A massive international study found no association between a genetic marker and the risk of coronary artery disease. The study analyzed data from over 17,000 patients with cardiovascular disease and 40,000 others, concluding that carrying a particular variant of the KIF6 gene does not indicate a greater risk for the disease.
A UH researcher has received a $250,000 pre-seed grant to develop the Blue Scale, a device that tracks cardiac function in the home and sends alerts to physicians. The device, which resembles a bathroom scale, uses biosensors to monitor vitals and can detect heart failure with accuracy.
A new study finds that transgenic corn's suppression of the European corn borer has saved $3.2 billion for corn growers in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin over the past 14 years. Non-Bt corn growers also benefited from yield savings without the cost of Bt technology fees.
The International Menopause Society launches new treatment recommendations for postmenopausal vaginal atrophy, a condition affecting up to half of women after menopause. The guidelines aim to improve awareness and understanding of VA among women, who often live with the condition unnecessarily due to fear of hormone replacement therapy.
Researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have discovered a new cell survival protein, Mcl-1, essential for creating and maintaining B cell memory. This finding contradicts existing theories and has implications for cancer treatment and autoimmune disease.
Researchers at U-M are investigating adaptive clinical trials to improve the efficiency of clinical trials. The goal is to accelerate drug and device evaluation, improve safety for patients, and reduce costs. Adaptive clinical trials make adjustments based on accumulated data to identify effective treatments more accurately.
A randomized controlled study found that encouraging African-American women aged 60 or over to exercise alongside scripture reading and group prayer led to a significant increase in physical activity. The intervention resulted in a 78% increase in steps per week, four times greater than the control group.
New research published in Experimental Physiology found that men are more effective sweaters during exercise than women. Women need to get hotter before they start sweating, while men can sweat more efficiently with regular physical training.
A new study finds that people who think about time plan to spend more time with loved ones, while those who focus on money fill their schedules with work. The research suggests that prioritizing time for social connections can lead to increased happiness.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new method for converting waste vegetable oil into biodiesel fuel, using a single reaction vessel and environmentally friendly catalysts. The process is six times faster than current methods, consuming less energy and reducing the use of toxic chemicals.
The partnership aims to double the number of physicians graduating from Mozambique medical schools in the next decade and improve surgical care in rural areas. The UCSD component will focus on training additional faculty and building surgical research capacity within UEM.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that the US life expectancy has fallen behind other countries despite high health spending. The researchers attribute this failure to flaws in the overall healthcare system, including unregulated fee-for-service payments and reliance on specialty care.
The European Oncology Nursing Society has launched a breakthrough cancer pain initiative to improve patient outcomes in palliative care. The survey aims to identify knowledge gaps and provide insights into best practices for managing breakthrough cancer pain among oncology nurses across Europe.
In a breakthrough study, researchers found that female cichlid fish develop exceptionally large pelvic fins, differing from male fins in shape and color. Males prefer females with larger pelvic fins, leading to the growth of disproportionately sized fins.
The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has partnered with the Emilio Nares Foundation to promote cancer survivorship. The foundation offers life-enhancing services, emotional, and spiritual support to children and their families battling cancer.
Scientists have discovered a new hydrothermal vent with temperatures up to 300 degrees Celsius, finding chimneys as high as one meter and gas bubbles in the water column. The discovery of at least five other sites with gas plumes suggests that many more small active sites exist along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
A team of bioethical, legal and medical researchers proposes an innovative approach to oversee direct-to-consumer genetic tests, combining premarket studies with ongoing postmarket evaluations. The approach aims to balance innovation with regulation, ensuring safety and accuracy for consumers.
A new development in NMR/MRI technology enables scientists to image microscopic objects with high spatial and time resolutions, recording images up to one million times faster than conventional MRI experiments. This breakthrough paves the way for portable chemical and biomedical analysis.
Healthy adults who experienced childhood abuse or neglect may have an elevated inflammatory response to stress, increasing their risk of depression and anxiety disorders. A study found that adults with adverse childhood experiences had higher levels of inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-6, in their blood.
Researchers have determined the structure of CXCR4, a protein that guides blood-forming stem cells, and its interactions with chemokine ligands. The findings may lead to new drugs for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and treating HIV infection.
