
Researchers used computer simulations to study the effects of a minor genetic mutation on Alzheimer's disease. The mutation, which affects a protein fragment, alters its shape and increases the likelihood of toxic clumps forming in brain cells.
Researchers discovered glypican-3 loss induces overgrowth through Sonic Hedgehog, a growth factor stimulating cancer growth in rare disorder SGBS. This finding opens doors for novel treatments to inhibit overgrowth activity benefiting SGBS patients and GPC3-related cancer patients.
Children whose parents read aloud to them have better language and literacy skills when they start school. This interactive style of reading has a significant impact on their development. Additionally, the Reach Out and Read programme in Boston improved language skills in low-income families by increasing parents' reading habits.
Researchers at the University of Montreal have discovered a potential new treatment for cardiac complications in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shows that administering sildenafil protects the heart in mice with the disease.
A team at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has used near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) measurements to study ion-protein interactions. The results support the Law of Matching Water Affinities, a proposed explanation for Hofmeister effects.
A study funded by the Economic & Social Research Council found that students perceive mathematicians as old, white, middle-class men with no social life. The research suggests using popular culture to promote a more positive view of maths.
A major study found that beta-blockers like metoprolol may increase the risk of death and major stroke in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. The POISE trial showed that while metoprolol reduces heart attack risk, it increases stroke and death risk, highlighting the need for caution in its use around surgery time.
The RevGenUK project aims to improve crop growth in adverse conditions and reduce nitrogen fertilizers. Researchers can access thousands of mutated plants with defective genes, enabling them to study gene function and develop sustainable crops.
A new study found that those with at least a high school education spend more years without cognitive loss, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and dementia, but die sooner after the impairment becomes apparent. Those with higher levels of education can expect to live 14.1 more years without cognitive impairment.
Scientists from Brandeis University and the Leibniz Institut have created a 3D image of an Alzheimer's peptide aggregate using electron microscopy. The study reveals the spaghetti-like structure of A-beta peptide aggregates, also known as amyloid fibrils.
A Stanford study reveals that cars with AI voices can collect sensitive data on drivers' habits, preferences, and emotions, potentially used by insurance companies, advertisers, and governments to influence behavior
A study by Emory University researcher Jacobus de Roode found that higher levels of replication within the host result in both increased virulence and greater transmission of parasites. This suggests that natural selection selects for harmful parasites, prioritizing their fitness over host health.
Researchers found altered dopamine activity in individuals with social anxiety disorder, suggesting a biological cause for the dysfunction. The study provides evidence of a physical component to social anxiety and may lead to new therapeutic approaches.
A review of 62 studies found that physical activity significantly reduces breast cancer risk in lean women, particularly those who engage in moderate and vigorous exercise after menopause. Obesity and family history of breast cancer counteract these benefits.
The EPA dismissed Deborah Rice, a highly respected toxicologist, after the chemical industry complained about her views on deca's health hazards. Herbert Needleman argues that this trend is not new and unique, citing his own dismissal for speaking out on lead poisoning.
Researchers found that disabled people faced uncertain financial futures due to limited access to insurance and extra costs associated with disability. Socio-economic factors such as religion and ethnicity also influenced attitudes towards money and debt.
A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that breastfeeding for more than a year halves the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Women who breastfed for 13 months or more were 50% less likely to get the disease.
A study published in Neurology found that children with multiple sclerosis exhibit low IQ scores and problems with memory, attention, and other thinking skills. The disease can also affect language development, with 30% of affected children experiencing language difficulties.
Patients with hemianopia benefit from prism glasses that expand their visual field, improving obstacle avoidance and daily mobility. A new study has shown significant benefits for patients wearing these glasses, with 47% reporting them as 'very helpful' after 12 months.
Researchers have found that delaying gum tissue closure improves outcomes for cleft palate patients. The study, led by Dr. Damir Matic, involved 136 children and found that closing the cleft at 8-9 years old prior to canine tooth eruption leads to better facial growth and reduces damage.
A growing body of economic research suggests that public investment in early childhood programs may be able to lower public costs for social services by improving children's long-term welfare. However, the report highlights a spectrum of promising services and provides guidance on how to choose an optimal level of each program.
A study led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center finds that a tumor suppressor protein called PML enables leukemia-initiating cells to maintain quiescence, making them resistant to conventional therapies. Inhibiting PML with an arsenic-based agent successfully treats chronic myeloid leukemia when combined with chemotherapy.
A meta-analysis of 21 studies found that hypertension and hyperlipidemia significantly increase the risk of retinal vein occlusion. High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels were associated with a nearly 50% population-attributable risk for hypertension, 20% for hyperlipidemia, and 5% for diabetes.
A new study finds that Earth's plate tectonics could become unstable if the surface temperature rises by 100 degrees Fahrenheit or more for a few million years. This would cause the crust to become locked in place, leading to volcanic activity and a lack of tectonic plates moving.
A study found that glaucoma patients with poor health literacy have lower understanding of the condition, miss more appointments, and experience faster visual field loss. The authors emphasize the need for culturally and linguistically appropriate communication to improve patient compliance with medications and treatment.
A new study from researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that carbon monoxide in air pollution and tobacco smoke triggers tuberculosis infection to shift into a dormant state. This dormant state is difficult to detect and treat, contributing to the spread of TB and its high mortality rate.