Researchers have developed a new technique combining flexible sigmoidoscopy with optical technologies to detect colon cancer more accurately in women. The test identified subtle changes in tissue that indicate the presence of cancer, providing hope for improving discrepancies in screening accuracy between men and women.
Reducing Ago2-dependent microRNA expression reduces cocaine consumption in mice, suggesting a link between genetic regulation and addiction. Further research is needed to determine which microRNAs control cocaine addiction and whether similar pathways operate in humans.
Duke University researchers have developed a computer program that can predict the next moves of a dangerous bacteria, such as MRSA. The algorithm identifies potential resistance mutations before testing begins, allowing for more effective drug design and potentially saving lives.
Physicists at Oregon State University have discovered a way to use gallium arsenide nanodevices as signal processors at 'terahertz' speeds, enabling faster optical communication and computing. This breakthrough could lead to applications in secure codes and communications, video and audio processing, and even quantum computing.
Research suggests that reducing conflict is not enough to create a positive sibling relationship. Parents should focus on encouraging positive interactions, such as scheduling family activities and teaching problem-solving skills. By doing so, they can help their children develop skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.
A recent study by Hiroki Kurihara's team at the University of Tokyo discovered that Sirt3 helps safeguard mouse embryos against oxidative stress induced by in vitro fertilization and culture. The findings suggest that the negative effects of Sirt3 inactivation can be mitigated by using antioxidants or low-oxygen conditions during IVF.
Researchers from Natural History Museum of Bern reveal courtship behaviors of male parasitoid wasps through antennal structures and coiling behavior. The study, published in BMC Evolutionary Biology, emphasizes the importance of natural history museum collections.
Researchers at Michigan State University have identified a stress hormone in the sea lamprey, which is believed to be one of the earliest forms of cortisol. This discovery provides insights into the evolution of the endocrine system in vertebrates and has implications for understanding human physiology.
A recent study using DNA barcoding has discovered five previously unknown frog species among 30 that were wiped out by a fungal epidemic in Panama. The research also highlights the urgent need to address the biodiversity crisis, with many species disappearing before they can be documented.
A meta-analysis of published evidence reveals painters are at significantly increased risk of developing bladder cancer. The risk increases with length of employment as a painter, and persists even after accounting for smoking and other risk factors.
Researchers found that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) retain a 'memory' of their tissue of origin, making it harder to differentiate into other cell types. However, additional steps or drugs can erase this memory, making iPS cells comparable to nuclear transfer stem cells.
A pilot program gives patients access to their doctors' notes to improve communication and care outcomes. Meanwhile, a study finds that physicians often neglect contextual information leading to medical errors.
A small study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that regular mobile phone use for at least four years may double the risk of developing chronic tinnitus. The prevalence of chronic tinnitus is increasing, with around 10-15% of people in developed countries affected.
A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center investigated the effects of transparency through open notes, revealing mixed views among doctors and patients regarding the benefits and drawbacks. The trial involved over 100 primary care doctors and 25,000 patients, who reviewed their medical records online.
Researchers identified a gene regulatory link between early brain development and aging, suggesting 'runaway' development may be detrimental. This process is observed in both humans and macaques, with the latter experiencing accelerated rates, potentially limiting their lifespan to one-third that of humans.
A study published in CMAJ found that a larger waistline and high triglyceride levels significantly increase the risk of coronary heart disease. The combination of increased waist circumference and triglyceride levels was associated with the highest risk of developing the condition.
A study by Caltech researchers found that specific intestinal bacteria can induce MS-like symptoms in animals, suggesting a link between gut microbes and the disease. The bacteria, from the segmented filamentous bacteria group, were able to replicate and cause inflammation in both the gut and central nervous system.
Scientists use four imaging techniques to visualize single cells in detail, cellular substructures, and chemical composition of zinnia cells, indicating an abundance of lignocellulose. This research aims to enhance understanding of cell wall molecular architecture for efficient conversion of biomass to liquid fuels.
A study published in Archives of Dermatology found that individuals with psoriasis who were obese at age 18 had an increased risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. The study also identified other predictors, including younger age at psoriasis onset and larger body surface areas affected by the condition.
Scientists have narrowed down where genes that determine protein and oil content are likely to be found in the soybean genome. Breeders can use these 'signposts' to develop new soybean lines with higher protein and oil levels, enhancing U.S. competitiveness in international markets.
