A study by Eelco Wijdicks and his son found that only two out of 30 movies with coma characters showed a reasonably accurate representation. Common inaccuracies include portraying comatose people as suddenly awakening with no physical or mental problems, or showing them with closed eyes only.
Researchers found that female túngara frogs are attracted to males producing complex 'whine chuck' calls. By surgically removing fibrous masses in the males' larynx, scientists discovered a unique connection between these structures and call complexity.
A new study finds that using PET and CT scans together during radiation therapy planning reduces errors due to patient motion, allowing for more accurate targeting of cancer cells. This approach may lead to more effective treatment with lower side effects.
The study found that African American men had fewer and less severe coronary obstructions than their white counterparts, despite similar estimated probabilities of obstruction. This paradox raises questions about the factors contributing to racial disparities in cardiovascular disease outcomes.
Researchers found that starlings can learn to distinguish between two different patterns of organizing sounds used for communication, including recursive center-embedding. This ability challenges the long-held assumption that human language is uniquely complex and computational.
Scientists have discovered that agrin controls nerve cell excitability by regulating sodium pump activity in the brain, potentially leading to new treatments for epilepsy. Agrin also regulates potassium levels in heart tissue, raising the possibility of its use in treating congestive heart failure.
Researchers discovered that fruitfly wing spots evolved through mutations in cis-regulatory elements controlling the yellow gene, demonstrating how evolution uses existing genetic material to create new traits. The study also highlights the importance of pleiotropic genes in evolution.
Paleontologist Josh Smith rediscovered two photographs of the holotype of Spinosaurus aegyptiacus, providing new insight into the dinosaur's skeleton. The images were found in the Palaontologische archives of the Museum in Germany and allow for direct comparison with Stromer's 1915 illustrations.
The newly found Tiktaalik species blurs the boundary between fish and land-living animals through its anatomy and lifestyle. The discovery provides critical early phase insights into the evolution of all limbed animals, including humans.
Women are taking control of their feminine health, but many remain embarrassed about discussing sensitive topics. The survey found that one in four women admit to not being honest with their gynecologists about their habits, with specific issues including smoking and exercise.
Researchers measured pain in premature infants through brain scans during routine care procedures, finding evidence of processed pain in the higher levels of the brain. The study highlights the need for effective pain management in preterm babies, who experience repeated painful procedures daily.
Researchers are developing bionic implants that mimic original functions, surpassing the power of natural organs. Digital humans walk across computer screens, revealing complex interplay of muscles and bones, while wearable robotic systems turn wearers into super-strong individuals.
The study found that antioxidant therapy with tempol prevented the onset of high blood pressure, proteinuria, and placental abnormalities, improving birth weight and fetal growth. Tempol treatment also reduced fetal deaths by half and normalized placentas, suggesting a promising approach to treating pre-eclampsia.
A minimally invasive approach to thyroid surgery has been shown to be safe and effective for many patients, reducing surgical trauma and recovery time. The study found that careful selection of patients based on factors such as the size of the diseased organ and the patient's anatomy enables surgeons to use this approach in most cases.
A new generation of CT scanner assesses coronary artery health and cardiac anatomy in a single heartbeat, providing clear images of the heart's damage. Researchers also identified predictors of procedural success, including comorbidity and outcome after percutaneous coronary interventions.
Researchers found that serotonin levels in pacemaker cells are crucial for gasping and auto-resuscitation in babies. Disturbed serotonin levels can lead to a decrease in gasping, making it difficult for the baby to wake up and initiate movement.
Kent State and NEOUCOM researchers developed liquid crystal biosensor technology to quickly detect harmful pathogens. This technology has the potential to diagnose infectious diseases within minutes, enhancing health, safety, and economic vitality in Ohio communities and the nation.
Researchers found that lampreys, long thought to be evolutionary outliers, use the same essential protein to build cartilage as all other vertebrates, including humans. The discovery sheds light on the early origins of vertebrate skeletal development and challenges traditional views on vertebrate evolution.
Researchers at UF identified neural crest cells as the source of sharks' electrical ESP, a previously unknown function. This discovery fortifies the idea that early ancestors may have had the ability to detect electric fields.
Researchers created a simplified version of cardiac tissue using cells from neonatal rats, mimicking normal heart tissue. The study found that pace-setting pulses successfully halted the abnormal rhythm 80% of the time, but in 20% of cases, it worsened the condition.
