A new study found that positron emission tomography (PET) can accurately depict the extent of neuroblastoma in some patients, especially those with early-stage disease. FDG-PET imaging may also be useful in identifying malignant lesions not readily absorbable by MIBG.
UCLA researchers developed a microchip technology that performs over 1,000 chemical reactions simultaneously, accelerating the identification of potential drug candidates for treating diseases like cancer. The technology uses in situ click chemistry and mass spectrometry to analyze results, reducing reagent consumption and lab time.
A twin study examines associations between depression and coronary artery disease, finding that depression risk increases after diagnosis, especially in men. The long-term effect of coronary artery disease on depression risk is also significant.
Researchers at VCU have discovered a new approach to eliminate aggressive melanoma cells by triggering self-destruction through programmed cell death, potentially leading to improved treatment strategies for cancer patients.
A 2007 legal interpretation of the Endangered Species Act could lead to fewer species being listed for protection, resulting in reduced conservation efforts. Researchers warn that this policy sets the stage for 'wilderness zoos,' which would erode habitats and threaten endangered species.
A recent nationwide study found a 150% increase in PE class-related injuries to elementary, middle and high school students in the United States between 1997 and 2007. The most common injuries were lower-extremity sprains and strains, with middle school-aged children accounting for the majority of cases.
A recent study found that digital mammography significantly increases breast cancer detection rates, outperforming film-screen technology. The switch led to a notable rise in cancers detected at San Luis Diagnostic Center, averaging 7.9 cancers per 1,000 women imaged.
A study published in Neurology found that engaging in brain-exercising activities such as reading and playing card games can delay the onset of rapid memory loss in people with dementia. Participants who engaged in more activities experienced a slower decline in cognitive function.
Research shows that individuals tend to overestimate their ability to control impulses, leading to a greater likelihood of indulging in impulsive or addictive behavior. The study found that people in a 'cold state' underestimate the influence of impulsive states on their behavior.
A study of Bangladeshi women with young children found that those who experienced intimate partner violence were more likely to report respiratory infections and diarrhea in their children. The authors suggest that trauma and anxiety from violent households can lead to suppressed immune systems, increasing the risk of illness.
A study published in The Lancet recommends inducing labor at 37 weeks for pregnant women with mild hypertensive disorders like gestational hypertension or mild pre-eclampsia. This approach reduces the risk of poor maternal outcomes, severe hypertension, HELLP syndrome, and caesarean sections.
A new study reveals that children living in three-generation households with a grandparent are substantially less likely to live below or near the poverty line. Grandparents' contributions to household income, including cash transfers and Social Security income, play a crucial role in easing financial difficulties.
Researchers have discovered a gene signature in breast cancer stem cells that could be used to develop new drugs. The study found that this gene signature is enriched in human breast tumors after hormone treatment, making it a promising target for therapeutic intervention.
A clinical trial of kefir in young children using antibiotics found no benefit in preventing diarrhea. However, the study suggests that kefir may help healthier children, and more research is needed to confirm this finding.
Researchers have discovered a key link between protein CCKR2 and progastrin-related colonic hyperproliferation. Deletion of the Cck2r gene in mice with human progastrin overexpression abolished colonic hyperproliferation and reduced colorectal cancer, suggesting CCKR2 as a viable target for treatment.
Researchers found that blocking octopaminergic and dopaminergic neurons prevents crickets from recalling rewarding or punishing stimuli. This suggests a 'cognitive' account of classical conditioning applicable to insects.
A groundbreaking clinical trial has shown that exercise can significantly improve symptoms of fatigue and depression, increase cardiovascular endurance, and maintain quality of life for adult leukemia patients undergoing treatment. The study demonstrated a substantial reduction in total fatigue and depression scores, as well as improve...
Researchers found that increased IgM excretion in diabetic nephropathy patients is associated with higher mortality from cardiovascular causes and faster disease progression. This biomarker may offer a new approach to manage the condition.
Researchers found that combination therapies tailored to patient prognosis improved patient outcomes and increased five-year, disease-free survival rates. Prophylactic cranial irradiation was shown to significantly decrease the risk for brain metastases in NSCLC patients.
Peter Wilf, a renowned paleobotanist, has been awarded the prestigious Distinguished Speaker honor by the Paleontological Society. His research on ancient plants and terrestrial ecosystems will be showcased through three lectures, shedding light on biodiversity, climate change, and extinction.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends low to moderate exercise for pregnant women, despite past concerns. Exercise can strengthen musculoskeletal and physiologic health, ease back pain, and improve post-partum mood.
Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients lack the protein dystrophin, which protects muscle cells by connecting to filament types. The new study reveals microtubules become disorganized when dystrophin is missing, contributing to devastating symptoms.
