A new study by neuroscientists at Ohio State University suggests that immune responses to spinal cord injuries may actually worsen and extend the damage. Inhibiting antibody-producing B cells may promote healing and reduce long-term effects of spinal cord injury.
Researcher Rohit Trivedi conducts crystal growth experiments on the International Space Station using a mini lab called DECLIC. The goal is to understand how materials form crystals and how variations affect crystallization patterns, which govern material properties.
A study of hospital relocation provides insights into aid disaster planning by restricting elective surgeries and limiting incoming transfers. This approach helped one major hospital reduce its census by 36% without interrupting emergency or trauma services, a strategy that can be applied during disasters to improve surge capacity.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a handheld device that uses SD OCT to create 3-D images of the retina, allowing for early detection of retinopathy of prematurity. The technology can snap pictures up to 40 times faster than previous versions and is being used to analyze data on over 20 infants.
Wealthier countries use less energy in buildings due to rating systems, but design challenges remain. Implementing similar programs can create 'green' jobs in the US, according to a new RAND Corporation study.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society reveals that older adults with insufficient vitamin D levels are more likely to die from heart disease. The research analyzed data from over 3,400 participants and found that those with low vitamin D levels were three times more likely to die from heart disease.
A recent study published in Critical Care found that severe trauma patients who receive old red blood cells are twice as likely to die. The study, which analyzed data from 202 patients, suggests that using fresher red blood cells may reduce mortality rates and complications.
Stem cell biology faces challenges in defining molecular characteristics, with potency and self-renewal not exclusive to stem cells. A new perspective suggests considering 'stemness' as a system property, rather than individual cell traits, which may lead to improved understanding of cancer stem cells.
A new speech-to-speech translation system aims to improve communication between healthcare providers and patients who speak different languages. The system, developed by USC researchers, will use prosodic information, discourse cues, and user state information to enhance human communication capabilities.
A new study reveals that stress and upheaval actually lead people to choose less-familiar options over comfort foods. Participants in the study chose newer snacks when experiencing more change in their lives, contradicting the common assumption that people seek comfort during uncertain times.
The Bernard Lee Schwartz Foundation has established a new three-year Research Scholar Award for pancreatic cancer research, providing funding and protected time for a young investigator. The award aims to advance knowledge of early detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer.
A large study on adjuvant endocrine treatment for postmenopausal, hormone-positive breast cancer found that patients who continued to take exemestane or tamoxifen had significantly better outcomes than those who stopped taking the medication. Non-compliance was higher in countries with less stringent guidelines.
A $453,000 NSF grant is funding a research expedition to investigate the return of predatory crabs to Antarctica due to climate change. The team will use advanced technologies to explore the Bellingshausen and Amundsen Seas and understand how warming waters are promoting the invasion of these species.
Researchers have developed a new vaginal device that delivers at least 10 times more medication to the uterus than existing oral medications, reducing side effects and potentially alleviating menstrual cramp pain. Phase II clinical trials will assess efficacy of the treatment in reducing pain.
Researchers suggest a link between lower mortality rates in September and the preceding summer vacations in Mediterranean countries. The study found that extreme heat and cold are associated with increased risk of death, but also noted a physiological effect of increased vitamin D synthesis and stress-relieving benefits of time off.
Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin used prospective electrocardiogram (ECG) gating to significantly reduce patient radiation dose during CT angiography. The study compared retrospective and prospective ECG gating techniques, finding that image quality was equivalent but radiation doses differed substantially.
Scientists at Burnham Institute identified novel cleavage sites for the caspase-3 enzyme, revealing that it targets α-helices as well as unstructured loops. This discovery challenges current dogma and offers new insights into protein signaling pathways.
Researchers found that tanned very-light-skinned children with no red hair develop more nevi than untanned counterparts. The study suggests tanning avoidance may reduce melanoma risk in this population.
Researchers have named a new species of chimaera, an ancient group of fishes distantly related to sharks, from the coast of Southern California and Baja California. The Eastern Pacific black ghostshark (Hydrolagus melanophasma) is known from nine preserved museum specimens and video footage taken of it alive in deep water.
A new study from UAB researchers suggests that individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who struggle with financial management skills may be at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease. The study found that MCI patients who declined in financial capacity over a year were more likely to progress to Alzheimer's.
