A systematic review methodology is proposed to collate and synthesize high-quality research evidence on gene-disease associations. The approach emphasizes identifying true genetic associations amidst a large volume of false positives.
A recent study by Brown University researchers has found a gully fan system on Mars that formed about 1.25 million years ago, indicating melt water from nearby snow and ice deposits. The discovery extends the time water may have been active on Mars, adding to evidence of a recent ice age.
Researchers at University at Buffalo and Italy's University of Trieste found a potential link between Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and the severity of multiple sclerosis (MS). Higher levels of anti-EBV antibodies were associated with increased loss of gray matter and total brain volume over time.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center have discovered a new targeted intervention for Barth Syndrome, a genetic disorder causing heart and muscle failure in children. The study identified iPLA2-VIA as a potential target for therapeutic intervention, showing promise for treating the disease.
Researchers developed a virus that knocks out bacterial defense systems, enhancing the effectiveness of antibiotics. The engineered virus targets specific bacterial genes, preventing resistance from developing and increasing survival rates in mice infected with resistant bacteria.
Scientists engineer a covalent immunization approach that provides immediate protection against diseases, overcoming traditional vaccine drawbacks such as lag time. The method uses adapter molecules to trigger universal immune reactions, potentially revolutionizing disease prevention.
Scientists have identified a key molecule in Apert Syndrome, a severe form of craniosynostosis that affects one in every 2500 live births. By 'dampening down' the levels of this molecule, FGF10, they demonstrated for the first time that it can reverse the effects of the disease.
A new study found that an educational program increasing knowledge of infant crying and its prevention increased mother's awareness and sharing of strategies for coping with frustrating infant cries. The PURPLE Crying Program showed a 6% increase in knowledge about crying and shaking among mothers.
Researchers have identified two distinct molecular pathways that control the formation of regulatory T cells (Treg), which are vital in limiting undesirable immune responses. The study shows that if a gene called Carma1 isn't expressed normally, Treg development is impaired in the thymus, but alternative pathways can compensate.
A team of scientists discovered the oldest fossil brain in a 300-million-year-old fossilized iniopterygian from Kansas. The brain is symmetrical and has a large lobe for vision, reflecting the fish's massive eye sockets.
Research by UNSW reveals oestrogen reduces energy burning after eating, resulting in more stored fat around the body. Oestrogen's role in regulating body fat has implications for dietary advice and exercise regimes during pregnancy.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine found a genetic link between the MANEA gene, cocaine dependence, and cocaine-induced paranoia. The researchers identified six markers in the MANEA gene that are associated with an increased risk of cocaine-induced paranoia.
A Brown University study found that the frontal lobe controls decision-making along a continuum from abstract to concrete, with damage affecting higher-level functions but not lower ones. The research suggests specific areas of the frontal cortex are required for different levels of abstract decision-making.
A Northwestern University-developed optical technology accurately detects pancreatic cancer in neighboring tissue, showing promise for early diagnosis. The method uses novel light-scattering techniques to analyze subtle changes in cells, distinguishing between healthy and diseased samples with 95% sensitivity.
A recent study published in PLoS Medicine found that the WHO Child Growth Standards are more accurate than the US National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) charts in predicting mortality risk for malnourished children. The researchers analyzed data from over 60,000 children in Niger and found that the WHO standards were the most acc...
Mudslides caused by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake may release significant amounts of greenhouse gas, including carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, into the atmosphere. The study found that the ecosystem impacts of these mudslides could be equivalent to twice the loss of nitrogen from California ecosystems due to wildfires.
Researchers at the University of Calgary have identified a new stress response mechanism in the brain, where stress triggers a protein that removes the ability to slow down the stress response. This finding may lead to a better understanding of the changes in sensitivity to stress resulting from chronic exposure.
A Duke University-led study found that converting land to conservation reserves is a cheaper and more efficient way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions than using it for corn-based ethanol production. The researchers suggest that cellulosic ethanol production, which uses switchgrass or other species, may be a better option in the future.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have developed a prenatal testing method for identifying tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) in the womb. The technique, which sequences TSC genes in amniotic fluid cells, has been shown to detect nearly 93% of mutations, offering improved treatment options for affected families.
Research reveals marked gender and race differences in children's moral behaviors, both in the real and virtual worlds. African American children were more likely to view morally questionable virtual behaviors as acceptable when they benefited individual goals.
