A study by Timothy Vyse and colleagues found that common CRP genetic variants are associated with acute-phase serum CRP concentrations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This association may influence therapeutic decision making and lead to improved clinical interpretation of inflammatory disease activity.
Researchers describe DNA hairpin folding process in water with atomic resolution, finding competition between fast and slow routes and random exploration of microscopic details. This breakthrough has significant implications for therapeutic strategies based on oligonucleotides and RNA interference treatments.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center identified over 60 proteins necessary for cancer cells to survive with EGFR inhibitors, demonstrating a two-hit strategy that increases tumor cell death. This approach will open the door for future therapies and has already led to two clinical trials testing innovative drug combinations.
A robotically assisted percutaneous coronary intervention system has been shown to be safe and feasible in a first-in-human study, reducing radiation exposure and contrast media usage. The technique allows for technical precision and improved procedural effectiveness compared to manual PCI.
Researchers developed the FishSmart program to improve fisheries management, involving stakeholders in the decision-making process. The program resulted in more conservative harvest measures for king mackerel in the Southeast United States, protecting both commercial and recreational interests.
A new study reports a low stricture recurrence rate of postoperative biliary strictures after endoscopic stent placement, with successful retreatment options available. The study followed up on patients who underwent the treatment from 2001 to 2010, finding that most remained asymptomatic and had normal liver function tests.
Researchers led by Dr. Akihiro Yamanaka discovered that orexin-releasing neurons have a self-excitation mechanism that activates each other, maintaining high-level activity and wakefulness. This finding overturns an existing theory and suggests that this mechanism may be involved in insomnia.
A growing concern is the increasing volume of clinical trials and systematic reviews published every day. The authors propose reducing unnecessary trials to prioritize truly systematic reviews, ensuring that patient needs are met through valid answers. Open access to these resources is also emphasized.
The Webinos project aims to create a universal application platform for cross-platform use of services and technologies across mobile, PC, TV, and in-car devices. The consortium is developing an open source platform and software components that will enable industry-wide collaboration and eliminate economic barriers.
Gretchen Daily's innovative research places a value on natural ecosystem services, leading to increased momentum in conservation efforts. Her work, including the InVEST software program, informs global policy decisions on land use and resource management.
A new drug-eluting stent design demonstrated superiority over a traditional drug-eluting stent at 6 months, according to a study led by Laura Mauri, MD. The bioresorbable polymer and stent design showed better clinical outcomes and reduced stent thrombosis risk without compromising anti-restenotic efficacy.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that the incidence of serious infection after common ultrasound-guided procedures is low. The researchers reviewed 13,534 procedures and reported only 14 procedure-related infections, with nearly all patients improving on antibiotics alone.
China's rapid growth has led to significant environmental challenges with worldwide implications, emphasizing the need for a systems approach to tackle these issues. The country's biodiversity is threatened by extinction, and climate change requires global cooperation to develop low-emission industries.
A study published in Preventive Cardiology found that doctors' own health habits influence their confidence in counseling patients on healthy diet and exercise. The survey showed that attending physicians were more likely to counsel patients on these topics than trainees, especially those who exercised regularly.
The World Alzheimer Report 2010 estimates that dementia costs $604 billion globally, with the problem set to accelerate in coming years. The report urges governments worldwide to take immediate action to address the social and health consequences of dementia.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered the weakest link in tendons, a crucial connection between bones and muscles. The discovery focuses on collagen fibrils, which are five times stronger than tendons but may hold the key to increasing flexibility and healing damage.
Researchers developed a novel fluorescence anisotropy method to study large protein complexes in real time in live cells. The technique resolves the state of order or disorder of individual protein domains within these complexes, providing new insights into their dynamics and function.
A study by researchers at the University of Toronto Scarborough found that using an inner voice helps individuals exercise self-control and resist impulsive decisions. The team conducted tests where participants were unable to verbalize messages to themselves, leading to increased impulsivity.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania are developing building 'skins' that can adapt to environmental changes, increasing energy efficiency. The project combines insights from cell biology and engineering to create responsive materials.
Researchers have discovered that an enzyme called NOX4 produces hydrogen peroxide after a stroke, leading to nerve cell death. Inhibiting this enzyme with a new drug reduces brain damage and preserves brain functions in mice with stroke.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered that brain cell communication relies on three copies of the 'linking bridge' or SNARE complex to enable rapid fusion of vesicles with membranes. This process allows for simultaneous signal transmission, which is crucial for cognitive functions and overall brain activity.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has awarded $2.5 million to researchers developing novel approaches to treat addiction. New gene therapies, immunotherapies, and compounds are being investigated to reduce the devastating effects of tobacco and cocaine abuse.
