Researchers discovered that introducing the embryonic gene Nanog into aged stem cells can reverse cellular processes associated with age-related disorders, such as weak bones and clogged arteries. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
A new study found that spending 2.5 hours per week on recreational physical activity can lower the risk of coronary heart disease in women under 50 by 25%. The benefits of physical activity for cardiovascular health have been shown in previous studies, but this research focused on younger women.
A new study found that while more imaging after thyroid cancer treatment identifies recurrence, it does not always lead to improved survival. Radioiodine scans, however, were associated with better outcomes.
A six-fold increase in diagnosed sleep disorders among US veterans has been reported, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experiencing the largest rate increases. The study found that veterans with cardiovascular disease or other chronic conditions also experienced higher rates of sleep disorder diagnoses.
Research suggests that increasing male circumcision rates and ART coverage significantly reduces new male HIV infections in rural Ugandan communities. Communities with higher circumcision coverage saw a 39% decline in new infections, while those with higher ART coverage among women saw a 23% reduction.
A large international research team identified common genetic variants as the biggest culprits behind type 2 diabetes, with novel East Asian-specific variant PAX4 also found. The study's findings provide a more complete picture of the disease's genetics and hold promise for precision medicine.
A recent study reveals that nearly 60 percent of people have preclinical heart failure stages A and B, with stage B individuals at increased risk for death. The findings highlight the importance of targeting prevention efforts at the earliest HF stages to avoid death, particularly among men and older adults.
Research from McMaster University found that children who watched unhealthy food and beverage ads consumed significantly more calories than those who did not watch ads. The study suggests that targeted advertising of unhealthy foods can have a lasting impact on children's dietary preferences.
Researchers aim to identify genetic risk and prevention factors for Alzheimer's disease by analyzing genomic sequence data from thousands of individuals. The new center will provide a common database for critical information sharing and interpretation, enabling progress against the insidious disease.
The Environmental Genomics course explores the relationship between genetics and environment, focusing on phenotypic plasticity in organisms like Daphnia pulex. The course aims to provide training in experimental approaches and computational models for studying the effects of environmental challenges on genetics.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital are presenting promising preliminary results from clinical trials of an experimental monoclonal antibody for treating high-risk pediatric patients with neuroblastoma. Additionally, studies suggest that high-dose methotrexate may leave some survivors at risk for attention problems, wh...
Researchers at UTSA are using $100,000 grants to develop cloud computing for precision medicine and mobile solutions for health promotion interventions. The project combines electronic medical record data with genomics data to improve healthcare outcomes.
African-Americans are more likely to die of stroke at younger ages, with no disparity observed after age 85. Researchers emphasize the importance of preventing strokes through addressing risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes in African-American communities.
African American men with high West African genetic ancestry have lower waist circumference and waist-hip ratio, indicating reduced central adiposity. In contrast, African American women do not show a similar association, suggesting that genes from West Africa may offer protection against obesity in men but not women.
Researchers developed a method demonstrating that independent DNA variants linked to a disease share similar biological properties. This discovery provides a more comprehensive picture of disease biology and offers the opportunity to broaden our understanding of disease and identify new therapeutic targets.
New research reveals that US areas with high drug-overdose death rates are not always associated with high drug trafficking, contrary to expectations. Despite this, Western Pennsylvania and other regions like southern Michigan and eastern Ohio experienced rapid growth in overdose deaths nationwide.
A national research study will focus on the effectiveness of specific carbohydrate diets and Mediterranean-style diets to induce remission in patients with Crohn's disease. The study, led by Dr. James Lewis, aims to provide high-quality data and guidance for incorporating diet modifications into the treatment of the disease.
Biologist Anthony Gitter is using a $900,000 NSF CAREER award to develop new methods for analyzing complex biological data. He hopes to create more accurate models of gene and protein interactions by mapping out dynamic processes like the immune response.
A new study finds that paid maternity leave policies can reduce infant mortality by 13% in low- and middle-income countries. Researchers analyzed data from 20 countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America and found that extending paid leave by one month prevents about 8 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.
A large cohort study in the UK found that antibiotic exposure before age 2 significantly increases early childhood obesity risk. The study suggests that antibiotics may alter the gut microbiome, predisposing children to obesity.
