Patients who received three infusions of TYSABRI reported significant improvements in general and disease-specific measurements of quality of life (QoL) and cognitive function. Cognitive functioning was assessed by Medical Outcomes Study Cognitive Functioning Scale, with higher scores indicating improved cognition.
The US Department of Homeland Security has successfully tested new camera prototypes in a simulated bomb attack, with 14 out of 16 surviving without image degradation. The cameras were designed to be rugged and affordable for use in mass transit venues, where full surveillance systems are not feasible.
Researchers at UCSF have developed a novel therapy using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) that blocks the abnormal brain waves believed to cause migraine aura. The study found that TMS therapy is effective in treating migraine sufferers who cannot tolerate medication, offering a potential new treatment option.
A study found that young children think about gender in a way similar to how they think about species differences. They tend to believe that certain behaviors are innate and not influenced by environment. As children grow older, they begin to understand the role of environment in shaping gender-related behaviors.
New calculations suggest hundreds of massive rogue black holes are left over from the early universe, potentially wandering the Milky Way's outer reaches. These relics could provide clues about galaxy formation history and the formation of black holes in the early universe.
The study found that children with autism rely on a region of the brain for conscious movement, while typically developing peers use a region for automating motor tasks. Decreased connectivity between brain regions involved in motor planning and execution was also observed.
A new urine screening test has shown promise in predicting coronary artery disease by identifying specific protein patterns associated with the condition. The test uses proteome analysis to detect collagen fragments found on the surface of atherosclerotic plaques, achieving an accuracy rate of 84%.
A new multi-million-dollar Energy Frontier Research Center announced by the White House will focus on understanding gas-liquid interactions at solid surfaces. This research has potential applications in developing more efficient batteries, solar and electrical energy conversion into fuel, improved fuel cells, and enhanced corrosion res...
A study of 971 patients found VAP accounted for almost half of nosocomial infections, with a crude mortality rate of 35%. Anticipative antimicrobial therapy may be a potential intervention to avoid VAP in mechanically ventilated patients.
Researchers developed a mathematical model predicting optimal time for loading and unloading cryoprotectants, which reduces egg size shifts and improves fertilization chances. Using sugars like trehalose, these staged drugs can help preserve eggs at subzero temperatures, enabling easier transportation and potential transplantation.
A recent survey conducted by a University of Missouri professor reveals that the U.S. public supports several voting reforms, including early voting and photo identification requirements. Americans expressed strong approval for these measures, with less support for vote by mail and election day registration.
Intel was awarded the 2009 INFORMS Prize for its extensive use of operations research to drive significant value and competitive advantage throughout its business. The prize recognized Intel's ability to apply O.R. techniques across various functions, resulting in over $2 billion in improved decision-making.
A study coordinated by Duke University Medical Center found that adding the anti-viral drug telaprevir to standard therapy can shorten treatment duration by 50% and improve cure rates by 50%. The new combination therapy showed a sustained viral response rate of 67% in patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C.
HP's innovative use of operations research tools, including Complexity ROI Calculator and Revenue Coverage Optimization, led to significant bottom line savings and improved customer satisfaction. The company's approach has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in cost savings and a more streamlined product offering.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center found that dopamine, a calcium channel, and alpha-synuclein act together to kill brain cells in Parkinson's disease. The discovery gives hope for saving neurons and stopping the progression of the disease by targeting just one of the three factors.
The University of Texas at Austin is receiving $30 million in funding from the US Department of Energy to develop innovative nanomaterials for solar energy and batteries, as well as study the movement of greenhouse gases in geological systems. This funding will support research into new paradigms for achieving U.S. energy security.
UCSF researchers found a correlation between glutamate toxicity and neurodegeneration in MS patients, suggesting a new method for tracking disease progression. The study's findings may lead to improved monitoring of treatment and the development of new therapies.
A new study found that neurons in the visual word form area of the left visual cortex prefer individual real words over pronounceable nonsense words. This discovery supports experience-driven tuning of neurons to real words and provides evidence for neural plasticity beyond lower-level representations.
A three-year study of over 200 African American teens aged 14-18 found that older teens who experienced more racial bias felt less positive about being Black. The study suggests bolstering youth's feelings about their racial group membership, especially positive views on being African American.
