Children exposed to cocaine in the womb face negative effects, particularly on sustained attention and self-regulated behavior. However, research suggests that growth, IQ, academic achievement, and language functioning are less affected by prenatal cocaine exposure.
A new study found that increased activity in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) among adults with alcohol dependence may indicate less control over drinking behavior. The ACC's role in regulating emotions and decision-making could be critical in understanding the development of addiction.
New research published in the FASEB Journal suggests that DHA and its derivatives can effectively kill neuroblastoma and other cancer cells. The study found that toxic byproducts of DHA were even more effective at killing cancer cells, providing a promising new avenue for anti-cancer treatment.
Researchers at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center developed a new assessment tool to measure the severity of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) symptoms, which can complicate stem cell transplantation. The tool, MDASI-cGVHD, assesses symptoms on a scale of zero to 10 and correlates with patient reports of overall quality of life.
Aprepitant has been shown to dramatically reduce nausea and vomiting in bone marrow transplant patients, with 73% experiencing no vomiting and 49% having little or no nausea. This breakthrough finding suggests aprepitant could become a standard part of patients' care.
Aspiration is a fast and first approach for evaluating breast lumps without cancerous features. The procedure determines the type of lesion by removing fluid with a needle, which can be done in a doctor's office on women who do not have breast implants or are not on anticoagulants.
A new study published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that simvastatin impairs immune cells' ability to kill pathogens and enhances inflammation. Researchers found that simvastatin also increases cytokine production, which triggers and sustains inflammation.
Research at Ohio State University suggests that pandemic H1N1 flu strains may become resistant to Tamiflu, the primary antiviral drug used to treat the disease. The study found that mutations in the neuraminidase protein of seasonal and pandemic H1N1 viruses drove the development of resistance to Tamiflu.
A nearly complete fossilized skeleton of a primitive snake coiled inside a dinosaur nest was discovered in India, showing that ancient snakes ate dinosaur hatchlings. The study suggests that the ecosystem of predators during the hatching season supported hundreds or thousands of defenseless baby sauropods.
A team of researchers, including University of Michigan paleontologists, has discovered a new species of herbivorous sauropod dinosaur, Abydosaurus mcintoshi. The fossilized remains, found near the Carnegie Quarry in Dinosaur National Monument, provide valuable insights into the evolution of these massive creatures and their diets.
Researchers have developed a urine test that measures the extent of nitrosation and garlic consumption in humans. The study found that higher garlic intake was associated with lower levels of potential carcinogenic compounds, suggesting that garlic may play a role in inhibiting cancer formation.
A meta-analysis of 15 studies reveals a strong bidirectional association between obesity and depression, with obese individuals having a 55% increased risk of developing depression over time. The authors suggest that monitoring weight gain in depressive patients and mood in overweight or obese patients could lead to prevention, early d...
Researchers have identified a new biomarker that defines a subtype of aggressive breast cancer and offers potential for targeted therapy. The biomarker, associated with poorer outcomes, can be inhibited by a protein called Mesd, which has shown promise in slowing tumor growth and reducing side effects.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a new biological process in legumes that enables them to fix nitrogen from the air, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. This breakthrough has the potential to make agriculture more sustainable and aid efforts to mitigate climate change.
A new study shows that robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) does not compromise surgical outcomes for patients with prostate cancer. Surgeons can use visual cues to improve clinical outcomes, including the color of tissue, vein locations, and signs of inflammation.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered how fruit flies employ a stabilizer reflex to right themselves after being disturbed by wind gusts. By studying the insects' aerial maneuvers, the team aims to develop more efficient and stable flapping-wing aircraft designs.
Researchers sequenced ancient genome from a rare fossil, confirming polar bears are an evolutionarily young species that split from brown bears 150,000 years ago. The study found polar bears adapted rapidly to past climate changes, but their adaptability is uncertain in the face of current and future climate change.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine discovered that restricting genetic splicing variants decreases as embryonic stem cells differentiate into specialized cells. This finding provides new insights into the complex process of neural differentiation and potential implications for human development.
A study by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reveals that majority of shoulder dislocations occur during sports and recreational activities, with young males being at higher risk. Elderly women also show a high rate of shoulder dislocation, especially among those aged 80 to 90 years old.
