New surgical instruments include a disposable multi-instrument access port, curved hand instruments, and laparoscopic videoscope. These devices help advance single-incision surgical procedures with increased maneuverability and reduced risk.
A team of researchers found that interleukin-2 has no effect on the development of AIDS or patient survival. The study, involving over 5000 patients in 25 countries, suggests that IL-2 treatment provides no benefit and does not prevent AIDS-related infectious diseases.
A new decision aid tool, developed by Mayo Clinic clinicians and designers, helps patients with type 2 diabetes make informed decisions about their medication. The tool, a set of cards, involves patients in the decision-making process and leads to better patient-centered care.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Clemson University a five-year, $9.3 million grant to establish a Center of Biomedical Research Excellence (COBRE) for Tissue Regeneration. The center will focus on tissue regeneration through cell-biomaterials interactions to restore functional tissues and address the growing need for rege...
Researchers from Germany investigated a large study of 589 prostate cancer patients between 2000 and 2006 and found no link between XMRV infection and the disease. Despite previous reports suggesting a potential association, the study detected no evidence for XMRV in German prostate cancer patients.
Scientists have discovered the atomic structure of an enzyme responsible for DNA replication in human mitochondria, which can cause harmful drug side effects. By targeting a different region of the enzyme, researchers aim to design more selective and less toxic anti-HIV drugs.
The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) has deepened its commitment to the Latin-American science community through a series of research collaborations. The program aims to generate new ideas that will have a profound impact on the Air Force and the world. AFOSR has partnered with Mexico's Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecn...
The fixed-dose combination ACTOplus met (pioglitazone HCl and metformin HCl) was shown to be more effective in reducing hemoglobin A1c levels than either component alone, with 64% of patients reaching the goal of ≤7 percent. Additionally, the study found significant reductions in insulin resistance and fasting plasma glucose levels.
The neutrino detector will test matter/antimatter symmetry, potentially explaining the universe's matter dominance. Located 4,800 feet underground, the detector will block out most radiation and capture ultraviolet light from charged particles.
A new pest, the Spotted Wing Drosophila fly, has been identified in Oregon's Willamette Valley wine grapes, causing significant losses to cherry and peach crops. The fly's larvae are small and shapeless, but culture methods can confirm its identity.
Breast cancer patients can reduce their risk of lymphedema by seeking physical therapy services before, during, and after treatment. A study published in the journal Cancer found that pre-operative assessments by physical therapists enable early diagnosis and management of the condition, leading to more conservative treatment options.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) is partnering with Gilda's Club Chicago to promote cancer survivorship. The two organizations will participate in the Survivor Circle exhibit at ASTRO's 51st Annual Meeting, highlighting programs that help patients and families cope with cancer.
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation linked to premature lung development and severe respiratory complications. The mutation, found in four children born with multiple abnormalities, may provide insight into potential treatments for newborn lung distress and COPD.
Developed by Drs. Richard Schwartz and Harsha Setty, the Video Rigid Flexible Laryngoscope helps navigate airways in patients with head and neck cancer or anatomical variations, reducing trauma risk.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center discovered the Id3 protein plays a crucial role in directing blood cell progenitors to become gamma-delta T cells. These unique cells possess attributes of both the adaptive and innate arms of the immune system, providing enhanced protection against infections and diseases.
The IBEX spacecraft has created a new comprehensive sky map of our solar system, showcasing its location within the Milky Way galaxy. The map highlights the region that separates our heliosphere from interstellar space, with bright emissions not previously detected by Voyager spacecraft.
Researchers aim to understand the 'language' of the human genome by linking proteins to their genomic blueprints. The goal is to enhance efforts to solve pressing health issues like heart disease and cancer.
Researchers used optogenetics to stimulate 12 cells in fly brains, creating false memories of an unpleasant event. This discovery provides new insights into how simple organisms can form complex cognitive associations.
Researchers used a rare brain procedure to document how the human brain computes grammar and produces words. The study found that distinct linguistic processes are computed within small regions of Broca's area, separated in time and partially overlapping in space.
A new study released in PLoS ONE explores the cumulative impacts of energy development on species in the West, with potential consequences for sage-grouse populations. The research highlights the need for scientifically credible conservation planning tools to balance natural resource development with wildlife conservation.
