A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that 19% of women eligible for post-mastectomy radiation were not treated. Researchers emphasize the importance of educating patients and improving doctor-patient communication about this potentially lifesaving treatment.
A University of Montreal study found that Zen meditators have lower pain sensitivity both in and out of a meditative state compared to non-meditators. Meditators experienced an 18 percent reduction in pain intensity, suggesting that meditation can change the way someone feels pain.
Researchers at North Carolina State University and the USDA have identified alternative fumigants to methyl bromide (MeBr) for tomato production in North Carolina. The study found that while no single alternative can fully substitute MeBr, technically and economically feasible options exist for growers to adopt.
A study published in Health Affairs found that seniors in Medicare's doughnut hole gap reduced their medication use by 14% per month. The authors suggest mandating generic drug coverage to protect seniors and prevent potential healthcare costs from hospitalizations and physician visits.
A new study found a link between the Val66Met polymorphism in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene and risk for post-treatment relapse among alcohol-dependent patients. The findings suggest that genetic markers may be used to predict treatment outcomes and inform personalized therapy approaches.
Researchers studied the San Andreas fault system, Africa's ancient crustal blocks, and the High Plains aquifer using gravity, magnetic, and seismic data. The results show that Africa is a collage of ancient cratons with mantle roots extending deep into the Earth's interior.
A new review of randomized controlled trials has found that radiofrequency ablation significantly improves patient survival compared to percutaneous ethanol injection. Radiofrequency treatment offered a greater survival benefit due to improved local tumor response and more predictable tumor ablation.
Children can influence and observe an artificially intelligent machine in a simple computer game called 'Gorge', learning about its behavioral patterns. Researchers aim to teach kids what AI is all about using this engaging game.
Researchers at USC found that green tea extract (GTE) renders the cancer drug Velcade ineffective in treating multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. The study suggests that patients on Velcade should avoid green tea products to minimize side effects, which may be misattributed to the supplement's beneficial effects.
Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have discovered that the protective capsule of Cryptococcus neoformans fungus grows by linking saccharides together, allowing it to evade the immune system. This finding could lead to new therapies or vaccines against fungal infections.
A new study found that cardiac computed tomography (CT) angiography scans may expose patients to high doses of radiation. The study suggests that using available strategies to reduce radiation dose can substantially decrease patient exposure, and that educating physicians and technicians on these methods is essential
A new multimedia system, i-Maestro 3D Augmented Mirror (AMIR), uses motion capture to record a musician's posture and movement while playing. The system provides real-time analysis and feedback to improve technique, helping musicians and teachers alike.
A pioneering surgical technique developed in Spain has successfully removed benign tumors from the pancreas using laparoscopic central pancreatectomy, preserving a large part of the gland. The procedure reduces complications, hospitalization periods, and risk of post-operative diabetes.
Natural aromatic oils can trigger allergic reactions, according to a study by Lina Hagvall at the University of Gothenburg. The research found that common perfume substances, like geraniol and lavender oil, can become allergens through autoxidation and skin enzyme reactions.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have found that disrupting the circadian clock can slow the progression of cancer. The study suggests that altering one of four essential 'clock' genes can extend the lives of mice with cancer by 50% by making cancer cells more vulnerable to cell suicide.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that a warm-up of 15-20 minutes with simple surgical exercises improves proficiency and alertness in surgeons. The research shows that warm-up exercises can benefit even fatigued surgeons, leading to better performance during operations.
A new study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that growth hormone treatment after weight loss surgery reduces lean body mass and skeletal muscle mass losses. Researchers discovered that short-term growth hormone treatment during a standardized diet and exercise program increased l...
Research by K-State professor Thomas Wright shows that happy employees perform better, exhibit higher job satisfaction, and receive better pay. The benefits of psychological well-being can lead to a competitive advantage, with studies indicating significant correlations between well-being and job performance.