Scientists have developed a new tool to identify big events in human history by examining tiny genetic differences. This research, published in the journal Genetics, confirms a major decline in European populations 32,500-47,500 years ago and helps pinpoint gene mutations linked to diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
A recent study found that increased immigration-related law enforcement since 2001 unfavorably affected the labor market for low-education, male immigrants from Latin America. Their wages, employment, and hours worked fell relative to similar groups.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have discovered that zebrafish can produce motor neurones after spinal cord damage, offering a potential stem cell treatment for humans. Researchers are now screening small molecules to find drugs that could kick-start motor neurone regeneration.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School describe a potent method to deliver therapeutic siRNA molecules orally, silencing genes in mice and showing promise for treating human diseases. The method uses yeast particles as a delivery shell, targeting specific cells and achieving gene silencing with minimal immune response.
Researchers found that blocking a hormone called BAFF can prevent the development of Type 1 diabetes in mice. By depleting B cells, regulators of the immune system rise, allowing T regulatory cells to function properly and making killer T cells tolerant of insulin-producing cells.
Researchers at Scripps Research develop molecules that can evolve and compete for resources, demonstrating niche partitioning in coevolution. The study shows how different species adapt to specific food sources over time, a classic concept in Darwinian evolution.
Scientists have discovered two biomarkers that may indicate the presence of smoking-related lung injury and cardiovascular side effects of COX-2 inhibitors. Elevated levels of PGE-M and LTE4 in urine could lead to earlier detection and treatment, reducing the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart problems.
The American Society of Human Genetics hosted its fourth annual DNA Day essay contest to educate students and teachers about genetic science. The contest challenged high school students to write original essays on the genetic basis of various traits, including health and disease. ASHG received over 300 submissions from around the world.
Researchers found that imiquimod cream, used with surgery, can treat lentigo maligna melanoma, a type of skin cancer. This approach may reduce the area needing surgery, manage the cancer, and minimize its recurrence. The study suggests that imiquimod could be an effective treatment option for some patients.
The University of Washington's seaglider successfully operated for six months under the ice in Davis Strait, collecting data on fresh water exiting the Arctic. The record-breaking deployment contributes to understanding climate change impacts on ocean circulation.
Scientists at Queen Mary University of London have discovered a PER:PER protein pair required for circadian clock function in fruit flies. This finding may also apply to mammals, including humans, with implications for regulating our biological clocks.
A team of astronomers has discovered the most distant object in the universe, a gamma-ray burst located approximately 13 billion light-years away. This explosive event, dubbed GRB 090423, occurred when the universe was just 630 million years old and is providing valuable insights into the early universe.
Researchers identified genetic factors affecting autism risk, including genes involved in forming and maintaining brain cell connections. These findings may lead to better diagnostic strategies for children with autism.
A study by Latha Stead found that patients with diagnosed or undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea had a higher risk of death and poor outcomes after a stroke. The research suggests that regular screening for sleep apnea in emergency department settings could improve patient outcomes.
A new study by Ohio State University finds that most NCAA athletic trainers are not following best practice standards for managing asthma among athletes. The research suggests that a majority of programs are not adhering to national guidelines, which emphasize education, management protocols, and medical professional involvement.
Two studies identify genes that may contribute to autism, including a region of chromosome 5 associated with neuronal cell-adhesion molecules. These findings suggest a significant role for genetics in the development of autism, potentially leading to new treatments.
A Purdue University study shows that dairy promotes better bone growth and strength compared to calcium carbonate, with bones of rats fed nonfat dry milk being longer, wider, more dense and stronger. The study found a strong effect of having dairy as a calcium source followed by periods of inadequate calcium.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have developed a simple blood test that provides accurate results, helping to ensure patients receive the right treatment. The rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) are being used in low-income countries to improve healthcare outcomes and combat malaria.
The American Dietetic Association and American Society of Nutrition recommend counseling on diet and physical activity to reduce health risks associated with excess weight in mothers and children. Infants born to obese mothers have a higher prevalence of congenital anomalies.
Researchers developed a method to estimate fetal radiation doses from ERCP procedures, revealing that doses may occasionally exceed 10 mGy. The study emphasizes the need for physicians to accurately estimate fetal radiation exposure to determine appropriate treatment and minimize risks.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that short-term visual memories of colors and shapes can last for at least four seconds without gradually fading away. After this period, the memories disappear completely, providing a clearer understanding of how memory formation and retention work.