A genetically modified tobacco plant can produce antibodies to toxic MC-LR, rendering it harmless. This innovative technology could serve as a major tool in keeping water sources safe in developing nations.
Researchers from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard present a new method for identifying protein-bait interactions, allowing for sensitive detection and discrimination of specific interactions. The method uses quantitative proteomics approaches to compare enrichment with the bait of interest against samples using control baits.
A new study found that older men with high levels of IGF-I are at increased risk of cancer death, independent of age and lifestyle. The research suggests IGF-I may have potential importance as a biomarker for prognostic testing.
Researchers found similar connectivity between genes in normal individuals and schizophrenia patients, but a significant link between aging and gene expression patterns was discovered. Age-related aberrant regulation of developmentally related genes might explain at least part of the manifestation of schizophrenia.
A survey of parents who had a child die of cancer found that one in eight considered hastening their child's death due to unbearable pain. The study highlights the importance of managing patients' pain and communicating with parents about available tools for easing progressive pain.
Researchers found that tall palm trees with debris should be targeted for Chagas disease surveillance and control. They suggest simple environmental management practices like removing organic debris can reduce the risk of vector-human contact.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology found that PET scanner ownership by non-radiologists has significantly increased, outpacing radiologist-owned scans. This trend contributes to unnecessary imaging utilization and increased costs.
A recent study found that thousands of North American homes with peer-to-peer file-sharing software are vulnerable to data breaches, putting sensitive health information at risk. The study reveals that even simple search terms can expose private files containing personal and financial data.
Scientists are expanding their search for extraterrestrial life by moving beyond traditional radio signals. Paul Davies suggests using various scientific methods to scrutinise the solar system and galaxy for signs of past or present cosmic company.
Researchers have discovered that heat can aid in low-power data storage by harnessing random thermal motions. This breakthrough could lead to magnetic memory that operates at significantly lower power than conventional devices.
Researchers developed a fluorescence method to measure photosensitizer concentration in target tissue, predicting PDT effectiveness. The therapeutic effect correlation index (TECI) was also proposed, showing positive correlation with PDT outcome.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley biologists found that pesticide atrazine can turn three-quarters of adult male frogs into females, leading to a significant decline in reproduction. The study also showed that the altered sex ratios can have devastating effects on frog populations.
A new study published in Neurology found that women who didn't receive clot-busting drug tPA after a stroke had a worse quality of life compared to men. However, women who were treated with the medication responded just as well as men to the treatment.
Researchers found that darkness can lead to an increase in dishonest and self-interested behaviors, even when participants are anonymous. In three experiments, those in dimly lit rooms cheated more than those in well-lit rooms, while wearing sunglasses made participants behave more selfishly.
A study by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health suggests that mosquitoes played a primary role in spreading West Nile virus westward across the US. Genetic analysis detected widespread movement by Culex tarsalis populations, which were congruent with the pattern of West Nile virus infection across the country.
Scientists at University of Zurich, Switzerland discover approach to resensitize multidrug-resistant ALL cells to glucocorticoids and other cytotoxic agents. Treatment with obatoclax induces autophagy-dependent necroptosis, bypassing mitochondrial apoptosis block.
A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that individuals with a sense of purpose in life have a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. Those with higher levels of purpose were approximately 2.4 times less likely to develop the disease.
A study published in BMC Gastroenterology found that thiopurine therapy significantly improved the health-related quality of life of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) patients. The clinical trial, conducted by Guillermo Bastida and his team, reported a substantial improvement in quality of life after one year of treatment.
A recent study found that insufficient vitamin C levels can be fatal to mice during pregnancy. The Slc23a1 protein plays a vital role in vitamin C absorption and tissue accumulation. Researchers identified key functions for this transporter, including renal reabsorption and perinatal survival.
A study of 141 parents whose children died of cancer found that 13% considered hastening their child's death, especially in cases of pain. The study suggests that education and discussion about intensive symptom management may mitigate consideration of hastened death among parents.
A new study reveals antifreeze proteins can suppress ice melting and stabilize superheated ice crystals for extended periods. The discovery has implications for understanding this process in nature and technology applications.
