The UPLIFT study found that starting COPD treatment with inhaled tiotropium at an earlier stage reduces decline of lung function and risk of exacerbations. Treatment should begin in patients with moderate disease to improve health status.
NASA's GOES Project created a movie of Tropical Storm Danny from August 25-27, showcasing his formation and journey up the US East Coast. The storm made landfall with maximum sustained winds near 60 mph, and is expected to turn north.
Radiologists and medical physicists have implemented low-dose protocols and tracking systems to reduce cumulative ionizing radiation exposure. The Radiological Society of North America has launched initiatives to raise awareness of radiation risks and explore opportunities to improve patient safety through partnerships with the America...
A study found that measuring ankle circulation using a blood pressure cuff can identify asymptomatic peripheral artery disease in stroke and TIA survivors, who are at higher risk of subsequent cerebrovascular events. The test, called ABI measurement, is easily performed in under 15 minutes and detected PAD in 26% of survivors.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys have identified a key enzyme in bacteria that can be targeted to kill dangerous pathogens. Chemical compounds have been discovered to inhibit this enzyme, showing promise for developing new antibacterial agents.
A unique study has successfully isolated long DNA fragments from dried, pressed plant material collected in the 1700s by Linnaeus. The findings have significant implications for understanding the evolution of plant species and may allow for the creation of a living herbarium.
A study identifies three genetic variants accounting for the wide range of dog coat textures, from poodles to beagles. The findings have implications for understanding complex human diseases, such as cancer and heart disease.
New research from the University of Arizona found that slowly moving faults, like the Alto Tiberina in Italy, can help prevent large earthquakes. The study used geodesy to measure rock movements and revealed that the fault is actively slipping at a rate of approximately one-tenth of an inch per year.
Research found that psoriasis patients have weaker brain response to disgusted faces, indicating a potential coping strategy to protect against social stigma. The study suggests that this adaptation may also apply to other stigmatizing skin conditions like acne or scarring.
A new study published in The Lancet found that using inhaled corticosteroid budesonide to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) does not significantly increase the risk of pneumonia. Data from over 7,000 patients showed a low incidence of pneumonia and no significant difference between treatment groups.
A recent study found that the racial disparity gap in prostate cancer stage at diagnosis has decreased over time. More men were diagnosed with prostate cancer at an earlier age and stage in 2004-2005 compared to earlier years, according to data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program.
Melanie Cooper, a Clemson University professor, has been recognized as an American Chemical Society Fellow for her contributions to chemistry education and research. Her research focuses on developing effective ways for students to learn science, including evidence-driven curricula like Chemistry, Life, the Universe and Everything (CLUE).
A new study found that hopelessness is associated with increased thickening of neck arteries in healthy women, even before they develop clinically relevant cardiovascular disease. Apathy among stroke survivors also impeded recovery and was linked to poor cognitive status and functional decline.
Researchers confirm the existence of a 'phase-incoherent' superconductor at higher temperatures, providing insight into the conditions necessary for superconductivity to occur. The study's findings may help scientists develop practical devices such as zero-loss power transmission lines.
Researchers at the University of Virginia have identified a gene in cowpea that confers resistance to Striga, a parasitic flowering plant that attacks the roots of host plants. The discovery is significant as it could help develop strategies for improving resistance to Striga in other affected crops.
A $3.5-million NIH grant will help advance a gene therapy for Tay-Sachs disease from animal tests to human clinical trials. The Boston-based consortium has successfully paired two genes in a single vector, which they believe will increase therapeutic efficiency and lower production costs.
Researchers found that skylark neighbours share similar dialects in their songs, allowing them to identify and reprimand threatening intruders. This complex communication system enables the birds to maintain social cohesion and defend their territories against potential threats.
A new class of anti-inflammatory drugs called phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors shows promise for improving lung function and reducing exacerbations in moderate-to-severe COPD patients. Roflumilast improved lung function by 48mL and reduced exacerbations by 17% compared to placebo, with more adverse events reported.
Researchers found that lowering heart rate with Beta-blockers can increase central aortic pressures in older individuals with high blood pressure, leading to reduced stroke prevention. The study suggests that alternative treatments may be more effective in this population.
Researchers at University of Iowa have modified siRNA to be injectable into the bloodstream, targeting specific genes overexpressed in cancer cells. The new compound triggers tumor regression without affecting normal tissues.
A new candidate gene for Specific Language Impairment has been identified on Chromosome 6, associated with variability in language, speech, and reading abilities. The findings suggest multiple genes contribute to language impairment, overlapping strengths or deficiencies across speech, language, and reading.
