A validated new model can predict postmenopausal osteoporosis incidence and prevalence in different national settings, providing a powerful tool for health policy decision making. The model was developed using Swedish data and showed a 5% margin of error compared to published data.
The USDA has created the first genomic map of the domesticated turkey, which could help breeders develop improved commercial breeds to meet consumer demands. The nearly complete genome map was compiled in under a year and at a fraction of the cost of sequencing chicken and cow genomes.
Researchers found that weakened chromosome cohesion is the primary cause of age-related aneuploidy, leading to chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome. The study used naturally aging mouse models to demonstrate this finding.
A new survey study found that parents of children with fragile X syndrome reported improvements in language use, attention spans, and behavior after treatment with the antibiotic minocycline. The study suggests that minocycline may be a promising targeted treatment for fragile X, prompting further clinical trials.
Researchers have found that traumatic stress can be passed down to future generations through epigenetic changes, affecting gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. This discovery has opened up new avenues for understanding the long-term effects of trauma on mental health.
Researchers found a sensor in dendritic cells that recognizes HIV, sparking a more potent immune response. The ability to stimulate this protective response is critical for developing therapeutic vaccines against HIV.
Researchers have discovered a new phenomenon in graphene where electrons split into unexpected energy levels when exposed to extreme conditions. The discovery raises questions about the fundamental physics of graphene and its potential for powerful applications.
A new study in Nature sheds light on the end of the last ice age by linking Antarctic warming to New Zealand's glacier retreat. Scientists tracked glacier retreat using moraines and estimated local climate warming, providing clues for understanding Earth's final emergence from the ice age.
Researchers are uncovering the molecular basis of Parkinson's disease by studying alpha-synuclein in yeast cells, which could lead to new therapeutic drugs. Small compounds found effective in preventing Parkinson's disease in worms and blocking toxic effects in rat neurons may form the basis of future treatments.
Researchers propose new clinical trial endpoints for immunotherapies, accounting for delayed responses and novel patterns of anti-tumor activity. The immune-related response criteria (irRC) offer a revised approach to measuring treatment success, considering factors such as lymphocyte infiltration and tumor burden.
Scientists warn of a global shortage of medical isotopes, used for diagnostic and treatment procedures, putting patient care at risk. The lack of these life-saving materials could lead to less accurate tests, higher radiation doses, and increased healthcare costs.
A portable, laser-equipped backpack has been developed to create realistic 3D maps of difficult-to-access spaces. This technology allows Air Force personnel to view and interact with modeled buildings, enhancing mission planning and operations.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that massage alters the immune response in healthy adults, decreasing stress hormones and increasing white blood cell counts. The study, which involved 53 participants, showed significant changes in lymphocyte numbers and percentages.
A University of Edinburgh study found that 12-14 year olds can play for longer in team games when they drink an isotonic sports drink before and during games. The research showed that drinking a carbohydrate-electrolyte solution improved endurance capacity but did not make young people run faster.
A new report examines current capabilities for making climate predictions and identifies opportunities for improvement. Improvements in observational capabilities, statistical models, and data assimilation systems are needed to better understand key processes that could help improve forecasts.
A study by North Carolina State University researchers has discovered a way to create ultra-strong aluminum alloys using nanostructures. The new materials exhibit exceptional strength while maintaining ductility and can be used on various metals. This breakthrough is crucial for developing lighter yet stronger materials.
Scientists studied Scots Pine genes to discover they still harbor genetic variation from their continental ancestors, which could aid future populations' adaptation and survival under changing climate conditions. The research found Scottish pine tree populations are genetically diverse enough to cope with future change.
A $250,000 grant from the Sophia's Cure Foundation via the Pepsi Refresh Project will support SMA research and clinic development at Nationwide Children's Hospital. The grant will help Dr. Kaspar's team develop gene therapy methods for scalable production and purification to advance their program to clinical trials.
Recent studies have uncovered surprising parallels between pheromone signaling in bacteria and fungi, suggesting a close link between microbial sex and virulence. The review highlights the role of telesensing in regulating genetic exchange and potential virulence factors in opportunistic pathogens.
Scientists have identified a new area of the brain that generates excitatory neurons in adults, which arise from non-neuronal support cells. This finding has significant implications for regenerative medicine and may lead to new treatments for brain injuries or disorders.
