The new guidelines update Osteoporosis Canada's recommendations on vitamin D intake for Canadians, citing the need for more research into optimal doses and safe upper limits. The recommended daily supplements range from 400-1000 IU for adults under 50, with higher doses required for those over 50.
Methodist Dallas Medical Center stopped an Acinetobacter outbreak by testing patients, implementing contact precautions, and conducting regular meetings between departments. The hospital's swift response was attributed to adequate resources, staffing, and a supportive administration.
New research reveals that having a lucky token can enhance performance by improving confidence. Volunteers who brought a lucky charm did better in memory games and set higher goals for themselves. Wishing someone good luck also improved success at tasks requiring manual dexterity.
A recent study on Cycas micronecia, a critically endangered ancient plant species, reveals moderate genetic variation within local populations and dynamic gene flow between regions. The research provides valuable insights into the conservation of this species, which is threatened by invasive pests and habitat loss.
Research reveals leptin's role in reducing food intake by activating the hippocampus, a brain region controlling learning and memory. Impaired leptin signaling may compromise cognitive processes that inhibit excessive food consumption.
A Tel Aviv University study found that nicotine patches and gum are ineffective in combating cigarette cravings, which are instead driven by psychological cues. The research suggests that understanding smoking as a habit rather than an addiction can lead to more successful treatment methods.
Public health researchers at Tufts University describe cutting-edge methods for addressing obstacles in disease surveillance, enabling earlier detection and improved preparedness. The new tools facilitate the analysis of vast data streams from various sources, including satellite images and social media.
Animal research suggests that a high-fat diet consumed by nursing mothers increases the risk of obesity and pre-diabetes in their offspring. In contrast, consuming a high-fat diet during pregnancy only reduces the risk of obesity when combined with postnatal breastfeeding on a low-fat diet.
A six-year study found that anticholinergic medications increase the risk of mild cognitive impairment and memory loss in older adults, especially those from African-American communities. The researchers suggest that these drugs may worsen cognitive function, but not necessarily lead to Alzheimer's disease.
A study by the University of Granada found that health professionals have difficulty diagnosing terminal illnesses, particularly in chronic and degenerative cases. This can lead to a lack of palliative care for patients, as they may be deprived from necessary assistance aimed at improving their quality of life.
A new study led by Keith Ramsey at Pitt County Memorial Hospital (PCMH) demonstrates that universal surveillance for MRSA decreased health care-associated infections (HAIs) related to devices by 68% for ventilator-associated pneumonias, 51% for central line-associated bacteremias, and 49% for catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
Research reveals that our minds play a significant role in governing appetite and satiety. Expectations before eating and memories after eating influence how long meals stave off hunger. By manipulating these factors, portions can be controlled effectively, leading to potential weight loss benefits.
Researchers are using induced pluripotent stem cells from skin tissue to grow dopamine neurons and study Parkinson's disease. The goal is to better understand the cause of the disease by comparing healthy cells with those affected by Parkinson's.
Johns Hopkins researcher Peter Pronovost argues that arrogance, lack of transparency, and inadequate measures hinder progress in preventing patient harm. Central line-associated bloodstream infections can be largely prevented with accurate measurement and cultural changes.
Research reveals soy phytoestrogens reduce weight gain and increase energy expenditure in post-menopausal rats, highlighting potential natural treatment for obesity. Further human studies are needed to confirm the long-term effects of a soy-rich diet on food intake.
Researchers discover Lgl and Mahjong proteins help identify how healthy cells fight cancer cells. Normal cells surround cancer cells, leading to their death, while cancerous cells break free and divide.
Researchers at CWRU School of Dental Medicine discovered a biomarker called human beta defensin-3 (hBD-3), which is associated with the early stages of oral cancer and can serve as an early warning system. hBD-3 attracts molecules that help cancerous tumors grow and spread.
A study by North Carolina State University found that male football players are more comfortable with treatment by male athletic trainers for gender-specific injuries, but have no preference for general psychological conditions. However, they prefer female trainers for non-gender-specific injuries like a dislocated shoulder due to pote...
A new prediction tool calculates individualized risk for local recurrence five and ten years after surgery, helping physicians and patients weigh treatment options. The nomogram integrates available information to estimate absolute risk, providing a valuable tool in decision-making.