A DNA study confirms that Native Americans and Greenlanders share a common ancestral population, with the '9-repeat allele' present in all Native American populations and absent in other Asian groups. This evidence supports the single ancestral population theory, ruling out multiple mutations and natural selection hypotheses.
A study by researchers at the University of Iowa found that disrupting ASIC1a, a brain protein involved in fear behavior and anxiety, produces an antidepressant-like effect in mice. The results suggest that ASIC1a inhibition could represent a new approach to antidepressant therapy.
The FluChip technology has been licensed by InDevR to detect the deadly flu virus. The test can distinguish between human H1N1 viruses and the new swine H1N1 subtype, a crucial gap in current diagnostics. This new tool has the potential to greatly enhance influenza surveillance and track the virus.
A study by University of Illinois psychologists found that having a conscientious partner can be good for one's health, particularly among women. The 'compensatory conscientiousness effect' suggests that this boost in health may occur even when the individual is highly conscientious themselves.
Researchers have identified a new gene variant associated with autism, found to be highly active in fetal brain regions critical for language and social behavior. The study suggests that this gene variant may contribute to an increased prenatal risk of autism.
A recent study found that only a small percentage of patients with depression qualify for clinical studies, suggesting the results may not be generalizable to most patients. The study showed better outcomes for those who met inclusion criteria, highlighting the need for more inclusive trial designs.
Researchers discovered a preference for processing information on the left side of faces, which can aid in facial recognition. In contrast, experts who read Chinese characters exhibit reduced holistic processing and show a left-side bias, indicating general visual expertise.
Researchers from Durham University have successfully mapped the high-resolution structure of the matrix protein, a critical component of enveloped viruses like RSV. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new biochemical tools to treat respiratory ailments and other viral infections.
Astronomers have discovered a gamma-ray burst from a star that died 630 million years ago, marking the most distant cosmic explosion ever seen. The burst, dubbed GRB 090423, is approximately 13 billion light-years away.
Research found that women with tumors carrying TOP2A gene alterations had better outcomes when treated with anthracycline-based regimens, similar to those seen in HER2-positive tumors. The study suggests that TOP2A gene alteration is associated with increased benefit from anthracycline therapy.
A large study at Penn Medicine has detected variations in central nervous system genes that contribute to the genetic risk of autism. The research found a particular genetic variation linked to an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder in children.
A recent study by the RAND Corporation found that higher out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications deter patients with chronic illnesses from initiating recommended treatments. The delay in treatment is particularly pronounced among those who have not previously used medication, highlighting a potential barrier to care.
The OHSU Knight Cancer Institute is evaluating the effectiveness of the Calypso system in delivering precise radiation therapy to head and neck cancer patients. The system uses electromagnetic transponders implanted in a customized mouth guard to monitor patient movement and improve treatment accuracy.
Researchers from Purdue University have determined key structural features of the mimivirus, a possible 'missing link' between viruses and living cells. The findings revealed a starfish-shaped structure that covers a special vertex where genetic material leaves the virus to infect its host.
Research at Rush University Medical Center found a strong correlation between depression and visceral fat, particularly among overweight and obese women. The study suggests that depression triggers the accumulation of visceral fat through chemical changes in the body.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a genetic regulator called CTIP2 that is expressed at higher levels in aggressive types of head and neck cancers. The study found a high correlation between CTIP2 expression and the aggressive nature of cancer.
A large prospective case-cohort study found no association between dietary acrylamide intake and lung cancer risk in men, but suggested an inverse association in women. The researchers hypothesize that acrylamide may affect hormonal balances to explain the findings.
Researchers at Duke University unify biological and geophysical principles of nature's design using the constructal law, which predicts flow systems' evolution to balance imperfections. This new perspective offers a powerful tool for understanding variation in both animate and inanimate nature.
Researchers have found that attentional bias, a key factor in addiction, does not directly control the decision to consume unhealthy items. Instead, conscious rapid decision-making processes following Pavlovian-type cues may be at play. This new understanding could lead to more effective treatments.
Researchers have identified a key molecule called Liar that leads other molecules into the nucleus of blood cells, offering a potential treatment for cancer. A cellular enzyme known as Lyn has also been found to 'turn on' blood cell development, highlighting a new target for cancer therapy.