A new study by the University of Arizona reports that exposure to parental smoking in childhood increases the risk of persistent respiratory symptoms, including cough and chronic cough, into adulthood. The study found that 52.3% of children exposed to environmental tobacco smoke had persistent respiratory symptoms.
A systematic review found that low-dose computerized tomography (LDCT) screening can reduce lung cancer mortality rates among high-risk individuals. The study analyzed 8 randomized controlled trials and 13 cohort studies, with the National Lung Screening Trial demonstrating a significant benefit. However, potential harms of LDCT screen...
A new study reveals that MRSA nasal colonization is associated with longer hospital stays and an increased risk of surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery. The researchers found that 70% of wound infections in MRSA-positive patients stemmed from the bacterium.
Doctors at Georgetown University Medical Center successfully treated four patients with amanitin poisoning using an IV preparation of milk thistle seeds. The treatment prevented liver failure and allowed all patients to fully recover without significant consequence.
A new study published in Breast Cancer Research found that panobinostat selectively targets and destroys triple negative breast cancer cells. The HDAC inhibitor also reduces tumor growth in mice and partially reverses the morphological changes in cells to a more epithelial type.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have identified an existing drug, auranofin, that effectively targets the Entamoeba histolytica parasite. The parasite causes over 70,000 deaths worldwide each year, and current treatment with metronidazole has adverse effects.
A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found a significant association between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and increased risk of cancer mortality. Patients with severe SDB had a nearly five times higher incidence of cancer deaths compared to those without the disorder.
Scientists at the Toronto General Hospital Research Institute showed that an experimental bariatric surgery can lower blood sugar levels in non-obese rats with type 1 diabetes. The study demonstrated that duodenal-jejunal bypass surgery activates novel nutrient-sensing signals in the jejunum, rapidly lowering blood sugar levels.
A randomized trial found that hypertonic saline did not reduce the rate of pulmonary exacerbations in young children with cystic fibrosis. The study also showed no significant effects on secondary end points such as weight and respiratory symptoms.
Scientists have measured a significant decline in Antarctic Bottom Water, a key driver of global ocean currents, with a 60% reduction estimated since 1970. The densest waters are becoming less saline, indicating rapid response to climate changes.
A substance in human mesenchymal stem cells promotes nerve restoration and myelin sheath repair in rodent models of multiple sclerosis. Hepatocyte growth factor, a key instigator, decreases inflammation and increases signaling molecules counteracting it, leading to neural cell growth and nerve rewinding.
A new 'super-high' oleic safflower has been developed by CSIRO, with the potential to provide over 100,000 hectares of sustainable plant oils. The oil contains over 90% of valuable oleic acid, making it suitable for industrial chemical production and direct use in lubricants.
A team of researchers from UCSF and UC San Diego has identified an approved arthritis drug, auranofin, that is effective against amoebas in lab and animal studies, suggesting it could offer a low-dose, low-cost treatment for dysentery worldwide. The drug has been shown to be 10 times more potent than the current treatment and could be ...
A new study reveals that a combination of three drugs used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis can lead to increased risk of death and hospitalization. The researchers found no improvement in lung function or slowing of disease progression with the treatment, highlighting the importance of rigorous testing methods.
Australian scientists detected changes in ocean salinity, indicating an acceleration in the global rainfall and evaporation cycle. The water cycle has strengthened by four percent from 1950-2000, with high rainfall regions becoming wetter and arid areas drier due to global warming.
A recent study found that male patients with pulmonary disease have a very high risk of osteopenia/osteoporosis, which can be reduced by routine screening and early intervention. The study included 46 patients, most of whom were male, and showed that those with more severe lung disease are more likely to also have bone disease.
Researchers have discovered biomarkers that predict response to treatment and proposed therapeutic solutions for patients who do not respond well. The study identifies the molecular mechanisms determining patients' response to certain drugs used in clinical trials.
