A recent study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that injecting botulinum toxin A (Botox) into the stomach does not cause weight loss. The Mayo Clinic researchers used a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to compare the effects of BTA to placebo.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers reveals that lipids in the cell membrane form larger domains than previously thought, with cholesterol playing a key role in their organization. The findings challenge current understanding of cell membrane structure and function.
A study of over 6,000 American adults found that incorporating short bursts of physical activity into daily life can be beneficial for improving health outcomes such as metabolic syndrome and high blood pressure. Researchers suggest making movement a way of life by adding activity to everyday tasks like walking or raking leaves.
According to a new theory by Mats Alvesson and André Spicer, functional stupidity can raise productivity in organizations by promoting unity and consensus. However, this 'stupidity' can also lead to risks and problems if critical questions are not posed about decisions and structures.
Researchers at MIT have developed a new type of vaccine-delivery film that gradually releases DNA coding for viral proteins, potentially overcoming safety risks and improving effectiveness. The film is implanted under the skin using microneedles and degrades over time, releasing the vaccine over days or weeks.
Researchers found a significant decrease in carotid intima-media thickness one year after islet transplant, indicating slower atherosclerosis progression. Patients achieved insulin independence and showed improved glycemic control.
A team of researchers has discovered a significant mutation in a LINC family protein that could lead to new treatments for hearing disorders. The mutation causes chaos in the cell's anatomy, leading to devastating effects on cells responsible for hearing.
A new study finds that women treated with lumpectomy plus radiation have improved survival rates compared to those who underwent mastectomy, regardless of age or tumor type. The research suggests that less invasive surgery may be an effective alternative for treating early stage breast cancer.
Researchers predict significant changes in summer ranges of endangered Indiana bats due to climate change. Suitable habitats are expected to shift to the northeastern US and Appalachian Mountains.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic find that cardiac disease is associated with increased risk of mild cognitive impairment, particularly among women. The study suggests that preventing and managing cardiac disease may help reduce the risk of non-Alzheimer's dementias.
A new analysis found that lumpectomy plus radiation provides better survival rates than mastectomy for early breast cancer, especially among women over 50 with hormone-sensitive tumors. This suggests that breast-conserving treatments are a viable option for many patients.
Researchers at Yale University have defined the genetic landscape of uterine serous carcinoma (USC), a chemo-resistant form of endometrial cancer. The study identifies three previously unknown genes that play a role in tumor growth and development, offering new avenues for personalized therapy.
A recent study suggests that climate change could result in earlier onset and increased severity of flu seasons. The research team analyzed waves of influenza and climate patterns in the US from 1997-1998 to present, indicating a pattern where warm winters are followed by heavy flu seasons.
A study published in Physiological and Biochemical Zoology found that birds with pheomelanin-based plumage coloration had higher survival rates than those without it. The researchers suggest that the production of this pigment may help sequester excess amino acids, providing a beneficial effect under certain conditions.
The ACIP has updated its recommended 2013 adult immunization schedule to include new guidelines for the use of pneumococcal conjugate and influenza vaccines. The updated schedule also recommends routine Tdap vaccination for adults aged 65 or older, pregnant women, and all patients over 6 months old against influenza.
A recent study by the USDA Forest Service's Pacific Southwest Research Station has found that fisher populations in the southern Sierra Nevada are stable. The research, which monitored fisher distribution across a 7,606-square-mile area over eight years, found no increase or decrease in population numbers.
A recent analysis published in Archives of Sexual Behavior suggests that the widespread use of penicillin in the 1950s led to a rapid decline in syphilis and subsequently marked the beginning of the modern sexual era. As syphilis became more treatable, people began having more risky non-traditional sex.
Researchers discover that urban heat generated by metropolitan areas can cause continental-scale surface warming in high latitudes, leading to remote temperature changes. The study suggests that the influence of energy consumption should be considered in computer models to predict future climate change.
Researchers expose berry extracts to human saliva to see what health-promoting substances survive. Anthocyanins, responsible for berries' colors, are more susceptible to degradation in the mouth.
Scientists develop the first maturation-based disease model for arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C) using patient skin cells. The model mimics adult-onset disease by inducing adult-like metabolism, revealing metabolic malfunction and abnormal protein activation as key drivers of the disease.
