A randomized, phase II clinical trial found that adding carboplatin and/or bevacizumab to standard presurgery chemotherapy increased the number of patients with no residual cancer detected at surgery. The study showed significant increases in pathologic complete response rates for patients treated with these combinations.
Significant portions of the Ogalalla Aquifer are at risk of drying up due to excessive drainage. Michigan State University scientists propose policy solutions, including federal crop insurance changes and wholesale precision agriculture strategies, to avert water crisis.
A Utah prison outbreak of severe botulism poisoning from homemade pruno highlights the importance of prompt medical attention. The CDC's anti-toxin is rarely administered due to lengthy supply chains, emphasizing the need for emergency physicians to act quickly on clinical suspicion.
Researchers found that many people are honest and truthful in their dishonesty, contradicting the common notion that everyone lies frequently. The study also showed that some individuals who admitted to lying more often actually lied more often, suggesting a lack of self-awareness.
A new study revises the cuckoo wasp genus Cleptes in China, discovering nine beautifully colored new species. The study highlights the genus' unique parasitoid habits, where they lay eggs in host nests and consume provisions after eliminating competition.
A study in mice reveals that breakdown of brain blood vessels may amplify problems associated with Alzheimer's disease. Pericytes, a type of blood vessel cell, may provide novel targets for treatments and diagnoses.
A nationwide study found that adding carboplatin to standard chemotherapy significantly increased tumor shrinkage in patients with triple-negative breast cancer. The results suggest that carboplatin could be used as an alternative or addition to current treatments.
In experiments, chimpanzees showed flexibility in their behavior when maximizing rewards, but not when conforming to a majority. The study suggests that chimpanzees prefer persevering with successful strategies over adopting the equally effective strategy of the majority.
A research team has discovered a second rare genetic mutation that strongly increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease in later life. The mutation is found in the Phospholipase D3 (PLD3) gene, which influences amyloid precursor protein processing and may be a potential therapeutic target.
A new study found that patients who have suffered a Colles' fracture are at significantly increased risk of subsequent hip fractures. The risk is highest within the first month after the wrist fracture and increases with age. Both Colles' fracture and osteoporosis were significant independent factors that predicted hip fracture.
The IceCube Neutrino Observatory detected cosmic neutrinos, overcoming challenges in building a colossal detector deep under the ice at the South Pole. This achievement gives astronomers a new way to study the cosmos.
A University of Iowa researcher studied the evolution of dihydrofolate reductase enzyme from bacteria to humans. Key findings include the preservation of protein dynamics and catalysis across millions of years of evolution.
A phase III clinical trial presented at the 2013 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium found that bisphosphonate zoledronate had no effect on event-free survival in women with chemoresistant breast cancer. Researchers also reported that patients with hormone receptor-positive disease were more common, which may impact treatment outcomes.
A pilot study has found ways to better screen and recover guns from domestic violence offenders, improving enforcement of existing laws. The study suggests using multiple sources of information, including firearm transaction records and court documents, to identify firearm owners and ensure timely recovery of firearms.
Researchers at Duke University have created a composite material with properties similar to those of native cartilage, which could lead to improved artificial replacement tissues. The new material combines the strength and suppleness of native cartilage, addressing previous challenges in replicating its mechanical properties.
A novel approach predicts heart failure outcomes in patients by targeting impaired energy metabolism, a diseased heart's underlying mechanism. This method could help tailor therapeutic interventions and improve treatment planning for physicians.
Rates of unnecessary cesarean section and non-indicated induction of labor rose more sharply at rural hospitals than urban hospitals, according to a study published in Medical Care. The differences in trends may have important implications for maternal and infant health and public health policy.
Researchers have discovered huge active plumes containing water vapour being released from the surface of Europa, a liquid ocean lies beneath its icy crust. The plumes, comparable to earth geysers in size, will aid further investigations of the moon and potentially make life discoveries
A new trial found that adding chemotherapy carboplatin and the molecularly targeted drug veliparib to standard presurgery chemotherapy improved pathologic complete response rates for patients with triple-negative breast cancer. The study's adaptive design showed a 92% predictive probability of success in a phase III trial.
A significant minority (21%) of the Dutch public supports assisted dying for elderly individuals who are not seriously ill but feel tired of living. Those with higher education and less trust in doctors tend to be more supportive of this option.