A study found that airborne fungal groups Cladosporium and Mycelia sterilia are more common in urban areas with high vehicular traffic, contributing to the region's high asthma incidence. The research suggests a link between environmental triggers and genetic susceptibility, shedding light on the complex factors driving the epidemic.
A Cornell Food & Brand Lab study shows that giving vegetables fun names like X-Ray Vision Carrots boosts their consumption in preschoolers. The researchers found that these names can even influence kids' eating habits the next day.
Researchers analyzed medical examiner records and found that swimming lessons provided some protection against drowning for young children. However, lessons alone are not enough to prevent drowning, and parents should still exercise caution when children are near water.
Children and teens of parents with bipolar disorder have an increased risk of developing bipolar spectrum disorder and other psychiatric disorders, according to a study. The risk is higher for those with two parents having bipolar disorder, with an increased likelihood of early-onset bipolar disorder and mood disorders.
A new study suggests low levels of vitamin B12 may increase neural tube defects risk. Doctors agree pregnant women can thrive on well-planned vegan diets, offering nutritional benefits like lower saturated fat and higher fiber.
A major international diabetes study of over 52,000 patients from eight countries found that using biphasic BIAsp 30 insulin resulted in significant clinical improvements and greater patient satisfaction. The study showed a 53% reduction in blood glucose levels below seven percent, with major hypoglycaemia incidents falling by 94%.
A recent study reports a significant increase in oseltamivir-resistant influenza A viruses, posing a challenge to treatment and vaccination strategies. The study found that resistant cases had similar demographic characteristics as susceptible cases, but no association with oseltamivir use.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified a protein complex that plays a pivotal role in controlling the ability of embryonic stem cells to become any cell type. The finding is an important advance in harnessing the unique abilities of embryonic stem cells to treat disease and generate replacement tissue.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association found that many middle-aged and older Americans are not getting adequate nutrition. Supplement use was associated with meeting recommended dietary intakes for calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C, but potassium intake remained low regardless of supplement use.
A study reveals that fire-related deaths are a major public-health problem in India, with over 163,000 deaths in 2001, mostly among young women. The authors estimate that these deaths are six times higher than reported by the police and suggest common causes including kitchen accidents, self-immolation, and domestic violence.
A study suggests that childhood sleep problems persisting through adolescence can affect cognitive abilities, particularly executive functioning. Sleep problems during late childhood and early adolescence, such as being overtired or sleeping more than others, were found to be strong predictors of later executive control.
A new study suggests that drinking alcohol in early adulthood may increase the risk of reflux esophagitis (RE) and Barrett's esophagus (BE), while wine consumption may reduce this risk. Higher education levels are also inversely associated with BE risk, suggesting socioeconomic status plays a role in the development of these conditions.
Dr. Nagy's method uses a novel wrapping procedure to deliver specific genes, overcoming major hurdles for personalized stem cell therapies. The breakthrough accelerates stem cell technology and provides a road map for new clinical approaches to regenerative medicine.
Scientists have discovered a compound called zymosan that can respond to two different receptors in dendritic cells, sending both stimulatory and calming messages. This finding could guide the development of vaccines against infectious agents and potentially boost the immune system's ability to fight chronic infections.
Researchers have developed a potent drug against melanoma by combining compounds from green vegetables with selenium. The new compound, isoselenocyanate, targets the Akt3 protein and reduces tumor growth by 50-60%, showing potential for low-toxicity treatment.
Research published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that patients with upper GI bleeding admitted on weekends had a 22% higher mortality rate and were less likely to undergo early endoscopy. Patients with peptic ulcer-related UGIB also faced increased mortality, hospital charges, and length of stay.
A new study reveals that children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have a shorter total sleep time and reduced rapid eye movement (REM) sleep compared to healthy controls. This intrinsic sleep problem may contribute to the symptoms of ADHD.
Researchers have long focused on Toxin A, but a new study reveals Toxin B is the real culprit behind C-diff's deadly effects. The discovery has significant implications for treatment and prevention strategies.
Duke researchers found that a blood-derived lymph node dendritic cell type plays a key role in developing acute T-cell responses. This discovery challenges traditional views on dendritic cell function and has implications for vaccine science and autoimmune disease therapy development.
A school-based sleep intervention improved adolescents' sleep problems, producing a high retention rate of 83% and increasing students' knowledge of sleep-related issues. However, the positive effect disappeared at the six-week follow-up.
