Researchers have made significant progress in developing new medical technologies to combat the anthrax threat. Promising new treatments include a long-sought inhalable vaccine that can be self-administered without a needle, as well as new antibiotics and medicines that can block the effects of anthrax toxin.
NIST scientists have developed a theoretical model to decode electrical signals generated by nanopores, enabling the identification and quantification of proteins and other molecules. This breakthrough brings us closer to realizing nanopores as a powerful diagnostic tool for medical science.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have identified a simple, non-toxic pill that decreases radiation toxicity when given after radiation exposure. The drug, called PQ, temporarily stops bone marrow cells from dividing, protecting against radiation-induced damage.
A new synthetic molecule targeting non-nuclear estrogen receptors may activate cardiovascular benefits of estrogen without increasing cancer risk. The study suggests this approach could be beneficial for women, particularly those with high cholesterol and diseased arteries.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine discovered that DNA polymerase eta, an enzyme helping cells replicate despite sun damage, is structured differently in people with XPV. This finding sets the stage for research into therapies to protect XPV patients from skin cancers.
A new study published in The Lancet found that exposure to arsenic in drinking water is linked to increased mortality rates, particularly among those with heart disease and other chronic conditions. Researchers tracked 12,000 people in Bangladesh over a decade to gather data on the health effects of arsenic exposure.
A new study of 1,960 White-Americans and 368 Black-Americans with VTE found that Blacks had a significantly higher proportion with pulmonary embolism and idiopathic PE, as well as a higher incidence of VTE. The study suggests that true causes for these racial differences remain unknown and warrant further investigation.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that ear tubes can be safely installed in children with cochlear implants to help clear up infections. The study showed no adverse impact on child health and hearing outcomes, allowing for proper management of ear tubes before cochlear implantation.
The USDA Forest Service's More Kids in the Woods program provides week-long summer day camps focused on natural resources themes. The camps, supported by local partners, promote environmental awareness and stewardship among young people.
A new study from the Institute for Aging Research found that nearly 52% of participants who reported a fall were barefoot or wearing slippers at the time. The study recommends wearing well-fitting shoes with slip-resistant soles to minimize the risk of falls among elderly people.
Researchers found that nanoparticles of zinc oxide are twice as toxic to colon cells as conventional zinc oxide. The study's results suggest that accidental ingestion of sunscreen products could lead to toxicity in humans.
Researchers found that patients treated with early combination disease-modifying antirheumatic drug therapy had less radiographic damage in small joints, even after 11 years. Early and aggressive treatment achieves excellent results for most patients, especially those who achieve strict remission at 1 year.
Researchers analyzed bed bug saliva proteins to understand their role in feeding and potential medical applications. The study found unique enzymes that characterize the saliva profile of Cimex lectularius, a blood-feeding insect with over 250 million-year survival success.
Researchers propose a testable model of human tinnitus suggesting that the brain's limbic system, which normally blocks sound sensations sent from non-real sources, is compromised in people with tinnitus. This could lead to new therapeutic approaches by restoring the feedback loop and eliminating phantom sounds.
A mutation in the big-conductance potassium ion channel (BK channel) is linked to epilepsy, altering its dynamics and increasing nerve-cell excitability. The mutation makes part of the channel more rigid, allowing it to toggle open more easily.
The US ranked last in five areas of health system performance: quality, efficiency, access, equity, and healthy lives. Affordable Care Act provisions may improve access and equity, but the country still lags behind others on measures of quality and value.
Research by Paul L. Dunham and his team at Missouri State University found that REM sleep deprivation increases expression of proteins p38, PKA, and P2X3, known for initiating and sustaining chronic pain in migraines.
A study demonstrates that Pycnogenol, a natural plant extract from pine bark, substantially improves symptoms of hay fever. By reducing pollen-specific antibodies and inflammation, Pycnogenol effectively relieves eye and nasal symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis.