A 25-year study found premature births increased by nearly 10 times, yet survival rates more than halved, with a 10% reduction in stillbirths associated with pre-term births. Researchers attribute the findings to better understanding and medically induced early births.
Rice University biochemists are developing a system of 'evolutionary forecasting' to better understand the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. By sequencing genomes and analyzing molecular changes, they hope to identify patterns and rules governing how bacteria evolve to become drug-resistant.
A team led by James E. Quick discovered a fossil supervolcano in the Sesia Valley, revealing unprecedented depth of magmatic plumbing. This find advances scientific understanding of active supervolcanoes like Yellowstone and may help predict future eruptions.
A meta-analysis of 13 studies found that heart attack rates started to drop immediately following smoking ban implementation, reaching 17% after one year, then continuing to decline over time. The study provides strong evidence for the benefits of smoke-free laws in reducing cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at MDC Berlin-Buch have identified a protein, CNP, that triggers the splitting of sensory axon growth cones. This discovery sheds light on neuronal branching and its role in transmitting sensations such as touch, pain, and temperature.
Researchers have identified SHP-2 as a crucial mediator of insulin-like growth factors' effects on stimulating placental growth. This discovery may lead to new treatments for growth restriction of babies in the womb, improving their health outcomes.
A recent study found that public views on nanotechnology are overwhelmingly favorable, but many people are unfamiliar with the technology. The research highlights the importance of educating the public about nanotechnology's benefits and risks to avoid negative perceptions.
Cancer experts are developing a tool to work out the percentage risk a woman has of developing cervical cancer. The tool uses cervical precancer, defined as histological cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3) or more severe, as a surrogate for cervical cancer.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a method to control the structure and function of single-walled carbon nanotubes. By varying the composition of a metal catalyst, they can produce semiconducting nanotubes with desired properties, opening up new possibilities for applications such as medicine delivery and en...
Researchers have found a genetic link between inherited cardiac arrhythmias and thyroid dysfunction, suggesting that mutations in the KCNE2 and KCNQ1 genes could also cause thyroid problems. The study's findings may lead to new treatments for both heart and endocrine diseases.
Researchers discover regeneration of severed nerve fibers is not required for paraplegic rats to learn to walk again. Daily treadmill training enables rats to regain full weight-bearing walking abilities.
Migration '09 conference presents new approaches to imaging mineral-water interfaces and controlling actinide migration. Researchers discuss stabilization of intermediate uranium oxidation states and manipulation of plutonium colloids to control its movement.
A new study by CU-Boulder indicates most world's low-lying river deltas are sinking from human activities. Human-induced factors such as upstream sediment trapping and groundwater extraction exacerbate delta sinking, increasing flood risk and vulnerability to storms and sea level rise.
Researchers have developed two new blood tests that can aid in the early identification of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, making diagnosis simpler, cost-effective, and more acceptable to patients. The tests use DNA methylation to detect cancerous cells and show high sensitivity and specificity rates.
Researchers discovered a previously unknown mechanism that aids in the spread of Listeria monocytogenes, a deadly bacterium causing listeriosis and severe illnesses.
A study by Manchester Metropolitan University found that children's reputations can be formed quickly in reception class, leading to difficult-to-shake labels. Once a child's reputation is established, it affects their behavior and interactions with teachers and peers.
Researchers found that individuals in vegetative and minimally conscious states can form associations and demonstrate partial consciousness through classical conditioning. This breakthrough has implications for assessing patient consciousness without imaging or instructions.
A large trial found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) increases the risk of death from lung cancer, especially non-small-cell lung cancer. Women taking HRT were 71% more likely to die from lung cancer than those on placebo, with higher risks also seen in current and long-term past smokers.
Researchers found that adding high-dose cytarabine to methotrexate therapy improved complete remission rates (46%) and overall response rates (69%) in patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma. The combination also resulted in a lower risk of relapse and improved progression-free survival.
A phase III randomised controlled trial found that dose-dense weekly paclitaxel plus carboplatin improved survival in women with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer, with a median progression-free survival of 28 months compared to 17 months. Overall survival at 3 years was also higher in the dose-dense regimen group.
