Researchers found that combretastatin A-4 prodrug significantly enhances the effectiveness of standard chemotherapy agents in laboratory animals. Combining the drug with chemotherapy resulted in a 10 to 500 times increase in tumor cell death, compared to using chemotherapy alone.
A University of Florida researcher has finally shed light on the side effects of creatine, a popular muscle enhancer. The study found that creatine increases both overall water content and the ratio between intracellular and extracellular water, leading to an imbalance that can cause dehydration, heat illness, and kidney problems.
The device uses tiny polymer and electrode films to control light transmission, protecting military equipment from disabling laser attacks. It also has potential consumer applications, such as programmable sunglasses and improved cameras.
A study by UF/Cincinnati psychiatrists found that internet addicts struggle with mental illnesses like manic depression and anxiety disorders. On average, each participant had five other major psychiatric problems.
A high dose of estrogen administered soon after a stroke can prevent substantial brain damage in laboratory animals, with a 60% decrease in brain cell death. The study builds on observations that postmenopausal women who take estrogen replacement therapy are more likely to survive stroke.
University of Florida researchers have reversed diabetes in mice by injecting cells that produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels effectively. The cells were grown into small, insulin-secreting organs and implanted just beneath the skin, allowing them to function like an endocrine pancreas within days.
Researchers at the University of Florida have identified a possible pathway to protect heart cells from damage caused by doxorubicin, an anti-cancer drug. By understanding how caspases trigger cell death, they may develop targeted treatments using anti-oxidants like vitamins E and C.
A newly discovered quasar has surpassed the previous record holder as the earliest known structure in the universe, with a red shift of 5.50 and light journeying 13 billion years to reach Earth. The quasar's discovery sheds light on cosmic evolution and matter distribution at earlier stages of history.
A University of Florida researcher has developed a genetically altered bacteria strain, called an effector strain, that can permanently prevent tooth decay. The new strain, constructed from the naturally occurring bacterium Streptococcus mutans, breaks down food sugars and thrives on high-sugar diets.
A University of Florida study found that nearly half of senior women use herbal products to prevent or treat health problems. However, they rarely inform their healthcare providers, which can lead to dangerous drug interactions. The most commonly used herbal remedies were ginkgo biloba, garlic tablets, and glucosamine with chondroitin.
A new mathematical model explains changing patterns in epidemics by analyzing historical data on measles outbreaks. The research reveals that increases or decreases in birth rates or vaccination rates cause dramatic changes in epidemic patterns.
A University of Florida professor's research indicates that complex computer models may underestimate pollution levels by up to 30% due to the effects of tiny particles on smog-forming gases. The study, set to appear in a leading international journal, suggests improvements are needed to air quality models.
A new study found that pallidotomy surgery, a procedure to reduce tremors in Parkinson's sufferers, also improves speech volume in some patients. Seven out of 12 patients with mild speech problems showed significant improvements following the surgery.
Researchers at the University of Florida analyzed two-year follow-up data from a multicenter pilot trial, finding that bypass surgery and angioplasty initially cost more than medication but offered better clinical outcomes. Long-term medical expenses were roughly equal for both treatment strategies.
Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a technique to predict certain types of epileptic seizures minutes to hours before they occur. By analyzing brain electrical signals using mathematical formulas from chaos theory, they can identify warning signs of an impending seizure and potentially prevent it with medication or...
A molecule family known as CSPGs is found to form a barrier that prevents nerve fiber connections from growing after spinal cord injury. Researchers at the University of Florida Brain Institute suggest that this could be a key factor contributing to the failure of adult mammals to regenerate their spinal cords.
Early findings from a national study suggest that many women with chest pain are being misdiagnosed due to minor coronary artery blockages. Researchers found that nearly one-fourth of women with 'normal' coronary arteries had detectable disease, increasing their risk of hospitalization and poor outcomes.
Researchers have found that a biochemical storm triggered by traumatic brain injury can continue for at least a month, suggesting the need for extended treatment. This discovery challenges current thinking on treatment windows and highlights the importance of understanding the complex interactions between calpains and brain tissue damage.
Researchers Ally R. Harari and Jane Brockmann studied the behavior of Diaprepes abbreviatus beetles, finding that mounting females attracts larger males, improving female reproductive success. The beetle's behavior appears to suggest a different explanation for homosexual behavior than observed in domesticated animals.
A University of Florida study found that rising sea levels are causing cabbage palms and other coastal trees to die due to saltwater exposure. The phenomenon may be more immediate than thought, with small increases in sea level affecting large areas of flat coastline on the west coast.
A preliminary study by University of Florida researchers suggests that magnetic stimulation may be a safe and revolutionary treatment for patients with clinical depression who do not respond to standard medications. After two weeks of daily magnetic treatment, the 10 patients evaluated in the study showed improvement in tests that rate...
Researchers at University of Florida report a 92% survival rate for newborns with diaphragmatic hernia using a new treatment strategy that reduces overventilation and delays corrective surgery, significantly improving lung function and development.
A small pilot study found that nine of 13 patients reported long-term decreased binge eating episodes, with four ending uncontrolled consumption completely. Topiramate, approved for epilepsy, shows promise in treating binge eating disorder with minimal side effects.
A University of Florida study found that in two-thirds of the 44 children treated, T cell numbers increased to normal levels. Children under 6 showed the most pronounced improvement, with their immune systems recovering dramatically.
Researchers successfully used gene therapy to control appetite and weight in obese mice, resulting in significant weight loss within weeks. The study also explored an alternative protein, CNTF, which showed promising results in rats.
