This special issue of Gastroenterology focuses on the latest progress made in viral hepatitis research and care, including new diagnostic tools, therapies, and prevention strategies. Classic review articles and expert commentaries address critical unresolved issues and fundamental questions for the future.
Researchers at Temple University and State University of New York Buffalo have published groundbreaking techniques for detecting biological threats using electricity-free devices. The articles, sponsored by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, provide a safer world by reducing the threat of weapons of mass destruction.
A cancer vaccine targeting MUC1 glycoprotein significantly increased survival when combined with the drug letrozole in mice. The findings suggest a promising new approach to combating cancer using immunotherapy.
Research shows bacteria adapt by sharing waste and resources with each other to improve community functioning, contrary to competing for individual benefits. This cooperative behavior leads to better collective resource breakdown and improved ecosystem performance.
A national study shows fertility increasing for older, highly educated women since the 1990s, while childlessness declined by roughly 5 percentage points. The study suggests possible explanations, including changes in childcare expenses and men taking more responsibility for childcare.
Researchers have created a highly sensitive biosensor that can detect biomolecules without the need for a reference electrode, enabling miniaturization and low-cost applications. The device has potential applications in personalized medicine and early cancer diagnosis.
A study found that African countries with more intense PEPFAR assistance experienced lower all-cause adult mortality rates, with an estimated 740,914 deaths averted. The initiative also showed significant reductions in HIV-specific deaths.
A multicenter study found that the Breast Imaging and Reporting Data Systems (BI-RADS) terminology used by radiologists is useful in predicting malignancy in breast lesions detected with MRI. Features such as irregular shape, spiculated margins, and marked enhancement are most predictive of cancer.
A new surgical technique has restored some hand function to a quadriplegic patient with a spinal cord injury, allowing for basic independence. The procedure involves rerouting working nerves in the upper arms and can potentially benefit patients with C6 and C7 spinal cord injuries.
The National Psoriasis Foundation has awarded a record $2.06 million in grants to 26 scientists studying psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, aiming to advance knowledge and lead to new treatments. The foundation's mission is to find a cure for these autoimmune diseases through research, advocacy, and education.
A Phase III clinical trial found lenalidomide treatment decreased the risk of progressive myeloma or death in stem cell transplant patients, with a 63 percent reduction in disease progression risk. The study's results support the use of lenalidomide maintenance therapy after stem cell transplantation to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers have identified an unexpected source of diabetic neuropathy pain in laboratory rats with diabetes: changes in the structure of dendritic spines. This finding suggests a potential therapeutic strategy by targeting abnormal spines to alleviate pain.
Researchers discovered a link between the metabolic system and brain activity in anxiety disorders, finding that increasing Glo1 expression lowers methylglyoxal levels, reducing anxiety behaviors. A small molecule inhibitor of Glo1 showed promise in reducing anxiety-like symptoms in mice.
Researchers linked air pollution exposure to increased risk of cardiovascular problems, as shown by significant reductions in blood clotting and inflammation biomarkers during the Beijing Olympics. The study provides evidence that even short-term air pollution reduction improves cardiovascular health.
A new study by Stanford University School of Medicine researchers found that the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) contributed to a significant decline in adult death rates from all causes in Africa. The program saved over 740,000 lives between 2004 and 2008 in nine countries targeted by PEPFAR.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that engineering students who used design tools such as SMART boards were more successful in meeting project goals. The researchers discovered that these tools promoted better working memory and flexible thinking among students, leading to improved performance.
A recent study found that 54% of microwaves in the UK are disposed of for cosmetic reasons or minor faults, and 85% can be safely repaired. Simple design changes could prevent these issues altogether, reducing waste and conserving resources.
A comprehensive list of genes associated with schizophrenia has been identified, enabling the development of a predictive test that can estimate an individual's risk of developing the disease. The test, which predicts schizophrenia risk in about two-thirds of cases, holds promise for early intervention and treatment.
A recent study found that women fare better than men after surgical removal of a cancerous kidney, with fewer post-operative complications, including hospital deaths. However, women are more likely to receive blood transfusions related to their surgery due to the higher rates of bleeding during and after the procedure.
A recent study suggests a positive correlation between tumor size and chemotherapy efficacy in surgically resected patients with node-negative non-small cell lung cancer. The study found no clear threshold for tumor size that correlated with a benefit from chemotherapy.