The GTISC Emerging Cyber Threats Report for 2011 highlights three key areas of security risk: physical systems, botnets, and mobile devices. The report warns of increased threats to infrastructure and healthcare systems due to growing connectivity.
Scientists at North Carolina State University pioneered a method to examine silicon bonds with other materials at the atomic level. This new understanding of bond formation could lead to improved control over materials properties and new device creation.
A new study reveals that asteroid 65 Cybele contains water ice, challenging the earlier finding of organic molecules and water on asteroid 24 Themis. This discovery supports the theory that asteroids may have delivered water to Earth, potentially shaping our planet's formation.
The US Department of Health and Human Services is investing $130 million over five years to strengthen training in a dozen African countries. The Medical Education Partnership Initiative aims to train 140,000 new healthcare workers and improve primary health care delivery systems.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed Bioasphalt, a potential green replacement for asphalt derived from petroleum. The new material is created by mixing bio-oil fractions with traditional asphalt, resulting in improved hot- and cold-weather performance.
Stevens Institute of Technology collaborated with Malaysia's national university, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), on a workshop aimed at commercializing technology and fostering entrepreneurship. The partnership enabled participants to develop business plans, conduct market research, and receive mentorship from Stevens experts.
The Center for Injury Research and Policy at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health will conduct multi-center studies on treatment and outcomes of major orthopedic injuries. The expansion aims to establish treatment guidelines and improve outcomes for wounded warriors.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have successfully tested a semi-synthetic opioid called buprenorphine to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms in infants. The treatment reduced days of hospital stay by 40% and showed promise in reducing healthcare costs, which could save up to $1 billion annually.
Researchers found that blind individuals use specialized modules in the visual cortex to process spatial location, analysis of space, patterns, and motion. This neural plasticity enables them to refine their sense of sound and touch, exceeding sighted people's abilities.
The NASA GRIP experiment gathered valuable data on Atlantic hurricanes Earl and Karl, capturing rapid intensification and storm development. Scientists analyzed the data to gain a better understanding of what causes hurricanes to form and strengthen.
The Center for Aerosol Impacts on Climate and the Environment (CAICE) will use a wave tank simulator to study aerosol particles' impact on climate. Researchers will add various atmosphere-changing ingredients to measure effects of different variables, aiming to improve representation of aerosol mechanisms in global climate models.
A new study published in Nature found that a decline in the Sun's activity may cause the Earth to become warmer, contrary to previous expectations. The research suggests that an increase in solar activity may actually cool the planet, rather than warm it.
A team of researchers discovered how a plant hormone binds two proteins together, triggering a dynamic form of plant immunity. The study reveals new insights into the structure and function of this molecular mechanism.
A study by Hospital for Special Surgery reveals that vitamin D deficiency affects up to 50% of patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, hindering bone healing and muscle function. Researchers recommend correcting deficient levels before surgery to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers studying gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy discovered a natural immunity to dystrophin, complicating experimental therapies. The immune response triggered by T cells may target muscle cells, resembling autoimmunity.
Research reveals that warmer temperatures in the tropics have a significant impact on life, even with small temperature increases. The study analyzed nearly 500 million temperature readings and found that metabolic rates increase faster in warmer temperatures, leading to greater effects in tropical regions.
Scientists have discovered a mechanism that raises blood pressure in pre-eclampsia, a potentially deadly condition during pregnancy. Researchers found that the protein angiotensinogen is oxidised and changes shape to release the hormone angiotensin, which then raises blood pressure.
The Lancet Review found mass media campaigns to be effective in reducing smoking prevalence and increasing seat-belt use. Campaigns also improved healthy food selection, boosted low-fat milk consumption, and increased physical activity. However, some campaigns backfired, such as those targeting alcohol and illicit drugs.
The GOES-13 satellite has identified the 17th Atlantic subtropical depression as Subtropical Depression 17 (TD17), with a tight circulation and long tail of clouds. TD17 is forecast to move into a more favorable environment, potentially intensifying into a tropical depression or storm.
Researchers studied zebrafish brain activity to understand how the circadian clock and sleep affect synapse numbers, identifying a gene involved in regulating these changes. The study found that synaptic plasticity is recharged at night, benefiting memory and learning.
