A study found that parents' influence can significantly impact whether teenagers progress from experimenting with tobacco to becoming daily smokers. Parents who smoke increase their children's chances of smoking, but quitting also sends a strong anti-smoking message.
Two novel biomarkers, sensitive cardiac troponin assays and copeptin, significantly improve early detection of acute myocardial infarction. These markers enable doctors to diagnose AMI in the vast majority of patients presenting with chest pain, reducing complications and costs.
Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that chlorophyllin is 10 times more potent than hydroxyurea in killing colon cancer cells, suggesting its potential as a synergistic cancer treatment. Chlorophyllin works by blocking DNA synthesis, a mechanism also used by existing chemotherapy drugs.
Researchers found that galaxy collisions 'puff up' a galactic disk, producing stellar rings and flared edges. The Milky Way's puffy appearance is likely due to interactions with satellite galaxies and dark matter.
A nationwide study found that elevated carbon monoxide levels, even below national limits, are associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease among seniors. The study suggests an under-recognized health risk to seniors, highlighting the need for re-evaluation of health-based standards.
The PREDICT score identifies individual risk for poor responsiveness to clopidogrel through non-genetic factors. Studies show that response to clopidogrel is affected by genetic variants involving enzymes responsible for absorption and bio-activation of the medication.
A new study found that patients who were more involved in their treatment decisions were more likely to have a mastectomy, regardless of racial or ethnic group. Patient attitudes about surgery, family and friend opinions, concern about recurrence, and body image also influenced surgical choices.
The report highlights changes in ocean water temperatures due to climate change, pressures from increasing human populations along the coast, and extensive fishing by domestic and foreign fleets. The ecosystem's natural and human-related changes require effective management and mitigation strategies.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have developed a new treatment that uses a radioactive substance to seek and destroy tumour cells in ovarian cancer patients. The treatment, which has shown no unwanted side-effects in an initial study, aims to provide a more effective alternative to current treatments.
Researchers analyzed 10 strains of Shewanella, a genus important for bioremediation, and found significant genetic differences despite similarities. The study reveals that similarity in gene regulation is a key factor in determining phenotypic similarity among closely related strains.
Researchers created a new gene therapy vector that uses the same machinery as viruses to deliver therapeutic genes into cells' nuclei. This breakthrough improves efficiency and specificity of human gene therapy, paving the way for clinical applications.
A collaborative effort is needed to tackle cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Europe, focusing on lifestyle changes and risk factor management. The European Heart Health Charter has established a roadmap for countries, while guidelines from the Joint European Societies' Task Forces provide practical guidance.
A study using virtual reality and real-world hide-and-seek found that people tend to look closer to their starting location when searching for objects. When hiding objects, they disperse them over a wider area. This research could lead to more realistic game environments and advanced search-enhancing tools for law enforcement.
Researchers at University of Utah Health have made a surprising connection between high levels of GSTM4 protein and poor chemotherapy response in Ewing's sarcoma patients. The study suggests that targeting GSTM4 could lead to more effective treatments for individual patients.
A large international study reveals patients with vascular disease experience a surprisingly high rate of recurring events such as strokes, heart attacks, and hospitalizations. Patients in Eastern Europe had the highest rate, while those in Australia and Japan had the lowest.
The new guidelines identify six different clinical groups of pulmonary hypertension, with a focus on treatment strategies and risk stratification. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (group 1) is the only group provided with specific drug therapy and an evidence-based treatment algorithm.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a grant to develop GenoCAD, a web-based Computer Assisted Design environment for synthetic biology. The platform allows users to design complex DNA sequences in minutes and will support teams of undergraduate students enrolled in iGEM.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that long travel distances to high volume centers pose a barrier to optimal cancer care for some patients. The study showed that increased travel distances were more common among patients with less common cancers, such as esophageal and pancreatic cancer.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics has announced its honorees for the AIAA Honors and Awards, recognizing outstanding achievements in space automation and robotics, space operations and support, and space systems. The awards will be presented at the AIAA SPACE 2009 Conference and Exposition.
A survey of 374 radiologists found that increased use of radiological imaging is driven by new technology, patient informedness, and lower physician tolerances for uncertainty. This can lead to unnecessary investigations, radiation exposure, and healthcare costs.
