Researchers are testing optimal conditions for microalgae growth in outdoor settings to optimize large-volume cultures for biofuel production. The warm Florida climate makes large-scale production a possibility, and the process has potential to remove carbon dioxide from the air.
A new experimental flu vaccine produced using insect cells has shown promising results in early testing, demonstrating safety and immunogenic response in healthy adults. The vaccine, made using recombinant DNA techniques, offers a potential alternative to traditional egg-based vaccines.
Researchers found that photodynamic therapy (PDT) was an effective method to minimize destruction of periodontal tissue and provided improved dentin hypersensitivity. PDT may be a preferable alternative to antibiotic therapy, which is becoming increasingly important due to rising antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory explore opportunities to increase solar energy conversion as an alternative to fossil fuels, with potential applications in electricity, fuel, and heat generation. Key findings include advancements in materials science, artificial photosynthesis, and thermoelectric materials that could enhance...
Boston College biologists identify KetoCal as an effective alternative therapy for malignant brain cancer, slowing tumor growth and enhancing health in mice. The study found that KetoCal decreased tumor growth by 35-65% and improved survival rates compared to standard diets.
A perennial grass called Miscanthus is being promoted as a promising alternative to corn for producing cellulosic ethanol. Using the entire plant body as a starting raw material could result in a higher yield of fermentable sugar per unit of land, according to Chris Somerville.
A special issue of Integrative Cancer Therapies explores whether EBM principles are sufficient for making clinical decisions about CAM. The issue discusses strategies that use 'whole systems' and 'integrated evaluation models' as potential new standards for research on CAM for cancer.
Researchers discovered that microRNA miR-133 targets the alternative splicing factor nPTB during early myogenesis, promoting muscle cell differentiation. This regulation affects a larger temporal program of muscle cell gene expression by altering mRNA splicing.
Researchers have visualized alternative splicing in a living mammal, providing new insights into the genetic process that creates unique proteins. This discovery sheds light on how different tissues and organs produce varied proteins, which dictate their function, and may offer clues to diseases such as cancer.
A new RNA map provides the first comprehensive understanding of how alternative splicing works throughout the genome. The results reveal that specific locations of short RNA snippets affect the regulation of alternative splicing in the brain, with implications for learning, memory, neurological diseases, and cancer biology.
A new 'umbrella-like' valve has been shown to be safe and effective for patients with emphysema, improving ventilation and reducing complications. The device, known as the IBV Valve, may provide a noninvasive alternative to lung surgery for patients who are not good candidates.
A recent analysis found that over 17% of adults in the US reported trouble sleeping or insomnia, with 4.5% using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat their condition. The most common types of CAM used were biologically based therapies and mind-body therapies.
A national survey of 31,044 adults found that approximately 4.5% of those with insomnia reported using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to treat their condition. CAM therapies were used by 65% of respondents who sought biological methods, such as herbal medicines and diet interventions.
Researchers at Kent State University found that guided imagery significantly reduced patients' chronic pain experiences, making it easier to control. The study, published in Pain Management Nursing, suggests alternative therapies like guided imagery can complement medication therapy for effective pain management.
Research by Cornell sociologist Sharon Sassler found that cohabiting working-class couples follow traditional patterns in advancing their relationships and pursuing careers. The study suggests that societal institutions of gender shape behaviors in these alternative living arrangements.
Researchers at UCLA develop trigeminal nerve stimulation (TNS) as a new alternative for controlling seizures in individuals who are resistant to medication or ineligible for surgery. The device uses a brain pacemaker to stimulate the trigeminal nerve, offering a potential advantage over vagus nerve stimulation.
A review of 70 studies found insufficient evidence to support complementary and alternative therapies for menopause-related symptoms. The studies showed mixed results, with some individual treatments suggesting benefits but overall quality and quantity of data was not sufficient to recommend any treatment.
A study found that 34.9% of people over 65 with anxiety or depression used complementary or alternative medicine, compared to 26.5% without mental symptoms. However, fewer than 20% used CAM to treat their condition, a surprising finding.
The study found that activating hedgehog signals in adult mouse hearts increased blood vessel density, offering an alternative to invasive procedures. The researchers believe a drug treatment targeting hedgehog signaling could provide substantial benefit to patients with ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarctions.