A study found that shorter biological marker length, specifically telomere length, was associated with a higher rate of relapse and lower overall survival in patients with severe aplastic anemia receiving immunosuppressive therapy. The results suggest that telomere length may be a risk factor for disease progression.
Researchers at Michigan State University used digital evolution techniques to study altruism in species, finding that genes are more likely to help those physically similar to them. This challenges traditional kin selection theory and raises the possibility of life on other planets based on shared genes rather than familial units.
A new study uses computer simulations to recreate the parting of the Red Sea, suggesting a strong east wind could have created a safe passage for fleeing Israelites. The research estimates that a wind of 63 miles an hour would have pushed back waters, exposing mud flats for four hours.
Rapid response teams dispatched to patients' rooms may be a quick fix rather than addressing deeper issues, according to Johns Hopkins patient safety expert Peter Pronovost. Better management of patient flow and staff schedules can help improve care for sickest patients.
The new bimonthly journal Cardiac Cath Lab Director is being launched by SAGE, providing administrators and managers with the latest research and evidence-based information on cardiac catheterization procedures. Topics include cardiovascular anatomy, department administration, diagnostic techniques, and patient safety.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield discovered that certain doped-oxide ceramics exhibit non-Ohmic behavior, with electrical resistance changing in response to voltage. The effect is consistent regardless of temperature or atmosphere, but time and final-state resistance are temperature-dependent.
Recent studies suggest that supplemental oxygen therapy may not be beneficial for patients with acute MI who have normal oxygen levels, potentially leading to worse outcomes. Guidelines are needed to address this issue and ensure safe treatment practices.
Cells rapidly repair and maintain their structure when exposed to stress, thanks to a newly discovered protein called zyxin. This protein plays a crucial role in maintaining the cell's internal framework, or cytoskeleton, which is essential for cell function.
The formation of AVAN, the AIDS Vaccine for Asia Network, aims to accelerate research and development of an AIDS vaccine through government advocacy and improved coordination. With over 5 million people infected and 500 million at risk, regional efforts must be strengthened to combat HIV in Asia.
Hurricane Igor is expanding in eastern Canada, prompting hurricane watches for the region. The storm's diameter has grown to 920 miles, with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph and heavy rainfall possible over Newfoundland.
Researchers have developed a method for creating novel metal films using ultrashort laser ablation, which allows for precise control over nanoparticle structures. This technique has potential applications in fields such as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and the growth of carbon nanotubes.
A new study published in The Leadership Quarterly found that individuals with high emotional intelligence (EQ) are more likely to be perceived as leaders by their peers. Emotional ability tests revealed that those identified as leaders scored higher on tasks such as emotion recognition and regulation strategies.
Tropical Storm Lisa has strengthened into its third tropical storm due to low wind shear, allowing it to gain momentum. The storm's minimum central pressure is 1005 millibars and it is expected to turn north-northwest before heading west-northwest.
Researchers found evidence of universal ubiquitous magnetic fields in deep space between galaxies with an average strength of femto-Gauss. These findings suggest that the magnetic fields may have formed shortly after the Big Bang, long before stars and galaxies formed.
A study has found that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can accurately assess the condition of certain stents used in children and young adults with congenital heart defects. Researchers discovered that specific MRI sequences can visualize the stents without radiation, making it a safer option for routine surveillance.
Research from Michigan State University shows that food safety concerns significantly impact consumer spending and shopping habits. Consumers value third-party certification, but place more emphasis on traceability, seeing government inspection as the most credible signal of food safety.
A large clinical study found patients with specific genetic variations in the IL-1Ra gene were almost twice as likely to progress to severe osteoarthritis. The study suggests using genetic patterns to identify high-risk patients for clinical trials and personalize treatment plans.
A team of Yale physicists has successfully cooled molecules using lasers, bringing scientists closer to individual molecule-based qubits. This achievement promises new applications in quantum computing, chemistry, and particle physics, offering a promising breakthrough in the field.
A study found that Florida college students have a generally low awareness of native wildflowers but express high interest in learning more about their identification, cultivation, and use. The research team recommends incorporating native wildflowers into plant-related courses, field activities, and elective courses to promote their c...
The UCSF Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology will investigate fundamental design principles of adaptation in cells using forward engineering and comparative genomics. The center's findings may lead to new therapeutic tools and the development of synthetic circuits that can trigger desired cellular responses.
