Researchers at Stanford University present an environment-wide association study (EWAS) to examine the contributions of hundreds of environmental factors in Type 2 diabetes. They found strong associations with pesticide derivatives and certain nutrients, suggesting a potential protective role.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has faced criticism for refusing to release documentation on severe adverse reactions, despite a complaint from a father who lost his son to a drug. The EMA's handling of licensing decisions and transparency is being questioned, with some experts calling for more openness.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has renewed a four-year grant for Rice University's global health program, Beyond Traditional Borders (BTB), with a $1.2 million investment. BTB challenges students to design practical solutions to real-world problems in developing nations, resulting in over 10% of Rice undergraduates taking the cour...
Researchers found eGFR to be equally valuable as Ccr for assessing preoperative renal function in gastric cancer patients, with significant correlations between postoperative sCr and both eGFR and Ccr. The study suggests eGFR may replace Ccr in clinical practice due to its clear advantages.
Researchers have developed synthetic biomaterials that mimic cellular membranes, showing promise in targeted delivery of cancer drugs and gene therapy. The new materials, called dendrimersomes, offer stability, mechanical strength, and tunable properties.
A large trial found that adding misoprostol to standard uterotonics did not reduce post-partum blood loss, but was associated with increased shivering and body temperature. WHO's withdrawal of support for misoprostol use in low-income settings has been criticized.
A long-term surveillance study found that blood-clot related strokes decreased by 11.6% among whites in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area between 1999 and 2005. In contrast, stroke rates remained stable for blacks during the same period. The study's lead author notes that racial disparities in stroke rates worsened over time.
The Baylor College of Medicine team has successfully sequenced 178 microbial reference genomes representative of the human body. These reference genomes will help scientists understand and contextualize the data accumulated over time, providing valuable insights into the complex relationship between humans and their microbiota.
Research confirms a strong association between abdominal fat and increased risk of dementia, with visceral fat component showing the strongest link. The study's findings suggest that central obesity may be a key mechanism underlying the link between obesity and cognitive decline.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded $79 million to 50 research universities in 30 states, supporting the development of creative, research-based courses and curricula. The grants aim to improve science teaching from elementary school through college and provide students with vital lab experience.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine identified a drug that improves communication between nerve cells in mice with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome. The treatment restores normal nerve cell function and adaptation to stimulation.
A nationwide smoking ban would lead to a significant reduction in heart attack hospitalizations, with 18,596 fewer admissions expected. The ban could also save over $92 million in direct healthcare costs.
A recent study found that reducing niacin intake can lead to improved glucose metabolism and reduced appetite in individuals with obesity. The research team also discovered a significant correlation between increased per capita niacin consumption and rising obesity rates among US children and adolescents.
An Indiana University study found that more physical activity leads to less obesity, with the greatest decline seen in white women who met minimum national guidelines. However, racial and ethnic differences were observed, particularly among Hispanic and African American women.
Overweight or obese adults who attended Weight Watchers group programs significantly reduced fasting glucose and insulin levels, reducing diabetes risk. Those who attended more sessions had greater weight loss and change in glucose and insulin levels.
A nationwide study confirms the benefit of estrogen-lowering drugs before surgery for breast cancer patients. The treatment increased the likelihood that women could undergo breast-conservation surgery instead of mastectomy. After 16-week aromatase inhibitor therapy, 82% of women had successful breast-conservation surgery.
Researchers at Princeton University found that a chemical signal called cAMP can induce coordinated movement in cells, leading to the formation of groups. This discovery has implications for understanding collective behavior in humans and other organisms, from white blood cells to organ development.
Researchers found that CA-125 change over time can detect invasive, high-grade ovarian cancers at curable stages in post-menopausal women. The study identified a promising first step towards screening, but acknowledges the need for further research and a large-scale randomized trial to confirm the findings.
New research identifies rhythmic patterns as a more effective way to discover favorite music than traditional genre classifications. By analyzing 100 songs from four genres, the study found that specific rhythmic sequences can accurately identify musical styles.
A new study by Rice University and the US Department of State's Office of eDiplomacy examines the five-year history of Diplopedia, a Wikipedia-style diplomacy Web 2.0 tool. The platform has grown to over 10,000 articles written by DOS employees, providing valuable information for desk officers and foreign service experts.