A Stanford survey of 781 US women aged 40-60 found that nearly all reported experiencing menopausal symptoms, with many turning to herbal products and soy supplements instead of hormone therapy. Despite risks associated with hormone therapy, the study highlights the need for physicians to learn more about alternative therapies.
Patients with atrial fibrillation have a five times higher stroke risk than those without the condition. Warfarin has been shown to reduce stroke risk by a significant margin, outperforming alternative treatments like aspirin and clopidogrel in reducing stroke rates by nearly two-thirds.
Dr. Hammarskjold's team reveals WT1(+KTS) promotes translation by facilitating mRNA transport and stability, highlighting links between transcription and post-transcriptional gene regulation. The study's findings suggest a crucial role for alternative splicing in regulating genes like WT1 during normal development and disease.
This article emphasizes the importance of addressing social determinants of health inequities. It highlights the limitations of reductionism in medicine and suggests that a systems biology approach could be valuable for clinical medicine, focusing on the holistic characteristics of a problem rather than its component parts.
A new measure of heart rate deceleration capacity has been found to be a stronger predictor of mortality than traditional measures in patients who have had a heart attack. This alternative marker for wellbeing can detect high-risk patients even if current gold-standard measures fail.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) fired Editor-in-Chief John Hoey and senior deputy editor Anne Marie Todkill due to irreconcilable differences. However, Peter Singer and Gordon Guyatt argue that the burden of proof should be on medical journal publishers to show that termination was not related to editorial decisions. Th...
Researchers found that freezing kidney tumors using percutaneous cryoablation destroyed 95% of tumors in short-term follow-up. The treatment is performed through small skin nicks and can be done under general anesthesia, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery.
A team of researchers has identified a potential alternative therapeutic option to COX-2 inhibitors by targeting microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1). Inhibiting mPGES-1 suppresses PGE2 expression while augmenting PGI2 production, without affecting blood clotting or blood pressure.
Scientists at UNC-Rutgers create a more efficient method for producing diesel fuels from coal using a dual-catalyst system. This breakthrough could provide an attractive alternative to oil-based fuels, particularly as oil reserves dwindle, and enable the widespread adoption of cleaner-burning transportation fuels.
Researchers have found that bacteria's minimal genome should be at least twice its size to ensure survival. This discovery was made using a new approach to genome modeling that takes into account an organism's evolutionary history and environment. The findings were published in Nature.
A study suggests that delayed surgical intervention can be a safe alternative to immediate treatment for men diagnosed with early-stage, low-grade prostate cancer. The research found equivalent risks of noncurable prostate cancer in both groups, depending on factors like age and PSA levels.
Researchers at MIT have created a new type of ultracapacitor using nanotube structures, which can increase the storage capacity by up to 25 times. This innovation has the potential to provide a more efficient and economically viable alternative to conventional batteries.
Researchers found that using a low-level heat wrap therapy (CLHT) for three consecutive days significantly reduced pain intensity and improved pain relief, with benefits maintained in the follow-up period. The study showed CLHT to be a safe and effective alternative for treating acute low back pain.
Researchers have discovered a new drug that raises the level of endocannabinoids, providing measurable antidepressant effects. The study found similar results to commonly prescribed antidepressants, suggesting URB597 as a safer, non-addictive alternative for pain and depression treatment.
A study found that 45% of heart patients use complementary or alternative medicines, but only 39% believe their doctors should know. Physicians must educate patients on risks and provide safe alternatives to prevent life-threatening interactions with prescribed cardiac medications.
A study of 304 recently diagnosed cancer patients found that 57% of pre-diagnosis CAM users continued to use it after diagnosis, with post-diagnosis use being almost universally helpful. The study highlights the importance of addressing psychosocial needs and communication barriers in cancer care.
Research suggests that smokeless oral tobacco products and medicinal nicotine products may be safer alternatives to cigarette smoking. However, studies also found that these products may not be effective in reducing smoking use and related diseases. Medicinal nicotine products appear to be a better option for smokers looking to quit.
Researchers found that middle-age adults are more likely to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for prevention rather than treatment, with biologically-based therapies used equally for both purposes. The study analyzed data from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey, covering 31,044 participants.
Researchers found that a protein called Y box-binding protein 1 binds to the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2) gene, leading to changes in alternative RNA splicing. This process can result in diverse sets of RNA and proteins being produced from the same gene.
A study of 487 cancer patients found that almost twice as many used CAM therapies when treated with chemotherapy alone compared to radiation therapy. Patients reported high satisfaction with using cost-effective CAM methods like supplements, but few relied on their doctors for information on these treatments.