A team of researchers is using eye-tracking technology to study how experienced geologists view landscapes and identify clues to important discoveries. The project aims to reduce training costs by providing simulated field training, which could also give prospective geologists more 'field' experience.
Deer mice living in Nebraska's Sand Hills rapidly adapted to their environment by evolving lighter coloration, providing better camouflage against visual predators. This genetic change arose from a single mutation in the Agouti gene, driven by natural selection favoring pale coloration.
Katherine Rhode's five-year NSF CAREER award will fund a wide-field imaging survey of globular cluster systems in giant galaxies up to 65 million light years away. The goal is to quantify properties and test theories on galaxy formation.
Researchers from the University of Utah and NIH identified three genes controlling seven major types of dog coat, including curly hair. The study used data from Portuguese water dogs to understand complex human diseases caused by multiple genes.
A research project led by Jan Vijg aims to unravel the mechanisms behind DNA damage and its role in aging, with potential treatments based on antioxidants and other interventions. The study involves four main areas of investigation and has the potential to lead to new strategies for delaying or curing age-related diseases.
A study by researchers at the University of Wisconsin found a dramatic decline in rheumatoid vasculitis among US veterans between 2000 and 2006. The prevalence of RV decreased significantly, from 41 to 28 cases per 1,000 RA outpatients and from 32 to 15 cases per 1000 RA inpatients.
Research reveals subtle links between solar cycles, stratospheres, and tropical Pacific Oceans, driving periodic weather patterns globally. The study predicts the intensity of climate phenomena like Indian monsoon and tropical Pacific rainfall years in advance.
Researchers found that retrieving kidneys from uncontrolled non-heart-beating donors after sudden out-of-hospital cardiac arrests can lead to a 10% increase in transplantation rates. The procedure, which raises ethical concerns, has the potential to alleviate organ shortages.
Tropical Storm Danny's center has reformed a little farther north than initially thought, according to NASA satellite imagery and aircraft data. The storm's circulation is broad and elongated, making it challenging to pinpoint its center.
A new diagnostic test, urine LAM-ELISA, was tested on 291 Tanzanian patients suspected of having TB and found to have a disappointing sensitivity of 50.7%. The specificity of the test was also low at 87.8%, raising concerns about its reliability as a standalone diagnostic tool.
Researchers find that field mice base their diet on holm oak and pine seeds, leading to habitat deterioration and the expansion of scrubland. The study reveals a consistent pattern of seed predation by rodents across different habitats.
Researchers predict global temperature will increase by 0.15 degrees Centigrade from 2009 to 2014 due to anthropogenic forcing and solar irradiance. The study suggests a recent ice age on Mars, with layered deposits indicating climate oscillations, and sheds light on human's role in global dimming through aerosol emissions.
A study of 559 healthy women found a link between hopelessness and increased thickness of neck arteries, which can be a precursor to stroke. The researchers discovered that hopelessness was independently associated with cardiovascular disease risk in women without clinical symptoms of heart disease.
Researchers found that abnormal QRS duration is a significant predictor of sudden cardiac death, especially in patients with hypertension. The study suggests that regular electrocardiograms can be used as a warning signal for increased risk of sudden cardiac death.
A new predictive tool, ADO index, improves upon the existing BODE index by providing a more accurate estimate of mortality risk. The updated index is easier to use and can help clinicians identify patients at moderate or high risk of mortality, guiding targeted treatment options.
A team of researchers found that glaciers in the region advanced due to cooler temperatures created by increased cloud cover and reduced evaporation. The study provides valuable insights into how glaciers respond to climate change, enabling better forecasting of water supply changes in the coming decades.
A study found that warfarin may increase the risk of stroke in dialysis patients with abnormal heart rhythms. Patients on dialysis who take warfarin are at a higher risk of stroke, particularly those whose blood is not monitored for warfarin levels after treatment.
Small fluctuations in solar radiation have a significant impact on cloud formation and precipitation, with variations of just 0.1% affecting the Pacific Ocean's water temperature and precipitation patterns. This study demonstrates that understanding natural climatic variability is crucial for making reliable future climate scenarios.
Researchers developed an AI-powered system using RFID sensors and mobile devices to remind users of everyday tasks. The system recognizes user actions, assessing activities such as taking keys or leaving home, without modifying daily routines or requiring cameras or microphones.
A new study by University College London scientists reveals that the ability to digest lactose first evolved in dairy farming communities in central Europe around 7,500 years ago. This genetic change enabled early Europeans to drink milk without getting sick, providing a survival advantage.
Researchers developed a novel methodology to extract microRNAs from cancer tissues, identifying 17 new and 53 known miRNAs. These miRNAs were well-preserved in long-preserved tissue samples, leading to improved predictions of disease prognosis and treatment response.
