A team of scientists from Caltech has found that lamprey gut neurons originate from cells called Schwann cell precursors, challenging the long-held theory that these cells give rise to vagal neural crest cells. This discovery offers insights into the evolutionary origins of vertebrates and their digestive systems.
A long-term study found that deep brain stimulation provided lasting improvements in symptoms for seven out of eight patients with previously non-treatable depression. The therapy remained effective over four years without significant side effects.
Researchers at MIT and Boston Children's Hospital have identified a key signaling molecule that triggers the formation of scar tissue around implantable medical devices. Blocking this molecule prevents scar tissue from forming, extending the lifespan of devices such as glucose sensors, pacemakers, and insulin delivery systems.
A systematic analysis examined the global burden of oral conditions between 1990 and 2015, finding a significant increase in disability-adjusted life years due to oral diseases. The study suggests that oral health goals should be developed to advance global public health.
Astronomers have mapped the location of optical and ultraviolet light emitted by a star torn apart by a black hole. The team used Swift satellite observations to track the changes in brightness of various wavelengths, finding that they originated from elliptical streams of orbiting matter crashing into each other.
A recent study published in the Canadian Family Physician journal reveals that more than half of Canadian family doctors are using outdated manual devices to measure blood pressure, resulting in inaccurate diagnoses. This can lead to unnecessary medication and increased healthcare costs.
Researchers at MIT developed a strategy to make tumor cells more susceptible to certain types of cancer treatment by coating them with nanoparticles. The particles increase the forces exerted on the cells, making them more likely to die, and were found to be 50% more effective in tests in mice.
A new study found that closing the left atrial appendage during cardiac surgery significantly reduces thromboembolism risk, a leading cause of stroke, by 40%. The procedure also shows promise for patients who cannot take anticoagulant medications.
A recent study found that Embol-X and CardioGard devices did not significantly reduce overall number of brain infarcts during aortic valve replacement, but may affect size. However, patients treated with these devices experienced reduced delirium after surgery. Further research is needed to clarify potential health outcomes.
Researchers will use simulators to recreate the experience of working in a high-rise office block, walking across a wobbly bridge, or dancing in a crowded stadium. The study aims to better understand how vibrations from tall buildings can affect people's health and wellbeing.
A new study found that patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) taking digoxin are at a higher risk of death, regardless of heart failure status. The risk increases with higher levels of digoxin in the bloodstream.
A blood test for high-sensitivity troponin T can identify patients with heart damage after non-cardiac surgery, allowing for timely treatment to prevent deaths. The test showed that approximately 18% of patients sustain a heart injury after surgery, which may account for up to 1 in 4 deaths in the first 30 days.
A study found that nearly a quarter of older patients developing new microbleeds after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) experience cognitive decline. Microbleeds are detrimental to thinking and memory, and factors associated with increased risk include previous cardiovascular intervention and prolonged anticoagulant exposure.
A large study found that levosimendan did not significantly reduce rates of death, heart attack, kidney dialysis, or mechanical assist device use among patients at high risk for low cardiac output syndrome. However, the drug reduced low cardiac output syndrome and required less use of other inotropes.
A large observational study found that CT scans detect subclinical leaflet thrombosis in 12.1% of patients after aortic valve replacement, increasing the risk of transient ischemic attacks but not death or stroke. Oral anticoagulants reduced the risk of clots, while anti-platelet therapy was associated with increased risk.
A recent study found that uninterrupted treatment with dabigatran before, during, and after atrial fibrillation ablation significantly reduced the incidence of major bleeding events compared to warfarin. The trial showed a 5.3% reduction in major bleeding events, with major bleeds occurring in 1.6% of patients receiving dabigatran.
The American Chemical Society's president will focus on critical areas of chemistry, including energy sustainability and LGBT student research, at the annual meeting. The event features a symposium on sustainable energy and another on LGBT graduate and postdoctoral students in chemistry.
A new study found that genotyping and personalized warfarin dosing can lower the risk of certain adverse events, such as bleeding and blood clots. The Genetic InFormatics Trial showed a 27% reduction in adverse events with genotype-guided dosing compared to clinically guided dosing.
Researchers found that a pacemaker delivering a pacing program designed to detect and stop abnormal heart rhythms can significantly reduce fainting episodes in patients with recurrent syncope. The study, known as SPAIN, showed a seven-fold reduction in recurrences of syncope in patients who used the program.
