A new study estimates the severity of the H1N1 flu during the autumn-winter flu season in the US, finding it may be less severe than initially thought. The study suggests that young children and non-elderly adults are at higher risk of complications from the illness.
Researchers from UCLA demonstrate that human blood stem cells can be engineered into cells that target and kill HIV-infected cells. This approach, similar to a genetic vaccine, could be effective against other chronic viral diseases. The study provides proof-of-principle for using this strategy in the human body.
Astronomers have directly imaged a faint celestial body orbiting the star GJ 758, estimated to be between 10 and 40 Jupiter masses. The discovered planet, GJ 758 B, has a temperature of around 330 degrees Celsius, making it the coldest companion of a Sun-like star ever imaged.
Research from Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that children with sickle cell disease who contract H1N1 virus are three times more likely to develop acute chest syndrome and five times more likely to need ICU care. The study highlights the need for these children to be included in flu vaccination lists.
The rate of babies placed on their backs to sleep has plateaued since 2001, despite the Back to Sleep campaign's dramatic decrease in SIDS rates. Racial disparities persist in infant sleeping positions, with African American infants having more than twice the SIDS rate as white infants.
Stand Up To Cancer is awarding $9.68 million to support innovative projects by next-generation research leaders. These projects focus on groundbreaking translational research and have the potential for significant advances in identifying complex mechanisms that cause cancers to occur and spread.
Recent studies on anticoagulants suggest that aspirin and heparin may not be effective in preventing unexplained, recurrent miscarriages. In contrast, a new study shows that dabigatran etexilate is as safe and effective as warfarin for treating venous thromboembolism.
Research finds that fruit flies' nutrient storage and consumption are controlled by opposing clocks in neurons and the fat body. The study reveals a complex interplay between metabolic signals and circadian rhythms, with implications for understanding human metabolism and disease.
Researchers have identified a specific gene on chromosome 16 called SH2B1 that plays a key role in regulating weight and handling blood sugar levels. The study found large chromosomal deletions associated with severe early-onset obesity in children.
A Scripps Research Institute team restored partial function to lung cells collected from patients with cystic fibrosis, opening a door to new therapies for this and other chronic diseases. The breakthrough uses a compound called suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) to correct protein misfolding.
Researchers have discovered that fruit fly neurons can rebuild themselves after injury, with a structurally and functionally different component replacing the damaged part. The study reveals a dynamic microtubule response, where dendrites convert to axons, offering potential avenues for understanding axon regeneration.
Scientists develop a mathematical model of a three-cell microcircuit in a chicken's brain, revealing an elegant compromise between abstraction and complexity. The model reduces the system to one equation with two parameters, shedding light on why it's difficult to understand the brain using traditional methods.
Early clinical trial results show bortezomib-based therapy improves control of graft-versus-host disease and immune system recovery. The treatment was safe with little toxicity, and immune cell reconstitution was significantly improved in the early post-transplant period.
Researchers used electrocorticography (ECoG) to record brain activity and found that patients could type alphanumeric characters on a screen by focusing on specific letters. The technique showed promise for people with disorders like Lou Gehrig's disease and spinal cord injuries.
A randomised trial found that medroxyprogesterone acetate is significantly more effective than venlafaxine at reducing hot flushes in men treated with androgen suppression therapy. Cyproterone acetate was also effective, but medroxyprogesterone is recommended as the standard treatment due to its fewer side effects.
The study analyzes OES beads from SDG site, concluding that the two pathways of manufacture differed in drilling and trimming stages. The findings suggest prehistoric artisans had excellent skills, using standardized bead sizes to convey messages.
A new study found that only a small percentage of providers prescribe hydroxyurea to eligible children with sickle cell disease due to concerns about future reproductive issues and low patient compliance. Despite its efficacy in preventing pain, many providers prescribe the drug for other complications without sufficient evidence.
Researchers used computer search algorithms to identify fragments of FDA-approved drugs that could inhibit neuraminidase proteins, a key target for treating swine and avian influenza. The study suggests six compounds with potential as new medicines if emerging viruses develop resistance to current therapies.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding the genetic basis of sickle cell disease, exploring the potential of activating fetal hemoglobin to reduce complications. A new study found that activating BCL11A could lead to increased production of healthy hemoglobin, providing a promising avenue for treatment.
