Researchers have discovered how an antibody binds to West Nile virus, neutralizing it by crosslinking protein molecules. This 'locking up' prevents the virus from infecting host cells, making it a potential target for vaccine development.
Researchers discovered that microglia cells are constantly active and create and eliminate synapses, contributing to learning and memory. Microglia appear to be involved in creating or changing the extracellular space around synapses, affecting brain signaling.
A study found that hospitalization and restricted activity increased the likelihood of transitioning to new or worsening disability, particularly among those with physical frailty. The researchers also discovered that fall-related injury conferred the highest risk of developing new or worsening disability.
A University of Illinois Chicago study found that black raspberries can prevent colorectal tumors in two mouse models, reducing tumor incidence by up to 60 percent. The findings suggest that black raspberries' ability to inhibit tumor development may be linked to their suppression of a protein called beta-catenin.
A recent study in PLoS Medicine reveals that doctors' interactions with drug companies continue to influence prescribing practices, affecting quality and cost of care. The research suggests that these relationships can compromise the autonomy of medical professionals.
Researchers suggest using digitized personal health records (PHR) to improve chronic disease management, increasing patient engagement and reducing hospital visits. A PHR portal-type system could facilitate dialogue between patients and healthcare workers, leading to better overall health outcomes.
A multidisciplinary team is developing objective performance measures for assessing motor control in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. The researchers aim to investigate the underlying physiological mechanisms of osteopathic manipulative medicine and improve patient function and mobility.
Researchers at UIC are investigating both acquired and familial causes of heart failure with a focus on identifying markers for diagnosis and targets for cures. The five-year funding supports an ongoing program-project grant led by R. John Solaro, which looks at the underlying maladaptive changes that lead to heart failure.
A randomized controlled trial of DHA supplementation in individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease found no beneficial effect on cognitive and functional decline. The study included 402 participants who received either DHA or a placebo for 18 months. No significant difference was observed in the rate of brain atrophy, ADAS-c...
A Spanish study estimates that the average person emits approximately two tonnes of carbon dioxide a year from food production to excretion, accounting for over 20% of total yearly emissions. Human excrements contribute significantly to water pollution with nitrogen and phosphorus, affecting aquatic ecosystems.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet used MRI to measure brain lactic acid levels and found increased levels before other aging symptoms, suggesting a potential indicator of aging and age-related diseases. The study also suggests a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and lactate production in the brain as aging progresses.
A new study found that workers are pivotal in creating complex societies where conflict is minimized. The research discovered that UK worker ants are more docile and less aggressive towards their queens, whereas Spanish worker ants engage in ruthless behavior to determine the next queen.
A recent study found that patients with MUTYH-associated polyposis have a statistically significant better survival rate than those with colorectal cancer from the general population. The five-year survival rate for MUTYH-associated polyposis was 78%, compared to 63% for control patients.
A study by Penn State researchers found that gastric bypass surgery alters the brain's response to sweet tastes in obese rats, reducing their preference for high-sugar foods. The surgery also improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, suggesting potential benefits for human patients with obesity-related diabetes.
A new report from the Energy Biosciences Institute projects that developing cost-competitive algae biofuel production will require long-term research and development. Several non-fuel applications of algae could advance the industry, but achieving economic viability will require additional income streams.
Researchers found that environmental inputs can modify bees' genetic hardware through DNA methylation, leading to distinct behaviors. The study, published in PLOS Biology, sheds light on the nature-nurture debate and highlights the importance of diet in shaping behavior.
Researchers have found that brain damage continues to develop and evolve after traumatic brain injury, offering a potential target for treatments. The study, published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine, provides new insights into progressive changes in brain structure and function after injury.
Researchers discovered that FoxO1, a multi-tasking protein, promotes an inflammatory response in macrophages, leading to insulin resistance and diabetes. Conversely, it generates a negative feedback loop to limit damage from excessive inflammation.
A study found that states with higher past seasonal influenza vaccination coverage or use of other preventive health services showed higher H1N1 vaccine rates. States with lower adult vaccination coverage had longer disease circulation periods, suggesting households may not need vaccinations if someone already has the flu.
A pre-school language intervention programme has been shown to improve expressive language skills, including vocabulary and grammar, in children with poorly developed speech and language skills. The programme also lays the foundation for phonics and indicates improvements in letter-sound knowledge and spelling.
