Researchers have identified a new protein, THSD7A, that turns the immune system against itself in kidney disease called membranous nephropathy (MN). This discovery enables the development of a blood test to diagnose MN, which can reduce the need for kidney biopsies by up to 85%.
A new analysis from a long-term study of over 1,000 New Zealanders found a strong relationship between low credit scores and poor cardiovascular health. The study also suggests that personal attributes such as self-control, planning ahead, and perseverance can predict both better financial status and better health.
A team of NYU and University of Barcelona physicists developed a method to control spin waves in magnetic materials, which can efficiently transfer energy and information. The breakthrough has the potential to improve information processing and reduce energy consumption.
Starting smoking by age 13 is linked to an increased risk of chronic severe period pain. Smoking constricts arterial blood flow and affects hormones involved in menstruation, which may contribute to the association.
A new study at Brown University found that reward overcomes retrieval-induced forgetting, a phenomenon where practicing certain facts suppresses recall of others. Volunteers who earned rewards during practice had improved recall of unpracticed fish category facts.
Researchers have rediscovered a large fiber pathway in the brain that was previously unknown, despite being visible in dozens of MRI scans. The vertical occipital fasciculus plays a role in visual processing and perception, and an algorithm has been developed to identify and measure its properties.
A new ultra-high-resolution NASA computer model provides a stunning visual portrait of how carbon dioxide travels around the globe. The simulation, called GEOS-5, illustrates regional variations in carbon dioxide levels and differences between northern and southern hemispheres.
Researchers successfully imaged carboxysome particles, a key component in photosynthetic bacteria's carbon fixation process, using an X-ray laser method. The technique enables single-particle imaging of objects with varying size and shape, shedding light on the structure and dynamics of life's smallest units.
A $2.3 million network will investigate molecular mechanisms of rare diseases in yeast, worms, flies, fish, mice and humans. The goal is to understand disease mechanisms and identify therapeutic pathways for treatment.
A Tel Aviv University study found that reptiles with reduced reproductive rates and plant-rich diets lived longer than those with faster growth and early reproduction. Herbivorous reptiles consumed fewer calories and took a more leisurely pace, leading to increased longevity.
A new study reveals that long-used field inventory plots are not representative of tropical forests, leading to biased results. Advanced three-dimensional forest mapping techniques provide a more accurate understanding of forest structures and systems on large geographic scales.
A new study identifies Ewing sarcoma-associated transcript 1 (EWSAT1) as a critical target of the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein, contributing to cancer cell growth and repression of key genes. This finding supports the notion that long noncoding RNAs can drive cancer development and highlights an important mediator in Ewing Sarcoma.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified over 3,000 new gene mutations involved in certain kidney cancers. The study reveals how these mutations transform a normal kidney cell into a cancer cell through the interaction of two genes, VHL and BAP1.
B cells use a unique migration strategy in the bone marrow that allows them to exit slowly and be passively swept out by blood flow. The researchers found that the absence of CXCR4 significantly slows down B cell movement, highlighting the importance of this protein in regulating immune cell egress.
Preliminary research suggests that secondhand marijuana smoke can damage blood vessels as much as tobacco smoke, raising concerns about its impact on cardiovascular health. The study found that blood vessel function dropped by 70% after exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke.
The Heart of New Ulm Project demonstrated population-level improvements in blood pressure and lipids, with increases in residents meeting blood pressure and LDL cholesterol goals. Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, quitting smoking, and increased physical activity, also showed significant effects on HDL levels and total cholestero...
Hospital admissions for acute aortic dissection increased during peak flu season in the US, according to research. Researchers found a notable correlation between flu activity and AAD admissions from 2001-2013.
The study found that more than half of US adults with high blood pressure now have readings below 140/90 mmHg. Despite progress, nearly half of those with hypertension remain uncontrolled, highlighting the need for increased efforts to prioritize blood pressure management at every medical visit.
Repeat testing after puberty revealed abnormal electrocardiogram findings in most individuals with a first-degree relative with Brugada syndrome. This suggests the need for repeated monitoring of family members of patients with Brugada syndrome, even those initially considered at low risk due to young age.
Researchers found that patients with underweight or overweight/obese BMIs were less likely to achieve sustained remission in early rheumatoid arthritis. The study also identified other contributing factors, such as smoking and response to treatment, that can impact patient outcomes.
