A new study by Henry Ford Hospital finds that a specific MRSA strain, USA600, causes significantly higher mortality rates compared to other strains. The researchers believe this strain's unique characteristics may be the key to understanding its high lethality.
IVCC is showcasing its new Malaria Decision Support System (MDSS), a continuous surveillance system that integrates monitoring and evaluation data for malaria control programmes. The system will be demonstrated at the 5th Pan-African Multilateral Initiative on Malaria conference.
Women with chronic kidney disease are more likely than men to be undiagnosed, according to a new study. The study found that primary care physicians need more education on diagnosing CKD, which could lead to improved patient outcomes and cost savings.
Researchers found that oral activated charcoal lessens atherosclerotic lesions in experimental mice with kidney damage. This effect appears to be related to reduced inflammation in the blood vessels, regardless of treatment timing or changes in blood pressure or cholesterol levels.
A new study found that switching to a newer type of immunosuppressant drug, sirolimus, reduced the rate of skin cancer in kidney transplant patients by 25%. Nearly half of patients stopped treatment due to side effects. The researchers believe this could offer a new option for reducing skin cancer risk in transplant recipients.
The project will study the combined effects of invasive species, contaminants, excessive nutrients, sediment, and shoreline hardening on nearshore habitats. The research aims to develop scientific information for advancing management approaches and supporting policy for accelerating Bay restoration.
A recent study published by Henry Ford Hospital contradicts previous research suggesting hepatitis B infection increases the risk of pancreatic cancer. Age is found to be the only significant predictor of pancreatic cancer in patients infected with hepatitis B.
Scientists will investigate hypoxia's development and impact on Gulf fish populations, including shrimp and croaker. The research aims to refine management strategies for the dead zone, a critical threat to commercial and recreational fisheries.
A new study found that extending hepatitis C treatment after liver transplant results in high rates of virus clearance and a low relapse rate, with only 8 percent of patients experiencing a relapse after 52 weeks of treatment.
A study models a 100 patient dialysis center and a program with 7,500 hemodialysis patients, finding that improved survival increases costs by $5 million over 10 years and $400 million over the same period. Research into less costly treatments could help address these concerns.
Researchers found that dialysis patients with very low body fat are at a higher risk of death compared to those with average or high body fat percentage. The study suggests that body fat may be protective for dialysis patients and contradicts the 'obesity paradox' theory.
A new study published by the American Society of Nephrology suggests that having a history of lupus does not significantly increase the risk of developing lupus nephritis in recipients of a kidney transplant. The study found that lupus nephritis occurred in just 2.44% of patients, and was associated with only a 7% risk of organ loss.
A new study presents evidence that high sodium intake and artificial sweetener consumption are associated with a faster rate of decline in kidney function. The research, conducted by Brigham and Women's Hospital, analyzed data from over 3,000 women participating in the Nurses' Health Study.
The partnership will support 36 projects addressing coral reef health, with a focus on climate change, overfishing, and land-based pollution. The initiative aims to improve the resilience of coral reefs for future generations.
Researchers at Caltech have shown that a highly specific intrabody can stall the development of Huntington's disease in various mouse models. The treatment successfully attenuated symptoms and increased life span by targeting an amino-acid sequence unique to the mutant huntingtin protein.
Heavy rainfall is already affecting sections of central and northern Philippines due to Typhoon Mirinae's approach. The storm's strong convection and thunderstorms bring moderate to heavy rainfall over eastern sections.
MedImmune to present four abstracts on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza prevention at the 47th Annual IDSA Meeting. The studies highlight innovative healthcare solutions for respiratory infections in children. Abstracts focus on prophylaxis, postmarketing evaluation, whole genome transcriptional analysis, and antibiotic use
The University of Minnesota is part of a multidisciplinary team working to pre-empt or combat emerging zoonotic pandemics. The project, RESPOND, aims to improve the ability of countries to recognize and respond to new epidemics in areas with unstable ecological relationships.
A study published in Archives of Sexual Behavior found that gay men are most attracted to the most masculine-faced men, while straight men prefer the most feminine-faced women. This suggests that regardless of sexual orientation, men's brains are wired for attraction to sexually dimorphic faces.
A study of 2332 patients with chronic heart failure found that participation in clinical trials was associated with improved survival rates. The study suggests that being prepared to take part in a trial may be a marker for better compliance and acceptance of treatment.
