Diabetes most prevalent in southern US
Researchers estimate diabetes prevalence in US states, finding the South has the highest rates. States like Minnesota and Alabama have high levels of blood pressure and cardiovascular disease risk.
Science News for September 24, 2009
Getting a leg up on whale and dolphin evolution
A comprehensive study sheds light on the origin of whales and dolphins by analyzing morphology, behavior, and genetics of living and fossil relatives. The findings suggest that cetacean ancestors transitioned to water before becoming carnivorous, with a 48-million-year-old semi-aquatic herbivore named Indohyus being a key discovery.
Research network based at University of Toronto gets funding boost to improve business intelligence
The Business Intelligence Network aims to improve information management systems for business applications, enabling informed decisions using integrated and trustworthy data. The $5 million grant will facilitate collaboration between top Canadian researchers and companies in business intelligence.
New research network at McMaster aims to build a better eye
The 20/20 Network will focus on developing new biomaterials, medical devices, and drug delivery systems for treating vision disorders. Researchers aim to improve treatment of vision loss with products like composite materials, ocular microgels, and contact lenses.
New research shows water present across the moon's surface
Scientists have found evidence of water on the moon's surface using a NASA instrument, which detects wavelengths of light reflecting off the lunar soil. The discovery suggests that water may originate from an astronomical phenomenon called the solar wind, forming trace amounts in the lunar soil.
Migrating monarch butterflies 'nose' their way to Mexico
Researchers at UMass Medical School have discovered that monarch butterflies use their antennae to navigate towards Mexico, contradicting previous assumptions that the brain played a primary role. The study found that removing or blocking the antennae impaired the butterflies' ability to orient themselves correctly.
Surgical innovation must be assessed through trials, just as drugs are
The Lancet publishes a landmark Series on the current state of surgical research, highlighting its problems and proposed solutions. A framework called IDEAL is introduced to guide surgeons in evaluating new innovations, aiming to identify beneficial procedures at an earlier stage.
Coronary imaging techniques helps to identify plaques likely to cause heart attacks
The PROSPECT trial reveals that most unexpected heart attacks are caused by large plaque burdens and small lumen areas, not mild lesions. Characterization of plaque composition using virtual histology improves the ability to predict future adverse events.
Visionary concept earns La Jolla Institute scientist prestigious NIH Pioneer Award
Hilde Cheroutre's groundbreaking proposal aims to pinpoint molecular events underlying autoimmunity susceptibility, enabling early detection and potentially preventing the disease. Her innovative approach could also lead to new therapies for those at high risk or already affected by autoimmunity.
Research network based at University of Toronto gets $5 million boost to speed up cancer detection
A University of Toronto-led nanomedicine research group has received a $5-million grant to develop technologies that allow for more selective detection of diseases, including lung and leukemia cancers. The team aims to speed up cancer diagnosis by incorporating plasmonics into existing procedures.
Surgery provides modest benefit over nonsurgical treatment for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome
A randomized controlled trial found that surgery provides a modest benefit over nonsurgical treatment for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, with improvements in hand function and symptoms lasting up to 1 year. However, some patients reported persistent symptoms after surgery.
MSU scientist helps map potato genome, hope to improve crop yield
A team of scientists, led by MSU's Robin Buell, has sequenced the potato genome, estimating it to be 840 million base pairs. The draft sequence will help breeders improve yield, quality, and disease resistance in potatoes.
Recovery Act funds will upgrade earthquake monitoring
The USGS is upgrading critical earthquake monitoring networks with new technology, providing emergency responders with more reliable data to save lives and reduce economic losses. The modernization project will create jobs and stimulate economic growth in regions prone to earthquakes.
MU researchers find planning, positivism influence employment success at different stages
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that metacognitive activities like goal setting and plan development impact early job search stages, while positive emotions play a larger role in later stages. Conscientiousness and extraversion also influence these processes.
UNC scientists garner new NIH awards for high risk, transformative research
Researchers at UNC are working on developing new methods to measure cellular signaling and tackle chronic pain. Dr. Joseph DeSimone is using a Pioneer Award to create new delivery methods for biological therapeutics, while Dr. Mark Zylka aims to treat pain with enzyme-based treatments. These projects have the potential to profoundly im...
