Researchers found that Barrett's esophagus patients have comparable survival rates to the general population, with a 10-year overall survival rate of 68%. Esophageal cancer was not significantly more common among these patients.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center identified a cellular pathway that explains the link between alcohol and cancer. Alcohol stimulates the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, making cancer cells more aggressive and spreading throughout the body.
Studies highlight racial disparities in gastrointestinal disease, particularly colon cancer and Barrett's Esophagus, among African Americans, Latinos, and women. These disparities underscore the importance of education, early screenings, and potentially more aggressive screening tactics for these populations.
A study by Canadian cardiologists found that patients with herceptin-related heart complications can be taken off the medication and treated for the condition, allowing them to resume cancer treatment unaffected. The research suggests that heart damage from trastuzumab is largely reversible.
A study found a significant association between a polymorphism of the µ-opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene and alcohol misuse among adolescents. The G allele variant was associated with increased sensitivity to the pleasurable effects of alcohol, leading to more frequent drinking and problems.
Researchers found that implantation of blue light-filtering IOLs at cataract surgery increased macular pigment levels, which may offer protection against age-related macular degeneration. The study suggests a strong scientific rationale for the benefits of blue light-filtering in reducing vision loss.
A recent study found that consuming moderate amounts of protein per meal, around 30 grams, is most effective for building muscle. Eating larger portions does not necessarily lead to greater muscle synthesis. Shifting extra protein from dinner to lunch and breakfast may help optimize daily intake and reduce muscle loss in the elderly.
A study found that patients with IBD, particularly those on thiopurine medications, may be at higher risk for non-melanoma skin cancer. The study also showed that recent use of immunosuppressive medications was associated with increased risk of NMSC.
The Iowa State T-ray facility offers a state-of-the-art tool for measuring and characterizing materials, with applications in automotive, energy, and medical fields. The instrument uses terahertz rays to provide spectroscopic analyses of chemical and physical compositions.
Researchers found a significant association between gastrointestinal disorders and exposure to infectious gastroenteritis, with the highest risk of functional diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome. Long-term effects of high-stress occupations on GI health are being considered for novel solutions.
Researchers have identified heterochromatin, a gene-poor compartment of DNA, as the key to explaining reproductive isolation. Odysseus, a fruit fly gene, has been found to interact with rapidly evolving DNA in heterochromatin, leading to hybrid sterility.
The third sector continues to innovate in public service delivery, despite tough economic times. Key findings from a report by the ESRC reveal the sector's ability to adapt and respond to changing circumstances.
A new species of fly discovered in Burmese amber had a unique horn and three eyes on top, suggesting it was an evolutionary dead end that later disappeared. It likely fed on tiny flowers and had other unusual characteristics.
The study found that cardiorespiratory fitness declines more rapidly after age 45, with men experiencing a greater decline than women. Maintaining a healthy BMI, being physically active, and not smoking are associated with higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness throughout adult life.
New imaging technologies, such as the Third Eye Retroscope and high-definition (HD) colonoscopy, improve the detection of pre-cancerous growths in the colon. These advancements lead to more accurate diagnoses and potentially reduced mortality rates from colorectal cancer.
The Wellcome Trust has awarded €2.8 million to the Laboratory for Virology and Experimental Chemotherapy at K.U.Leuven to search for new treatments for dengue fever, a viral disease prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Researchers will collaborate with the pharmaceutical industry to develop medications for this deadly virus.
A study published in PLoS Medicine suggests that reducing dropout rates from HIV treatment programs can lead to improved patient survival and cost-effectiveness. The researchers propose strategies such as eliminating co-payments for treatment and increasing services available to patients, which could form part of the commitment to star...
A new integrated survey protocol identified areas requiring mass treatment for schistosomiasis and intestinal worm infections in Southern Sudan. Lymphatic filariasis and loiasis were found to be extremely rare, with only four individuals testing positive or reporting symptoms.
Two new studies found evidence of a large volcanic eruption in 1809 that contributed to the coldest decade on record. Researchers analyzed ice cores from Greenland and Antarctica, as well as stalagmites in Turkey, to shed light on this event. The findings challenge previous theories on climate change and provide valuable insights into ...
A large nationally representative study found that up to 20% of US children have suboptimal vitamin D levels, with Hispanic and black children at particularly high risk. The researchers recommend vitamin D supplements for all children, especially those in high latitudes, to improve health outcomes.