A new species of ankylosaur, Tatankacephalus cooneyorum, has been discovered in central Montana, providing insights into the evolution of armored dinosaurs. The fossil features a protective armor and horn-like plates, showcasing the complexity of these prehistoric creatures.
Research published in MIS Quarterly found that detailed Service Level Agreements can increase trust and commitment between clients and vendors. The study suggests that overly specific clauses can actually reduce trust, emphasizing the need for flexible negotiation processes.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that palmitate marks NMDA receptors for activation, strengthening long-term memory circuits. This reversible process offers possibilities for manipulating memory, potentially enhancing or erasing it.
Graduate student Scott Egan and his adviser Daniel Funk found that maple and willow leaf beetles diverging into two new species due to ecological habits promoting speciation. The study shows hybrids' lower fitness reduces genetic exchange opportunities between beetle types, pushing groups toward distinct species.
A recent study by Grace X. Ma found that cancer screening rates differ greatly across Asian subgroups in the US, with some groups facing significant barriers to care due to language and cultural differences. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive interventions to address these disparities.
A new study reveals that two recently named dinosaurs may actually be juvenile or subadults of already known taxa, wiping out a third of named species. The research analyzed three dome-headed dinosaurs and found that their bizarre head ornaments changed dramatically with age and sexual maturity.
A new analysis by Oregon State University researchers highlights the scope of the US groundwater crisis, which threatens drinking water for half the world's population. Experts say lessons from the oil industry could help manage this crisis through techniques like unitization and maximizing water value.
Researchers found significant differences in heavy metal accumulation depending on mushroom species, with Chanterelles having high levels of lead and neodymium. The study suggests that the type of substrate plays a crucial role in metal accumulation, highlighting the need for further research into edible mushrooms
The US Department of Homeland Security's new multi-band radio technology aims to improve communication among first responders during emergencies. The radios can work on five frequency bands currently used by state and local first responders, as well as four exclusive federal government bands.
A large-scale genome-wide association study will be conducted to investigate the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in Barrett's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma. The study aims to identify biological pathways contributing to this rapidly fatal cancer.
Dr. H. Dwight Cavanagh, a renowned UT Southwestern ophthalmologist, has been awarded the Cornea Society's highest honor, the Castroviejo Medal. His groundbreaking research on corneal biology and transplantation has improved treatments for eye diseases.
Malaria eradication remains an elusive goal despite progress in controlling the disease, requiring multiple activities, interventions, and approaches. Scientists must adapt their strategies to address changing parasite behavior and distribution, developing new tools and interventions to keep ahead of emerging challenges.
This November 2009 GSA Today article features research on microbial mats as evidence for early life, sag pond deposits that reveal seismic activity, and the formation of ooids in ancient sediments. Hillslope weathering patterns are also explored in relation to climate change.
The Casablanca Seamount dive revealed a geologically interesting terrain with vertical descents and massive lava flows. The area hosted various marine life, including sponges, corals, lobsters, and fish species.
The 'Red Alert for Women's Hearts' conference aims to address the need for gender-specific research in cardiovascular health. Key findings include low representation of women in clinical trials and a lack of data on their specific cardiovascular pathology, leading to incorrect application of male data.
Researchers at Duke University created a non-linear device that can convert a range of vibrations into electricity, improving efficiency over traditional linear devices. This technology has the potential to power small electronic devices, such as pacemakers and cardiac defibrillators, and even sensors in ocean buoys and spacecraft.
The European Society of Cardiology is addressing the growing need for improved CVD management in Asia through events that promote an integrated approach. The region faces a significant challenge due to the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes, which accounts for up to 50% of deaths related to CVD.
A Phase II clinical study found that a vaccine candidate can cause a modest but sustained reduction in genital and gastrointestinal GBS bacterial colonization. The vaccine was also found to be safe and well-tolerated, eliciting a strong immune response.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has received a $2.1 million National Science Foundation grant to provide professional development programs for middle-school math teachers and research their impact. The program aims to improve teacher performance, energize classrooms, and get students excited about math.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston have discovered a potential treatment for priapism, a condition characterized by persistent and painful penile erections. The FDA-approved drug PEG-ADA has been shown to relieve symptoms and prevent a major complication in pre-clinical studies.