A new study reveals that human activities in cities alter atmospheric circulation patterns, leading to significant warming in northern Asia and North America. The study found that the 'waste heat' generated by urban areas can widen the jet stream and increase temperatures across large distances.
Researchers have uncovered the elastic properties of spider silk, with variations among fibers, junctions, and glue spots. The findings provide a blueprint for structural engineering of strong, stretchy, and elastic materials.
Research at Ultra Short Pulse High Intensity Lab in TIFR has found a novel scheme to accelerate neutral particles over millimeters using lasers. The concept uses powerful lasers to strip electrons from argon atoms, accelerating charged ions to high energies.
A study published in BioMed Central's Stem Cell Research & Therapy journal found that stem cells from bone marrow or fat improved brain and nerve repair after stroke in rats. The treated animals showed significant functional recovery, even without the stem cells migrating to the damaged area.
A recent study by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory researchers has identified a specific class of neurons in the central amygdala as crucial for encoding and recalling fear memories. The team used optogenetics to activate these neurons, which release neurotransmitters that enhance or inhibit synaptic connections, leading to fear responses.
Researchers used dispensary records to measure the effect of forest fires on people with chronic lung diseases. The study found that even small increases in smoke were associated with higher salbutamol dispensations, highlighting the impact of pollution on public health.
Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have found a link between poor sleep, memory loss and brain deterioration in older adults. Boosting 'slow wave' sleep may help restore memory, suggesting a potentially new treatment avenue for age-related memory loss.
Researchers at A*STAR's Genome Institute of Singapore discovered four processes that cause mutations in gastric cancer, including one triggered by bacterial infection. These findings pave the way for diagnostics and targeted therapy, with potential implications for improving treatment outcomes.
GATA3 acts downstream to activate microRNA29b, which stops tumor cells from spreading by inhibiting genes involved in metastasis. The absence of GATA3 allows cancerous cells to break free and induce inflammation and new blood vessel formation.
Rice University scientists develop a technique to combine single-atom-thick graphene and hexagonal boron nitride into sheets with controlled patterns. The new method enables the creation of fully functional devices with circuits on the same scale as current semiconductor fabrication.
Researchers find that hot electrons generated by laser pulses cause ultrafast demagnetization in nickel, not the light itself. The study suggests a new possibility for spintronics research.
A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that middle-aged adults are struggling to balance the demands of caring for both young adult children and aging parents. While most feel positive about helping their kids, many struggle with supporting their aging parents due to increasing needs and uncertainty.
A new single-photon detector has been developed, achieving a previously unattained detection efficiency of 91% and low error rate. The detector's high performance enables reliable detection of single photons, crucial for optical data transmission and quantum computation.
Researchers found that stress accelerates prostate cancer development in mice, while a genetic mutation in the NESP4 gene disrupts a cellular complex essential for hearing. Combining green tea extract with vardenafil enhances anti-cancer effects in a mouse model of multiple myeloma.
A new study by UAlberta researcher Trish Reay suggests that Primary Care Networks can thrive with strong leadership, redefined workspaces, and creative discord. The PCN model allows physicians to practice medicine in a team-based approach, improving patient care and doctor satisfaction.
A recent study found that stress can accelerate prostate cancer development in mice, with adrenaline blocking cancer cell death. Conversely, drugs that inhibited adrenaline signaling ablated the effect of stress on prostate cancer. This suggests that beta-blockers could enhance the effectiveness of anti-cancer therapies.
A new study by Oregon State University found that cows fed flaxseed produced milk with lower saturated fat and higher omega-3 levels. The study also found improvements in butter and cheese, but suggested that the increased polyunsaturated fats did not compromise their nutritional value.
A Dartmouth study suggests that increasing competitor and predator beetle populations can prevent population explosions of pine beetles, a major forest pest. The research confirms that some species, like the southern pine beetle, exhibit extreme fluctuations in abundance with no middle ground.
Cyclone Garry's powerful thunderstorms fueled heavy rainfall over the open waters of the Southern Pacific Ocean. The storm was predicted to weaken while moving toward the southeast, eventually becoming an extra-tropical cyclone.
IRHOM2 is a protein that regulates TACE on immune cells, and blocking it could provide an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers found that mice deficient in IRHOM2 were protected from inflammatory arthritis.