A Yale University study found that the biological costs of changing sexes are rarely sufficient to disfavor sex change, suggesting a possible explanation for its rarity among animals. Researchers built theoretical models and tested them using game theory, showing that only huge costs can disfavor sex change.
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have developed an insecticide that targets the soybean aphid, a pest ravaging Minnesota crops. The small molecule blocks acetylcholinesterase activity in aphids without inhibiting it in humans.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) showcased its technology investments to reduce the weight of Marine Corps equipment by up to 30%. New technologies aim to improve body armor, helmets, vehicles, and communications equipment. ONR's goal is to increase mobility and survivability for Marines.
A research team developed an autologous full-thickness oral substitute that mimics the characteristics of gingiva, providing a promising solution for oral cavity reconstruction. The study's results support the need for larger clinical trials to further evaluate the effectiveness of this new tissue-engineered product.
The discovery of a 47.5 million-year-old fossil whale in Pakistan provides evidence that early whales gave birth on land, contrary to the long-held assumption that they gave birth at sea. The fossils reveal that these ancient whales had well-developed teeth and could fend for themselves from an early age.
A new study published in JAMA found that osteoporotic fractures can double or triple mortality rates for up to 5-10 years after the fracture. The risk is particularly high for hip fractures in women and men over 75, with a nearly threefold increase in mortality.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing a new gene-targeting therapy that uses an RNA enzyme to inhibit strains of the herpes simplex virus. The technique has shown promise in experiments with mice and rabbits, but further research is needed before it can be attempted in people infected with herpes.
UT Southwestern researchers discovered that mice without the AGPAT2 enzyme accumulated excessive liver fat, leading to metabolic complications. A fat-free diet reduced liver triglycerides by approximately 50% in these mice.
A Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute student project has created an open-source app called Vault that tracks and manages personal spending on the iPhone, while protecting users' identities. The app offers features like automatic expense categorization and GPS-located bank branches.
Researchers at Caltech have discovered intricate gene regulatory networks in various organisms, including fruit flies, nematodes, sea urchins, lampreys, and mice. These networks play a crucial role in directing developmental processes, with subtle balances of regulatory signals being essential for proper cell differentiation.
Scientists assess a quarter-century of climate change effects on coral health and find both good and bad news. Reefs in the Indian Ocean are recovering relatively well from bleaching events, while western Atlantic reefs have generally failed to recover due to chronic stressors like diseases and overfishing.
Dr Catherine Jopling has received a prestigious David Phillips fellowship to investigate the molecular biology of hepatitis C virus. The £1m funding will support her work on miR-122, a specialized liver microRNA that interacts with HCV in an unusual way.
Researchers at UTSA have made a breakthrough discovery in the fight against tularemia, a deadly bio-warfare agent. They identified a unique metabolic pathway and enzyme, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide synthetase (NMS), that is specific to Francisella tularensis, making it a potential target for therapeutic development.
Researchers have discovered a new class of compounds that selectively inhibit protein phospholipase D (PLD), an enzyme linked to multiple human cancers. The inhibitors block invasive breast cancer cell migration and could be used as antimetastatic agents.
Researchers predict regional summer monsoon rainfall in China up to 2 seasons ahead by analyzing Pacific SSTA and STA signals. The subtropical summer monsoon has shown a long-term increasing trend, but southern regions have experienced a deducing trend since 1998.
A new study found that sulfonylurea drugs can restore function and reverse symptoms in infants with neonatal diabetes by blocking potassium channels, potentially avoiding secondary damage to insulin-producing cells. Early treatment with these drugs may circumvent irreversible damage if caught early enough.
Recent research on Mars includes studies on the planet's geology and potential habitability. A new method for classifying Quaternary glacial deposits was also proposed by GSA Today's science article.
Researchers used computer simulation to study the jaw structure of Australopithecus africanus, finding it ideal for cracking hard objects. The findings suggest that early humans adapted their diet to changing food sources by using their powerful jaws.
