Researchers developed a method to use genetic information to determine optimal doses of warfarin, reducing the risk of adverse effects. The study included data from 4,043 patients worldwide and found that patients on the extreme ends of the dosage range saw significant benefits.
Coastal erosion in Alaska's Arctic region has more than doubled to 45 feet per year over a 5-year period. The increased erosion rates are attributed to changing arctic conditions, including declining sea ice extent, rising sea level, and increasing storm power.
A small randomized study found that robotic therapy improved physical ability in stroke patients, with more significant gains in those with lower disability at the start of rehabilitation. The study suggests that robotic therapy may be useful in reducing physical disability years after a stroke.
A study confirms that using genetic information can more accurately estimate warfarin doses, reducing the risk of overdose or underdose. The gene-based dosing algorithm was found to be more effective than traditional clinical formulas in identifying patients at high risk of bleeding or clotting.
The latest issue of FIBER journal focuses on China's maturing apparel industry, highlighting its growth potential and the importance of understanding young Chinese consumers. Experts share best practices and tips for conducting business in China, as well as valuable insights into social responsibility in the industry.
A team of researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute has identified a new component of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway, which is essential for proper wing development in fruit flies. The discovery of Kekkon5 reveals its role as an extracellular regulator of BMP signaling.
A study by Tufts University psychologists found that mentally depleted individuals were more direct and authentic in conversation with black interviewers, and perceived as less prejudiced. This suggests that relinquishing power over oneself can lead to more harmonious interactions.
Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital completed a study on flu transmission to better understand the impact of infection control measures during a possible flu pandemic. The study found that pre-symptomatic transmission of influenza may be more significant than previously thought, and that small-particle aerosols from infected individua...
The Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) will conduct scientific ocean drilling operations aboard three platforms in 2009. Scheduled operations include riser drilling, riserless operations, and mission-specific operations to explore climate change, sea level change, and oceanic plateau formation.
Costantino Iadecola, a neurology scientist at Cornell University, receives the Thomas Willis Award for his pathophysiology research on cerebral ischemic injury. He will deliver a lecture on recent advances in understanding cerebrovascular injury and developing targeted treatments.
Researchers found that administering losartan before, during and after radiation therapy prevents or lessens cognitive impairment in rats. The study validates a hypothesis that anti-hypertensive drugs can protect the brain from radiation-induced injury.
Researchers have observed a synchronized quantum dance in electrons' spin within a new material, enabling the transformation of computing and electronics. The discovery has significant implications for data storage, memory, and computation power.
A new surgical implant called Retisert has been successfully tested at the University of Iowa to treat sympathetic ophthalmia, a rare eye condition that can lead to complete vision loss. The implant provides slow-release immunosuppression to the affected eye, reducing or eliminating the need for systemic medications.
Scientists have identified two gene mutations, IDH1 and IDH2, linked to nearly three-quarters of gliomas, a type of brain cancer. These mutations are associated with longer survival rates in patients with certain types of gliomas. Further research may lead to more precise diagnoses and treatments.
Canada has a unique opportunity to become an international leader in personalized medicine, driven by advancements in human genome sequencing and genetic research. The country can capitalize on its strengths to provide a model for other nations.
A NASA study successfully predicted the 2006-2007 Rift Valley fever outbreak in northeast Africa using a blend of climate measurements and satellite data. The prediction gave public health officials up to six weeks' notice, allowing them to implement disease mitigation measures and lessen human impact.
Researchers found that indoor plants can remove up to 80% of formaldehyde from the air within 4 hours. The study also showed that aerial parts of plants absorb more formaldehyde during the day, while roots and soil microorganisms contribute to nighttime absorption.
Researchers used color infrared photography to detect diseases in greenhouse plants, identifying common ailments like sooty mold and powdery mildew through image analysis. The study found that certain diseases can be detected early on by analyzing the ratios of light reflection, with high NIR values indicating healthy vegetation.
Researchers have determined the pressure needed to melt diamond, creating a new state of carbon, and potentially aiding nuclear fusion efforts. This discovery could help explain planetary magnetic fields and improve simulations of celestial bodies.
Anthropologist Karen Rosenberg sheds light on the evolutionary significance of childbirth, revealing that social assistance during labor is a distinctive human characteristic. Her research highlights the importance of cooperative childcare and social intelligence in reproductive success.