Researchers at the University of Florida have found that fibromyalgia is caused by a neurological abnormality, where the body overreacts to repetitive stimulation. This discovery aims to improve diagnostic tests and treatments for the chronic illness, affecting an estimated 3.7 million Americans.
A new University of Florida study finds that east coast beaches are increasing in size on average, while west coast beaches remain stable. The study attributes this trend to low wave energy in Florida, which allows sediment to replenish beaches over time.
Researchers find that while smoking may lower risk of pre-eclampsia and uterine cancer, it can lead to reproductive problems such as miscarriage and infertility. Stopping smoking during pregnancy is advised, with nicotine alternatives like gum recommended to minimize harm.
Researchers suggest a digestive problem may lead to autism and schizophrenia symptoms, as undigested milk protein produces morphine-like compounds affecting brain function. Animal studies show 95% of autistic and schizophrenic children had high levels of the protein in their blood and urine.
A new technology using coated alumina could reduce emissions from small sources, such as industrial boilers and lawn mowers. The technique removes 95% of nitrogen oxides under conditions similar to combustion exhaust.
Paleontologist Bruce MacFadden analyzed fossilized horse teeth to determine their diet, revealing a combination of foods in an ancient Florida savannah-like environment. The study challenges traditional views on the relationship between tooth structure and diet.
A University of Florida researcher has found genetic differences in sea oats on the Gulf Coast, which could lead to the development of a "super" sea oat that can stabilize dunes during storms. The goal is to select and propagate sea oats with desirable traits such as quick root growth and extensive rhizome systems.
University of Florida researchers have successfully developed a gene therapy approach that replaces a crucial protein protecting the lungs from an often-fatal lung-liver disease. The method uses an adeno-associated virus to incorporate the missing protein, achieving high levels in the bloodstream for therapeutic effect.
Researchers at the University of Florida found that women with chronic pain report slightly higher levels of pain than men. This difference may be attributed to how society teaches men to handle discomfort, rather than biology alone. The study's findings have long-term implications for treating male and female patients differently.
A recent study by University of Florida researchers found that less than a week's worth of walking or jogging can help the heart produce enough HSP72 to protect it against damage during a heart attack. Exercise can generate this protective protein, which helps stabilize and refold damaged proteins in the heart.
Chinese and US researchers have identified the world's oldest flowering plant, a 140-million-year-old fossil found in northeast China. The plant predates the previous oldest-known flower by over 25 million years, shedding light on the origins of flowering plants.
The University of Florida is part of a virtual Astrobiology Institute studying the origin and evolution of life in the galaxy. Chemists are searching for universal DNA features that could be found in potential Martian life, which may help overcome the difficulty of recognizing non-terrestrial life.
A seven-year UF study of 39 Alachua County students found that brain structure, hand preference, and environment all influence reading skills. Children with unusual brain asymmetry were at greater risk for reading failure, even in environments with high literacy stimulation.
Researchers have designed a new genetic weapon called ribozymes to treat inherited human blindness by slowing the progression of retinitis pigmentosa. The treatment targets the autosomal-dominant form of the disease and has shown significant protection of eye cells in lab rats.
A study by University of Florida researchers found that cystic fibrosis patients who lack the beneficial intestinal bacterium Oxalobacter formigenes are at a greatly increased risk of developing kidney stones. The absence of this organism can lead to high levels of oxalate, which can crystallize and form painful stones in the kidneys.
A University of Florida study found that changing people's attributions, or how they think about themselves, can influence their performance in sports tasks. The technique, attribution training, helps individuals with constructive attributions persist longer and achieve more.
Researchers are testing whether digitally enhanced mammograms can help detect breast cancer earlier, with a goal of improving radiologists' performance and enabling general radiologists to perform as well as specialized radiologists. The trial involves enhancing images from about 450 mammogram cases in a national database.
A University of Florida study reveals that zinc supplements can increase the levels of genetic material in human immune cells, providing immediate protection against disease and stress. The research found a rapid response to zinc supplementation, with RNA levels increasing three times within 24 hours.
A University of Florida study suggests that believing in one's ability to improve memory can significantly impact memory performance. The research found that older adults who accepted the idea that their memory could be improved were more likely to use effective strategies, leading to better memory outcomes.
A University of Florida neuroscientist has discovered a mutant gene in chickens that helps researchers better understand a rare human eye disease called Leber's congenital amaurosis type I. The chicken model is being used to develop a form of gene therapy for treating the disease, which affects 100,000 to 200,000 people worldwide.
A nationwide study by the University of Florida suggests that women scientists and engineers struggle to balance their careers with family responsibilities. The survey found that 62% considered work-life balance their biggest challenge, while conflicts between tenure and biological clocks were a major concern for many.
A free orientation program developed by UF professor Alice Holmes aims to increase patient satisfaction among hearing aid users. The four-session program provides realistic guidance on using hearing aids, adjusting settings, and preventing communication breakdowns.
Scientists propose that interplanetary dust accumulation could have triggered gradual extinctions, such as the demise of dinosaurs, and influenced Earth's climate over long periods. The research challenges current understanding of the Milankovich Effect, which is believed to drive climate change on a 100,000-year scale.
Researchers tracked 290 children for three years, finding that those who remained with their mothers had better motor and neurological development compared to those placed in foster or kinship care. The study suggests that environment plays a significant role in the growth patterns of these infants.
A new study by UF researchers finds that more than 75% of babies exposed to cocaine in utero showed no major problems, contrary to earlier reports. The study dispels alarm surrounding prenatal cocaine exposure's devastating effects, suggesting subtle effects rather than severe anomalies.