An analysis suggests that the use of gabapentin, lamotrigine, oxcarbazepine, tiagabine, and valproate may be associated with an increased risk of suicidal acts. The study found a higher risk of suicide attempts or violent deaths in patients taking these medications compared to topiramate.
A new approach to diagnosing adult malnutrition, proposed by an international committee of nutrition researchers, could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment. The strategy classifies patients into three categories: starvation related, chronic disease related, or acute disease/injury related.
The American Society for Nutrition will present a symposium on responsive feeding and how to promote healthy growth and development for infants and toddlers. Meanwhile, the American Physiological Society will discuss personalized, 'systems' medicine, integrating biologic and informational sciences to address complex biomedical problems.
Researchers from Virginia Tech and GE Global Research Center are developing novel cardiac computed tomography (CT) architectures and methods to improve image quality with low radiation. Their patented approach, interior tomography, can produce accurate images of a region of interest, reducing radiation exposure and accommodating larger...
Researchers used high-performance computing to locate small genes missed by scientists, uncovering 380 families of undetected gene families. The study used an ephemeral supercomputer to perform an all-to-all sequence search, reducing the search time from nearly 90 years to just 12 hours.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute synthesized a new molecular switch that can turn itself on and off in response to metallic ions. The 'Ouroborand' molecule, named after the mythical lizard, has potential applications in detecting metals, toxins, and pollutants.
According to a new national survey by Indiana University's Center for Health Policy and Professionalism Research, 58% of Americans support health care reform, despite some wanting the law repealed. Younger individuals were most supportive of repeal, but many also want Congress to continue working on health care system reforms.
A new investigational treatment, DMQ, has been shown to effectively control pseudobulbar affect (PBA) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study found a significant improvement in test scores after 12 weeks of treatment.
Researchers use powerful computers to identify molecular structures that have high potential as new medications by simultaneously targeting multiple hot spots on protein surfaces. This method has the potential to complement and increase efficiency of existing time-consuming methods.
A new study by University of Delaware psychologists found that jealousy impairs a woman's ability to detect targets among distracting images. The researchers suggest social emotions can affect perception, revealing a profound impact on mental and physical health.
A single dose of aspirin (900-1000mg) significantly reduces migraine headache pain in over half of people, with added metoclopramide improving nausea and vomiting symptoms. Aspirin plus metoclopramide is a reasonable option for acute migraine attacks, but may not be effective enough for some.
Policies restricting smoking in public have been shown to decrease the number of people who experience heart attacks and improve overall health indicators. The findings are based on a comprehensive review of 50 studies that monitored the impact of legislative bans on secondhand smoke exposure.
Neurocysticercosis, a tapeworm brain infection, is increasing in Mexico and bordering southwestern US states, affecting up to 10% of the population. The infection can cause severe symptoms like seizures, headaches, and encephalitis, highlighting the need for proper evaluation and management.
Researchers found genes in yeast that help form veins and arteries in humans, while also fixing cell walls in response to stress. They identified eight genes that contribute to blood vessel formation in animals and several of these genes are also linked to human breast cancer.
A study found that the traditional 'heel stick' test is not an effective screening tool for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in newborns. The test, which involves pricking a baby's heel and analyzing dried blood samples, was unable to detect CMV DNA in up to 40% of infected babies.
Researchers discover mechanism underlying female sexual arousal, finding that stimulating pelvic nerve increases blood flow and enhances effects of prototype drug UK-414,495. This breakthrough could lead to development of treatments for female sexual arousal disorder (FSAD), a condition affecting up to 40% of women.
Chagas disease is a neglected cause of stroke, with nearly a third of patients developing severe heart problems. Screening for Trypanosoma cruzi infection and long-term oral anticoagulants may help prevent stroke recurrence.
Researchers propose new methods to accurately estimate child and adult mortality rates, improving data collection and analysis. These methods, such as using summary birth history and sibling survival data, aim to address limitations of traditional demographic methods and provide a more reliable understanding of population health trends.
Researchers mapped over 4 billion neuronal interactions to reveal synchronized brain areas during working memory tasks. The study shows that rhythmic activity between brain regions is linked to both memory maintenance and content.
Researchers successfully trained northern quolls to associate the taste of toxic cane toads with nausea, allowing them to survive up to five times longer in areas infested with these invasives. This approach could provide a vital new weapon in the fight against invasive species.
