Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered nearly one hundred novel human gene regions that code for proteins, including pseudogenes linked to cancer. The study uses a new proteogenomics method to track down protein-coding genes in the remaining 98.5% of the genome.
A team of Columbia researchers has developed a nano-mechanical system that can create FM signals, paving the way for more efficient cell phones and wireless communication. The device uses graphene's unique properties to tune frequency and overcome size limitations.
A new study by Intermountain Medical Center has discovered a simple way to further predict a diabetic patient's risk for heart disease: measuring their body mass index or BMI. The findings show that the greater the patient's BMI, the greater their risk for heart disease.
A 30-day, randomized controlled trial found that customized text education messages and medication reminders increased correct dose-taking and on-schedule dosing among coronary heart disease patients. The study suggests innovative technologies like mHealth can effectively promote medication adherence.
A team of scientists has discovered a volcano hidden beneath a kilometer of ice in West Antarctica, sparking concerns about its potential impact on the continent's major ice streams. The volcano, located approximately 25-40 kilometers below the surface, is believed to be fueled by a hot spot in the Earth's mantle.
A novel method to estimate LDL-C levels has been developed, providing more accurate risk classification for heart disease. The new approach uses a larger database of lipid profiles and applies an adjustable factor for triglyceride levels, resulting in improved accuracy, especially for patients with elevated triglyceride concentrations.
Researchers used DNA sequencing to create a family tree for individual cancer cells, revealing unique branching patterns and distinct sub-populations. This technique could help identify key mutations driving tumor growth and develop targeted treatments more effectively.
Rates of aortic valve replacement (AVR) for elderly Medicare beneficiaries rose between 1999 and 2011, alongside declining mortality rates. AVR outcomes also showed significant improvement across all age groups, including among patients 75 years or older.
Researchers developed a new system using 180 factors to calculate LDL cholesterol, providing a more accurate assessment for high-risk patients. The Friedewald equation underestimates LDL levels in nearly one out of four samples, leading to potential false reassurance and inadequate treatment.
Research found that heart disease accounted for approximately one-quarter of pregnancy-related deaths in California between 2002-2005. Women who died from cardiac causes were more likely to be African-American or obese, and often had undiagnosed high blood pressure during their pregnancies.
A trial of 1,359 cardiac arrest patients found that prehospital cooling did not improve survival to hospital discharge or neurological outcome. The intervention reduced core temperature by more than 1°C, but the results do not support routine use of cold intravenous fluid in the prehospital setting.
A two-billion-year-old rock formation in Russia reveals that sulfur bacteria played a crucial role in distributing phosphorous during the oxygenation of the Earth. The discovery suggests that the establishment of these bacterial habitats triggered the formation of earliest worldwide phosphorites.
A recent study published in Nature Chemistry shows that singlet fission can be controlled by interacting molecules, leading to a doubling of current in solar cells. The researchers used laser experiments and chemical methods to slow down the process and observe key intermediate steps.
A multicenter clinical trial compared mechanical chest compressions with manual CPR and found that neither approach improved 4-hour survival rates. However, patients receiving mechanical chest compressions had a higher proportion of survivors with good neurological outcomes, suggesting potential benefits in specific patient populations.
Researchers have identified large oncosomes as a potential indicator of patients with more aggressive, treatment-resistant disease. The study also found that microRNA in these vesicles can influence tumor progression.
Researchers found rich deposits of feldspar, a mineral common in granite, in an ancient Martian volcano. The discovery suggests prolonged magmatic activity on Mars, leading to the formation of granite-like rocks, challenging previous assumptions about Martian geology.
Researchers created a three-dimensional cell culture with layers of smooth muscle, connective tissue, and lining cells embedded within a nickel-titanium alloy scaffold. The hybrid heart valve performed well in a heart simulator, opening and closing under various pressures without structural vulnerability.
A small study presented at American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2013 found that virtual reality hands controlled by stroke survivors' thoughts can help them recover use of their arms and hands. Patients achieved 81% accuracy in using the virtual hands to reach out, improving skills in just three experimental sessions.
A study published in Nature Medicine suggests a potential new treatment for seizures caused by high levels of ammonia in the blood. Bumetanide, a diuretic drug used to treat high blood pressure, has been found to restore normal electrical activity in the brains of mice with genetic metabolic disorders and prevent seizures.
The study analyzed 7,710 US TAVR cases, finding high success rates (92%) and low major complications. Long-term follow-up is essential to assess continued safety and efficacy of this technology.
Researchers found that lowering blood pressure within the first 48 hours after an acute ischemic stroke did not impact death and major disability outcomes. The study suggests individual clinical judgment should guide the decision to lower blood pressure in these patients.
EPFL researchers have developed a new method for detecting individual DNA molecules using graphene nanoribbons, offering improved precision and potential for DNA sequencing. The technology has the potential to detect other types of proteins and provide information on their size and shape.
A structured weight reduction program significantly reduced atrial fibrillation symptoms, episodes, and cumulative duration in minutes compared to a control group. Patients who participated in the weight management program experienced greater reductions in weight and cardiometabolic risk factors.
Researchers evaluated the effectiveness of early statin therapy in children with familial hypercholesterolemia and found that it significantly reduced coronary heart disease survival rates. After 10 years, young adult patients who received statins from childhood had not suffered from cardiovascular complaints.
A novel gene variant associated with severe childhood asthma has been discovered through a genome-wide association study. The study found that the CDHR3 gene is particularly active in epithelial cells lining airways and may disrupt normal functioning, leading to increased risk of asthma.
An international team of researchers has identified the genes that put children at high risk of severe asthma attacks, which can be prevented and treated with more effective medicine. The study found a new gene called CDHR3 to play a key role in the development of asthma.
Scientists have solved the structure of a key protein in the Nipah virus, which could lead to the development of an antiviral drug. The discovery was made by a team at the Scripps Research Institute and found similarities with measles and mumps viruses.
A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that higher levels of physical fitness lower the risk of having heart attacks and increase survival in those with coronary artery disease. The study included over 9,800 adults with coronary artery disease and showed a 75% lower risk of dying from any cause among the fittest patients.
Researchers at Salk Institute create three-dimensional kidney structures from human stem cells, offering new avenues for studying kidney development and diseases. The breakthrough may lead to the discovery of new drugs targeting human kidney cells.
Research suggests that exposure to specific environmental toxins during pregnancy may increase the risk of congenital heart defects in children. The study found a strong correlation between certain chemicals and rates of congenital heart defects, particularly septal defects and conotruncal defects.
The study reveals that natural fluctuations in the climate system are the primary cause of differences in short and medium-term projections. Despite this, researchers have found ways to make predictions about local climate extremes for certain regions and large areas, highlighting the importance of considering regional variability.
Research shows childhood cancer survivors are more likely to experience premature heart disease and a decline in arterial function, with a 9% decrease in arterial health seen among leukemia survivors who completed chemotherapy. Lifestyle changes can help mitigate these risks.
Researchers developed a stretchy polymer that coats the electrode, binds it together, and spontaneously heals tiny cracks during battery operation. This self-healing coating extends silicon electrodes' lifespan up to 10 times, making them suitable for electric vehicles and cell phones.
The IRIS Registry is a centralized collection and reporting software tool that enables ophthalmologists to statistically analyze their own care, compare it to peers, and pinpoint opportunities for improvement. The database will be populated with data from over 18 million patients by 2016.