Researchers have discovered a new treatment that targets the versatile Sigma-1 receptor, improving motor function and reducing inflammation in mice with Parkinson's-like conditions. The results suggest that early activation of this protein could protect brain cells against dopamine loss and associated neural damage.
The PARADIGM-HF trial was stopped early due to a statistically significant reduction in primary composite endpoint and cardiovascular mortality. LCZ696 demonstrated benefits by blocking the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and augmenting endogenous natriuretic peptides, offering an alternative to the gold standard treatment enalapril.
A genetic study has identified an ancient girl as part of a genetic lineage shared by modern Native Americans, resolving years of speculation about the Americas' first inhabitants. The study, published in Science, used mitochondrial DNA from her tooth to confirm that she came from the same source population as living Native Americans.
A national survey found that 77% of adults are aware of e-cigarettes, up from 16% five years ago. However, the perception that e-cigarettes are safer than tobacco cigarettes decreased slightly, from 84 to 65 percent. The study also found no correlation between awareness and intention to quit smoking.
Researchers at UCLA discovered that B cells respond to threats by producing antibodies only when a high threshold is reached, reducing the risk of false alarms. This mechanism helps prevent immune deficiency and autoimmune diseases.
A new kidney allocation policy is expected to improve patient and transplant survival rates, with median organ survival increasing by 2.8%, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. The policy prioritizes highly sensitized patients while potentially reducing access for older candidates.
The West Antarctic Ice Sheet is collapsing, with the Thwaites Glacier expected to disappear in centuries and raise sea levels by nearly 2 feet. The study provides a quantitative estimate of the collapse's rates, suggesting scenarios ranging from 200 to 500 years.
Researchers found that human neural stem cells can repair damage caused by multiple sclerosis (MS) in mice, allowing them to walk again. The breakthrough has significant implications for developing a new treatment approach for MS patients.
The Hawaiian bobtail squid recruits and sustains a symbiotic association with Vibrio fischeri by utilizing the antimicrobial properties of its hemocyanin blood pigment. The protein also enables the squid to modulate oxygen levels, creating an environment conducive to the bacterium's growth.
Daily nutritional supplementation improves HIV patient condition with significant weight gain from muscle mass and improved grip strength. The study highlights the importance of nutrition in conjunction with HIV treatment to prevent malnutrition-related deaths.
A 12,000-year-old girl's DNA has revealed a significant genetic connection to modern Native Americans. The study found that Naia's skull shape was distinct from modern Native American populations, but her mitochondrial DNA showed a strong link. Researchers hope to sequence the full genome of this ancient girl in future studies.
A team of researchers has discovered the oldest human skeleton in North America, dating back 13,000-12,000 years. The skeleton, named Naia, was found in an underwater cave in Mexico and shows a shared genetic code with modern Native Americans.
Researchers found four genes in trypanosome parasites that make them sensitive or resistant to the human immune system. The study identified a previously unknown gene that codes for a transmembrane channel, which may be involved in the uptake of human defense factors by the parasite.
A nearly complete human skeleton found in a cave in Mexico has provided new insights into the ancestry of early Americans. The discovery, which dates back at least 12,000 years, shows that modern Native Americans are genetically related to an ancient population that migrated from Beringia.
A recent study published in Nature found that draining of the aquifer for agricultural irrigation in California's Central Valley results in upward flexing of the earth's surface and surrounding mountains. The research also correlates with seismic activity on the San Andreas Fault.
A new chemotherapy regimen administered before surgery and chemoradiation improves tolerance to treatment in most rectal cancer patients. The study found that over 90% of patients were able to complete a full course of standard treatment, with many experiencing a significant reduction in symptoms.
Detailed studies at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital reveal the structural details of how p53 attaches to its regulatory protein BCL-xL, enabling scientists to design drugs that release p53 in cancer cells, triggering apoptosis. The findings have significant implications for developing new cancer-fighting treatments.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that nondirective meditation, such as Acem technique, increases activity in the brain's resting network, which processes thoughts and feelings, while concentrative meditation has less activation in this area.
A new study published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery found that low-dose anticoagulation therapy can be safely used with a newer generation mechanical heart valve. Patients under 65 years old who received this valve had significantly lower risk of bleeding without an increased incidence of thromboembolism.
A review and meta-analysis found that consuming higher amounts of added sugars increases blood pressure and lipids, contributing to cardiovascular risk. The study's findings support reduced sugar consumption as a measure to combat global cardiovascular disease burden.
