Researchers developed a method to induce transient ischemia during non-surgical interventional cardiac procedures, boosting adenovector gene transfection by over 100 fold. Cardium Therapeutics' Generx product candidate is being tested in a 100-patient Phase 3 trial for patients with myocardial ischemia and stable angina.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has released five new studies at its upcoming annual meeting, including those on precision medicine and cancer's genetic weak spots. These studies demonstrate improvements in treatment for aggressive cancers and provide valuable tools to lessen the side effects of cancer treatment.
Two Johns Hopkins psychiatrists argue that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) needs radical change due to its current 'field guide' form, which provides checklists of symptoms but lacks underlying causes. The manual's limitations make it difficult for clinicians to direct treatment or investigate disorders.
Researchers found a strong association between early drug and alcohol use and lower levels of educational attainment. The study of over 6,000 male twins found that those who started drinking or using drugs before age 14 were less likely to finish college.
Scientists at Linköping University have developed a method to precisely control the threshold voltage of plastic transistors, a crucial property for their use in logic circuits. By modifying the gate electrode material, they were able to reduce the threshold voltage by up to 0.9V.
At EuroPCR 2012, expert panel discussions highlighted the potential for interventional cardiologists to support stroke patients with mechanical thrombectomy. Keynote speakers emphasized the need for education and training in interventional neuroradiology to ensure timely care for these patients.
Researchers are working on a space-based solar power system that can beam energy back to Earth through microwaves or lasers, providing a constant delivery of solar energy. The project aims to target remote areas difficult to reach by traditional means, such as disaster zones or outlying regions.
Researchers at UCLA have mapped the damaged connections in Phineas Gage's brain, revealing widespread damage to white matter pathways. The study, published in PLoS ONE, suggests that the disruption of these connections had a significant impact on Gage's personality and behavior.
A study by Elif Izberk-Bilgin explores how Muslim consumers in Turkey perceive global brands as 'infidels' due to sociopolitical dynamics. Consumers engage in boycotts to moralize the market and promote products reflecting their values, such as gender-segregated resorts.
Researchers have developed a new series of drugs that target the fox tapeworm, which causes rare but life-threatening disease in humans. The drugs, derived from anti-cancer agents, show potential in killing the parasite and treating the disease.
A GPS device provides ten data points per second, allowing for accurate evaluation of soccer players' acceleration, speed, distance covered, and workload indicators. The study found that midfielders have the highest number of accelerations and high-intensity movements during sprints.
A recent study from Fox Chase Cancer Center found that nearly half of the research presented at ASCO's annual meeting came from researchers with industry ties. The study suggests a growing dependence on industry funding for cancer research, highlighting the need to investigate potential conflicts of interest.
A collaborative study is exploring the proteome of triple negative breast cancers to identify new drug therapies and diagnostic tools. The researchers aim to understand how cancer cells operate and find proteins that could suggest treatment options.
A meta-analysis confirms statins reduce major vascular events by 21% in those with low risk of vascular disease. Statin therapy outweighs known side effects, suggesting current guidelines may need revision.
A new University of Miami study reveals that one in three children who have an older sibling with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibit higher levels of autism-related behaviors or lower levels of developmental progress. Typically developing siblings may face subtle forms of ASD-related problems, such as lower back-and-forth play a...
A McLean Hospital study found that an herbal extract from the Chinese herb kudzu significantly reduces drinking and slows the pace of consumption. The study's lead author suggests that puerarin, a key component of the kudzu root, may be useful in treating alcoholism and curbing binge drinking.
A new study finds that girl child marriage rates have declined in some South Asian countries, including India, Nepal, and Pakistan, but not among older girls. The rate of marriages among girls under 14 has decreased significantly, while those between 16-17 years old show little change.
Researchers have developed a novel microscopy method to visualize cell structures in living fish larvae, resolving structures to 145 nm in the plane and 400 nm in-between. The technique allows for real-time observation of cell motion and development of vertebrates on the cellular level.
