A new study suggests that silent GER does not play a role in worsening asthma symptoms and control, contradicting previous beliefs. Researchers found no differences between patients treated with reflux medication and those who were not.
Physicians from the Catholic University of Rome assessed health conditions of 150 children living with mothers in prison. Environmental factors and early weaning are linked to premature birth, hypertension, and allergy risk. Vaccination status is also a concern, with only 14% of jail-bound children fully vaccinated.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography have discovered a connection between the sound produced by volcanic eruptions and jet engines. By analyzing infrasound from Mount St. Helens and Tungurahua volcanoes, they found that the large-amplitude signals are generated in a similar way to smaller-scale man-made jets.
A study by University of Denver researchers found that ninety percent of couples experience a decrease in marital satisfaction once the first child is born. Couples who had been married longer or had higher incomes tended to have fewer marital problems related to having a baby.
Researchers at the Joslin Diabetes Center have demonstrated that adult humans still have a type of 'good' fat called brown fat, which is active in burning calories and using energy. Brown fat was found to be more common in thin adults with normal blood glucose levels, but less likely to be present in those who were overweight or obese.
A new national study found that prescription heartburn medication is ineffective for treating asthma in patients without acid reflux symptoms. The study, led by Northwestern University researchers, randomly gave 402 patients either the medication or a placebo, finding no difference in lung function or asthma control episodes.
Researchers found that acupressure wristbands reduced nausea by 23.8% in cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment, with no difference between the two wristband groups.
Researchers found that male chimpanzees who share their food with females can mate more often than those who don't. Sharing meat over long periods of time doubles a male's mating success, while females increase their caloric intake without incurring energetic costs.
Researchers at UNH found that sealcoat can contribute to high levels of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in waterways, posing a risk to aquatic life and potentially human health. The study showed significant increases in PAH concentrations in stormwater runoff from sealed parking lots compared to unsealed areas.
Researchers have discovered a group of nerve ending receptors and chemicals that can activate them, providing a blueprint for the development of new laxatives. This breakthrough has the potential to make bowel movements easier, especially for infants and the elderly.
The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) has announced its inaugural class of Fellows, honoring members who have made significant contributions to vision research and ophthalmology. The ARVO Fellow title recognizes outstanding achievements in leadership, collaboration, and dedication to advancing the field.
Scientists at Heidelberg University Hospital have identified a previously unknown protein called SCAI that inhibits the movement and spread of tumor cells. The study suggests that SCAI could be an interesting starting point for research into new mechanisms for fighting cancer.
A new theory proposes that a sharp decrease in nickel-rich volcanism led to the decline of methanogen bacteria, causing oxygen levels to rise. The discovery suggests approximately 2.4 billion years ago was when the planet became oxygenated, allowing complex life forms to evolve.
A new study at the Mayo Clinic found that one in six patients taking therapeutic doses of dopamine agonist medications for Parkinson's disease developed new-onset compulsive gambling or hypersexuality. Researchers analyzed medical records of patients and found no such cases in those taking low doses or other treatments.
Researchers developed a technique to restore P2P privacy by hiding user-intended downloading behavior in a cloud of random downloads. This approach disrupts classification and provides users with 'plausible deniability,' making it difficult for eavesdroppers to accurately identify groups of users with similar download behavior.
A rat model study shows that dietary soy supplementation can prevent menopause-related syndromes, improve lipid profiles, and reduce LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol levels. The findings support the indication that soybean consumption may prevent coronary heart disease.
Research on Pseudomonas aeruginosa reveals the mineral phosphate plays a crucial role in its deadly behavior, potentially leading to new treatments that disarm the pathogen without killing it. Excess phosphate can mitigate harm caused by activated P. aeruginosa, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach.
Telemonitoring is being integrated into cardiac nursing practice to improve heart failure management. The technology enables nurses to remotely monitor patients' vital signs and provide guidance on lifestyle changes and medication.
Physicists at NIST have demonstrated a new ion trap that enables efficient transport of ions through an X-shaped junction, solving a key engineering issue for future ion-trap quantum computers. The demonstration achieved over 1 million successful transports with minimal heating, making it suitable for large-scale quantum computing.
Scientists reveal that half of the Universe's starlight originates from young, star-forming galaxies billions of light-years away. The discovery was made using a two-tonne telescope carried by a balloon, and analyzes data from the Balloon-borne Large-Aperture Sub-millimeter Telescope (BLAST) project.