Wisconsin scientists have developed a culture system free of animal cells, growing two new human embryonic stem cell lines. The new lines survive for over seven months in the defined medium, showing promise for therapeutic use. However, further work is needed to understand chromosome stability during long-term culture.
The study found MDCT angiography to be a reliable tool for evaluating the coronary veins prior to pacemaker lead placement and other procedures. It improves diagnosis quality by providing better planning before surgery, making it a valuable alternative to conventional angiography.
Researchers developed a virtual reality system using 3D echocardiography to analyze heart defects. Ten heart specialists successfully diagnosed healthy and unhealthy hearts within minutes, showcasing the technology's potential for better understanding cardiac anatomy.
A new study published in Nature Neuroscience found that male mice require intact functioning of the main olfactory epithelium (MOE) to detect pheromones that elicit sexual behavior and fighting. The MOE plays a crucial role in regulating mating and aggression in mice, highlighting the importance of this sensory system.
Scientists have engineered human brain progenitor cells to produce a growth factor that has shown clinical promise for treating Parkinson's disease. The cells were transplanted into rats and monkeys, delivering the drug where it is needed, promoting nerve fiber growth and improving survival of defective cells.
Researchers at Emory University Health Sciences Center found that administering neuregulin-1 reduces cell death by 90% and protects neurons from damage after surgically induced strokes. The compound's therapeutic window is longer than existing treatments, offering potential for new stroke therapies.
Researchers identify the breathing center in the medulla as the source of erratic breathing in Rett Syndrome, finding a significant decrease in norepinephrine. Adding norepinephrine can normalize breathing patterns, suggesting potential treatment options for the condition.
Researchers at UCSF discovered that stimulating nerves before and after a spinal cord injury can increase growth capacity and sustain nerve regeneration. This breakthrough builds on earlier findings, highlighting the importance of timing and manipulating the nervous system's properties to enhance CNS cell growth.
Researchers discover smedwi-2 plays critical role in regulating daughter cell differentiation for tissue maintenance. Silencing this gene leads to animal death, despite intact stem cells, highlighting early specification of progeny
Researchers used MRI to study canine cranial nerves, enabling earlier disease recognition and imaging of nerve nuclei. The study sheds light on the challenges of identifying small nerves using conventional imaging modalities.
The discovery of Dallasaurus, a three-foot long lizard that lived 92 million years ago, fills a gap in the understanding of mosasaur evolution and reveals that they transitioned from land to sea. The fossil find provides significant insights into the biology and natural history of mosasaurs, which were top predators in their ecosystem.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have successfully combined two novel drugs to treat breast cancer, achieving profound tumor cell death in a short period. The combination of UCN-01 and a MEK 1/2 inhibitor shows great potential for treating various types of cancer.
Researchers found that morning cells set pace for entire system, resetting evening clock daily without changing its intrinsic speed. Flies' circadian clocks are conserved with mammals, but studying them provides valuable insights into human brain anatomy.
PET imaging with FDG is a powerful tool in determining the extent of spread of reproductive system cancers, particularly when other conventional tests are ambiguous. Studies have shown its high sensitivity in detecting nodal disease in cervical cancer and its superior detection abilities compared to CT or MRI in recurrent ovarian cancer.
A new therapeutic target has been identified in the inherited brain tumor disorder neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1). Fumagillin, an established drug, has been found to suppress the activity of MetAP2, which is abnormally high in NF1-associated brain tumors. This discovery may lead to new treatments for patients with NF1.
Researchers find mouse songs have syllabic diversity and temporal regularity, similar to birdsong, but with less complexity. The study adds mice to the list of creatures that sing during courtship, paving the way for future investigation into mouse vocalizations in wild populations.
Researchers have identified the PrPC protein as a crucial component in the neuronal metabolism of calcium, shedding new light on the cause of mad cow disease. The study found that prions damage perineuronal nests, leading to neuronal death and disease progression.
Paleontologist Sankar Chatterjee presents evidence that dinosaurs like Microraptor gui used biplane wings, which were likely the first experiment in natural flight. The discovery supports the trees-down theory, suggesting that avian flight began with gliding and then developed into powered flight.
A study has found that EBCT scans can detect congenital abnormalities, including coronary artery anomalies, more accurately than traditional catheter angiography. This is especially important as it helps identify patients at risk of a heart attack or sudden death.
The National Stem Cell Bank (NSCB) will provide comprehensive characterization of human embryonic stem cell lines and distribute them to investigators at a lower cost. This move aims to increase the use of stem cells in research and potentially lead to therapies for diseases, with WiCell handling technical support and training.