The 'super sensor' can detect pathogens, pollution, and disease biomarkers with high precision, making it suitable for various environments and situations. The device's potential applications include early warning systems for heart attacks, detecting pollutants in drinking water, and monitoring pesticides in organic food.
A team of researchers at the University of Minnesota has developed a new, energy-efficient method for chemical separations using zeolite membranes. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the energy used in producing biofuels, such as ethanol and butanol, and enable higher production rates.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that long-term memory losses and cognitive problems after bypass surgery are caused by coronary artery disease, not the heart-lung machine. Researchers discovered significant cognitive decline in patients with no use of heart-lung devices.
A team of Indian and American researchers used computers to extract patterns in ancient Indus symbols, creating a statistical model for the unknown language. The study provides insights into the underlying grammatical structure of the Indus script.
A recent study found a strong association between sedentary behaviors like TV viewing and screen time, and elevated blood pressure in children. The researchers discovered that the risk was present even after adjusting for age, sex, height, and percentage of body fat.
Researchers review prophylactic treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors for seasonal flu prevention, finding them effective in preventing symptomatic but not asymptomatic flu. Improved hand hygiene and face masks implemented within 36 hours of symptom onset also show promise in reducing household transmission of pandemic flu.
A study found that many coronary angioplasty procedures in developing countries exceed the known dose reference level, highlighting the need for patient dose estimations and management. The research aims to introduce these concepts to interventional radiologists and cardiologists in these countries.
The rate of antidepressant treatment increased significantly in the US between 1996 and 2005, from 5.84% to 10.12%, affecting racial and ethnic minorities at lower rates, with 18-69 year olds being most likely to use these medications
A study found that nearly two-thirds of parents reported needing to watch over their child's care to prevent medical errors, with parents who speak non-English languages being more concerned. Parents' confidence in communicating with physicians was linked to lower levels of concern about medical mistakes.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have identified an immune mechanism responsible for graft failure in a mouse model of IUHCT. Maternal alloantibodies, produced in response to IUHCT, trigger a postnatal immune response that limits engraftment following in utero hematopoietic cell transplantation. This finding opens the...
Researchers at EMBL and University of Heidelberg create fluorescent probe to quantify MMP12 activity in macrophages, allowing study of emphysema development. The test has potential as biomarker for disease evolution and therapeutic intervention monitoring.
Researchers found that Relenza and Tamiflu equally prevent common flu symptoms in uninfected individuals, but data on vulnerable groups is lacking. The two drugs may also help combat oseltamivir-resistant influenza, but their effectiveness in preventing transmission among asymptomatic carriers is unknown.
Research suggests preschool depression is a continuous, chronic condition that increases the likelihood of subsequent depression and psychiatric disorders. Early intervention during the preschool period may be crucial in addressing childhood major depressive disorder.
A school-based program that integrates healthy relationship information into the curriculum appears to reduce adolescent dating violence and increase condom use. The effects of the low-cost intervention are stronger in boys. Rates of physical dating violence were greater in control students than those who participated in the program.
Researchers discover HYLS1 is a centriolar protein required for cilia formation in humans, linking hydrolethalus syndrome to the emerging class of human ciliopathies. The study expands knowledge on human ciliopathy diseases, providing insights into severe birth defects and early neonatal death.
Researchers are exploring the use of anti-growth factor drugs to treat children's eye diseases, offering a new tool in the fight against vision loss. However, specialists warn that these drugs may pose serious side effects, particularly in young patients.
Researchers at the University of Washington developed nanoparticles that cross the blood-brain barrier, illuminating brain tumors and improving MRI and optical imaging. This breakthrough could lead to more precise surgery and earlier cancer detection.
Heidelberg researchers discovered processes in brain metabolism that explain anorexic patients' rigid behavior, suggesting new therapy approaches. The study's results contribute to a better understanding of anorexia and its neurobiological factors.
Researchers at the La Jolla Institute have identified a previously unknown role of an enzyme in suppressing tumor growth, which may lead to new treatments for myeloproliferative diseases and certain types of leukemia. The discovery could also provide insights into the mechanisms underlying blood cancers.
Researchers found a distinct 'DNA signature' in human sperm, which recognizes an egg's species-specific DNA, enabling fertilization. This discovery explains male infertility and pregnancy failures.
Ten exceptional health professionals have been selected as Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellows for the 2009-2010 program. They will utilize their wide range of experience to provide health policy leadership on Capitol Hill, impacting health reform directly.
Reducing short-distance car trips by promoting walking and cycling can decrease car accidents, reduce heat-trapping pollutants, and promote physical health and activity. Community leaders can use low-cost options to encourage people to get active, with examples including city-bike sharing, customized maps, and grassroots campaigns.