Lifestyle interventions in the prevention and treatment of cancer
Recent research on five common cancers shows lifestyle interventions can prevent cancers, reduce risk factors, and counsel patients for lower cancer risk. Changes in diet, exercise, smoking habits, and UV radiation exposure can decrease cancer incidence.
Duke biomedical scientists win 2 highly prized NIH Director's Awards
Two Duke University Medical Center scientists, Tannishtha Reya and Michel Bagnat, have won the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director's Pioneer Award and New Innovator Award respectively. The awards provide $2.5 million and $1.5 million in funding over five years to pursue their research on stem cell growth and fluid secretion.
A new take on why social cues confuse babies and dogs in a classic hiding game
Researchers at the University of Iowa challenge previous studies on social cues in babies and dogs, finding that distractions from adults lead to poor performance in a classic toy-hiding game. Computer simulations support this explanation, showing that attention and memory are key factors in the task.
2 neuroscientists from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory awarded 'transformative' NIH grants
Researchers Partha Mitra and Josh Dubnau will use their grants to create the first brain-wide circuit diagram for the mouse, aiming to determine alterations in corresponding circuits of neuropsychiatric disorder models. They also aim to trace how brain proteins are regulated at synapses, a complex process that is not well understood.
Enzyme is key to clogged arteries
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered matrix metalloproteinase-8 plays a crucial role in clogged arteries and heart disease. The study found that MMP8 enhances the effects of existing ACE inhibitor drugs, potentially reducing deaths from heart disease.
Major disasters tax surgical staff but may reduce costs for routine operations
A new study in Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that major disasters like Hurricane Katrina can significantly impact surgical services, leading to increased costs for routine operations. However, the same study revealed that hospitals can achieve cost efficiencies by having staff cover and share more duties.
Environmental chemicals found in breast milk and high incidence of testicular cancer
A study published in International Journal of Andrology reveals a significant difference in environmental chemicals found in breast milk between Denmark and Finland. High levels of EDCs were associated with male reproductive problems, including testicular cancer, in Denmark, while Finland had lower exposure levels.
Scientists see water ice in fresh meteorite craters on Mars
Researchers using NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter have detected sub-surface water ice at high latitudes of Mars, with some areas showing ice purity of up to 99%. The ice is believed to be a relic of a more humid climate on Mars in the recent past and could provide insights into the planet's history.
Nanoparticle-based battlefield pain treatment moves a step closer
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed a combination drug that regulates the release of morphine and its antagonist, improving pain management for patients with chronic illnesses. The nanoparticle-based system uses a pro drug to sense oxygen levels and trigger the release of Naloxone, allowing for safer treatment in combat zones.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalBioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters·DateSep 24, 2009
Vaccination and testing for the human papilloma virus could eradicate cervical cancer
Vaccination against HPV, combined with national screening programmes, could lead to the eradication of cervical cancer in countries that implement such measures. HPV screening is more effective than Pap smear tests and can detect the virus in smears rather than relying on visual examination.
Twin Keck telescopes probe dual dust disks
The study reveals two distinct dust disks around the star 51 Ophiuchi, with the inner disk spanning 4 Astronomical Units from the star and tapering off rapidly. The outer disk extends hundreds of times farther and appears more puffed up, holding smaller particles similar in size to those in smoke.
Open innovation networks are 1 key to improved care
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center are creating a collaborative clinical care network to improve chronic illness care. The project aims to bring patients and providers together through social media infrastructure, enabling the sharing of experiences, opinions, comments, and questions.
Vitamin D deficiency in younger women is associated with increased risk of high blood pressure
Research found that premenopausal women with vitamin D deficiency were three times more likely to develop systolic hypertension 15 years later. Vitamin D has a well-established role in bone health, and deficiency may also increase cancer risk and immune function problems.
Scientists discover how to send insects off the scent of crops
Researchers have discovered molecules that can interfere with insects' sense of smell, confusing them and reducing crop damage. The findings could contribute to food security by preventing damage from insect pests.
SourceBiotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council·JournalChemical Communications·DateSep 24, 2009
Diabetes drug shows promise in fighting lethal cancer complication
A diabetes drug has shown promising results in slowing muscle wasting and fat loss in mice with colon cancer tumors, suggesting a potential new approach to treating cachexia, a syndrome associated with severe weight loss and muscle breakdown that can lead to cancer deaths.
C. difficile hypervirulence genes identified
Researchers discovered unique genetic regions in the most virulent C. difficile strain, which may explain its increased severity and persistence. The study provides a new opportunity to understand the emergence of this deadly superbug.
Siebel Foundation awards top UC San Diego bioengineering graduate students
The Siebel Foundation has awarded UC San Diego's top bioengineering graduate students with a $2 million endowment to fund fellowships. The fellowships will be administered by the UCSD Institute for Engineering in Medicine, recognizing the Jacobs School's pioneering efforts in medicine and health.
Viagra relatives may shrink abnormally large hearts
A study published in Circulation Research suggests that compounds related to Viagra can counter heart failure by reducing abnormal cardiac growth. PDE1 inhibitors show promise as a new drug target, potentially combined with Viagra or beta blockers for enhanced efficacy.
NASA Goddard shoots the moon to track lunar spacecraft
Engineers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center use a laser ranging system to track the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) spacecraft as it orbits the moon. The system provides distance measurements accurate to four inches, improving map accuracy and navigation.
Weill Cornell Institute for Geriatric Psychiatry awarded $10 million grant
The Weill Cornell Institute of Geriatric Psychiatry has received a $10 million grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to advance research on geriatric depression. The team will focus on understanding the biological, medical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of depression in older adults.
Engineers produce 'how-to' guide for controlling the structure of nanoparticles
Engineers at North Carolina State University have developed a comprehensive understanding of nanostructural control during nanoparticle formation. They created hollow, solid, and amorphous nanoparticles of nickel phosphide with controlled structures using specific reactant ratios and temperatures.
Children who are spanked have lower IQs, new research finds
New research by University of New Hampshire professor Murray Straus reveals a strong link between spanking and lower IQs in children. The study found that children who were spanked had lower IQs four years later compared to those who were not spanked.
NYU's Amodio explores neurological activity that fuels racial bias
Researcher David Amodio examines unconscious racial associations and their impact on behavior, linking emotional and conceptual forms of bias to neural processes in the brain.
How mitochondrial gene defects impair respiration, other major life functions
Researchers studied mitochondrial gene function in Caenorhabditis elegans to understand its impact on human diseases. They found that certain genes impair respiratory capacity and anesthesia response, providing clues for targeted therapies and potential treatments.
Scientists determine dynamics of HIV transmission in UK heterosexuals
A study by researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that HIV transmission in UK heterosexuals can occur within networks of up to 30 people. The research used phylodynamics to reconstruct viral sequence divergence, revealing smaller clusters and slower transmission rates compared to homosexual men.
Rough day at work? You won't feel like exercising
A study published in Psychology and Health found that using cognitive tasks to exhaust self-regulatory capacity leads to decreased exercise motivation over time. Researchers suggest strategies like listening to music or making specific plans can help recharge willpower.
Brookhaven Lab's Joanna Fowler to be awarded National Medal of Science
Joanna Fowler, a senior chemist at Brookhaven National Laboratory, will be awarded the National Medal of Science for her outstanding contributions to brain research and disease study. Her work using positron emission tomography (PET) has led to breakthroughs in understanding drug addiction and the human brain.
Cost-savings of colorectal cancer screening as treatment costs increase
A new study found that investing in colorectal cancer screening programs could reduce treatment costs by more than half. The study suggests that the increasing use of expensive cancer drugs will make screening programs more cost-effective, making them a desirable investment for governments and insurance companies.
SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateSep 24, 2009
Mortality reduced if drain is used after surgery to release subdural hematoma
A recent study published in The Lancet found that using a drain after surgery to release a chronic subdural hematoma significantly reduces both mortality and hematoma recurrence. The study assessed 215 patients with chronic SDH who underwent burr-hole surgery, with a significant benefit observed in the group using a drain.