Researchers at the Gladstone Institutes have identified a complex signaling process that governs heart cell expansion and division. The study shows that cardiac fibroblasts send signals to cardiomyocytes to divide or grow, which could lead to regenerative therapies after heart attacks.
The UC Irvine Outreach Clinic offers free primary care, preventive medicine, laboratory testing, medication, and healthcare referral services to individuals with very low incomes. The clinic is the result of a decade-long effort by UCI students to address healthcare needs of underserved populations.
Researchers at UT Health Science Center are developing a vaccine targeting alpha-synuclein to prevent Parkinson's disease progression. The vaccine has the potential to slow symptom onset, a current challenge in treatment.
Tel Aviv University researchers have developed a nano-sized laboratory that can detect pollutants, disease, and biological weapons in real-time. The 'lab on a chip' uses genetically engineered bacteria to light up when presented with a stressor, allowing for fast and accurate detection.
Research suggests iron metabolism plays a crucial role in the development of liver disease among heavy drinkers. The study found that individuals with high levels of iron overload and specific HFE mutations had a significantly higher risk of liver disease, regardless of their genetic status.
Researchers at the Center for Food and Environmental Systems for Human Exploration of Space successfully grew sweet potato cuttings in microgravity, showing that they can regenerate roots. The study found significant differences in root growth development between microgravity and ground-based conditions.
Researchers found that people attribute meaning to dreams based on their waking beliefs and desires. Pleasant dreams about a person they liked were considered more meaningful than unpleasant ones, while an actual plane crash produced a similar level of anxiety as did a dream of it.
Researchers at Virginia Tech will explore the development of novel methods for delivering chemical antidotes that can mitigate the devastating effect of organophosphate-based neurotoxicants. The team aims to use nanoparticles called fullerenes to enhance their water solubility and catalytic properties, which could potentially protect a...
Researchers found that PPAR-gamma ligands can suppress stomach cancer cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis and arresting the G1 phase. The study also showed that these compounds may be useful for targeting therapy of gastric cancer.
Preschool children with secure mother-child attachments form closer friendships due to their positive understanding of others and open emotional communication. Open emotional communication also predicts fewer hostile attributions and greater teacher-reported friendship quality.
Researchers found that mechanical thinning increased fruit size by 9% compared to conventional hand-thinning or non-thinned control trees. The technology also reduced labor time by 50% while maintaining average fruit sizes within the desired range, offering economic benefits for growers.
A recent study found that Phase I drug trials are underreported, with only 17% published in scientific journals. The lack of transparency can compromise the safety and efficacy of new drugs, highlighting the need for increased mechanisms to ensure complete availability of trial results.
A Scripps Institution of Oceanography study has provided evidence of a drastic decline in Florida's reef fish, with 'trophy fish' shrinking by nearly two-thirds over the last five decades. The study used archival photographs to analyze the weight and length of large predatory fish caught around coral reefs.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University's Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute have developed a vaccine that targets HIV in its early stages of infection. The vaccine, which involves creating resistance by programming the immune system to recognize HIV, showed protection in one-third of subjects in animal studies.
Scientists have identified six gene regions suitable for automated plant species identification, promising to aid in biodiversity protection and pharmaceutical discovery. A large-scale test is underway to validate these regions against a vast number of plants.
The NASA Hurricane Web Page offers daily storm updates, stunning video animations, educational tools, and historic storm information on all storms since 2005. Researchers gather data from various satellites to understand factors that determine why a tropical cyclone strengthens or weakens.
Recent studies by Cornell researcher Rui Hai Liu found that fresh apple extracts significantly inhibited the size of mammary tumors in rats, with greater inhibition seen at higher doses. The findings highlight the potential health benefits of consuming more fruits and vegetables, including apples, to reduce breast cancer risk.
Patients treated with infliximab and adalimumab, a type of rheumatoid arthritis medication, are at an increased risk for developing herpes zoster (shingles). A significant association was found between treatment with these monoclonal anti-TNF-α antibodies and the development of shingles.
A long-term study reveals that the average weight of red knots has declined significantly since their primary food source, horseshoe crab eggs, was reduced. The population size of red knots has declined by over 75 percent due to increased harvest of horseshoe crabs.
Research identifies GABRA3 subunit overexpression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, promoting cell growth and proliferation. The study suggests that targeting the GABAergic system may be a promising approach for HCC diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers identify 12 abundant materials with potential to meet global energy demand, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional silicon-based solar cells. The study suggests that these new materials could significantly reduce the cost of solar photovoltaics and accelerate the transition to low-carbon energy.
