The elbasvir/grazoprevir combination was effective in HCV genotypes 1 and 4 with fewer overall side effects, resulting in an SVR12 of 99.2% compared to 90.5% for sofosbuvir/pegylated interferon. The new treatment demonstrated superior efficacy especially in hard-to-treat patients.
A genome-wide association study has identified two genes, PNPLA3 and SLC38A4, that increase the risk of developing severe alcoholic hepatitis in heavy drinkers. The study found that individuals with these genetic variants are more susceptible to developing this serious and life-threatening illness.
Professor René Rizzoli, a leading Swiss investigator, has been awarded the ESCEO-IOF Medal for his groundbreaking work in basic bone science. The medal recognizes his contributions to understanding bone and mineral metabolism, with over 800 publications to his name.
A Florida State University researcher found that Latino immigrants experience significant stress due to threats to 'familismo', deeply held cultural beliefs about the centrality of family. This ambivalence can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being, particularly in terms of parenting and economic adjustment.
An interdisciplinary team will focus on ethics and research in pregnancy, beginning with the current Zika context. Bioethicists aim to develop guidance for conducting research with pregnant women in public health crises.
The Hastings Center has launched a three-year project to examine the fundamental questions of using gene editing in humans, including its impact on human flourishing and core values. The project aims to develop new scholarship, equips journalists, and prepares teachers to engage with these issues.
A type of thyroid cancer, EFVPTC, is being reclassified as non-invasive and low-risk due to its low recurrence rate. The new name, NIFTP, guides pathologists in diagnosis and reduces aggressive treatment, potentially saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.
A randomized controlled trial enrolls 350 firefighters from Tampa Bay's three largest fire departments to assess the effectiveness of a worksite exercise regimen. The study aims to reduce low back injury and disability, improving health and preparedness for firefighters.
A national research study will focus on the effectiveness of specific carbohydrate diets and Mediterranean-style diets to induce remission in patients with Crohn's disease. The study, led by Dr. James Lewis, aims to provide high-quality data and guidance for incorporating diet modifications into the treatment of the disease.
Scientists have confirmed that as people age, they accumulate gene mutations in their mitochondria, which can limit energy production and impair cellular function. Researchers recommend screening stem cells for mitochondrial DNA mutations to ensure their therapeutic value.
A new study published in The Journal of Urology found no differences in penile sensitivity between circumcised and intact men. The researchers also challenged the notion that the foreskin is the most sensitive part of the adult penis. No differences were observed in sexual functioning between the groups.
Researchers at TSRI have integrated biomedical data into Wikidata, enabling easy access and linking of genes, proteins, and more. The project aims to create a comprehensive, uniform database that can be searched and updated by anyone.
Research finds that proton pump inhibitors, widely used for heartburn and ulcers, can lead to kidney function decline, chronic kidney disease, and kidney failure. Long-term use of these medications significantly increases the risk of developing kidney problems.
Bacteria's ability to form membrane vesicles and biofilms, crucial for disease-causing abilities and antibiotic resistance, has been linked to explosive cell lysis. The study reveals that a previously unknown enzyme disrupts the cell wall, releasing essential cellular components.
The European Research Council has awarded €647 million in funding to 277 senior researchers, enabling them to pursue innovative projects with potentially significant impacts on science and society. The grants, worth up to €2.5 million each, will support research in various fields, including life sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
Lay health advisors play a crucial role in reducing health disparities among medically underserved groups. Research from Roswell Park and Columbia University found that support from academic institutions is key to their success, with partnerships leading to higher retention rates. The study also highlights the importance of clear role ...
Professor Joseph M. Suflita, a leading researcher at the University of Oklahoma, has been awarded the 2016 DuPont Industrial Biosciences Award for his distinguished achievements in applied and environmental microbiology. His work focuses on bioremediation and the role of anaerobic microorganisms in contaminant degradation.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that immune cells associated with allergies can promote healing of mouse muscle wounds when paired with biomaterial scaffolds. The discovery suggests a pivotal role for type 2 helper T cells in regulating the regenerative process, which may lead to novel strategies for tissue regeneration.
A new study found that patients with a prior history of hepatocellular carcinoma and treated with direct-acting antivirals for Hepatitis C have a higher-than-expected early recurrence rate of their liver cancer, with rates exceeding 40% in some subgroups. The recurrences may be due to a weakened immune system following DAA therapy.