Boston University engineer to use $2.5 million NIH grant to cells' reaction to physical force
Researchers aim to understand impact of physical forces on vascular disease and neuro-degenerative disorders by stretching cells on an elastic membrane, simulating natural forces.
Neuroscientist from Tufts School of Medicine named NIH New Innovator
Reijmers is investigating the proteins involved in long-term memory storage, with potential applications in treating diseases like Alzheimer's. His research aims to understand the mechanisms of memory and apply them to various fields, including addiction, epilepsy, and spinal cord regeneration.
North meets south? Glaciers move together in far-flung regions
A new study reveals a link between climate fluctuations in the northern hemisphere and tropical regions. Glaciers in Europe, North America, and southern Peru moved together during the Little Ice Age, suggesting a global-scale pattern of glacier activity and climate change.
Babies see it coming
A new study shows that infants as young as five months old have established neural pathways to sense looming danger. As they become more mobile, their ability to process this information improves, with more mature infants able to respond faster.
Peruvian glacial retreats linked to European events of Little Ice Age
A new study links climate swings in Peru's Andes to those in Europe and North America during the Little Ice Age. The research provides precise ages for glacial moraines, shedding light on global-scale glacier activity and climate patterns.
Catalytic Catamarans: Common industrial catalyst sports rafts made of platinum
The study shows that aluminum atoms in the supporting material anchor platinum atoms, allowing them to group into rafts that provide ample space for catalytic reactions. Increasing the number of penta sites by raising the temperature during catalyst synthesis can lead to better dispersion of the platinum atoms.
Pancreatic cancer: Researchers find drug that reverses resistance to chemotherapy
Researchers discover a drug that inhibits TAK-1 enzyme, making pancreatic cancer cells sensitive to chemotherapy. The combination of the drug with classic anti-cancer drugs shows significant tumor reduction and increased survival rates in mice.
Superheavy element 114 confirmed by Berkeley Lab nuclear scientists
Researchers at Berkeley Lab independently confirmed the production of two individual nuclei of element 114, each with 114 protons but different numbers of neutrons. The discovery removes doubts about the validity of previous claims and paves the way for further exploration of superheavy elements.
Study dispels myth that new residents cause increase in medical errors in July
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found no evidence of a 'July Phenomenon', where more medical errors occur due to new residents, despite widespread belief. The study analyzed data from a trauma registry and showed no differences in patient outcomes between July and other months.
Pregnancy and birth: Safe for women with kidney transplants
A cohort study of 120 women who gave birth after receiving a kidney transplant found no differences in kidney function or patient survival compared to those who did not have children. The study's findings provide good news for kidney transplant women who fear getting pregnant due to concerns about their health and lifespan.
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 24, 2009
Cogent trial shows lack of adverse interaction between clopidogrel and stomach medicine
A recent clinical trial has found that the combination of clopidogrel and stomach medicines does not lead to adverse events. The COGENT trial involved 3,627 patients and showed a significant reduction in gastrointestinal events with PPI use.
New England Journal of Medicine publishes Mayo Clinic study about health care reform
A Mayo Clinic survey published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that most physicians agree on their professional obligation to address health policy issues and expand access to basic healthcare. However, some physicians oppose measures such as underinsuring patients or using cost-effectiveness data in treatment decisions.
Caltech scientists get detailed glimpse of chemoreceptor architecture in bacterial cells
Researchers used state-of-the-art electron microscopy techniques to study chemoreceptors in bacteria, finding a consistent lattice structure with hexagonal symmetry across 13 different species. This discovery may provide insights into complex signaling pathways and the evolution of bacterial cells.
SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 24, 2009
Use it or lose it? Study suggests the brain can remember a 'forgotten' language
Research found that native English speakers who learned Hindi or Zulu as children retained the ability to quickly relearn and correctly identify phonemes from these languages, even if they didn't speak them anymore. Exposure to foreign languages in childhood has a lasting impact on speech perception.