Researchers capture high-speed footage of tiny water droplets jumping off a man-made surface, similar to the ejection of spores from certain mushrooms. The phenomenon has applications in energy harvesting and thermal management, offering an efficient mechanism for removing condensate.
The American Society of Plant Biologists has launched 'Teaching Tools in Plant Biology' in The Plant Cell, a monthly online feature with regularly updated sets of teaching materials on important themes in plant biology. Peer-reviewed tools are designed for upper-level undergraduates but can also be adapted for introductory courses.
A large series of 91 patients found that performing capsule endoscopy did not interfere with images captured by devices like pacemakers. The study, presented at the American College of Gastroenterology meeting, suggests that capsule endoscopy can be safely used in elderly patients with implantable cardiac devices.
A Mayo Clinic study found that Clostridium difficile infections are rising in outpatient settings, with a higher proportion of cases in younger populations. The study suggests that antibiotic use may be contributing to the increased incidence and severity of C. difficile infections.
The world's largest congress on ion therapy brought together leading experts to discuss the latest scientific and clinical developments in radiation therapy. The meeting marked a significant milestone in the technology and clinical application of ion radiation, with over 70,000 patients worldwide treated so far.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that giant volcanoes played a pivotal role in an ancient ice age and mass extinction. The volcanoes released massive amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, causing global warming before stopping, which led to the ice age.
A study led by Penn researchers identified a molecular pathway in the brain that causes cognitive impairment due to sleep deprivation. Reducing the concentration of a specific enzyme using PDE inhibitors reversed cognitive deficits, including impaired focus and memory.
Tropical Storm Lupit is transitioning to an extra-tropical storm, while Tropical Storm 23W is approaching Saipan with sustained winds near 40 mph. The storms are being tracked by the US Navy's Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
A new study finds that a 7-day course of levofloxacin, omeprazole, nitazoxanide and doxycycline (LOAD) is more effective in eradicating Helicobacter pylori than a similar treatment with lansoprazole, amoxicillin and clarithromycin. The therapy is also found to be equally effective when reduced to 7 days.
The article discusses the need to shift focus from tertiary care services to cost-effective brief interventions for earlier stages of alcohol use disorders. Health systems in low- and middle-income countries currently prioritize treatment, but this approach is often ineffective.
A Dartmouth study has found that patients taking immunosuppressive drugs such as glucocorticoids may be at higher risk of developing bladder cancer. The research examined the long-term use of glucocorticoids in 786 bladder-cancer patients and 1,083 control subjects, revealing a potential link between the two.
Researchers found genetically modified squash are more susceptible to bacterial wilt disease due to increased feeding by cucumber beetles. The study suggests that the fitness advantage of virus-resistant crops comes at a price, with unintended consequences for biodiversity.
Middle-aged women have experienced an increase in heart attack prevalence over the past two decades. However, their chances of survival following a heart event have also improved, with women under 55 experiencing the largest reduction in mortality rates compared to men.
A study found that anti-VEGF treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration can lead to increased intraocular pressure in patients without a family history of glaucoma. A new low-cost vision screening method, using an auto-refractor and pre-made eyeglasses, has shown promise in improving vision for millions in developing countries.
A new community engagement process has been developed to enable residents to contribute their essential knowledge to emergency planning. This approach recognizes that people on the ground may have critical insights into potential problems with emergency plans, which can be overlooked by experts.
Researchers identified a cellular pathway by which alcohol promotes cancer progression through the activation of EMT in colon and breast cancer cells. This mechanism may contribute to the increased risk of these cancers associated with alcohol consumption.
Researchers recommend screening people over 40 for PAD due to its association with heart disease and stroke. The study found 17 cases of PAD among 362 volunteers, highlighting the importance of aggressive treatment and prevention strategies.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are developing automated methods to discover astrophysical phenomena by analyzing massive amounts of cosmological data. These methods will enable scientists to identify larger patterns in observational data, providing insights into the evolution of the universe. The initiative aims to capitaliz...
A study found that three months of vigorous physical activity in older adults with type 2 diabetes improved the elasticity of their arteries, leading to a reduced risk of heart disease and stroke. The participants showed an impressive drop in arterial stiffness after just three months of exercise.
Researchers found Botox injections significantly improve chronic pain control in patients with CRPS, while breast reduction surgery reduces lower back stress. Increased testing of removed tissue may lead to higher cancer detection rates in older breast reduction patients.
