A new study recommends using the body mass index (BMI) method to calculate expected body weights in children with eating disorders. The research found that this method is more accurate than others and can account for varying heights and weights, making it a valuable tool for clinicians and researchers.
A new study found that vertebrate evolution exhibits 'head-first' diversity, where head features diversified before body shapes and types around extinction events. This discovery contradicts previous models of adaptive radiations, suggesting feeding-related pressures are the initial drivers of diversification.
Researchers found that tumors with high microRNA-200c levels are more likely to spread and those with lower levels may benefit from focused local treatment. This discovery could help identify patients who can benefit from aggressive, targeted radiation therapy and move them away from whole-body treatments.
African lungfish demonstrates unique walking behavior using its thin pelvic limbs, propelling itself forward and lifting its body off the bottom surface. This discovery suggests that many developments necessary for the transition from water to land could have occurred in lobe-finned ancestors of the lungfish long before early tetrapods.
A new study by University of Chicago neuroscientists finds that rats exhibit empathy-driven helping behavior in a laboratory setting. The rats free their cagemates from restraint, even when given the option to eat chocolate instead. This observation suggests that empathy is not unique to humans and may be an evolutionary adaptation.
John E. Wennberg, MD, MPH, received the first MacLean Center Prize in Clinical Ethics and Health Outcomes for his pioneering research on clinical medical ethics and health outcomes. His studies have revealed patterns of practice variation and the importance of patient engagement in decision making.
A large pad of fat cells in the abdomen provides nutrients that promote the spread and growth of ovarian cancer. Cancer cells reprogram their metabolism to thrive on lipids acquired from fat cells, leading to rapid tumor growth.
A new study found that a drug treatment called fasudil prevents the formation of lesions in cerebral cavernous malformation, a brain blood vessel abnormality. The treatment was tested in mice and showed promise as a potential replacement for complex surgery.
A new study finds that young human-specific genes are correlated with the development of advanced brain structures, such as the neocortex and prefrontal cortex. The genes are most often expressed during fetal or infant development, indicating an early role in shaping the complexity of the human brain.
A multi-institutional project based at the University of Chicago aims to apply data mining methods to understand the genetic and environmental factors behind neuropsychiatric disorders. The Sylvio O. Conte Center will combine statistical power from pre-existing genetics, pharmacogenomics, text-mining, and clinical record databases.
A University of Chicago Medical Center expert argues that taking oral anti-cancer medications with food could reduce overdose risks and save patients money. The medication ZYTIGA is a prime example, where taking it with food can increase its effectiveness by up to tenfold.
Researchers created a new mouse model of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that replicates both symptoms and treatment timing in humans. The model points to new treatments, including blocking serotonin receptors or using an activator, which may be more specific and work faster than current therapies.
A team of researchers has reconstructed and tested a trafficking pathway for hundreds of cell proteins, finding that they can be delivered to the membrane via a simple three-part system. This discovery could have significance for the development of new drugs and bioengineering methods.
Researchers report significant and sustained clinical improvements in 42% of patients with chronic gout resistant to conventional therapies. Pegloticase lowers uric acid levels and resolves painful swollen joint nodules, improving physical function and quality of life.
A comprehensive survey of American Muslims found that religious beliefs significantly influence their health care attitudes and behaviors. The study highlights the importance of assigning responsibility to God for health and disease, as well as a holistic view of healing involving spiritual and medical agents.
A study analyzing over 61,000 Italian professors found significant nepotism in academia, with certain disciplines showing a high likelihood of hiring family members. The research suggests that nepotism is a pervasive problem, contributing to Italy's brain drain and poor university rankings.
A new national collaboration of asthma genetics researchers has identified a novel gene association specific to populations of African descent, including the previously unreported PYHIN1 gene. The study also replicated four other gene associations with asthma risk, offering promising insights into the genetic roots of the disease.
Researchers found two genetic variations linked to increased risk of second cancers in childhood Hodgkin's lymphoma patients treated with radiation. These markers appear to decrease activation of the PRDM1 gene, which can protect against cancer when exposed to radiation.
Researchers discovered a genetic switch controlling limb development in ancient fish, suggesting that the recipe for limb development is conserved across species. The discovery challenges previous findings and provides new insights into the evolution of limbs in tetrapods.
A study of over 1,000 patients with colon cancer found that 13% received unproven chemotherapy regimens, resulting in unnecessary side effects and costs totaling millions. The researchers emphasize the importance of evidence-based treatment for cancer patients to avoid harming them with ineffective therapies.
The majority of potential patients are eager for fecal microbiota transplantation to become available, despite concerns about donor selection and screening. Patients view the treatment as 'natural' and easier than currently available therapies.
A study published in JAMA found that sleep loss of just five hours a night can lower testosterone levels by 10% to 15%, similar to aging 10-15 years. This significant decline is linked to reduced sense of well-being, mood, and vigor.
A new study suggests that structural weaknesses in proteins, rather than natural selection, may have led to the evolution of biological complexity. Flaws in protein packing make them more unstable in water, promoting interactions and intracellular teamwork.
Researchers found that arsenic exposure elevates cardiovascular disease mortality in individuals who smoke. Arsenic levels above the safe limit significantly increase risk of death from cardiovascular disease, even at lower doses than previously reported.
