A study found that removing a protective protein called STAT5 from liver cells leads to an overabundance of TGFbeta, a damage-inducing protein. This results in the activation of a cancer-promoting protein, STAT3, which can promote tumor growth.
Researchers have successfully interrupted the transmission of river blindness in Escuintla, Guatemala, one of the largest endemic areas in the Western Hemisphere. This achievement marks an important victory in the campaign to eliminate the devastating disease, with eight out of 13 endemic study areas having already ended transmission.
A polypill containing a statin, aspirin, and three blood pressure-lowering drugs significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in healthy individuals. The formulation also lowered LDL cholesterol, heart rate, and urinary 11-dehydrothromboxane B2, but to a lesser extent than with individual components alone.
A study by University of Illinois professor Robert Motl found that caffeine reduces muscle pain during high-intensity exercise in both caffeine-naïve individuals and habitual users. The study suggests that pain during exercise may not show tolerance effects to caffeine.
Researchers at UW-Madison have found a safe and acceptable protein option for people with phenylketonuria (PKU), allowing them to liberalize their diet. The GMP protein derived from whey has been shown to improve protein metabolism and lower blood phenylalanine levels.
A study reveals nearly two-thirds of children receiving routine interventional cardiology procedures may be treated with off-label pediatric cardiac devices due to lack of regulatory oversight. The devices were used for approved purposes in 63% of patients, with stent implantations being 99% off-label.
A study by Purdue University scientist Joseph Garner suggests treating mice as individuals instead of standardizing them can decrease false positive test results, ultimately reducing the cost of drug development. This approach could also benefit animal welfare by using fewer mice and eliminating unnecessary testing.
A Montana State University master's graduate is working with doctors at Vanderbilt Medical Center to build a handheld laser microscope that can detect skin cancer more accurately. The device uses laser light to form an image of the skin's cellular structure and compare it to a database of known cancers.
Scientists have identified a new role for lung epithelial cells in detecting airborne antigens and triggering allergic responses. The discovery suggests that targeting Toll-like receptors may lead to novel treatments for asthma and other allergic diseases.
Arno G. Motulsky, a pioneer in medical genetics, was awarded the inaugural ACMG Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding leadership and contributions to the field. The award recognizes his work as a founder of pharmacogenetics and his impact on training generations of geneticists.
Researchers found that within-household transmission of trachoma is more efficient than community transmission, accounting for almost three quarters of new infections. Treating all infected household members during mass antibiotic administration can prevent rapid re-infection and slow community spread.
Researchers at the University of Southern California have created a new type of supercapacitor that is both transparent and flexible, allowing for potential applications in 'e-paper' displays and conformable products. The device stores an energy density of 1.29 Watt-hour/kilogram, significantly higher than conventional capacitors.
A recent study published in the Journal of Cell Biology found that Vangl2, a protein involved in planar cell polarity, controls asymmetrical cell division and developmental fate of progenitor neurons. In Vangl2-lacking mouse embryos, large numbers of early-born neurons were observed, suggesting premature differentiation.
Scientists are conducting airborne field campaigns in the Arctic to study Greenland and Iceland ice sheets and their sea ice and glaciers. NASA's ICESat spacecraft is also completing a seasonal survey of the world's ice sheets to gauge changes in ice thickness and mass.
A catheter-based technique deactivates nerves in the kidneys, reducing blood pressure and offering a new treatment option for patients with resistant hypertension. The study found significant blood-pressure reduction in treated patients, while non-treated patients experienced an increase in blood pressure.
Researchers led by William Krabill are flying over Greenland to measure ice sheet and glacier thickness, using a combination of laser and radar instruments. The mission aims to update measurements from the Ice, Cloud and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) and provide critical data on the future behavior of the Greenland ice sheet.
Research suggests melatonin can decrease hepatic fibrosis scores, reduce serum markers of fibrogenesis, and alleviate oxidative stress. The study provides a basis for further investigation into the protective effects of melatonin on liver function in cirrhotic patients.
A team of Penn State engineers discovered that microbes can directly convert carbon dioxide and water to methane using electricity, producing a self-sustaining process. This breakthrough could lead to a portable energy source with a low carbon footprint if powered by renewable energy.
A Tanzanian study found that using larvicides to complement existing malaria interventions can dramatically reduce malaria risk, especially in urban areas. The approach is cost-effective and could help control the disease in cities where it poses a significant problem.