Research by Dr. Beverly Goodman exposed geological evidence of four tsunami events at Caesarea, including one from the Santorini volcano eruption in 1500 BC and others caused by underwater landslides. The findings suggest that local tsunamis could have reached 5 meters high and damaged coastal communities.
A study found South Asian Canadians have less access to physical activity opportunities and develop coronary artery disease earlier than white Caucasians. Simple yet effective ways to incorporate physical activity into daily life can help mitigate this risk.
Researchers discovered mantis shrimp eyes can convert linearly polarized light to circularly polarized light, a crucial function in CD and DVD players. This natural mechanism works across the entire visible spectrum, outperforming human-made quarter-wave plates.
Researchers at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation have made a groundbreaking discovery that could help treat traumatic injuries and severe diseases. They found an antibody that can counteract histones' deadly effects on blood vessels, potentially preventing uncontrolled bleeding and fluid buildup.
Glaucoma clinics face challenges in providing follow-up care to patients from diverse ethnic backgrounds, with long wait times and interpreter issues cited as major barriers. To address these issues, researchers suggest streamlining appointment procedures and resolving wait time and language obstacles.
Dr. Shelagh Coutts, an Alberta neurologist, is developing a new brain scanning technique using CT scans and angiograms to rapidly diagnose mini-strokes. The technology has the potential to predict which patients are at risk of having a second stroke.
A CSHL-led team discovered a rare mutation on human chromosome 16 that dramatically increases the risk of schizophrenia. The mutation is associated with an eight-fold increased risk, and studies also found a correlation between 16p11.2 mutations and head size.
Researchers at UC San Diego have identified a key protein promoting pulmonary arterial hypertension and developed a drug therapy to block its effects. The treatment, using γ-secretase inhibitor, reversed the disease in mice, offering new hope for patients with this debilitating condition.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab developed the first acoustic hyperlens, allowing for 8-fold magnification of sound-based imaging technologies. The device resolves details smaller than one sixth the length of the waves themselves, enabling new applications in medical ultrasound and underwater sonar.
A large study found that obese patients with established cardiovascular disease are less likely to reach recommended targets for blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Obesity was also associated with poorer control of HDL levels, but not LDL-cholesterol targets.
Studies suggest ophthalmologists should suspect visual variant Alzheimer's in patients with unusual or severe vision problems, particularly difficulty reading. Nearsighted individuals may be less susceptible to diabetic retinopathy due to reduced risks associated with longer axial length and deeper anterior eye chamber.
A new study has found no significant gender differences in rates of chest discomfort or 'typical' symptoms such as arm discomfort, shortness of breath, and sweating. Female patients were more likely to have both classic symptoms of a heart attack and throat, jaw, and neck discomfort.
Research reveals that Caucasian college women are more likely to exhibit binge eating behaviors than African American women. The study found that African-American students were less likely to meet criteria for binge eating and had less severe symptoms, but shared similar predictors such as depressed mood and feelings of fat. This dispa...
A study by North Carolina State University found that inhaling carbon nanotubes affects the outer lining of the lungs, causing a unique health response. The effects were short-lived, with the immune response and fibrosis disappearing within three months.
A study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that Mst3b, an enzyme previously identified in the lab, is essential for regenerating damaged axons in both peripheral and central nervous systems. The findings suggest that activating Mst3b could lead to a possible treatment for brain and spinal cord injuries.
Researchers discovered a connection between rare testicular tumors and severe childhood genetic disorders, suggesting that older fathers' genetic mutations may increase the risk of affected children. The study highlights the role of 'selfish' mutations in sperm production, which can lead to serious conditions in offspring.
Researchers present findings on experimental stem cell therapy for peripheral nerve injuries, suggesting adipose-derived stem cells may aid in healing. Additionally, a study on liposuctioned fat for breast augmentation finds the procedure to be safe and effective with excellent long-term graft survival.
Researchers followed 79 patients with migraine headaches for five years after surgery, finding promising outcomes for treating trigger sites. The study found that 88% of remaining patients maintained initial positive response to surgery, with 29% experiencing complete elimination of migraines.
A gene therapy treatment has successfully restored vision in five children and seven adults with Leber's congenital amaurosis, a group of inherited blinding diseases. The treatment uses genes to produce light-sensitive pigments in the back of the eye, allowing patients to navigate low-light environments and perform daily activities.
Gene therapy has been shown to improve vision in children with Leber congenital amaurosis, a severe form of inherited retinal degeneration. The treatment resulted in significant improvements in both subjective and objective measurements of vision.