TRMM measured intense rainfall rates near the center and along the Indian coastline, generating storms with hot towers extending up to 14.5 kilometers high. Cyclone Laila's maximum sustained winds reached 50 knots at landfall, prompting forecasts of heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and rough seas for affected regions.
A survey of patients who underwent day surgery found that 85% experienced anxiety after receiving general anesthesia, with the top concerns including dying while asleep, not waking up, and waking up during surgery.
Researchers found that black patients had slightly higher 30-day readmission rates than white patients, with disparities persisting at minority-serving hospitals. Improving efforts at poor-performing hospitals could increase quality of care and reduce racial healthcare disparities.
A study by Susan Hughes found that both sexes use lower-pitched voices when speaking to more attractive partners, indicating a potential means of demonstrating attraction. The researchers suggest that altering one's voice may be a learned behavior based on cultural stereotypes rather than actual vocal characteristics.
A study published in the Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that a low kidney-to-recipient-weight ratio increases the risk of transplant failure, inadequate filtration, and other complications. The research suggests that matching kidney weight to recipient weight could improve transplantation success rates.
Researchers discovered that unroasted coffee beans contain globulins, which have an insecticidal effect on cowpea weevil larvae. The study suggests that these proteins could be inserted into food crops to produce natural insecticides.
A new surgical procedure called hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been shown to increase the survival of children with desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT), a rare and aggressive cancer. Patients who received HIPEC had a 3-year survival rate of 71%, compared to 26% for those who received only standard treatment.
Researchers have published the first genomic collection of human microbes, discovering novel genes and proteins serving key roles in human health and disease. The analysis found nearly twice the amount of microbial diversity as represented by existing public databases.
The Science Posse program, developed by Brandeis professor Irv Epstein, recruits and trains underrepresented students for college-level science. The program has seen significant success, with all currently enrolled students planning to major in science and many attending prestigious summer research programs.
A new U of Minnesota study finds that New Orleans public school system fails to provide equal educational opportunity due to a 'separate but unequal' tiered system. The study reveals racial and economic segregation, steering low-income students of color to high-poverty schools.
Researchers found that resistant wheat plants under attack by Hessian fly larvae increase production of surface waxes and cutin, a molecule responsible for rigidity and integrity of epidermal cells. Susceptible plants have genes turned off, making them more permeable to the larvae.
The discovery of SN2005E reveals a supernova whose origin cannot be explained by any previously known mechanism. It is rich in helium and surprisingly different from typical white dwarf systems.
HIV-infected patients have altered balance between Th17 and Treg cells, leading to endless cycle of inflammation and viral persistence. Pharmacological inhibitors of IDO1 may lead to new therapeutic approaches for controlling HIV disease.
A new study found that at-home sleep testing with portable monitors is equal to in-lab testing for treating obstructive sleep apnea. Patients who underwent at-home testing showed similar improvements in daytime function after three months of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment.
The study found a 19 percent decrease in common infections among children who drank DanActive, with specific reductions in gastrointestinal and upper respiratory tract infections. However, the reduction did not result in fewer missed school days or activities.
A study from Rhode Island Hospital found that patients over-diagnosed with bipolar disorder were more likely to receive disability payments for a longer period. The researchers propose a link between the two, suggesting that clinicians may over-diagnose bipolar disorder in complex, chronically ill patients seeking secondary gain.
Researchers developed two new approaches to incorporate antimicrobial properties into microneedles, improving their safety and effectiveness in portable medical devices. The techniques prevent microbial growth without affecting skin cell growth, paving the way for widespread adoption of microneedles in outpatient treatments.
Researchers found that gene activity and protein levels in young paper wasp larvae predispose them to one caste or the other. Queens have high levels of proteins enabling survival and reproduction, while workers are shorter-lived and biased toward the worker role.
A recent study suggests that current malaria interventions could have a more dramatic positive effect on reducing the spread of malaria than negative effects caused by climate change. The research found that disease control measures such as insecticide-treated bed nets and modern antimalarial drugs can potentially counteract the effect...