A systematic review of 33 HBV outbreaks found that administration of drugs using multi-vial compounds and capillary blood sampling with non-disposable devices are the most frequent transmission routes. The study highlights several topical factors, including a high number of outbreaks in dialysis units and associations with multi-vial use.
Researchers at Burnham Institute have developed a novel method to analyze the proteome of yeast, identifying 4,600 proteins. This breakthrough can lead to the discovery of new biomarkers for diseases and inform protein expression changes in response to stimuli.
Researchers at Caltech have successfully created a system using DNA origami seeds that can direct the self-assembled growth of DNA tiles into precise forms. This breakthrough demonstrates unprecedented control over information-directed molecular self-assembly, paving the way for future applications in technology and materials science.
Researchers at NASA found that aerosols are responsible for a significant portion of Arctic warming since 1976, with sulfates and black carbon playing critical roles. The study suggests aerosols may account for up to 45% of the observed warming, which is comparable to the impact of greenhouse gases.
A team of researchers has identified a key protein in microalgae that concentrates CO2 for improved photosynthesis and growth. This breakthrough could lead to increased productivity in biofuel production and improved crop yields in plants such as rice and wheat.
A new study by the American Lung Association found that heartburn medication does not help control asthma symptoms in adults with poorly controlled asthma and no significant heartburn symptoms. Despite using a high dose of esomeprazole, participants showed no improvement in asthma episodes or control.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that proton pump inhibitors do not improve asthma control in patients with persistent acid reflux. Researchers examined 402 adults with asthma over 24 weeks and found no benefits from treatment, saving patients unnecessary costs and potential side effects.
A 20-center study of 402 patients with poorly controlled asthma found that proton pump inhibitors did not improve asthma control, despite previous beliefs about their role. In fact, half the patients showed excess acid in their gastrointestinal tract, but heartburn medications had no effect.
Researchers found that two novel compounds, RD162 and MDV3100, inhibit the androgen receptor function in CRPC cells, leading to declining PSA levels in men. The study's findings also showed that these agents showed activity in CRPC cells in culture and in mice.
The NIH-NASA partnership aims to facilitate biomedical research on the International Space Station, addressing pressing health questions through unique microgravity conditions. Biomedical experiments will focus on bone and muscle deterioration, infectious disease, cancer growth, and more, with the goal of improving human health on Earth.
A new article in Family Relations explores the concept of community capacity building to provide essential support to military families. The framework outlines a collaborative approach to connecting isolated families with support services, enhancing family strengths and preventing stressful experiences from becoming crises.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new way to create dye-sensitized solar cells using ancient diatoms, which can potentially triple the electrical output. The technology uses environmentally benign materials and works well in lower light conditions, offering advances in manufacturing simplicity and efficiency.
A Health Department study found that 57% of adult New Yorkers have elevated cotinine levels, indicating recent exposure to toxic secondhand smoke. This highlights the need for households with smokers to set a 'no smoking' policy at home.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University have identified two genes that increase plant tolerance to heat, salt, and drought. The collaboration will help identify additional candidate genes for developing stress-resistant crops.
Researchers have developed two new drugs, RD162 and MDV3100, that prevent male hormones from stimulating growth of prostate cancer cells. These compounds appear to work well even in prostate cells with heightened sensitivity to hormones, which makes them effective against drug-resistant prostate cancer.
Researchers found no correlation between aggressive treatment and improved survival rates for early stage bladder cancer patients. Aggressively treated patients were more likely to undergo major surgery, resulting in higher treatment costs.
A study by Harvard researchers found that Seguro Popular, a Mexican health care program instituted in 2003, has reduced catastrophic health expenditures among poorer households by almost 60%. The program's primary goal is to reduce healthcare costs for the poor, and its success may have implications for other countries.
A retrospective analysis found that multiple lung tumors in patients often arise from a single cancer cell, suggesting multifocal lung cancers should be classified as advanced-stage cancers. The study analyzed 70 tumor samples and concluded that 77% of patients had multiple tumors originating from a single clone.
A new study by Duke University researchers found that rainforest reserves provide an effective buffer against fires in the Brazilian Amazon. Despite the presence of roads and settlements, reserves still experience fewer fires than surrounding areas. The study suggests that even inhabited reserves can be effective tools for reducing fires.
