Researchers found a direct cause-and-effect relationship between negative emotions and an increased risk of myocardial ischemia, a precursor to heart attacks. Stress levels, both emotional and physical, were associated with a higher risk of ischemia, especially in the hour following stress.
Duke researchers found an existing class of drugs, cyclosporin and FK506, effectively stops the growth of the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans. The compounds are now being tested in animals with fungal infections.
A first-ever restocking project will release up to 20 captive-bred black and white ruffed lemurs into the ancestral island nation's rain forests. The project aims to help the animals adjust to their new environment through a 'soft release' approach, while also stimulating conservation-mindedness in local citizens.
The new guidelines rank treatment options using data from 69 experts, recommending cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) as the primary first-line treatment. The guidelines also suggest starting medication before adding CBT for severe patients, and recommend a trial of clomipramine after failed SSRI trials.
A Duke neurologist advocates for mandatory reporting of complication rates for carotid endarterectomy to help doctors make informed decisions. Low complication rates are crucial for the procedure's effectiveness in preventing strokes.
Researchers developed a genetically-engineered protein biosensor that can identify the presence of maltose, a sugar compound, in blood. The biosensor uses a fluorophore reporter to signal its catch, providing instant analysis for various applications.
A Duke University study found that short, vigorous workouts can temporarily reduce symptoms of depression by up to 82% in participants over 50. The results also showed an increase in feelings of vigor after the test.
Researchers develop tiny coated beads that can release drugs directly onto tumors in response to chemical signals. The beads are designed to remain intact until exposed to sodium-rich blood plasma, at which point they swell and burst explosively, releasing the entrapped drug. This technology has potential for targeted cancer treatment.
Newborn ferrets' brains develop visual abilities through internal patterns of electrical activity before birth, suggesting an interaction between nature and nurture in brain development. The study found that stimulating the optic nerves disrupted this process, leading to altered neural responses.
Protein binding events control many biological processes; removing water from binding sites provides energy that drives reactions. Duke researchers used a supersensitive instrument to measure minute temperature changes in normal and heavy water to separate protein-water interactions from ligand-water interactions.
Researchers at Duke University found that pre-treating insulin-producing pancreatic islet cells with glutathione preserves their ability to regulate sugar levels. This advance could overcome a major hurdle in the transplantation of islet cells into humans as a treatment for diabetes.
A comprehensive 23-year study of the Kibale rain forest in Uganda reveals that heavy logging severely reduces species diversity and hinders forest recovery. Sustainable logging is only viable if tree falls are spaced far apart, limited to large trees, and harvested with minimal machinery.
A new laser therapy, transmyocardial revascularization (TMR), has been found to be effective in reducing chest pain in patients with coronary artery disease. The procedure creates new blood-carrying channels in the heart muscle, improving oxygen supply and reducing symptoms.
The study found a significant decline in chronic disability rates for people 65 and older, with the largest rate of decline occurring from 1989 to 1994. The researchers attribute this trend to medical advances and technological improvements.
A Duke University study found that patients who received magnesium during CPR were 69% less likely to experience brain damage and had better neurological outcomes. The researchers discovered that magnesium may have neuroprotective effects by preventing calcium flow into brain cells, but more trials are needed to confirm the results.
A group of Duke University engineering students designed and built a custom-made goalie slider for Daniel Delimata, a cerebral palsy patient who was unable to participate in street hockey games. The slider allows him to move more efficiently and effectively, improving his coordination, balance, and overall playing experience.
A recent study published by Duke researchers has found that the toxic marine organism Pfiesteria piscicida causes severe learning impairment in rats. The toxin was shown to affect spatial learning, with injected rats performing poorly on new tasks even after training had begun.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that blacks are less likely to undergo heart bypass surgery compared to whites. The research suggests that patient preferences and cultural factors contribute to this disparity in treatment.
Researchers studied 200 smokers who wanted to quit and found that those who smoked on their quit day were more likely to go back to smoking after six months. Nicotine patches can double the chances of long-term success, but only about one in four users remain smoke-free after six months.
A study of Medicare data found that stroke patients cared for by neurologists had better survival rates and less disability compared to those cared for by generalists. The study suggests that redirecting patient care to generalists may not be cost-effective, but further research is needed to understand the differences in outcomes.
A 22-year study found that socially dominant men, characterized by monopolizing conversations and excessive competitiveness, had a 60% higher rate of all-cause mortality compared to less dominant individuals. This suggests that social dominance is a moderate risk factor for early death.
A Duke University study found that elderly patients treated for a heart attack by a cardiologist had a 12% lower chance of dying compared to those treated by a primary care physician. The researchers suggest that this difference in outcomes is due to the specialized training and focus on heart disease of cardiologists.
Duke University researchers conclude that physicians who achieve an 80% success rate in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are adequately trained, regardless of the number of procedures performed. This finding challenges the common assumption that more procedures equal competence.
A comprehensive international study by Duke University researchers found that waste-to-energy incineration is a competitive alternative only where economic and environmental considerations discourage landfills. Despite improved technology, WTE facilities cannot match conventional power plants in energy outputs or economics.
Scientists at Duke University have discovered that a bacterial protein structure plays a crucial role in preventing genetic flaws from translating into diseases. The research reveals that the protein interacts with helicases, which are involved in several genetic diseases, including Werner's syndrome and Cockayne's syndrome.
