Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) scanning shows high accuracy in detecting significant lesions and coronary calcifications compared to invasive coronary angiography. MSCT may reduce the likelihood of clinically important CAD in patients with suspected disease, but its use requires proper patient selection and adequate training.
Israeli psychologists studied participants with prefrontal-lobe damage and found they struggled to comprehend sarcastic messages. The researchers propose a neural network for processing sarcastic utterances, highlighting the importance of integrating social/emotional context with literal language.
Researchers studied flying snakes' flight patterns and found that body length and wave amplitude are key predictors of flight behavior. Paradise tree snakes can travel further horizontally than vertically, making them true gliders.
Ivan Soltesz, a UCI neurobiologist, received the Senator Jacob Javits Award in the Neurosciences to investigate post-traumatic epilepsy research. The $2.7 million grant aims to develop new anti-epileptic treatment strategies for people who have recovered from severe head trauma.
Proconsul, a 18 million-year-old creature, holds the key to human and ape origins. The book provides an insider's view on fossil discovery and interpretation, exploring Proconsul's anatomy, diet, and habits.
Scientists have identified 35 genes essential for regeneration in planarians, a discovery that could lead to new insights into human regenerative biology and the development of potential treatments for diseases. The study also highlights the potential of planarians as a genetically sound model for human biology.
The university's new regenerative medicine program aims to translate basic stem cell science into therapies for degenerative diseases. The program will draw on faculty from five Medical School departments and be supported by $700,000 in annual funding.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison successfully infused rat spinal cords with brain-derived human stem cells that secrete neuron-protecting protein GDNF. This approach has shown promise in protecting healthy neurons and prolonging life in ALS-ridden rats, paving the way for potential treatment of other diseases.
A 2002 survey found that over 80% of medical school department chairs struggle to recruit faculty for teaching anatomy, citing research contributions as a major obstacle. However, the pipeline is qualified, and incentives can encourage new faculty members to teach gross anatomy.
A recent survey of African rain forest parks suggests that non-economic factors like community relations and public attitude are crucial to park success. Investing in local economies or ecotourism does not guarantee conservation, according to the study.
Researchers at the University of Utah Health have created a genetically engineered mouse model that closely mimics age-related macular degeneration and Stargardt disease. The study provides a promising platform for testing treatment strategies such as cell transplantation, gene therapy, and pharmaceuticals.
The study developed mice with a mutant form of ELOVL4, which causes significant lipofuscin accumulation and photoreceptor death, closely resembling human AMD and STGD. This model now permits testing of potential therapies for the dry version of age-related AMD and STGD.
The PEM unit detects breast cancer by pinpointing tumors with increased glucose metabolism, outperforming mammography in dense breast tissue. The device uses fluorodeoxyglucose to identify cancerous lesions, with 18 of 20 detected abnormalities proven to be cancerous.
Researchers propose a new method to detect OSAS in patients with snoring, using medical history and routine physical examination. A study of 101 patients found that these methods were insufficient to distinguish between snorers and those with OSAS.
A new study challenges the traditional understanding of sex assignment, suggesting that genetics and brain development may influence gender identity. Researchers highlight the need for more nuanced laws and policies to protect individuals with ambiguous genitalia.
Paleontologists discovered a prehistoric jawbone that suggests the transformation of bones from the jaw into middle ear bones occurred at least twice in living mammal lines. The evidence supports independent origins of this adaptation in monotremes and placentals, contradicting previous doubts.
The study used combined PET and MRI to track cocaine pharmacokinetics in pregnant nonhuman primates. The results showed that cocaine accumulated at the highest levels in the liver, and to a lesser extent in the brain, suggesting a unique anatomy of fetal circulation.
Researchers discovered that failing hearts experience an energy deficit due to a 50% reduction in ATP energy supplied by creatine kinase. This finding suggests new treatments may target the energy supply to improve heart function.
Scientists have identified a positive feedback loop in rat whiskers that helps gather sensory information, potentially leading to new treatments for blepharospasm. The discovery could also deepen understanding of the human eyeblink circuit and its connection to neural circuits.
Researchers have successfully grown functional motor neurons from human embryonic stem cells in a lab, providing a critical breakthrough for treating diseases like ALS. The discovery challenges the long-held assumption that stem cell differentiation occurs in linear fashion.