Researchers at Stanford and Penn have developed an invisible photodetector that uses plasmonic cloaking to detect light. The device features silicon nanowires covered by a thin gold cap, which cancels out reflected light through destructive interference, rendering the device invisible.
A new NIH-funded study finds that concentrated saline therapy does not reduce antibiotic use in infants and preschoolers with cystic fibrosis. The study highlights the need for more research on treatments tailored to younger children with this disease.
Researchers found that a key brain structure acts as a learning hub, receiving information from other regions to improve its song, even when not directly controlling the action. This finding may help treat neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease and Huntington's disease.
A study presented at the American Urological Association Annual Meeting found that early stage prostate cancer treatment can alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a subgroup of men. Radical prostatectomy surgery was shown to improve urinary function, while radiation therapy and brachytherapy had less favorable effects.
Research funded by ESRC shows that soldiers who mutilate enemy corpses do so due to racist attitudes and military traditions. Human trophy-taking is a form of racially-motivated violence specific to military personnel in wartime.
A new software tool called Acacia has been developed to correct errors in DNA sequencing, allowing biologists to accurately interpret genetic information. The tool, created by CSIRO PhD student Lauren Bragg, uses statistical theory to analyze code for DNA bases and improve accuracy.
A new study reveals that prenatal exposure to air pollution can have persistent effects on lung function development in children with asthma. The research found associations between nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter exposure during pregnancy and lower pulmonary function growth in childhood.
The ASGE Crystal Awards recognize notable achievements in endoscopic research, teaching, and service. This year's honorees include Dennis M. Jensen, MD, for the Rudolf V. Schindler Award, and Ibrahim Mostafa, MD, for the International Service Award.
Researchers found that primary care-based management was comparable to specialist care in terms of ESS scores, FOSQ scores, and CPAP compliance. Home auto-titrating CPAP usage was also similar between the two groups. The study suggests a lower-cost alternative for OSA treatment, particularly beneficial for rural and remote regions.
Researchers discovered that the Notch pathway contributes to the development of rheumatoid arthritis by influencing the differentiation and function of inflammatory macrophages. The study also shows that drugs under development for cancer could potentially be used to treat RA.
A new study found that treating childhood OSA normalizes brain disturbances responsible for attention and executive function. Brain imaging showed improvements in verbal memory, attention, and frontal cortex metabolites after treatment.
A study from researchers in Sweden found that frequent asthma exacerbations are associated with higher doses of glucocorticosteroids, worse asthma control, and increased inflammatory markers. The study identified several risk factors for frequent exacerbations, including smoking history, lower quality of life, and body mass index >25.
A study presented at Heart Failure Congress 2012 found that statin therapy prevents cancer and reduces death from all causes in heart transplant recipients. Cancer is the leading cause of death late after heart transplantation, with skin cancer being particularly common.
A groundbreaking study found quantum dots to be safe in primates over a one-year period, with no signs of illness or toxicity. The results suggest that medical applications such as image-guided surgery and diagnostic tests could be viable with careful use.
Researchers from NUS have discovered how a drug-lead compound named BPTES can deprive cancer cells of energy and stop them from growing into a tumour. Building on these findings, they also derived positive results for a novel dual-drug treatment regime that kills kidney and breast cancer cells more effectively.
Researchers compared chest tube drainage and talc slurry for pleurodesis to indwelling pleural catheters in treating lung effusions. The study found no significant difference in dyspnea between the two treatments, but IPCs reduced hospital time despite increasing adverse events.
Researchers have identified a unique molecular subtype of prostate cancer associated with mutations in the SPOP gene, accounting for up to 15% of all cases. The study reveals that these mutations may lead to an accumulation of proteins driving cancer growth.
A study by the University of Wisconsin found an association between sleep disordered breathing and increased cancer mortality. The researchers analyzed data from 1,522 subjects and found that those with mild, moderate, or severe SDB had a higher risk of cancer mortality compared to those without SDB.