Researchers developed a new technology that can generate visible light deep within the body, activating drugs and destroying tumors. This approach could greatly expand photodynamic therapy's effectiveness, offering fewer side effects and precise targeting of cancer cells.
Fires in San Diego County have burned over 10,000 acres, destroying dozens of homes and forcing tens of thousands to evacuate. Firefighters are battling the flames with assistance from military aircraft and tankers, but high temperatures and winds are making it a challenging effort.
Research reveals that chronic infections impair the development of immune cell memory, reducing vaccine effectiveness. The study found that bystander chronic infections impede the transition of effector T cells to memory T cells.
Researchers at the University of York have developed a sensitive test to detect neurological changes before degeneration occurs. The technique, which uses fruit flies, has shown promise in reducing visual signals and preventing abnormal changes.
Deep brain electrode implantation may be a suitable alternative to the traditional WADA test for identifying speech dominance, especially in patients with uncertain side of speech dominance or small children who cannot cooperate. The 'Electric WADA' procedure was successful in four patients without adverse events.
A new study finds that mothers' depressive symptoms predict both increased and reduced negative reactivity to their children's behavior. When the child's behavior is pleasant, mothers with depression tend to be less responsive, but when it becomes unpleasant, they become more over-reactive.
Researchers at Caltech found a way to sidestep quantum 'noise' that limits precision of ultrasensitive position measurements, enabling detection and avoidance of quantum fluctuations. The study provides a solution for rerouting some of the noise away from the measurement, allowing for increased sensitivity without compromising accuracy.
Participants in a 12-week pilot program received monthly naltrexone injections and set their own treatment goals, resulting in decreases in alcohol craving (33%), consumption (25-34%), and problems associated with alcohol use (60%). The counseling approach was non-judgmental and focused on participants' individual goals.
Researchers at UC Riverside have developed a new lithium-ion battery material with over three times the energy storage capacity of current carbon-based anodes. This innovation has significant implications for industries like electronics and electric vehicles.
Dr. Garrett Brodeur's work has significantly advanced our understanding of neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer. His research has led to the development of more effective and less toxic treatments for children.
Scientists discovered that oxidized organic compounds play a crucial role in new particle formation and growth. This finding contributes to better understanding of the connection between clouds and climate, shedding light on the complex process of cloud formation.
Researchers found a significant increase in marijuana-positive drivers involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes in Colorado after medical marijuana commercialization in 2009. The proportion of such drivers increased from 4.5% to 10% between 1994 and 2011, outpacing the 34 non-medical marijuana states.
Researchers at MIPT have developed an algorithm to predict the impact of various substances on signaling pathways, which can help speed up the search for longevity drugs and decrease their cost. The new algorithm is based on comparing gene expression in young and elderly patients' cells.
A new study published in Diabetes journal found that poor-quality sleep during late pregnancy can increase the odds of weight gain and metabolic abnormalities in offspring. Disrupted sleep can lead to epigenetic modifications that reduce expression of the adiponectin gene, resulting in increased body fat and reduced activity.
A new study found that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) causes a reduction in activity among brainstem neurons responsible for regulating heart rate. This reduced activity contributes to increased heart rate and blood pressure, as well as the risk of cardiovascular events in OSA patients.
A new study by Arizona State University researchers found that overweight youth choose non-overweight friends more often than they are selected in return. This leads to overweight youth having one fewer friend on average compared to their normal-weight peers.
A new study from Oregon State University suggests that targeted funding can significantly improve the quality of early child care and education programs in low-income communities. The research found that additional government funding can provide a substantial boost to program quality in disadvantaged areas.
A new study found that while e-cigarette awareness has increased significantly among smokers, their perceived safety is decreasing. The researchers discovered no association between e-cigarette awareness and smoking cessation attempts, suggesting that adult smokers have not yet accepted e-cigarettes as a quit-smoking aid.
Nizar Ibrahim, a University of Chicago paleontologist, has been selected to National Geographic's Emerging Explorers program. He receives a $10,000 award to aid further research and exploration in the deserts of North Africa, where he discovers fossil footprints and a new species of flying reptile.
Researchers at Harvard University have identified galanin neurons in the brain's medial preoptic area (MPOA) that regulate parental behavior in mice. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of conditions like post-partum depression and potentially offer new treatment options.
