A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology suggests that obesity is an independent predictor of inadequate bowel preparation at colonoscopy. Patients with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) are more likely to require more rigorous bowel preparation regimens.
Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky receives the 2009 Julius Friedenwald Medal for his lifelong contributions to gastroenterology and groundbreaking scientific achievements. He credits his colleagues and mentors for his success, highlighting UT Southwestern's role in his career.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered that certain squids can perceive light through a light-emitting organ beyond their eyes. This finding may lead to new insights into controlling and perceiving light. The study suggests that the squid's light organ, which is also involved in camouflage, uses the same pro...
Researchers from University of Wisconsin-Madison report that culture, not biology, underpins the math gender gap. Girls are now performing on par with boys in standardized mathematics tests and taking calculus at the same rate. The study challenges the validity of the greater male variability hypothesis, suggesting that providing femal...
The X-Suit NIR stent provides flexible construction to fit any biliary duct and is constructed of Nitinol for durability. It has a proprietary NIRflex cell design that offers superior radial support and reduces stress on the tissue, making it ideal for re-establishing biliary flow.
Researchers have developed an AI-powered music system called Inmamusys that generates emotive and original music in real-time. The system is designed to eliminate repetitive canned music in public places, providing a pleasant musical environment for everyone.
A randomized trial found the HPV vaccine to be 91% effective against all four virus strains in women aged 24-45 who hadn't been infected. The vaccine efficacy was lower when including those with pre-existing HPV infection, highlighting the importance of vaccinating susceptible individuals.
The I-SPY trial offers critical insights into locally advanced breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of not ignoring growing breast masses. The study found that most interval cancers are discovered between routine mammogram exams, suggesting a need for better screening strategies.
A recent study analyzes the impact of human activity on large-scale terrestrial migrations, revealing that up to a quarter of migrating species have gone extinct. Human activities such as fencing, farming, and water restrictions have altered habitats and reduced migration routes, leading to significant declines in animal populations.
Corneal transplant failures were found to be four times higher in patients with corneal edema or Fuchs' dystrophy compared to those without. Glaucoma patients who take medications alone have a 29% failure rate, highlighting the importance of adherence to treatment plans.
Death receptors, which eliminate unwanted cells, may also be used to strengthen cells against illnesses. Researchers can develop new therapeutics that target these receptors to treat various diseases.
Researchers found a distinct link between the ABCC11 gene and excessively smelly armpits, wet earwax, and breast cancer risk. The study discovered that a specific SNP in the ABCC11 gene determines earwax type.
A large-scale trial found that surgical treatment for degenerative spondylolisthesis provides significantly greater relief from pain compared to non-operative approaches. Patients who underwent surgery reported better function, less pain, and higher satisfaction than those who chose not to have surgery.
A study by Michael L. Nance and colleagues identified 170 verified pediatric trauma centers in the US, with estimated access ranging from 22.9% in rural areas to 93.5% in urban areas. The authors estimate that 17.4 million children would not have access to a center within 60 minutes.
RGI-2001 demonstrates enhanced efficacy in skin transplantation and acute Graft-versus-Host disease when combined with low-dose Sirolimus. The combination treatment prolongs graft survival and reduces GvHD mortality, indicating potential as a tolerance induction regimen.
A six-site clinical trial found that citalopram, commonly prescribed to children with autism spectrum disorders, was no more effective than a placebo at reducing repetitive behaviors. The study included 149 participants and showed negative side effects in nearly all children.
Researchers at MIT developed a new thermal material that naturally dissipates heat from devices using a hierarchical branched network similar to cell protein networks. This design effectively prevents device failure and melting, enabling the creation of reliable nanodevices.
PTEN is often inactivated in breast cancer, leading to poor patient outcomes. Researchers found that a drug called perifosine specifically targets the breast cancer stem cell population by inhibiting the Akt pathway, reducing tumor-forming cells by up to 90%.
Researchers at Tulane University are developing detection kits for Lassa viral hemorrhagic fever, which affects 300,000-500,000 people annually in West Africa, causing 5,000 deaths. The $7.07 million NIH grant will help complete the development and commercialization of these kits to aid public health and bioterrorism defense.
New studies by sociologists reveal that African Americans are more likely to be sanctioned by the US welfare system than whites. The research found a 29% higher risk of sanction for black clients with a prior sanction, and a 14% higher risk for first-time sanctions. In contrast, Mexican immigrants were more likely to exit welfare withi...