A USGS study reveals that atrazine concentrations in agricultural streams and rivers can cause reduced reproduction and spawning in fish. Fathead minnows exposed to atrazine showed lower total egg production and reproductive tissue abnormalities.
A new study uses Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to predict how flexibility affects drug-like properties, enabling systematic manipulation of candidate drug molecules. The research aims to overcome issues of resistance, transportation, and oral bioavailability in drug design.
Research highlights the importance of early detection and intervention for preschool depression, which can be a precursor to later childhood depression. Developmental interventions and psychotherapy may be effective in addressing preschool depression, with novel treatments like Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) showing promise.
Researchers identified a previously unknown brainstem pathway in vertebrates, which stimulates neural activity and locomotion. This finding suggests new research directions for treating Parkinson's disease, particularly targeting the neurotransmitter acetylcholine.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet developed a new method for collecting narcotic substances from exhaled breath, which was successful in detecting amphetamine and metamphetamine in all cases of emergency care patients.
Erlotinib maintenance therapy significantly improves progression-free and overall survival in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer. The treatment is generally well-tolerated, with mild to moderate side effects.
Researchers used the International Space Station to test reconfigurable field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and power converters, providing insights into high-energy radiation effects on computing electronics. The experiments aimed to mitigate potentially crippling effects in future processing-architecture designs.
A new pediatric DSM category, Temper Dysregulation Disorder with Dysphoria (TDD), aims to better reflect symptoms of children currently diagnosed with bipolar disorder. However, the authors argue that this change alone is not enough to promote flourishing in troubled children and may even lead to increased medication use.
A recent study found that older adults who sometimes neglected their medications experienced a 50 percent increased rate of falls compared to those who took their medications as directed. The study, which analyzed data from over 700 seniors in Boston, highlights the importance of medication adherence for preventing falls.
A study found that children with newly diagnosed epilepsy have significantly slowed expansion of white matter volume compared to healthy children. This reduced volume may affect brain connectivity and cognitive development, leading to impaired executive function and mental tasks.
A new study will examine speech and language development in bilingual children to identify patterns of language use in those with and without delays. The researchers aim to develop more accurate measurements of language ability, leading to improved interventions for children with language impairment.
An international team identified over 1,100 new compounds with confirmed activity against the malaria parasite, including two dozen families of molecules that could be candidates for drug development. The researchers launched a public database to share findings and accelerate anti-malarial drug development.
International Rectal Microbicide Advocates releases a comprehensive report outlining the growing field of rectal microbicide R&D, highlighting optimism among researchers and advocates. The organization calls for increased funding and diversity in the funding portfolio to support safe and effective rectal-specific products.
Researchers examined the impact of uninterrupted clopidogrel on postpolypectomy bleeding rates and found a significant increase in risk when used with aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, but the overall outcome is favorable and the risk is small.
The Aqua satellite captured a detailed image of the oil slick in sunglint, revealing an uneven shape with varying shades of bright gray-beige. The satellite imagery is being used to track the spread of the oil spill and inform fishing regulations.
Researchers identify third type of supernova with unique chemical composition, suggesting a pair of white dwarves are involved. This discovery may explain the prevalence of certain elements in the universe and account for observed concentrations of particles called positrons.
SNS-032 demonstrated safety and clinical activity in treating advanced B-cell malignancies such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and multiple myeloma. The drug inhibited cyclin-dependent kinases and caused apoptosis in cancer cells, showing potential anti-tumor effects.
Cyclone Laila has strengthened into a Category One cyclone and is affecting southern India's coastal areas. It is expected to intensify further and make landfall near Andhra Pradesh's coast on May 20.
A signaling protein in parasites has been identified as a key regulator of movement and infectivity. By disabling this protein, scientists may be able to prevent parasite infections and develop new treatments.
This interdisciplinary study explores the role of the Bering Glacier system in the northeast Pacific Ocean and global sea level. The book includes contributions from researchers on various disciplines, including glaciology, geology, and ecology.
Researchers found zebrafish possess an enzyme linked to cortisol, which may aid in understanding its function in the human brain. The discovery could provide new avenues for investigating diseases related to cortisol imbalance.