A randomized phase III study found that pemetrexed significantly improved progression-free survival (4.3 months vs 2.6 months) and overall survival (13.4 months vs 10.6 months) compared to placebo in patients with advanced non-squamous NSCLC who did not progress after initial platinum-based chemotherapy.
The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation awards $75,000 grants to five early-career scientists studying the earliest brain changes suggesting Alzheimer's disease. The recipients aim to accelerate development of diagnostic, preventative interventions, and treatments.
A new calculation method determines an individual's 'Maximum Weight Limit' based on height and weight, closely matching BMI recommendations. The simple formula allows for easy calculation and remembering of a single, safe weight limit.
A new rabies vaccine has shown to induce a rapid and efficient immune response in mice and non-human primates, potentially reducing the six-shot post-exposure regimen to just one inoculation. The experimental vaccine lacks a key gene called the matrix (M) gene, inhibiting the virus from completing its life cycle.
Researchers studied 6,257 adult twins and found that those who started drinking early had a greater genetic risk for alcohol dependence. The younger an individual was at first drink, the more prominent the role played by genetic factors in developing severe problems.
A small study of 101 patients found that a one-minute eye movement exam performed at the bedside worked better than an MRI to distinguish new strokes from other less serious disorders. The quick and low-cost test caught more strokes than the current gold standard, suggesting a way to improve care and avoid high costs.
Three medications effective in reducing breast cancer risk also have serious side effects, according to a new study. Tamoxifen, raloxifene, and tibolone reduce invasive breast cancer incidence but vary in their adverse effect profiles.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine discovered that the antioxidant protein Prdx1 controls the activity of GDE2, a critical protein for spinal cord neuron development. The study found that Prdx1 breaks a chemical bond between amino acids in GDE2, activating it to promote motor neuron differentiation.
Interaction between education and a polymorphism of the reward gene contribute to severe alcoholism among Mexican Americans. Researchers found that individuals with less than or up to 12 years of education are at high risk for severe alcoholism when combined with the OPRM1 A/A genotype.
A new study found that completed and attempted suicides occur at greater rates in rural communities with higher bar densities. Completed suicide rates were lower among blacks and Hispanics, but higher among low-income, older whites living in rural areas.
Research found that IL-1 gene polymorphisms are associated with alcohol dependence in Spanish Caucasian males, particularly those with a certain haplotype. The study suggests a protective effect of this haplotype on better outcomes, highlighting the complex role of genetic factors in AD.
Tropical Storm Marty is moving at a slow pace through the Eastern Pacific Ocean with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph. The storm's fate lies in its encounter with cooler waters and drier air, which will weaken it over the weekend.
A new study found that people who start drinking at an early age are more likely to develop alcohol dependence. The study suggests that genetic factors play a significant role in the development of AD symptoms, particularly in those who begin drinking before age 15.
A team of researchers developed an intelligent surveillance system to detect incorrect behavior by drivers and pedestrians crossing pedestrian crossings. The system, based on multi-agent artificial intelligence, can identify abnormal movements and potentially penalize such behaviors.
A team of Princeton and Rice University researchers has developed a new method to identify nitric oxide using lasers and sensors, making it possible for large-scale deployment. The device can detect tiny amounts of the gas in the air or human breath, monitoring pollution and detecting disease such as asthma.
Scientists have created an implantable device that utilizes magnetism to control the release of medication, allowing for precise and repeatable dosing. The device uses nanoparticles that heat up when exposed to a magnetic field, causing the drug to be released into the body.
Postmenopausal women can improve cardiovascular fitness and reduce risk factors for chronic diseases through regular, vigorous exercise. Studies show that even less strenuous aerobic exercise produces benefits, and women's metabolism changes after menopause affect glucose clearance from the blood.
Typhoon Choi-Wan is expected to bring hurricane-force winds and flooding rains to Japan this weekend. The storm's high thunderstorms have reached the tropopause, resulting in extremely heavy rainfall for the area underneath.
Researchers in Australia have developed the first efficient diamond Raman laser, achieving an efficiency of 63.5%, comparable to existing lasers built with other materials. This technology has potential applications in defense technologies, trace gas detectors, medical devices, and satellite mapping.
Researchers found that HIV can mutate its outer proteins to disguise itself from neutralizing antibodies, allowing it to escape the immune system. In two patients, viruses mutated parts of their outer proteins, interfering with antibody attack or targeting a different protein.