The university will lead a project to analyze and model initiatives to defeat improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world. The research aims to understand how IEDs are used as a weapon of strategic influence and develop practical ways to counteract them.
A recent study found that top-performing US hospitals experience a significant reduction in medical errors, resulting in fewer patient safety events and deaths. According to HealthGrades, the top five percent of hospitals in the US reduce medical errors by 43% compared to the poorest-performing hospitals.
Researchers at University of Edinburgh partner with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop low-cost strategies to combat childhood pneumonia. The three-year project aims to predict effective treatment solutions and prioritize investments that save most lives.
Aerobic exercise training was associated with a modest reduction in the risk of death and hospitalization in patients with heart failure. The study found that exercise adherence decreased over time, but there was no significant difference in mortality rates between the exercise training group and the usual care group.
Research published in Genetics reveals genetic priming in females, making them more likely to choose certain males over others, influencing mating outcomes and future reproductive behaviors. The study's findings suggest that genetic compatibility is key to understanding love at first sight.
Scientists found that 26-73% of fishers used tiger salamanders as bait and 26-67% released them into fishing waters. A quarantine program could help prevent the introduction of non-native pathogens into threatened populations.
A systematic review of 106 studies found that acupuncture is not effective in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flushes during menopause. While one study suggested favorable effects of acupuncture on symptom severity, the overall evidence does not support its use as a treatment option.
A new phase III trial found that golimumab significantly improved active psoriatic arthritis and associated skin and nail psoriasis. The study also showed improved physical function, health-related quality of life, and enthesitis symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new programming language, WASP, to make it easier for scientists to program wireless sensor networks. The language is designed to simplify tasks and reduce errors, allowing scientists to focus on data analysis rather than programming.
Scientists at Schepens Eye Research Institute found that TGF-β helps maintain the health of blood vessels in the retina. The study's results suggest that blocking TGF-β can cause retinal dysfunction and lead to diseases like diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
African American patients are more likely to prioritize risks over benefits when making treatment decisions, which may contribute to disparities in care. The study's findings suggest that physicians should confirm patients' expectations and ensure they have an informed understanding of available treatment options.
Researchers discovered a five-sided ice chain structure, building from pentagon-shaped rings, which challenges the commonly seen hexagonal structures of ice formations. This finding could lead to new materials for seeding clouds and causing rain, improving weather modification techniques.
A large cohort study found that long-term survivors of hereditary retinoblastoma are at a significantly increased risk of death due to subsequent cancers. Hereditary retinoblastoma survivors had a 35-fold higher mortality rate compared to the general population.
A new study published in Circulation: Heart Failure found that a larger waist circumference is associated with an increased risk of heart failure in both men and women. The research examined two Swedish population-based studies and found that excess body weight was linked to higher rates of heart failure, regardless of BMI.
A specific DNA change has been identified as a potential mechanism for developing schizophrenia. The research found that the altered gene increases expression in cells grown in culture, echoing findings in postmortem brain samples from individuals with schizophrenia.
State laws prohibiting underage drinking save 732 lives annually in the US, while 'use and lose' laws could add an additional 165 lives. The study found a direct relationship between beer consumption per capita and youth crash rates, with higher consumption leading to higher youth crashes.
A new study published in Cell Metabolism suggests that a fat-derived inflammatory factor, CXCL5, plays a key role in insulin resistance and obesity-related diseases. The researchers found that CXCL5 is produced by fat tissue and is linked to the development of various conditions, including pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and arthritis.
The NIH Clinical and Translational Science Consortium has grown to 39 members, including the University of Cincinnati, which will receive $22.7 million over five years. The new Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training will focus on pediatric research and increase outreach into local communities.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center have identified a crucial link between insulin and glucagon levels. The study suggests that targeting insulin receptors or proteins in alpha cells could lead to the development of a new treatment for diabetes, particularly for type 1 patients who are at risk of hypoglycemia.
Researchers identify previously unrecognized defense mechanisms that improve treatment of viral skin infections. They found that immune cells in the skin, such as dendritic cells and memory T cells, can trigger a strong response to infections, providing efficient and long-lasting immunity.
A new study finds that weight discrimination contributes to the glass ceiling effect for women, with overweight and obese women underrepresented among top CEOs. In contrast, overweight men were overrepresented in top CEO positions, suggesting a tolerance for larger sizes among men.