Dr. Sean B. Rourke, head of the Neurobehavioural Research Unit at St. Michael's Hospital, has received $1.5 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to establish a community-based HIV/AIDS research centre across Canada.
A clinical trial testing this hypothesis should begin soon, combining chemotherapy agents with a new approach to target the immune system. The study found that blocking negative immune system activation increases the efficiency of chemotherapy.
A new drug demonstrated dramatic effects on prostate cancer that had spread to the bone, with two-thirds of patients showing improvements on their bone scans. Additionally, 67% of patients with bone pain reported improved pain control after treatment with cabozantinib.
A Tel Aviv University study found that adding fish oil to the diet of critically ill patients can reduce pressure ulcers by 20-25%. The researchers also observed a boost in the immune system and a decrease in swelling and inflammation. This natural approach may offer an alternative to conventional treatments for bedsores.
Researchers have found that nanoparticles produced by fungus A. oligospora stimulate the immune system and kill tumors, offering a potential new approach to cancer treatment. The discovery could lead to the development of novel materials for therapeutic applications.
Researchers successfully repair and read-through stop mutations responsible for Usher syndrome, offering hope for patients with the disease. The team developed gene-based treatment strategies using zinc-finger nuclease technique and aminoglycosides, which show promise in preclinical studies.
Foxes are widespread in northern and eastern Tasmania, with a predicted spread that could lead to devastating consequences for the island's wildlife. The University of Canberra team used DNA detection techniques to map their distribution and recommend targeting all highly suitable fox habitats for eradication.
Researchers used housing sales data to estimate how much home buyers are willing to pay for scenic vistas, outdoor recreation, and neighborhood tree cover. In Dakota County, home buyers were willing to pay $200-500 more per 10 percent increase in tree cover.
A new study reveals lions have lost 75% of their original natural habitat in Africa, leading to devastating declines in lion populations across the continent. The research identifies only 67 isolated regions with significant lion populations, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
Researchers at University of Cambridge create hundreds of tiny twisters on chip using quantum mechanics, controlling electron movement and light interaction to form 'polariton'. This enables precise measurement of motion and surface irregularities with sensitivity.
A new study from Concordia University found that for individuals with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), anger is a major exacerbating factor, contributing to symptoms and potentially hindering treatment. The research suggests that internalized anger expression may be a stronger predictor of GAD than other forms of anger.
Scientists using NASA satellite data and climate models have projected an increase in fire risk across the US by 2050, with more fire seasons expected to be longer and stronger. The analysis suggests that greenhouse gas emissions will lead to drier conditions favoring fire activity.
The study estimates that only 32,000 to 35,000 lions remain on the savannah, down from nearly 100,000 in 1960. The research identified 67 isolated areas of savannah with low human impacts and densities, but most are in West Africa, where lion populations have declined drastically.
Scientists at IMIM and UPF have simulated the release of HIV protease, a protein responsible for the virus's maturation process. This breakthrough could lead to the design of new antiretroviral therapies by understanding how free protease appears during the maturation process.
The overprescription of opioids is contributing to increased fatal drug overdoses and diversion to the illegal market. Researchers recommend a shift towards alternative pain management approaches.
A French study of over 26,600 men found a significant decline in semen concentration and quality between 1989 and 2005. The researchers reported a 32.2% decrease in semen concentration and a 33.4% decrease in the percentage of normally formed sperm.
Researchers at Brown University have made the first direct measurements of cause-and-effect responses between the nonspecific thalamus and the prefrontal cortex. The study reveals that inhibitory neurons respond strongly to thalamic signals, leading to a pattern of excitation in the cortex that sustains attention and arousal over time.
Recent studies suggest that moderate coffee consumption may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Epidemiological evidence shows a 25% lower risk associated with three to four cups of coffee per day.
A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men with severe periodontal disease are three times more likely to suffer from erection problems. The researchers compared 80 men aged 30 to 40 with erectile dysfunction to a control group of 82 men without erection problems.
Research by Nemours and University of Delaware teams found improved quality of life and survival in leukemia patients treated with nanoparticle-based drug delivery. The approach reduces side effects and allows precise targeting of cancer cells, offering a promising alternative to traditional chemotherapy.