A large clinical trial found that treating HIV patients at risk for tuberculosis with TB drugs does not save more lives. Simple TB screening and isoniazid preventive therapy were well-tolerated and resulted in similar survival rates compared to a four-drug TB treatment.
New research reveals that African Americans are less likely to start smoking in late teens but continue smoking into later years, leading to lower average pack-years and reduced eligibility for lung cancer screening. This disparity results in higher risk of death from tobacco-related diseases among African Americans.
Researchers have identified nine distinct subtypes of kidney cancer, each with unique molecular pathways and patient survival outcomes. These findings hold promise for personalized medicine by identifying specific targets for therapies.
A study found that HIV patients in Africa with a certain genetic variant have a 63-percent lower chance of developing tuberculosis than those without the variant. This discovery may lead to the development of new TB treatments effective for both HIV-positive individuals and the general population.
Research at Duke University Medical Center found that prostate cancer patients with lymph-only metastasis have the longest overall survival, while those with liver involvement fare worst. The study analyzed outcomes of 8,736 men with metastatic prostate cancer and provides valuable information on prognosis and treatment approaches.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet and University of Oulu identified mechanisms explaining genetic variants' influence on prostate cancer risk. The study reveals widespread deregulation of androgen receptor function, a key player in prostate cancer.
A large twin study found no significant association between major surgery and general anesthesia with long-term cognitive decline in older patients. Preoperative cognitive levels and underlying diseases are more important for cognitive functioning in aging patients following surgery.
A new heat wave formula developed by a University of Missouri researcher provides a uniform definition for extreme temperatures, enabling public health agencies to prepare for heat waves. The formula accounts for missing weather data and regional climates, improving the accuracy of heat wave warnings.
Research found a significant correlation between air quality and stroke cases, with higher PM2.5 levels in the South linked to a higher prevalence of stroke. Temperature also played a role in air quality and stroke risk.
Researchers present an experimental Ebola vaccine with 100% efficacy against the virus in West Africa and propose a novel vaccination strategy using ring vaccination. This innovative approach could be adapted to combat other emerging threats like Zika virus.
A landmark study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association found significant variation in dementia incidence among six ethnic and racial groups. Researchers discovered that blacks and American Indians/Alaska Natives had the highest rates, while Asian Americans had the lowest.
A Yale study applying evolutionary biology tools sheds light on cancer's genetic origins and tumor progression. The research mapped genetic mutations in normal, primary, and metastatic tumor tissue, revealing that metastases originate from different paths within primary tumors and can diverge early in cancer history.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found a strong link between autism and maternal obesity-diabetes, with pregnant mothers 1.5 times more likely to have a child with ASD. The study used electronic medical records and analyzed birth data from over 35,000 mothers.
A comprehensive modeling study found that breast cancer screening with digital mammography poses only a small risk of radiation-induced breast cancer for most women. However, the research showed increased risk for women with large breasts or breast implants. The study suggests biennial screening from ages 50 to 74 may be the safest opt...
The journal publishes methodology and statistics to design better trials, reducing publication bias. It features a new method to make cancer clinical trials more effective, with the first issue now available on ScienceDirect.
A physically active lifestyle can substantially decrease the genetic effect of the major obesity gene FTO on body weight in a multiethnic population. Researchers at McMaster University found that physical activity can blunt the effect of inherited obesity genes by up to 75 per cent.
SUNY Downstate researchers identified areas of high probability of plague bacteria in the western United States. Their findings can be used by public health agencies to target specific areas for enhanced plague surveillance, particularly in regions with significant animal hosts.
A study found that people scoring well on the Life's Simple 7 checklist for a healthy heart have lower risk of developing heart failure. The measures include managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels, as well as getting physically active, eating better, losing weight, and quitting smoking.
A Michigan State University study reveals that 14- and 15-year-olds are at a higher risk of becoming dependent on prescription drugs within a year after using them beyond the prescribed amount. The research also confirms that peak risk for starting to use prescription painkillers is seen at 16 and 17 years old.
A study published in the British Journal of Cancer found that higher magnesium intake may lower the risk of pancreatic cancer. Researchers analyzed data from over 66,000 men and women and discovered a significant association between magnesium consumption and reduced pancreatic cancer incidence.