Research finds that overweight participants' brain activity is not linked to feelings of hunger when responding to food smells and tastes. Activation of the amygdala predicts weight gain in one year after scanning session.
A University of Michigan study finds that Russians are more likely to focus on negative feelings but are less likely to feel depressed as a result. They tend to spontaneously distance themselves from their emotions, leading to lower levels of distress and blame compared to Americans.
A study found pronounced regional differences in treatment practices for older adults with kidney failure, including decisions on starting or stopping dialysis. Higher-spending regions tend to have more intensive care, but patients don't necessarily fare better.
Researchers found that interferon blocks the development of immune cells causing asthma, providing proof-of-principle for a potential therapy. The protein targets the transcription factor regulating Th2 cell function, potentially stopping asthma-causing chemicals from being released.
Long-term follow-up study reveals increased mortality rates in childhood cancer survivors due to second primary cancers and cardiac deaths. Risk persists beyond 45 years after initial diagnosis, likely attributed to late complications of treatment.
A high-fat diet is associated with reduced dopamine release and reuptake in the striatum of rats. This change in brain neurochemistry affects motivation and willingness to work for food reward, mirroring effects seen in humans with obesity.
A telephone-based care management program improved cancer patients' pain and depression by 30% and 50%, respectively. The program, which combined telephonic care management with automated symptom monitoring, showed better outcomes for several health-related quality of life domains.
LSUHSC has received a $2.1 million grant to study the role of T-helper cells in preventing Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, a life-threatening infection linked to HIV/AIDS and other immune deficiencies. The research aims to identify effective vaccines that can activate these cells to prevent or treat PCP.
Italian scientists have successfully completed preclinical trials for a gene transfer treatment that can correct the lack of beta-globin in patients' blood cells, a major step towards treating beta-thalassemia. The treatment uses genetically corrected stem cells to restore haemoglobin production and overcome the disorder.
Researchers found that men with high-risk prostate cancer lose significantly less bone mineral content as they age compared to healthy men. The study, published in BJUI, suggests a possible link between prostate cancer and bone health, which could lead to new prevention strategies.
Tropical Storm Conson has been downgraded to a typhoon after interacting with the northern Philippines' land surface, with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph. The storm is now expected to continue weakening due to increased wind shear and interact with southern China.
Researchers found 323 unique genes influenced by smoking, with a strong involvement in processes related to cancer, cell death, and metabolism. The study's results indicate that exposure to cigarette smoke alters gene expression, leading to a sobering scale of influence on human disease risk.
Scientists have observed the first real-time measurements of a rare gas atom and halogen molecule dissociation. The study found that adding vibrational energy to the bromine-stretching vibration led to rapid direct dissociation, while higher excitation resulted in a more complex mechanism.
Researchers found that consumers overconfidently predict their learning curve before trying out skill-based products, then become underconfident after gaining experience. This under-prediction has consequences for consumer behavior, such as a willingness to pay less for a product after initial use.
Penn State's Liwang Cui leads a seven-year, $14.5 million project to combat malaria in Southeast Asia. The center will address research needs in regions with high malaria morbidity and mortality rates.
A survey of over 1,900 physicians found that more than one-third did not agree that reporting incompetent colleagues is always necessary. Many physicians feel unprepared to deal with impaired or incompetent colleagues, citing reasons such as lack of knowledge about reporting obligations and fear of retribution.
A study found that antibiotics prolong survival but do not improve comfort for patients with terminal dementia and pneumonia. Aggressive treatment can cause greater discomfort, suggesting a need to balance survival and comfort goals.
Researchers found that hearing the name of an object improves participants' ability to see it, even when flashed onscreen in conditions that render it invisible. The effect was specific to language and did not depend on visual preview or pre-experiment familiarity with the target.
Chen, a renowned scholar, has been recognized for his tireless efforts to apply research to policy making. He has participated in numerous White House Conferences and presented testimony to congressional committees.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that women who developed gestational diabetes during their first and second pregnancies have a higher risk of developing it again. Hispanic and Asian Pacific Islander women are particularly at risk compared to white counterparts.
A study by researchers at St. Michael's Hospital found that a five-minute advice session at the nine-month well baby checkup can lead to a dramatic drop in babies still using bottles at age two. Most stop using the bottle by their first birthday, compared to 16 months for those who received no instruction.
