The use of second-generation antipsychotic medications in dementia patients began to decline significantly in 2003, years before a FDA 'black box' warning was issued. This drop in medication use is attributed to emerging understanding of the increased risk of diabetes and stroke associated with these medications.
A recent study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that lifestyle factors such as not smoking, moderate coffee consumption, and good socio-economic status have a significant impact on life expectancy. The study, which followed men born in 1913, showed that these factors can increase the chances of reaching age 90 by up ...
The FASEB MARC Program has selected two recipients to receive travel awards totaling $2,000 for their poster presentations at the 2011 ACSM Southeast Chapter Annual Meeting. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical and behavioral research by supporting underrepresented minority students and postdoctorates.
A case report published in Canadian Medical Association Journal details the probable transmission of a vaccine strain of yellow fever virus from an infected mother to her infant through breastfeeding. This supports current recommendations for lactating mothers to avoid vaccination with yellow fever vaccine.
A study published in Psychological Science found that women are more attracted to men when they're uncertain about how much he likes them. Women who were told the men liked them most or average were less attractive than those who didn't know their interest level.
Researchers at UC Davis School of Medicine found that children exposed to coal emissions for heating and cooking had shorter stature at 36 months compared to those in households using other fuels. The study notes that the difference is not large but indicates a possible influence on growth processes.
A new venue for imaging tests has been inaugurated for the PESA study, aiming to improve early detection and prevention of cardiovascular disorders. The research aims to identify risk factors and daily habits influencing atherosclerosis development.
A team of researchers at the University of Gothenburg has identified an enzyme called GGTase-I that, when blocked, can lead to chronic inflammation and joint destruction in mice. The study suggests that GGTase-I plays a crucial role in suppressing RAC1 activity, which is behind the development of inflammatory disorders.
A magnetic resonance scanner is being developed for airport security to detect explosives in liquids, a technology originally created to analyze wine quality. The system uses high-frequency radio waves to identify chemical structures, and has shown promise in early tests.
Researchers have discovered a genetic variation linked to lower neuropeptide Y levels, increasing stress sensitivity and emotional processing in key brain circuits. This finding may aid in identifying individuals at high risk of developing major depressive disorder, enabling targeted interventions.
Researchers propose cancer cells employ ancient genetic pathways, a 'toolkit' from 1 billion years ago, to evade control and develop resistance. This concept offers new hope for personalized medicine and potentially reveals clues about life's history.
A high-fat, high-sugar processed food diet in early childhood may lower IQ, while a healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients may boost intelligence. Research based on over 14,000 children found a strong association between dietary patterns in childhood and IQ at age 8.
Researchers are studying the unique species Amborella to learn about the evolution of flowers and their characteristics, such as drought resistance and fruit maturity. The team hopes to gain insights into how flowers diversified over time and how they respond to global warming.
A study by Cornell University social scientists suggests that differences in resources and career choices rather than sex discrimination limit women's representation in STEM fields. The researchers found no systematic evidence of sex discrimination in hiring, funding, or evaluation when men and women had similar resources.
A new meta-analysis of over 20,000 patients shows that cannabis use is associated with an earlier onset of psychotic illness by up to 2.7 years, with possible life-long consequences for brain development and mental health outcomes.
Anthropologist Jane Desmond explores how Body Worlds exhibits tolerate the public display of human corpses, idealizing them as objects of scientific curiosity. The exhibitors promote the display as an advancement in anatomy studies, using de-emotional screens and depersonalization to create a universal experience.
Researchers at Princeton University used mathematical concepts to discover new drugs for HIV and other diseases by calculating physical properties of biological molecules. The technique identified several potential new drugs that were effective against strains of HIV, offering a promising alternative to existing treatments.
A team of scientists discovered remnants of a protein-chitin complex in Paleozoic-era arthropod fossils, which could revolutionize our understanding of organic fossilization. The findings were made possible by advanced analytical instruments and suggest that the complex may play a critical role in preserving fossils.
Researchers have developed a new method for treating genetic diseases using modified mRNAs, which can be administered repeatedly without increasing the risk of cancer or severe immune reactions. In mouse models, this technique successfully restored lung function in mice with a congenital lung defect.
Research finds men and women with contact to criminal justice system have higher rate of suicide compared to general population, even without imprisonment or guilty verdict. Exposure to the justice system is independently associated with elevated suicide risk, particularly among younger individuals with violent charges.
Research on grizzly bears reveals a complex series of changes in their hearts as they hibernate, including the adaptation of a protein called myosin heavy chain. The left atrium produces more alpha protein, resulting in a weaker beat, to prevent damage from pushing against the stiffened ventricle.
A study of 1,133 children in the Czech Republic found that indoor coal use was associated with a half-inch shorter height at age 36 months compared to households using other fuel sources. Exposure to coal smoke may also impair growth through mechanisms such as endocrine disruptors.
