A new three-way measurement method has been developed to predict disease metastasis in prostate cancer, combining PSA doubling time, Gleason score, and interval between surgery and detectable PSA levels. This improved prediction method may help determine which patients benefit from additional therapy after surgery.
A study in Spain found a 17% increase in maternal deaths since 1996, with the highest death rates among foreign women and those aged 35-44. The risk of death rose exponentially with maternal age, highlighting the need for epidemiological monitoring and studying causes to prevent deaths.
A treatment that significantly slows the progression of eye injury in people with type 1 diabetes has been found. The treatment uses an antihypertensive medication commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure, and was shown to slow diabetic eye damage in over 65% of participants.
A new metagenomic approach quantifies microorganisms in environmental or medical samples, while a method for adhesive micropatterning offers a simple technique for generating patterns. These methods provide insights into microbial populations and cellular behaviors.
Scientists have found that mechano growth factor (MGF) stimulates muscle development by activating stem cells in response to exercise. MGF has great potential as a therapeutic treatment for age-related muscle loss and diseases such as muscular dystrophy, ALS, and cancer.
A new study found that exercise counseling leads to significant improvements in physical activity, fitness, and liver health in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Patients who increased their physical activity had better metabolic indices, including lower liver enzymes and improved insulin resistance.
The Peter and Patricia Gruber Foundation awards $500,000 to Hall, Rosbash, and Young for their groundbreaking discoveries on the molecular mechanisms controlling circadian rhythms in the nervous system. Their research revealed a transcriptional feedback loop that oscillates during the 24-hour cycle, driving daily behavior.
A new study found that blood stem cell growth factor (GCSF) reversed memory impairment in mice with Alzheimer's disease by reducing beta amyloid deposits and promoting new neuron production. The treatment showed promising results in both bone marrow and brain, offering a potential therapy for the disease.
Two new techniques using lab-grown cells have shown promise in treating ankle injuries that don't respond to initial treatment. Autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) eliminate the need for osteotomy in some cases, reducing morbidity.
Researchers found that Period 1 regulates expression of alpha-ENaC in mouse kidney, leading to decreased sodium loss in urine. The study suggests a link between the circadian rhythm and salt balance, with implications for blood pressure control.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have developed a novel gene therapy that uses immune cells to target glioblastoma multiforme. A specific biomarker, HMGB1, has been identified as an effective tool to monitor tumor response to this treatment.
A Phase II trial shows that a low dose of oral interferon alpha preserves beta cell function in patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, delaying the need for insulin. The study found significant improvement in preserving insulin-producing beta cell function compared to placebo, offering hope for managing the disease.
Researchers at Yale University found that land plants stabilized atmospheric CO2 levels, preventing a deep frozen fate. This discovery supports the emerging view that plants should be recognized as a geologic force of nature, with important consequences for all life on Earth.
A new study finds that Richard Wagner used the acoustics of the soprano voice to create music drama with improved intelligibility and ease of production. Wagner's operas often featured vowels sung with an open mouth, which were matched to high notes in a way that enhanced both performer and listener experience.
A study found that diets high in protein and cholesterol increase the risk of hospitalization or death due to cirrhosis or liver cancer, while those high in carbohydrates reduce the risk. The study also identified associations between dietary nutrient composition and liver disease progression.
A randomized trial of 200 patients found that midline and transverse incisions had the same healing process and post-surgical pain perception. However, wound infections were more frequent for transverse incisions, possibly due to circulatory problems.
Researchers at the Eastman Institute found that acidic fruit juices like orange juice decrease tooth enamel hardness by up to 84%. Whitening products have no significant effect on enamel hardness. Poor oral hygiene and frequent consumption of acidic drinks can lead to severe tooth erosion.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center found that two simple clinical measurements failed to identify TB patients who could benefit from a shorter treatment course. The study involved over 1,000 TB patients in Africa, Brazil, and Asia, but ultimately showed that these measures w...
Researchers have discovered nine novel poison molecules in the venom of the Scorpiops jendeki scorpion, expanding knowledge of scorpion venoms. The study found ten known types of poisons with diverse modes of action, offering a rich resource for drug development.
The HealthGrades study identifies hospitals with significantly better maternity care outcomes, including a 76% lower C-section complication rate. The best-performing hospitals also showed a 33% improvement in mortality and morbidity for women's health procedures.