Eating less red meat has been linked to reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. The World Health Organization recommends limiting weekly intake to 500 grams. By adopting this change, individuals can contribute to mitigating climate change and improving public health.
The PRAGUE-7 study, a randomized trial, investigated the effect of routine upfront administration of abciximab on outcomes in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients complicated by cardiogenic shock. The study found no significant benefit from this approach, with similar results seen between groups receiving standard or selective ab...
A new study from UCSF found a high HIV infection rate among gay-identified men in Soweto Township, with 33.9% of participants infected. The study also highlights the importance of targeted prevention and treatment for this population.
Oceanographers at University of Hawaii at Manoa found that deeper pelagic fish have higher mercury concentrations due to their unique diets. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlights the importance of understanding the open ocean ecosystem to sustainably manage fish populations.
A new study found that men diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancers who deferred treatment were still doing fine an average of eight years after their diagnosis. Only half of these men eventually underwent any treatment 10 to 15 years post-diagnosis, preserving their quality of life.
The Aspirin for Asymptomatic Atherosclerosis study found no statistically significant difference in primary endpoint events between those subjects allocated to aspirin or placebo. Vascular events and all-cause mortality were similar in both groups, but major bleeding occurred more frequently in the aspirin group.
A new study published in The Lancet found that otamixaban significantly reduces the risk of death and second heart attacks in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes. The drug, which inhibits factor Xa, shows promise as an alternative to current standard treatments.
The RE-LY study found dabigatran to be more effective than warfarin in preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The higher dose of dabigatran significantly reduces stroke risk by 34% compared to warfarin, while the lower dose has a similar effect but with less major bleeding.
Researchers at Michigan State University have improved zebrafish cloning methods, allowing for higher success rates and paving the way for further human health research. The new technique increases cloned fish numbers from adult fin cells or embryonic tail clips by 2-13% compared to previous methods.
Recent discoveries of genetic variants affecting coronary artery disease and heart attack risk are promising for preventing the condition. The variants increase risk by 10-30% and are common, making them useful in prevention algorithms.
Studies suggest that raising hemoglobin levels with erythropoietin can improve exercise tolerance in heart failure patients. However, a large-scale trial is needed to determine if higher Hb targets are associated with adverse cardiovascular events.
A landmark international study found that high doses of clopidogrel significantly reduce stent thrombosis and heart attacks in patients undergoing angioplasty. The study showed a 30% reduction in stent thrombosis risk and a 22% lower risk of heart attack with the higher dose regimen.
The study reports on the short and mid-term outcomes of TAVI in 120 consecutive patients with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis, achieving a one-year survival rate of 79%. The most important predictor of late mortality was related to the learning curve, highlighting the necessity of proper training and high-volume centers.
The HORIZONS-AMI study found that bivalirudin reduced clinical events and major bleeding in heart attack patients undergoing angioplasty. This is a significant finding with important clinical implications for the selection of treatment strategies for high-risk patients.
Researchers developed a molecular sensor to measure zinc concentration and location in cells for the first time. The sensor revealed high zinc ions inside pancreatic cells where insulin is packaged, suggesting its involvement in type 2 diabetes.
30% of coronary heart disease and stroke can be prevented with 2.5 hours of brisk walking per week, reducing cardiovascular deaths by 284,886 annually. Regular exercise also improves glycemic control and insulin action, enhancing endothelial function.
Researchers identified the amygdala as the brain structure responsible for our sense of personal space. The discovery sheds light on the neural mechanisms involved in social behavior and offers new perspectives on autism and other disorders where social distance is an issue.
A study found that high coffee consumption is associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, a common arrhythmia. Patients with high caffeine intake and low Mediterranean diet adherence had higher rates of arrhythmias, suggesting a potential link between coffee consumption and cardiovascular disease.
The BARI 2D study found that diabetic patients with stable coronary artery disease benefit from a global care approach, combining medical management and revascularization strategies. A total of 42% of patients required revascularization within 5 years, highlighting the importance of comprehensive care.
Recent observational studies show no overall safety issue with drug eluting stents compared to bare metal stents, with lower risks of death or myocardial infarction. However, late stent thrombosis remains higher and uniquely associated with drug eluting stents, necessitating improved patient selection and treatment strategies.