Researchers at the National Cancer Centre Singapore have discovered a crucial link between mutant p53 genes and reduced treatment response in cancer patients. The dominant-negative effect of these mutations inhibits tumor suppressor activity, leading to poor responses or earlier relapse after treatment.
Jeffrey H. Reed, a Chaired Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech, has received the 2012 Forum International Achievement Award for his significant contributions to software-designed radio and cognitive radio.
Scientists will use high-throughput screening to identify novel inhibitors of ASK1, a promising therapeutic target for diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. The grant aims to develop new treatments using compounds from the Scripps compound collection.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new organic solar cell design that maximizes light trapping using a geometric pattern inspired by natural evolution. The design achieved a three-fold increase over the Yablonovitch Limit, a thermodynamic limit for photon trapping in semiconductors.
A systematic review found that yoga has positive effects on mild depression and sleep complaints, as well as improving symptoms associated with schizophrenia and ADHD in patients on medication. The review of over 100 studies highlighted the benefits of yoga for mental health illnesses, except for eating disorders and cognition problems.
Researchers found that an acidic microenvironment can drive cancer cells to spread and propose neutralizing pH as a therapeutic opportunity. Tumors adapt by creating acidic environments through increased glucose metabolism, hampering oxygen delivery and acid elimination.
Researchers found that nearly 3% of pediatric acute kidney injury cases can be directly linked to the use of common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen. The study identified four young patients who needed dialysis and at least seven who may have suffered permanent kidney damage.
Researchers at BUSM demonstrate that tissues derived from patient-specific induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are not rejected when transplanted back into genetically identical recipients. The study finds that differentiated iPS cells can mature into various cell types, including neuronal, hepatocyte, and endothelial cells, without i...
A new patent issued for an experimental compound RTX, which represents a potential new class of drugs to alleviate intractable pain. The method patent covers intrathecal administration of RTX, promising to improve lives of people with severe pain.
A new Notre Dame study examines the dual-use aspect of nanotechnology research, exploring both its benefits and threats. The report discusses the potential for nano-sized particles to breach the blood-brain barrier and deliver targeted medicines, while also posing a serious threat in combat situations.
Researchers investigated the effects of Huanglongbing (HLB) on orange juice produced from diseased trees, finding that HLB symptoms can affect juice quality but not necessarily cause a bitter taste. The study suggests that mixing fruit with and without HLB symptoms could help address commercial operations' problems.
A new study by Wake Forest Baptist researchers found that emotional stress can reduce the effectiveness of prostate cancer therapies and accelerate tumor growth. Stress-induced activation of a cell signaling pathway may lead to a vicious cycle of stress and cancer progression.
A new study reports that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) cause acute kidney injury (AKI) in children, with younger patients more seriously affected and at higher risk of chronic kidney disease. The study found that 30% of patients experienced mild chronic kidney damage after recovery from AKI.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a novel chip-scale instrument using carbon nanotubes to measure laser power with high accuracy. The mini-radiometer achieves this by absorbing light over a broad range of wavelengths and converting it to heat, allowing for precise measurements.
Researchers at Temple University Health System have identified a potential target for treating sepsis: the STIM1 protein. By blocking its activity, they halted a cascade of cellular events that lead to out-of-control inflammation and protected lungs from severe damage. The findings may lead to new treatment strategies against sepsis.
Austrian physicist Friedrich Hasenöhrl's work on blackbody radiation in a cavity may have influenced Einstein's famous equation E=mc2. However, the study also reveals that Hasenöhrl arrived at an incorrect energy/mass correlation due to failing to account for mass loss during radiation.
Researchers developed an efficient method to induce human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells into intermediate mesoderm, the precursor of kidney cells. The protocol achieved a high success rate of 90% or more and successfully generated renal tubule structures.
Researchers discovered an identical gene mutation in the telomerase gene in all family members with malignant melanoma, leading to overactive telomerase and virtual immortality. The mutation was also found in non-inherited melanomas, suggesting a link between sun exposure and cancer development.
A new study led by Wayne State University will aim to develop methods for better identifying women at increased risk for stroke. The research aims to educate doctors on how to follow recommended guidelines to identify these patients, leading to improved treatment and screening rates.
Researchers at Aalto University have demonstrated improved light absorption and surface passivation on highly absorbing silicon nanostructures using atomic layer coating. This breakthrough advances the development of high-efficiency solar cells, which can potentially increase efficiency to new levels.