Neurons, not astrocytes, consume glucose and produce lactate in the brain, according to a groundbreaking study published in Nature Communications. This discovery has significant implications for understanding neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's and stroke.
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation in salt-inducible kinase 1 (SIK1) that regulates myocyte-specific enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C), contributing to severe seizures. The finding may lead to better treatment options for individuals with developmental epilepsy.
A new study found that patients with lower vitamin D levels before treatment for follicular lymphoma have a worse prognosis and are more likely to succumb to the disease or face relapse earlier. Vitamin D deficiency may represent a modifiable risk factor for this type of cancer.
A two-year study found that workplace wellness programs can effectively reduce the number of people considered overweight or obese by almost 9 percent. Employee involvement in designing and participating in these programs was key to driving broader participation and meaningful improvements in health.
Researchers have discovered a way to enhance chemotherapy's impact by inhibiting the cellular quality-control mechanism NMD, which helps breast cancer cells survive. This strategy primes cells for apoptosis and increases cell death rates.
A new study by the University of Rochester finds that e-cigarettes emit toxic substances harmful to lung cells, including heavy metals and nanoparticles. Flavored e-juices like cinnamon also cause more stress on lung tissue.
Research in Seychelles finds that fish consumption during pregnancy may offset mercury exposure risks, with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) counteracting toxic effects. Higher PUFA levels in mothers are linked to better neurological development in children.
A new study in mice suggests that a blood-based biomarker for traumatic brain injury (TBI) may not be effective due to the complex glymphatic system. The researchers found that treatments and clinical approaches can disrupt waste removal, leading to unreliable protein levels in the blood.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center discovered that the Thy1 protein plays a fundamental role in controlling whether primitive cells become fat cells. Restoring Thy1 expression may help prevent or reduce obesity.
A new study published in Neurology found that pregabalin is not effective in controlling the pain associated with lumbar spinal stenosis. The most common type of chronic lower back pain in older adults, this condition affects millions worldwide and often leads to surgery or stronger pain medications.
A new study reveals that traumatic brain injury can accelerate dementia by disrupting the brain's waste removal system, specifically the glymphatic system. This impaired system allows toxic proteins to accumulate in the brain, setting the stage for neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers have created a new mouse model that allows them to study human glia in live animals, enabling the development of potential treatments for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). The study found that the JC virus targets astrocytes, leading to inflammation and cell death, which can trigger PML.
Researchers discovered that male nematode brains suppress food-seeking behavior to focus on finding a mate. This study sheds light on how subtle changes in brain circuitry dictate differences in behavior between males and females.
A new inherited neuromuscular disorder has been identified, resulting from a genetic mutation disrupting nerve-muscle communication. The condition affects multiple generations and is associated with mutations in the synaptotagmin 2 protein.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive technology that uses video monitoring to detect atrial fibrillation by analyzing subtle changes in skin color. The technology has an error rate of 20%, comparable to automated ECG measurements, and holds promise for diagnosing cardiac disease using contactless video monitoring.
A study found that only 34% of men and 42% of women were told to take daily low-dose aspirin for heart attack prevention. The disconnect may be due to time constraints and uncertainty about therapy's benefits versus potential harms. Expanded primary care teams could help improve guideline adherence.
A US study found significant variability in maternal outcomes across hospitals, with complication rates varying five-fold between high- and low-performing facilities. Researchers recommend a national quality reporting system to improve maternal outcomes for over 4 million women who give birth annually.
A new medication called dupilumab has shown promising results in treating atopic dermatitis, a chronic and debilitating skin disease. Dupilumab blocks the action of two proteins involved in inflammation, leading to a marked improvement in disease activity and itch.
A new study reveals that exposure to air pollution early in life can produce harmful changes in the brains of mice, including enlargement of the lateral ventricles seen in humans with autism and schizophrenia. The findings are consistent with recent studies showing a link between air pollution and autism in children.
A recent study found that Hispanic seniors are 35% less likely to have prescription drug coverage despite the availability of assistance. The researchers attribute this disparity to complex application processes and limited health literacy among Hispanic seniors.
Researchers have identified a gene, PLAC-8, critical to pancreatic cancer progression and growth through autophagy. Inactivating the gene in mice significantly slows cancer's progression, offering a potential new route to treatment.
Researchers developed a new mouse model to study the behavioral damage caused by repeated blows to the head. The study shows that mice with mild TBI develop similar behavioral problems as humans with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), including difficulty sleeping, memory issues, depression, and poor judgment.
A recent study found that football players' brains do not fully recover from head hits, even after six months of rest. The study suggests that inflammation may be a key factor in whether players recovered within six months.
A multidisciplinary team approach can help patients make informed decisions about surgery, considering medical treatment options, risks, and benefits. For the sickest elderly patients, a patient-centered treatment approach can lead to better outcomes.
A study published in JAMA found that restricting blood transfusions reduces healthcare-associated infections by 18%, saving lives and costs. The research suggests that a more restrictive approach to transfusions could alleviate patient suffering and reduce hospital costs.