The economic burden of dengue fever in the Western Hemisphere surpasses other viral illnesses, with estimated annual costs of $2.1 billion. Direct and indirect costs include ambulatory care, hospitalization, productivity losses, and government expenditures.
Researchers found that hematopoietic stem cells can shift between rapidly dividing and dormant states, suggesting a more equal sharing of blood cell production burden. This adaptability allows cells to respond quickly to life-threatening situations, such as bacterial infections.
Neutron analysis reveals that magnetic interactions responsible for high-temperature superconductivity occur in a next-nearest-neighbor ordering of atoms, not just adjacent ones. This discovery suggests that superconductivity shares a common magnetic origin among different materials.
Frank Millero, a leading expert in marine geochemistry, has been awarded the prestigious V.M. Goldschmidt Award for his major achievements in the field. His research focuses on understanding biogeochemical processes and the global carbon dioxide cycle in the world's oceans.
A systematic review of international evidence found that up to three-quarters of hospital tests are not followed up after discharge, posing serious safety implications for patients.
The FASEB MARC Program has awarded 5 travel grants to promote diversity in biomedical research, totaling $8,250. The awards recognize underrepresented minority students and postdoctorates participating in ABRF 2011.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University are studying the neurological functioning of cockroaches to design more efficient robots with compact builds. The insects' stable tripod gate movement and ability to adapt to terrain inspire robotics engineers to create faster and more robust robots for future space exploration.
A meta-analysis of 83 studies suggests that cannabis users develop psychosis about 2.7 years younger than non-users. The study supports the view that cannabis precipitates schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, potentially through genetic and environmental interactions or disrupting brain development.
Scientists have discovered how chocolate boosts the body's production of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), also known as 'good' cholesterol. By enhancing the activity of proteins that attach to genetic material, polyphenols in cocoa increase ApoA1 levels and decrease ApoB levels, leading to improved heart health.
Kinship caregivers often lack support services and resources, despite providing care to vulnerable children. The study found that kinship caregivers are more likely to experience lower socioeconomic status, yet receive fewer financial and training support compared to foster parents.
Scientists used single molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) techniques combined with wavelet transforms to study the AMPA receptor's behavior. They identified four distinct conformations of the receptor and found that its 'cleft' is constantly opening and closing, exploring space for neurotransmitters.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab developed a fluorescent assay that reveals the mechanism of how fluoxetine inhibits TREK1 potassium channels, a key target for antidepressants. The study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying depression and opens up potential avenues for developing improved treatments.
A new study found a link between low-dose ionizing radiation exposure from cardiac imaging and therapeutic procedures and an increased risk of incident cancer. Patients who underwent more procedures were more likely to develop cancer, particularly in the abdomen and chest areas.
Researchers have developed an approach to identify parasite genes associated with severe infection in pregnant women and children, offering new understanding of childhood malaria. Additionally, studies found that niacin can inhibit progression of atherosclerosis in mice through its receptor GPR109A expressed by immune cells.
A recent study published in BMJ Quality and Safety found that care home residents are more than four times as likely to get the wrong dose of medicine when it is in liquid form as they are when given pills/capsules. The study highlights the need for better training and systems to address this issue.
Researchers have developed a method to profile malaria-causing parasite P. falciparum, identifying genes associated with severe infection in pregnant women and children. The study aims to provide new understanding of childhood malaria severity.
Researchers at Jefferson Lab have combined data from six experiments to reveal a correlation between the EMC Effect and short-range correlations in bound neutrons. The findings suggest that there is a common cause for both effects, potentially linked to nucleon behavior.
A new study examines the effect of FDA regulations restricting outdoor tobacco advertising near schools and playgrounds. The researchers found that even smaller buffer zones would still affect a significant number of retailers, with up to 1.5 million pieces of outdoor tobacco advertising potentially removed across the country if a 1,00...
Patients with large kidney tumors benefit from nephron-sparing surgery, which preserves more kidney tissue and reduces chronic kidney disease risk. Researchers found that this approach resulted in better long-term kidney health outcomes compared to radical nephrectomy.
Researchers Pietro Cottone and Michael Silverstein have been awarded the prestigious National Institute of Mental Health Biobehavioral Research Awards for Innovative New Scientists (BRAINS) grant. They will explore mechanisms underlying addictive disorders, stress, and maternal depression using innovative approaches.
Childhood cancer researchers have identified checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1) as a potential new treatment target for neuroblastoma. By blocking CHK1 activity, chemotherapy can be made more effective against the cancer cells.
A new study found that cardiac resynchronization therapy with defibrillator (CRT-D) is significantly more beneficial for women than men in preventing heart disease. Women experienced a 70% reduction in heart failure and a 72% reduction in death, compared to 35% and 45%, respectively.
A new article outlines five phases of an imaging procedure's lifecycle, identifying distinct clinical evidence needs for each phase. The roadmap aims to foster certainty for manufacturers and stakeholders in navigating the concept-to-adoption pathway.
