The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) aims to determine whether maintaining blood pressure levels below current recommendations reduces cardiovascular and kidney disease risk. The nine-year trial will enroll over 7,500 participants aged 55+ with high systolic blood pressure.
Researchers found that material possessions are easily passed on, while social networks and foraging abilities are harder to transmit. Societies with a strong emphasis on material wealth tend to be the most unequal.
Researchers found that patients with higher kidney function at the time of transplant did not have a significant advantage in terms of long-term health. However, they did require less dialysis and were less likely to experience kidney rejection after transplantation.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded $75 million to establish a medical research consortium at Charles Drew University and three other historically black institutions. The grant will support clinical and translational research focusing on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and HIV/AIDS, aiming to develop innovative solutions fo...
A diet high in fructose increases the risk of developing high blood pressure. Studies found that consuming more than 74 grams per day of fructose led to a higher risk of hypertension, with significant associations seen across various blood pressure levels.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed Open Data Kit, a versatile platform for collecting, storing, and analyzing mobile data. Organizations worldwide are using it to gather information on global health, environment, and human rights issues, enabling evidence-based decision-making.
Regular Tai Chi sessions improve physical function and reduce knee OA pain in elderly patients. The study found significant decreases in pain and improved physical function, depression, and overall health in those practicing Tai Chi.
A controversial theory suggests that vaccinating children against seasonal flu could prevent the development of heterosubtypic immunity to pandemic strains. However, experts disagree, arguing that vaccination is a definite benefit for preventing seasonal flu infections. The debate highlights the need for more effective influenza vaccines.
A review of 66 clinical studies on biofield therapies like Reiki and therapeutic touch found moderate to strong evidence for reducing pain and agitated behaviors in patients, but inconclusive effects on fatigue and quality of life.
The launch of SMOS will improve understanding of water transportation around the Earth, leading to more accurate weather forecasts and climate simulations. Global measurements of salinity and soil moisture will also inform predictions of floods, droughts, and future climate changes.
A University of Pittsburgh-led team creates a nanoparticle-based coating that thwarts the buildup of ice on solid surfaces, offering a potential solution to prevent freezing rain damage. The coating, inspired by water-resistant lotus leaves, uses microscopic ridges to reduce surface area for ice adhesion.
Shire presents new scientific data on its ADHD portfolio, including INTUNIV, Vyvanse, and Daytrana. The company's ADHD business unit is committed to advancing treatment research and developing safe and effective treatments.
A new celestial map, ICRF2, provides precise location of the Earth's orientation for GPS navigation. The map uses observations of approximately 3,000 quasars and a network of radio telescopes to achieve high accuracy, with uncertainties as small as 40 microarcseconds.
A U-M study found that exposure to androgen hormone relocates pieces of chromosome near each other, setting the scene for gene fusion in prostate cancer. This finding may lead to new screening tools or prevention strategies.
Two UCSF teams, one for diabetes and one for brain tumors, have received grants from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to advance stem cell-based therapies. The goal is to file new drug applications with the FDA within four years, driving potential therapies toward clinical trials.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have identified a gene called nocte that interferes with the fly's ability to synchronize its body clock using temperature signals. Disabling this gene prevents both synchronization to light-dark cycles and temperature changes.
A study by the Cell Transplantation Center of Excellence found that autologous brain cell transplants can provide brain protection and repair neural damage in donor primates. The cells survived at an impressive 50% rate for four months post-implantation, offering a promising new approach to treating neurological disorders.
A study published in BMC Psychiatry found that depression and alcohol misuse are more common mental health disorders among UK Service personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. The study also reveals that reservists are at a greater risk of psychiatric injury than regular personnel.
Researchers found left side grafting has lower risk to donors compared to right lobe grafts, and recipients can achieve comparable survival rates with smaller graft sizes. The study suggests using left side grafts more frequently in adult-to-adult liver transplantation to reduce donor risk.
Group education of patients' relatives and friends can improve their willingness to consider kidney donation. The study found that group discussions increased the number of potential donors among participants.
A new study reveals a relationship between the evolution of the influenza virus and immunization rates needed to prevent outbreaks. The research team found that the degree of variability in population immunity plays a crucial role in determining the risk of an outbreak.
The 4th annual Katz Prizes in Cardiovascular Research recognize outstanding contributions by senior scientist Elizabeth G. Nabel and young investigator John P. Morrow, who are judged by an independent panel of peers.
Using precision techniques, researchers pinpointed a single copper-oxide layer as the key to superconductivity in a material. The discovery could lead to precision engineering of ultrathin films with tunable superconductivity for higher-efficiency electronic devices.
Researchers found that trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) can survive in female mice livers without ovarian hormones, but not in male liver's even after castration. This study suggests a new approach for therapeutic cell transplantation using TSCs.