A Harvard University study finds that racial disparities in youth violence are largely driven by social factors, including neighborhood environment, parental marital status, and immigrant status. The research suggests that interventions aimed at improving community well-being may help reduce the gap.
The study reveals that neighborhood environment, parents' marital status, and immigrant status are key factors contributing to the racial gap in violence. Family poverty does not account for the disparity, with youth from married families being less likely to commit violent acts.
Researchers have unearthed four-million-year-old ancestral fossils at the Gona site in Ethiopia, shedding light on early human evolution. The discovery offers a unique glimpse into the anatomy and behavioral capabilities of our ancient relatives, revealing that they lived in low-lying areas with swamps, springs, and volcanic centers.
Researchers have discovered that glial cells play a previously unidentified role in regulating the development of sensory hair cell precursors in zebrafish. This finding increases understanding of nerve cell development and may lead to potential regenerative therapies for human hearing disorders.
Researchers found that using a gonad capsule during MDCT scans significantly reduced the radiation dose to the testicles. The study revealed a 87% decrease in radiation exposure when using the gonad capsule compared to those who did not use it.
The Life Sciences Research Office has established scientific criteria to assess the impact of non-tobacco additives on cigarette smokers. The criteria focus on identifying potential risks and determining safe levels of additives, while considering inhalation testing within a smoke matrix.
A researcher created a model to simulate the dynamics of heart rhythm disorders, including ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. The model revealed that only six spiral waves are present in the heart during fibrillation, contradicting previous assumptions about its chaotic nature.
Scientists have developed a new MRI technique to study brain anatomy in live crayfish, revealing complex anatomical structures and enabling repeated imaging. This breakthrough technology provides a powerful tool for understanding neurobiology of behavior in invertebrates.
Researchers found that reducing insulin-like molecules in fruit fly brains increases the intoxicating effect of alcohol, mimicking human vulnerabilities. Insulin regulates behavior and may be crucial in determining response to addictive drugs, offering potential therapy for alcoholism.
Research reveals chimpanzees' brain anatomy is asymmetric in key areas, particularly the hippocampus, similar to humans. This finding suggests that asymmetry may be a fundamental aspect of primate nervous systems and influences behavior, such as facial expressions and spatial memory.
Researchers used 3D MDCT to evaluate patients before surgery and found that abnormal liver artery anatomy increases the risk of complications after a transplant. The study analyzed over 80 patients and found that those with variant anatomy were more likely to experience post-surgical complications.
A novel imaging technique has found abnormality of fiber pathways in frontal cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum in children with ADHD. This research suggests that subtle anatomical differences may be involved in the disorder, contrary to the traditional view of a chemical imbalance.
Researchers argue that running played a key role in human evolution, favoring the survival of early humans who could cover long distances. The study identified 26 traits that enhanced running ability, such as leg and foot structure and skeletal features that make the body stronger and more stable.
A study of 51 young patients found triplane fractures, a common sports-related injury, occur differently than previously thought. The use of CT with multiplanar reconstruction provides a new standard for describing these complex fractures.
Researchers found that a defect in RGS4 gene may cause schizophrenia-like symptoms, such as difficulty filtering out unimportant sensory information. The study uses mouse brain nerve cell circuitry to better understand the cause of schizophrenia.
Researchers have found that a protein in brain waves is disrupted by chronic alcohol use, leading to sleep problems. This suggests new medications may improve sleep in chronic alcohol users and enhance addiction treatment outcomes.
A study using antibody microarrays measured levels of over 500 proteins in tissue samples from patients with epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease, identifying increased signal transduction proteins as a possible new target for treatment. This discovery could lead to the development of new medications for these conditions.
A study by Jefferson neuroscientists has discovered that lead exposure early in life can significantly hinder the brain's ability to recover from later injuries. The research used rats with specific brain damage and found that those exposed to lead suffered less recovery, suggesting long-term consequences of lead poisoning.
A study published in Neuroscience found that calorie restriction had mixed effects on the brains of mice, improving grip strength, coordination, and flexibility, but having no effect on cognitive performance. The researchers suggest that free radical damage may contribute to age-related cognitive impairments, which could be prevented o...
A $3 million NSF grant is enabling researchers to combine expertise and solve classification problems for flowering plants. The new system has broken up traditional groups and shuffled others, with Amborella forming the base of the tree.
