Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered a previously unknown protein in the lungs that plays a crucial role in an autoimmune lung disorder. This breakthrough may lead to new diagnostic methods and insights into common public health disorders like asthma and chronic bronchitis.
New research finds that universal childhood vaccination against meningococcal C has significantly reduced the incidence of the most deadly strain of bacterial meningitis in Canada. Provinces with early implementation of the vaccine program showed a dramatic decline in cases, while those introduced later showed no major changes.
A new testosterone patch designed to boost female sex drive after menopause has been found ineffective, with small improvements and large placebo responses reported in clinical trials. The treatment's long-term safety is also unknown due to short trial duration and high side effect rates.
Researchers have successfully infected pig-tailed macaques with a human version of HIV, creating an animal model for studying prevention methods. The new strain, simian-tropic HIV-1 (stHIV-1), can spread almost as quickly as in humans and persists for several months.
A new study found that over 20% of sexual assaults were drug-facilitated, with victims more likely to present in urban centers and have consumed substances before the assault. The study's authors highlight the need for education and public awareness campaigns to combat this issue.
A study of over 6,500 children found those not meeting recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables were more likely to be male, older, and from low-income households. The research also showed that fruit consumption varied significantly among race, ethnicity, and household income.
Formal swimming lessons have been shown to reduce the risk of drowning among children aged 1-4 years. Children who took swimming lessons were less likely to drown compared to those who didn't receive formal instruction.
A longitudinal study of infants found that TV viewing before age 2 does not improve language and visual motor skills. Maternal, child, and household characteristics are more influential in a child's cognitive development.
Two studies published in CMAJ found that mothers who received educational materials on newborn care had increased knowledge and behaviors that prevented shaken baby syndrome. The materials, including a booklet and DVD, provided coping mechanisms for frustrated parents and emphasized the dangers of shaking infants.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that drinking one glass of wine a day may lower the risk of Barrett's Esophagus by 56%. The study also suggests that antioxidants in wine may neutralize oxidative damage caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease, which is a risk factor for Barrett's Esophagus.
A new study found that angiogenesis inhibitors, which starve tumors of their blood supply, can sometimes promote more invasive cancer growth and increase the incidence of metastases. Researchers call for further studies to determine if the drugs affect tumors in patients as they do in mouse models.
A survey of US teens aged 10-14 found that owning alcohol-branded merchandise was associated with increased susceptibility to drinking and binge drinking. The most commonly owned items were clothing and headwear, often featuring beer brands.
Studies in Canada and US show that educational materials on infant crying increased mothers' knowledge of new triggers for shaking. The materials also influenced mothers to share information with caregivers about coping strategies and warned them about the dangers of shaking an infant.
A new study in Annals of Internal Medicine found that patients connected to a specific primary care physician are more likely to receive guideline-consistent care than those without a connection. Researchers also discovered that connectedness was associated with smaller disparities in screening rates, but not race or ethnicity.
A Yale University study found varenicline significantly reduced heavy-drinking smokers' alcohol consumption and cravings. The drug also showed no adverse effects when combined with low doses of alcohol.
Researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine recommend using rifampin instead of isoniazid for treating non-active TB in children who are immigrants, internationally adopted or refugees. This change aims to prevent the development of active TB and reduce healthcare costs.
Researchers at WashU Medicine found that methadone is processed differently than previously thought, leading to under- or overdosing. The study suggests better dosing guidelines could improve treatment outcomes and reduce fatalities related to methadone use.
Research found that young ex-military personnel are up to three times more likely to take their own lives than civilians, with those under 24 years old and in lower ranks being most vulnerable. The study suggests exposure to adverse experiences during military service may play a role in the increased suicide risk.
A study of 1,698 young adults found that those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were more likely to attempt suicide than those exposed to traumatic events without developing PTSD. The researchers suggest that PTSD may be associated with an increased risk of suicidal behavior.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a technique to generate solid organs using stem cells. By utilizing microcirculatory beds and a bioreactor, the team can keep tissue healthy enough for reimplantation into a second animal, overcoming the major hurdle of blood supply in tissue engineering. The techniqu...
A Purdue University researcher has developed a device that uses high-voltage coils to create ozone inside sealed food packages, killing harmful bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella. The process eliminates the need for external devices or added ingredients, making it a potential game-changer in ensuring food safety.