British scientists have developed a new method of coating metals using sol-gel technology, which offers improved corrosion resistance and reduced costs. The technique uses nanoparticles to form a gel-like layer on the metal's surface, providing a safer alternative to traditional chrome electroplating.
Researchers halt Phase IIB/IIIA clinical trial of heparinase I due to higher incidences of negative side effects, including bleeding and infections. The study's lead author emphasizes the need for further research to develop an effective alternative to protamine.
A study found that 35% of children using complementary alternative medicines (CAM) had lower vaccination rates, while 8.9% were unvaccinated for diseases like measles, mumps, and rubella. Parents' misconceptions about vaccine safety can lead to adverse events and harm their children.
A study found that commercially available extracts of black cohosh increased cell killing by two of four drugs used in cancer therapy for breast cancer patients. However, the herb also decreased the effectiveness of one drug. Further research is needed to understand why these effects occur.
A new study has shed light on the process of alternative splicing, which allows one gene to produce multiple proteins. Researchers discovered that tandem repeats between exons are highly correlated with the process, enabling them to predict genes that can re-arrange and potentially leading to disease.
A Georgetown University researcher reveals hidden sponsorship of articles and lectures in medical journals, compromising patient care. A public database is needed to disclose conflicts of interest.
This study found that 71 percent of older adults used some form of alternative medicine in 2000, with chiropractor being the most commonly used. The findings suggest that older adults are using alternative medicine due to chronic health issues and dissatisfaction with conventional healthcare.
A study analyzing 2002 claims data from two large private health insurers in Washington state found that 83.6% of insured children had any insurance claims, with 6.2% using an alternative professional during the year. CAM use was more likely among children with cancer, low back pain, and adult family members who used CAM.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new, more efficient catalyst to produce hydrogen from coal. The catalyst outperforms a commercially available alternative by up to 25 percent and shows promise for large-scale coal gasification.
The PLMS system provides instant feedback on alternative grazing systems' impact on farm profit, milk production, and greenhouse gas emissions. A multidisciplinary team is developing the system to balance forage needs with livestock requirements.
Researchers found that consumers prefer utilitarian products over hedonic ones when given a choice, as they are less likely to cause guilt. This is because hedonic products are perceived as discretionary, while utilitarian products are seen as necessary, leading to a preference for the latter.
A study using fMRI reveals separate brain regions for making choices and dealing with conflicts, shedding light on why people with damaged medial frontal cortex struggle with actions and difficult decisions. The findings have implications for understanding human decision-making processes.
The study identifies a protein called ASF/SF2 as a regulator of calcium enzyme responsible for heart contraction and tissue growth. The researchers found differences in male versus female mice, with males experiencing greater disease and dying earlier.
A study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine found that the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy use remained steady among US adults between 1997 and 2002. The total number of Americans using any CAM therapy remained at 72 million, with changes seen in the choice of therapies used.
A new technique developed by the University of Toronto team enables accurate measurements of individual exons that make up different mRNAs, opening doors to understanding more about some diseases. This process, known as alternative splicing, is a cellular process that acquires the ability to control genetic messages.
Researchers at University of Toronto found evidence of lead contamination resulting from bismuth use in waterfowl samples. The study suggests that excessive bismuth exposure may be linked to blood, liver, kidney and neural problems.
Researchers have identified up to 28 proteins in saliva, including biomarkers for diseases like cancer. Saliva testing may become a life-saving alternative to blood tests in developing nations where early diagnosis is critical.
Researchers have developed a new procedure using sedative midazolam and gases that has been successfully used to treat children with extreme dental problems, avoiding the risks associated with traditional general anaesthesia. The technique offers a viable alternative for specialist practices to reduce hospital waiting lists and free beds.
Researchers will create mechanical systems with one or two motors to accomplish tasks currently done by robots. The goal is to provide a cheaper and lower maintenance alternative for assembly line designers.
A research team has identified a new pathway for the display of foreign proteins to the immune system, distinct from the conventional TAP-dependent pathway. This alternative pathway requires cysteine proteases and contributes to immunity against viruses and transplanted tissues.
Using guinea pigs, researchers increased production of G-protein Gem, which decreased calcium current densities by 30-90% and helped steady irregular heartbeats. Gene therapy shows promise as an alternative to calcium channel blockers with fewer side effects.