A paralyzed woman was able to sip from a drink on her own for the first time in nearly 15 years using a thought-controlled robotic arm. The BrainGate neural interface system, which records brain signals and turns them into digital commands, showed significant promise in clinical trials.
A new study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that virtual exercise partners can significantly improve motivation and performance. Women who exercised with a more capable virtual partner cycled an average of two minutes longer than those who worked out alone, and reported no decline in motivation to exercise.
The FAME II trial demonstrates that targeting treatment to patients with ischemia significantly reduces the need for revascularisation. Patients without ischemia can be successfully managed using optimal medical treatment alone.
Scientists have created a new, inexpensive paper-based urine test to monitor glucose levels in areas with limited healthcare access. The device detects glucose levels using a simple enzyme reaction and can be built quickly, making it an ideal solution for rural India and other developing countries.
A phase II clinical trial found that abiraterone acetate, a hormone-depleting drug, can nearly eliminate or eliminate tumors in patients with aggressive cancers isolated to the prostate gland. The study showed promising results, encouraging further research into new treatments for high-risk prostate cancer.
Researchers at Brown University have made significant advances in brain-computer interfaces, allowing people with paralysis to control robotic arms in three-dimensional space. Participants were able to perform tasks such as reaching for foam targets, picking up objects, and even serving themselves coffee using only their brain signals.
Researchers have discovered compartmentalized neural activity in nematode neurons, which enables movement and encodes body position. This finding has significant implications for understanding neurological disorders like schizophrenia and developing potential treatments.
Biologists at UC San Diego have engineered algae to produce potential candidates for a malaria vaccine. The use of algae can lead to a cheaper and more accessible vaccine, as it can be grown in ponds or bathtubs anywhere in the world.
Taiwanese doctors use gene transfer to treat children with a rare neurological disease, restoring movement and improving cognitive development. The treatment has implications for Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Suicide rates among psychiatric in-patients have fallen by 29-31% between 1997 and 2008, according to a new study. Young patients and those with schizophrenia saw the largest declines. However, the risk of suicide for recently discharged patients may have increased over the same period.
Researchers from Japan and Karlsruhe have successfully used a synthetic photoreceptor to stimulate plant growth and development, regardless of exposure to light. This breakthrough could lead to improved agricultural practices and more efficient biomass production.
Researchers have found evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in brain tissue from blast-exposed military service personnel. The study discovered that exposure to a single blast equivalent to an IED results in CTE and long-term brain impairments, with the blast wind leading to traumatic brain injury.
A new study found that specific planning is less effective for achieving multiple goals due to increased obstacles and constraints. However, people who thought others had more goals than they did were more likely to benefit from planning and see their own goals as manageable.
A new treatment regimen, accelerated MVAC, has been shown to provide comparable benefits to standard chemotherapy without the same toxicity. This accelerated schedule of six weeks has improved response rates and tolerability for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
Researchers developed a model to study the behavior of cellular tissues, finding that they can split into disjointed patches when subjected to unfavorable substrates. This phenomenon, known as dewetting, is governed by the cells' sensitivity to substrate stiffness.
Researchers at the US Army Research Laboratory developed a novel processing technology that enabled commercial production of advanced Soldier head protection. The new helmets offer improved weight reduction and increased durability, with some models already fielded to Special Operations Forces.
Scientists at NYU School of Medicine identified a pathway that, if deactivated, may help slow the development of multiple myeloma. By targeting this pathway's cellular transcription process, researchers hope to find an effective treatment for the disease.
Researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center have identified three genetic targets in approximately 50% of patients with squamous cell carcinomas. This breakthrough enables personalized treatment for a previously untreatable type of lung cancer.
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have observed a 40 femtosecond ultrafast transition of graphite into two different states of matter, including solid to liquid and plasma. This discovery provides new insights into the behavior of matter irradiated by intense hard X-rays.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that minor language variations can affect consumers' attitudes towards brands. Consumers tend to feel closer to their bank than insurance company, and using 'we' versus 'you and [the brand]' can impact their perceptions.