Duke University's OK-4 optical klystron FEL, developed in Russia, has begun operating at the institution, producing intense beams of gamma rays and ultraviolet laser light. The device is expected to be used for medical research and answering questions in nuclear physics.
Duke researchers found that aging female rats treated with estrogen had more connections in a brain area associated with memory formation than did similar untreated rats. The study suggests that replacing estrogens may alleviate minor memory losses sometimes associated with aging.
Researchers at Duke University found that small amounts of alcohol can inhibit learning and memory in young rats, while having little effect on adult brains. The study suggests that as little as two drinks could cause significant damage to a young person's brain, reinforcing the need for legal bans on under-age drinking.
A Duke University Medical Center study found that over half of US cardiologists performing angioplasty procedures don't meet recommended minimum standards, leading to increased risk of complications and heart bypass operations. The study confirms the inverse relationship between physician experience and patient outcomes.
Research by Dr. Eric Peterson found stenting costs $13,000, exceeding Medicare's payment of $10,000 to $13,000. This expense may lead hospitals to lose money on each procedure, potentially reducing the treatment's popularity.
Research reveals regional differences in US heart attack treatment, with the West Coast showing a balanced approach to resource utilization. The study found that patients in the Pacific states had lower costs for year-long care, while those in New England and Mid-Atlantic states stayed in hospital longer.
Two Duke University studies suggest that diabetics with severe coronary artery disease do equally well if they receive either angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery. The studies recommend considering factors other than diabetes when choosing a treatment.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found that exercise treadmill tests and myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) are equally effective in detecting heart disease and predicting outcomes in women. This discovery will enable physicians to screen and treat their female patients more accurately.
A new blood test called troponin T has been shown to be a powerful indicator of how injured a heart is, especially in patients with no clear signs of trouble. The study found that patients with high troponin T levels are more likely to die within a month, and the test may save thousands of lives annually.
A recent study published in the journal Stroke found that patients who receive primary care from a neurologist after a stroke have better survival rates and less disability. This is in contrast to those cared for by generalists, where death rates are higher despite similar short-term costs.
A study found that frail elderly patients are less likely to favor physician-assisted suicide, while their relatives are more supportive. Relatives often struggle to agree on the patient's wishes, highlighting the need for advanced directives and living wills.
Duke University primatologists failed to capture a mate for Romeo, the rarest lemur species, during an October expedition. The diademed sifaka is threatened by hunting and habitat destruction, with estimates suggesting it will go extinct in about 20 years.
Increasing retirement age to 70 could save $50-60 billion per year on Social Security costs, while also reducing payouts. The move would also encourage older workers to stay in the workforce longer, contributing to revenues.
Researchers will explore innovations in mine detection using microelectronic chemical-sniffing 'nose', ultrasound, and unique mathematical aids. The projects aim to detect buried military booby traps that kill or maim innocent noncombatants.
Seedlings of American mahogany trees can only successfully establish themselves on open land, not in the shade of other trees. Logging practices are creating 'mahogany deserts' by replacing mature trees with seedlings, posing a threat to the species' long lifespan of up to 600 years.
Researchers from Harvard University and Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center discovered a protein called RGS10 that turns off G proteins, which transmit chemical signals within cells. This finding may lead to new ways to regulate cell activity and treat conditions like cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders.
The Duke Primate Center aims to capture three diademed sifakas for breeding in captivity, addressing the animals' critically endangered status due to habitat destruction and poaching. The expedition, set for October 2-18, will help build a captive breeding stock to replenish wild populations.
A new vaccine has shown promise in treating brain tumors by boosting the immune system. The study found that GM-CSF produced a powerful anti-tumor effect, with 15% of mice appearing cured of pre-established tumors. The researchers believe this strategy may provide a potent double hit on aggressive brain tumors.
Orrin Pilkey, a nationally known authority on beach hazards, will discuss the risks of building on beaches during a media briefing in Myrtle Beach. The briefing will provide tips on minimizing storm damage and avoiding high-risk areas.
Researchers found that nitric oxide activates genes directly, controlling basic life processes down to the gene level. The discovery suggests a universal signaling molecule with far-reaching implications for health and disease.
A new monoclonal antibody called ReoPro has significantly reduced life-threatening complications from angioplasty both immediately and up to three years after treatment. The study found that patients treated with ReoPro had a 59% reduction in overall death, recurrent heart attacks, and urgent repeat angioplasty or by-pass surgery.
A new study found that steroid receptors are not mere on-off switches but rather complex molecular control panels. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted therapies for various diseases such as breast and prostate cancer, inflammation, osteoporosis, and endometriosis.
A Duke University study suggests that plants may shunt excess atmospheric carbon dioxide into groundwater to remain stored away for thousands of years. This could help solve the mystery of missing CO2 in the atmosphere and potentially lower predicted impacts of global warming.
Duke University professors Orrin Pilkey and David Bush will lead a media tour and briefing to highlight the risks of building on beaches prone to hurricane damage. The tour will show better and worse places to build along the Grand Strand, with tips for minimizing storm damage.
A four-year study reveals that winter rainfall is crucial for desert plant growth, contrary to previous assumptions. This discovery sheds light on the complex factors causing desertification and emphasizes the need for further research on desert ecology.