A study by Oregon State University scientists has confirmed that whale meat sold at a Los Angeles sushi restaurant came from a sei whale killed in Japan's scientific whaling program. Genetic testing also revealed similar products were sold in Seoul, South Korea, underscoring the ongoing illegal trade of whalemeat products.
Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine present studies on a potential new drug for multiple sclerosis and surprising trends showing reduced disease severity. The studies found that teriflunomide was safe and effective as part of combination therapy, reducing lesion size and volume in the brain.
Researchers found that the Retinoblastoma protein targets DNA replication genes during cellular senescence, preventing cancer cells from replicating. This mechanism is crucial for tumor suppression, and its disruption can lead to genomic instability and malignant tumors.
A study reveals that early activation of astroglia in focal epilepsy drives neurons to generate epileptic discharges. This neuron-astrocyte interaction may represent a novel target for controlling epilepsy.
New research found that smoking can negate the protective effect of moderate drinking on stroke risk in a UK study of 22,524 people. Moderate drinking was defined as up to 21 units of alcohol per week.
Jessica Zhang, an assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon University, has received a Young Investigator Award for her research on developing novel algorithms to improve ship design and analysis. The award provides $510,000 in funding over three years to support her research goals.
IGIV has preserved thinking abilities and significantly reduced brain atrophy and ventricular enlargement in mild- to moderate-stage Alzheimer's patients. The study also found a dose-related effect on brain ventricular enlargement, suggesting IGIV may spare brain tissue.
A new Cochrane Systematic Review reveals a shortage of quantitative evidence on the effectiveness of Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) against malaria. The method has been widely used since the 1950s, but its protective effect cannot be quantified due to limited studies.
A study analyzing blood samples from Singapore found significant variation in H1N1 infection risks among different age groups and military personnel. Younger individuals and those with household members who seroconverted had higher infection rates, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions.
A new paper from NC State University outlines guidelines for developing partnerships between academics and local communities to address social issues. The study found that incorporating students into community-based research projects requires flexibility, student motivation, and faculty coordination.
A recent study published in the Academy of General Dentistry's peer-reviewed journal found that drinking fluoridated tap water can significantly reduce cavities and promote remineralization. The controlled addition of fluoride to public water supplies is considered a cost-effective way to prevent tooth decay.
A new study combines two analytical techniques to provide a more accurate picture of the autistic brain, revealing regional differences in grey matter and potential markers for early therapy. The research provides critical insight into autism, shedding light on structural brain differences that may be related to enhanced perception abi...
Researchers reveal that Patagonia's indigenous societies were dynamic, with complex social organization, linguistic diversity and high mobilization capacity. They also adjusted their internal characteristics to cope with change.
A new study using MRI technology found that healthy women's brains activate an area processing identity and self-reflection when viewing images of overweight strangers. Even those with no history of eating disorders exhibit sub-clinical body image issues.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that most sexually active male teens receive inadequate HIV and STI counseling during doctor visits, even among those with high-risk behaviors. The study highlights the need for better counseling to minimize risky behaviors.
A study published in JAMA found that patients without health insurance are more likely to delay seeking emergency care for a heart attack. Those with financial concerns about accessing care also tend to delay treatment.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNM) has received a $48,000 grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) to develop research on comparative effectiveness of PET and other molecular imaging techniques. The primary emphasis will be on cancer diagnosis and management, with cardiology and neurolog...
New data presented at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting showed that patients with moderate to severe RLS using rotigotine achieved sustained improvements in symptoms over 5 years. The study confirmed the safety and efficacy of rotigotine, with over a third of patients remaining symptom-free after 5 years.
A study by Ohio State University found that social factors like population growth and violent conflict are more important than democracy in expanding Internet use. Strong capitalism can help a country join the online community even if it lacks democratic freedoms.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have created lab-grown tissues from fat, skin, bone, and muscle cells, reducing the need for animal trials in pharmaceutical and medical research. This breakthrough technology has the potential to spare hundreds of animal lives and improve scientific efficiency.
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have achieved a significant breakthrough in charge breeding, reaching an unprecedented 11.9% ionization efficiency with metallic particles of rubidium. This achievement surpasses the previous metal record of 6.5% and paves the way for further improvements in efficiency.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina found that a common cancer drug can activate an Epstein-Barr virus infection, making cancer cells more susceptible to antiviral medications. This discovery may lead to new treatment strategies for EBV-related cancers.