A recent study demonstrates that the polycomb group protein Bmi-1 plays a crucial role in maintaining forebrain neural stem cell self-renewal. The findings show that overexpression of Bmi-1 increases stem cell self-renewal both in vitro and in vivo, highlighting its potential for neural regeneration and repair.
A new study found that patients who underwent rotator cuff repair surgery experienced continued pain relief and improved shoulder function, even after a tear recurrence. The study of 15 patients eight years after surgery showed that those with recurrent tears were better off in terms of pain, function, and strength than before.
Researchers analyzed transtibial and anteromedial portal drilling techniques for ACL reconstruction, finding that anteromedial portal drilling allowed for better native ACL footprint restoration and knee stability. Re-reaming of the tibial tunnel was also a significant issue with conventional transtibial techniques.
The US stimulus package is unlikely to address the financial struggles of cancer patients, who face high costs for treatment and uncertain treatment outcomes. The package's limited funding for cancer research and care may exacerbate existing inequalities in healthcare access.
Researchers at CSHL identify a family of mobile small RNAs, called ta-siRNAs, that act like morphogens to establish the top/bottom axis in leaves. These RNA molecules generate a concentration gradient across each leaf, dividing cells into distinct sections with sharply drawn boundaries.
The global financial crisis could reduce access to expensive cancer treatments, investment in drug discovery, and support for cancer sufferers and survivors. Cancer Research UK forecasts a 4% drop in income in 2009 compared with 2008.
New research suggests that UCL reconstruction prior to MLB draft selection has no effect on injury risk or professional advancement. The study, conducted from 1999-2003, analyzed data from 30 MLB draft picks with UCL reconstruction compared to a control group.
A Special Report in The Lancet Oncology explores the complexities of sharing genetic information with close relatives to prevent breast cancer. Experts weigh the pros and cons of adjusting the law, considering patient confidentiality, personal privacy, and the potential benefits of early interventions.
MIT Sensory Communication Group researchers create tactile devices that translate sound waves into skin vibrations, improving communication for deaf people relying on lip reading. The devices could be integrated into smartphones, providing a cost-effective alternative to cochlear implants.
A new intervention being tested at Case Western Reserve University aims to improve the lives of men with incontinence problems from prostate cancer treatments. The 'Stay Dry' program combines pelvic floor muscle exercises with biofeedback techniques and therapy, and will be compared to standard care in a four-year study.
The SEARCH for diabetes in youth study found alarmingly high rates of diabetes among every racial and ethnic group. Type 1 diabetes is more common than previously reported in Hispanic and African-American youth, while type 2 diabetes is more prevalent in Asian/Pacific Islanders.
A new approach to generate induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells has been developed by Austin Smith's team. They used a single reprogramming factor called Klf4 and a transposable element called Piggybac to persuade partly specialised mouse cells to reprogram into iPS cells.
A Mayo Clinic study found significant effects of obesity on total hip replacements, with a 50% higher complication rate in superobese patients. The study also reported complications with knee implants under extreme weight stress, highlighting the need for weight loss management prior to surgery.
A University of Georgia study found Salmonella in 79% of river and stream samples, with highest concentrations in summer months and after rainfall. The bacteria can persist and grow in water under certain conditions, potentially contributing to increased salmonella illnesses as a result of global warming.
Researchers analyzed genetic data from over 2,800 HIV-infected patients to identify 14 'escape mutations' that help the virus survive. These mutations allow the virus to evade the immune system's destruction, making it challenging to develop effective AIDS vaccines.
The article argues that Darwin's background and research focus prevented him from interpreting the evidence for Mendelian inheritance. Mendel's work was rediscovered in the 20th century, revealing that his understanding of biology far surpassed Darwin's.
A University of Minnesota researcher and colleagues studied human behavioral dynamics in Everquest 2's massive player base. They found that the virtual world can model social and behavioral dynamics of individuals, groups, and networks.
Researchers discovered that male Australian crayfish use deceptive signals to advertise their strength, cheating rivals with weaker but larger claws. This behavior comes at a cost, as large claws may hinder the males' ability to escape danger.
A new therapeutic target has been identified for osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that affects about 30% of patients despite existing treatments. The protein interleukin-11 receptor alpha (IL-11Ra) is highly expressed in primary osteosarcoma and lung metastases from these tumors.
A NYU Langone Medical Center study shows that healthy elderly patients with severe to profound hearing loss can tolerate cochlear implant surgery without significant risk, contrary to conventional wisdom. The procedure significantly improves their hearing and quality of life.