Researchers at U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center found that PTEN pathway affects growth of breast cancer stem cells and discovered a 90% reduction in stem cell population with perifosine treatment. This study suggests that targeting this pathway may improve current therapies for breast cancer
The centre will analyse environmental factors affecting the UK population, focusing on vulnerable groups and potential health risks such as respiratory problems, heart disease, and cancer. Researchers aim to measure the effects of pollutants on human health using new tools and methods.
Research found that 35 out of 1247 people experienced recurrent strokes within 24 hours after their initial TIA, highlighting the need for rapid medical attention
A new study by Eric Post and colleagues reveals that population responses to climate change vary significantly across different species and regions. The study's approach, which uses multi-stage analyses of fluctuating populations over time, shows a strong role for species interactions in buffering responses to climate.
The University of Missouri's public health program has received a grant to combat human trafficking in rural areas. Faculty and students will work with local organizations to raise awareness, conduct surveillance, and provide resources for victims. The program aims to address human trafficking as a public health concern.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that gay and lesbian couples are forming long-term, committed relationships despite not being able to marry in their state. The majority of couples surveyed said they would get married if possible to secure legal rights such as retirement and healthcare benefits.
Group Health has received a $1 million grant to study the effectiveness of treatments for depression. The project will use electronic medical records to track health outcomes and identify best matches for patients.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine identified beta-1 integrin as a key molecule involved in tumor development and invasion. Inhibiting this molecule slowed the growth of tumors and improved tissue separation, offering new potential targets for cancer treatment.
A network of wildlife conservation areas can save up to 90% of bird species in Africa affected by climate change. The research team found that protected areas will provide new habitats for birds forced to move due to changing temperatures and rainfall.
A new system developed by MIT scientists can monitor the fetal heartbeat noninvasively, allowing for early detection of potential problems. The system separates the maternal ECG signal from the fetus's and background noise thanks to a complex algorithm, enabling clinicians to catch subtle variations in the fetal heartbeat.
A recent study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that every hour of TV exposure is linked to a 7% decrease in the number of words an adult says to an infant. This reduction in verbal interactions also affects the length and frequency of child vocalizations and conversational turns between adults and children.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a new method that induces protein folding in nanoseconds, breaking the microsecond barrier, allowing for more accurate computer simulations and paving the way for reliable predictions of protein behavior, especially in disease prediction.
Researchers found elevated aldosterone levels in overweight male teens, associated with early signs of heart damage and thickened heart walls. Early intervention could prevent cardiovascular disease in these young people.
A study found that many retained elementary students do not receive individualized special education services, even if they are eligible. Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds were less likely to receive these services. The lack of IEPs raises concerns about the special education needs of retained children.
Astronomers at the University of Warwick have discovered that the 2006 stellar explosion SCP 06F6 bears remarkable resemblance to extremely carbon-rich stars. The object's unusual characteristics suggest it may be a new type of supernova, with properties distinct from normal Type II supernovae.
A team of researchers has recreated the Lituus, a forgotten instrument by Johann Sebastian Bach, using advanced computer modelling software. The new design is believed to have been used by Bach and could be performed as intended for the first time in nearly 300 years.
Researchers found that interrupting selenoprotein production can halt growth of bacteria such as Clostridium difficile and Treponema denticola. The study uses auranofin, an FDA-approved gold salt compound, to block bacterial growth by altering selenium metabolism.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that low doses of carbon monoxide can reverse gastroparesis, a common complication in diabetes. The study showed that carbon monoxide normalizes gastric functioning without increasing oxidative stress or HO1 expression.
A UCLA study found that most cancer patients with ocular melanoma would want genetic testing to predict metastasis risk, regardless of treatment availability. The test results showed little impact on quality of life or depression symptoms, suggesting it could provide a valuable tool for planning and emotional preparation.
Researchers found that local intestinal inflammation induced DNA damage to lymphocytes in peripheral blood, indicating systemic genetic damage. Chromosome damage was detected in the blood before colitis onset and correlated with disease severity.
A team of researchers identified astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) as a critical gene that regulates tumor progression in neuroblastoma, a form of cancer commonly found in young children. Loss of AEG-1 was shown to reduce the tumor-causing properties of aggressive neuroblastoma cells.