A comprehensive study found that community involvement is crucial for the success of marine reserves. Residents' compliance with reserve rules was linked to ecological health and fish stocks. Community participation in setting up and monitoring reserves is vital to their success.
Scientists at Queensland Brain Institute have discovered an alternative mechanism for growth cone steering, which could lead to better understanding of nervous system development and cognitive disorders. The discovery has potential implications for research into Parkinson's disease and autism.
Researchers identified a link between aging and abnormal gene expression patterns in schizophrenia patients, suggesting that age-related aberrant regulation of developmental genes may explain the manifestation of the disease. The study supports early intervention and treatment tailored to the patient's age.
A study of 96 infants aged 12-24 months found no evidence that watching educational baby videos improved overall language learning. However, children who started watching DVDs at an early age scored lower on a test of vocabulary knowledge.
Researchers found that adolescent boys experience 'mean' behaviors through larger groups, direct teasing, and exclusion from sports. Both girls and boys understand the reasons behind relationally aggressive behaviors, including power and social dominance, as well as jealousy, anger, and insecurity.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research has awarded Medicago a $300,000 grant to study the immune response induced by VLPs. The research aims to develop leading plant-based VLP vaccines with potential benefits for global health, particularly in the developing world.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have found that the first sign of injury in glaucoma occurs in the brain, where neuronal communication with the optic nerve is compromised. This discovery offers new insights into the disease and potential treatment targets.
The device can measure a high capacity waveform up to 10,000 times faster than existing technologies, overcoming limitations of amplitude and phase measurement. This enables the packing of more information into optical signals, paving the way for ultra-high-speed communications and LiDAR systems.
Brown University researchers found that considering alternative possibilities can lead to better planning and decision-making. They discovered that people tend to focus on a single cause when making predictions, but not when diagnosing causes.
A study found that nearly 60% of hospice patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have the shocking function deactivated, despite potential benefits for their quality of life. ICDs can cause physical and psychological distress for patients and their families.
Home-use IPL systems emit lower fluence rates and have physical safety features to minimize optical hazard. NPL's research confirms their safety, building on earlier work on dosimetry needs for salon-based devices.
Nannoplankton extinction correlates with latitude, with higher rates in the Northern Hemisphere. Toxic metals from the asteroid impact likely delayed recovery due to impaired photosynthesis and reduced nannoplankton reproduction.
Researchers at the NIH have identified a key role for the protein Slc23a1 in controlling vitamin C levels in mice, which is essential for perinatal survival. Additionally, they discovered that treating multidrug-resistant leukemia cells with a specific drug can resensitize them to glucocorticoids and other cytotoxic agents by activatin...
A new study by Stanford cardiologists suggests that routine electrocardiogram (ECG) testing of young American athletes can save lives while being reasonable in cost. The research challenges conventional wisdom that ECGs are too expensive to be required prior to competitive exercise.
A new tool called the LACE index can predict the likelihood of early death or hospital readmission within 30 days of discharge. The tool, developed by researchers at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, uses factors such as length of stay, acuity of admission, patient comorbidity, and number of emergency room visits to quantify risk.
A voluntary effort to reduce salt in processed foods could lead to a 9.5% decline in Americans' salt intake, preventing strokes and heart attacks in nearly a million people. The initiative is estimated to save $32.1 billion in medical costs and extend the lives of Americans by 1.3 million years.
A newly discovered fossil snake from India, named Sanajeh indicus, was found coiled around a crushed dinosaur egg next to a freshly hatched sauropod. The arrangement of the bones and delicate structures suggests that the snake ingested the half-meter-long hatchling due to its large size.
A new study found that adding electrocardiogram testing to standard medical history and physical examinations for young athletes can better identify key cardiovascular abnormalities responsible for sports-related sudden deaths. However, the study also showed a significant rate of false positive results.
A new study examined gene networks instead of individual genes to confirm the influence of glutamate receptor signaling genes on a person's level of response (LR) to alcohol. The findings show that variation in sets of genes encoding components for neuronal communication contribute to individual differences in alcohol LR.
A new study finds that a pathogen, not climate change, killed the Monteverde golden toad. Researchers reconstructed moisture levels in the cloud forest over the last century and discovered that dry spells closely tracked El Niño events.