Researchers are testing whether therapy incorporating advanced genomic technology will provide better outcomes than current treatments for women with an aggressive form of breast cancer. The trial uses targeted DNA sequencing to identify specific treatment choices that improve survival rates.
A new study has found that flame retardants are prevalent indoors in preschools and day care centers, potentially exposing young children to hazardous chemicals. The study reveals high levels of PBDEs and tris phosphate compounds in dust samples, with concentrations often higher in facilities with foam equipment.
UH researchers found conclusive evidence of how silicalite-1 zeolites grow, involving nanoparticle attachment and molecular addition. This breakthrough technique allows for real-time observation of surface growth.
Researchers found that lifespan in fruit flies depended more on interactions among dietary, genetic and mitochondrial factors than on individual factors. This study suggests that looking at complex combinations can lead to a deeper understanding of the aging process.
Researchers may underestimate disparities between groups due to 'mischievous responders' who intentionally provide inaccurate answers on surveys. A new sensitivity-analysis procedure identifies and reduces bias in research data, ensuring sound conclusions for policymaking and effective support for marginalized groups.
A study by Whitehead Institute researchers has identified a potential treatment for Niemann-Pick disease, a rare genetic disorder. The researchers found that combining low doses of cyclodextrin with the drug carbamazepine can lower cholesterol levels and restore autophagy defects in cells affected by the disease.
Researchers have developed a new X-ray phase-contrast mammography technique that provides high-contrast images of breast tissue. This technique helps distinguish between different types of microcalcifications and can aid in assigning them to malignant lesions, enabling non-invasive detection of premalignant lesions.
A team using the Gemini Planet Imager's next-generation adaptive optics system tracked the orbit of Beta Pictoris b, a planet with an estimated mass at least four times that of Jupiter. The team refined the estimate by analyzing images and debris discs around the star.
Researchers discovered that shark antibodies possess structural characteristics making them robust against dehydration, leading to enhanced stability in human antibody fragments. This breakthrough enables the development of improved therapeutic and diagnostic antibodies with increased efficacy.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people trust strangers more often due to a sense of moral obligation rather than expectation of reward. Researchers conducted six experiments involving 645 university students, showing that even those with low expectations of others tend to trust total strangers.
A study found that the quality of death for cancer patients in urban Canadian settings with ready access to palliative care was good to excellent in most cases. Factors such as social support, caregiver relationship length, and home death were linked to better scores on a scale measuring the dying experience.
A new study found that NHL forwards reach their peak performance between the ages of 27 and 28, while defencemen peak between 28 and 29. The study also revealed that players perform close to their peak levels for several years before and after their optimal age range.
A new study suggests that physician partners can lighten the administrative load of primary care physicians, allowing them to spend more time with their patients. The study found that geriatricians who worked with a physician partner had shorter patient visits and higher patient satisfaction rates compared to those without a partner.
A study published in Diabetologia found that eating two large meals (breakfast and lunch) is more effective than six small meals with the same calories in controlling weight and blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The researchers also found that this approach improved insulin sensitivity and reduced liver fat content.
Two studies in JAMA Ophthalmology investigated glaucoma medication adherence, finding that a sizable number of patients struggle to use prescribed eye drops. Electronic monitoring revealed that 82.8% of patients took their medication correctly on at least 75% of days, highlighting the need for risk calculators to identify nonadherent p...
University of Houston pharmacy students earned statewide awards for excellence in leadership, professional service and clinical skills. Two teams won the second- and fourth-year Pharmacy Doctorate student divisions in the clinical skills competition.
A nearly complete Paleoamerican skeleton with Native American DNA has been discovered in Mexico, dating back to the end of the ice age. The skeleton, named Naia, shows unique morphological attributes and mitochondrial DNA haplotype consistent with Beringian origins.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center found that young binge drinkers who experience strong stimulation and reward from alcohol are at higher risk of developing alcohol use disorder over time. These heavy drinkers showed a strongly positive preference for alcohol in their 20s, with lower sedative effects.
A study by Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School found that Americans' motivation to remember information that absolves American soldiers of atrocities alters their memories. The researchers reported that participants were more likely to remember justifications for atrocities committed by American soldiers than those committed b...
Children of fathers in technical occupations are more likely to have an autism spectrum disorder, with increased risks associated with engineering, finance, and healthcare jobs. The study suggests that parental occupation may be indicative of autistic-like behaviors and preferences, influencing diagnosis and severity.