A Vanderbilt University study found that azithromycin carries a significant increased risk of cardiovascular death, especially among those with high-risk factors. The researchers compared over 348,000 prescriptions of azithromycin to millions of similar records from patients not treated with antibiotics.
Researchers found that consumers choose brands to identify with their in-group but differentiate by selecting unique features, such as colors or styles. This balance between assimilation and differentiation is key to understanding consumer behavior.
AEMASE is a cognitive software application that updates its knowledge of experts' performance in real-time, automatically evaluating student performance and reducing overall training costs. The system will be used to train Navy personnel on various aircraft, including the H-60 helicopter and E-2C Hawkeye aircraft.
Researchers have isolated a gene related to autism, schizophrenia, and obesity in zebrafish, which may also contribute to human conditions. The KCTD13 gene regulates brain cell growth and is associated with head size at birth.
A new study has found evidence of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in brain tissue from blast-exposed military service personnel. Exposure to a single blast equivalent to an IED results in CTE and long-term brain impairments, similar to those seen in athletes with repetitive concussion injuries.
A study of over 800 sets of twins found that genetics had a greater impact on forming key traits such as self-control, decision-making, and sociability than previously thought. The results suggest that genetically influenced characteristics may be the key to a person's success in life.
Researchers at the University of Bristol identified a simple yet crucial neural pathway in Xenopus frog tadpoles that initiates swimming. This discovery sheds light on how locomotion starts and may lead to new treatments for movement disorders like Parkinson's disease.
Scientists sequenced the Heliconius butterfly genome to understand wing pattern diversity, finding that different species copy each other's patterns by exchanging genes. This process allows hybrids to gain useful genes for adapting to changing conditions and survive.
The American Chemical Society reports a boom in research on ingredients for 'enhanced cosmetics,' with major companies investing in encapsulation technology to improve appearance. New approaches include microcapsules, water droplets coated in silica, and insulin sugar delivery systems.
A new study suggests that repeated head impacts in college athletes participating in contact sports can worsen their ability to acquire new information. The research found that 22% of contact sport athletes performed worse than expected on a test of new learning, compared to 4% of non-contact sport athletes.
Researchers have discovered a combination of lapatinib and cetuximab to be effective against cancers that have developed resistance to traditional therapies. In the clinical trial, two out of nine patients showed a partial response to the treatment.
Researchers found that some baby galaxies from over 12 billion years ago had a high content of heavier elements, similar to our Sun. This suggests potential for planet formation and life in the early Universe. The study used quasars as light sources to analyze the spectral lines and measure the amount of elements.
Researchers at Hebrew University developed a method for training blind persons to use sensory substitution devices. Participants were able to read letters and words with sizes smaller than the international standard for blindness.
Robert F. Ozols, a leading expert in ovarian cancer research, will be honored with the American Society of Clinical Oncology's 2012 Distinguished Achievement Award. He made significant contributions to advancing chemotherapy research and overcoming drug resistance.
Researchers used CT images and MRI data to reconstruct Phineas Gage's brain injury, finding widespread white matter damage. This study provides new insight into the neural network connectivity of Gage's brain, shedding light on his reported behavioral changes after the accident.
Researchers have discovered a way to identify genetic variants linked to postnatal depression, paving the way for a simple blood test. Women with specific genetic markers are more likely to develop postnatal depression, which can have significant effects on their mental health and children's development.
Researchers identify nine new genes that drive breast cancer development, highlighting the genetic diversity of the disease. The study provides insights into the consequences of this diversity and its implications for treatment.
The John Innes Centre receives Grand Challenges Explorations grant for a groundbreaking research project aimed at developing new ways of protecting crops from insects and associated diseases. The project, led by Dr Saskia Hogenhout, involves generating whitefly-resistant plants using RNAi molecules.
A new study analyzing 1,500 years of tree-ring data and fire-scar records from the Southwest US found that today's megafires are atypical and driven by a combination of modern climate change and human activities. The researchers suggest that changes in fire management could be a solution to mitigate these extreme fires.
