A type of herpesvirus infection of the eye has been found to be associated with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in the elderly. The virus triggers the production of vascular endothelial growth factor, leading to retinal tissue destruction and vision loss.
A major new trial aims to provide clear guidance on whether home oxygen therapy should be offered routinely to patients with chronic heart failure. The study will measure factors such as patient quality of life, exercise ability, and breathlessness to determine the effectiveness of hot.
Biologist Robert van Woesik is studying contagiousness of coral diseases, testing for clustering and transmissibility in two Caribbean locations. Understanding the etiology can inform human intervention to reduce disease prevalence.
A National Institutes of Health study reveals that up to 42% of antimalarial drugs are either poor quality or fake, compromising treatment efficacy and spreading drug resistance. The research emphasizes the need for improved quality control measures and regulatory oversight to protect vulnerable populations.
A significant percentage of COPD patients (44%) report troublesome dyspnea during sexual activity, limiting their sex life. Depression and poor well-being are also prevalent among both COPD and heart failure patients, with high levels reported in the study.
UCLA researchers have developed a method to stabilize proteins using polymers, which could lead to improved protein-based therapeutics. The study found that attaching the polymer to the protein resulted in better stability during lyophilization and heat treatment.
A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that melanin, a pigment found in cuttlefish and squid, remains intact in 160-million-year-old fossils. This finding suggests that the ink-screen escape mechanism of cephalopods has not evolved since the Jurassic period.
A study published in Archives of Dermatology suggests that vigorous physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of psoriasis in US women. Participating in at least 20.9 MET-hours of vigorous exercise per week may reduce the risk by 25-30%. The study found no association between walking and psoriasis risk.
Researchers have found that a Purdue-developed transgenic tomato allows more calcium to be free and mobile in tomato cells, significantly reducing the occurrence of blossom end rot. The study shows that up to 70% less blossom end rot occurs in Handa's transgenic tomatoes compared to non-engineered tomatoes
Researchers found that hunter-gatherers like the Tsimane people in Bolivia have lower age-related increases in blood pressure and less risks of atherosclerosis. The Tsimane diet is high in fruits, vegetables, and potassium, and low in calories, salt, and alcohol. This study challenges traditional views on modernization's impact on health.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a minimally invasive technique to detect pancreatic cancer in the nearby small intestine using a light probe. The study found that this technology can detect all 10 pancreatic cancers tested, with high accuracy rates and potential for early detection without invasive procedures.
Researchers found that T cell imbalance increases risk for gastrointestinal infection recurrence, particularly in C. difficile cases. Patients with recurrent infections had higher levels of regulatory and TH17 cells, which could lead to targeted molecular therapies.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have identified apolipoprotein A-IV (apoA-IV) as a promising target for a new diabetes treatment. The study found that apoA-IV improves insulin secretion and reduces blood sugar levels in mice with impaired glucose tolerance.
A study found that students with Caucasian male names were more likely to get an appointment, but only if they requested a meeting for next week. In contrast, appointments scheduled for the same day were equally likely for all groups.
A randomized clinical trial found that moderate weight loss can significantly reduce levels of circulating estrogens associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The study, published by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, showed that losing just 5% of one's total body weight had a beneficial impact on hormone levels.
Researchers found that clots are extremely rare in otherwise healthy children who suffer traumatic fractures. The study suggests that preemptive anti-coagulant medications should be reserved for children with underlying conditions that increase clotting risk.
A new study by Matthew Cain shows that despite biases, investment banks provide important information for the M&A advisory process. The study analyzes over 500 fairness opinion valuations and finds they can be useful for boards of directors in evaluating merger proposals.
Tropical Storm Alberto formed on May 19, 2012, off South Carolina's coast, with NASA's TRMM and Aqua satellites monitoring its development. The storm strengthened to 50 mph by Sunday, but then weakened to 40 mph by Monday morning.
Researchers found that a high-fat diet encourages more eating and fat storage by spurring new neurons in the hypothalamus, a key area for regulating hunger and body weight. This neurogenesis is critical in regulating weight gain and fat storage.
The updated Berlin Definition of ARDS combines consensus discussions with empirical evaluation to improve predictive validity and mortality prediction. The new definition identifies stages of mild, moderate, and severe ARDS associated with increased mortality rates.