A new study by McMaster researcher Sam Schulman found that an oral drug called dabigatran etexilate is as safe and effective as warfarin for treating venous thromboembolism (VTE), a common clotting disorder affecting millions annually. The drug does not require frequent monitoring or dose adjustments, making it a convenient alternative.
Researchers use live imaging to study breast cancer cell spread, finding TGFb as the control switch. Single cells break away when TGFb is active, while clumps do so when inactive, limiting spread to local lymphatic system.
Researchers identify pheromone-detecting neurons in the fly's antenna that promote aggression, leading to increased fighting among males. The discovery provides insight into how aggression is hardwired into the brain by an animal's genes.
A new study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that the Earth's temperature is more sensitive to atmospheric carbon dioxide than previously estimated. The research found that including factors like land-ice and vegetation in climate models increases the temperature response to carbon dioxide, indicating a higher sensitivity.
Researchers identified partner genes that fuse with MLL, driving fatal leukemia in infants. Accurate predictions and treatments are expected based on this knowledge.
A new study demonstrates advances in optimizing treatments and quality of life for patients with multiple myeloma. The research explores optimal induction therapies, advance care planning, and a potential new first-line therapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
A new three-drug combination has shown a highly effective regimen in treating newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma, with partial responses or better seen in all 66 patients. The treatment also resulted in encouraging complete or near-complete responses at 54 percent.
Dr. Donald F. Steiner has made significant contributions to the understanding of insulin secretion and related disorders through his research on proinsulin and C-peptide measurement. His work has led to major improvements in therapeutic insulin development, diagnosis of pancreatic tumors, and islet transplants.
A JAK2 inhibitor has been shown to provide significant and durable relief for patients with myelofibrosis, a rare and debilitating bone marrow disorder. The drug has demonstrated a 33% reduction in spleen volume and improvements in quality of life, exercise capacity, and fatigue.
Researchers found that vitamin D levels in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma were strongly associated with cancer progression and overall survival. Patients with deficient vitamin D levels had a 1.5-fold greater risk of disease progression.
Researchers have developed a new protocol to improve the survival of patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia, particularly in developing countries. The study found a significant improvement in early mortality and long-term outcomes, with high rates of complete remission.
Researchers found that omacetaxine achieved durable responses in CML patients with the T315I mutation, who have limited treatment options. The injectable drug works by a different mechanism than current therapies and has shown promise for expanded use.
Researchers developed a new approach to prevent graft-versus-host disease and enhance immune recovery after haploidentical transplants. The study showed long-term protection from graft-versus-host disease in 25 of 26 patients, with improved immune system reconstitution.
Scientists at Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics develop new method to interpret EEG signals, providing insights into neural activity. By combining EEG and neuron recordings, researchers can accurately predict brain cell activity, shedding light on abnormal EEG waveforms in neurological disorders.
A team of researchers at Karolinska Institutet has discovered a gene module underlying atherosclerosis development by analyzing total gene activity in organs relevant to coronary artery disease. The findings suggest that targeting the migration of white blood cells may help reduce the risk of adverse clinical effects.
A new study by an international team has used seafloor seismometers to image the Hawaiian mantle, revealing a high-temperature plume from the lower mantle. The findings suggest that the Hawaiian hot spot is the result of this upwelling plume, which tilts southeastward as it extends downward.
Researchers found that statin-treated donors significantly reduced the risk of severe acute GVHD in transplant patients. The study suggests that statins may protect against this life-threatening condition, which can lead to mortality if left untreated.
A recent study by researchers from the University of Extremadura found a significant imbalance between male and female scientists in research articles. Women account for as little as 10-15% of overall authorship, 12-20% of lead authors, and 6-17% of last-position signatories.
A new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that late recurrence is a risk for some pediatric cancers, particularly Ewing sarcomas and tumors of the central nervous system. The study analyzed data from over 12,000 childhood cancer survivors and found varying rates of late recurrence depending on the type...
A new study finds that elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide has boosted aspen growth rates by 50% in natural stands of quaking aspen. The accelerated growth could have widespread ecological consequences, particularly for slower-growing plant species.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a protein called Twist that accurately distinguishes stem cells driving aggressive breast cancer from other cancer cells. The protein's presence alone can flag a tumor cell as a breast cancer stem cell, suggesting new potential for early detection and treatment strategies.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that black women with high dairy intake have a reduced incidence of uterine leiomyomata (fibroids). High dairy consumption was inversely associated with fibroid risk, with a 30% reduction seen among women who consumed four or more servings per day.