A new study found that contrast-enhanced ultrasound is a highly effective method for monitoring patients after endovascular repair for abdominal aortic aneurysms. The technique offers real-time exploration without ionizing radiation or kidney damage, supporting its integration in EVAR follow-up.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding correlated electron dynamics by observing double ionization events at the attosecond scale. They found that these events occur earlier than expected, shedding new light on quantum dynamics.
A study in mice found a connection between obesity and elevated blood sugar levels, potentially leading to new treatments for Type 2 diabetes. The research suggests that targeting glucagon, a pancreas-produced hormone, may be an effective pathway to lowering sugar levels.
Researchers at Ohio State University have combined different climate models using spatial statistics to project future seasonal temperature changes in North America. The analysis estimates that average land temperatures will rise around 2.5 degrees Celsius by 2070, with regional temperature rises varying across seasons and regions.
A study found that brief conversations about healthy dialysis lifestyles increased patient satisfaction scores by 12% and improved compliance rates. Researchers used a 'talking control support therapy' approach, where health professionals had informal chats with patients while they underwent dialysis.
Research reveals a link between Glyoxylase 1 and increased anxiety in mice, with implications for potential therapeutic targets. Additionally, studies provide hope for new treatments for the rare disease Beare-Stevens syndrome and graft versus host disease.
Researchers studied a giant pliosaur specimen from the Upper Jurassic and discovered signs of an arthritis-like disease that eroded its left jaw joint. The animal, believed to be an old female, lived with a crooked jaw for many years, still able to hunt despite its condition.
Purdue researchers create new metamaterials by replacing traditional metals with aluminum-doped zinc oxide, offering improved performance and semiconductor compatibility. This breakthrough enables the development of ultra-powerful microscopes, advanced sensors, and more efficient solar collectors.
The MetLife Foundation Awards for Medical Research in Alzheimer's Disease recognize novel approaches to understanding and treating the disease. The winners, Dr. Clifford Jack Jr., Dr. Christine Van Broeckhoven, and Dr. Randall Bateman, have made significant discoveries that clarify our understanding of Alzheimer's disease.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that genetic factors explain some variation in people's political attitudes and economic decisions. However, the effects of individual genetic variants are tiny and scattered across the genome, making it difficult to predict economic and political preferences.
The National Geographic Emerging Explorers program recognizes young trailblazers in various fields who are pushing boundaries of discovery, adventure, and global problem-solving. The 2012 class includes cyborg anthropologist Amber Case, digital storyteller Lucy Cooke, and behavioral ecologist Iain Couzin.
The US Navy is conducting a multinational effort to clear the Baltic Sea of underwater mines, highlighting the importance of Undersea Medicine for national security. This field, designated a National Naval Responsibility, aims to protect America's undersea warriors from hazards like oxygen toxicity and decompression sickness.
A recent study found racial disparities in the results of radical prostatectomy for African American patients compared to white patients. The researchers identified five areas where African Americans had poorer outcomes, including blood transfusions, complications during and after surgery, and prolonged hospital stays.
A 71-year-old man regained partial thumb and finger movement after undergoing nerve transfer surgery to bypass a cervical spinal cord injury. The procedure, described as reducing the severity of the injury by placing healthy motor nerves close to damaged ones, took less time than traditional repair methods.
A study examines adaptive abilities in children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure and/or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The findings indicate similarities in the relation between executive function and adaptive abilities among children with ADHD or PAE, but with different patterns of abilities.
The PULSE program seeks faculty members to lead a national effort to stimulate systemic change in undergraduate biology education, building on the 2011 Vision and Change report. The initiative aims to modernize the approach to undergraduate education in the life sciences.
North Carolina State University researchers have developed a new way to fine-tune wireless power transfer receivers, making the systems more efficient. The system uses electronics to precisely re-tune the receivers in real-time, addressing the problem of minor changes affecting power transmission.
Research published by the American Psychological Association reveals that female terrorists are more likely to be educated and employed than previously thought. The study found that women tend to have individual motivations for joining terrorist groups, rather than collective engagement, and often have family connections to terrorism.
A new study published in Population Health Management projects that 53.1 million Americans will have diabetes by 2025, a 64% increase from 2010. The Diabetes 2025 Model can estimate the impact of lifestyle changes and interventions on reducing diabetes burden.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital identified a tumor-propagating cell required for growth in a pediatric muscle tumor model. Another type of differentiated tumor cell must first colonize new areas to prime an environment for metastatic growth.
