A new study confirmed Dr. Samuel Orton's hypothesis that children 'turn off' the right hemisphere of their brain as they become accomplished readers. The research also found that different phonological skills relate to activity in different parts of the brain when children read.
A double-blind study found that patients taking topiramate experienced poorer word recognition and verbal memory compared to those on valproate. The research aims to improve seizure treatment with minimal side effects.
Blocking the activation of Stat5 in prostate cancer cells triggers extensive cell death, providing a new targeted therapeutic approach to manage cancer growth and metastasis. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, with approximately 220,900 new cases expected in the US in 2003.
A new predictive system identifies two DNA polymorphisms that distinguish between HBV-positive patients who respond well to lamivudine treatment and those who develop resistance. The study's findings have significant implications for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, potentially saving millions from liver disease and cancer.
A recent pilot study published in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that high-dose vitamins can reduce homocysteine levels in individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. The multicenter trial, known as Vital, aims to determine if these vitamins can slow the progression of the disease. Researchers are optimis...
A new study identifies molecular predictors of breast cancer metastasis, including matriptase and HAI-1. The research may lead to a targeted way to treat cancers at risk of spreading, saving women from unnecessary chemotherapy.
Researchers have identified a gene responsible for the spread of cancer in the body, which could lead to more targeted and less toxic treatment options. The study found that silencing this gene can halt the migration of cancer cells, reducing the risk of metastasis.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that malfunctioning beta-spectrin genes cause defects in embryonic development and interfere with TGF-beta functions, which are crucial for growth and cancer progression. This discovery has important implications for human disease research and treatment.
A comprehensive study of 2,881 gay men in major US cities found that domestic violence is an equal opportunity epidemic, with HIV-positive individuals and younger men disproportionately affected. The research highlights the need for improved support systems and training for medical professionals to address male-male domestic violence.
A new study published by Georgetown University Medical Center found a link between worsening epileptic seizures and estrogen intake in women. Approximately 20% of women with epilepsy experienced seizures worsened when using estrogen-containing oral contraceptives.
A recent study published by Georgetown University Medical Center found that female rats exposed to alcohol in utero developed breast tumors at a significantly higher rate, with increased breast density and more estrogen receptors. The findings suggest that mothers who drink during pregnancy may increase their daughter's cancer risk.
Researchers studied brain activity in patients with epileptic seizures to understand how synchronized gamma waves contribute to conscious perception. The studies found that synchronized fast neural activity in the sensory area is necessary for perceiving simple stimuli.
Researchers found that Nocaine is a weak reinforcer, providing some of cocaine's effects but at a lower level. This makes it less likely to be abused and have abuse-related toxicity.
The National Lung Cancer Screening Trial (NLST) is a randomized, controlled study aiming to determine the effectiveness of spiral CT scans versus chest X-rays in reducing deaths from lung cancer. Participants will receive annual screenings for three years and their health will be monitored until 2009.
A study by Georgetown University researchers found that initially recommended drug dosages are often too high, which can lead to unnecessary overdosing. This discrepancy has significant implications for patient safety and healthcare costs. Further research is needed to address the issue of dose-selection in drug development.
Researchers found that MSI-1436, a natural compound derived from dogfish shark liver, helped normal and obese mice and rats lose fat without losing muscle mass. Phase I trials are expected to begin next year to test its safety and effectiveness as an anti-obesity treatment.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have developed a germ cell line derived from spermatogonia, offering a basic tool for studying male infertility and testicular cancer. This cell line exhibits characteristics of normal adult spermatogonial stem cells and differentiates into advanced germ cell types upon stimulation.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have discovered a key link between high cholesterol and the development of Alzheimer's disease. Elevated cholesterol levels increase the production of beta amyloid protein, leading to brain cell death and characteristic plaques found in Alzheimer's brains.
A new natural family planning method, the Standard Days Method, is more than 95% effective in preventing pregnancy. This method uses a color-coded bead system called CycleBeads to track ovulation and identify fertile days.
A new study found that combining HPV and Pap tests for cervical cancer screening can detect an additional 225 cancers per 100,000 women, leading to a 59% decrease in mortality. The test is cost-effective and potentially life-saving, especially for women whose Pap test results are abnormal but inconclusive.
A study of over 27,000 breast cancer patients in Finland found that excessive weight gain during pregnancy increases breast cancer risk after menopause. Researchers discovered that each 1 kg increase in pregnancy weight boosts the risk by 3.9%, with women who retain excess pounds post-pregnancy facing the greatest threat.
Researchers have discovered genetic variations associated with high blood pressure, enabling a predictive test for hypertension risk. The test detects GRK4 protein variations linked to sodium elimination errors, significantly increasing lifetime risk.
A study found that women are more likely to get regular cancer screenings if they have a well-organized primary care system. Women in private HMOs were also more likely to receive regular screenings compared to uninsured or underinsured women.
Georgetown University Medical Center's research found that 53% of medical schools lack training in clinical pharmacology and adverse drug reactions for third- and fourth-year students. Most residency programs offer lectures on the topic but have limited reporting of adverse events.
Researchers discover antimicrobial peptides in plants and animals, which target bacterial membranes to defend against infections. The study reveals these molecules provide a natural solution to combat growing antibiotic resistance.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center are conducting a clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of venlafaxine HCI on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study compares three treatment options: Effexor XR, Zoloft, and a placebo. Results may provide new hope for individuals suffering from PTSD after the 9/11 attacks.
A strong patient-physician relationship is crucial to obtaining needed health services, the study found. Primary care systems that prioritize accessibility, coordination, and comprehensive care can lead to stronger relationships between patients and physicians, ultimately improving health outcomes.
A new study led by Barbara Bregman found that delaying treatment for spinal cord injuries can lead to increased regrowth of nerve cell fibers. The addition of neurotrophins was key to this effect, with rats experiencing significant improvement in motor function.
A combination of edible oils from fenugreek, cumin, pumpkin seed, and oregano improved glucose metabolism in diabetic rats, reducing the need for insulin. The study suggests that these natural products may be effective in treating Type II diabetes and high blood pressure.
Researchers found oregano oil to inhibit staphylococcus bacterial growth as effectively as standard antibiotics. A study using mice also showed that oregano oil and carvacrol had promising results against the bacteria.
Peptide-T, a synthetic compound, prevents HIV from entering healthy human cells by adhering to specific cellular receptors. This new mechanism of action offers an alternative to existing protease inhibitors, which can develop resistance and cause harmful side effects.
Georgetown University's five-year program aims to enhance understanding of CAM practices, increase self-awareness, and improve communication with patients. The initiative will incorporate CAM principles into basic science courses and require all first-year students to take a Mind-Body Medicine course by year five.
Researchers from Georgetown University Medical Center present findings on Gulf War illnesses, finding similarities to fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Cognitive-behavioral therapy improves treatment success rates by 48 percent for symptoms of both conditions.
The FDA has approved fexofenadine, a new antihistamine that effectively relieves seasonal allergy symptoms without the risk of fatal heart conditions. Developed by Georgetown pharmacologist Raymond Woosley, fexofenadine was discovered through research on Seldane's cardiac side effects.