Robert Street has been recognized by the American Institute of Physics (AIP) with a $10,000 Prize for Industrial Applications of Physics. He developed flat-panel digital X-ray detectors, which have replaced traditional film X-ray machines in many medical applications.
Research at the University of Missouri found that individuals with disabilities and limited English proficiency experience significantly lower health literacy rates than the general population. Effective communication strategies, such as training medical students and using telehealth communications, can help address these disparities.
A Phase IIIb study of Daytrana found significant improvements in ADHD symptoms in adolescents aged 13-17 years, with most adverse events mild to moderate. Pharmacokinetic data also showed similar exposure to d-MPH in both children and adolescents.
A recent study published in the American Society of Nephrology's Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition found that kidney transplant survival rates vary by donor race, with non-black recipients experiencing lower survival rates when transplanted with black donors.
Researchers emphasize the importance of considering background rates of adverse events in H1N1 vaccination campaigns to prevent public panic. The study highlights that these background rates can provide valuable information on expected number of events occurring in the absence of any vaccination program.
A recent study found that a person's facial width-to-height ratio can be used to predict their tendency towards aggression. Volunteers rated the aggressiveness of male faces and found high correlation between the rating and the face's WHR, suggesting that subtle differences in face shape may affect personality judgments.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine found that cells in the retina can remain alive for many months and recover some or all normal function even without a proper blood supply. The study suggests that restoring blood supply to deprived regions of the retina may restore visual function.
China's new initiatives aim to replace 'paper tigers' with real conservation efforts, including improved policing of tiger trade and awareness-raising campaigns. The International Tiger Coalition welcomes China's engagement and recognizes the country's crucial role in wild tiger conservation.
A breakthrough in the fight against Hendra virus has been achieved with the development of a treatment that shows great potential to save lives. The treatment, administered after exposure to Nipah virus, protected animals from disease in a model.
Researchers analyzed data from 43 estimates of family wealth inheritance to find that technologies producing a society's livelihood are key factors in financial inequality. In contrast, hunter-gatherer societies exhibit lower levels of economic inequality due to the transferability of wits and social connections.
UT Southwestern researchers discovered that bacteria employ genetic circuits to generate diversity, increasing their chances of survival in unpredictable environments. This diversity allows individual bacteria to thrive under certain conditions, while others struggle, much like a diversified investment portfolio.
Researchers used PET scans to identify neuroinflammation in the brains of schizophrenics and migraine sufferers, shedding light on the underlying causes of these conditions. The findings have the potential to transform diagnosis and treatment options, particularly for schizophrenia.
A book by Dennis Shirley and Elizabeth MacDonald offers a new approach to supporting teachers, drawing on small group discussions, journal writing, and meditation. The authors argue that mindfulness can help teachers lead themselves and their students to a more satisfactory classroom experience.
Research by Stephen Piazza and Sabrina Lee found that elite sprinters' Achilles tendons translate 25% less than non-sprinters. Despite this mechanical disadvantage, sprinters still possess a powerful push-off due to slow-contracting muscles producing greater forces.
The Canon of Medicine, written by the Persian scholar Avicenna, contains detailed information on respiratory diseases remarkably similar to those used today. The article highlights Avicenna's work on respiratory diseases and conditions, including herbal and non-herbal treatments, which are still valid with modern science.
A new study demonstrates the effectiveness of immunotherapy using specialized white blood cells to prevent or treat EBV-lymphoma in patients who have received a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The therapy achieved sustained complete remission in 85% of treated patients and long-term protection for up to nine years.
A Lancet paper stresses the importance of accounting for background rates of adverse events to ensure accurate vaccine safety assessments. The study found that public concern over coincidental medical events can interfere with vaccine programs, even if the vaccine is not the cause.
A study found that dialysis patients who travel on vacation risk infections, anemia, and other complications. Travelers are advised to take extra precautions to minimize these risks.
The SMU Geothermal Lab has been awarded a $5.25 million grant by the US Department of Energy to provide data for the National Geothermal Database. The project aims to expand geothermal production in the US, providing critical information on Enhanced Geothermal Systems and oil & gas resources.
A new optical system can simultaneously image electrical activity and metabolic properties in the heart, providing a platform for testing new treatments for arrhythmias. The system could lead to a better understanding of the relationship between metabolic disorders and heart rhythm disturbances.