A 14-year study found that annual screening with a blood test utilizing the Risk of Ovarian Cancer Algorithm (ROCA) significantly reduced mortality from ovarian cancer, particularly in women without evidence of cancer at study entry. The results showed a 20% reduction in risk of dying from ovarian cancer.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University will create software to perform virtual energy audits, helping building owners identify efficiency problems and cost-effective solutions. The project aims to enhance the nation's economic and energy security by improving building energy efficiency.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet identified a gene variant linked to psychotic symptoms and cognitive impairment in people with bipolar disorder. The study found that the gene variant affects levels of specific proteins in the brain, which may lead to new targeted drug development.
A new report finds that 5.8 million US children ages 5-17 have ADHD, up from 3.7 million in 2003, with a notable increase among girls. The study also reveals racial and ethnic disparities in ADHD diagnosis, particularly among Hispanic youth.
A new Penn Medicine study outlines how an individual's location and activities influence their risk of being assaulted, with areas of neighborhood connectedness showing lower rates of gun and non-gun related assaults. The research highlights the importance of changing urban environments to make them safer and reduce violence.
A new study by Georgia State University researchers found that combining two blood sugar tests can detect prediabetes more accurately in children and adults. This could help reduce the burden on the US healthcare system, projected to grow to 39 million cases of type 2 diabetes by 2050.
Researchers found a significant association between coarse particles in the air and increased cardiovascular hospitalizations in people 65 and older. The study, published in Environmental Health Perspectives, analyzed data from 110 large urban counties in the US and linked it to Medicare data on hospitalizations from 1999 to 2010.
A Stanford University study found that ethnic minorities value high-quality end-of-life care, but face numerous barriers, including poor communication and financial issues. The study's authors emphasized the need for culturally competent care as the US population becomes increasingly diverse by 2044.
A University of Georgia researcher found that low levels of vitamin D can hinder the effectiveness of HIV treatment in adults. Participants with sufficient vitamin D levels recovered more of their immune function, on average 65 CD4+T cells more, compared to those with deficiency.
A new analysis found that global maternal mortality rates declined by 43.9% between 1990 and 2015, with the largest decreases seen in Eastern Asia, where the rate fell from 95 to 27 deaths per 100,000 live births. However, the decline was lower in other regions, falling short of the UN's 75% goal.
A Canadian study found significant disparities in obstetric care between First Nations and non-First Nations women, with First Nations mothers being less likely to undergo labour induction, epidural, or cesarean delivery. These differences may contribute to higher infant mortality rates among First Nations populations.
Franziska Michor is awarded the NYSCF -- Robertson Stem Cell Prize for her interdisciplinary research on cancer genesis, using mathematical models to understand cancer evolution. Her work simulates drug treatment regimens and has been tested in clinical trials for non-small-cell lung cancer and brain tumors.
A new collaborative research project, ISIBELa, is investigating the risk of secondary cancer in later life following successful childhood cancer therapy. Researchers will analyze cases, examine patient differences, and use advanced laboratory techniques to identify genetic and epigenetic causes.
This special issue examines cancer screening, treatment, survivorship, access to care, and global health. Research articles investigate colorectal cancer screening, patient perceptions of stool DNA-based testing, financial barriers to specialty care for uninsured patients, and the role of primary health care in China's reform.
A large registry study of almost 50,000 patients in Sweden found that transfusion with stored blood does not influence patient outcomes after heart surgery. The study provides firm reassurance that current blood storage practices are safe.
A new study suggests that postmenopausal women may be safely screened every two years, while premenopausal women over 40 may benefit from annual mammograms to increase early detection. The research also highlights the importance of considering menopausal status rather than age when determining screening intervals.
Adding noninvasive ventilation to oxygen during exercise training in patients with severe COPD reduces hyperinflation, depression, and increases respiratory muscle function and exercise capacity. The study also found a decrease in total lung capacity in patients who received the treatment.
A mathematical model of chicken walk patterns may help farmers predict and prevent the spread of disease in their flocks. By analyzing patterns of movement, researchers can identify high-risk areas and develop strategies to minimize losses.
UCSF scientists call on hospitals to oppose the overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture, citing concerns about human health and the spread of antibiotic resistance. Experts say switching to antibiotic-free meat could create a market and drive down prices.
A study by the University of Melbourne found a significant disparity in bowel cancer deaths between European men and women. Lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption are linked to higher rates of bowel cancer in men. The researchers suggest that countries with high levels of screening have seen substantial reduct...