Researchers have stabilised ultra-long carbyne chains with over 6,400 carbon atoms, surpassing previous records. The new method uses double-walled carbon nanotubes to create the stable chains, which could lead to new nano-electronic applications.
A team of researchers has created the first comprehensive in vivo fitness landscape of a gene, which provides a way to visualize and predict evolution. The findings show that about 1 percent of point mutations are beneficial to an organism, while 42 percent are harmful, and two harmful mutations interacting can lead to more harm.
Dr. Lyons-Weiler examines successes in biomedical translational success, including breast cancer receptor research and individualized treatments, as well as problems with modern healthcare. He also critiques examples of 'Shamwizardry' in the pharmaceutical industry.
A new project, NANOBED-MX, will offer researchers and entrepreneurs access to space technology with minimal investment. The program builds on the UKube-1 CubeSat experience and aims to unlock commercial opportunities in developing countries.
A study estimated the number of children born with Down syndrome each year in Massachusetts, along with pregnancies terminated due to prenatal diagnosis. The study found a higher incidence of termination in the Northeast and among Asians/Pacific Islanders.
A multi-institution study found that nipple-sparing mastectomies are as effective as traditional mastectomy in preventing breast cancer in women with a genetic mutation called BRCA. The procedure, which preserves the nipple and surrounding skin, was found to be safe and effective in reducing breast cancer risk.
Researchers found that Greek dancing improved jumping ability, muscular strength, and lower limb endurance in cardiac rehabilitation programs. Patients who participated in the study jumped higher and faster, had stronger legs, and could walk further, demonstrating more endurance.
Researchers have slowed glioblastoma tumor growth in mouse models using a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet. The modified diet increased life expectancy by 50% and reduced tumor progression by a similar amount.
A top-tier team, led by UTSA Professor William Dupont, is working on a historic restoration project in Cuba to preserve Ernest Hemingway's home. The new archival storage facility will be the first building in Cuba constructed using US materials since the late 1950s.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered a compound that not only lowers cholesterol but also kills prostate cancer cells. The study found that the compound, initially developed as a cholesterol-fighting molecule, reduced prostate cancer cell growth and caused cancer cell death in human and mouse models.
A region of specific proteins called SPX domain signals the phosphate status to cells, regulating phosphate uptake. InsP signaling molecules interact with SPX domains to control phosphate homeostasis in various organisms.
An international team has compiled the largest library of bat sounds, allowing researchers to accurately identify and differentiate between 59 bat species found in Mexico. The developed method can be used to monitor biodiversity change and characterise bat communities in different regions.
A study found that propofol, a commonly used anesthetic, induces loss of responsiveness by diminishing brain connectivity in the frontal cortex. The researchers also observed significant changes in resting state brain networks.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet reveals a feedback regulatory system through which dopamine controls its own activity, regulating prolactin levels and potentially mitigating sexual side effects of antipsychotic drugs.
Researchers have developed a new approach to convert methane into methanol using copper-containing silicon aluminum compounds as catalysts at constant temperatures and high pressures. This process can potentially reduce the energy waste associated with current industrial methods.
Researchers created a mathematical model that reproduces the animals' internal calculations, revealing the existence of a 'separatrix angle' that changes throughout the day. The model predicts real-life behaviors in flight simulators and provides insights into monarch navigation.
Researchers at Wayne State University are developing novel aminoglycoside antibiotics with reduced toxicity and decreased resistance, aiming to combat multidrug-resistant diseases. The project, led by David Crich, will evaluate synthetic compounds in vitro and animal models for efficacy and antibacterial activity.
Research highlights the impact of dietary habits on male reproductive potential, with obesity found to promote hormonal dysfunction and affect fertility. The study emphasizes the need for policymakers and media attention to address this growing health issue.
A joint project by universities in Mainz and Hohenheim aims to find better-tolerated wheat varieties. The researchers are studying the causes of non-celiac-non-allergy wheat sensitivity (NCWS) and its connection to wheat proteins called alpha-amylase-trypsin inhibitors.
Salk Institute scientists have developed a new reagent to map the brain's complex network of connections, 20 times more efficient than the previous version. The improved tool allows researchers to visualize neural circuitry and learn more about conditions like motor diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders.
A study by Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that heavy cannabis users have lower dopamine release in the brain's striatum, a region involved in working memory and attention. This effect is similar to other addictive substances and may impair learning and behavior.