Researchers found that stress-activated protein protects fugitive ovarian cancer cells from programmed death, allowing them to escape the primary tumor and metastasize. The study suggests that restoring cancer cells' vulnerability to anoikis could suppress tumor growth and metastasis.
André Boehman, professor of fuel science at Penn State, will receive the 2009 Society of Automotive Engineers' John Johnson Award. He co-authored a paper on increased NOx emissions from fueling heavy-duty compression-ignition engines with soy biodiesel.
The latest data on maternal mortality show significant progress in reducing deaths in countries like China, Egypt, Ecuador, and Bolivia. However, unexpected increases were found in the US, Canada, and Denmark. The analysis revealed that the number of women dying from pregnancy-related causes has dropped by over 35% globally since 1980.
A study at the Buck Institute for Age Research found that drugs promoting neurogenesis can lessen the severity of stroke and improve function in rodents. The researchers suggest these drugs, including antidepressants and mood stabilizers, may be suitable for human clinical trials to explore their potential benefits.
Researchers from Ohio State University have successfully drilled the deepest core in the Antarctic Peninsula, reaching a length of 445.6 meters. The core may contain ice dating back to the last ice age, providing valuable insights into past global climate changes.
College women are more likely to be vaccinated against HPV if their mothers communicate with them about sex and approve of the vaccine. Young women who thought their mothers would approve were more interested in getting vaccinated, while those whose mothers discussed values in relation to sex showed less interest.
A recent Harvard Medical School study found that uninsured individuals are twice as likely to receive substandard treatment for migraines compared to their privately insured counterparts. This disparity affects approximately 5.5 million people in the US who lack health insurance, leading to needless suffering and economic burden.
A study published in Tobacco Induced Diseases found that work pressures can actually lower a smoker's nicotine dependence. Employees who experience stress at work are likely to smoke less than they otherwise would, suggesting that heavy workload may drive employees to smoke only in their spare time.
A new graphical tool called RXplore allows physicians to instantly track down the cause of drug side effects by retrieving adverse reaction data for multiple medications simultaneously. The study found that physicians can retrieve accurate information 65% faster using Rxplore than traditional resources.
Childhood glaucoma is a rare condition often associated with significant visual loss. A study found an incidence of 2.29 per 100,000 residents younger than 20 years, with acquired glaucoma being the most common type.
A study by Penn State researchers found that women undergoing in vitro fertilization had lower success rates if exposed to high levels of nitrogen dioxide. The study, which analyzed data from over 7,400 women, suggests that air pollution may be a factor in reproductive health.
A new approach to teaching agriculture in the classroom uses case studies to motivate students and inspire changes in attitude. The study found that engaging students with real-world examples improved their understanding and presentation skills, but some felt that more time was needed for discussions and activities.
A new study from Duke University and Georgia Institute of Technology finds that energy-efficient measures in the south could save consumers $41 billion on their energy bills by 2020. Investing $200 billion in energy efficiency programs by 2030 could return $448 billion in savings.
Researchers find that stress hormones can protect ovarian cancer cells from anoikis, promoting tumor growth. Higher levels of activated FAK are linked to accelerated mortality in ovarian cancer patients.
Researchers are working together to understand intraplate earthquakes in an effort to minimize the loss of life and property. By deploying seismic recorders and analyzing data from two large experiments, the team aims to advance knowledge of earthquake causes and hazards.
A UCLA study found that health fair referrals, especially those assisted by phone, significantly improved blood pressure in middle-aged low-income immigrants. This approach helped these individuals make timely appointments with doctors and adjust their medications, leading to a notable reduction in systolic blood pressure.
Researchers at Indiana University have found that the world's largest antimony mine has extremely high levels of antimony in its water, making it a significant source of environmental pollution. The study's lead author notes that antimony is an emergent contaminant and people have not paid enough attention to it.
Research on Martian impact craters reveals a complex geologic history involving liquid water, ice, volcanism, tectonism, and aeolian processes. Additionally, studies of floods from Pleistocene Glacial Lake Missoula and volcanic activity in Guatemala provide insights into Earth's crust formation and plate tectonic processes.