Researchers discovered that 40% of LGL patients have a STAT3 mutation, which may aid in diagnosing and treating the disease. The mutation is also associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis, opening new avenues for understanding its pathogenesis.
The Stent for Life Initiative is driving equal access to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in Europe, reducing mortality and morbidity among acute coronary syndrome patients. PPCI rates are increasing across participating countries, with a focus on improving patient awareness and streamlining healthcare systems.
J. Elisenda Grigsby, a Boston College assistant professor, received a National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER award to study the properties of 3- and 4-dimensional spaces relevant to fields like information technology and DNA research.
Recent studies using mendelian randomization have failed to support a causal association between higher concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and lower risk of heart attack. Instead, findings suggest that raising HDL cholesterol may not uniformly reduce the risk of myocardial infarction in humans.
Researchers have revised the glioblastoma classification system to accommodate treatment advances and molecular markers, aiming to better identify patients requiring aggressive therapy. The new system incorporates clinical variables, molecular biomarkers, and tumor characteristics to provide a more relevant prognosis.
Researchers discovered a highly mineralized protective coating on freshwater crayfish teeth, made of calcium phosphate and amorphous calcium carbonate. This 'enamel' layer is remarkably similar to the enamel found in vertebrates, providing protection against wear and tear.
Humanist funerals in the UK prioritize reflecting the deceased person's character and worldviews, offering an alternative to traditional religious ceremonies. Dr. Matthew Engelke's research found that many non-religious individuals feel it essential to express their individuality through funeral choices.
A new study by University of South Florida researchers found that chlorothalonil kills a wide variety of freshwater organisms, including amphibians and aquatic plants, leading to ecosystem changes. The findings highlight the need to reassess the fungicide's safety and its impact on ecosystems.
Researchers investigated whether preoperative imaging differed between black and white women with breast cancer. They found no disparity in the use of imaging, contrary to some earlier studies. However, they did note that women from more educated areas were more likely to receive certain types of imaging.
A team from CREAF has analysed the ages of famous olive trees and found one that is 627 years old, much younger than previously thought. This study used classic dendrochronology methods and can also be useful for reconstructing climatic conditions.
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft has approved a new International Research Training Group to strengthen early career support for researchers in Germany. The program, focusing on arithmetic algebraic geometry and complex geometry, aims to combine expertise from Humboldt University of Berlin, Leiden University, and Amsterdam University.
A new study of 15 HDL-raising variants found no association with reduced heart attack risk, challenging the long-held assumption. The research uses genetic approaches to test biological hypotheses and highlights the value of human genetic information in understanding disease biology.
A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that men are generally more reluctant to try vegetarian products due to a metaphoric link between meat and masculinity. The authors discovered that people rated meat as more masculine than vegetables, and that male meat eaters were viewed as more masculine.
A phase 1 clinical trial of the drug crizotinib achieved remissions with minimal side effects for 10 children with lymphoma and neuroblastoma. The study showed great potential for targeted therapy in children with anaplastic large cell lymphoma, with some patients achieving complete responses.
Research from North Carolina State University finds that US and British children share similar risk factors for behavioral problems, such as health issues and family structure. Strong home environments are shown to decrease the likelihood of behavior problems in both countries.
Researchers will investigate Cu-64, a biomolecule that selectively seeks out a prostate tumor biomarker, to stage prostate cancers and detect recurrent disease accurately. The new technique involves PET scans and could significantly reduce the number of confirmation biopsies.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have discovered a unique volcanic process called fluidised spray granulation, which creates well-rounded particles containing diamond fragments. This process has significant implications for understanding eruption dynamics and constraints on vent conditions, particularly gas velocity.
A recent study recommends focusing on collecting animal samples from carcasses during Ebola outbreaks, with a 50% success rate compared to less than 6% when sampling live animals. This approach is crucial for early detection and learning more about the virus.