Working women who want to minimize career income losses related to motherhood should wait until they are about 30 years old to have their first children. For women with or without college degrees, lower lifetime incomes are found when having children before age 30.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard University have successfully fabricated nanoscrolls made from graphene oxide flakes. The scrolls exhibit mechanical properties similar to graphene and can be tailored to trap specific molecules and pollutants.
A new study shows that direct-acting antiviral therapy can improve the condition of patients with severe liver damage and hepatitis C, reducing their need for a liver transplant. The treatment improved the outlook for 35% of patients, allowing them to be removed from the transplant list or no longer require a transplant.
Researchers found that male batterers show greater activation in anterior cingulate cortex and medial prefrontal cortex, and smaller reaction in superior prefrontal cortex in response to intimate partner violence images. This study may have important implications for understanding violence against women and recidivism in batterers.
Researchers discovered that high doses of antihistamines can blunt nearly 27% of the gene response after vigorous exercise, which could have implications for athletes and exercisers. The study identified 795 genes affected by histamine receptors, highlighting their role in post-exercise recovery.
A new study reports that nearly 80% of children who undergo liver transplants can be expected to survive for at least 20 years. The study analyzed data from 128 consecutive children who received liver transplants between 1988 and 1993, with a median age of 2.5 years.
A new study projects severe reduction in thermal tolerance for Great Barrier Reef corals, leading to increased coral bleaching. The research found that near-future temperature increases may result in loss of protective mechanisms, resulting in dramatic increase in coral bleaching events.
During deep sleep, hippocampal sharp-wave ripples and cortical slow oscillations interact to strengthen synapses and form long-term memory. The study provides a mechanistic explanation for memory consolidation during deep sleep.
A study found that unmet nursing care varies widely across US hospitals and is associated with a higher risk of repeat hospital admission for black patients after a heart attack. The strongest factor was not receiving medications in a timely manner, increasing the odds of readmission by 26 percent.
Patients with grade 2 gliomas treated with radiation therapy plus chemotherapy had a better overall survival of 13.3 years compared to 7.8 years without chemotherapy. The study also found that patients with IDH1 mutation had significantly better overall survival regardless of treatment.
Scientists have identified a unique memory suppressor gene in Drosophila that could hold the key to developing new Alzheimer's treatments. The gene, known as DmSLC22A, is involved in filtering information and storing important parts when the brain prioritizes memories.
The Miriam Hospital has been awarded a five-year grant to develop an online health media literacy intervention targeting young men who have sex with men. The goal is to reduce HIV and STDs among this population by improving critical examination of online media.
Research suggests that episodic memory is crucial for emotion recovery in midlife and older adults, who may struggle with negative emotions after a stressful event. The study found that stronger memory skills were linked to improved positive emotion regulation, suggesting that cognitive processes are closely intertwined.
A large-scale study found that a difference of 5mm Hg in systolic blood pressure measurements between the two arms was associated with almost double the risk of death from heart-related disease over an eight-year period. This suggests that measuring blood pressure in both arms is crucial for identifying individuals at higher risk of ca...
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection can cause abnormal brain development in the fetus by activating a key signaling pathway. Studies have found that HCMV substantially reduces the rate of neurons generated by neural stem cells.
Researchers at TUM and USA colleagues have discovered unusually high concentrations of radioactive 60Fe in lunar samples from Apollo missions 12, 15 and 16. This evidence supports a supernova hypothesis, suggesting that one or more explosive events occurred close to our solar system approximately two million years ago.
Researchers discover a 'green beard' system in fungi to decide on compatibility and actively seek out favorable cells. This mechanism is necessary and sufficient to determine 'self' identity, enabling cooperation between non-genealogical relatives.
A new study reveals how cancer cells turn healthy cells to the 'dark side' by using a mutant KRAS gene to release unique growth signals. This discovery could open up new approaches to cancer treatment by understanding the communication loop between cancer-causing genes and healthy stromal cells.
Professor John A. Kanis has made significant contributions to advances in the field of osteoporosis and musculoskeletal disorders. He is the author of over 1200 papers, chapters, and books on bone disease and metabolism.
A surface mutation in canine parvovirus (CPV) allows it to infect hosts of different species, including wild forest-dwelling animals like raccoons. This critical step increases the virus's ability to spread.