A new web site designed for young girls aged 8-11 aims to prevent smoking through online patient education and interactive features. The site, No Smoking Room.Org, engages users with multimedia content and allows them to test their knowledge and share it with others.
Researchers identified four distinct molecular subtypes in patients with scleroderma, offering new hope for better diagnosis and targeted therapies. The study uses gene expression patterns to classify patients, which could help predict disease progression and treatment response.
Researchers at Dartmouth Medical School have discovered that the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene plays a dual role in regulating cell growth, acting as both a tumor suppressor and a gas pedal in cell signaling. This new understanding may help identify therapeutic targets for colon cancer treatment.
A new study by Dartmouth Medical School researchers has identified a crucial pathway for blood stem cell turnover, which could lead to novel strategies for treating rare and aggressive infant leukemia. The research reveals that the Mixed Lineage Leukemia (MLL) gene plays an essential role in maintaining adult blood cells.
A landmark nationwide study found that 17% of mother-infant pairs were identified as 'not ready' for postpartum discharge. The study identified several factors, including being a first-time mother, history of chronic disease, and inadequate prenatal care, as contributing to unreadiness.
A Dartmouth-led study found surgery to be twice as effective as non-surgical remedies in reducing pain and restoring functionality for patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis. Patients who underwent surgery reported significant relief from symptoms within six weeks.
Researchers at Dartmouth Medical School have discovered a vitamin that extends lifespan in yeast by activating an anti-aging gene product. The study found that providing this newly discovered vitamin, NR, activates Sir2, which resembles sirtuins found in humans and is involved in longevity and energy expenditure.
Researchers at Dartmouth and UCLA discovered the last unknown enzyme in plant vitamin C synthesis, a key step in understanding how plants produce this essential nutrient. The enzyme, VTC2, is responsible for the seventh step in vitamin C synthesis, marking a significant breakthrough in the field.
DNA damage resets the cellular circadian clock, suggesting a link between circadian timing and cancer. The study implies that the biological clock has a protective dimension in addition to its pacemaker functions.
A study found that basic study facts and limitations are often missing from news coverage of medical research presented at scientific meetings. Researchers emphasized the importance of including study size, design, and potential limitations to prevent public misinterpretation.
Researchers found that an intracellular protein called synectin is a key regulator of arterial growth, impairing development when disrupted. This discovery could lead to new therapeutic approaches for coronary artery disease and vascular biology research.
A randomized controlled trial found that telephone support from bilingual prevention care managers significantly increased cancer screening rates among low-income and minority women. The intervention resulted in a 12% increase in mammography screenings, a 7% increase in Papanicolaou tests, and a 13% increase in colorectal screenings.
A study found that owning alcohol-branded items increased the likelihood of initiating alcohol use in teens. Students who owned these items were 1.5 times more likely to start drinking than those who didn't, according to researchers.
A study found an association between HPV antibodies and squamous cell carcinoma risk, with patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma more frequently testing positive for beta type HPVs. Lifestyle habits, such as sun exposure and smoking, were not significantly linked to skin cancer development.
Researchers suggest that increasing efficiency in medical practice and directing resources to effective care can reduce costs and improve patient outcomes. Studies have shown that patients with severe chronic illnesses receive excessive physician care, which may do more harm than good.
A regional study found that 92% of contemporary movies depicted alcohol use, with kids exposed to about 8 hours of it through films. Higher exposure to movie alcohol use at age 10-14 predicted future drinking in teens.
Researchers have discovered a factor that enables V. cholerae bacteria to attach to intestinal cells, leading to colonization and disease. A new therapy approach is being developed based on this finding, which could improve vaccine efficacy.
Researchers developed a new treatment that reverses traditional treatment steps, reducing tumor size and increasing surgical removal options. The treatment has shown significant success in shrinking tumors, with no progression or recurrence observed after surgery.
Research finds significant regional variations in US low birth weight rates, with some areas having rates up to 3 times higher than others despite controlling for established risk factors like race and socioeconomic status. The study suggests that improvements in social and healthcare systems can lead to better neonatal outcomes.
A national study finds that adolescents exposed to movie smoking are more likely to try smoking, with the risk increasing 2.6 times for those with high exposure. The study suggests limiting exposure to young teens and encourages the movie industry to reduce depictions of smoking.
Researchers found that physicians in high-spending areas order more tests, referrals, and treatments than those in low spending areas. This study isolates the role of physician behavior in explaining regional differences in practice and spending.
Researchers at Dartmouth's Geisel School of Medicine have discovered that two kinases, CaMKKα and CaMKKβ, can regulate AMPK independent of LKB1, potentially offering new opportunities for cancer treatment. This finding may also contribute to the development of treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity.
The report highlights the growth of female pediatricians and positive trends in medical student recruitment, but notes a lack of ethnic and racial diversity among pediatricians. The new policy aims to address geographic disparities and recruit more diverse pediatricians to serve the increasing population of minority children.
A Dartmouth study found that traditional TB screening methods can miss active tuberculosis cases in HIV-positive individuals in developing countries. The study recommends using more sensitive and accurate TB culture tests, such as the one used in Tanzania.
Researchers at Dartmouth discovered a molecule called Smad7, found in half of all human pancreatic cancers, that interferes with pathways regulating cell growth. Smad7 suppresses the function of the retinoblastoma protein, enabling cancer cells to grow unchecked and increasing metastasis.