The LEADERS trial shows a biolimus A9-eluting stent with biodegradable polymer is non-inferior to a sirolimus-eluting stent with durable polymer in terms of safety and efficacy at 3 years. Researchers found that both stents have equivalent rates of target lesion revascularization, cardiac death, myocardial infarction, and clinically in...
The CREATE study demonstrated satisfactory angiographic and clinical outcomes for biodegradable polymer-based sirolimus eluting stents. The use of these stents with a recommended antiplatelet regimen resulted in a low rate of major adverse cardiac events and stent thrombosis.
Research by Alice Schmidt examined stress in young horses during initial training, finding that mounting is a significant source of stress. However, exercise and proper training can alleviate stress levels over time. Gentle handling from the start is crucial to develop a strong bond between horse and rider.
Researchers used femtosecond X-ray powder diffraction to observe the relocation of charges in an ammonium sulfate crystal after photoexcitation. The technique produces a 'molecular movie' of atomic movement at atomic time and length scales.
This special issue examines the ways cancer treatment affects cardiovascular function and overall survival, highlighting key challenges and potential strategies for minimizing collateral damage. Key findings include the need for cardiac outcomes data and evidence-based practice guidelines to mitigate heart-related complications.
Researchers mapped the cerebral cortex to find multiple areas controlling speech, rather than a single Broca's region. This discovery alters our understanding of language development and disorders, requiring future functional analysis of the new organization.
The NanoJapan program combines study-abroad and research experiences, targeting freshmen and sophomores. The new grant will allow the program to expand its internships into terahertz science, providing students with a unique opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research.
Research shows that choking occurs when the brain becomes overwhelmed, leading to information logjams. Practical strategies like stopping analysis and using meditation can help prevent choking in critical moments. Beilock's work also highlights the importance of working memory and addressing stereotype threats in academics and business.
Researchers found that vitamin D supplementation reduced the development of endometrial cancer in obese mice by 60%, compared to those not treated with the supplement. The study suggests that vitamin D may offer a simple way to reduce endometrial cancer risk for women, particularly those who are overweight or obese.
A University at Buffalo researcher is working on designing more environmentally friendly oil dispersants using polymers, surfactants and solvents. Her goal is to create novel dispersants that can interact with crude oil and naturally occurring particles at the nanoscale level.
Researchers found that 150-year-old pressed plants tell the same story about warmer springs and earlier flowering as field-based observations. The study provides first direct proof that pressed plants in herbarium collections can be used to study relationships between phenology and climate change.
Tropical Storm Georgette formed rapidly south of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, with the GOES-11 satellite capturing its clouds extending over extreme southern Baja California. The storm is forecast to make landfall in western Mexico, bringing heavy rainfall and tropical storm-force winds.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed HyperSentry software to detect hypervisor breaches in virtual computing clouds. This innovation measures hypervisor integrity without alerting the malware, helping prevent intelligent malware concealment tactics.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Communications developed a computer program to provide rice farmers with accurate forecasts and recommendations. The Rice Development Advisory program combines climate, soil, and weather data to help farmers plan planting, irrigation, and harvesting.
Scientists have made significant progress toward creating ultra-high-density storage devices capable of storing more than 6,000 Terabits of data on a single disc. Using laser-assisted ultrafast magnetization reversal dynamics, researchers achieved sub-nanosecond recording times.
A study published in Psychological Science found that hearing only one side of a conversation makes it more distracting than hearing both sides. Volunteers performed worse on concentration tasks when they could only hear half of the conversation.
A study of 70 patients with low-to-moderate risk chest pain and a negative cardiac CT scan found no signs or symptoms of adverse cardiac events during the year after discharge. The results suggest that earlier discharge based on negative cardiac CTA results may be safe and clinically efficacious.
Researchers found that participants who consumed the most milk products lost more weight on average than those with low or no milk consumption. Higher blood levels of vitamin D also predicted successful weight loss.
Researchers found that genes in a signaling network, not just individual molecules, contribute to resistance. Most genes were not mutated, but rather altered their function to evade treatment. The study's findings highlight the need for new therapeutic approaches targeting the complex interactions within cancer cell networks.
A University of Florida study reveals that trees with sequential ant partners produce more offspring than those with lifelong associations. The research shows that even 'cheating' ants can be beneficial by causing trees to produce seeds before being killed, and another ant species defends the tree but later allows it to reproduce.
Researchers suggest that stress-induced proteins can help cancer cells survive chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The study found that a protein called heat shock factor-1 activates another protein, Hsp27, which allows cancer cells to survive despite DNA damage.