The European team discovered the smallest transiting extrasolar planet, CoRoT-Exo-7b, orbiting a star slightly smaller than the Sun. The planet's radius is about twice that of Earth and orbits its host star in just 20 hours.
Studies found that dialysis patients living at higher altitudes had a lower rate of death, with increased hemoglobin concentrations and lower doses of erythropoietin. Increased iron availability caused by hypoxia-induced factors may explain this finding.
The NRL's Rampant Lion II survey built on the success of Rampant Lion I, completing a geophysical and remote sensing survey of Afghanistan. The upgraded sensor suite collected nearly 30 Tbytes of raw data, advancing airborne remote sensing techniques and supporting the warfighter and economic infrastructure development.
A new study suggests that green tea components may negate the effects of bortezomib (Velcade) in patients taking this medicine. The EGCG polyphenol in green tea bound to boronic acid-containing compounds like bortezomib cancels out their antitumor effects.
A qualitative study in five US medical schools revealed serious problems with relational culture affecting medical faculty vitality, professionalism, and general productivity linked to retention. The study emphasizes the need for greater support and trust in medical academia.
Researchers found that blocking off the splenic artery helped six out of seven patients suffering from small-for-size syndrome after a partial liver transplant. This approach improved liver function tests and prevented complications in most cases.
A study by Kiel University confirms a special sequence variation of the FOXO3A gene is more frequent in centenarians globally, supporting its role in longevity. The research team analyzed DNA samples from 388 German centenarians and 731 younger individuals, finding consistent results worldwide.
New rodent findings show that chronic drinking causes more injury to the liver than acute or binge drinking, with persistent gene-expression changes and deleterious conditioning. This research highlights the importance of daily, excessive drinking in programming the liver to become dependent on alcohol.
A recent study found that gardening can improve hand strength and self-esteem in older adults, as well as provide moderate physical activity. Researchers at Kansas State University assessed 15 areas of health in older gardeners compared to non-gardeners, revealing the benefits of gardening on hand function and psychological well-being.
A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that a mother's enriched environment during her youth can significantly impact her child's learning disorder severity. This effect, known as transgenerational inheritance, was observed even when the offspring were raised by non-enriched foster mothers.
Researchers discovered a new cause of airway irritation and wheezing after exposure to ozone, a common urban air pollutant. They found that high amounts of hyaluronan, a sugar molecule, are responsible for narrowing the airways.
A study by ASHS researchers found no correlation between pepper heat levels and resistance to Phytophthora blight. Instead, genetic differences, cuticle thickness, and other factors may play a role in fruit response to the disease.
A new study reveals that primary care physicians often fail to recommend colorectal cancer screening, even in patients who visit their offices frequently. The research, which analyzed data from nearly 50,000 patients, found that over half of those with regular visits did not receive screening.
Scientists have discovered a chemical that prevents stem cells from turning into other cell types, allowing researchers to grow larger stocks of these cells. This breakthrough has huge potential for treating diseases and injuries without current cures.
A retrospective study of 235,473 patients found that traditional open appendectomies may be preferable to laparoscopic surgeries due to higher costs and increased risks. The study suggests that the benefits of laparoscopic surgery are limited in most cases, contradicting recent trends.
Researchers at Durham University found that commercial violent computer games can be used to build virtual worlds for training in fire evacuation procedures. The study showed that using game code from First Person Shooter games is quicker and more efficient than traditional virtual reality toolkits.
Survivors of early-stage lung cancer who engage in regular physical activity experience improved mood, vigor, and physical functioning. Moderate exercise, such as brisk walking a few times a week, may promote better quality of life and reduce depressive symptoms.
Researchers identified three genetic variants associated with delusions in people with schizophrenia, located within the neuregulin 3 gene on chromosome 10. The study suggests that this gene may contribute to the development of delusions and other symptoms of the condition.
A new study involving identical twins suggests that certain environmental factors can accelerate facial aging. Divorce and antidepressant use were found to contribute to a greater perceived age difference between siblings.
