The World Bank's new 'Power of Nutrition' fund aims to promote breastfeeding and reduce undernutrition in developing countries. Investments in this area could transform the health and economy of these nations, particularly during the critical first two years of a child's life.
A study found that ultrasonic humidifiers emit aerosols with dissolved contaminants, including minerals and metals, which are 90% respirable. The quality of the water source affects the health consequences of inhaling these contaminants.
A new study identified three main brain regions where abnormalities are common to all types of focal epilepsy. The findings, published in Brain Connectivity, provide valuable insights into the neural networks underlying this neurological condition.
A NASA study found that exposure to microgravity inhibits the ability of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) to differentiate and generate most cell lineages. This inhibition has significant implications for human tissue engineering and the use of stem cells to regenerate adult tissues.
A new review of 45 years of medical literature found relatively few cases of meperidine-associated seizures, with coexisting conditions often contributing to the increased risk. The study concludes that meperidine's role as an effective anti-shivering agent should continue to be explored.
Researchers explore new pre-exposure prophylaxis strategies, broadly neutralizing antibodies, and innate antibacterial activity in relation to HIV acquisition. Advances in vaccine development and emerging clinical trial results offer promising near-term strategies for reducing HIV transmission.
Researchers found that supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) pretreatment increased sugar yields from empty fruit bunches by up to 37%, with the addition of alkali further increasing glucose production. The study provides visual evidence of surface changes in pretreated biomass.
A new study reveals that ethnic minority populations face significant barriers to receiving quality end-of-life care, with financial resources and insurance being the biggest obstacle. The researchers emphasize the need for education, training, and support to improve end-of-life care among diverse patient populations.
Researchers used TV viewing data from 99 programs with predictive accuracies over 59% and three that predicted outcomes above 79%. The model forecasts election outcomes at the state and county levels, providing insights into key drivers of election results. The study's findings suggest a potential application to future elections.
Researchers developed a novel approach to collect healthy post-mortem blood and tissue samples from hundreds of donors for gene expression analysis. The GTEx Project provides valuable resources for understanding disease processes and developing treatments.
A program combining home repairs, training, and comprehensive care significantly reduces childhood asthma symptoms and emergency department visits in low-income urban public housing. Removing asthma triggers such as mold and pests from these homes helps address the disproportionate impact of childhood asthma on minority communities.
Researchers found decreased signaling between brain regions in patients with chronic fatigue, correlating with greater fatigue levels. Abnormal brain connectivity at rest is strongly linked to the severity of symptoms.
Biotech expert Mitchell Finer shares his experiences and strategies for achieving commercial success, including the importance of clinical data and access to capital. He also discusses the growth of companies like bluebird bio and Cell Genesys, and the potential for gene therapy to revolutionize treatment options.
The Kavli HUMAN Project aggregates 20 years of measurements from 10,000 individuals to study the dynamic interplay between biology, behavior, and environment. The project reveals new insights into factors increasing risk for cognitive decline and its impact on daily life, healthcare utilization, and end-of-life decisions.
A new study found that acceptance of both male and female rape myths is associated with reduced likelihood to intervene when a friend is being sexually assaulted. However, only male rape myths had a negative relationship with the likelihood to help a stranger.
Consensus statements on intracranial pressure monitoring in sTBI provide a clear interpretation of clinical trial results. The statements help guide practicing physicians and researchers in managing patients with severe traumatic brain injury.
A phase III clinical trial's results may lead to the first approved gene therapy product in the US for treating Leber congenital amaurosis type 2 (LCA2). The treatment, SPK-RPE65, could improve patients' ability to see and function at night or in dimmer light levels.
The new guidelines focus on initial evaluation, biopsy criteria, molecular marker studies, risk assessment, and cancer screening for patients with thyroid nodules. For differentiated thyroid cancer, the guidelines emphasize screening, staging, and surveillance strategies, as well as long-term management and treatment options.
Studies examine effects of TBI, stroke, and repetitive stimulation on functional brain networks, revealing hyper-connectivity and reduced coherence in TBI patients. Researchers also describe remodeling of neuronal axons and myelin after stroke, as well as improvements in motor symptoms with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Scientists create a 'sense' DNA drug that can undo the effects of an antisense drug used to treat blood clots. The new approach reversed the antisense drug's activity and restored normal levels of prothrombin, preventing bleeding. This breakthrough demonstrates the feasibility of using oligonucleotides to target specific genes.
A new review of studies found that psychostimulant treatment for ADHD significantly reduces the risk of anxiety. Higher doses of psychostimulants appear to be associated with a greater reduction in anxiety risk.
Despite rapid expansion of palliative care programs in US hospitals, access remains uneven, with smaller hospitals and for-profit institutions being less likely to offer services. Variables associated with a greater likelihood of providing palliative care include presence of a residency training program and links to a medical school.
Researchers measured radioactivity in infant formulas worldwide and found higher doses than reported limits but lower than recommended levels. Factors such as soil and raw material radioactivity affected levels, highlighting the need for improved monitoring.
A review article discusses the issues of overdiagnosis and overtreatment in breast cancer screening, highlighting the benefits of newer technologies like breast tomosynthesis. The study finds that this technology reduces false recall rates by 15-30% while increasing cancer detection rates by about 29%.