Researchers at Rice University aim to develop an injectable mix of polymers and adult stem cells to regenerate articular cartilage in injured knees and joints. The team hopes to find the optimal formulation of MSCs and growth factors for regenerating new cartilage.
A team of University of Pittsburgh engineers has designed artificial cells capable of self-organizing, performing tasks, and transporting cargo. The cells interact through nanoparticles and can be controlled to perform specific functions, offering a significant step towards synthetic cells that behave like natural organisms.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have developed a method to alter viral conditions, reducing mutation and building resistance. This approach can target multiple viruses simultaneously and is being explored for use in treating influenza.
The Journal of NeuroVirology will cover new areas in neurovirology, including non-viral infections affecting the central nervous system. Springer's acquisition will support the International Society for NeuroVirology and advance knowledge in the field.
Two studies examine the effects of oral steroids and propranolol on infantile hemangiomas, revealing potential side effects and complications. Researchers aim to develop safer treatment options for this common childhood skin disorder.
The New York Center for Astrobiology will expand its research with a new NASA grant, searching for the building blocks of life beyond Earth. Researchers study the chemical and physical conditions on Earth that gave birth to life and apply this information to search for similar conditions elsewhere in our solar system.
Researchers discovered an adaptation in Eastern mole blood that allows for more efficient carbon dioxide transport, facilitating burrowing. The 'super hemoglobin' enables moles to thrive underground, overcoming oxygen and carbon dioxide challenges.
Healthcare worker seasonal influenza vaccination rates remain low, with a study suggesting combined education and improved vaccine access boost coverage. Long-term care home workers showed significant increases in immunization rates following targeted campaigns.
Research identifies APOL1 gene variants associated with increased risk of kidney disease in African-Americans. The genetic variants may have evolved as a survival mechanism against parasitic disease in Africa.
A recent study found that using a vaginal microbicide with an antiretroviral drug called tenofovir significantly reduced HIV infections among women. The study involved 889 women from South Africa and found that those who used the gel before and after sex had 39% fewer HIV infections compared to those who used a placebo gel.
Researchers found that mice lacking MTOR in their heart muscle cells developed a fatal heart condition, highlighting the potential adverse effects of MTOR inhibitors on heart health. Deletion of 4E-BP1 improved heart function and survival, suggesting a new therapeutic strategy for improving heart function in patients with heart failure.
A study found that trauma patients who received intraoperative cell salvage—a process collecting and re-infusing their own blood—had fewer allogeneic blood product units transfused compared to those without this procedure. This resulted in lower costs, with a cost difference of $968 per patient.
Researchers found that women who used more air fresheners and products for mold and mildew control had a higher incidence of breast cancer. The study suggests that cleaning products may contribute to breast cancer risk, highlighting the need for further investigation into this potential link.
A new study using a global model confirms that implementing cool roofs and pavements in cities can cancel the heating effect of up to two years of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to taking 300 million cars off the road. This can help delay warming and mitigate global climate change.
Researchers found that 44% of veterans with a traumatic brain injury developed post-traumatic epilepsy, and in some cases, seizures didn't appear until over 14 years after the injury. The study strongly suggests that veterans with brain injuries will require long-term neurology care.
A recent theme issue of Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery highlights groundbreaking research from Asia that can improve facial plastic surgery outcomes globally. The issue focuses on innovative techniques and materials in double-eyelid procedures, nasal augmentation, and complications of nose lengthening.
Kansas State University researchers have successfully used gene-silencing nanoparticles to kill mosquito larvae and make them more susceptible to pesticides. This technology has the potential to revolutionize insect control, targeting specific pest species while being environmentally friendly.
A completed clinical trial found that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy significantly improved symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients who had failed traditional treatments. Eighty percent of trial participants no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, with notable improvements in workability and emotional regulation.
A bioinformatics team from Virginia Tech and ENSIMAG is using federal guidance to detect the misuse of synthetic biology. The team's work will help gene synthesis companies identify potential threats, improving national security.
The CAPRISA 004 microbicide study has shown that an antiretroviral drug can be formulated into a vaginal gel protecting women against HIV infection. This finding is crucial for empowering at-risk populations with a safe and effective prevention tool, marking a significant milestone in HIV prevention.