A study found that patients with post-surgical complications are at high risk of readmission, with rates exceeding 70%. The research suggests that a simple online tool can help identify patients at risk and inform care decisions.
A new study suggests that male hormones, such as testosterone, play an important role in female fertility and may enhance IVF success rates. The research found that male hormones promote follicle development by preventing cell death and increasing sensitivity to follicle-stimulating hormone.
A high dose of antidepressant citalopram significantly reduced agitation in Alzheimer's patients, but higher doses pose a risk of heart rhythm disorder. Caregivers experienced reduced distress when caring for patients taking the medication.
A new study challenges the use of mortality as a measure of stroke care quality, citing variations in do-not-resuscitate orders that can significantly skew hospital rankings. The researchers found a wide range of variation in early DNR use, with hospitals using them an average of 2.2-23.2% of the time.
Researchers discovered tamoxifen can kill Cryptococcus germ by interfering with a protein, offering potential new treatment for deadly brain infection. Additional animal experiments are needed to develop new anti-cryptococcal drugs based on the findings.
A new study found that adults with low education levels live longer if they feel in control of their lives. Conversely, those who feel little control are three times as likely to die. Researchers believe innate and external factors contribute to perceived control.
A new study suggests that a population of support cells called astrocytes could provide a promising approach to treat Parkinson's disease. Astrocytes, which are critical to maintaining a healthy environment in the brain, were found to repair multiple types of neurological damage caused by the disease.
A new on-field blood test can accurately diagnose sports concussions, distinguishing them from physical exertion. S100B levels rise significantly after a concussion, making it a promising biomarker for head injuries.
A study published in Health Expectations identified key markers of compassion in doctor-patient conversations, including recognition of suffering, emotional resonance, and movement towards addressing suffering. The researchers aim to create a behavioral taxonomy that will guide medical training and education.
A new study shows that telemedicine consultations can effectively manage Parkinson's symptoms and improve quality of life. Virtual house calls enable individuals with the condition to live independently while receiving specialized care.
A study published in Nature Medicine suggests a potential new treatment for seizures caused by high levels of ammonia in the blood. Bumetanide, a diuretic drug used to treat high blood pressure, has been found to restore normal electrical activity in the brains of mice with genetic metabolic disorders and prevent seizures.
Researchers found that women injured during the premenstrual phase had slower recovery and poorer health one month after injury compared to those injured during other phases. The study suggests that sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone may play a role in concussion outcomes.
A recent study published in Science shows that the brain's unique glymphatic system, responsible for removing waste, is highly active during sleep. This process clears away toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a vital function of sleep in maintaining brain health.
A new study found that smoking boosts the risk of infection, pneumonia, and death after elective colorectal procedures. Smokers are more likely to experience complications and have longer hospital stays compared to non-smokers.
Researchers found that certain personality characteristics, such as neuroticism and openness to experience, are correlated with increased use of expensive health care services like emergency room visits and nursing home stays. By understanding these patterns, healthcare providers can develop targeted interventions to reduce costs and i...
Researchers at University of Rochester Medical Center identified a compound, AZD6244, that counteracts tamoxifen's toxic effects on brain cells. The finding offers hope for preventing 'chemo brain' and its debilitating symptoms.
A study found that copper accelerates the pathology of Alzheimer's disease by disrupting the removal of amyloid beta from the brain and stimulating its production. Copper accumulation can lead to inflammation and breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, promoting toxic protein buildup.
A new study, MADIT-Asia, aims to improve treatment of non-ischemic heart disease in the Asian population. The trial will test cardiac resynchronization therapy using a two-lead system, which may reduce complications and improve outcomes.
A study published in Health Affairs found that nursing home consumer satisfaction scores are a valuable tool for informing consumer choice and rewarding homes for quality care. The study also found correlations between higher satisfaction scores and better staffing levels, fewer citations, and improved care.
A recent URMC study questions the assumption that saving kidney tissue during surgery improves patient outcomes and survival rates, suggesting radical nephrectomy may be a viable option for certain patients with small kidney cancers.
A new study published in Epidemiology found no correlation between prenatal mercury exposure and autism spectrum-like behaviors among children in the Republic of Seychelles. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,700 participants, suggests that low-level exposure to mercury may not contribute to developmental problems.
Scientists identify glymphatic system as a potentially powerful tool for treating neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease. The system is responsible for removing waste from the brain, and its dysfunction may contribute to these conditions.
A study found that patients from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are less likely to receive opioid pain medications, regardless of racial or ethnic background. The results highlight the need for increased awareness and consistent treatment practices to address these disparities.
Researchers found that a combination of two proteins, S100B and apoA-1, helps most accurately classify head injuries. This study provides significant evidence for the potential use of blood tests in diagnosing mild traumatic brain injury.
Researchers successfully mobilize brain's native stem cells to replenish neurons lost in Huntington's disease. The study demonstrates the feasibility of a completely new concept to treat the disease by recruiting endogenous neural stem cells to regenerate cells, significantly extending survival of treated mice.