A new report shows that integrated heart failure services can reduce unwanted hospital deaths, allowing many patients to die at home. The study found that specialist nurses played a pivotal role in discussing end-of-life care with patients, enabling them to make plans and set their affairs in order.
A new study funded by the NIH found that the ApoE4 gene variant damages blood vessels in the brain, leading to increased risk of Alzheimer's disease. The researchers discovered that ApoE4 triggers an inflammatory reaction that weakens the blood-brain barrier, allowing harmful substances to enter the brain.
Researchers found that people who feel good about themselves are more likely to choose functional products over attractive ones. However, choosing highly aesthetic products can make people more open-minded and less prone to 'throwing good money after bad'.
A phase I/II clinical trial indicates that older patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia respond well to the experimental drug ibrutinib, which has few side effects and a high one-year survival rate. The study suggests that ibrutinib deserves further testing as a first-line therapy for elderly CLL patients.
A study has found that high-throughput sequencing can detect minimal residual disease in nearly double the number of leukemia patients as current gold standard method. This technology offers a greater chance of survival by predicting disease relapse sooner.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that college students can accurately judge others' sexual orientation based on facial features, with a higher accuracy rate for women's faces (65%). The researchers also discovered that gaydar is persistent even when the face is viewed upside down.
A study found that ACE2 is protective against diabetic complications in both lab models and human patients. High levels of ACE2 in vascular reparative cells prevent heart function decline and renal failure in diabetics.
A U-M study shows medical students have negative views of their future work lives as physicians, particularly primary care physicians. Students believe they have too much administrative work and are overwhelmed by patient needs.
Researchers have engineered algae to produce potential candidates for a vaccine that prevents malaria transmission. The use of algae to produce malaria proteins that elicited antibodies in laboratory mice and prevented transmission was published in PLoS ONE.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine found that daclizumab improved the survival of breast cancer patients taking a cancer vaccine by 30%, compared to those not taking daclizumab. The drug depletes regulatory T cells, allowing immune cells to fight tumors more effectively.
A new UCLA study finds that nerve-sparing surgical techniques and experienced surgeons can improve erectile function after prostate cancer surgery. Surgeons with at least 1,000 cases under their belt and those who actively seek improvement have better outcomes.
A new study by Oregon State University researchers reveals six major volcanic eruptions in Sumatra over the past 35,000 years, with explosive intensity comparable to Mount St. Helens' 1980 eruption. The findings highlight a potentially deadly natural phenomenon threatening residents of the region.
Dr. Elizabeth Osuch has received a $100,000 grant to improve diagnosis of bipolar disorder in youth through functional brain imaging. The average misdiagnosis often lasts 6-10 years and can lead to declining patient condition if treated with antidepressants.
A study by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine found that only 15% of patients with low vision reported being recommended smartphones for their accessibility features. However, 24% of participants used smartphones, which can offer features like font size increase and GPS navigation to enhance quality of life.
A new MSU study highlights the nutritional benefits of canned fruits and vegetables, which are safer, healthier, and more convenient than fresh or frozen options. Canned foods can help Americans meet the IOM's Weight of the Nation recommendations, especially for those in food deserts.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that the use of polymyxins and tigecycline, considered 'drugs of last resort', increased at US Veterans Affairs medical centers between 2005 and 2010. The findings suggest a growing epidemic of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that people are more likely to disclose sensitive information via text messages than in voice interviews. Texting also led to more precise answers, as respondents had less time pressure in an asynchronous mode.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that surgical and nonsurgical treatment for C2 fractures in older adults resulted in similar short- and long-term outcomes, including mortality rates and complication rates. The researchers analyzed the outcomes of 56 older adults treated for C2 fractures over a ten-year period.
Researchers are studying the genetic link to pre-eclampsia, aiming to predict and prevent the disease. By understanding which genes cause pre-eclampsia, it may be possible to improve treatment and provide additional ante-natal care for high-risk women.