A new review by Johns Hopkins scientists highlights the importance of platelets in organ transplant rejection, revealing their role in driving inflammatory responses. This research could lead to the development of new strategies using drugs or other means to keep platelets quiet and non-inflammatory.
A study of 197 people with mild cognitive impairment found that engaging in mental activities like reading, crafting, and playing games reduced the risk of memory loss by 30-50% compared to those who didn't participate. Participants who watched TV for less than 7 hours a day were also 50% less likely to develop memory loss.
Researchers used Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy to study the tau protein's structure and interactions in neurons of Alzheimer's disease patients. The study found that abnormal phosphorylation of tau proteins disrupts their ability to bind to microtubules, leading to cell death and nerve damage.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found a biomarker, guanylyl cyclase 2C (GUCY2C), that predicts disease recurrence in colorectal cancer. The study revealed that 87.5% of patients had positive GUCY2C expression and 20.9% developed recurrent disease.
The high-quality protein in eggs contributes to muscle strength by building and preserving muscle mass. Additionally, it provides sustained energy due to its steady release of amino acids without causing a surge in blood sugar levels.
Researchers at Iowa State University are working on a three-year project to improve the efficiency of thin film solar cells, with a goal of boosting efficiency to around 10%. The project aims to develop new silicon alloys and organic semiconductors for improved performance.
A meta-analysis of 36 studies found that cancer survivors are 1.37 times more likely to be unemployed than healthy control participants, with higher risks for breast and gastrointestinal cancers. Long-term medical and psychological effects may cause social functioning impairments, including employment difficulties.
Researchers found that fly nerve cells can respond to movement in a wider field of vision due to connections with neighboring cells, allowing for more efficient processing of visual information. This challenges the traditional view of single-cell functionality and suggests a more complex network-based approach.
The ATHENA trial found that dronedarone reduced the incidence of cardiovascular-related hospitalisation or death by 24% compared to placebo. The study also showed a significant reduction in cardiovascular death, with no difference in overall mortality.
A study by Gerry Stefanatos and team found that dextroamphetamine improved speech processing in patients with Broca's aphasia and Anomic aphasia, suggesting the drug may enhance brain repair and therapy outcomes.
A study analyzing 240 hospital documents found they have an average readability level of a college junior, exceeding the reading capacity of most patients. The use of complex language in Patients' Bill of Rights laws may be obstructing progress towards patient autonomy.
A new HIV rapid test is being developed with a potential cost of $2, aiming to measure CD4+ T-cells in a person's blood without electronics or mechanical parts. The test would enable patients to find out if they need antiretroviral therapy within minutes.
Researchers identify aerosols as a crucial factor in shaping Australian rainfall patterns, with potential impacts on future climate change. Aerosol pollution from Asia may be responsible for changes in rainfall patterns in northern Australia.
Researchers found that Al-plastic mulch and companion plants increase watermelon and muskmelon yields while reducing cucumber beetles. The study suggests that these organic methods can be effective in controlling pest populations, potentially leading to increased crop productivity.
Researchers measure discomfort in cattle undergoing procedures like castration and dehorning using equipment similar to a jogger's heart rate monitor. The study aims to improve pain management in livestock by assessing the effectiveness of pharmaceuticals and recommending proper dosing. By analyzing various measurements, including skin...
A recent CDC study reveals a steady decline in intensive care unit catheter-associated MRSA bloodstream infections since 2001. SHEA President Mark Rupp emphasizes the need to focus on preventing infections caused by multiple organisms rather than just one, such as MRSA.
Researchers identified guanylyl cyclase C as a molecular marker for metastatic colorectal cancer that can detect occult metastases in lymph nodes, improving risk stratification. About 13% of patients with pN0 colorectal cancer were found to be free of tumor cells, while 87% had results suggesting occult metastases.
Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University identified a gene, AEG-1, that plays a key role in regulating liver cancer progression. The study found that AEG-1 expression increases as the tumor becomes more aggressive and is involved in invasion, metastasis, resistance to chemotherapy, and other processes.
Researchers at McGill University found that disabling the ability to clean cells of toxic molecules can lead to longer lifespan in some organisms. Oxidative stress theory is called into question, with evidence suggesting it may be a result of aging rather than its cause.