New research evaluating nine popular slimming supplements found no evidence that they facilitate weight loss beyond the placebo effect. The studies, led by Dr. Thomas Ellrott and Dr. Igho Onakpoya, tested various supplements against placebo pills in randomized controlled trials.
Tropical Storm Conson has formed in the northwestern Pacific Ocean with maximum sustained winds near 60 knots (69 mph) and is forecast to make landfall on July 13. The storm's track is expected to take it north-northwest over the next couple of days, bringing heavy rainfall and gusty winds to the northern Philippines.
Companies that prioritize sustainable management of biodiversity are seen as winners in resource-constrained worlds, while those neglecting it risk being out of step with the market. Consumers are increasingly aware of biodiversity loss and are willing to stop buying from companies disregarding ethical sourcing practices.
Over half of UK swine flu hospital admissions and inpatient deaths were from people with no underlying health issues or obvious risk factors. The data support the government's priority vaccination strategy for high-risk groups, but also suggest that everyone with asthma might benefit from vaccination.
A study by Johns Hopkins University researchers confirms IGF-1's crucial role in coordinating puberty onset in mice. Administration of IGF-1 to normal female mice triggered pubertal development, highlighting its importance in timely triggering of pulsatile GnRH production.
Researchers from A*STAR made three groundbreaking discoveries in fight against cancer: a mechanism to prevent metastasis, biomarkers for breast cancer, and improved detection of cervical cancer. Their work sheds light on key areas of cancer research, offering new strategies to combat this devastating disease.
A team of investigators has identified a series of proteins that may make it easier to diagnose the more metastatic forms of prostate cancer. The study uncovers a protein named Siah2, which initiates a cascade of molecular events that turns a non-malignant tumor into a metastatic neuroendocrine tumor.
Chagas disease affects 10-12 million people in Latin America, killing 15,000 annually. Dogs can spread the disease and may help control it by acting as sentinels for health officials.
A new study found that those who expect unexpected events are no better at detecting them than those who don't, and may even be worse. The study used a video featuring basketball players and a gorilla, and showed that familiarity with the original experiment did not improve detection of other unexpected events.
A 29-year follow-up study of Finnish men and women found that individuals with higher vitamin D levels had a significantly lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study suggests a potential link between chronic inadequacy of vitamin D and the development of Parkinson's disease.
Large mammal populations in African national parks have declined by up to 59% since 1970, with some species experiencing dramatic decreases. Despite this, improved management and conservation efforts in southern Africa offer a glimmer of hope for the long-term survival of these iconic species.
A study found that the human brain regions growing during infancy and childhood are similar to those with the most changes when comparing humans to apes and monkeys. This research helps assess adverse effects of premature birth on brain development, including increased risks of learning disabilities and cognitive impairments.
Researchers identify pedunculopontine nucleus as key brain region in Parkinson's disease-related gait disorders. Targeting acetylcholine-producing nerve cells may alleviate falls and improve walking abilities.
A study found that deleting a viral element from human genes can increase production of fetal hemoglobin in red blood cells, which could help alleviate symptoms of sickle cell disease. The researchers believe this natural mechanism may be the key to developing targeted therapies for patients.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have discovered a new epigenetic player that affects gene activity in boys with X-linked mental retardation and facial birth defects. The study reveals an enzyme, PHF8, works to maintain active gene transcription.
Dr. Hui Shao has received a grant from the Research to Prevent Blindness organization to study Sjogren's syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disease affecting millions of Americans. Her team has discovered a protein called Klk22, which may play a role in the development of the disease.
Ada C. Mui, PhD, has been recognized for her outstanding commitment and dedication to mentoring minority researchers in the field of aging. She will receive the Task Force on Minority Issues in Gerontology Outstanding Mentorship Award at GSA's 63rd Annual Scientific Meeting.
Researchers at Biogen Idec Inc. have found that targeting the TIM-1 protein may be effective in treating asthma. The study used a humanized mouse model to show that an antibody binding to a specific region of TIM-1 reduced inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness.
A six-month weight loss intervention program improved flushing symptoms in overweight and obese women with menopause-related hot flushes. The study found that decreases in weight, BMI, and abdominal circumference were associated with improvements in self-reported hot flushes.
A new study from North Carolina State University has developed a predictive model that can identify anomalies in large-scale hosting infrastructures, allowing for swift corrective actions and improved accuracy.