Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that flaxseed supplementation significantly slows prostate tumor growth in men scheduled for surgery. Flaxseed's omega-3 fatty acids and lignans appear to play a crucial role in halting cancer cell proliferation.
Researchers found that sleep-deprived individuals can only process a small number of objects at a time, leading to memory decline. The brain's visual areas are also impaired, making it difficult to focus attention.
A new procedure using concentrated radio waves has been found to be safe and effective in treating abnormal cell growth in the esophagus, a precursor to cancer. The treatment, called radiofrequency ablation, destroys abnormal cells with fewer side effects than current methods.
Researchers used metabolomics to analyze blood chemicals in patients with schizophrenia before and after treatment, revealing distinct chemical signatures that differ according to the medication used. The findings may lead to earlier diagnosis, better treatment planning, and a deeper understanding of the disease's causes and effects.
Recent study results show 75% of babies receiving thymus transplants survive after one year. The procedure has led to survival for most infants who would otherwise die from DiGeorge anomaly. Thymus transplantation is a treatment option that offers new hope to families affected by this rare condition.
A new drug that targets the body's immune cells has shown promise in treating malignant brain tumors by re-engaging the cancer-damaged immune system. The researchers found that the drug stops 'bad' T cells from damaging the immune system and gives 'good' T cells a type of bulletproof jacket, enabling them to better fight off brain tumors.
Researchers discovered that nitric oxide and its derivatives, SNOs, control the functionality of beta adrenergic receptors in heart failure and asthma. The study found that these receptors can become desensitized over time, leading to reduced medication efficacy.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that patients with specific gene variants were less likely to experience cognitive decline after heart surgery. These variants were involved in the inflammatory system and may provide a biological basis for the protective effect observed.
A scoring system based on weight, gender, age, blood pressure and clot risk accurately predicts patient mortality after gastric bypass surgery. The system categorizes patients as low-risk, medium-risk or high-risk, with those in the high-risk group facing a six times higher mortality rate.
Workers with obesity filed twice the number of workers' compensation claims, had seven times higher medical costs, and lost 13 times more days of work compared to non-obese workers. Obesity was also linked to higher risk jobs and more severe injuries.
A new survey by Duke University Medical Center and Johns Hopkins University found that 41% of clinical trial coordinators have experience disclosing financial conflicts of interest, but many feel uncomfortable doing so. The researchers suggest that additional education and training are needed to address these concerns.
Duke University researchers engineer mice whose olfactory brain cells 'fire' when exposed to light, enabling real-time monitoring of brain activity. This breakthrough provides a new approach for studying mammalian neural circuitry and has potential applications in treating brain injuries and diseases.
A study found that people who smoked and drank coffee were less likely to develop Parkinson's disease, which may be due to genetic or environmental factors. However, the risks of smoking and caffeine consumption should not be taken to avoid the disease.
Patients undergoing minimally invasive lung cancer surgery experience shorter hospital stays and accelerated recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. This approach also improves chemotherapy delivery, reducing delays and increasing treatment efficacy.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that forskolin flushes out hiding colonies of bacteria in the bladder, making them susceptible to antibiotic treatment. The study shows great promise for a new approach to treating recurring urinary tract infections.
A study found that dairy products, non-caffeinated beverages, and fruits/vegetables can worsen the taste of cigarettes. Researchers propose a 'Quit Smoking Diet' or alternative treatments to deter smoking.
A new blood test can rapidly detect levels of radiation exposure, enabling timely treatment for potentially life-saving. The test analyzes thousands of genes to identify distinct genomic signatures reflecting varying radiation doses.
Researchers found that specific genes distinguish smokers who quit from those who struggle with addiction, suggesting a biological basis for success. The study could lead to personalized treatment plans tailored to individual genetic profiles.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that obese and overweight men are more likely to have aggressive prostate cancer than biopsy results indicate. This discrepancy may lead to inadequate or inappropriate treatment, emphasizing the need for more accurate biopsies.
A new gene, kalirin, has been discovered that may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease. The research suggests a biological mechanism never before linked to the disease and could lead to novel ways to treat or prevent it.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center used brain scans to identify three brain regions responsible for nicotine cravings and dependence. These regions include the thalamus, striatum, and anterior cingulate cortex, which play roles in stress relief, pleasure, and cognitive function.
Researchers found simultaneous surgeries on colon and liver may reduce length of hospital stay and surgical complications without compromising long-term survival. In certain patient groups, simultaneous surgery was as safe as separate surgeries, potentially leading to better outcomes.
A study by Duke University Medical Center found that having both type 2 diabetes and depression significantly increases the risk of death for heart patients. This is because individuals with diabetes who also experience depression may be less motivated to follow their self-care regimen, thereby putting them at a higher risk.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that adding cholesterol to zebrafish embryos exposed to small amounts of alcohol restored normal development. Fetal alcohol syndrome affects the nervous and cardiovascular systems, leading to growth retardation, facial abnormalities, and lowered mental functioning.
