Stevens will evaluate and demonstrate a novel microchannel reactor to reform pyrolysis oil into synthesis gas using reduced energy. The project is one of six university projects awarded by the DOE to develop biomass conversion technologies.
Research reveals T tube patients with duodenal-biliary reflux, sphincter of Oddi hypomotility, and abnormal gastrointestinal hormone secretion. The disorder may cause recurrence of gallstones.
A study found that genistein, a soy-based dietary supplement, can negate the effectiveness of aromatase inhibitors used to treat post-menopausal breast cancer. The researchers observed a dose-dependent reduction in treatment efficacy, leading to tumor growth.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine developed a novel test to screen for chemical modifications to DNA known as methylation. The technology potentially could be used both for early cancer diagnoses and for assessing patients' response to cancer therapies.
Phaedon Avouris and Tony Heinz's pioneering work on carbon nanotubes and graphene aims to develop a future nanoelectronic technology. Their research will benefit industries such as aviation, space, and medicine, with applications in high-speed electronics, communications systems, and sensors.
A new assessment tool, Conditioned Assessment of Speech Production (CASP), monitors early auditory-guided speech development in infants and toddlers with hearing impairments. The five-minute procedure evaluates how closely a child's attempts match increasingly complex vocalizations.
The discovery of Albertonykus borealis reveals a new species of tiny dinosaur found in Alberta, Canada. This bird-like creature had long and slender legs, stumpy arms, and powerful forelimbs used to tear into logs for termites.
A recent observational study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggests that hormone therapy may be safe for postmenopausal women with BRCA mutations. The study found a 42% relative reduction in breast cancer risk among women who used hormone therapy, although further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Richard Garriott will use special software 'Windows on Earth' to identify targets for scientific research and educational exploration during his trip to the International Space Station. The software, developed by TERC and the Association of Space Explorers, simulates a realistic view of the Earth from space.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CE-IOUS) outperforms intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) in characterizing liver tumors by enhancing nodule vascularity and tissue microcirculation. This improves the accuracy of surgeons during hepatic surgeries for cirrhotic livers.
A study found that hospitalized patients with severe co-morbidity and high serum C-reactive protein levels are at higher risk for severe CDAD. The analysis also revealed a 22% rate of severe CDAD, associated with a high 30-day mortality and longer hospital stays.
Nearly 20% of octogenarians studied had dysphonia, while 14% experienced painful swallowing. Despite expressing interest in treatment, many seniors lacked awareness and received inadequate care from primary care physicians. The study highlights the need for better education to improve quality of life outcomes.
A large cohort study found that hormone therapy before radiation seed implants for prostate cancer increases the risk of death by 20% in men over 70 years old with early-stage cancer. This treatment approach may have negative effects on survival, particularly for older patients.
A recent University of Missouri study compares the values of Republicans and Democrats, finding that while there are some differences, both parties favor intrinsic values over extrinsic ones. Republican conservatives tend to prioritize financial success, while Democrats place greater emphasis on helping others in need.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition has found that consuming moderate amounts of dark chocolate (6.7 grams per day) can lower the risk of heart attack by significantly reducing inflammation and cardiovascular disease. The study, which enrolled over 20,000 participants, suggests that this amount of dark chocolate is associ...
A case of ulcerative colitis complicated by Strongyloides stercoralis infection is reported. The patient's symptoms worsened after corticosteroid treatment, leading to the diagnosis of parasitic infection. Treatment with anti-parasitic drugs resulted in complete recovery.
A study found that amnesics remember grammar but not the meaning of new sentences, indicating separate components for language function. The researchers suggest syntactic knowledge is a specialized skill akin to riding a bike, shaped by basic memory mechanisms.
Researchers developed a preoperative endocrine prognostic index (PEPI) to predict relapse risk in women with stage 2 or 3 estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The model incorporates tumor characteristics and is statistically significant in predicting relapse-free survival.
A new study by Rice University sociologists defines the evangelical movement and its effects on polling, revealing varying percentages based on operationalization strategies. The research found that depending on how one defines an evangelical, the percentage of Republicans among them varies significantly.
A study found associations between human NPY receptor genes and a more severe subtype of alcohol dependence, characterized by withdrawal symptoms or coexisting alcohol and cocaine dependence. The research suggests that certain genetic variants may be associated with increased risk of AD and seizures in humans.