A new study found that nicotine can induce long-lasting changes in the brain's reward system, similar to cocaine. The researchers discovered that a receptor called D5 dopamine plays a key role in this process.
A 360-million-year-old mass extinction event devastated fish populations, allowing crinoids to thrive and diversify. The study found that the ripple effects of this extinction event could last millions of years.
Researchers found that people with diabetes who sleep poorly have higher insulin resistance and worse control of their blood glucose levels. Poor sleep quality was associated with a 23% increase in morning blood glucose levels and a 48% increase in blood insulin levels.
A study of over 70,000 type 2 diabetes patients aged 60 and above found that very low blood sugar levels were associated with a small but significant increased risk of death, while those with intermediate levels of control had the best overall outcomes. Researchers emphasized the need for further research to understand the clinical imp...
Researchers found that people who experience stronger stimulating and lower sedative effects of alcohol are more likely to develop binge drinking problems. A new study published in Archives of General Psychiatry suggests that the 'double whammy' of alcohol effects predicts those who progress to severe drinking and alcohol-use disorders.
Researchers developed a mathematical model that proposes unlimited biodiversity in ecosystems with multiple competing species. The rock-paper-scissors tournament concept shows how species can co-exist without extinction, depending on the rarity of key species.
The Society of Surgical Oncology is presenting the James Ewing Layman's Award to Kimberly Duchossois for her leadership and vision in improving cancer care. Her family's dedication began after her mother died from cancer, leading them to create and endow the American Cancer Society Patient Navigation Services.
A new international study found that classic selective sweeps may have played a smaller role in human evolution than thought. Researchers analyzed nearly 200 human genomes and found that smaller changes in multiple genes may have been the primary driver of human adaptation.
A survey of hundreds of cancer survivors confirms that more than forty percent want medical attention for their sexual health needs. The researchers found that younger women and those who had been out of treatment for over a year were more likely to want medical care, highlighting the need for better support.
A new study has identified interleukin 15 as a key trigger for the development of celiac disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Blocking this molecule could potentially prevent the disease, and its effects on inflammatory intestinal diseases may also offer new insights into treating conditions like acne and rheumatoid arthritis.
Male splendid fairy-wrens sing a special song after hearing a predator call, which attracts female attention and potentially leads to mating. The study found that females become more attentive to the male's song when preceded by a butcherbird call.
Researchers found that people infected with 2009 H1N1 and recovered produced antibodies protective against a variety of flu strains. The study suggests incorporating these defenses into a vaccine could provide broad protection against all influenza strains.
A recent study published in PNAS has confirmed that elephant fish, a shark cousin, share a common genetic process with mammals to form skeletal gill covers. The precise timing of gene expression during embryonic development produces dramatic anatomical differences between the two species.
A recent study found that nearly 30% of new genes in fruit flies were lethal when silenced, suggesting that new genes are equally important to older genes. The discovery challenges long-held beliefs about the importance of ancient genes and may have implications for human health.
A new study improves brain-machine interface control by adding a robotic arm providing kinesthetic information, enhancing the design of 'wearable robots' for paralyzed patients. This approach may help spinal cord injury patients operate computers and robots using only their thoughts.
A new study found that black children are more likely to have the high-risk form of neuroblastoma and show signs of resistance to modern treatment. The study also showed disparities in outcome according to race, with black patients having a lower survival rate than white patients.
A long-term study found that children diagnosed with ADHD at ages 4 to 6 are more likely to suffer from depression as adolescents, with a rate of 18% compared to 1.8%. Children with early ADHD were also at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts and attempts, although rare.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that sleep loss limits fat loss. When dieters got adequate sleep, they lost more than half of their weight as fat, but when they cut back on sleep, only one-fourth of their weight loss came from fat.
A new study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found family-based treatment to be the most effective approach for treating anorexia nervosa. More than 50% of patients who received this type of treatment were in full remission after a year, compared to 23% of those who received individual therapy.
A study of residents found that 60% worked while sick at least once during the academic year, with 31% doing so more than once. Presenteeism can lead to exposure of patients and colleagues to communicable disease.
A meta-analysis found that changing how people perceive and think about others is the most effective way to combat loneliness. Cognitive-behavioral therapy-based interventions were particularly effective in reducing loneliness by addressing negative thoughts about self-worth and social perceptions.
A study of nearly 2,000 people with diabetes found that many remain sexually active, but experience impairment in desire and rewards. Men are more likely to express a lack of interest in sex and experience erectile dysfunction, while women report orgasm difficulties.
Two studies identify key targets for a new MRSA vaccine, targeting protein A to evade the immune system and clotting factors to disrupt tissue-damaging mechanisms. This approach shows promise in reducing virulence and providing lasting immunity against drug-resistant staph infections.
The Membrane Protein Structural Dynamics Consortium aims to unite structure and function through dynamic studies of membrane proteins, enabling better drug development for diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
A genetic variant associated with increased expression of oncogene MYC has been identified in a gene desert, increasing prostate cancer risk. The study showcases a new protocol for studying cancer-risk variants in gene deserts and highlights the importance of regulatory sequences in controlling gene expression.
A massive 10-year study found that more than 20% of deaths in Bangladesh were attributable to arsenic exposure from contaminated drinking water. Exposure to high levels of arsenic increased mortality risk by nearly 70%, while moderate exposure was linked to chronic disease deaths.