A UC Riverside-led study found oxygen production via photosynthesis occurred in Earth's oceans at least 100 million years before the GOE, affecting ocean chemistry and potentially stimulating eukaryote evolution. The research suggests that even low concentrations of oxygen can have profound effects on ocean chemistry.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified over 300 proteins that control genes, a newly discovered function for previously known proteins. These 'moonlighting' molecules may play a key role in human complexity, with potential implications for understanding gene regulation and cellular behavior.
A team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine has identified a small molecule that inhibits heat shock protein HSP70, which is overexpressed in tumor cells. The inhibitor, called PES, blocks HSP70's stress-relieving functions and induces cell death by disrupting autophagy.
Researchers from the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center have discovered that Th17 cells can awaken the immune system to fight cancer. In preclinical studies, mice with normal levels of Th17 showed suppressed tumor growth in lung metastatic melanoma tumors, while those without Th17 experienced aggressive cancer growth.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new spin-based device that can process information more efficiently and cool laptops. The device uses electrons' spin direction to record and transmit information, achieving operational temperatures of room temperature.
A comprehensive review of flu seasons past reveals that pregnant women are at significant risk for serious flu-related illnesses and complications, which far surpass the risks associated with injectable vaccines. The study confirms existing CDC recommendations for prioritizing pregnant women in flu vaccination.
INTUNIV demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), particularly oppositional symptoms, in children and adolescents. The study showed improved symptoms as measured by the Conners' Parent Rating Scale-Revised: Long Form (CPRS-R:L) and ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS-IV).
A new swine flu test developed by TGen can quickly inform doctors about the strain of flu and whether it may be resistant to oseltamivir, a primary anti-viral drug. The test has been shown to be effective in detecting resistance to Tamiflu in H1N1 virus strains.
The university's partnership with UCLA will enhance its capability to conduct high-quality cancer research, recruit more investigators, and strengthen outreach programs. The grant will also enable the university to add students and clinical fellows as future cancer researchers.
The new center will support partnerships with community-based organizations to conduct innovative research and develop effective programs to eliminate health disparities. It will also expand training and technical assistance services, including multilingual materials and distance learning programs.
Certain gases have a significantly more powerful warming impact when linked with aerosols, amplifying their effect. Methane and carbon monoxide can reduce sulfate aerosol production, leading to increased warming.
New research suggests that prolonged space travel weakens human immune systems, making astronauts more susceptible to disease. The study also found that microorganisms such as bacteria can grow more rapidly in space conditions, increasing the risk of contamination and serious infection.
Researchers have confirmed that the Greater Noctule bat (Nyctalus lasiopterus) inhabited northeastern Spain during the Late Pleistocene period. The discovery of fossils at the Abríc Romaní site in Barcelona sheds light on the species' wider geographical range, which has declined due to vegetation reduction.
Researchers designed smartphone games and easy-to-use logging features to help elderly Chinese diabetics manage their health. Initial studies of the system, called CADA, show promising results, enabling diabetics to track vital information for better doctor-patient interaction.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that uninsured children were 60% more likely to die in the hospital than those with insurance. Researchers estimate that thousands of children may have been saved if they had health coverage, highlighting the need for healthcare reform.
The study aims to determine if lowering systolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular and kidney disease, as well as slow cognitive decline. The results will be used to reevaluate optimal blood pressure levels and establish new guidelines for healthcare providers.
A new study suggests that the proposed bundled payment system for dialysis could have a significant impact on dialysis units nationwide. The research found that facilities in certain regions, particularly the south and east, are likely to face adverse financial consequences under the new plan.
A team of UCR researchers has successfully engineered a synthetic cellulosome in yeast, increasing its ethanol-tolerant capabilities. This breakthrough could enable efficient consolidated bioprocessing for bioethanol production from biomass, making renewable fuel production more economical.
A recent study found that patients treated with teriparatide for 36 months had a greater increase in bone mineral density (BMD) and fewer new vertebral fractures than those treated with alendronate. The study also observed higher levels of calcium concentrations in the teriparatide group.
A new study published in PLOS Pathogens found that whooping cough immunity typically lasts at least 30 years and perhaps as long as 70 years after natural infection. The research suggests that repeat infections contribute relatively little to transmission and may even boost immunity in individuals with waning protection.
A recent study published by researchers at the University of Miami and Florida International University found that universal helmet laws are the most significant policy in reducing both fatal and non-fatal motorcycle injuries. The study also revealed that mandatory rider education programs can reduce non-fatal motorcycle injuries, whil...
The Lancet Editorial highlights the global undernutrition crisis, affecting over 1 billion people, particularly in Asia and Africa. The world currently produces enough food to feed everyone, yet inequitable distribution and lack of national safety nets hinder access to nutritious food.
A nationwide study of 13,000 Americans found that nearly 60% of the elevated risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in African Americans may be attributed to low vitamin D levels. Researchers also discovered that vitamin D deficiency contributes significantly to the increased risk of ESRD among African Americans compared to whites.
Researchers at NIST and University of Konstanz create a frequency comb that can be visually observed, allowing for precise measurement of visible light frequencies. The new comb has approximately 50,000 distinct 'teeth' separated enough to be seen with the naked eye, enabling applications in astronomy, communications, and other fields.