Rutgers scientists found that surgical removal of abdominal fat from obese mice fed a high-fat diet reduces UV-induced skin cancer risk. The study suggests that removing original fat tissue may reduce the biochemical properties of new fat tissue, leading to less harmful cancer risks.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that nighttime intensivist physician staffing is associated with reduced mortality in ICUs with a low-intensity daytime staffing model. However, this benefit was not observed in ICUs with high-intensity daytime staffing models.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute discover von Economo neurons in macaque monkeys, suggesting a primitive form of self-awareness. The finding opens new avenues for studying brain regions involved in human self-awareness and mental disorders like autism.
Research published in Circulation suggests that prolonged QRS duration is a significant predictor of sudden cardiac death in men. The study, which tracked 2,049 Finnish men for 19 years, found that even slight delays in electrical impulses through the heart can increase the risk of SCD.
Researchers will assess climate change impacts on biodiversity, habitats, and ecosystem services in Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia. They aim to identify sustainable options for communities coping with climate change.
A study found that behavioral support from peers and primary care office staff can help patients with poor blood pressure control improve their blood pressure levels by as much as starting a new drug. The intervention reduced systolic pressure by 7.2mmHg in the treatment group compared to 0.8mmHg in the control group.
Ellen Jo Baron has been recognized with the 2012 ASM Founders Distinguished Service Award for her decades-long commitment to promoting clinical microbiology and ensuring excellence in laboratory practice worldwide. Baron's extensive service includes volunteering with the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services Clinical Laboratory Imp...
A study by Johns Hopkins University and The National Aquarium found that captive dolphins have lower levels of mercury in their systems compared to wild dolphins. This difference was attributed to the diet of the captive animals, which consisted mainly of small fish from North Atlantic waters with lower mercury pollution levels.
The American Gastroenterological Association honors outstanding contributions and achievements in gastroenterology through its prestigious recognition awards. The AGA presents several awards, including the Julius Friedenwald Medal, William Beaumont Prize, Distinguished Educator Award, and more.
Studies presented at DDW 2012 explored new high-definition colonoscopes, self-assembling magnets for endoscopic bypass, and capsule endoscopes. These innovations showed increased accuracy and decreased cost or invasiveness of procedures, with potential benefits including reduced costs and fewer complications.
The report shows facility prices outpaced general inflation, driving health spending growth among the privately insured. Per capita spending on healthcare services averaged $4,255 in 2010, with hospital and ambulatory care facility prices rising 5.1% and 10.1%, respectively.
A randomized trial of 829 patients with Bell palsy found that prednisolone treatment significantly reduced mild and moderate sequelae at 12 months. The study also showed that valacyclovir alone did not affect the severity of sequelae, while the combination of prednisolone plus valacyclovir did not offer additional benefits.
Researchers created a new anti-cancer drug named BP-1-102 that targets the Stat3 protein, which triggers cancer development in various types. The drug remains effective even when administered orally, unlike most current treatments requiring intravenous injection.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that doctors who dictated their patient notes had significantly worse quality of care compared to those who used structured documentation. Doctors who used free-text notes had better quality of care in providing influenza vaccinations.
Researchers from the University of Minnesota and Washington University found that folic acid fortification of grain products does not increase childhood cancer rates but may be protective against certain cancers. A notable decrease in Wilms tumor and primitive neuroectodermal tumor was observed following the start of fortification.
Researchers have identified a gene strongly linked to appetite regulation as a predictor of premature infants' feeding readiness. The NPY2R biomarker in saliva declines with maturity, allowing non-invasive testing for optimal feeding care.
Researchers have elucidated the structure of type III secretion system needles at atomic resolution, revealing similarities in their inner part while surface variability evades host recognition. This discovery enables new insights into pathogen immune evasion and prospects tailored antiinfectives to block needle assembly.
Researchers from NC State University have devised a method to improve data transmission quality and efficiency in mobile ad hoc networks. The approach uses an algorithm that predicts the strongest relay path and adjusts the data transmission rate accordingly.
Researchers studied thale cress under high temperature conditions, finding that plants with reduced stomata exhibit greater water loss and leaf evaporative cooling. This adaptation may promote the diffusion of water vapor from stomata, cooling the plant.
A new device developed by researchers in Israel can reveal vital medical information from a single drop of blood in real-time. Using spectrally encoded confocal microscopy, the device creates high-resolution images of individual blood cells flowing through veins without the need for fluorescent dyes.