Researchers at Stanford's School of Medicine identified human bladder cancer stem cells and revealed how they work to escape the body's natural defenses. The discovery may be a valuable therapeutic target for many types of cancers.
New vaccines, drug regimens, and diagnostics under development have the potential to significantly impact tuberculosis. The study predicts a 39-52% decrease in TB incidence through vaccination, while new drug regimens could reduce incidence by 10-27%. Diagnostic tools may also contribute to improved outcomes.
Scientists at IRB Barcelona have identified the mechanism that protects somatic cells against germ cell behavior, allowing for proper separation of future ovules and sperm during embryonic development. This finding has implications for understanding diseases caused by failed repression mechanisms.
A study involving UT Southwestern plastic surgeons found that Dysport is most effective in women and African-American patients, while also being longer-lasting for this demographic. The study confirms the importance of tailoring dosages to individual facial muscle mass for optimal results.
Researchers found that quality after-school programs are essential for children's physical activity, but many lack adequate nutrition and physical activity. The HOP'N After-School Project improved physical activity levels by modifying existing activities to include more moderate-to-vigorous exercise.
Fish populations are being increasingly affected by emerging diseases, exacerbated by climate change and other stresses. As a result, population fluctuations, extinction, reduced health, and increased susceptibility to predation are expected, according to Dr. Jim Winton of the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center.
A Duke University-led research team found that pine trees grown in air with one-and-a-half times the current carbon dioxide level produced twice as many high-quality seeds as those growing under normal conditions. This suggests some woody tree species could outcompete herbaceous plants in the future.
Researchers found that fetal immune cells eliminate transplanted allogeneic blood cells, but only triggered by maternal breast milk antibodies. This limits engraftment following in utero hematopoietic cell transplantation.
The University of Houston's information security program has been designated as a national center of academic excellence by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security. This recognition enhances career prospects for students and graduates in the field of cyber security.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have successfully prevented epilepsy in mice by identifying a faulty gene as the cause. The study, published in PNAS, offers irrefutable proof that a defective version of the Atp1a3 gene is responsible for causing epileptic seizures in mice.
Researchers have developed a new technique to eliminate grain boundary defects in zeolite membranes, significantly improving their ability to separate molecules. By subjecting the membranes to rapid thermal processing (RTP), the defects are eliminated, allowing the membranes to achieve greater yield and energy efficiency.
Janet Leigh, Chair of Oral Medicine and Radiology at LSUHSC New Orleans School of Dentistry, is a RWJF Health Policy Fellow. She will participate in the policy process at the federal level, accelerating her career as a leader in health policy.
A diesel engine can be programmed to blend gasoline-diesel fuels in real-time, resulting in a 53% thermal efficiency. This technique reduces combustion temperatures, lowers energy loss, and decreases pollutant emissions.
A Montreal study links heavy consumption of beer and spirits to an increased risk of six different cancers, including oesophageal, colon, lung, pancreatic, liver, and prostate cancer. Heavy drinkers face a sevenfold increased risk of esophageal cancer and an 80% higher risk of colon cancer.
A new study by Louis Potters and colleagues found that permanent prostate brachytherapy is an effective treatment option for younger patients diagnosed with prostate cancer, with success rates comparable to older patients. The study analyzed data from 2,119 patients and showed that age didn't impact the long-term therapeutic outcome of...
Researchers have identified a four-gene region on chromosome 6 that affects cattle carcass weight, known as the CW-2 genotype. This discovery could accelerate the breeding of meatier cattle by identifying genetic markers for selection.
A University of Michigan research suggests that using body mass index (BMI) to detect high cholesterol in children may not be effective. The study found that approximately 50% of children with abnormal cholesterol levels would be identified, but also up to 30% of healthy-weight kids would be tested unnecessarily.
Researchers have discovered a way to effectively kill kidney tumors in nearly 80 percent of mice by injecting man-made nanotubes into the tumors and heating them with a laser. The study found that the higher the quantity of nanotubes injected, the longer the mice lived and the less tumor regrowth was seen.
Researchers at Weizmann Institute of Science have developed a program for biomolecular computers that enables logical thinking. The device can answer intricate queries involving multiple rules and facts, performing millions of calculations in parallel.
A study led by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center researchers found that regular yoga practice is associated with mindful eating habits. People who eat mindfully tend to weigh less than those who don't, and mindful eating may play a key role in long-term weight maintenance.
A new diagnostic tool developed by Van Andel Research Institute has shown promising results in detecting pancreatic cancer more effectively. The method studies carbohydrate structures in the bloodstream and could lead to the development of blood tests that can detect cancer.
