Engineered patches with gold nanowires improve electrical conductivity and cell contraction in heart tissue, outperforming existing patches in clinical trials. The technology could be applied to other electrically excitable tissues, including the brain and spinal cord.
Scientists at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have identified that pro-survival Bcl-2 family proteins are essential for keeping megakaryocytes alive to produce platelets. Chemotherapy kills megakaryocytes by activating 'pro-death' Bcl-2 proteins, leading to a drop in platelet numbers.
Researchers suggest that smaller, faster trials with relaxed evidence criteria could lead to improved cancer patient survival and quicker access to new treatments. This approach would allow for the testing of more treatments and potentially reduce the time it takes to bring new therapies to patients.
Researchers found that the medial prefrontal cortex recruits the subthalamic nucleus to ward off impulsive urges, allowing time for informed decisions. This understanding may lead to mitigating the side effect of DBS on decision-making and developing more sophisticated treatment systems.
Researchers have identified 16 new genetic variants associated with lung function, shedding light on the molecular basis of lung diseases like COPD. The discovery could lead to targeted treatments and improved patient care.
Research reveals breast cancer tumors alter hormonal status and marker stability during relapse, impacting treatment decisions. Regular biopsies may be crucial in ensuring correct treatment and detecting other cancers or benign lesions.
Researchers discovered that ibuprofen and other NSAIDs selectively block endocannabinoid metabolism, potentially leading to new analgesic medications with fewer side effects. This finding raises the possibility of targeting inflammation and pain without the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks associated with traditional NSAIDs.
A new type of MRI scan, diffusion-weighted MRI, has been shown to be more accurate in detecting lung cancer than current PET-CT scans. This non-invasive technique measures water movement in lung tissue and can detect structural changes caused by cancer even in early stages.
Researchers found that smell receptors are grouped into distinct sites on the nasal membrane, each engaging most strongly with a particular type of scent. The intensity of reactions is linked to the odor's place on a pleasantness scale, suggesting an organizing principle for our sense of smell.
A phase III clinical trial has shown that combining everolimus and exemestane significantly improves progression-free survival for women with advanced breast cancer resistant to hormonal therapy. The combination treatment resulted in an improved survival of nearly seven months compared to women treated with only exemestane.
A study published in Nature Genetics reveals that genetic parasites invaded the mammalian genome over 100 million years ago and transformed reproductive biology. This led to the development of the placenta, which nurtures young within the womb.
Scientists have pinpointed a key genetic change that enabled the domestication of corn from its wild relative teosinte. A jumping gene insertion about 23,000 years ago increased the expression of a gene affecting plant architecture, leading to larger ears with more kernels.
A new study finds that central obesity is a risk factor for asthma in adults, with those who are both centrally obese and overall obese being at highest risk. Researchers followed over 23,000 adults without asthma for 11 years to investigate the link between belly fat and lung disease.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have successfully guided mouse stem cells into oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, which can restore myelin on nerves. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for basic research and potential therapies for multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases.
Moderate alcohol intake of 1-6 units per week reduces the risk of developing asthma by less than 4% compared to rare or no drinking. Heavy drinkers and those who prefer beer are more likely to develop asthma.
A 12-year update of the Breast International Group 1-98 trial shows that letrozole reduces the risk of breast cancer relapse by 18% and death by 21% compared to tamoxifen after surgery. The study provides long-term reassurance on the efficacy of aromatase inhibitors in preventing breast cancer recurrence.
Rapid point-of-care CD4 testing has been shown to nearly double the number of patients starting HIV treatment, while reducing dropout rates by half. This improvement is attributed to faster patient staging on-site, allowing for earlier initiation of antiretroviral therapy.
A phase III clinical trial shows that abiraterone acetate significantly improves fatigue in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The treatment also delays the progression of fatigue and has a potential survival benefit.
Cyclists inhale more black carbon than pedestrians, potentially causing lung damage, according to a study led by Professor Jonathan Grigg. The researchers found that cyclists have 2.3 times more black carbon in their lungs when compared with pedestrians.
A new trial shows that a single dose of the drug ibandronate is as effective in controlling pain from prostate cancer bone metastases as a single dose of radiotherapy. The study found no long-term difference in pain relief between the two treatments.
A study by Imperial College London found that foam therapy is over four times more cost-effective and quicker than laser treatment for varicose veins. Foam therapy allows patients to resume normal activity sooner and causes less pain.
A significant benefit of zoledronic acid was found for post-menopausal women with stage II/III breast cancer, with an overall survival rate of 85%. The drug may alter the balance of substances in the bone marrow micro-environment, potentially preventing cancer cells from spreading.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have discovered that blocking the epidermal growth factor receptor can prevent rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, a rare and debilitating kidney disease. The study also showed that certain drugs inhibiting EGF receptors may reverse the harmful effects of the disease.
A comprehensive study of Asia, Africa, and Latin America's major river basins finds that sufficient water exists to sustainably increase food production. Research suggests focusing on efficient use and rain-fed agriculture can generate two to three times more food.
Researchers found that individual birds varied their technique and dropped blades of grass less often as they gained experience. The study suggests that birds have the mental capacity to learn and develop skills through repetition.
A University of Melbourne study found that women with a strong family history of breast cancer but no genetic link are not consistently utilizing breast cancer services. They often struggle to interpret their risk and manage it effectively, leading to inadequate access to screenings and interventions.
Scientists have discovered that atmospheric gases are mixed into the Earth's mantle during subduction, providing clues to the planet's birth and evolution. The study suggests a more complex history of gas dissolution than previously thought, contradicting the idea that most Earth gases were delivered by meteorites.