A recent UT Arlington study suggests that ethnically diverse workforces can lead to improved customer experiences, particularly for Hispanic and Asian customers. The research found that shared ethnicity between employees and customers increases perceptions of favoritism and enhances the overall retail experience.
A new study found that CPAP therapy improves golf performance in middle-aged men with sleep apnea, leading to significant reductions in self-reported excessive daytime sleepiness and improved concentration. The treatment also resulted in a notable drop of 11% in average handicap index, especially among skilled golfers.
A recent study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that HIV-infected women have a greater prevalence of noncalcified coronary artery plaques, which are more vulnerable to rupture. Immune system activation is also increased in these women, particularly with age.
Researchers at UTMB have discovered a way to block disease pathways that could defeat devastating human infections. A new candidate drug inhibiting Epac has been shown to protect normal mice from fatal rickettsial infection and may also be effective against some viral infections.
A new screening strategy using conventional echocardiography has been developed to detect cardiovascular abnormalities in athletes. The study found that adding ECHO exams to the standard protocol increases the accuracy of screening and is cost-effective, identifying 14 cases of cardiovascular abnormalities in healthy athletes.
Researchers at Rice University found that blending more ethanol into fuel can lead to the release of toxic or explosive gases, which can accumulate in buildings and pose health risks. The study highlights the need for new thinking on managing vapor-intrusion risks due to fuel spills.
A phase III clinical trial found that adding ramucirumab to chemotherapy drug docetaxel did not delay disease progression for patients with HER2-negative, advanced breast cancer. Researchers will analyze biomarkers to identify potential subgroups of patients who may benefit from the therapy.
A new clinical trial design, I-SPY 2, has enabled researchers to quickly identify effective treatments for high-risk breast cancer patients. Veliparib has shown a 91% probability of success in triple-negative breast cancer patients.
Researchers at Jefferson Breast Care Center found that genomic tests like MammaPrint and BluePrint provide more accurate classification of breast cancer subtypes than traditional methods. These tests enable better identification of patients who benefit from chemotherapy, reducing unnecessary treatment risks.
A new study by Uppsala University reveals a strong association between high levels of perfluorinated compounds and the development of diabetes. High levels of perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were found to be linked to increased diabetes risk in elderly men and women.
The European Commission has granted funding for FOT-Net Data project, aiming to make traffic data from field operational tests more widely available. This will enable researchers to reuse the data for new studies on different research questions, contributing to the introduction of safety technologies.
Researchers successfully demonstrated a technique to boost inhibition in the brain, leading to improved self-control. The method, involving direct electrical stimulation of the prefrontal cortex, shows promise for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other severe disorders.
A new test can identify people at risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS) by measuring O2 saturation and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). This test could help prevent AMS symptoms by suggesting specific behaviors and medications for susceptible individuals.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that benign E. coli bacteria can evolve to become pathogenic within 500 generations or 30 days when confronted with macrophages. The bacteria adapted by developing resistance to being killed by immune cells and acquiring traits similar to those of deadly pathogens.
A Baylor University study finds that Libyan civilians trained by American mental health professionals experience significant healing through peer-led groups, leading to a dramatic reduction in symptoms. The approach has implications for other countries with limited access to mental health services.
Researchers found that laughter can increase pain thresholds, reduce arterial wall stiffness, and lower heart attack risk, but also cause adverse effects like heart rupture, asthma attacks, and hernias.
Researchers at Penn have developed a dynamic model of tissue failure that takes into account the complex feedback effects of cells' molecular motors. The study reveals how myosin activity contributes to tissue instability and provides insights for designing more accurate models to predict tissue behavior.
The Delaware Project offers a cutting-edge vision for training in clinical science, integrating research and practice to improve clinical outcomes. Key features include problem-based learning, public-health focus, and addressing the gap between developing effective interventions and dissemination.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center are enrolling patients in a clinical trial of the promising drug reparixin, which targets tumors' ability to self-renew. The study aims to learn more about the effect of the drug on human breast cancer cells and its mechanisms of action.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a unique class of breast cancer cells that lead the invasion process into surrounding tissues. The team found that these 'leader cells' express a protein called K14, which is essential for their invasive behavior and may be a new target for therapy.