Franco Brezzi, a prominent figure in computational mathematics, has been awarded the 2009 John von Neumann Lecturer honor by SIAM. His work on numerical stability and stabilization techniques has significantly advanced our ability to simulate complex physical phenomena.
A study published in Animal Cognition found that pigeons use both color and pattern cues to judge the beauty of art, similar to humans. The birds were trained to recognize 'good' paintings and could discriminate between different textures, such as watercolor and pastel.
A Michigan State University study suggests that social norms significantly impact Chinese citizens' decisions to participate in conservation programs like Grain to Green. The research found that when neighbors enroll in the program, it encourages others to do so as well.
Researchers analyzed joint fluid samples from patients with Lyme arthritis, identifying bacterial strains and finding correlations between OspC typing and clinical outcomes. The study suggests that certain B. burgdorferi genotypes, particularly RST1, may induce a more marked immune response leading to persistent joint inflammation.
Researchers have successfully developed echolocation in humans, allowing blind individuals to identify objects and navigate their surroundings. The technique involves producing specific tongue clicks to detect echoes, with results showing potential for practical applications beyond aiding the visually impaired.
A commentary in JAMA explores how US healthcare's emphasis on providing services can lead to direct and indirect harm. The authors argue that this focus can cause excessive healthcare use and spending, diverting resources away from education and environmental quality.
Researchers found that perceiving others in pain activates a part of the brain associated with empathy and emotion more if the observer and the observed are the same race. This study confirms an in-group bias in empathic feelings, which has significant implications for understanding real-life social behaviors and interactions.
A new study links a history of periodontitis to an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease, particularly ischemic stroke, in men. The study found that periodontal bone loss, not current inflammation, was associated with the incidence of cerebrovascular disease.
A study of biomarkers found that measuring known biomarkers slightly improves the ability to predict future heart attacks or strokes in healthy individuals. However, this improvement is not significant enough to change preventive therapies. The study suggests that new technologies may lead to personalized cardiovascular risk prediction.
The study found that an accelerated path to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) can offer a shorter time to pregnancy and cost savings. Couples who followed the new shortened protocol had a higher success rate and lower risk of multiple births.
Several biomarkers, including CRP and N-BNP, showed minimal added benefit in predicting cardiovascular events compared to conventional risk factors. The use of these biomarkers did not result in significant improvements in reclassification of individuals to new risk categories or changes in therapy.
Researchers have found that transferring a single embryo at a time after preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and freezing at the blastocyst stage results in comparable pregnancy rates to those for non-biopsied embryos. This approach can reduce multiple pregnancies and their associated complications.
Researchers found that Parkinson's patients exhibit a selective impairment in learning from reward, but not from negative outcomes. Treatment with dopamine agonists improves learning from positive outcomes, but impairs learning from negative outcomes.
The development of genetically modified trees is being obstructed by anti-biotech groups and regulations that prioritize process over product. Researchers argue that a regulatory environment focused on scientific case-by-case assessments is necessary to unlock the full potential of forest biotechnology.
Adult day care can help alleviate caregiver stress by lifting responsibility for a few hours, promoting sleep and well-being in those cared for. The study will assess the impact of day care on caregivers' health and stress levels over three years with 180 participants.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have devised a microscale tool to study biofilms' mechanical properties, which could lead to designing medical equipment that is more difficult for bacteria to adhere to. The new device measures resistance to pressure and found elasticity and strain hardening responses in bacterial colonies.
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has awarded $2.7M to seven young clinical investigators, providing three-year funding and Continuation Grants to support their cancer research programs. The recipients include Andrew L. Feldman, William Y. Kim, C. Ryan Miller, Vu H. Nguyen, Renier J. Brentjens, Patrick A. Brown, and others.
Researchers found that Antarctic species are already near their upper temperature limit, making them vulnerable to ecological imbalances. Smaller individuals can tolerate higher temperatures, while active predators fare better than sessile species, potentially disrupting the food chain and leading to greater ecosystem damage.
A study found that individuals sensitive to rejection based on their physical appearance are more likely to be interested in cosmetic surgery. The study, conducted by researchers at the University at Buffalo, examined the role of appearance-based rejection sensitivity among men and women's interest in cosmetic surgery. Participants who...
Astronomers at the University of Hawaii have discovered a binary star-disk system with two stars surrounded by dust disks capable of forming planetary systems. The system, 253-1536, is the first known example of two optically visible stars with enough mass to form an Earth-like planet.
Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a new synthesis method to create fluorescent silicon nanoparticles that can track the uptake of drugs by cells. The nanoparticles, containing just a few hundred silicon atoms, show stable fluorescence over three months and have potential applications in biomedical sensors.
A recent study has found that gadolinium-based contrast agents alone are not sufficient to cause nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with kidney problems. Despite high doses, these agents did not trigger NSF, suggesting that other factors may be necessary for the disease to develop.
A recent study found that women with diminished ovarian reserve are at increased risk of trisomic pregnancy, regardless of age. The study analyzed data from 19,840 women undergoing fertility treatment in the Netherlands and found a history of ovarian surgery, low egg retrieval, or menopausal status to significantly increase trisomy risk.
A new brain mechanism involving ghrelin has been discovered, which could lead to the development of new therapies for alcohol dependence. The study found that blocking ghrelin's actions in the brain reduces alcohol's effects on the reward system.
The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) has renewed its publishing partnership with Elsevier for five years, with the flagship journal Journal of Hepatology being published monthly. EASL is a leading liver association in Europe, promoting research and education in hepatology.
An Australian study found that daily sex for seven days reduces sperm DNA damage and improves fertility in men with high DNA fragmentation. Men who ejaculated daily showed a significant decrease in DNA damage and an increase in good-quality sperm.
The study found that intense heat from early stars and black holes evaporated gas from small clumps of dark matter, rendering them barren. This natural explanation for galaxy formation supports the view that cold dark matter is the best candidate for the mysterious material believed to make up most of the universe.
Local laws and insurance reimbursement policies prevent EMS workers from implementing national guidelines on transporting cardiac arrest patients. Community misperceptions about hospital care also hinder efforts to terminate unsuccessful resuscitation efforts.
A 16-nation research project is surveying the Mid-Atlantic Ridge for biodiversity, discovering potential new species and shedding light on deep-sea communities. The NOAA-led expedition aims to understand the ecosystem's structure and how it interacts with human activities.
A $2 million research chair has been launched at the University of Western Ontario to tackle the growing nursing shortage in Canada and the US. The Chair will focus on optimizing nurses' scope of practice and educating new graduates for optimal role functioning in evolving healthcare environments.
The University of Illinois Chicago is leading a five-year study to increase demand for evidence-based, Internet-based smoking cessation treatment among young adults. The project aims to develop interactive, Internet-based ads and evaluate their effectiveness in motivating young smokers to use the stop smoking program www.BecomeAnEx.org.
A new video 'perfection tool' from Tel Aviv University can enhance raw video images to identify suspects, improving the odds of locating terrorists or identifying criminal suspects. The tool uses algorithms to stabilize images, allowing objects that are really moving to be distinguished from chaotic atmospheric changes.
A recent genetic association study failed to support a causal relationship between C-reactive protein levels and coronary heart disease (CHD). The study, published in JAMA, found that variants associated with lower CRP levels were not linked to reduced CHD risk.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School have discovered a way to lower patient radiation doses during pulmonary CT angiography. By adjusting the peak kilovoltage setting, they were able to achieve superior vascular enhancement while maintaining image quality.
Weinan E, a professor at Princeton University, will be awarded the Ralph E. Kleinman Prize for his exceptional work on stochastic partial differential equations and turbulence. He is recognized for his ability to bridge the gap between mathematics and applications, with an impact on various fields such as materials science and physics.
University at Buffalo researchers found that police officers have a higher incidence of subclinical atherosclerosis due to occupational stress. Lifestyle factors were controlled for in the analysis, leading to the conclusion that policing itself is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
New research reveals that permafrost in the Arctic contains over 1.5 trillion tons of frozen carbon, exceeding previous estimates by a factor of two. Thawing of this carbon can lead to massive releases of greenhouse gases, further exacerbating climate change.
Researchers found that mothers with elevated blood pressure during pregnancy increased the risk of PCOS in their daughters, while a family history of cardiovascular disease in either parent was also linked to an increased risk. Brothers of women with PCOS are also at greater risk of developing insulin resistance or diabetes.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich developed a new technology that allows for high-resolution imaging of tissue depth using sound waves. The technique, called multispectral opto-acoustic tomography, uses flashes of laser light to create small shock waves, which are then analyzed to generate detailed images of internal organs and tissues.
J. Tinsley Oden will be honored at the SIAM Annual Meeting in July for his tireless service to the applied mathematics community. He is being recognized for numerous contributions, including influential agency reports and his work on adaptive modeling.