A phase II trial shows otamixaban, an intravenous blood clot inhibitor, reduces major coronary complications in high-risk ACS patients with lower bleeding rates compared to heparin. The study found intermediate doses of otamixaban offer a significant reduction in death and ischemic complications.
The PLATO study demonstrated that ticagrelor reduced cardiovascular events by 16% compared to clopidogrel, with no increase in major bleeding. The efficacy of ticagrelor was observed across all major acute coronary syndromes patient types, with a consistent benefit seen in secondary endpoints.
The SYNTAX Trial interim analyses show CABG is superior to PCI in patients with severe coronary artery disease, especially those with diabetes. A multidisciplinary team approach is recommended for decision-making in complex CAD cases.
Smoking causes an estimated 0.7 million deaths per year in the European Union, with 23 years of life lost on average for those dying before age 70. Quitting smoking can reduce this risk, although a quarter of smokers will still die from tobacco-related causes if they continue
A recent analysis of 1.2 million Swedish hospital cases reveals that heart failure is associated with poor survival rates, more deaths, and premature life-years lost compared to common cancers. Heart failure affects more men and women than most cancer types, particularly in Sweden.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have created the world's smallest semiconductor laser, generating visible light in a space smaller than a single protein molecule. The breakthrough enables innovations like nanolasers for DNA manipulation, faster telecommunications, and optical computing.
Concomitant kidney dysfunction and worsening renal function in heart failure patients are associated with a poor prognosis. New treatments target improving renal function and preventing its deterioration during hospitalizations for acute heart failure.
Scientists discovered that downregulation of IRF-8 gene increases production of osteoclasts responsible for bone breakdown. The study found that IRF-8 suppresses osteoclast activity and inhibits NFATc1 protein function, potentially leading to new therapeutic approaches.
A newly designed computational method has enabled accurate counting of duplicated genome sequences, revealing key findings on gene copy-number variation and its association with diseases. The study's results have significant implications for understanding human genetic variation and its impact on health.
Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women during their reproductive years, causing severe symptoms, infertility, and chronic pain. The EndoCost study aims to assess the societal costs of endometriosis and identify areas for improvement.
A team of researchers led by Mercyhurst College archaeologist James Adovasio has identified the most extensive delineation of submerged prehistoric river systems in the world. The team also found high-quality chert at three dive sites, which could be used to make tools by early Americans.
A recent study found similar waitlist and post-transplant outcomes among Asian Americans, African Americans, and Caucasians with HBV. However, Caucasians had a higher rate of HBV recurrence, which needs further validation.
A new study published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry found that up to 15 percent of preschoolers have atypically high levels of depression and anxiety. The investigation also revealed that children with atypically high depression and anxiety levels are more likely to have mothers with a history of depression.
A genome-wide association study has identified a novel genetic region on chromosome 9q21.31 as a susceptibility locus for asthma in Mexican children. The research highlights the importance of considering ancestry and environmental factors in understanding childhood asthma prevalence.
The study reveals that fish and some amphibians use a unique sensory system to detect vibrations in water, allowing them to navigate and locate prey. Mathematical models developed by researchers demonstrate surprising accuracy in predicting nerve signals, enabling potential applications in robotics.
Researchers from the Fat Institute and University of Seville found that six wild lupin species have a protein content similar to other legumes, ranging from 23.8% to 33.6%. The study also showed high protein digestibility and a balanced amino acid composition, making them potential sources of quality proteins.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals that HIV subtype D is associated with a significantly higher likelihood of developing dementia. The study found that nearly all (89%) patients infected with subtype D developed dementia, whereas only about 24% of those infected with subtype A showed signs of the condition.
A new study finds that abstainers are more likely to report symptoms of depression than moderate drinkers, with those labeling themselves as 'abstainers' at the highest risk. Other factors like age and social isolation may contribute to this increased risk.
Researchers have identified a new nerve growth factor, MANF, that can halt the progress of Parkinson's disease and restore damaged cells in rats. The study shows promising results, suggesting that MANF may be a highly significant finding in respect to growth factor therapy for PD.
The CAVATAS study found that surgery reduces the risk of both short-term and long-term stroke, as well as repeat stenosis. Patients who underwent endovascular treatment had a higher incidence of restenosis and subsequent stroke compared to those who received surgery.