Research reveals widespread internal exposure of humans to cosmetic UV filters, found in 85% of human milk samples, comparable to PCBs. The presence of UV filters is correlated with the use of cosmetic products containing these filters.
CSIRO's Ngara technology offers wireless broadband access to rural areas, with a six-user system capable of uploading data at 12 Mbps. The technology achieves high spectral efficiency, enabling multiple users to upload simultaneously without reducing individual data transfer rates.
Researchers found that transporting severely injured patients directly to trauma centers results in a significantly lower mortality rate. The study analyzed 11,398 patients and discovered that 24% more patients die if taken to non-trauma centers first.
A randomized trial found that oseltamivir monotherapy was both virologically and clinically more effective than the combination of tamiflu and relenza. The study also showed that zanamivir monotherapy had similar effects to the combination
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association recommends prioritizing palliative care over life expectancy when determining hospice eligibility for advanced dementia patients. The study found that a clinical tool assessing mortality risk can improve accuracy and expand access to hospice services.
A 20 million-year-old fossil discovery in Australia's rainforests sheds light on the origins of marsupial moles. The find suggests that these animals evolved from a common ancestor with placental mammals, such as rats and humans, through a unique evolutionary pathway.
A study published in JAMA found that the use of a fall prevention tool kit with health information technology reduced patient falls in hospitals by 30%. The intervention, which included a fall risk assessment and personalized prevention plans, was most effective for older patients.
A new study suggests that MRI can accurately predict the duration of a stroke within 90% accuracy, allowing more patients to be treated with clot-busting drug tPA. This could change the way stroke is managed in emergency settings, enabling all patients to receive urgent treatment regardless of symptom onset time.
A recent study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers found that students' educational and career goals are related to their eventual level of education attainment. Extracurricular activities also played a significant role in shaping these expectations, which in turn influenced the students' behaviors and academic choices.
Studies reveal that our brains tend to remember birthdays closer to our own, while facial processing may prioritize change detection. Additionally, research finds that state borders can influence risk perception and lead people to categorize locations differently. These findings have important implications for policy and decision-making.
The Canadian Journal of Cardiology will benefit from the partnership, enhancing the dissemination of medical knowledge relevant to cardiovascular disease. The journal under the editorial leadership of Stanley Nattel, MD, FRSC, FRCPC, FACC, FHRS, aims to publish peer-reviewed material pertinent to specialists and general practitioners.
Researchers analyzed 20,657 patients with acute stroke from 11 stroke centers in Ontario and found that people admitted on weekends had an 8.1% risk of dying, compared to a 7.0% risk for those admitted on weekdays. The study controlled for factors like age, gender, and stroke severity.
A study found that a peptide being tested to treat atherosclerosis significantly inhibited the growth of ovarian cancer in human cell lines and mouse models. The peptide, an apoA-I mimetic, was shown to be effective when administered via injection or ingestion, with minimal side effects.
Researchers found that narciclasine, a natural compound in daffodil bulbs, markedly reduces cancer cell proliferation and migration. The study suggests that narciclasine selectively inhibits the growth of very aggressive cancer cells while avoiding adverse effects on normal cells.
A new study reveals that social and genetic effects are both crucial for female dolphins' reproductive success. Female dolphins who have help from their friends and relatives tend to be more successful mothers than those without such support.
A recent review reveals that antibiotics can alter normal gut bacteria composition and leave resistance genes present for extended periods. This increases the risk of pathogenic bacteria survival and multi-drug resistance.
A study published in Psychological Science found that associating an object with anger motivates people to want it, similar to how positive emotions motivate us. This surprising result suggests that anger has some positive features and can even drive motivation.
Excess nitrogen in groundwater and water bodies harms aquatic life; new denitrifying bioreactors can treat agricultural runoff and urban wastewater at a lower cost. Research confirms successful operation in various settings, including agricultural fields and small townships.
A recent study published in Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that non-medical prescription drug use is more prevalent among rural teens compared to urban peers. The study analyzed data from 17,872 adolescents and found that 13% of rural teens reported ever using prescription drugs for non-medical purposes, compared to...
New data from Phase 3 studies demonstrated telaprevir-based combination therapy achieved higher viral cure rates (75%) compared to current therapies, with significant improvements in response to treatment across various patient groups. African Americans and those with advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis also showed improved SVR rates.
A study from Rhode Island Hospital found that 33 individuals were responsible for 305 cases of medical intervention to remove intentionally swallowed foreign bodies, resulting in estimated hospital costs of over $2 million. The most common items ingested were pens, batteries, knives, and razor blades.