The breast cancer incidence in China is expected to increase due to lifestyle changes and adoption of Western lifestyles. Researchers predict a total of 2.5 million cases by 2012, with modifications to lifestyle and reproductive risk factors potentially preventing 270,000 cases.
A recent study reveals that seabirds are a significant source of nitrogen in remote coastal ecosystems, contributing to eutrophication and acidification. The research found varying emissions between seabird species, with bare ground nesters producing more ammonia than burrow nesters.
The Pristionchus pacificus worm genome is substantially larger and more complex than C. elegans, containing nearly 170,000 chemical bases and 23,500 protein-coding genes. The genome supports the theory that P. pacificus might be a precursor to parasitic worms.
Long-term cancer survivors are more likely to experience severe psychological distress than adults never diagnosed with cancer. Younger survivors aged less than 65 years old were particularly at risk, the study found. The research aims to raise awareness of psychosocial needs among long-term survivors and encourage routine screening.
A new study finds that non-daily smokers are 16 times more likely to be hazardous drinkers than non-smokers, and five times more likely to meet criteria for an AUD. The study suggests that casual smoking may promote hazardous drinking behavior.
A new Fox Chase Cancer Center study suggests men with early stage prostate cancer treated with radiation therapy should begin hormone therapy immediately if their PSA level rises quickly and doubles within six months at any time after treatment. The study also supports foregoing hormones if the PSA doesn't rise as quickly. These findin...
A new project aims to develop affordable sensors that can detect early indicators of food spoilage and set more meaningful best before dates, reducing food waste. The project, supported by Syngenta, will help slash the UK's food wastage bill.
A recent study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology demonstrates that lithium inhibits the proliferation of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells by targeting GSK-3beta. This finding suggests a novel possibility for the treatment of esophageal cancer with lithium chloride, providing new hope for patients with this disease.
Researchers identified an unexpected motion in distant galaxy clusters, suggesting gravitational attraction beyond the observable universe. The 'dark flow' is constant out to a billion light-years and flies in the face of predictions from standard cosmological models.
Researchers found significant declines in hip bone mineral density after gastric bypass surgery, associated with the extent of weight loss. Calcium and vitamin D deficiencies may be due to alterations in the gastrointestinal tract during these procedures.
A systematic review suggests that over 40% of injecting drug users in nine countries are HIV positive, highlighting a major challenge to global public health. The authors estimate that there may be 15.9 million people worldwide who inject drugs.
Researchers validated criteria to identify out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with little or no chance of survival after resuscitation. The validation study used surveillance data from 8 U.S. cities and found that the BLS rule had a positive predictive value of 0.998 for predicting lack of survival.
A 52-year-old woman presented with a rectal mass containing tubulovillous adenoma, high-grade dysplasia, and invasive adenocarcinoma. Histological analysis revealed co-existence of sarcomatoid carcinoma and invasive adenocarcinoma, supporting the monoclonal theory of pathogenesis.
A study of 236 advanced gastric cancer patients found that the metastatic lymph node ratio is significantly correlated with five-year survival rates and can be used to project survival rates. The MLR also reflects the extent and efficiency of lymphadenectomy.
A new study finds that among seniors with voice and swallowing issues, only 20% actually seek treatment. Researchers call for increased awareness and outreach programs to address these impairments among the elderly, who may experience depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal due to untreated voice and swallowing problems.
Researchers discovered that a rare genetic disorder, tuberous sclerosis complex, may be linked to neurological disorders such as autism, epilepsy, and mental retardation. The study found that abnormal neuronal structure can lead to excess brain connections, which may contribute to these conditions.
A 12-week isoflavone supplement improved brachial artery dilation and reversed endothelial dysfunction in stroke patients. Isoflavone treatment also decreased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, suggesting reduced vascular inflammatory stress.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed disposable, microplate-based optical biosensors using photonic crystals to detect protein-DNA interactions. The technology can identify compounds that inhibit specific protein-nucleic acid and protein-protein interactions.
A new web site, CaP Calculator, provides cancer specialists with access to the latest research and helps them individualize patient treatment options. The tool allows doctors to evaluate the risk of disease spreading and the effectiveness of surgery and radiation treatment.