Use of statins favors the wealthy, creating new social disparities in cholesterol
Researchers found that statins have a double impact on lipid levels, with the wealthy experiencing a greater decline in cholesterol levels compared to the poor. This has contributed to expanding social disparities in cardiovascular disease treatment.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateSep 24, 2009
Genetic discovery could break wine industry bottleneck, accelerate grapevine breeding
German researchers have uncovered new details about the heredity of Vitis varieties in cultivation today, potentially breaking a bottleneck in the progress of the wine industry. They discovered a double mutation that could lead to more accurate classification tools and effective marker-assisted breeding methods.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateSep 24, 2009
PNNL chemist earns NIH New Innovator Award
Wei-Jun Qian, a PNNL analytical chemist, has been awarded $1.5 million to develop more sensitive and reliable biomarker research and clinical diagnostic tools. His goal is to create a single test for 20 diseases using mass spectrometry instruments.
Room's ambience fingerprinted by phone
Researchers at Duke University have developed SurroundSense, an app that uses phone features to create a unique fingerprint of a space. The system achieves an average accuracy of 87% when all sensing capabilities are used, allowing it to tell whether a user is in a bar or a Target store.
AFOSR's basic research may lead to revolutionary new devices
Researchers at AFOSR are investigating carbon nanostructures for potential use in various military applications. They aim to develop materials with stable structures for molecular-level bonding and functional challenges.
Scientists identify genetic cause of previously undefined primary immune deficiency disease
Researchers discovered a genetic mutation in the DOCK8 gene that accounts for combined immunodeficiency, a previously undefined primary immune deficiency disease. This discovery provides a more accurate diagnosis for individuals with this rare condition and sheds light on its causes.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 24, 2009
HIV vaccine regimen demonstrates modest preventive effect in Thailand clinical study
A US-led clinical trial in Thailand has found that an investigational vaccine regimen reduced the risk of HIV infection by 31% among vaccinated participants. The study, which enrolled over 16,000 adults, suggests a promising approach to preventing HIV transmission.
New genetic research indicates Jewish priesthood has multiple lineages
Recent research on the Cohen Y chromosome reveals that the Jewish priesthood was established by several unrelated male lines. The study, conducted by Michael F. Hammer and colleagues, found that a common male ancestor lived in the Near East around 3,200 years ago, giving rise to distinct lineages among Cohanim Jews.
UCI researchers create new strategy for highly selective chemotherapy delivery
UCI researchers developed a new approach using liposomes and peptides to precisely target cancer treatments to specific cells and organs. The study demonstrated effective delivery of doxorubicin to the liver with minimal uptake by other organs, offering a promising solution to reduce side effects.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateSep 24, 2009
Scandinavians are descended from Stone Age immigrants
A new study suggests Scandinavians are not direct descendants of hunter-gatherers who lived in the region during the Stone Age. The research uses DNA from ancient remains to investigate the spread of agriculture and livestock practices.
Plants' response to fire tested
Researchers have developed a new device to measure plant species' flammability, allowing for improved fire risk maps. The technique measures combustion speed and heat emitted during burning, providing more accurate data than existing methods.
SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Fire Sciences·DateSep 24, 2009
Sleep loss linked to increase in Alzheimer's plaques
Researchers found that chronic sleep deprivation accelerates amyloid plaque deposition in mice with Alzheimer's disease. Orexin, a protein regulating the sleep cycle, appears directly involved in this process.
NIH announces 115 awards to encourage high-risk research and innovation
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded $348 million in funding to encourage high-risk research and innovation. The funding is granted through three innovative research programs: the NIH Director's Transformative R01, Pioneer Awards, and New Innovator Awards.
Excess body weight causes over 124,000 new cancers a year in Europe
A study estimates that excess body weight causes 124,050 new cancers in 2008 across European countries. The proportion of cases attributable to a BMI of 25kg/m2 or more is highest among women and in central European countries.
The beauty of the universe, from above and below
The Lennart Nilsson Award recognizes Carolyn Porco and Babak A. Tafreshi for their stunning images of Saturn and the night sky, inspiring new generations of astronomers and photographers. Their work showcases the beauty of the universe, from the rings of Saturn to the stars in remote locations.