Engineers at the University of Leeds have discovered a method to clean contaminated water by adding vinegar, stimulating the growth of naturally-occurring bacteria that alter chemical make-up of chromium compounds. This treatment reduces the risk of cancer, kidney problems, and other health issues associated with chromate chemicals.
Blacksburg, VA-based Louis A. Madsen will focus on revealing new aspects of charged polymers in water purification and fuel cells through detailed analysis and computer modeling techniques. His project aims to improve the performance of advanced polymers for sustainable energy production and distribution.
A new study found that only about 10 percent of adolescents needing help for substance abuse problems enter treatment due to a lack of adolescent-only services. The study also revealed that few high-quality programs exist for teens, and those that do often have limitations.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that one out of every four children with concussions experience significant post-concussive symptoms, which may last longer for those with more severe injuries. Classifying concussions as high-risk or low-risk could help physicians provide targeted treatment and intervene earlier to improve ...
A new poll by National Sleep Foundation finds that 1/3 of Americans are losing sleep due to economic concerns and personal financial worries. The poll highlights the negative impact of inadequate sleep on health, safety, and productivity.
A study found that drug-resistant influenza A(H1N1) viruses carrying a neuraminidase gene mutation can retain significant transmissibility and pathogenicity in hospitalized patients. These viruses have been linked to severe illnesses and deaths in immunocompromised individuals.
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine found that brain activity patterns differ in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder compared to those without the condition. The research suggests that increased attention to one's own responses to erotic stimuli may play a role in sexual dysfunction.
The International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care has submitted recommendations to the Obama administration, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to strengthen US HIV/AIDS programs and global health initiatives. The organization advocates for scaling up HIV prevention activities in developing countries and promoting evi...
The March 2009 issue of BioScience explores new tools for weed science, the role of field stations in cultivating biologists, and quantifying ecosystem services. Researchers argue that changes in connectivity drive desertification and highlight the importance of nonindigenous species affecting salmon populations.
A new study by physician researchers has identified an increased prevalence of left-handedness in children with hemifacial microsomia, a congenital disorder that affects the development of the lower half of the face. The study found 26% of patients were left-hand dominant compared to 11% in the control group.
A Tel Aviv University researcher is studying how the uterus contracts before embryo implantation, suggesting optimal timing and positioning can improve IVF success rates. The research aims to reduce the risk of multiple births and genetic diseases in IVF babies.
A new study found that young men aged 24 or less who leave the UK Armed Forces have a two to three times higher risk of suicide compared to their peers. The risk is highest in those with short lengths of service and lower ranks, suggesting pre-military vulnerabilities may play a role.
A gene variant in the MET gene may contribute to increased risk of co-occurring medical conditions in individuals with autism. The study found that disrupted signaling of the MET gene is linked to a syndrome including autism and gastrointestinal dysfunction.
A study of over 3,000 children found that spending more than two hours a day watching TV doubles the risk of developing asthma by age 11.5. The research, published in Thorax, suggests a complex relationship between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and asthma.
A study has discovered two distinct molecular pathways controlling Treg cell formation, which could lead to new treatments for autoimmune disorders and chronic infections. The research suggests that bypassing a molecular breakdown triggering autoimmunity may be possible through the peripheral lymphoid system.
A new study compares cholesterol treatment in HIV patients and those without HIV, finding that lipid-lowering therapies are effective but not as effective as in non-HIV patients. The study suggests using fibrates with NNRTIs to manage triglyceride levels in HIV patients.
A new study published in Ophthalmology highlights the association between skin moles and freckles and a higher risk of uveal melanoma, while also reassuring on the low infection rates following cataract surgery. The research found that people with atypical moles are 2.8 times more likely to develop uveal melanoma.
The American Geological Institute (AGI) has released a report on the state of the geoscience economy, analyzing productive activity, commodity pricing, and gross domestic product contribution. The report integrates data from various sources to provide a comprehensive view of the geosciences workforce and economic indicators.
UT Southwestern researchers Dr. Jennifer Kohler and Dr. Joseph Ready have been awarded Sloan fellowships to support their research in chemistry. They will each receive $50,000 over two years to pursue innovative projects in carbohydrate interactions with cancer cells and antibiotic development.