Research team investigates effect of TGF-beta 1 on intestinal fibroblast migration and differentiation. Short-term incubation enhances migration, while long-term treatment reduces it, with increased FN production.
Dr. Fujio Miura receives the 2009 IADR Distinguished Service Award for his dedication to promoting JADR/IADR membership among young researchers in Japan, leading to significant growth in both Associations. The award recognizes his outstanding service and contributions to advancing dental research worldwide.
A UCSF research team has developed a technique to diagnose melanoma by measuring differences in levels of genetic markers, with a success rate higher than 90 percent. The new strategy distinguished between benign and malignant skin lesions, shedding light on difficult-to-diagnose cases.
A study found a strong association between birth defects and increased pesticide levels in surface water across the US, particularly for women conceiving in April to July. Elevated pesticide concentrations coincided with peak birth defect rates, suggesting a potential link between pesticide exposure and birth defects.
A Stanford study reveals that HLA molecules, crucial for immune function, also contribute to brain circuits involved in learning and memory. The absence of these molecules can enhance motor learning but may compromise other learning abilities.
Dr. Mirela Shinohara, a young researcher from Brazil, has been awarded the 2009 Toshio Nakao Fellowship by IADR. The fellowship supports her training and experience in dental materials science at a center of excellence. IADR is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing research and improving oral health worldwide.
Research reveals that specific HCV genotype 4a mutations affect treatment outcomes, with a higher frequency of mutations associated with sustained viral response. The study identifies potential targets for developing new assays to predict treatment efficacy.
A new web-based CME course created by PharmedOut aims to educate physicians about the many ways pharmaceutical companies attempt to influence their knowledge of drugs and prescribing behavior. The 'Pharmalyzer' course provides compelling evidence to illustrate the influence of marketing, including disease branding and detailing tactics.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that CT colonography detected extracolonic lesions in 57.8% of subjects, with highly significant lesions present in 8.7% and low significant lesions in 55.2%. Factors such as age, sex, symptoms, and contrast use were associated with detection of more significant lesions.
A study published in the journal Pain found oxycodone to be an effective treatment for acute shingles pain, with patients experiencing a significant reduction in pain levels. The medication was more than twice as effective as a placebo in reducing pain, making it a promising option for treating this debilitating condition.
A study of nearly 1,500 newborns found seasonal occurrences of Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, with peaks between April and July, suggesting environmental factors may contribute to the disease.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a gene linked to lupus, IRAK1, located on the X chromosome. This discovery may help explain why females are 10 times more susceptible to the disease than males.
A Kansas State University research team is exploring the use of native southern African plants in veterinary medicine. They have documented 18 regions where these plants are used to treat various animal health issues, including intestinal parasites and wounds.
Professor Juliet Compston has received the IBMS John G. Haddad, Jr. Award for her significant contributions to clinical research in bone and mineral metabolism. Her work focuses on metabolic bone disease, osteoporosis, and the effects of glucocorticoids on bone health.
Researchers found that nitrous oxide production rates in small stream sediments are linked to nitrate availability. The study suggests that management efforts to reduce nitrous oxide production should focus on limiting nitrate transport to stream ecosystems.
A study found 46 different species of bacteria in newborn babies' stomach contents, including two not typically found in the body. Improved dental hygiene may help reduce pregnancy complications and infections in newborns
Researchers at Oregon State University found that lipoic acid supplements can significantly reduce triglyceride levels in laboratory rats, lowering them by up to 60 percent. This natural compound may offer a new way to lower blood triglycerides and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
Congressman Mike Simpson has received an honorary membership from AADR for his long-standing support of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and its impact on dental research. The recognition is a testament to his commitment to advancing oral health through research.
A space experiment has shown that bone-destroying cells sense the absence of mechanical resistance and react by destroying bone. This discovery helps explain why bedridden patients and astronauts experience bone loss, providing a potential new drug target for stopping the process.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have found that cells isolated from the eye are not retinal stem cells, contradicting previous findings. Instead, they suggest that re-engineering stem cells to develop photoreceptor cells could be a promising approach to restore vision in people with retinal degeneration.
Researchers at Emory University School of Medicine developed the Health ABC Heart Failure Model to predict risk of new onset heart failure in the elderly. The model, validated with a separate library of patient data, identifies high-risk individuals for targeted interventions.