The FASEB MARC Program awarded 3 travel grants totaling $3000 to support underrepresented minorities at the 2011 ACSM Texas Chapter Annual Meeting. The program aims to increase diversity in biomedical research through mentorship and career development opportunities.
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln study found that viewers' fears and attitudes about crime are influenced by the type of TV show they watch. Non-fiction documentaries increase fear of becoming a victim, while fictional dramas boost support for the death penalty.
Researchers at University of Washington develop tiny, battery-powered implantable devices that bridge impaired nerve connections and promote brain recovery from injury or disease. The devices can record nerve cell activity, process it, and stimulate cells in another brain region.
The research team used single-molecule imaging to study G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and found that they can interconvert between monomers and dimers. This understanding is crucial for predicting GPCR numbers in cells and blocking signal amplification by these molecules.
Researchers found that deaf people in Nicaragua who used self-developed gestures, called homesigns, had difficulty understanding the value of large numbers. In contrast, those who acquired conventional sign language as children were able to learn the meaning of large numbers.
Rates of service use decline significantly after young adults with autism spectrum disorder exit high school. Disparities in service usage exist by race and socioeconomic status.
Researchers discovered a specific immune cell population that maintains immunity in the intestine of mice, producing anti-microbial proteins to fight infection. Elimination of these cells led to impaired immunity and ultimately mouse death.
A UT Knoxville historian is using a $50,000 NEH grant to study small village settlements in ancient Israel, which he believes were just as vibrant and dynamic as city-states.
A team of physicists at Harvard University has demonstrated the formation of semipermeable vesicles from inorganic clay, which could have played a key role in the origins of life. The clay vesicles provide an ideal container for compartmentalizing complex organic molecules.
A comprehensive public health approach is needed to address Canada's significant alcohol burden, with population-level policies and targeted interventions recommended. Estimated direct healthcare costs of alcohol in 2002 were $3.3 billion, with per capita sales rising 13% since 1996.
Researchers at UC Berkeley successfully repurposed Salmonella to safely transport virus-stopping enzymes into cells, effectively treating mice infected with cytomegalovirus. The new technique uses a live but weakened bacteria as a vector for the ribozyme that can stop the gene activity of cytomegalovirus.
A recent study by Ronni Pavan of the University of Rochester and Nathaniel Baum-Snow found that larger US cities drive growing wage gaps between the rich and poor. The study used U.S. Census data and American Community Surveys from 1980 to 2007, finding that larger metropolitan areas have experienced rapid growth in wages within all sk...
A new study by Washington University in St. Louis anthropologist Glenn Stone suggests that genetically modified Bt cotton seeds may have overemphasized crop yield gains, potentially harming sustainable farm management. The research found a modest rise in crop yields despite decreased pesticide sprayings.
Researchers at the University of Illinois found that fermented and enzyme-treated soybean meals can replace fish meal in weanling pig diets without sacrificing digestibility. These new sources are cheaper alternatives to traditional fish meal, which has seen a significant price increase.
Scientists at Hebrew University and Harvard have developed a low-cost, 'robotic' growth factor protein that speeds up wound healing. The protein responds to temperature, simplifying purification and enabling it to remain at the burn site, dramatically increasing healing rates in diabetic mice.
Scientists discovered that Rhizanthella gardneri, a critically endangered orchid, has the smallest plant chloroplast genome at 37 genes, making it essential for its parasitic lifestyle. The genome retains only four crucial proteins, allowing the orchid to survive without photosynthesis.
A team of internationally recognized molecular biologists, epidemiologists, and clinicians have been honored for their groundbreaking work on human papillomavirus (HPV) research. Their collaborative efforts have led to significant advances in understanding HPV's role in cancer development and the development of the HPV vaccine.
Scientists used synchrotron X-ray imaging to study an ancient fossilized snake, revealing details of its internal architecture. The results suggest that snakes lost their legs due to slower growth rates or a shorter evolutionary period.
Scientists have genetically modified a trial crop of banana plants to survive Tropical Race Four, a fungus that has wiped out plantations in the Northern Territory. The modified plants have been inserted with a gene that starves the fungus, preventing it from attacking the plant.
Patients with schizophrenia who take antipsychotics for extended periods may experience a measurable decrease in brain tissue over time. The study suggests that long-term antipsychotic use can contribute to progressive changes in brain volume, even after controlling for other factors.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have identified genetic variations in a hormone involved in insulin secretion that occur more frequently in some human populations. These variants are associated with higher fasting levels of blood glucose and may help scientists understand the subtle changes in human metabolism, en...
A study published in Neurology found that people with higher sun exposure and vitamin D levels were less likely to develop multiple sclerosis. The researchers also discovered that increased UV light exposure and skin damage from sun exposure reduced the risk of developing the disease.