The NCAA's new sickle cell screening program for college athletes aims to prevent rare complications, but experts warn of hasty implementation and unaddressed consequences. The program may identify 400-500 new cases annually, affecting nearly 170,000 athletes.
Researchers at the University of Leeds are collaborating with artist Victoria Ferrand Scott to investigate new uses for concrete in art. The project aims to push the boundaries of creative possibilities for this often-maligned material, exploring alternative mixes and high-tech processing methods to create large-scale sculptures.
The study found significant disparities in survival rates among Asian-Americans diagnosed with liver cancer, with Laotian/Hmong-Americans having the lowest median survival rate of just one month. The group was also least likely to receive treatment, such as liver transplantation, due to late-stage diagnoses.
Scientists at NYU Langone Medical Center have discovered a single type of gene that acts as a master organizer of motor neurons in the spinal cord. The finding, published in Neuron, could lead to new treatments for diseases such as Lou Gehrig's disease and spinal cord injury.
Researchers have synthesized hundreds of new compounds that can specifically reduce A-beta 42 levels in the brain, a primary component of Alzheimer's disease. The compounds, called gamma-secretase modulators, were tested in mouse models and showed promising results, reducing neuritic plaques and A-beta 42 levels.
Researchers at the University of Illinois will study the effects of the Glossy15 gene system on sorghum biomass production. The goal is to develop economically and environmentally sustainable crops with improved biomass yields and conversion to bioenergy.
The University of Louisville has received a $1.5 million NIH grant to develop an interdisciplinary oncology palliative care education program. The program will integrate the services of physicians, nurses, chaplains, and social workers to provide comprehensive care to cancer patients.
A team of Portuguese researchers has discovered that a specific Histone modification prevents DNA damage recognition machinery from arresting the cell cycle at telomere ends. This finding provides insights into the relationship between telomeres and cancer, as well as potential therapeutic interventions.
Researchers found that villagers with higher cognitive and decision-making abilities were more likely to take protective steps against HIV. Formal education was key to teaching people how to think critically and make informed decisions.
A special issue of Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology explores new treatments for pediatric-onset OCD and Tourette's disorder, including riluzole, a drug approved for ALS that shows promise in psychiatric conditions. Researchers propose identifying specific brain circuits as targets for new drug development.
A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Affairs suggests that observing food labels and exercising regularly can lead to significant weight loss. The research found that women between the ages of 37-50 are more likely to read food labels, which increases their chances of losing weight.
Researchers found that individuals maintain attachment to their old team or city as a way of asserting their identity after relocating. Nostalgia for the old hometown also plays a role in consumption choices among fans. The study's findings have implications for sports broadcasting and fan engagement.
A team of researchers, led by Patrick Crowley, is working on a new Internet architecture that focuses on named data networking. This approach aims to reduce redundant network traffic and improve security, enabling the connection of a large number of wireless and mobile devices.
Acamprosate reduces the number of patients returning to drinking and increases abstinence days by an average of three days a month. The drug has been shown to be safe and effective as an additional treatment for alcoholism, offering moderate benefits in trials.
A new report suggests that conserving and wisely using existing antibiotics is key to slowing the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections. The proposal would reward pharmaceutical companies for marketing drugs in a way that keeps resistance rates low by setting 'effectiveness targets' and coordinating with physicians and hospitals.
Researchers conducted 18 hurricane hunter flights, including the first flight by an unmanned NASA Global Hawk over a hurricane to study intensification. The Intensity Forecast Experiment (IFEX) incorporates data from various sources to improve forecast accuracy.
The winners of the Penn State University plant-biology video contest are being announced, with $2,000 in Grand Prizes awarded for innovative and informative videos showcasing plant life. The competition is part of the nonprofit collaborative project ChloroFilms, which promotes fresh and attention-getting videos about plant biology.
A study of ghostwritten articles reveals how pharmaceutical companies like Wyeth promoted unproven hormone replacement therapy benefits and downplayed potential harms. The analysis shows that ghostwriting was used to mitigate risks associated with Prempro, a brand of menopausal hormone therapy.
A new study found that higher education is associated with improved cardiovascular health outcomes in high-income countries, but not in low- and middle-income countries. Smoking rates unexpectedly increased with greater education level among women in these regions.
Fungal growth on film reels can lead to degradation of historic film and pose a risk to archivists. Common mold species Aspergillus and Penicillium are released into the air, exceeding safe exposure levels.