A study by Dartmouth Medical School found a higher mortality rate among American Indians and Alaska Natives after surgery, with 3.1% of Americans Indian dying compared to 2.2% of Caucasians. The research highlights existing disparities in healthcare and suggests further investigation into factors contributing to these differences.
Dartmouth Medical School researchers have identified the enzymatic activity of Aprataxin, a gene associated with an early onset hereditary neurological disorder. This discovery may lead to improved treatment strategies for ataxia-oculomotor apraxia 1 by targeting specific protein substrates.
Researchers successfully transmitted ultrasound images from Yugoslavia to the US using compressed files, with radiologists able to diagnose patients accurately in 67% of cases. The study aims to expand access to medical technology globally, particularly in areas without internet access.
A recent study found that tobacco brand appearances in PG-13 movies did not significantly decrease after the Master Settlement Agreement, leaving adolescent audiences exposed to tobacco advertising. The percentage of R-rated movies with tobacco brand appearances dropped by 55.4%, but that for PG-13 films remained unchanged since 1998.
Researchers developed disease models using yeast to test resistance to atovaquone and created a practical tool to design new anti-malarial drugs. This study provides the first quantitative explanation for malaria's drug resistance, enabling the development of new treatments within 3-5 years.
A recent study found that academic medical centers use emotional appeals and promote unproven services to attract patients, raising concerns about the erosion of public trust. The researchers recommend that centers reexamine their advertising procedures to promote evidence-based services.
Researchers identify mitochondria as key players in programmed cell death (apoptosis), a process essential for life and necessary for neural system development. The study reveals that mitochondrial fragmentation is required for cells to die, providing a unified understanding of cell death across species.
The Interactive Media Laboratory at Dartmouth Medical School is developing virtual clinics to educate healthcare and victims' services providers on DNA evidence collection and interpretation. The training aims to improve the efficiency of the justice system by streamlining the process of analyzing and submitting DNA data.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that the HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing cervical cancer, with a 100% success rate among participants who completed the full protocol. The vaccine targets two types of high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV-16 and HPV-18) responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases.
Patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs) without cardiac surgery backup are at a higher risk of death, with a 29% increased mortality rate compared to those with surgical backup. PCIs performed for reasons other than acute myocardial infarction treatment also carry a higher risk of adverse outcomes.
Dartmouth Medical School emphasizes ongoing feedback and mentoring in its educational research environment. The school attributes its success to a supportive faculty culture and rigorous evaluation processes.
The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth calls for national collaboration on medical education research to establish evidence-based standards. Researchers propose borrowing models from patient care studies, using epidemiology and observational strategies to improve teaching methods.
The study characterizes lymphocyte microvilli, dynamic structures that alternate between assembly and disassembly. Disrupting these receptors could lead to a less toxic form of immune suppression and prevent metastasis in cancer cells.
Researchers have discovered a crucial link between zinc and retinitis pigmentosa, a degenerative eye disease that leads to blindness. The study suggests that trace metals like zinc play a critical role in protein function, with implications for treating other neurodegenerative diseases.
Parents who monitor their children's movie and video-watching habits and prohibit R-rated movies have a profound impact on reducing the chances their children will try smoking. Only 3 percent of kids who were never allowed to watch R-rated movies tried smoking, compared to 14 percent of those who frequently viewed such movies.
Researchers found that calcium supplementation slightly decreases the risk of all types of colorectal polyps, with a greater effect on advanced lesions. A diet high in fiber and low in fat also shows promise in increasing the preventive effect of calcium.
Researchers developed a medical home improvement tool kit to help practices adopt the community-based model, which coordinates care through clinicians, educators, and caregivers. The program improved access to care, patient satisfaction, and health outcomes for children with complex conditions.
Researchers have made breakthroughs in understanding the molecular mechanisms driving pancreatic cancer's rapid growth and resistance to treatment. They've identified new targets for therapy, including a protein sponge that suppresses tumor growth and a novel mechanism for chemoresistance.
Researchers identified nicotinamide riboside, a natural compound in milk, as a potential treatment for metabolic disorders and improved cancer therapy. The discovery may offer an alternative to existing treatments, such as niacin, which has uncomfortable side effects.
The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth has secured a $9 million grant to study Neurospora crassa, a fungus with significant animal, human and plant pathogens. The research will focus on understanding the genetic functions of this model organism.
A study found that adding a benefit box to pharmaceutical ads can increase public understanding and preference for such ads. However, the ads may still be overly optimistic about drug effectiveness, suggesting that more accurate information is needed.
Researchers used genetically modified yeast to pinpoint mutations responsible for antibiotic resistance in Pneumocystis jirovecii, a pathogen causing severe pneumonia. The study reveals potential targets for designing new drugs to prevent resistance.
A national survey found that most American adults support routine cancer screening, but many have misconceptions about its benefits. The study suggests a need to balance messages and reduce overtesting and overtreatment.
A study found distinct differences in symptoms, counseling skills, and procedures encountered by medical students in academic medical center clinics (AMCs), affiliated residency teaching sites (ARTs), and community-based practices (CBPs). Students reported varying levels of teaching and learning experiences across settings.
A study published in Nature reveals a genetic approach that may help combat antibiotic-resistant biofilms, which are involved in 65% of human bacterial infections. The researchers identified a mutant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa that is more sensitive to antibiotics, providing a potential solution for diseases like cystic fibrosis.