A Harvard University study found that punishing or rewarding individuals based on accident outcomes can shape behavior, rather than their intention.
TRAF6 plays a key role in activating Akt, a signaling molecule associated with cancer growth. Ubiquitination of Akt is required for its activation and hyperactivation in mutant forms is linked to cancer development.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that mice deficient in Type IX collagen develop osteoarthritis and degenerative disc disease, leading to impaired physical abilities and increased pain sensitivity. The study provides valuable insights into the effects of collagen deficiency on musculoskeletal disorders.
Researchers identify three genetic variations on chromosome 6 associated with psoriasis, with HLA-Cw*0602 being the strongest link. The study found that individuals with all three variants are nearly nine times more likely to develop the disease.
A new 2,000-year-long reconstruction of sea surface temperatures in the Indo-Pacific warm pool suggests temperatures may have been as warm during the Medieval Warm Period as they are today. This study contributes to scientists' efforts towards improving global temperature reconstructions.
Scientists identify defective immunity in skin as a key factor in skin aging and age-related health problems. The study reveals that older people's skin tissue fails to attract T-cells, leading to reduced immunity and increased risk of infections and cancer.
Researchers uncover 25 marine shell beads from Morocco and Algeria dating back 70,000-85,000 years, suggesting early humans wore and traded symbolic jewelry. The discovery confirms the oldest form of personal ornaments, adding to similar finds in Africa, Israel, and South Africa.
The Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters-to-PhD Bridge program has received significant funding to increase diversity in the physical sciences. With new grants totaling $3.7 million, the program aims to expand its focus to include materials science and strengthen research infrastructure at participating institutions.
Nitrous oxide emissions from human activities have surpassed those of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), threatening the ozone layer. The NOAA study found that nitrous oxide will continue to erode the ozone layer for many decades.
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to a range of adverse outcomes, including learning disabilities and increased susceptibility to diseases. The destruction of beta-endorphin neurons in the hypothalamus region can result in permanent impairment of stress and immune system functions throughout life.
Hilda's winds have slowed from tropical storm to tropical depression-force, with sustained winds near 34 mph, according to NASA satellite data. The storm is expected to continue tracking south of the Hawaiian Islands before dissipating on August 31.
Researchers have identified pathways that control partial pancreatic regeneration induced by sodium tungstate treatment, revealing its anti-diabetic effects.
Brown University researchers have discovered that yttrium and nickel, two metal catalysts used to form carbon nanotubes, interfere with critical signaling transactions in neurons. Removing these metals can lead to the development of safe treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and paralysis.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have received a $1.9 million grant to create a user-friendly version of OptIPuter, a global science networking platform. The new software aims to make it easy for scientists to collaborate and visualize data on ultra-high-resolution display panels.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered that fasting can trigger the regeneration of fertility in nematode worms, which may have implications for human reproduction. The study found that starvation stops ovulation and kills germline cells, but stem cells can produce new sex cells once normal food conditions resume.
A University of Missouri study found that people devote more attention and memory to local health threats than distant ones when reading online news. The study supported the 'hardwired for news' theory, suggesting a mechanism for increased attention to localized negative information.
A new study finds that chronic job insecurity has a stronger negative impact on worker health than smoking or hypertension. Persistent job insecurity weakens bonds between employers and employees, fueling perceptions of insecurity.
The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) has published a policy on managing conflicts of interest to ensure responsible partnerships with industry and promote patient care. The policy provides guidelines for medical societies and industry to advance research and education.
Researchers found that a key protein called Fbx6 helps eliminate activated Chk1, but defects in this process can lead to chemotherapy resistance. By understanding how cancer cells respond to Chk1 degradation, scientists may develop new treatments with fewer side effects.
K-State's Research Experience for Undergraduates program is one of the longest running in the country, providing students with independent research projects on ecology and evolution. The program aims to study the biota of the tallgrass prairie and its implications for global change.
A Texas A&M-Galveston professor has discovered two new species of marine life, a tiny worm and a poisonous crustacean, in an underwater cave off the coast of North Africa. The team found the creatures deep inside the dark cave, which is believed to have been formed by a volcanic eruption 20,000 years ago.
A new study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that women with the strongest quadriceps muscles appeared to be protected against the development of knee OA symptoms. However, thigh muscle strength was not a significant predictor of radiographic knee OA in either men or women.
A team of scientists has measured the general rate of genetic mutation at individual DNA letters in humans for the first time. The study found that most mutations are harmless and have no apparent effect on health or appearance, with an average of 100-200 new mutations per person.