The National Institutes of Health will launch a multi-year study to investigate the potential health effects of the oil spill in the Gulf region. The study, led by NIEHS, aims to evaluate exposure to oil and dispersant products and their impact on respiratory, neurobehavioral, carcinogenic, and immunological conditions.
Using ultrasound and a minimally-invasive procedure, radiologists can identify and remove embedded foreign objects from patients with self-embedding behavior. Early detection and removal are key steps for effective therapy and recovery.
Tropical Storm Hermine formed quickly in the Gulf of Mexico, producing heavy rains over northeastern Mexico and South Texas. The storm's organization was enhanced by extremely warm sea surface temperatures, which powered its rapid intensification.
Patient panels with greater proportions of underinsured, minority and non-English speaking patients were associated with lower physician quality rankings. The association suggests that inaccurate physician clinical performance rankings could lead to misallocation of resources.
A study published in JAMA found that gemcitabine was not superior to fluorouracil plus folinic acid in terms of overall survival for patients with resected pancreatic cancer. The study included 1,088 patients and showed no significant difference in survival estimates between the treatment groups.
Mammoths, reindeer and woolly rhinos found in Iberia during cold climate periods, coinciding with global cooling in Greenland. The species' presence indicates a biological crisis as temperatures warmed up, leading to habitat loss.
A new computer system, based on a model of the human brain's visual processing, accurately identifies mouse behaviors in videos, reducing tedious data logging tasks. The open-source software is available for free and can be easily trained to work with other lab animals, increasing productivity in behavioral research.
Researchers at NIH used high-resolution microscopy to understand how fat cells absorb glucose in response to insulin. The findings may aid in identifying the interval when someone becomes at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Scientists mapped termite mounds to understand vegetation patterns and geology, revealing how changes in rainfall affect the landscape. The research uses termite mounds as indicators of ecological shifts from climate change.
A team of Fox Chase Cancer Center researchers identified an activation signal for the Aurora-A oncogene, a hyperactive enzyme driving tumor cell proliferation. The discovery may lead to new insights into how cell division is timed and potentially improve treatment options by combining AurA inhibitors with other drugs.
Patients over 50 and obese recipients are at higher risk of transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS). Elevated triglyceride levels, CMV infection, and delayed graft function also significantly increase the risk. Researchers found that age and obesity increased TRAS by 190% and 697%, respectively.
A research team from UCD Conway Institute has successfully sequenced the first entire genome of an Irish individual, revealing nearly 200,000 indels and over 3 million SNPs. The study identifies novel genetic markers specific to Irish ancestry and potential disease indicators.
The international consortium has completed the majority of the genome sequence of the domesticated turkey, with over 90% of the genome sequenced and assembled. The research will provide knowledge of specific genes important in meat yield and quality, health, disease resistance, fertility, and reproduction.
A recent study found that over a quarter of acute care visits in the US are made to emergency departments, instead of personal physicians. This shift is attributed to primary care doctors' packed schedules and low reimbursement rates, which limit their ability to provide timely access to care.
A new study found that children treated with protease inhibitors and then switched to Nevirapine were more likely to maintain low virus levels. The switch regime is easier for parents to adhere to, saving money, but requires adequate monitoring of virus levels.
A new study reveals that chronically high insulin levels trigger hormonal changes in the pituitary gland, disrupting ovarian function and impairing fertility. Researchers suggest decreasing the pituitary's sensitivity to insulin as a potential target for treatment.
A study analyzed data from influenza cases in Wisconsin and found that children with 2009 H1N1 infections were not at higher risk for hospital admission or pneumonia compared to seasonal H1N1 or H3N2 infections. Adults also showed similar risks of serious outcomes, indicating lower severity of symptoms.
Researchers found that low-income neighborhoods have nearly 20 times more penetrating injuries and six times higher blunt injury rates compared to high-income areas. The study suggests that interventions are needed to reduce injury rates in low-income neighborhoods.
A randomized controlled trial found wrist splints to be as effective as casts for treating distal radius fractures in children. Patient satisfaction with splint treatment was higher than with cast treatment.
A large Canadian study found a possible association between fetal radiation exposure and an increased risk of childhood cancer, but the link remains uncertain due to substantial variability. The researchers recommend continued beta hCG testing and lead apron shielding for pregnant women undergoing radiodiagnostic testing.