Researchers have developed an animal model that demonstrates the initial stages of atherosclerosis can be predicted by disturbed blood flow. The study identifies genes turned on or off in response to disrupted flow, providing new insights into how exercise may protect against the disease.
The ACGME task force proposes revised duty hour and supervision standards to better match residents' levels of experience and emerging competencies. The new standards aim to improve resident training and patient care by reducing fatigue and minimizing medical errors.
Hurricane Celia strengthened to a Category Two hurricane with maximum sustained winds of up to 100 mph, and NASA satellites confirmed the emergence of an eye.
A new study reveals that thousands of noncoding RNAs have a regulatory role independent of their protein-coding function, communicating with each other to influence cellular microRNAs. This discovery introduces 'competitive endogenous RNAs' and doubles the size of the functional genome, offering new insights into cancer and human disease.
Tropical Storm Darby formed rapidly in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing strong convection indicating speedy strengthening. The storm is expected to strengthen further and make landfall in Mexico within the next 48 hours, prompting residents to monitor its track.
Empa researchers create simple networks of organic nanowires with perfectly monocrystalline structure. The nanowires can be combined to form complex electronic circuits, including solar cells and transistors.
New results from a galaxy survey set the smallest upper limit on the size of the elusive neutrino particle to date at 0.28 electron volts. The research uses a large 3D map of galaxies and cosmic microwave background radiation, providing insights into dark matter.
Researchers used quantum simulations to study hydrogen's behavior under extreme pressure, discovering a discontinuous transition between molecular and atomic states. The critical point occurs at high temperatures and pressures, near 3100°F and 1 million atmospheres.
CIMIT has awarded over $3 million in seed grants to support innovative medical research projects targeting brain injuries, pain management and improving care for wounded warriors. The selected projects aim to accelerate medical innovation and improve patient care through novel approaches and clinical systems.
Researchers have successfully controlled quantum superposition in silicon, a crucial step towards building affordable quantum computers. The breakthrough could enable faster processing of complex information and secure code-cracking capabilities.
African-American women have more advanced breast cancer at diagnosis and poorer survival outcomes compared to non-Hispanic whites. Despite similar surgical care and adjuvant therapy, African-Americans experience lower overall and breast cancer-specific survival rates due to socio-demographic factors.
Researchers found higher levels of oxidative and nitrosative stress markers, including anti-MDA and anti-HNE antibodies, in SLE patients with greater disease activity. These biomarkers suggest an imbalance between reactive oxygen and nitrogen species production and antioxidant defense mechanisms in SLE.
The International AIDS Society calls on donors to uphold their commitment to universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care by 2015. Failure to do so would lead to a surge in infections, illness, and death, undermining the credibility of the G8.
A new study has identified a key role for adrenal glucocorticoids in resetting the internal body clock, a finding that could lead to new treatments for jet lag. The research also highlights the importance of timing and location in regulating circadian rhythms.
Researchers have found that modulating the adrenal gland's production of glucocorticoid hormones can regulate the resetting of the internal body clock, providing a new potential therapy for jet lag. This discovery also has implications for those who suffer from rotating shift work and its associated health problems.
A new study has shown that a vaccine-derived strain of poliovirus can be as easily transmitted and likely to cause severe disease as wild-type poliovirus. Vaccination with trivalent OPV is highly effective in preventing paralysis by this serotype 2 cVDPV, making it crucial for efforts to eradicate polio continue.
Researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have successfully grown new lung tissue using embryonic stem cells and decellularized rat lungs. The breakthrough, published in Tissue Engineering Part A, paves the way for potential applications in treating severe lung disorders such as cystic fibrosis.
A new mouse model has revealed that a diet high in fructose and trans fats can lead to fatty liver disease with scar tissue. The study also identified potential biomarkers for early detection and suggests therapeutic interventions may reverse or protect against progressive liver damage.
A recent study found that 20.4% of peer-reviewed articles published in 2008 were freely available online, with the highest share in Earth Sciences (33%) and the lowest in Chemistry (13%). The study suggests that author-posted manuscript copies dominate certain fields, while OA journals are more common in Medicine and Biochemistry.