A recent study tracked Atlantic sturgeon migrations, revealing vast oceanic distances traveled and highlighting the need for long-range conservation measures. The research suggests that PSAT technology can effectively study sturgeon behavior and define critical habitat.
The Disability and Health Journal examines the Americans with Disabilities Act's impact on health care access and outcomes for people with disabilities. Despite progress in acknowledging physical barriers and staff training, ongoing challenges persist, including recurrent health care barriers and discrimination.
A recent Iowa State University study estimates that murder costs society approximately $17.25 million per crime, with total costs ranging from $24 million for the average murderer. The research also calculates costs for rape, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and burglary.
Researchers used DNA analysis to identify the Passenger Pigeon's closest living relatives, revealing that it was most closely related to other North and South American pigeons, not the Mourning Dove. The study also sheds light on the bird's extinction, which was caused by human hunting and habitat destruction.
Climbers of Mount Kilimanjaro are at risk for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) due to rapid ascent rates. Prior acclimatization to increased altitude offers a significant protective effect against AMS, whereas prophylactic drug use or mid-climb rest days do not significantly reduce the risk.
UCLA Engineering has received a $6 million award from NIST to construct the Western Institute of Nanotechnology on Green Engineering and Metrology (WIN-GEM), a cutting-edge facility supporting energy conservation technologies in microelectronics and nanotechnology.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation awarded $10.1 million for five new clinical studies and 14 pre-clinical therapeutic development projects. The funding aims to improve treatment regimens for Parkinson's patients, reduce complications, and develop novel therapies.
A recent study has found that environmental changes, such as dry and wet conditions, may have influenced the development of early human ancestors. The research team analyzed chemical compositions of rocks from Olduvai Gorge, which revealed more extreme climate fluctuations than previously thought.
A new, fully characterized viral vector is introduced as a reference material to standardize gene therapy protocols in research applications and human clinical trials. The availability of this reference standard allows vector parameters to be expressed in common units, enabling comparison and normalization across laboratories.
Dr. Edward Chien's $3.7M NIH grant will recruit up to 700 pregnant women to develop more accurate algorithms for tracking fetal development and predicting healthy small fetuses. The study aims to identify pathologic versus normal growth patterns in both singletons and twins.
Recent research suggests that measuring fatty tissue around the heart is an even better predictor of major heart problems. Noninvasive CT scanning can provide this important information. The researchers conclude that assessment could add meaningfully to clinical risk assessment and generate CT information regarding plaque buildup.
A new study by Andrés Villarreal reveals profound social inequality by skin color in Mexico, with individuals having darker skin tones facing lower education levels, lower status jobs, poverty, and limited access to affluence. The research suggests that discrimination in the labor market may contribute to these disparities.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that fish located near coal-fired power plants have significantly lower levels of mercury than those further away. High levels of selenium, a chemical also emitted by these facilities, are believed to be the reason behind this surprising finding.
University of Oregon researchers discovered that good bacteria modulate the Wnt signaling pathway, which is also associated with colorectal cancer. This finding suggests that microbial signals may play a significant role in cancer risk, and targeted therapy may be possible.
A clinical trial of gene therapy for muscular dystrophy has uncovered an unexpected aspect of the disease, revealing that some patients mount an immune response to the dystrophin protein even before receiving treatment. The study suggests that tailoring treatment approaches to suit individual patient needs could lead to better outcomes.
A study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that 43% of patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery have insufficient vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is essential for bone growth and absorption of calcium. Patients are advised to screen for low levels before surgery, as deficiency may negatively impact patient outcomes.
A University of Florida study found that heavy combat exposure can have a detrimental effect on physical health and psychological well-being in veterans, even decades after the conflict. The research suggests that early treatment and intervention can help alleviate long-term effects and promote greater wisdom and well-being.
Researchers have uncovered a novel mechanism controlling blood pressure, shedding new light on the causes of pre-eclampsia. The study found a fine-tuning mechanism responsive to tissue oxygen changes, providing potential insights into prevention and treatment.
The FASEB MARC Program has awarded $7,400 to four poster/platform presenters and faculty mentors at the ASBMR 2010 Annual Meeting. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical research by supporting underrepresented minorities.
Research reveals vultures use face flushing technique for displays of dominance and interaction with peers, where rapidly changing skin color provides up-to-date information on status.