New research reveals a significant gap in statin eligibility for African Americans under different guidelines, highlighting the need for personalized treatment. The study found that stricter USPSTF guidelines may miss some individuals with vascular calcification and low or moderate risk.
The EBBINGHAUS study, the largest and most rigorous study on the topic, found no significant cognitive effects from adding evolocumab to statin therapy. The study enrolled 1,974 patients and used validated neurocognitive tests to assess executive function, working memory, and reaction time.
The new iFR tool has been shown to be equivalent to the current preferred tool FFR in terms of major adverse events and patient outcomes. It also resulted in markedly less patient discomfort and reduced procedure-related adverse events compared to FFR.
Researchers found that only 2% of PE patients receive advanced treatments, despite being potential candidates. The study highlights the need for better real-world data on these therapies to improve patient outcomes.
A study found that approximately 1 in 4 African American individuals recommended for statin therapy under ACC/AHA guidelines are no longer eligible under USPSTF guidelines. This disparity highlights the need to personalize statin recommendation, leveraging targeted imaging measures.
A study of 18 ACL patients found that higher levels of collagen breakdown at the time of surgery correlate with worse outcomes two years after. This suggests that initial biochemical changes after injury may have a lasting impact on osteoarthritis development.
Participants in an online behavioral intervention for high blood pressure reduced their systolic blood pressure by 10 mmHg, compared to a 6 mmHg reduction for those taking part in a control group. The study found that lifestyle counseling can complement and optimize the effectiveness of medical therapy to reduce high blood pressure.
A large international study found that rivaroxaban is more effective and safer than aspirin at preventing recurrent blood clots. The study showed that patients taking rivaroxaban had significantly lower rates of recurrent clots compared to those taking aspirin.
A Phase 2 trial found that synthetic high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) injections had no effect on reducing fatty deposits in arteries, despite being well-tolerated. The study's findings suggest that low-dose CER-001 may not be a promising agent for treating patients with acute coronary syndrome.
A new study published by the American College of Cardiology found that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is not needed in all cases of fully blocked arteries. Treatment with medications alone was shown to be equal to PCI in terms of major adverse events over three years.
A Phase 2 study found that replacing aspirin with low-dose rivaroxaban in addition to an antiplatelet medication does not increase bleeding complications in patients with acute coronary syndrome. The study, which involved over 3,000 patients, suggests that this dual therapy approach may be a safe alternative to lifelong aspirin treatment.
A recent study suggests that surgical approaches to treating tennis elbow may not provide additional benefits compared to a placebo procedure. Patients who underwent surgery experienced significant improvements in pain measures within 26 weeks, with no significant difference between the two groups at any point.
Patients receiving Absorb stent showed outcomes similar to those of Xience metal stents between years one and two, but elevated risk of adverse outcomes at two years in smaller vessels. The study highlights the importance of using appropriately sized vessels and refined procedural techniques for optimal results.
A study of 13,089 patients found that higher physical therapy utilization after ACL reconstruction increases the risk of a second ACL injury. Young female athletes are at particular risk.
New research shows that evolocumab, a PCSK9 inhibitor, effectively lowers LDL cholesterol levels beyond current targets and reduces adverse cardiovascular events. In contrast to previous studies, this study found no association between evolocumab use and decline in memory or cognitive function.
A low-dose blood-thinning medication reduced VTE recurrences more than threefold compared to aspirin without increasing bleeding side effects, according to a large international study. The study's findings support the use of rivaroxaban as a safe and effective treatment option for patients at risk for recurrent VTE.
Researchers combined two independent risk measurements to improve stroke and mortality predictions in atrial fibrillation patients. The new tool provides a more accurate scale of low and high risk, helping physicians determine the need for blood thinners in treatment.
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute have identified three microRNA molecules linked to AFib recurrence after ablation therapy. These molecular markers hold promise as screening tools to help determine which patients will benefit from various therapies.
Professional baseball players face low success rates after undergoing biceps tenodesis surgery, with only 35% returning to pre-operative levels. Ability to recover varies by position, with pitchers showing less success compared to other players, according to research.
A study by researchers found that schools using a Heads Up tackling education program experienced a 1.4 times lower risk of concussions in high school football athletes compared to those without training. The program also led to faster returns to play, with the Heads Up group returning to play 27% faster than non-Heads Up teams.
A study found that arthroscopic superior capsule reconstruction significantly improves shoulder function and stability in patients with rotator cuff tears. The surgical approach eliminated pseudoparalysis in 96.3% of moderate and 93.3% of severe cases.
A new study by Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute researchers suggests that calcified plaque is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, contradicting previous assumptions about soft plaque. The study found that patients with more calcified plaque were more likely to experience major adverse coronary events.
Researchers found that treating secondary blockages after a major heart attack using fractional flow reserve technology can improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for subsequent invasive procedures. This approach resulted in a 65% lower risk of all-cause mortality, non-fatal heart attack, stroke, and revascularization at 12 months.
A new study finds that patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) who undergo moderate-intensity exercise training experience a small but statistically significant increase in peak VO2 max. This improvement is associated with reduced mortality risk and improved self-reported physical functioning.
A research team at Brookhaven National Laboratory has identified a previously unknown link between a protein controlling sugar balance and one turning on oil production in plants. By exploring the energy balance of plants, scientists have found a potential way to increase oil yield from crops grown for biofuels and biomaterials.
A study of children with untreated sleep apnea found significant reductions in gray matter, particularly in regions related to movement, memory, and emotions. The findings suggest that early detection and therapy are crucial for preventing long-term brain damage and cognitive deficits.
A new study reveals that the sub-antarctic island of South Georgia was covered by a massive ice cap about 20,000 years ago. The researchers used sonar mapping and gravity corers to find hundreds of distinct ridges bulldozed into the seabed, showing that the ice extended across South Georgia's vast continental shelf.
The American Society of Clinical Oncology has released a clinical practice guideline on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for the prevention of cervical cancer. The guideline offers evidence-based recommendations for four levels of resource settings, providing guidance to health care providers worldwide.
A study at Hospital for Special Surgery found that more than half of college football athletes participating in the NFL Combine had inadequate levels of vitamin D, making them more susceptible to muscle injuries. Vitamin D deficiency was linked to lower extremity muscle strain and core muscle injury.
A pilot study published in British Medical Journal Open found that pharmacist medicines reconciliation significantly reduced medicine discrepancies and potential hospital readmissions. The study involved 200 patients, with nearly all medication discrepancies identified at both transfer points being addressed in the intervention arm.
Intellectual humility, an awareness of one's own fallibility, increases tolerance and improves decision-making abilities. The trait affects how people evaluate evidence, assess politicians' views, and engage in constructive discussions.
Scientists have identified a highly contagious disease threatening the endangered San Joaquin kit fox population. Researchers confirmed diagnosis of sarcoptic mange in 15 kit foxes and found no evidence of recovery from untreated infections.
The study reveals a left-handed coil structure of the Mcm2-7 hexamer and Cdt1-MCM heptamer, shedding light on DNA unwinding mechanisms. The open-coil structure has profound implications for understanding DNA replication initiation and elongation.
The Human Frontier Science Program has awarded $30 million in grants to the top 3% of research applications, supporting innovative and collaborative projects globally. The 2017 HFSP Research Grants will fund cutting-edge research in various fields, including engineering, biology, and medicine.
The Human Frontier Science Program has selected 10 researchers to receive the prestigious Career Development Award for their innovative projects. The award will provide $300,000 over three years to establish independent laboratories and promote intercontinental collaboration.
A new UBC study found that 87% of children who played outside regularly expressed a love for nature as young adults. The study suggests that environmental awareness programs can help develop children's environmental awareness and action.
A team of researchers identified three distinct regimes of slip phenomena and their underlying molecular mechanisms. The study reveals how polymer chains interact with the interface, affecting the material's properties.
Researchers found that after reirradiation with intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT), the majority of patients were free from local recurrence one year following treatment and few experienced severe side effects. Patients who received a higher dose of radiation had fewer local recurrences and improved progression-free survival.
The study found that distortion of radial glial fibers leads to aberrant neuron localization and formation of periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH), a brain abnormality in thanatophoric dysplasia. This discovery paves the way for developing therapy using animal models with brain architecture similar to humans.
A study found that minority college students are at higher risk of sexual assault, with some groups facing even greater danger. Inclusive campus climates may reduce this risk, empowering bystanders to intervene and deterring perpetrators.
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute identified GlycA as a novel marker of inflammation that predicts heart attack risk. High levels of both GlycA and C-reactive protein independently predict future cardiovascular events, with combined levels being the worst scenario.