A study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that depression is independently associated with worse outcomes in heart failure patients. Symptoms of depression were common in this population and depressed patients were over 50% more likely to die or be hospitalized for their heart condition than non-depressed patients.
Researchers found that dual therapy with Avastin and chemotherapy agent irinotecan halted tumor growth up to twice as long as comparative therapies, offering a significant advance in treatment for aggressive gliomas. The study's findings may lead to new options for patients with the poorest possible prognosis.
Duke University researchers developed a three-dimensional fabric scaffold for cartilage repair using patient stem cells. The new technology could treat larger areas of cartilage damage and provide more effective results than current therapies.
Research found prenatal exposure to nicotine alters brain areas critical for learning and reward, programming the brain for relapse to nicotine addiction. Pregnant women who smoke may need tailored smoking cessation approaches due to increased risk of relapse after birth.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered that brain region activation predicts altruistic behavior, suggesting that the ability to perceive meaningful interactions is critical for altruism.
A national study by Duke University researchers found that people with psychiatric disabilities are less likely to receive monetary awards or job-related benefits in court cases. They also report feeling less treated fairly and receiving less respect during the legal process compared to those with physical disabilities.
Researchers developed a sensitive test for identifying drug-resistant strains of HIV in patients' bloodstreams. The test detects genetic changes that predict potential drug resistance, enabling personalized treatment guidance.
Researchers discovered that stem cell activity decreases with age due to reduced division, not a lack of starting material. The finding offers new avenues for combating cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
The study found that recycling endosomes transport cargo needed to grow new synapses, leading to advances in understanding Alzheimer's disease, autism, and age-related memory loss. The discovery may lead to potential treatments for these conditions by targeting critical cellular processes.
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.
In a groundbreaking pilot study, researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that children with egg allergies can build up their bodies' resistance to eggs by gradually consuming increased quantities over time. The study's findings show promising results for the development of a meaningful therapy for food allergy sufferers.
A combination of negative personality traits such as depression, anxiety and hostility significantly increase the risk of developing coronary heart disease. The study, conducted on 2,105 military veterans, found that individuals with these traits had a higher risk of heart disease when compared to those without the traits.
A new analysis by Duke University Medical Center cardiologists found that taking low-dose aspirin daily reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death among patients with stable cardiovascular disease. The study also showed an increased risk of bleeding, but the protective benefits of aspirin outweigh this side effect.
A study of over 44,000 patients found that blood transfusions were associated with a benefit in those with low hematocrit levels but harm in others. For patients with moderate hematocrit levels, transfusions showed no benefit or harm, suggesting providers may reconsider their decision-making process.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed a new test that analyzes blood metabolites to identify genetic predispositions to coronary artery disease. The study found strong heritabilities in certain metabolites, suggesting the potential to detect people at risk of developing the disease at an early age.
A study by Duke University Medical Center cardiologists found that women tend to live longer with heart failure than men, having a less severe form of the disease. The research suggests that understanding these gender differences can help physicians tailor prevention or treatment strategies to specific patients.
A new drug-antidote combination has been shown to be safe in its first clinical trial, offering a potential 'on-off' switch for controlled anticoagulation. The treatment targets human coagulation factor IXa and rapidly reverses the anticoagulant's effects.
A new study by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that depression itself increases mortality risk in heart failure patients, not the use of antidepressant medications. The study analyzed over 1,000 depressed patients with heart failure and found a 15% higher death rate among those who were depressed.
A panel of national experts has developed a plan to improve the use of imaging technologies in patients with cardiovascular disease. The proposed action plan focuses on four key aspects: selecting the best imaging technique for each individual patient, acquiring high-quality images, correctly interpreting the results, and communicating...
Researchers found a 36% survival rate for blacks and 46% for whites, despite similar levels of coronary disease. The disparity is attributed to various factors, including bias in treatment, mistrust of the medical system, and socio-economic barriers.
Researchers used MRI to detect small areas of heart damage in patients with sarcoidosis, finding that it was twice as sensitive as conventional methods. The study suggests that cardiac damage is common and often unrecognized in these patients, which can lead to serious complications.
A nationwide study of over 18 million women found that pregnant women with systemic lupus have a significantly higher risk of death or medical complications compared to those without the disease. The study suggests that these women should be closely monitored by healthcare providers and consider planning their pregnancies carefully.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered that zebrafish regenerate heart tissue through a mass of stem cells and protective cell layer interaction. Biochemical signaling between the cell mass and epicardial cells controls the regeneration process, involving growth factors such as fibroblast growth factors.
A new drug, eltrombopag, stimulates blood platelet production, enabling patients with low platelets to take standard antiviral medications. The trial found that 95% of patients responded with increased platelets and were able to start therapy.
A panel of genomic tests analyzes a cancerous tumor's molecular traits to determine the most effective chemotherapy, potentially saving lives and reducing toxic side effects. The tests show 80% accuracy in predicting which drugs will kill the tumor.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found that cancer stem cells in brain tumors activate a 'repair switch' that enables them to continue growing unchecked after radiation treatment. A method to block this process has been identified, offering hope for developing therapies to overcome radiation resistance.