A $1.5 million federal grant from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke will help MSU educate more Hispanic students in neuroscience. The program pairs students with faculty mentors, teaches scientific writing, and provides research experience.
A new study found that overweight youths who eat with a friend consume more food than those paired with an unfamiliar peer or an overweight child of normal weight, highlighting the role of friends in shaping children's eating habits.
CloudSat captured a sideways view of Lana, a Category One hurricane with high clouds and cold temperatures. The satellite measured rapid wind speed and atmospheric conditions indicating a weakening storm.
A study of heart disease patients reveals those with prior atherosclerosis are more likely to die in the hospital and receive less recommended therapy. Researchers found these patients were also more likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes, and earlier stroke and heart failure incidence.
UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have found that autophagy prevents harmful bacteria like Salmonella from becoming successful pathogens. Decreases in autophagy may lead to abnormalities in the intestinal tract's response to bacterial infections.
A new study reviews data from tens of thousands of patients to set forth suggested daily targets for omega-3 consumption. The study finds that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the incidence of cardiac events and mortality in patients with existing heart disease, with a 30% reduction in CV-related death.
A new study identifies criteria for detecting prolonged grief disorder (PGD), a condition characterized by enduring distress and dysfunction after a loss. The criteria, supported by experts, may help clinicians diagnose PGD and provide targeted treatments.
Research at the ESA annual meeting reveals that urban stream pollution can be beneficial to mosquitoes, while lakefront development reduces food supplies for fish. Greenroofs, on the other hand, can absorb significant amounts of stormwater, saving cities millions of gallons of water.
A new study reveals that Sirt3 helps protect the mouse heart by blocking cardiac hypertrophic response through Foxo3a-dependent antioxidant defense mechanisms. Mice lacking Sirt3 developed enlarged hearts, while those overexpressing Sirt3 were protected from cardiac hypertrophy under similar conditions.
University of Bath Professor Cathryn Mitchell has been awarded a Royal Society-Wolfson Research Merit Award for her independent, original research in tomography. Her work applies mathematical algorithms to image the Earth's upper atmosphere, enabling new challenges in medical imaging and research.
A study of over 6,000 US children found that 9% had vitamin D deficiency and 61% were insufficient in the essential nutrient. Low vitamin D levels were associated with higher blood pressure, lower HDL cholesterol, and other risk factors for heart disease.
A study of high school seniors found that most who took opioid medications without a prescription did so for reasons other than pain relief, including relaxation and getting high. Students who used the drugs only for pain relief were less likely to engage in heavy drinking or other substance use.
Research at National Jewish Health found asthma control poor among 155 students with asthma, regardless of medical insurance or identified provider. Patients and parents must recognize when management is not optimal to seek help and improve asthma control.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that patients who undergo anterior cervical reconstructive surgery can experience significant improvement in headache symptoms. The study, which evaluated over 1000 patients, suggests that neck surgery can alleviate headaches associated with cervical spine disease.
A pilot study published in Physical Therapy found that restraining patients' unaffected upper limbs during the subacute phase after a stroke did not improve motor impairment and capacity compared to standard rehabilitation. Researchers applied constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) with a restraining device, but the results were no...
Researchers found that daily temperature fluctuations significantly impact malaria parasite growth and transmission rates. In areas with cooler temperatures, a fluctuation of 45 degrees Fahrenheit reduces the parasites' incubation period, making them infectious nearly two weeks earlier.
A new oral vaccine shows promise in protecting prairie dogs against plague, offering a potential solution for endangered black-footed ferrets. Meanwhile, shipwrecks and man-made structures are found to increase the risk of invasive species taking over coral reefs, threatening their diversity and native life.
Researchers restored a maize root signal that attracts insect-killing nematodes to control the Western corn rootworm, a significant pest in the US. This approach enhances plant resistance and reduces the use of synthetic insecticides.
Researchers describe a mathematical model that helps fine-tune artificial biomolecular switches, shedding light on their evolution and potential applications in detecting chemicals and disease markers.
Researchers at Duke University have solved the structure of Ramoplanin A2, a candidate antibiotic that can kill pathogenic bacteria by interrupting cell membrane formation. The molecule forms U-shaped structures that bind to Lipid II, preventing its participation in membrane synthesis and leading to bacterial death.
A phase I clinical trial enrolled its first patient only two days after FDA clearance, accelerating development of new cancer drugs. The joint effort between M.D. Anderson and AstraZeneca demonstrates how to shrink the time it takes to bring new therapies to patients.
Researchers believe a parasite found in chimpanzees in equatorial Africa is the original source of malignant malaria, transmitted to humans through a single mosquito around 5,000 years ago. This discovery could aid the development of a vaccine for malaria, which affects 500 million people annually.