A new water-resistant coating has been developed to protect historic limestone buildings from pollution and degradation. The coating, which includes fatty acids derived from olive oil and fluorinated substances, can minimize chemical reactions that cause buildings to deteriorate.
Researchers found that different strains of Borrelia burgdorferi respond differently to the immune system of white-footed mice, leading to variations in bacterial growth and prevalence. This knowledge can help scientists develop a vaccine by targeting specific proteins common to all strains.
A new paper by Stephen S. Morse and colleagues proposes a series of research and surveillance opportunities to bridge gaps in understanding zoonoses and improve pandemic prediction. The authors emphasize the need for a global early warning system to prevent emerging infections at their source.
Researchers used historical data from the Very Large Array to identify similarities between underground nuclear explosions and atmospheric disturbances. By analyzing these patterns, they found that astronomical radio telescopes could potentially spot rogue nukes, complementing GPS systems' capabilities.
A study published in JAMA found that only 21.5% of graduating medical residents reported a career plan in general internal medicine. The majority (65.3%) opted for subspecialty careers. Gender and nationality differences were observed, with women more likely to pursue generalist careers.
A recent study analyzed online campaign ads from the 2012 French and American presidential elections. The research found that American ads had a significantly higher negative tone compared to French ads. The study's findings suggest that non-professional media creators in America are pushing the boundaries of attack advertising.
Recent research at MIT shows that adding a layer of graphene to a surface has little effect on its interaction with liquids, except for extreme cases. The team's findings demonstrate the ability to manipulate wettability while preserving electrical conductivity and optical properties.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has released its annual report on the top cancer advances of 2012, showcasing significant developments in precision medicine and targeted treatments. The report highlights seven new FDA approvals for anticancer agents, including therapies for breast and prostate cancers.
A new study by UCLA researchers found that women with obstructive sleep apnea have more severe brain damage than men with the disorder. The study also revealed that women are more affected by sleep apnea and experience higher levels of depression and anxiety symptoms.
Researchers found very few genetic biomarkers for archaea and many more for species that derive from bacteria. The populations of microbes changed dramatically over a short period of time, with some species perishing and others becoming more abundant.
Hebrew University researchers discovered how Plasmodium falciparum hides its genes from the immune system by using an insulator-like DNA sequence. This breakthrough could lead to strategies to disrupt this ability and prevent malaria deaths, mainly among pregnant women and children.
A new study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation found that a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, grains, and fish can reduce the risk of recurrent heart attacks and strokes by up to 35%.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have created novel antibodies that can prevent the formation of toxic protein particles linked to diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. These antibodies bind to 10 proteins per molecule, making them more potent inhibitors than conventional antibodies.
The American College of Physicians recommends limiting upper endoscopy to patients with heartburn only when accompanied by serious symptoms or specific risk factors. The guideline aims to reduce unnecessary procedures and associated costs, while ensuring effective care for GERD patients.
GSK3-beta activates BACE1, producing amyloid beta that forms plaques, killing neural cells. Disabling GSK3-beta reduces plaque formation and improves memory in mice. A promising target for AD drug research, but its indiscriminate effects pose challenges.
The US Department of Agriculture is developing public health insecticides and devising improved application technologies to kill insects. Alternative fabrics are being designed for fire-resistant uniforms to improve protection against insects.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has been awarded a prestigious grant to establish a Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professorship in Computer Science, advancing women's participation in the field. The five-year $499,000 grant will hire a female assistant professor with a focus on mobile and distributed computing systems.
A survey of over 6,200 Finns found that there is substantial disagreement about whether certain states of being should be considered diseases, influencing public funding and policy decisions. The results highlight the complexities of defining disease and its impact on social debates.
Researchers at the Salk Institute developed a new technique called indirect lineage conversion (ILC), which allows for faster and safer production of stem cells. ILC reduces production time by over half, from two months to two weeks, and increases cell yields, making it a promising step towards regenerative medicine therapies.
A Michigan State University research team discovered that doctors who listen carefully to their patients have happier patients with better health outcomes. The study found that patient-centered relationships reduce brain activity in the anterior insula, a region responsible for pain perception, and lead to lower self-reported pain levels.
Kessler Foundation marks 20 years of promoting inclusivity and accessibility through rehabilitation research and training. Researchers collaborate with global partners to develop innovative interventions for people with disabilities, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and brain injury.