A recent study found that CXCL10 is a key factor behind the destruction of insulin-producing β cells in diabetes. The inflammatory marker was found to decrease β cell viability and impair insulin production in isolated human pancreatic cells. This discovery may lead to new treatments for preventing β cell death or restoring lost function.
Researchers at Harvard University have mapped the neural circuitry of the nose, revealing a seemingly random patchwork of receptors for different scents. Despite striking differences between smells like coffee and peppermint, cells processing similar odors are found in precisely the same location on the olfactory bulb.
Dr. Vivian S. Lee, inaugural vice dean for science at NYU Langone Medical Center, has been recognized for her transformational leadership and commitment to mentoring aspiring scientists. She has overseen significant research growth and established multiple centers of excellence.
A Swedish thesis found that people who experience nightmares after a suicide attempt are five times more likely to attempt suicide again. The study also revealed that sleeping difficulties do not increase the risk of repeat attempts, contrary to previous research.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that exposure to second-hand smoke and alcohol significantly raises the risk of liver disease. The combined effect led to elevated levels of liver fibrosis proteins, which can lead to cirrhosis.
CSIRO's Snorocket software enhances electronic health record accuracy, enabling faster data processing and improved collaboration among healthcare professionals worldwide. The innovation is part of the IHTSDO Workbench, a platform for standardizing clinical terminology and promoting global health data consistency.
A study found that older adults who experience osteoporotic fracture have an increased risk of death for 5-10 years, and subsequent fractures further increase the risk. Non-hip, nonvertebral fractures were also associated with a significant proportion of premature mortality.
A new genomic signature has been developed to predict how breast cancer patients respond to chemotherapy. The study found that the magnitude of the tumor's microenvironment, or reactive stroma, is predictive of a response to treatment. Patients with strong stroma reactions are more likely to have a bad response.
A new study identifies Capn4 as a key molecule associated with liver cancer recurrence and metastasis after liver transplantation. The findings suggest that Capn4 expression is correlated with clinical outcomes and could be used as a prognostic marker for diagnosis.
Researchers suspect a novel gene is causing restless legs syndrome in a large family study, with 30 relatives affected and 60% female prevalence. The discovery could lead to breakthroughs in understanding the disorder and developing new treatments.
A recent study found that playing games against a virtual opponent activates different brain areas than those activated when playing against a human opponent. The medial prefrontal cortex and other regions associated with 'Theory of Mind' were more active in male players believing they were competing with another human.
A computer simulation suggests that large buses running on separate traffic lanes can achieve a comfortable level of crowding without gridlock. The study's findings support mass transportation as the preferred option for most commuters, even with a few individuals choosing to drive by car.
A new study found a positive relationship between vitamin D levels and muscle power, force, velocity, and jump height in adolescent girls. The researchers measured serum vitamin D levels in 99 adolescent girls and used jumping mechanography to assess muscle power.
Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft develop biogas plant that generates 30% more electricity from non-edible corn stalks. The new plant reduces storage time by 50-70% and boosts electrical efficiency to 40-55% with fuel cells.
A recent study by Children's Hospital found that African-American parents are twice as likely to distrust medical research as white parents. This mistrust can lead to lower participation rates in clinical trials, exacerbating racial health disparities.
Scientists at Carnegie Institution create novel 'compound' from pure boron, exhibiting low mass, high strength, and response to neutron irradiation. The discovery builds on previous superconductivity findings in boron and paves the way for understanding its transition to superconductivity under pressure.
A study found that automation and mechanization improved worker productivity and earnings in the nursery and greenhouse industries. Continuous skill improvements and year-round workforce availability are essential for sustaining industry growth.
A University of Missouri study has disproven a long-held theory about the nervous system's development, identifying key proteins involved in the process. The findings shed light on how neurofilaments affect axonal diameters and could lead to a better understanding of neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Research suggests that US public funding for specialty crops is inadequate, with production value growth not matched by research spending. Increasing funding could lead to lower fruit and vegetable prices, promoting healthier diets among Americans.