The winner's research explains how the nematode worm detects touch, a process that could inform studies on human reduced touch sensation. This knowledge may help develop new treatments for diabetes-related complications.
Researchers have identified a link between the fibroblast growth factor system and major depressive disorder, with those treated with SSRIs showing smaller changes. The study's findings offer new insights into the biological mechanisms underlying mood disorders and potential avenues for targeted therapeutics.
A study published in Clinical Nutrition found that the use of high-contrast colored tableware increased food intake by 24.6% and liquid intake by 83.7% in individuals with severe Alzheimer's disease. The study, led by Boston University researchers, suggests that visual impairment may be a contributing factor to weight loss in AD patients.
A virtual zebrafish microanatomy atlas will be created with the grant, providing high-resolution files and three-dimensional images of body structures. The atlas will enable data-sharing among researchers to speed discovery in human diseases.
The study found that CT scans for facial trauma reduced hospital costs by 22%, mainly due to time savings. This is because CT scans take only 10 seconds, while X-rays take 25 minutes, resulting in less room use and technologist time.
Heavy alcohol consumption can compromise multiple domains of executive functioning early in abstinence. This study found significant differences between male veterans with and without a history of heavy drinking on cognitive tests such as abstract reasoning and memory discrimination. Researchers suggest that developing therapies to cap...
Dr. C. Ronald Kahn receives the award for his groundbreaking work on insulin signal transduction and its link to diseases like diabetes, Alzheimer's, and obesity.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center discovered that mutant alpha-synuclein protein causes blockage in dopamine neurons, leading to their death and eventually Parkinson's disease. This finding may aid in the development of new treatments to slow or stop disease progression.
Duke University researchers studied tree roots in place, finding they adjust anatomy and physiology to maximize water transport deep underground. The findings improve theoretical models of water transport within trees, revealing the importance of deep roots in efficient water flow.
The Indiana University research team aims to reduce tissue damage from shock wave lithotripsy, a common treatment for kidney stones. They're developing protocols and mathematical models to make the procedure safer and more effective.
Researchers studied fossil whales and found significant changes in their ear anatomy, which enabled them to transition from a land-based to a marine-based existence. The new sound transmission system allowed modern cetaceans to locate prey using echolocation, making it crucial for survival.
The federal government's investment in Canadian biomedical and health research has yielded significant results, including a 50% increase in licenses, 200% increase in income, and 40% increase in new spin-off companies. The funding has also led to increased international recognition and participation in global projects.
A study by McGill scientists identifies a new function for the Runx1 gene in the development of hindbrain visceral motor nerve cells. These cells regulate internal environment stability and vital functions such as blood pressure and heart rate.
Research found that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) coordinates cellular behaviors for tubule development through sequential regulation of ERK and matrix metalloproteases. The study used MDCK cells to examine molecular events during tubulogenesis, revealing distinct regulatory subprograms acting at different times.
Researchers define two groups of pacemaker neurons driving breathing rhythm, with calcium channels playing critical role in gasping mechanism. Under hypoxia, sodium-driven pacemakers become essential for baby's survival, suggesting a potential link to SIDS risk factors.
The study shows that 3D MDCT angiography can quickly diagnose vascular injuries and fractures, reducing the need for X-ray examinations. It also helps identify musculoskeletal masses and their associated vasculature, facilitating preoperative planning and minimizing hemorrhagic complications.
The discovery of Suuwassea emilieae, a smaller relative of Diplodocus and Apatosaurus, provides significant insights into the fauna of the Morrison Formation. The new species features an anomalous second hole in its skull, which has puzzled paleontologists for years.
MDCT angiography successfully diagnosed suspected arterial injuries in 48 of 49 patients, with only one patient requiring a follow-up angiogram. The study suggests that MDCT angiography can replace traditional angiography as an initial diagnostic tool.
The study found that 4-MDCT results correlated accurately with surgical findings in 88 of the cases (93%), and specifically with renal vein anatomy in 91 of the 94 cases (96%). This technique offers several advantages over conventional imaging methods, including speed, non-invasiveness, comfort for patients, and greater volume coverage.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have discovered a new target for human papillomaviruses, which could lead to specific antiviral drugs for treating precancerous cervical lesions. By blocking the protein BRD4, they prevented infected mouse cells from becoming cancerous.