Researchers at Kansas State University are developing bio-based adhesives made from soybean, corn, sorghum and biomass fuels to replace environmentally hazardous materials. These adhesives could improve the economics of sustainable fuels and reduce air pollution.
The first ever World Pneumonia Day highlights the potential for renewed global action against this forgotten killer of children. The Global Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Pneumonia aims to reduce child pneumonia mortality through exclusive breastfeeding, vaccine use, and community-level management.
Recent medical school graduates are more likely to refer CKD patients for preemptive kidney transplantation, which can improve patient outcomes. The study suggests that educating veteran physicians about the benefits of preemptive transplantation may increase early referrals.
Researchers at Harvard University found that similar molecular changes turned a harmless digestive enzyme into a toxin in two unrelated species, a shrew and a lizard. The study suggests that protein adaptation may be a highly predictable process, potentially leading to the discovery of other toxins across various species.
UT Southwestern researchers successfully used a combination of the investigational drug BEZ235 and low-dose radiation to eliminate non-small cell lung cancer in mice. The treatment targeted the PI3K protein pathway, which is often activated in K-RAS mutated tumors, making these cancers resistant to traditional treatments.
Dr. Mark Easton received the award for his work on grain refinement and development of new alloys for casting applications. He is recognized for leading teams in Australian and global research communities.
A team led by Case Western Reserve University physicist Tom Shutt is planning the world's largest WIMP catcher, a 20-ton liquid xenon detector that could increase detection chances by 30,000 times. The experiment aims to confirm the dark matter theory and understand the universe's composition.
A study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that individuals who engage in activities increasing their competency experience decreased happiness in the moment but increased happiness on a daily basis. In contrast, those who meet their need for autonomy or connectedness report higher hourly and daily happiness levels.
Researchers have discovered a connection between gene expression and the development of lung disease in scleroderma patients. The study suggests that a specific gene profile may predict which individuals are at risk of developing lung complications, providing potential targets for new treatments.
Stress-evoked changes in serotonin-regulating brain pathways can lead to low mood and cocaine-seeking. Researchers found that the dynorphin/kappa opioid system, activated by stress or chemicals, weakens serotonin levels in the nucleus accumbens.
A study found that kidney transplant consent forms are written at a 12th-grade reading level, but should be prepared at a 5th-8th grade reading level to ensure all patients can provide informed consent. This disparity may lead to unequal access to treatment and health outcomes among different patient populations.
A new study has found that pregnant women with a history of depression who use psychiatric medication are at increased risk of delivering prematurely. The research analyzed data from nearly 3,000 women and showed that medication use and depression were strongly linked to preterm delivery before 35 weeks' gestation.
Bioethicists at Johns Hopkins University pose questions about the moral status of embryos created from induced pluripotent stem cells. The researchers advocate for clear ethical oversight to address concerns about the scientific achievement.
A team of researchers led by Dr Thorsten Wiegand and funded by the European Research Council (ERC) is investigating the composition and dynamics of species-rich communities. They will use advanced methods to understand the factors and processes governing biodiversity, utilizing extensive data sets from tropical forests.
Long-term steroid abuse in bodybuilders led to severe kidney damage, including focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. The condition causes scarring within the kidneys, similar to that seen in morbidly obese patients but with more severe effects.
Typhoon Mirinae is expected to make landfall in the northern Philippines on October 31, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. The storm's moderate rainfall rate was measured by NASA's TRMM satellite, which analyzed rainfall patterns before the storm hit.
A University of Pittsburgh study finds a connection between adolescent girls' weight and their participation in risky sexual behaviors. The research suggests that ethnicity, actual weight, or perceived weight may influence decision-making around sex.
A recent study by Swedish researchers found that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients taking anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy did not experience an elevated cancer risk. The study included data from 6,366 patients and compared their cancer risk to those who were not taking TNF inhibitors or using other immunosuppressant drugs.
Researchers found that simvastatin reverses biochemical changes caused by Parkinson's disease in mice. The drug blocks the activity of p21Ras protein and protects neurons, normalizing neurotransmitter levels and improving motor functions.
Scientists estimate that lightning produces 8.6 million metric tons of nitrogen oxide gas per year, mostly affecting the upper atmosphere. New research suggests stronger NOx production in mid-latitude thunderstorms than previously thought, with implications for climate and air quality models.
Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) have identified a viral protein called nsp1 as a major contributor to SARS virus virulence. The protein interferes with host cell defenses by targeting ribosomes, which are responsible for producing proteins crucial for immune defense.
Researchers find that antioxidants can prevent the flu virus from damaging lung cells, opening the door for new treatments. The study identified a segment of the M2 protein responsible for the damage, which can be inhibited by drugs known to remove oxidants.
Researchers found that high-affinity mutant viruses alternate with low-affinity forms in antigenic drift. Increasing child vaccination could slow this process and extend seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness.