A new skin test called Skimune has been developed by Newcastle University to predict adverse reactions to new drugs and cosmetics. The test uses real human skin and immune cells to identify potential risks, providing a faster and more accurate alternative to animal testing.
A world-first clinical study by an Australian team has found Kava significantly reduced symptoms of people suffering from Generalised Anxiety Disorders. The study revealed Kava could be an alternative treatment to pharmaceutical products, with no significant adverse reactions or differences in liver function between the groups.
A new study published in Journal of Psychiatric Practice reports a hybrid categorical-dimensional diagnostic model proposed for DSM-5 aligns well with the current approach to personality disorder diagnoses. The findings support the adoption of this alternative model, which combines core dimensions of personality disorder with various m...
A new study has mapped the use of alternative treatments among multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, revealing that more than half combine conventional and alternative medicine. The research highlights the importance of understanding how MS patients use both conventional and alternative treatments to manage their condition.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found that alternative splicing may be a new approach for inhibiting telomerase, an enzyme driving uncontrolled division of cancer cells. By shifting the splicing, they demonstrated a potential method for turning off telomerase activity, which could lead to new cancer therapies.
Researchers have developed a cost-effective method to convert ethanol into butanol, a more efficient and sustainable fuel source. The new catalysts enable higher selectivity and conversion rates, making butanol an attractive alternative to gasoline.
Researchers found that recurrent hypoglycemia enhances neuronal uptake of lactate, allowing the brain to retain normal neural activity. This suggests that lactate supports neuronal function and indicates potential benefits of supplementing alternative fuels during hypoglycemia.
Scientists developed a cell-based alternative test that uses mouse skin cells in the laboratory to detect skin sensitisers. The test was found to be highly accurate, correctly identifying actual sensitizers in 92% of cases and producing no false positives.
A study published in Blood journal found that cord blood stem cells are effective and safe alternatives to matched donor bone marrow stem cells in treating children with Hurler's syndrome. The research showed improved engraftment rates, enzyme levels, and survival rates among patients who received cord blood transplants compared to tho...
An international research team has discovered a possible alternative treatment for lymphoid leukemia that eradicated the disease in mouse models. The targeted molecular therapy could make leukemia more susceptible to chemo and radiation therapies, benefiting patients with Acute Lymphoid Leukemia (ALL).
A study published in the Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care found that Mexican-origin patients with HIV often used complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) to support their health and alleviate symptoms. Healthcare providers need to learn about CAM benefits and risks and teach patients to report CAM use to develop e...
A bacterial supplement containing lipid-producing Rhodococcus opacus increased circulating triglycerides in weanling pigs, providing an alternative source of energy. This could help strengthen the immune system and fight off infections more efficiently during a critical stage of development.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that nearly half of children under 2 years old did not receive all recommended vaccinations. Children who missed scheduled vaccines were more likely to be admitted to hospitals and have fewer doctor visits than those vaccinated on time.
Researchers estimate that using marginal lands for growing cellulosic biomass crops could provide up to 215 gallons of ethanol per acre, with substantial greenhouse gas mitigation. The study found that mixed species cellulosic biomass can be a prime real estate for meeting the nation's alternative energy production goals.
A study found that consumers feeling socially isolated are more likely to pursue riskier financial opportunities. This effect is mediated by the perceived instrumentality of money, as excluded consumers seek to value money as an alternative means to secure their desired outcomes.
A systematic review of four studies suggests that acupuncture may have a positive effect on exercise performance and recovery after exercise. However, additional trials with larger sample sizes and randomized designs are required to confirm these findings.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that 71% of pediatric patients attending specialty clinics in Edmonton used alternative medicine, while only 42% did so in Ottawa. The study highlights a need for better communication between doctors and parents about alternative medicine use, which can lead to potential drug interactions.
Exposure to environmental toxins can cause chronic health problems like respiratory, endocrine, reproductive, and neuropsychiatric disorders in children. Unique risk factors include their small size, developmental stage, and habit of putting things in their mouths.
Researchers found that post-operative intravenous paracetamol reduced cumulative morphine dose by 66% compared to continuous morphine infusion in infants undergoing major surgery. The study suggests that intravenous paracetamol may be an interesting alternative as primary analgesic in neonates and infants.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified a new molecular pathway that promotes accelerated growth of pancreatic tumors, and discovered ways to disable it. The findings suggest using the drug bortezomib as a potential strategy for treating pancreatic cancer.
New Geosphere articles explore Sonograms of Earth, a 1138-m-long drill core representing 20 million years of glacial history. The articles also examine alternative hypotheses for the origin of Grand Canyon and solve debates over Death Valley.
Researchers at U of T discovered a major source of evolutionary differences among species by analyzing hundreds of thousands of genetic messages in equivalent organs across 10 different vertebrate species. Alternative splicing has dramatically changed the structure and complexity of genetic messages during vertebrate evolution.
A new study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy shows lenalidomide to be a safe and effective alternative treatment for refractory cutaneous lupus erythematosus, with significant clinical improvement in most patients. The treatment's efficacy is comparable to thalidomide but with lower toxicity.
A promising new approach to treating solid tumors with radiation has been developed, which uses an injectable substance that spontaneously assembles into a radioactive seed after injection. This technique shows great efficacy and minimal toxicity in a mouse model of cancer, providing a useful alternative to existing brachytherapy.
Researchers developed an all-carbon solar cell that absorbs near-infrared wavelengths, offering a low-cost alternative to traditional photovoltaic devices. The device uses carbon nanomaterials and has the potential to improve efficiency through better materials and processing techniques.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that nearly a quarter of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis used complementary and alternative therapy (CAT) to manage their condition. The majority reported improvements in pain intensity, sleeping patterns, and activity levels after using CAT.
A study found that local farmer's markets and community-supported agriculture programs primarily attract a higher-income, privileged consumer base. The research highlights the need for broader access to fresh foods through alternative payment plans and strategic efforts. Alternative payment models exist, but their adoption is limited.
A recent study suggests that active surveillance is a viable alternative to surgery for small kidney masses, offering similar cancer outcomes in the short and intermediate term. Researchers found that patients under active surveillance had a growth rate of 0.21cm per month, with 53% showing no growth.
A new review paper supports inclusion of meditation, specifically Transcendental Meditation, in government-sponsored health programs to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease. The study found the technique reduced stress hormones, blood pressure, and improved heart structure in both teens and adults.
A new study identifies 27 countries most vulnerable to declining coral reef fisheries, with low-income nations lacking adaptation capacity and middle-income nations sensitive to climate change. The top two countries at risk are Indonesia and Liberia, while Malaysia and Sri Lanka are the least vulnerable.
Stuart A. Newman's alternative model suggests that the origination of animal form motifs was predictable and sudden, with abrupt morphological transformations favored during early evolution. This perspective resolves puzzling aspects of animal evolution, including the rapid rise of complex body forms.
Researchers are exploring three materials - magnesium borohydride, ammonia borane, and alkanes - that could be used to create a safe and efficient hydrogen storage solution. Hydrogen has great promise as an alternative fuel due to its abundance and energy content.
A U.S. Department of Agriculture scientist has discovered a natural, biodegradable chelating agent called EDDS that can replace existing fertilizers contributing to waterway pollution. The findings support the use of EDDS in floral and nursery crop industries, promoting environmental sustainability.
A nationwide study suggests that long-term separations are often a low-cost alternative to divorce for disadvantaged couples. Researchers found that about 80% of respondents who went through marital separation ultimately divorced, with those in racial and ethnic minorities, low family income, and education more likely to remain separated.
Researchers have successfully derived human embryonic stem cells from frozen embryos after 18 years of storage. This breakthrough provides a valuable alternative source of ES cells for drug screening and medical research.
The university will conduct two projects focusing on alternative energy sources and cleaner technologies to reduce reliance on oil. Researchers aim to develop a novel method for converting natural gas to syngas.
Researchers found that herbal agents can prevent sunburn and limit UV damage, with golden serpent fern and Asian ginseng showing promising photoprotective properties when taken orally. Green tea applied topically also offers photoprotection in sufficient doses.
Studies have found that herbal remedies like valerian, hops, and kava-kava show promise in managing insomnia symptoms, improving sleep quality and duration. However, more research is needed to assess the safety and effectiveness of these natural therapies for insomnia management.
A new study found that global budgets for healthcare can slow the growth of medical spending while improving quality of care. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Alternative Quality Contract program in Massachusetts achieved significant savings and quality improvements, with provider groups seeing reductions of up to 9.9% in medical spending.
Researchers at UC San Diego have identified a new signal transduction pathway in alternative RNA splicing, which could lead to novel cancer drugs. The SRPK kinase plays a central role in regulating VEGF and controlling tumor growth.