A study found that older age, lower education levels and longer smoking history are associated with a positive lung cancer diagnosis after an abnormal screening chest radiograph. A family history of lung cancer and suspicious masses also contribute to a true positive diagnosis.
Research on Hispanic children in the US reveals a high prevalence of obesity, largely attributed to suboptimal diets and sedentary lifestyles. The VIVA LA FAMILIA Study found that even non-overweight participants had inadequate diets, with low levels of essential nutrients and excessive sugar consumption.
A nationwide French public health campaign from 2002 to 2007 led to a marked reduction of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions, particularly in children, with a decline of over 25% compared to the preintervention period. The greatest decrease was observed among young children aged 6–11 years.
Researchers found that rapamycin blocks brain changes believed to cause seizures in rats and reduces spontaneous seizures in mice with a genetic condition. The drug may also help prevent common forms of epilepsy caused by brain injury, offering new hope for patients.
Danish children who move frequently are at a higher risk of attempting or completing suicide between ages 11 and 17. Frequent moves disrupt social connections, cause stress and anxiety, affecting their mental health.
Researchers at University of East Anglia developed a new way to clone facial expressions during live conversations to study how they influence behavior. The technique maps facial movements to models of faces, allowing for manipulation of expressiveness, identity, and gender.
A study published in Nature Genetics found that men with two copies of the KITLG gene have a 4.5-fold higher risk of testicular cancer, while those with two copies of the SPRY4 gene have a 1.48-fold higher risk. The discovery sheds light on genetic factors contributing to the disease and may help identify critical environmental factors.
A study by Ueli Schibler's team reveals that a specific microRNA called miR-122 plays a crucial role in regulating the expression of circadian genes in liver cells. The discovery sheds light on the molecular mechanisms controlling the internal clock and its potential connection to hepatitis C virus replication.
A study suggests air pollution may contribute to non-specific abdominal pain in young women, while another study shows that moderate alcohol intake can reduce the risk of gallstones. The findings highlight the importance of environmental factors and lifestyle choices on GI health.
A phase I trial found a two-drug combination of temsirolimus and bryostatin to be safe and active in patients with metastatic kidney cancer. The combination showed sustained responses in some patients, particularly those with rare forms of renal cell carcinoma that don't respond well to standard therapies.
A team of researchers has successfully developed a combined stem cell-gene therapy approach that cures human Fanconi anemia, a genetic disorder causing bone marrow failure and cancer. The treatment uses induced pluripotent stem cells to differentiate into healthy blood cells, offering a potential cure for the disease.
A clinical trial has shown that losartan, a blood-pressure medicine, can shrink liver scarring and allow the organ to repair itself in some patients with early-stage liver failure. The drug works by blocking a signalling pathway that causes scar tissue to accumulate, allowing the damaged area of the liver to be repaired.
A new surgical technique, total mesometrial resection (TMMR), has been shown to reduce complications and improve survival rates in patients with early-stage cervical cancer. The study found a 94% recurrence-free survival rate and a 96% 5-year survival rate, significantly better than traditional radical hysterectomy methods.
Researchers have discovered genetic markers that predict individuals at risk for serious drug-induced liver injury. The study found that HLA-B*5701 is a major determinant of liver injury induced by flucloxacillin, and variations on chromosome 3 also influence the risk.
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) held its fifth annual Crystal Awards dinner during Digestive Disease Week, recognizing outstanding contributions to the field of endoscopy. The event honored award recipients in various categories, including research, education, and mentoring.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute have identified eight genes that can predict a patient's response to melanoma treatment. The study, presented at the ASCO annual meeting, used Neural Network Analysis to survey over 25,000 genes and regulators in tumor tissues from 21 patients with metastatic melanoma.
A new study found that combining erlotinib and bevacizumab delays disease progression in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients by 29% compared to those receiving bevacizumab alone. The combination also prolongs median progression-free survival from 3.7 months to 4.8 months.
Researchers identified microRNAs that can predict transplant rejection with high accuracy. Additionally, a new gene-based urine test has been developed to diagnose common kidney transplant complications. The study also explores increasing transplantation through donor chains and transplanting single kidneys from pediatric donors.
Patients with both obesity and diabetes face a significantly worse prognosis, with effective treatment being