The new imaging technique enables rapid acquisition of three planes, reducing examination time to 12 minutes compared to the standard method. Fetal MRI is being increasingly performed due to its excellent view of brain tissue and lack of radiation, usually done when ultrasound is inconclusive.
The PALS (Population-Average, Landmark-, and Surface-based) atlas provides a comprehensive map of the human cerebral cortex, combining data from multiple individuals to improve accuracy. The atlas has already helped scientists understand how genetic disorders affect brain structure and function.
A recent restudy and reconstruction of a Mongolian sauropod skull adds to evidence for sauropod diversity at the end of the dinosaur era. The discovery highlights the existence of titanosaurs, a late surviving sauropod lineage that flourished during this period.
U-Iowa researchers aim to find genes and pathways that protect against toxic effects of alcohol on the fetus. The two-year study will utilize neonatal rodents to examine the role of vasoactive intestinal peptide in fetal brain development.
A 425-million-year-old clam-like creature, known as an articulate brachiopod, has been found with its soft parts still intact. The fossil provides a unique insight into the workings of ancient shellfish and challenges existing assumptions about their anatomy.
Researchers found early humans started using supportive footwear around 26,000 years ago to reduce toe bone strength. This change was likely caused by the introduction of protective footwear, which reduced the roll of the little toes and weakened them over time.
Researchers are creating a library of realistic 3D models of patients to improve radiation dose accuracy, enabling safer and more effective treatment. This project aims to bring about a paradigm change in radiation protection by facilitating image processing and simulation.
Researchers have identified a key role for two proteins, SHH and Bmp2, in the development of barbs on feathers. The dynamic signaling interaction between these proteins supports an activator-inhibitor mechanism, which explains how feather patterning is achieved.
Researchers used new software to analyze fossilized tooth surfaces, revealing that early humans like Australopithecus africanus ate tougher leaves and Paranthropus robustus ate harder foods. The study also showed unexpected variability in the samples, suggesting both species relied on less preferred foods during periods of scarcity.
A new contrast agent enables quicker and more thorough MRI screenings for potential living liver donors. The study found that this agent can image the liver, bile duct, and vessels simultaneously, reducing the need for separate examinations.
The discovery of a 190 million-year-old Massospondylus embryo provides a rare glimpse into the life of an early dinosaur. The delicate bones of most dinosaur embryos were destroyed over time, but this well-preserved skeleton offers detailed anatomy insights into the earliest known dinosaur embryo.
A new study from UNC Health Care found that whole-body PET/CT scanners are highly accurate in detecting the spread and recurrence of head and neck cancer. The scans can pick up cancer where none was thought to exist, allowing for more precise biopsies and treatment planning.
Researchers develop a computer model simulating signal transmission at a synapse in chick embryos, finding that 90% of neurotransmitter release occurs outside of synapses. This discovery opens up new possibilities for cell-to-cell communication in the nervous system and challenges traditional definitions of synapses.
A team of scientists from Virginia Tech and Nanjing Institute of Geology and Paleontology have discovered uniquely preserved fossils from the Ediacaran Period, dated to 550 million years ago. The discovery sheds new light on the evolution of complex life forms during this period.
Researchers developed guidelines for surgeons to assess whether patients are candidates for a sinus-saving modified Lothrop procedure. By analyzing CT scans and anatomy of seven cadavers, they identified critical measurements that determine the feasibility of the procedure.
Researchers have discovered that nonlinguistic monkeys have an area comparable to Broca's area, which is responsible for controlling oral and facial actions. This finding suggests that Broca's area may have evolved to control certain aspects of the speech act in humans.
A new study reveals how the GDF11 protein controls retinal-cell differentiation during development, making it an attractive therapeutic target. By manipulating this process, researchers may be able to harness the power of existing stem cells in the retina to replace damaged or diseased cells and potentially cure visual disorders.
A recent study found that caffeine intake can significantly affect myocardial uptake on PET/CT scans, making it harder to detect lesions near the heart. Researchers recommend avoiding caffeine and exercise before imaging to ensure a clear view of the body.
David James Brooks, a pioneer in applying PET to movement disorders, received the Kuhl-Lassen Award for his groundbreaking research on Parkinson's and related disorders. His work has improved understanding of disease progression, diagnosis, and therapeutics.
Researchers used PET/CT scans to evaluate nearly 2,000 cancer patients and detected unexpected additional malignancies. These newly identified lesions are often of early stage and have a better likelihood of being cured if treated promptly and aggressively.