A Tel Aviv University researcher has developed a super-strength polypropylene that could replace steel in everyday products, reducing pollution and increasing energy efficiency. The new material is cheaper to produce and more durable than traditional plastics, making it a promising alternative for industries such as car manufacturing.
A phase II clinical study shows that vismodegib can dramatically shrink basal cell skin cancers and prevent new ones in patients with basal cell nevus syndrome, a rare genetic condition. The treatment offers an alternative to surgical removal, but side effects remain a consideration.
A UK research team is using a novel 'back-casting' approach to transform cities for healthier lives by creating visions of alternative urban futures with drastically reduced CO2 emissions. The study will develop realistic and radical engineering solutions to achieve these goals while ensuring social acceptance.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have developed a superbug killer coating that is 99% effective against bacteria and fungi. The coating uses a magnetic-like feature to attract and kill microorganisms, offering an alternative solution to combat antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
A study published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that combining CAM therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage with conventional care significantly improves outcomes for patients with lower back pain. This integrated approach shows promise as a multidisciplinary team-based model of care.
Researchers at Kansas State University have developed greener solar cells that use bacteria to improve efficiency and reduce toxicity. The new technology, led by Ayomi Perera, combines a less toxic dye with a harmless bacterium to generate electricity from sunlight.
Scientists at the University of Missouri will use the donation to create the Sidney Kimmel Institute for Nuclear Renaissance, studying fundamental physics of unknown energy producing reactions. The goal is to discover a new, clean alternative form of energy with potential uses depending on the extracted energy and process consistency.
A University of Illinois study found that Miscanthus x giganteus is a strong contender for an alternative energy source. The bioenergy crop can be grown to produce ethanol and has shown positive environmental impacts, including erosion control.
A large trial in Ethiopia found that self-epilation using clean forceps is an acceptable alternative to surgery for treating minor trachomatous trichiasis. This approach preserves vision and offers logistical advantages over traditional surgical methods, making it a promising solution for low-resource countries.
The Office of Naval Research is exploring alternative energy sources, including fuel cell vehicles and high-efficiency trash disposal technology. The goal is to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase energy efficiency for the military.
A new study found that 77% of Washington state pediatricians receive requests for alternative child immunization schedules, with 61% comfortable using them. Pediatricians cited concerns about protecting children's health while respecting parents' decisions.
Researchers used computer simulations to show the effectiveness of an alternative method for molecular depth profiling. The study found that combining buckyball bombardment with low-energy argon creates a smoother surface, allowing for clearer analysis of molecular arrangement. This technique has potential applications in studying huma...
Researchers at JBEI have identified a potential new advanced biofuel, bisabolane, that could replace diesel fuel with lower freezing and cloud points. The biofuel was produced using synthetic biology tools and engineered microbes to create a precursor, bisabolene.
A new treatment, percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP), has been shown to significantly extend the time patients with liver-dominant metastatic melanoma can live without disease progression. On average, PHP patients survived for 8.1 months, compared to 1.6 months in the control group.
Scientists have found a control switch that regulates stem cell pluripotency by altering the DNA binding properties of FOXP1, facilitating maintenance of pluripotency and reprogramming adult cells. The discovery has significant implications for therapeutic applications in regenerative medicine and cancer research.
A study of nearly 100 studies supports thermal ablation as a successful alternative to surgery and radiation therapy for patients with advanced lung cancer. The procedure has achieved an overall survival rate of 48-80 percent at two years, offering a safe and effective treatment option.
A recent commentary in CMAJ highlights that alternative funding models for healthcare in Canada will not reduce costs nor achieve financial sustainability. The majority of healthcare costs are spent on a small proportion of the population, and private healthcare has higher administrative costs.
U of A researchers explore hypothetical economic models that suggest oil producers should pay attention to emerging alternatives. If an alternative resource becomes more economically attractive, oil producers may have to adjust to make sure they don't hasten their own obsolescence.
A large double-blind study has shown that rivaroxaban is noninferior to warfarin for preventing stroke and blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study found that rivaroxaban use led to less intra-cranial and fatal bleeding, making it an attractive alternative to the current standard treatment.
Non-invasive prenatal tests using cell-free fetal DNA from mother's blood have high sensitivity and specificity for determining fetal sex. The study found that performance improves with later gestation, making this technology useful for early detection of fetuses at risk for sex-linked disorders.