A new gene therapy approach delivers the ITGA7 gene to mice with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, reducing symptoms and extending life span by over 10 weeks. The method overcomes previous immunological issues, making it a promising novel treatment for DMD.
Researchers used microalgae to remove noxious chemicals from Chevron oil refinery wastewater, achieving 90% ammonia-nitrogen and 97% phosphorus removal. The process also produced a wealth of algae-based biomass for bioenergy and biobased chemical production.
New research highlights matricellular proteins as key targets for treating common ocular disorders. The special issue explores the function of these proteins and their role in inflammation and blood vessel formation in the eye.
A comprehensive review of biological warfare history reveals a greater incidence of illicit agent use than previously thought. The effects have been relatively limited despite the instances of misuse.
Scientists have successfully used gene therapy to fully restore vision in a mouse model of Leber congenital amaurosis-1, a genetic disorder causing severe visual impairment. The treatment, which replaced the deficient retGC1 protein, showed long-lasting results and supports clinical testing for human patients.
A new additive manufacturing technique prints molten glass at high temperatures to produce strong, optically transparent glass objects. The modular printer allows for customization of the printed glass parts, opening up opportunities for high-value applications in industries such as aerospace.
A review article highlights barriers to overcome in CAR T cell therapy for lymphoma, including physical barriers and immunosuppression. The study explores factors related to tumor biology and immunology compared to treatment response in patients with lymphoma.
A proposed article in Environmental Justice advocates for basic energy rights for low-income populations, addressing energy insecurity and environmental health risks. The author compares two US communities: Dimock, PA, and Detroit, MI, highlighting the disproportionate burden vulnerable communities bear in energy supply and demand.
A recent study published in Journal of Palliative Medicine found variations in hospice use patterns between states, highlighting the need for improved end-of-life care. Researchers identified differences in the timing and duration of hospice enrollment, which could mask issues requiring attention.
The US Supreme Court's Obergefell v. Hodges decision reduces stigmatization and discrimination among LGBT individuals, leading to improved mental and physical health. The ruling also expands health coverage for same-sex couples and addresses barriers to care through employer insurance and tax benefits.
A large-scale analysis of published research studies found that yoga therapy was most often used for mental health, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease. The study, published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, analyzed 28,000 study participants from 29 countries over 46 years.
A new study highlights the unique challenges of adolescent sibling stem cell donation, including health risks, pain, and psychological burdens. The authors argue that the role of siblings in providing life-sustaining stem cells has been taken for granted.
Researchers have identified a protein, NFIX, that promotes the differentiation of neural stem cells into oligodendrocytes, a type of glial cell crucial for protecting neurons. This finding has implications for the development of stem cell-based therapies for brain injury and demyelinating diseases.
Researchers developed 3D human skin tissue models to detect sensitizers in medical devices, potentially replacing animal testing. The models showed ability to detect low levels of known skin sensitizers.
A European clinical trial shows that therapeutic hypothermia can significantly decrease intracranial pressure in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. The study found a mean reduction of 4.3 mmHg at the first hour of body cooling, continuing throughout the 6-hour hypothermia therapy.
Researchers successfully deliver an RNA encoding alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) into cells, enabling them to produce highly functional AAT. This approach offers a safe and cost-effective solution for treating single gene disorders like AAT deficiency.
Researchers developed a high-throughput screening method to characterize and select multipotent cells from adipose-derived stromal cells (hASCs) using flow cytometry. This approach can identify specific cell types advantageous for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications.
A recent study found that galvanized steel pipes can release high levels of lead into drinking water, with concentrations reaching up to 172 µg/L. Copper piping installed upstream can worsen lead release from the zinc coating, posing a significant risk to public health.
Researchers have identified two proteins in blood and cerebrospinal fluid that increase significantly after traumatic brain injury, suggesting they could be used to detect trauma-related brain damage. These biomarkers, UCH-L1 and GFAP, correlate with direct evidence of brain damage and may aid in assessing brain injury following TBI.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital developed two new strategies to reduce off-target effects of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. These techniques use truncated guide RNA molecules and the addition of a FokI domain to the Cas9 protein, resulting in highly specific genome editing.
The CRISPR/Cas system has revolutionized biological research, enabling targeted DNA changes in living cells. This innovation is now being applied to clinical medicine, promising significant advancements in drug therapies, agriculture, and food products.
The National Academies have launched an international initiative to address the technical, social, and ethical issues surrounding human genome editing. The initiative aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of human genome editing and its implications for improving human health and boosting food production.
A systematic review of 24 studies found statistically significant improvement in patient outcomes with acupuncture compared to placebo acupuncture or no treatment. The findings support the potential for acupuncture as a treatment modality in dermatology.
A new study demonstrates the ability to apply a thin coating of viable respiratory epithelial cells to tissue engineered constructs using a commercially available spray device, providing a promising approach for repairing or replacing challenging structures like trachea or bronchi. The effects of air pressure and nozzle diameter on cel...
Researchers have developed a novel control system to regulate therapeutic transgene expression by targeting the passenger strand of a specific microRNA. This approach achieves safe and specific regulation while sparing endogenous gene expression, offering potential for new gene therapy applications.
Researchers found that implanting a biomaterial scaffold after spinal cord injury creates a favorable environment for nerve regeneration. Seeding Schwann cells had no significant effect on the lesion environment.