A study of 4,524 patients found that intravascular VCDs were more effective than manual compression in achieving hemostasis, with fewer device failures and shorter time to hemostasis. The results suggest that VCDs may be a safer alternative for closing artery access sites following coronary angiography.
A Swedish registry study suggests that beta blockers can improve survival in patients with HFPEF, which affects women more often than men and is characterized by an impaired ability to relax and fill with blood. The treatment difference persisted even after adjusting for various factors.
Researchers at OIST Graduate University found that extrasynaptic receptors are essential for establishing a plateau in the membrane potential of neurons, allowing them to signal more effectively. Blocking these receptors with memantine reduces the frequency and synchrony of neural activity.
A new study published in JAMA found that hospitalized patients with STEMI heart attacks are more likely to die than those who had the same type of heart attack outside the hospital. The study analyzed data from over 62,000 patients and found that these patients were older, female, and less likely to receive routine treatments for STEMI.
Physicists at Australian National University have created a spiral laser beam that generates a stable vortex of polaritons, which are hybrid particles exhibiting both matter-like and light-like behavior. This achievement could enable the development of novel technology linking conventional electronics with photonics.
Researchers found that couples who kiss frequently share similar oral bacteria, with at least nine kisses per day leading to significantly shared salivary microbiota. The study also suggests an important role for other mechanisms that select oral microbiota, shaped by lifestyle and personal care habits.
A new study suggests that repeated head injuries can disrupt the brain's energy use, leading to inflammation, degeneration of brain cell segments, and problems with learning and memory. The discovery could help explain the development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a brain disease seen in professional athletes.
Research suggests that long-term use of anti-clotting drugs like warfarin and aspirin or clopidigrel can increase the risk of dementia in people with atrial fibrillation. Patients with abnormally slow blood clotting times were found to be more likely to develop dementia.
A new study by Hospital for Special Surgery found that total hip replacement is an excellent option for young JIA patients, with 85% of patients experiencing at least 10 years of implant longevity. Patient-reported outcomes showed favorable results in terms of activities of daily living and pain management.
A study found that beta-blockers are associated with lower all-cause mortality in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction, but no significant effect on combined all-cause mortality or heart failure hospitalization. The study used data from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry and included over 41,000 patients.
Researchers studied adolescents' brain connections, impulsivity, and sugar intake to understand the risk of alcohol use and abuse. The findings suggest that reduced executive cognitive functioning and impaired connectivity in key brain networks may contribute to risky behaviors.
Research at Mayo Clinic reveals that patients with active asthma are at a twofold risk of having a heart attack. Patients with inactive asthma were not found to be at an increased risk, highlighting the need for better control of asthma symptoms and medication use.
Research spanning over three decades found that participants with low risk for heart disease as young adults were 60% less likely to report disability as older adults. A healthy lifestyle has been shown to be associated with favorable levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors, according to the study lead author.
A new program called Family SWAP uses an electronic monitoring device to help heart failure patients and their caregivers adapt to a low-salt diet. The study found that participants noticed a significant change in their ability to taste salt, while caregivers reported no increased burden.
Leading coral reef scientists argue that a shift away from extinction threat is needed to protect marine ecosystems. Researchers found no relationship between species abundance and geographic range, highlighting the weaknesses in current approaches to assessing extinction risk.
The overall heart disease death rate decreased by 3.8% and coronary artery disease death rate by 5.1% between 2000-2010, but some subtypes showed increases in mortality rates, including hypertensive heart disease (HHD) and arrhythmia.
Research studies presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2014 found that people with active asthma are more likely to experience a heart attack. Participants in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) who required daily medications for asthma were 60% more likely to have a cardiovascular event.
A study of 68,765 STEMI patients found that 53% had non-IRA disease, significantly associated with increased 30-day mortality. The presence of non-IRA disease was consistent with findings from the KAMIR registry but not the Duke database.
Atrial fibrillation hospital admission rates have increased significantly in the US, with elderly females and those with low income experiencing higher rates. Patient characteristics such as Medicare insurance and living in areas with low median income contribute to these disparities.
Preterm birth is now the world's number one killer of young children, accounting for nearly 1.1 million deaths in 2013. Direct complications from preterm births killed an additional 125,000 children between one month and five years old.