Researchers from the Heliconius Genome Consortium sequenced the Postman butterfly's genome and found promiscuous sharing of large DNA regions among closely-related species. This study reveals how hybrids can introduce new genes that help populations adapt, changing our understanding of adaptation in evolution.
A new paper by Brown University researchers finds that African-American clergy are willing to join the fight against HIV by promoting testing, treatment, and social justice. The study highlights the importance of engaging clergy in HIV prevention efforts, particularly in addressing racial disparities in infection rates.
Researchers discovered that colorful butterflies share traits to enhance their survival, including a rich repertoire of genes for olfaction and chemosensation. This cross-breeding allows them to acquire superior wing colors more quickly than evolving from scratch.
A simple, low-cost checklist significantly improved adherence to essential childbirth care practices at a hospital in south India. The program increased the number of practices performed by healthcare workers from an average of 10 to 25 out of 29.
A UC Riverside-led team identifies black carbon and tropospheric ozone as the primary drivers of large-scale atmospheric circulation change in the Northern hemisphere tropics. The expansion of the tropical belt is projected to impact regional agriculture, economy, and society due to changes in precipitation patterns.
Researchers found that a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease triggers a cascade of signaling that leads to leaky blood vessels and toxic substance entry into brain tissue. Blocking cyclophilin A or using the drug cyclosporine A reversed damage in mice, restoring blood flow and reducing toxic substance leakage.
Researchers from Mount Sinai presented several landmark studies on late-stage cancer treatment trends, a promising multiple myeloma vaccine, and predictive models of soft tissue sarcomas, prostate, and bladder cancer. The studies aimed to identify factors associated with lack of treatment and explore new treatments for various cancers.
Researchers have identified methylglyoxal as the culprit behind increased pain sensitivity in diabetics. The team proposes using small peptides to target and reduce MG activity, leading to a reduction in pain.
A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that the US FDA generally approves drug therapies faster and earlier than its counterparts in Canada and Europe. On average, it took 322 days for the FDA to review a drug application, compared to 366 days for the European Medicines Agency and 393 days for Health Canada.
Children in both US and Great Britain face similar risk factors for behavioral problems, including male children, health issues, and divorced mothers. Strong home environments with nurturing and safe conditions decrease the likelihood of behavior problems in both countries.
Researchers found that participants rated celebrity-morphed images as more trustworthy than control faces, suggesting a subconscious effect of familiarity. The study suggests that automatic perceptions of familiarity may have greater influence on consumer behavior than physical attractiveness.
A WPI research team will conduct fire testing on a five-story building after simulating earthquakes on the nation's largest outdoor shake table. The goal is to gather data that will help engineers design better fire protection systems and provide safer buildings for people and property.
A University of Michigan study found that discarding unused medications in trash is a more environmentally friendly option than taking back programs. The researchers compared emissions from three disposal methods and concluded that landfilling was the best option due to its lower environmental impact.
A new study reconstructed Australasian temperatures over the last millennium using natural climate records, revealing no warmer periods since 1950. The results support human-caused climate change as the primary driver of recent warming in the region.
A new initiative by the University of Southampton highlights the crucial role mothers play in teaching children about their minority heritage. The study found that mothers from mixed families are responsible for introducing their children to traditional foods, clothes, music, and dancing, ensuring their cultural identity is maintained.
Critically endangered leatherback turtles show distinct travel modes in the North Atlantic and Eastern Pacific, with varying speeds associated with foraging and transit. The study suggests that Pacific turtles struggle to achieve high foraging success, hindering their population recovery compared to Atlantic turtles.
A phase I clinical trial combining temsirolimus and capecitabine demonstrates promising evidence of disease control in advanced malignancies. The study shows that the combination can be given safely to patients, with a positive survival trend observed.
At the 2012 International Meeting for Autism Research (IMFAR), Autism Speaks presented various scientific findings on autism diagnosis, causes, and treatment options. The organization's Autism Treatment Network shared research on early interventions and technology innovations aimed at improving the lives of individuals with ASD.