A team of ASU professors will evaluate novel 'soft law' mechanisms for oversight of nanotechnology using the grant. They aim to bring cutting-edge analysis of innovative governance mechanisms to the rapidly-developing technology, focusing on industry groups, non-governmental organizations, and voluntary norms.
Researchers found the PHQ-9 screening test to be effective in detecting major depression in teenagers with a sensitivity of 89.5% and specificity of 77.5%. The team concluded that the PHQ-9 is an excellent choice for primary care clinicians seeking to screen for depression in teens.
Researchers identify five flirting styles: physical, traditional, polite, sincere and playful. Self-awareness can help individuals avoid past dating mistakes and succeed in courtship. The study's results have value beyond research, highlighting the importance of early relationship development.
The University of Rochester Medical Center has been awarded a $1 million contract to launch an initiative that aims to accelerate the identification of improved pain treatments. The partnership, known as Analgesic Clinical Trial Innovations, Opportunities, and Networks (ACTION), will analyze clinical trials to identify problems in tria...
A new survey conducted by researchers at UCSF and UC Merced found that half of teens who have oral sex during the ninth grade will have intercourse by the end of the 11th grade. The study also suggests that oral sex can influence the onset of riskier sexual behavior, highlighting the need for comprehensive sex education programs.
Researchers developed a new animal model that uniquely identifies genes associated with increased resistance to disease in high-runners, which could help explore mechanisms underlying complex diseases and develop effective diagnostics and therapies.
Two compounds, called PITs (non-phosphoinositide PIP3 inhibitors), show promise in halting cancer growth by inducing cell death and limiting tumor growth in mice. These compounds interfere with cell signaling pathways, positioning them as a promising new approach to cancer treatment.
A study of 70 babies' brain scans found that their brains already have adult-equivalent networks at birth, including the default mode network involved in introspection. The research suggests that conscious introspection may be more complex than previously thought, with other factors also playing a role.
Using x-ray crystallography, researchers at Saint Louis University have revealed the molecular structure of the zymogen form of thrombin, a precursor to the active enzyme involved in blood clotting. This discovery provides crucial information about the activation mechanism and opens new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
Virginia Tech computer scientist Daphne Yao and her student Deian Stefan have designed a software framework called Telling Human and Bot Apart (TUBA) to combat 'spoofing attacks' that hack into user identities. Their system uses keystroke-dynamics information to authenticate users and detect anomalous activities on personal computers.
A new study by the US Forest Service found that certain types of city trees can reduce property and violent crime rates. Large street trees were associated with lower crime rates, while numerous small yard trees may increase crime by blocking views.
The LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans Department of Psychiatry was recognized for its successful integration of mental health services into the school system, youth leadership, and community outreach after Hurricane Katrina. A study found that 72.3% of students had recovered or demonstrated resilience five years post-Katrina.
Scientists imaged individual neurons in zebrafish optic tectum, finding that strong activation leads to chasing motion, while weak activation results in no action. Inhibitory neurons play a key role in filtering out irrelevant signals.
Researchers at Bell Laboratories have created braided anyons that can withstand disturbances and store quantum information, potentially dispending with error prevention methods. The findings suggest that two-dimensional braids could lead to more robust quantum computing schemes.
Researchers have solved some of the mysteries of the zebrafish's neural circuit that underlies its vision. By analyzing the brain activity of retinal cells, they found that large visual stimuli are filtered out to prevent overreacting, while small moving objects activate the output neurons efficiently.
Researchers found that younger women (under 35) are more likely to have cancer invade lymph nodes, while a posterior axillary boost reduces regional recurrence rates. The study suggests patients at higher risk may benefit from additional radiation therapy under the armpit.
A recent study has found that elderly women are at higher risk of receiving unnecessary urinary catheters in emergency departments. The study revealed that nearly half of female patients over 80 years old did not meet institutional guidelines for urinary catheter placement.
A new study reveals that the protein T-cadherin is necessary for adiponectin's cardioprotective functions. Adiponectin activates AMPK, which regulates energy usage in the cell. The absence of T-cadherin leads to impaired AMPK activity and increased cardiac damage.
Research by Imperial College London and UCSF suggests that anti-inflammatory drugs could help prevent cognitive problems after surgery. The study found that a specific inflammatory response in the brain triggers memory loss, and targeting this response with TNF inhibitors may be an effective treatment approach.