A WSU study found that mothers of autistic children experience increased stress due to work demands and lack of flexibility. Nearly 60% have suffered financial problems in the past year, highlighting the need for workplace adaptations to support affected parents.
A team of Vanderbilt chemists has developed a novel method for synthesizing peptides that incorporates non-natural amino acids. The technique streamlines the process, making it easier to create diverse peptides and proteins, which have highly specific biological activity associated with low toxicity.
A study published in Neurology found that a combination of tests can predict falls in people with Parkinson's disease. The tests evaluated overall symptoms, balance, and mobility, showing a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 84%. Implementing these tests can help identify those at risk of falling and prevent injuries.
Mid-ocean algae thrive in areas with little to no nitrate, an essential nutrient. Researchers found that these algae obtain nitrate from deep waters, using it for growth and reproduction near the surface.
A recent study found that subchondral bone mineral density positively predicts cartilage defect development at the medial tibial site, but not cartilage loss. Researchers believe subchondral bone changes and loss of cartilage contribute to osteoarthritis, a condition affecting millions worldwide.
Researchers found chronic migraine sufferers experience higher levels of stigma, negatively impacting quality of life. The study, conducted by Dr. Jung E. Park and her team, used the Stigma Scale for Chronic Illness to assess stigma in outpatients with chronic and episodic migraines.
Researchers at NIST have developed a technique using atomic force microscopy to study subsurface conditions in nanostructured composite materials. The method, which uses electrostatic forces, allows for the mapping of electric potential distribution and quantification of carbon nanotube concentrations.
A new software called SleepServer created by UC San Diego computer scientists reduces energy consumption on enterprise PCs by an average of 60 percent. The software maintains connectivity and responds to applications even when the PCs are in low-power sleep mode, enabling them to work while they sleep.
Researchers discovered that recovering addicts who avoid coping with stress experience more cravings and are more likely to relapse. The study found that avoidance coping strategies can weaken a person's ability to deal with stress, leading to increased cravings.
Researchers found autophagy is crucial for inner ear development and balance sensing in mice, suggesting potential therapeutic approaches for human balance disorders. The study's findings indicate a role for autophagy in functions beyond degrading cellular constituents.
Agricultural Research Service study finds chicken litter has a value of about $78 a ton, compared to traditional synthetic fertilizers, resulting in 12% higher cotton yields and increased farmer profits. The research also shows farmers can further increase profits by using less fertilizer.
Two studies confirm widespread pollution in national parks across the Western United States, with pesticides being a major concern. The research found high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) near industrial sites, posing health risks to humans and wildlife.
A recent study discovered that blind individuals' brains represent tools in the same regions as sighted people, while non-tool objects don't trigger the same brain activity. This finding suggests a highly constrained organization of brain processing, which may be built-in by genetics.
A study of over 1,300 migraine patients found a link between childhood abuse and an increased risk of stroke, transient ischemic attack, and myocardial infarction. The research suggests that early adverse experiences may influence cardiovascular health in adulthood.
Researchers at UCLA found that Latinos from Central and South America and those from Mexico are more likely to experience low levels of preventive care, with lower rates of basic screenings such as colorectal cancer screening and influenza vaccinations. Addressing this gap could help reduce healthcare costs by promoting targeted interv...
A new technique developed by Rice University researchers can detect the movement of single molecules over hours using plasmonic properties of nanoparticles. This method is label-free and permanent, enabling the tracking of molecular interactions at the single-molecule limit.
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that informal childcare arrangements significantly reduced the likelihood of breastfeeding, affecting all strata of society. Around a third of infants were breastfed for at least four months.
University of Denver neuropsychologist Kim Gorgens states that most concussions deliver a significant force of 95g to the human body upon impact. This is significantly lower than the average football player's g-force, which reaches 103g during gameplay. The event also featured other notable speakers discussing pressing global issues.