A study published in Comunicación y Sociedad found that consumption of political information is linked to more moderate and positive opinions about politics and politicians. The study showed that scientists are the most trusted profession, while politicians are the least.
A new design method called Kaleidogami uses computational algorithms to create precisely folded structures, enabling the creation of morphing robotic mechanisms and shape-shifting sculptures. The method also has potential applications in architecture, such as designing vaulted ceilings and retractable roofs.
A new study found that folic acid fortification of foods may lower the incidence of certain types of childhood cancer in the US. Incidence reductions were found for Wilms' tumor and primitive neuroectodermal tumors, two types of cancer previously associated with neural tube defects.
The USPSTF recommends against PSA-based screening for all men regardless of age, citing significant harms associated with the test. The Task Force concludes that the benefits of screening do not outweigh the risks, which include unnecessary treatments and life-long adverse effects.
The special issue on 3D Object Retrieval will incorporate the Collage Authoring Environment, allowing authors to embed executable code and data into their papers. This enables verified results and improves peer-review, leading to faster knowledge dissemination in fast-moving fields like Computer Graphics.
Researchers found that surface layer proteins of C. difficile produce a different cytokine response in patients with recurrent infection compared to those with initial onset. This suggests a more chronic inflammatory process, potentially leading to continuous or re-infection.
New research presents key insights into preventing and treating bowel diseases, which affect millions worldwide. Studies show that dietary additives, hormone replacement therapy, and even high-altitude travel may cause or exacerbate these diseases.
A team of scientists has developed a new strategy to reactivate genes that cause cancer tumors to shrink and die. The researchers found that inhibiting the PAD4 enzyme can effectively target unhealthy, cancerous tissue without damaging healthy tissues.
A team of scientists, including U-M's Stephen Smith, will attempt to complete the first rough draft of the entire tree of life in a three-year project. The Open Tree of Life project aims to enable scientists to interpret evolution patterns and predict responses to environmental change.
A new study by Durham University found that modern dog breeds have little in common with their ancient ancestors due to thousands of years of cross-breeding. The research analyzed genetic data from 1,375 dogs and showed that even breeds labeled as 'ancient' are not closer to the first domestic dogs.
A new study from the UK shows that completion of pulmonary rehabilitation significantly improves survival in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients who completed rehabilitation had a higher level of response in exercise capacity and a significant survival advantage compared to those who did not complete re...
Scientists from WHOI conducted a new study measuring carbon levels at various depths in the Arctic Ocean. The data will help researchers understand how carbon cycles through the marine ecosystem and respond to rising global temperatures.
Tropical Depression 03W is expected to strengthen as it approaches Guam, with NASA's TRMM satellite detecting a hot tower at 15 kilometers high. The storm will bring rain and gusty winds to the island over the next couple of days.
Massachusetts General Hospital surgeons developed a new technique using cryopreserved aortas to reconstruct the larynx, allowing patients to maintain voice and swallowing function without immunosuppressive medications. The procedure was successful in removing postoperative tracheotomy tubes and resuming breathing normally.
A study of 27 orthopedic surgery residents found that they were functioning at less than 80% mental effectiveness due to fatigue during 48% of their awake time. Residents who worked night shifts slept an average of 5.1 hours daily, highlighting the prevalence and variability of resident fatigue.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered a protein that regulates brain development by blocking Notch proteins. The discovery, published in Developmental Cell, sheds light on developmental disorders and conditions involving new neuron generation.
Researchers found that rats exposed to vinclozolin as fetuses showed increased anxiety, sensitivity to stress, and altered brain activity in their third-generation offspring. This study suggests epigenetic transgenerational inheritance may play a role in the development of post-traumatic stress syndrome and other mental disorders.
A study found that older adults with asthma have a higher proportion of airway inflammation compared to younger patients, despite similar treatment regimens. This could be due to underlying airway inflammation being relatively resistant to current anti-inflammatory therapies.
A new report emphasizes the importance of mathematics in industry, highlighting various applications such as business analytics and optimization, manufacturing design, and financial risk analysis. The report also stresses the need to connect academic, government, and industrial scientists to better meet real-world demands.
A new study published in Communication Research found that playing violent shooting video games improves firing accuracy and influences players to aim for the head when using a real gun. Players who played violent games hit targets 33% more often and shot at the head 99% more frequently.