Researchers developed a 'suicide gene' delivery approach that successfully kills pancreatic cancer cells by over 95 percent, targeting only cancer cells with minimal harm to normal ones. This innovative strategy uses mesothelin DNA linked to diphtheria toxin, effectively hijacking cancer cell machinery.
Researchers at Indiana University successfully demonstrated secure sharing of health information across the nation during an emergency scenario, leveraging Nationwide Health Information Network (NHIN) technologies. This innovation has great potential to improve healthcare in the United States.
Research finds activation of Src signaling pathway contributes to treatment resistance in some patients with triple-negative breast cancer. Inhibiting this pathway holds promise as a way to overcome resistance and improve patient outcomes.
Research finds that anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 proteins, such as Bcl-xL and Mcl-1, contribute to apoptosis resistance in colorectal cancer cells. Knockdown of these proteins sensitizes CRC cells to chemotherapy and targeted therapies, suggesting a potential new approach to improving treatment outcomes.
A study of 55 gastrointestinal endoscopists found that 89.1% reported musculoskeletal pain, with severe pain affecting 47.3%. The study suggests different ergonomic mechanisms for symptom development based on experience level, highlighting the need for prevention and management strategies.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have developed a prediction tool that estimates the benefit of adding androgen deprivation therapy to radiation therapy for high-risk prostate cancer patients. The tool takes into account disease burden and individual patient characteristics, allowing for personalized treatment recommendations.
The study completes the genome sequence and genetic map of Meloidogyne hapla, a microscopic worm causing significant crop damage. The research provides a powerful platform for understanding parasitism and developing eco-friendly management strategies.
The study found that rebamipide enema therapy significantly reduced mean fasting period and duration of hospitalization compared to conventional therapy. The degree of ulcer healing also showed a favorable trend, although not statistically significant.
The University of Texas at Austin has received a $12.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a model for preparing high school engineering educators in Texas. The UTeachEngineering program will target future and current teachers, providing multiple avenues to prepare them to teach high school engineering.
Increased intestinal macromolecular permeability and urinary nitrite excretion are associated with liver cirrhosis with ascites. The study suggests that these factors may contribute to the development of encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis.
Researchers have identified compounds that block the activity of a specific enzyme, preventing brain injury and improving survival in fruit flies with Huntington's disease. The findings could lead to better treatments for degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A research article compares CT findings in mesenteric tuberculosis and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), revealing specific enhancement patterns and anatomic lymph node distribution. The 'sandwich sign' is more often found in NHL, aiding in differential diagnosis between tuberculosis and untreated NHL involving the small bowel mesentery.
Researchers have identified TEM1 as a specific genetic marker for the vascular cells associated with tumor growth in ovarian cancer. High levels of TEM1 were correlated with decreased survival rates, making it a potential screening tool for early detection.
A study led by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has found that acetylated resveratrol can protect cells from radiation damage in mouse models. The researchers hope to develop a small molecule radioprotector that can be easily administered in emergency situations.
A new type of stent design prevents bleeding due to mechanical mucosal lesions. Individual stent designing alleviates late complications associated with stent treatment, leading to successful outcomes in palliative stent implantation.
Researchers at the University of Manchester are investigating the biological causes of FTLD, a group of dementias affecting the frontal and temporal lobes. They plan to study the role of genes in regulating tau and progranulin levels in the brain, with hopes of finding future therapies.
A new endoscopic technique using EMR-L with 3D-EUS has shown promising results in the complete resection of rectal carcinoids. The study demonstrated a significantly higher rate of complete resection compared to traditional EMR-L alone, with a vertical resection margin also increasing.
A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that severe comorbidity is the main factor affecting clinical outcome in very old patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding. Older patients (over 80 years) experience similar severity and rebleeding rates as younger populations, but higher mortality rates.
Researchers found a 50 km wide atmospheric chemical equator in cloudless skies of the Western Pacific, dividing pollutants between the two hemispheres. The discovery will aid pollution mapping and climate assessment by improving simulations of pollutant transport.
Research found that apoptosis in liver cells leads to decreased total and free choline compound concentrations, but synthetical choline remains unchanged, providing insight into the puzzle of early-stage apoptosis changes.
A new study found that a small, portable device used for home diagnosis is reliable and easy to use. The researchers tested 120 patients over four months, with a 97% data recovery rate, and an average comfort score of 2 out of 10.