A study by Adam Galinsky reveals that racial and gender stereotypes overlap, influencing interracial marriage, leadership selection, and athletic participation. The findings suggest that considering the intersection of race and gender can help understand how stereotypes impact important decisions.
A new study claims that forest canopy structure is a more important factor in infrared reflection than leaf nitrogen levels. The researchers found that the complex arrangement of leaves within a forest can mask the effect of individual leaf nitrogen levels on infrared radiation.
A team of scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery about the role of brassinosteroid hormone in plant organ development, shedding light on how plants form their organs and boundaries. The research found that activation of the brassinosteroid pathway represses genes responsible for organ boundary formation, leading to fused organs.
Researchers at Western University have made a breakthrough in understanding diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), a common form of arthritis affecting six to 12 percent of North Americans. The team discovered a mouse model that resembles DISH, pointing to the role of adenosine in causing abnormal mineralization.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota's Center for Drug Design developed a synthetic compound, psi-GSH, that prevents neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease in a mouse model. The compound enables the brain to use its own protective enzyme system against the disease process.
Researchers at the University of Iowa discovered that cancer cells are surprisingly resilient to fluid forces in the bloodstream, which could help improve liquid biopsy approaches for detecting cancer cells. The study's findings suggest that resistance to fluid shear stress may be a key characteristic of malignant cells.
Research from USC finds that expectant mothers' beliefs about family roles predict higher birthweights and lower asthma rates in their children. The study suggests that cultural values can provide tangible physical health benefits.
Researchers have discovered that lithium restores cognitive function in Down syndrome mice, while stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons improve motor defects in Parkinson's disease monkeys. Additionally, inhibiting a key protein in Alzheimer's disease may reduce plaque formation and improve memory tasks. Moreover, tempering inflammati...
Researchers found that ovarian cancer patients who took metformin lived significantly longer than those who did not, with a 3.7 times increased survival rate after accounting for other factors. The study suggests metformin may be considered for prevention or treatment of ovarian cancer.
A study of over 33,000 outpatient male veterans found that a longer duration of antimicrobial treatment did not reduce the risk of early or late recurrence of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The optimal treatment duration for UTI in men is currently unknown.
Sanford-Burnham researchers found that two microRNA families, let-7 and miR-18, regulate germ layer formation by dampening the TGFβ signaling pathway. This discovery provides a paradigm for whole-genome screening and its use in identifying molecular signals controlling complex biological processes.
A study published in CMAJ found that women with PCOS taking combined oral contraceptives have a 2-fold increased risk of venous thromboembolism compared to matched controls. The risk is similar when expanding the definition of PCOS by including its symptoms and treatment.
A new study by King's College London has identified the RASGRF2 gene as a key player in regulating alcohol-induced reinforcement, with individuals carrying the variation more likely to engage in binge drinking. The research also found that the absence of this gene reduces alcohol-seeking activity and impairs brain function.
Curiosity rover analyzed its first solid sample of Mars using the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument suite. The analysis included separating molecules, identifying chemicals, and detecting volatiles and isotopes to search for signs of life.
A study suggests removing sea defenses in low-lying coastal areas could reduce the impact of flooding associated with rising sea levels. The research highlights the need for strategic planning to balance flood protection and erosion control.
Researchers used hatchery technology to test the impact of DWH oil on mahi mahi embryos, finding that even low levels of PAHs can cause significant physiological damage. The study also revealed that photo-enhanced toxicity can increase sensitivity by up to 20-fold, affecting fish swimming performance and survival.
The Pipeline embolization device shows encouraging results in patients with certain types of difficult-to-treat brain aneurysms, including a 68% complete blockage rate. However, the data also show substantial risks, including major complications and fatal bleeding, particularly for aneurysms in specific locations.
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill provided valuable lessons for future response efforts, emphasizing the importance of preparation and knowledge. Papers present a behind-the-scenes look at the extensive scientific and engineering effort assembled to respond to the disaster, evaluating the accuracy of information used in real-time.
Scientists from VIB and KU Leuven discovered a new target molecule to develop a treatment against Alzheimer's disease. β-arrestin 2 plays a role in regulating the γ-secretase complex function and development of the disease. This research opens a new avenue for treating the disease at an early stage.