A year-long study found that frequent handwashing by hospital staff and visitors significantly reduced MRSA transmission rates. The study's results suggest that isolating infected patients may not be the most effective strategy for controlling MRSA superbug infections.
A new study of 20,000 MS patients and 204,000 controls found a 10% lower overall cancer risk for people with MS compared to those without the disease. However, this came at the cost of higher risks for brain tumors and urinary organ cancers, increasing by up to 44%
Researchers found that phosphatase regenerating liver 3 (PRL-3) is a new independent prognostic indicator for gastric cancer, predicting tumor recurrence and survival rates. Positive PRL-3 expression was associated with advanced TNM stages, lymph node metastasis, and poorer overall survival rates.
The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) has awarded Lars Petersson with the 2009 E.W. Borrow Memorial Award for his original research and achievements in promoting children's oral health. The award recognizes Petersson's work in advancing knowledge to improve oral health worldwide.
A study published in Photochemistry and Photobiology explores the potential of light-sensitive drug delivery systems for targeted therapy. The research reveals that near-infrared light can trigger medication release without causing significant heating or damaging surrounding tissues.
Researchers developed a new method to measure heat transport in rocks, revealing that rock conductivity varies strongly with temperature. The technique, laser-flash analysis, provides more accurate data on heat transport than conventional methods.
Roseann Mulligan, a University of Southern California researcher, has been recognized by AADR for her work improving oral health in vulnerable populations. She will receive the award at the International Association for Dental Research's General Session & Exhibition in Miami, Florida.
A team of American researchers has developed a genetic switch that allows mutations or light signals to be turned on in muscle stem cells, enabling monitoring of muscle regeneration in living mammals. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of a genetic switch or drug for humans to grow new muscle cells and treat muscular dystrophy.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a DNA-based assembly line for predictable, high-precision nano-construction, enabling the rapid assembly of new biosensors and solar cells. By controlling DNA interactions, they can regulate interparticle distances and assemble nano-objects into complex structures.
Clostridium perfringens produces a potent toxin that promotes tissue damage, inflammation, and heart effects, posing significant risks to poultry and diabetic individuals.
Researchers compared two groups of patients with coronary artery disease and severe heart failure, finding that surgical ventricular reconstruction made no difference in key clinical outcomes. The study's findings challenge conventional wisdom that making the heart smaller and more normal makes it stronger.
A study at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that lower-income families and African-Americans have a lower quality of life after cardiac surgery. The Pediatric Cardiac Quality of Life Inventory (PCQLI) was developed to assess health-related quality of life in children and adolescents.
A phase II study showed relaxin reduces cardiovascular mortality and shortness of breath in heart failure patients with high blood pressure. The drug also improves other clinical endpoints, including hospital stay and days alive out of hospital.
Researchers found that microbes in coastal mudflats can rapidly degrade petrochemical residues in aerobic conditions, but slower in anaerobic conditions. The study suggests using these microbes as a natural way to clean up pollution in estuaries.
A study by Wan Li Low and colleagues found that combining low concentrations of tea tree oil and silver increases antimicrobial activity against pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans. This method allows for controlled release and may lead to safer, over-the-counter antiseptic compounds.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine identified a proteinase called MMP7 that activates an allergic response in the lung. A form of vitamin A made in the lung also plays a critical role in dampening inflammation, and suppressing its production restores asthmatic symptoms.
Researchers at University College Dublin found that adding fish oil to the diet of cattle reduced methane emissions by affecting the gut bacteria. This discovery offers a targeted approach to mitigating methane's potent greenhouse gas effects.
Dr. Roland Romeiser, a UM Rosenstiel School researcher, has been awarded a $500,000 ONR grant to develop 'along-track InSAR,' a new satellite technique that maps surface currents in rivers and oceans. This technology will aid in monitoring global river runoff and bathymetric changes.
The discovery of slow-growing Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria in TB patients' lungs may lead to the design of new anti-TB drugs. These slowly growing bacteria are non-responsive to treatment with isoniazid, contributing to prolonged treatment times and relapse rates.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a new high-throughput screening technique that allows identification of potential cancer and other treatments. The technique, called fluopol-ABPP, uses fluorescence polarization to rapidly detect inhibitors for uncharacterized proteins.