Researchers found that injections of rituximab slowed beta cell destruction in patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes, suggesting a potential treatment option. The study suggests targeting B cells may improve beta-cell function in early type 1 diabetes.
Computer scientists at UC San Diego are creating a network of environmental sensors attached to people's clothing, which will provide up-to-the-minute information on outdoor and indoor air quality. The system, called CitiSense, aims to empower individuals to make healthier choices by giving them real-time data on polluted areas.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that the chicken pox vaccine significantly reduces the risk of shingles among children. The study followed over 170,000 vaccinated children for an average of two and a half years, resulting in only 122 cases of herpes zoster.
A recent study published in BSSA found that certain types of subduction zones exhibit lower earthquake production rates, contradicting previous assumptions. The research suggests that the efficiency of earthquake production is influenced by fault slip rate and relative plate velocity.
Case Western Reserve researchers identified two new metabolic pathways involving 4-hydroxyacids, a breakthrough that sheds light on the mechanisms of action for lipid peroxidation and drug abuse products. The study, published as 'Paper of the Week' in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, has significant implications for understanding o...
A global consensus definition of refractory epilepsy has been developed to aid better care for patients caught in the treatment gap. The definition highlights the need for state-of-the-art care for millions of people with epilepsy worldwide, who are currently not receiving adequate treatment.
A new UCLA study found that most homeless young people return home after leaving, and factors like maintaining relationships with pro-social peers, staying in school, and parental support play a crucial role. The key to returning home appears to be early intervention before family relationships deteriorate.
A recent study found that low-income families in states with more generous Medicaid and SCHIP benefits report less financial burden. However, the percentage of families with out-of-pocket expenses exceeding 3% or 5% of their income varies greatly from state to state.
Researchers have developed a mathematical model of heart cells to understand the effects of oxidized CaM kinase on cardiac electrical activity. Oxidation activates the enzyme, leading to a vicious cycle that advances heart disease.
University of Delaware physicists have confirmed a new vibrational level for the beryllium dimer, a molecule previously thought to repel atoms. The research, led by Krzysztof Szalewicz and Konrad Patkowski, uses morphing techniques to reconcile experimental and theoretical models.
System 97W's low-level circulation center has become exposed, allowing outside influences like wind shear and dry air to weaken the storm from within. The system is now tracking northwards, expected to fizzle out as it encounters a cold front and high wind shear.
Researchers have developed a new method using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to improve the removal of benign tumors in children. By visualizing nerve fiber bundles, DTI enables surgeons to avoid damaging critical brain tissue and achieve more complete tumor removal.
A new study demonstrates that muscle cells grown in the lab can restore an intestine's ability to squeeze shut properly. The technique may strengthen sphincters, which are bands of muscle separating intestinal sections, and treat conditions like gastric reflux and fecal incontinence.
A team of researchers led by Tufts University Professor Gregory Crane will create a database to track topics in primary and secondary Greek and Latin sources. The system uses data mining to determine patterns and connections, enabling undergraduate research and critical thinking.
Researchers suggest that many commonly grown plants, including petunias, have some carnivorous characteristics, and may even digest trapped insects. The study reviews the different levels of carnivory in plants and challenges traditional definitions.
A new study from the Max Planck Institute for Biology of Ageing suggests that a combination of proteins is crucial for healthy aging, not reducing overall calorie intake. Researchers found that manipulating the diet of female fruit flies showed varying results depending on the type and amount of amino acids consumed.
A UCLA study found that nearly 20% of stroke survivors were not taking antithrombotic medications, with non-Hispanic, older, and male patients more likely to be on these medications. The study suggests further research is needed to understand the reasons behind this disparity in medication adherence.
A new study reveals that research participants perceive high-paying medical trials as being associated with higher risks. This perception affects their interest in participating and influences the amount of time they spend researching trial risks.
Researchers found that stem cells from flies lacking SOCS protein had more integrin, allowing them to stick to the niche better than neighboring germline stem cells. This model can be applied to other stem cell niches such as cancer, where cancer stem cells become a danger when they become sticky.