A $4 million NCI grant will fund comparative effectiveness research on cancer at the Southwest Oncology Group. The Center for Comparative Effectiveness Research in Cancer Genomics will evaluate emerging genomics technologies to identify promising treatments.
An interdisciplinary team at City College of New York investigates the impact of virtual organizations on scientific knowledge production and innovation. They aim to identify conditions that enable virtual collaborations to enhance scientific output.
Amy Wetherby's research aims to detect autism in children as young as 18 months using a screening tool and culturally sensitive methods. The NIH grants will fund studies of 600 children across different cultures to improve early diagnosis and access to intervention.
African biosafety regulators will receive science-based information on biotechnology, protecting farmers, consumers, and the environment. The initiative aims to reduce poverty through improved agricultural practices.
A study by University of Rochester Medical Center evaluates the cost effectiveness of an experimental blood pressure device called Rheos. The research suggests that Rheos can be a cost-effective treatment for individuals with drug-resistant hypertension, especially those with extremely high blood pressure or diabetes.
Research reveals that up to a quarter of testicular cancer survivors experience long-term neurological, hearing, and circulation problems, as well as a higher risk of secondary cancers. However, many survivors can successfully father children after treatment, with up to 80% successful pregnancies.
A decade-long effort by international partners has resulted in the collection and freezing of thousands of seeds from nearly 25,000 native plant species. The Millennium Seed Bank project aims to conserve an additional 15% of world's plant species by 2020.
Researchers have discovered that sponges soaked in Botox can effectively treat intrinsic rhinitis, a condition affecting millions of people. The minimally invasive application method resulted in improved symptoms and a long-lasting reduction of nasal hypersecretion.
Scientists have developed a revolutionary technology to analyze protein mixtures, revealing a key enzyme that stabilizes proteins in mitochondria. This breakthrough has significant implications for fundamental research on proteins and their roles in cell function.
The study emphasizes the role of population mobility in spreading drug-resistant diseases worldwide. Researchers propose a new approach that considers the 'human factor' in health policy and processes to combat this growing threat.
Researchers aim to identify 'biomarkers' in tissue and blood samples to diagnose conditions like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn's disease. They will test these signatures using tissue and blood samples from patients with various inflammatory diseases.
A national survey found that most girls and young women were aware of the HPV vaccine's benefits, but lacked knowledge about the HPV virus and other sexually transmitted infections. The study suggests that education on the HPV virus itself is crucial for informed decision-making.
A $580,000 NSF-funded project is transcribing and publishing John Tyndall's letters, which touch on topics like science and religion, professionalization of science, and government funding. The project aims to create an international community of Tyndall scholars and train graduate students in research methods.
A new federal grant will investigate a novel approach in treating HIV infection, focusing on a unique class of drugs that target psychological and neurological effects. The research aims to develop therapies that can relieve depression-like symptoms and improve innate immunity in HIV-infected patients.
A new nationwide study suggests that people are more likely to support withdrawing U.S. troops from Iraq if one or more soldiers from their home state were killed there recently. This localized factor outweighs other considerations, such as national casualties, in shaping public opinion.
The development of new pharmaceuticals is being stifled by patent challenges that increase generic competition, according to researchers. The number of new compounds approved annually has fallen, and the effective life of key patents will continue to decline, leading to revenue declines in the industry.
Researchers found that individual wasps benefit from being recognizable, as they are less likely to be targeted in aggressive encounters. This finding suggests that diversity may promote group stability, extending beyond wasp societies to potentially influence human facial variation and social interactions.
Researchers have visualized the ribosome's assembly line gears, capturing the intricate interactions between elongation factor G and the ribosome. The study reveals new insights into how EF-G moves the assembly line forward, paving the way for understanding viral hijacking and antibiotic resistance.
Researchers have discovered a rich cache of plant fossils in Colombia, providing the first reliable evidence of how Neotropical rainforests looked 58 million years ago. The fossil record shows that many dominant plant families still exist today, indicating a relatively stable ecosystem.
The study found that mammals are protected from the majority of fungal pathogens due to their elevated body temperature, which is too high for most fungi to survive. This theory could help explain why mammals rose to dominance after the dinosaur extinction event.