A genetic test has been developed to predict which children with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) are unlikely to benefit from standard chemotherapy. The test identifies patients whose leukemia cells harbor an intact TCR-gamma gene, who generally have a poor response to induction chemotherapy.
A new study reveals that physicians often fail to take into account individual patients' circumstances when providing care. The research used actors to simulate real patients in clinic visits, finding that only 22% of physicians provided error-free care during contextually complicated encounters. The study suggests that physician train...
The American Academy of Family Physicians accepted a large donation from Coca-Cola to fund obesity prevention materials, raising concerns about conflict of interest and loyalty to public health. In contrast, the organization's actions were seen as an effort to serve physicians and patients by addressing unmet public health needs.
A new method has revealed a vast diversity of metal-containing proteins in organisms, with implications for understanding protein structure and function. The discovery is expected to lead to important breakthroughs in biological processes, disease detection, and the development of new drugs.
A study by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that early ACL reconstruction surgery in pediatric patients can save nearly $30 million per year in hospital charges. Early treatment also prevents over 7,300 meniscus tears and 7,800 cartilage tears annually in children.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center identified the protein CIB1 as a prime candidate for regulating cardiac hypertrophy. Over-expression of CIB1 triggers biochemical processes leading to cardiac enlargement and dysfunction.
The study found that Musashi levels increased dramatically as the disease became more aggressive, suggesting it may be a target for future therapies. The researchers also discovered that blocking Musashi could inhibit blast-crisis CML by forcing immature cells to mature and differentiate.
Researchers discover unique combinations of cells and mutations that drive the formation of different cancer subtypes, revealing a potential breakthrough in understanding and treating ependymomas. The study also identifies the first gene linked to ependymoma and creates an accurate laboratory model of this disease.
The NIH proposes a three-part plan to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic by significantly expanding antiretroviral therapy access, curing a substantial proportion of infected individuals, and increasing HIV prevention measures. This comprehensive approach aims to control the spread of the disease and ultimately achieve its eradication.
A new study conducted jointly by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and other institutions found that people who received up to $60 each over 12 months for staying free of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) had a lower prevalence of those infections after a year compared to those who did not receive payments. Th...
Researchers found that only 51% of HIV-exposed infants received nevirapine, a minimal dose needed to protect them from mother-to-child transmission. The study highlights the need to expand programs and improve monitoring to address programmatic failures and common problems in preventing mother-to-child transmission.
A study found that routine HIV screenings in emergency departments resulted in a small increase in newly diagnosed HIV patients, with most diagnoses occurring late in the course of disease. The findings suggest that nontargeted opt-out rapid HIV screening may be an effective prevention strategy.
A new vaccine-delivery patch using dissolving microneedles offers improved immunization against diseases like influenza. The patches simplify immunization programs by eliminating hypodermic needles and their disposal concerns.
A study at the American Association of Physicists in Medicine meeting found that intensity modulated arc therapy can effectively treat brain tumors while reducing damage to surrounding sensitive tissues, such as ears and parts of the brain. This technique uses continuous rotation of X-ray sources around a patient during treatment.
A 24-year-old pregnant woman was diagnosed with vitamin A deficiency due to poor diet and intestinal absorption issues. Following vitamin A supplementation, her vision returned to normal, highlighting the importance of proper nutrition and diagnosis for potentially curable forms of blindness.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have made a breakthrough in understanding the role of Tet 1 protein in maintaining stem cell pluripotency. The study found that Tet 1 helps stem cells renew themselves and stay undifferentiated, paving the way for personalized therapies.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study finds that teens' exposure to cigarette advertising at retail outlets substantially increases the odds they will start smoking. Regular visits to stores with high cigarette ads were associated with a higher likelihood of smoking initiation.
A new study found that Major League pitchers are 34% more likely to be injured than fielders, with most injuries occurring before the All-Star break. The study analyzed data from 2002-2008 and found that pitchers suffered from a higher proportion of upper extremity injuries.
The new guidelines recommend initiating antiretroviral treatment (ART) as soon as possible for asymptomatic individuals with low CD4+ cell counts, and treating symptomatic patients regardless of their CD4+ count. The treatment should be individualized based on concurrent conditions and previous drug exposure.
A Canadian study found that the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV patients in 1996 led to a significant decrease in new HIV diagnoses. The study showed that every 100 patients on HAART resulted in a 3% reduction in new HIV diagnoses.