Researchers found that a combination of alpha-lipoic acid and N-acetylcysteine can reduce DNA breaks and chromosome instability in Fanconi anemia patients by at least 60%. This treatment may help block or delay the progression of the disease.
New research from the University of Warwick found that people are more likely to invest in someone whose face is perceived as trustworthy. Even when given negative information about a person's reputation, participants invested 6% more in those with trustworthy-looking faces.
Two US Army physicians, Col. Gregory J. Argyros and Alan J. Magill, were inducted as Masters in the American College of Physicians for their contributions to internal medicine through teaching, research, and medical practice. The honors recognize the Army's commitment to board certification, continuing education, and exceptional patien...
Researchers found that tenasin-C gene expression and nodule size can predict lung cancer with improved accuracy. The study used bronchoscopic microsampling to collect fluid from lung nodules, showing promise for a less invasive diagnostic technique.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have developed a new technique to accurately measure gas bubbles in pipelines. By analyzing phase speeds and attenuations, they can estimate the bubble size distribution, crucial for preventing 'blow outs' that led to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
A research team identified a comprehensive group of genes linked to schizophrenia and developed a prototype predictive test that can accurately assess an individual's risk of developing the disease. The test was able to predict schizophrenia risk in about two-thirds of cases, providing guidance for early intervention and treatment.
A recent study found that 54% of patients with stage two and three rectal cancer did not receive treatment consistent with guidelines. The study, published in Clinical Oncology, also showed significant regional variation in treatment patterns across Alberta.
An international treaty is proposed to address global health research and development issues, ensuring coherence, fairness, efficiency, and sustainability. The treaty aims to provide fair contributions and benefit sharing from all countries, generating a globally sustainable system.
A new study found that safer partial nephrectomy surgery is less common among older, sicker, and poorer patients who rely on Medicare or Medicaid for care. This disparity may be due to limited access to care or lower proficiency in performing the advanced surgical technique.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered that a widely available fungicide can inhibit steroid production in plants, resulting in smaller, more efficient varieties. These 'dwarfed' plants could significantly reduce agriculture's environmental footprint and costs for seed producers.
A study by Vladimir Filimonov and Didier Sornette challenges the existence of power laws governing stock market volatility, volume, and intertrade times. They found that 'switching points' are actually caused by biased interpretation of market data statistics.
A new study found that patients undergoing radical prostatectomy surgery in accredited teaching hospitals with residency programs experienced fewer complications than those in non-teaching institutions. Those with private insurance also had better outcomes. The study suggests that specialized care and peer-review processes may contribu...
The study found that prenatal multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) combined with early food supplementation reduced infant mortality rates. Infants in the early invitation with MMS group had a lower risk of death compared to those receiving usual invitation with 60 mg of iron and 400 μg of folic acid.
LA BioMed has received a Grand Challenges Explorations grant to develop an innovative treatment for premature infants using aerosolized synthetic lung surfactant. The project aims to reduce breathing problems in preterm babies by providing a non-invasive approach.
Scientists at UC San Diego mapped omega-3 fatty acid processes in mouse cells, discovering that they inhibit an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX) and potentially generating anti-inflammatory compounds from EPA and DHA. This finding suggests possible manipulation to short-circuit inflammation or boost health benefits.
A new biomarker, PEAK1, has been identified for pancreatic cancer, a disease with low survival rates. Inhibition of PEAK1-dependent signaling sensitizes PDAC cells to existing chemotherapies.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that pre-birth exposure to tenofovir did not increase birth defects or growth abnormalities among infants born to African HIV-positive women. The researchers analyzed data from the DART trial and found no adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes or infant health.
A new study by UMD researchers provides a tool for tracing sulfur compounds through ocean organisms, atmosphere, and land, potentially proving or disproving the Gaia theory. The discovery reveals differences in sulfur compound metabolism that carry implications for tracking dimethylsulfide emissions and climate regulation.
Researchers identified a cell surface protein ganglioside GD2 that flags breast cancer stem cells as potent tumor-generating cells. A small molecule drug triptolide inhibits GD3 synthase, essential to GD2 production, and stymies cancer growth in preclinical tests.
Researchers have discovered high levels of sulphur and iron compounds in shipwrecks off the west coast of Sweden, including warships and Viking vessels. The presence of toxic hydrogen sulphide poses a risk to wooden hulls and requires special conservation procedures to prevent damage.