Research at OHSU's Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute suggests that G-CSF, a hormone stimulating stem cell growth, can reactivate human cytomegalovirus in bone marrow recipients, increasing their risk of infection. The study highlights the need for factoring in the risks associated with G-CSF use during transplants.
A study by Kojo Yeboah-Antwi found that community health workers can safely provide integrated management of pneumonia and malaria to communities. The intervention resulted in a significant increase in appropriately-timed antibiotic treatment for non-severe pneumonia.
Minister Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus advocates for 'country ownership' to maximize development aid impact. Countries must have clear vision and control over resources, allowing them to tailor proven practices to their specific circumstances.
Researchers found that high-dose intravenous aspirin significantly reduced pain in patients with severe withdrawal headaches caused by medication overuse. The study showed that 25% of participants experienced a significant reduction in pain, while 40% reported a modest pain reduction.
A BU study shows that empowering community health workers with a rapid diagnostic test and antibiotics can significantly increase the proportion of appropriately timed antibiotic treatments for non-severe pneumonia and decrease inappropriate use of anti-malarials. The study found a five-fold increase in timely treatment of pneumonia.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center have identified neutral sphingomyelinase as a key player in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. By inhibiting this protein, they were able to prevent activated brain cells and beta-amyloid from killing neurons.
A recent study suggests that mixed-use neighborhoods can lead to lower levels of violent crime in both impoverished and affluent areas. However, the study found that increases in business-residential density initially lead to higher levels of violent crimes before declining after a certain threshold is reached.
The University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center will lead national hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cell therapies research, benefiting thousands of patients worldwide. The center's leading physician-scientists will conduct clinical trials to test new treatments, including umbilical cord blood 'T regulatory cells' and NK c...
The Models of Infectious Disease Agent Study (MIDAS) researchers used computational modeling to predict the potential outcomes of different interventions for the H1N1 flu strain. The study found that vaccinating school-aged children substantially reduced overall disease spread and prevented up to 100 million additional cases.
Researchers found that oxytocin selectively improves social cognitive abilities in less socially proficient individuals but has little effect on those who are more socially proficient. The study suggests oxytocin may hold potential for treating social deficits in people with disorders marked by deficits in social functioning.
A new percutaneous mitral valve clip device demonstrated significant clinical benefits for patients with mitral valve regurgitation, improving left ventricular function and quality of life scores. The study found that patients with reduced MR grade at 12 months experienced marked clinical benefit.
A new housing design tool, EVOLVE, helps assess the quality of life for older people by evaluating physical support and personal well-being. The tool evaluates buildings based on user requirements such as accessibility, health and safety, and security, providing a domain score.
A new study published in The Lancet Oncology found that imatinib treatment interruption after 3 years results in rapid relapse and low progression-free survival. Patients who stopped treatment experienced significant tumour growth and poor overall survival, highlighting the need for continuous treatment to maintain cancer control.
Scientists at the University of Granada have developed a new therapy for skin and lung cancer using a suicide coliphage-gene, demonstrating effectiveness in vitro and in vivo. The treatment involves inducing cell death in tumour cells, potentially reducing the need for chemotherapy.
Researchers analyzed 33,900 hospital-based outpatient visits to compare resident and staff physician performance. Resident physicians outperformed staff on four measures, including ACE inhibitor use for congestive heart failure and routine blood pressure screenings.
A new study from the journal Financial Management found that politically connected firms enjoy higher leverage, lower taxes, and regulatory protection. This study highlights the benefits of having government ties for corporate success, suggesting distortions in public resource allocation are common globally.
A new study published in JAMA found that self-management counseling for patients with mild to moderate heart failure did not reduce the rate of death or hospitalization compared to educational materials alone. Despite advances in therapies, patient nonadherence remains a significant challenge.
Researchers explore how genetic variations interact with environmental factors like nicotine, vitamin D, and EBV to accelerate multiple sclerosis progression. The two-year project aims to identify gene-environmental interactions that can inform preventive and therapeutic strategies.
A new study by the American Society for Horticultural Science warns of a devastating impact on Florida's $54 million avocado industry due to invasive diseases. The potential loss could range from $183 million to $356 million, highlighting the need for urgent action.
Researchers led by UBC Prof. Patrick Keeling discovered a closely related parasite, E. intestinalis, with a 20% smaller genome than E. cuniculi, shedding hundreds of genes from its ends. The 'haircut' reveals insights into extreme genome evolution under specific conditions.
Brown University has granted an exclusive license to Tivorsan Pharmaceuticals for a potential treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, slowing muscle damage in mice by 50 percent. The treatment, based on biglycan protein, aims to prolong boys' ability to walk without assistance and perform daily activities.