New research reveals targeting blood vessel metabolism may block pathological growth by depriving it of energy and building blocks. Partially blocking PFKFB3 reduces blood vessel sprouting and amplifies VEGF blockade effects, offering a new treatment strategy for conditions like cancer, blindness, and inflammatory diseases.
Researchers measured James Bond's alcohol consumption in Ian Fleming novels and found it was over four times the recommended limit. This high level of drinking may have caused physical symptoms such as an alcohol-induced tremor, leading to his famous catchphrase 'shaken, not stirred'.
A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Yale University found that moderate daily exercise can decrease joint pain in postmenopausal women taking aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer. After a year, joint pain scores decreased by 20% in the exercise group compared to 3% in the non-exercise group.
A groundbreaking study by IIASA researchers Warren Sanderson and Sergei Scherbov provides a new framework for measuring aging based on multiple characteristics. The study offers a more realistic view of population aging by incorporating factors such as life expectancy, health, cognitive function, and disability rates.
Research suggests a link between red meat and increased risk of gestational diabetes in pregnant women. Women are advised to consume more vegetable protein, nuts, and fish, while replacing some red meat with poultry.
The NIH Stroke Trials Network, or NIH StrokeNet, aims to address the three prongs of stroke research: prevention, treatment, and recovery. The network will fund and manage 25 regional centers, each with a team representing every medical specialty needed for stroke care.
Research found that women with HER2- and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant therapy had lower pathologic complete response rates if their tumors had PIK3CA gene mutations. These mutations were more common in HER2-positive breast cancers.
The Center for Nano-Optics at Georgia State University aims to develop tools and instruments for nanoscale technology, with potential breakthroughs in biomedicine and computer processing. The center will focus on integrating spaser technology into transistors and developing nanoplasmonic metal funnels.
Researchers found that childhood cancer survivors reported lower physical and mental quality of life as symptoms increased over time. The study suggests that managing symptoms can improve daily functional status and quality of life for these patients.
A study suggests that immune cells outside the brain may contribute to depression, with elevated levels of interleukin-6 linked to increased depressive behaviors in rodents. Researchers found that mice transplanted with high-responding donors exhibited increased depression-like behaviors compared to those with low-responding donors.
Researchers at the University of Washington have discovered a second code hidden within DNA that instructs cells on how genes are controlled. This finding has significant implications for interpreting genome data and diagnosing diseases.
Researchers discovered that Salmonella protein tyrosine phosphatase (SptP) shuts down mast cell ability to release chemical signals without impacting other cellular functions. This leads to the failure of immune cells being recruited to the infection site, allowing Salmonella to multiply and spread unchecked.
Researchers identified three types of mutations in the estrogen receptor gene ESR1 that cause resistance to hormone therapy, including gene amplification, point mutation, and translocation. These findings provide insights into how to develop targeted treatments for drug-resistant breast cancer.
The UK has released updated evidence-based guidelines for preventing healthcare-associated infections in NHS hospitals. The epic3 guidelines provide the best available scientific evidence for preventing healthcare infections, focusing on standard principles for infection prevention and control.
Research in C. elegans reveals a synergistic five-fold extension of longevity through combined mutations in insulin signaling and the nutrient pathway. This finding suggests the potential for combination therapies to combat aging and age-related diseases.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that bats rely on vision for navigation and orientation, while using echolocation to detect small prey in low light conditions. This unique combination of senses gives bats a significant advantage in hunting and surviving in the night.
Researchers developed an iPad-based early warning system for hospital patient monitoring, using vital signs to calculate a score and alert staff to potential issues. The system replaces traditional chart-based methods, enabling faster and more accurate care.
Researchers have demonstrated that powerful probabilistic reasoning algorithms can be implemented using chemical reactions, enabling the creation of intelligent machines at tiny scales. This breakthrough could lead to the development of 'smart drugs' that can automatically detect, diagnose, and treat diseases.
A Fox Chase Cancer Center study found that relatives of patients who undergo genetic testing often misinterpret the results, with over one-quarter reporting incorrect interpretations. This can lead to a lack of understanding about their own genetic risks and missed opportunities for cancer prevention.
A new disease related to NKH has been discovered through genetic research led by University of Colorado professor Johan Van Hove. The variant, also known as non-ketotic hyperglycinaemia, shares similar symptoms with NKH and was found in eight patients from around the world.