Researchers found that menthol reduces irritation from nicotine by desensitizing airway receptors. The study provides insight into how menthol affects the function of α3β4 receptors, which are expressed in both airways and other neurons.
A study published in JAMA found that a device for closing the left atrial appendage significantly reduces the risk of stroke and cardiovascular death in patients with atrial fibrillation. The device was shown to be noninferior and superior to warfarin, a current treatment option for stroke prevention.
Research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2014 found that young and middle-age women with stable coronary heart disease are more vulnerable to emotional stress. They experience a significant reduction in blood flow to the heart when subjected to mental stress, whereas physical stress does not cause a no...
A new study found that public lay bystanders in higher-income Pennsylvania counties are more likely to perform CPR during cardiac arrests, with a ROSC rate of 23.3% compared to 1.5% in lower-income areas. The research suggests targeting CPR education efforts in lower-income counties to improve cardiac arrest survival rates.
Patients who develop heart attacks in hospitals for non-acute conditions have a 3.5-fold higher mortality rate compared to those with outpatient-onset STEMI. Inpatient-onset STEMI patients are also less likely to be discharged home and undergo necessary treatments, leading to longer hospital stays and higher costs.
A recent study by Duke University researchers found that over half of STEMI heart attack patients had one or both of their other arteries obstructed, leading to worse outcomes. The study suggests that opening all blocked arteries may become a standard procedure.
A new study suggests that malfunctioning tau, not amyloid-beta plaque, is the key event triggering neuron death in Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that when tau fails to function, neurons can't clear toxic proteins, leading to cell death.
A new study found that over 40% of energy drink exposure reports to US poison control centers involved children under 6, suffering from serious cardiac and neurological symptoms. Energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine and other ingredients that can cause these effects, particularly when mixed with alcohol.
The DAPT Study found that continuing dual antiplatelet therapy for at least 30 months significantly reduced the risk of stent thrombosis and major adverse cardiovascular events. This benefit was observed across all stent types and patient characteristics, with a notable reduction in heart attack risk.
A recent study has found a strong association between air pollution and the development of chronic kidney disease. The research, which analyzed data from over 1.1 million people in the US, revealed that even low levels of particulate matter can increase the risk of CKD.
A study found that perceived racial discrimination may contribute to disparities in kidney disease by increasing stress-related pathways. Among African Americans and whites, those who experienced 'a lot' of discrimination had higher systolic blood pressure but a lower prevalence of diabetes.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation has awarded young investigators from four countries for their groundbreaking studies on bone health. Researchers have shed light on the impact of sedentary time, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and body weight change on bone strength in adolescent girls.
A blood test shows promise as a marker to predict which rheumatoid arthritis patients will benefit from biologic medications, sparing them unnecessary side effects. The protein type 1 interferon appears to serve as a valid marker to tell whether individual patients will respond to biologics or need alternative treatments.
Studies found that a higher-quality diet reduces the risk of needing dialysis or dying from kidney problems by 16-23%. High potassium intake also shows promise in reducing future risk. Dietary modifications are considered a low-cost and simple intervention to reduce chronic kidney disease burden.
A new study has found that weight loss of 10 percent or more in seniors substantially increases the risk of hip fractures. The Singapore Chinese Health Study found that body weight changes were associated with a significant increase in hip fracture risk, whereas weight gain did not reduce risk significantly.
A study found that sodium-reduced meat and poultry products contain significantly higher levels of potassium due to additives. This can pose a risk for patients with kidney disease who require low phosphorus and potassium diets.
A recent study published in JAMA found that taking aspirin or clonidine before and after surgery did not lower the risk of acute kidney injury. The study involved over 6,900 patients and showed that major bleeding with aspirin increased AKI risk, while low blood pressure with clonidine had a similar effect.
The Ferric Citrate OLE study demonstrated the iron-based phosphate binder's long-term safety and efficacy in managing elevated serum phosphorus levels. Patients treated with Ferric Citrate showed improvements in laboratory parameters, including reduced serum phosphorus levels and increased hemoglobin
Research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2014 found that implementing pre-arrival telephone CPR guidelines in Arizona increased bystander CPR rates by 41% and survival rates by 42%. The study also showed that women are more likely to survive sudden cardiac arrest compared to men.
Researchers found that using two drugs was no more effective than a single drug in slowing disease progression in people with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). However, rigorous blood pressure treatment did slow the growth of kidney cysts and preserve kidney function.