A study analyzing ancient teeth found that it's possible to correctly identify species with a success rate ranging from 60% to 80%. Computer simulation was used to observe the effects of environmental changes on morphology of the teeth. The research suggests that the common ancestor of Neanderthals and Homo sapiens may still be unknown.
Scientists have discovered how corals respond to ocean warming, shedding light on potential methods for preserving or restoring coral reefs. The research found that some corals cope better with heat stress than others due to genetic variability, offering new insights into coral reef restoration.
Researchers found that cryo-preserved amniotic membrane is useful as a scaffold for growing human chondrocytes and repairing human cartilage injuries. The membrane bonds well with native cartilage, forming tissue with high cellular density.
Researchers found that Parkinson's patients with impulsive-compulsive spectrum behaviors have impaired self-control, but normal motivation. They prefer smaller immediate payments over larger delayed ones.
A new maglev sensor has been developed to analyze food, water, and beverages for density and chemical composition. The device can quickly estimate salt content in water samples and fat content in milk, cheese, and peanut butter with high accuracy.
A study found that mass media coverage of flu-related topics significantly increases vaccination rates and prompts people to get their shots earlier. Researchers analyzed data from over 22 million individuals aged 65+ and found a strong correlation between news reports and vaccination rates, with spikes in activity following news stories.
The rapidly growing polio outbreak in Tajikistan poses a significant threat to global health, with the World Health Organization and Canadian authorities urging immediate action to boost vaccination rates. Low uptake rates in regions like Ontario and Europe have contributed to the crisis.
The University of California, Riverside's Southern California Research Initiative for Solar Energy (SC-RISE) has been recognized as a leading example of international collaboration for sustainable energy. The city of Riverside will receive an award from Sister Cities International for its role in launching SC-RISE.
A study of 17,337 adult members found a graded relationship between the number of adverse childhood experiences and the likelihood of experiencing frequent headaches. The researchers suggest that ACEs may contribute to the development and frequency of severe headaches later in life.
Rice University researchers, led by John McDevitt, have been awarded $3.7 million to develop a cost-effective Bio-Nano-Chip that can detect early warning signs of disease. The technology has the potential to cut treatment time and costs, enabling emergency medical technicians to perform tests at home or in an ambulance.
A study by the American Headache Society found that soldiers with post-traumatic headache and migraine reported improved sleep quality after three months of treatment. The research aimed to determine if effective headache treatment could also improve sleep quality among patients with these conditions.
Researchers found that optimal brachytherapy dose on the same day as implant reduces relapse risk by 20 percentage points, achieving cure in 94.4% of patients. Calculating radiation dose on implant day allows for immediate adjustments to ensure treatment efficacy.
A study by University of Pittsburgh researchers found that traditional neurological exams are inadequate for predicting survival in cardiac arrest patients. Despite poor motor examination scores, 20% of patients survived and showed good outcomes.
Research reveals high rates of STIs among older swingers, particularly those over 45, who have higher infection rates than other groups. Swingers are largely ignored by healthcare services, posing a significant risk to the general population.
A study published in BMC Research Notes found that public health campaigns in Swiss media frequently featured negative threats despite a focus on positive, gain-framed messages. Regional newspapers played a crucial role in reporting the campaign, producing more detailed articles than other media outlets.
A four-year clinical trial will investigate the effects of weight loss and increased physical activity on quality of life and co-existing medical conditions in overweight breast cancer survivors. The study aims to reduce breast cancer recurrence risk and improve psychosocial problems.
Research reveals increased network activity and altered functional connectivity in multiple networks, reflecting the migrainous phenotype. This suggests that migraine is a disorder of the brain, with abnormalities present even outside of attacks.
Researchers discovered an estrogen-dendrimer conjugate that selectively targets heart-protective pathways in mice, promoting cardiovascular protection without stimulating uterine enlargement or breast cancer growth. The findings pave the way for potential therapeutic interventions targeting non-nuclear estrogen receptors.