The National Science Foundation has authorized $29.1 million for the preliminary design of DUSEL, a deep underground science and engineering laboratory in South Dakota. The facility will house experiments in physics, engineering, geoscience, and biology, shielded from cosmic rays and accessible to unique geological areas.
The report highlights a significant phytonutrient gap in the US, with 88% of Americans falling short in the blue/purple category. To close this gap, experts recommend consuming two servings from each of the five color categories per day, providing potential health benefits from promoting eye, bone and heart health.
A recent study found that Americans express strong concern about socio-economic based health disparities and support government intervention to address them. However, there is less public support for reducing racially-based disparities, with many attributing these differences to genetic factors.
A new project aims to provide healthy school meals using locally-sourced food, providing a reliable income for local farmers and improving rural economies. The initiative will help governments run school meal programmes in sub-Saharan Africa, benefiting millions of children facing poverty and hunger.
Young neurobiologist Richard Benton's research on insect odor detection has uncovered unanticipated evolutionary parallels between chemosensation, immune recognition, and synaptic transmission. His findings have significant implications for controlling disease-transmitting insects and understanding the evolution of nervous systems.
IBEX maps show a narrow ribbon of intense emissions at the edge of the solar system, contradicting previous theories. The data suggests the interstellar environment has a significant influence on the heliosphere's structure.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have conducted a basic chemistry experiment in a world's smallest test tube, measuring thousandth of human hair diameter. The nano-scale test tube was heated and observed to melt gold at its tip, demonstrating well-known phenomena like melting, capillarity and diffusion at nanoscale.
Researchers have discovered a unique bacterial species that can stimulate specialized immune cells in mice, potentially providing insights into human gut-dwelling microbes. This finding could lead to new understanding of how beneficial bacteria protect against pathogenic invaders.
A new study by Western Washington University scientists found that leaves along busy bus routes are up to 10 times more magnetic than those on quieter streets, indicating higher levels of air pollution. This simple and effective method could be used to monitor particulate matter in urban environments.
A study found that the replacement of a black manager with a non-black manager results in a significant decline in the number of blacks employed, especially in Southern stores. Black managers tend to hire people who live close to them, while non-black managers hire from a broader network.
Scientists at Oklahoma State University are working on a new type of thermoelectric technology that can convert waste heat into electricity. This breakthrough has the potential to power military aircraft without toxic emissions or expensive cooling systems.
A new study published in BMC Medicine found that the popular antidepressant nortriptyline is associated with a dramatic increase in suicidal thoughts among men. Compared to its competitor escitalopram, nortriptyline was linked to a 9.8-fold increase in emerging suicidal thoughts and a 2.4-fold increase in worsening suicidal thoughts.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered specific immune cells that attract corrupted proteins, increasing the risk of variant CJD in younger individuals. This finding may lead to better diagnosis methods and potential vaccine development.
A study found that men tend to react better to messages invoking disgust, while women respond to reminders. Handwashing rates were higher among women, with 64% washing their hands compared to 32% of men.
A recent study by Dr. Khaled El Emam found that hospital pharmacy prescription records can easily re-identify patients, posing a significant privacy risk. The study demonstrates a methodology for de-identifying patient data to maintain patient confidentiality.
Researchers used former Colombian guerrillas to study brain structure changes after learning to read. They found higher grey matter density in left hemisphere areas responsible for letter recognition and increased white matter connections, particularly with the angular gyrus.
Researchers at the University of Rochester are developing a system to derive usable hydrogen fuel from water using only sunlight. The team will investigate artificial photosynthesis and use three modules to optimize the process. The goal is to create a clean energy source that can be used in fuel cells for cars, homes, or power plants.
The Arctic has been a carbon sink since the last Ice Age, but rapid climate change could eliminate it. Warmer temperatures and permafrost thawing could release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, accelerating global warming.
Researchers found molecular sites on the 2009 H1N1 virus that are also present in seasonal flu viruses, explaining why older adults may have some immunity to the new virus. This immunity may be due to cell-mediated responses triggered by cytotoxic T-cells.
Researchers at Miriam Hospital's Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center are studying various approaches to prevent and treat obesity, including behavioral interventions and gene-based research. These studies aim to develop innovative strategies to curb the obesity epidemic and its devastating health consequences.