Childhood kidney disorder has lasting effects
A study found that childhood minimal change nephrotic syndrome can lead to lasting health effects, including osteoporosis and hypertension in adults. The condition may also cause reproductive problems, such as low sperm count and defective sperm.
SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 24, 2009
WPI receives $1.3 million in federal awards for ongoing research in the life sciences
Researchers at WPI's Life Sciences and Bioengineering Center have received funding from the NIH and NSF to study the bacterium that causes tuberculosis and develop engineered blood vessels. The work aims to create new treatments for infections and heart disease, and could lead to targets for a new class of antibiotics.
Prestigious $4.9 million NIH grant awarded to Case Western Reserve for colon cancer research
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine are investigating the role of genetic susceptibility in colon cancer metastasis. By identifying specific genes and variants, they aim to develop new anti-cancer therapies and improve patient outcomes.
New INL project tackles nuclear fuel recycling science
A new research project at Idaho National Laboratory will use an innovative approach to learn how to get more use from nuclear fuel. The team plans to put pure samples of common actinides into the Advanced Test Reactor, which will then be analyzed using accelerator mass spectroscopy.
Groundbreaking model of heart disease rewarded with NIH Pioneer Award
A pioneering model of heart disease has been recognized with a $2.5 million NIH Pioneer Award, proposing that an antioxidant molecule may lead to disease when overproduced due to a gene mutation. Researcher Ivor J. Benjamin aims to investigate this theory and develop new treatments for reductive stress-related heart disease.
New INL project will improve nuclear reactor simulations
Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory and Brookhaven National Laboratory will develop more accurate reactor simulations using data from experiments performed around the world. The new approach combines information from atomic level to meter scale, covering an unprecedented range of 15 orders of magnitude.
Key process for space outpost proved on 'vomit comet' ride
Case Western Reserve University researchers tested a key process for extracting oxygen from celestial soils on the 'vomit comet' ride, finding that sifters can work effectively in low gravity. The technology is essential for building a space outpost and has applications beyond lunar missions.
Deep Impact and other spacecraft find clear evidence of water on moon
The Deep Impact spacecraft and Moon Mineralogy Mapper have found clear evidence of water on the lunar surface, which forms and dissipates each day. The data suggests that hydrogen ions from the sun interact with oxygen-rich minerals in lunar soil to produce water molecules.
M. D. Anderson examines use of toad venom in cancer treatment
A Phase I clinical study by M. D. Anderson Cancer Center shows huachansu, a Chinese medicine derived from toad venom, has low toxicities even at doses eight times higher than conventional ones. The treatment slowed disease progression in some patients with liver, lung, colon and pancreatic cancer.
Study finds nontuberculous mycobacteria lung disease on the rise in the United States
A large study found pulmonary NTM disease increasing significantly in men and women in Florida and New York, with no changes in California. The disease is more common among women, particularly in the fifth or sixth decade of life.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·DateSep 24, 2009
IOF-AMGEN Health Professional Awareness Grants awarded at Beijing conference
The International Osteoporosis Foundation's Health Professional Awareness Grants support innovative projects promoting osteoporosis knowledge among clinicians and allied health professionals. Five grants were awarded to patient societies in Armenia, Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Singapore for their awareness programs targeting health...
Identification of highly radiosensitive patients may lead to side effect-free radiotherapy
Researchers have identified highly radiosensitive patients who can guide personalized radiotherapy, avoiding severe side effects. The study aims to develop a blood test that can predict patient reaction to radiotherapy, enabling tailored treatment and improved tumour control.
University Hospitals Case Medical Center to test gammaglobulin treatment for Alzheimer's disease
The GAP study investigates the safety and effectiveness of IGIV in patients with mild to moderate AD, aiming to slow disease progression. Initial research suggests that IGIV may neutralize toxic forms of beta amyloid, promoting its elimination.
Personality traits influencing weight loss
A study published in BioPsychoSocial Medicine reveals that patients with high levels of optimism and self-orientation may be less likely to lose weight. However, counseling and nutrition programs can help improve self-awareness and reduce psychological stress, leading to successful weight loss.