A new Clinical Research Chair in Transplantation has been established at the University of Western Ontario to improve organ transplant outcomes for patients like Pat Davis, who received a kidney transplant after being told it was impossible.
Women with low vitamin B12 levels have a 5 times increased risk of having a child with a neural tube defect compared to those with high levels. Vegans and vegetarians are at higher risk due to limited food sources, while intestinal disorders can also lead to deficiencies.
A new study uses airborne technology to analyze the impact of large herbivores on African savannas, finding that their presence leads to less plant growth and more bare ground. The research also reveals structural differences in vegetation between herbivore-free and grazing areas.
A University of Pennsylvania team has successfully demonstrated a noninvasive optical device to monitor cerebral blood flow in acute stroke patients. The technology uses diffuse correlation spectroscopy to detect physiological changes, providing continuous bedside monitoring of brain blood flow and metabolism.
Researchers at U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a gene called ATDC that is overexpressed in 90% of pancreatic cancers, making cells resistant to chemotherapy. The study found that targeting this gene may make cancer cells more sensitive to existing therapies.
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that varenicline (Chantix) did not worsen mood symptoms or side effects in smokers with a likely history of depression. The COMPASS trial tracked over 1,100 patients and detected only one serious psychiatric event involving suicidal thoughts.
Researchers identify PARF motif bacteria as cause of rheumatic fever, a precursor to rheumatic heart disease. A new test strip reacting to the PARF motif is being developed to filter out cases and treat them at an early stage.
A study by Berman et al. reveals that mitochondrial size and shape are regulated by fusion, fission, growth, and degradation processes. The researchers found that a protein called Bcl-xL manages the number, size, and energy-producing capacity of mitochondria.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered that proteins fold incorrectly many times before forming the correct structure, with amino acids central to function causing misfolding. The study, which looked at the Im7 protein, has huge implications for understanding protein sequences and disease balance.
McGill University is proud to announce that Andrew Hendry and Karim Nader have received the E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship for their innovative research in eco-evolutionary dynamics and post-traumatic stress disorder, respectively.
A recent study found that children as young as 8 years old who wear contact lenses have improved perceptions of their physical appearance, athletic competitiveness, and social acceptance compared to those wearing glasses. The researchers suggest that nearsighted children should be given the option to select contact lenses over glasses.
A study by Jean-Marc Lassance and Christer Löfstedt found that female moths can distinguish between males of different ancestries and reproductive fitness based on their pheromone composition. This ability allows females to select mates that are more likely to produce offspring with the same genetic makeup, driving species formation.
A study of 163 children found that those rated as more impulsive in kindergarten were more likely to engage in gambling behaviors by the sixth grade. The research suggests that behavioral features such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity at school entry can be a vulnerability factor for precocious risk-oriented behavior like gambling.
A UCLA study found that broccoli sprouts triggered an increase in antioxidant enzymes, offering protection against free radical damage and inflammation. The researchers discovered a significant increase in these enzymes after consuming 100g or higher of broccoli sprouts.
Researchers found that using a novel water method for unsedated colonoscopy improved cecal intubation rates and patient willingness to repeat the procedure. The study also revealed that the duration of the interval between bowel preparation completion and colonoscopy start time predicts prep quality.
Researchers uncover way to genetically modify Clostridium difficile and solve mystery surrounding its toxicity, revealing toxin B as the cause of severe disease. The discovery has the potential to save lives and healthcare systems billions of dollars annually.
French and American scientists used synchrotron holotomography to reveal the first fossil brain, a 300-million-year-old relative of sharks and ratfish. The discovery sheds light on brain evolution during major transitions and demonstrates the potential for microtomographic techniques in studying fossil brains.
Studies reveal that PICK1 protein plays a crucial role in acrosome formation, and its deficiency leads to low sperm count and abnormal sperm movement in male mice. This discovery may shed new light on the human disorder of globozoospermia, which affects male fertility.
UK astronomers using NASA Swift Satellite captured an ultraviolet spectrum of a gamma ray burst just 251 seconds after its onset, marking the earliest ever recorded. This breakthrough allows for calculations of distance and brightness within hundreds of seconds and provides new insights into GRB causes and host galaxies.
A systematic review methodology is proposed to collate and synthesize high-quality research evidence on gene-disease associations. The approach emphasizes identifying true genetic associations amidst a large volume of false positives.