Researchers found a link between high phosphorous levels and vascular calcification, leading to increased risk of cardiac problems. Treatment with an experimental medication alleviated skeletal weakening and decreased signs of vascular calcification in mice.
A study of strict raw food vegans found they had lower body mass indices and significantly lower bone mass, but normal markers of bone turnover. They also had higher-than-normal vitamin D levels and low inflammation.
Researchers found that gut bacterium B. theta adapts its genome in response to changing nutrient conditions, allowing it to maintain stability of the gut's complex microbial society. The study reveals that this adaptability is crucial for maintaining intestinal health and preventing diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
Researchers created a genomic analysis tool to study critically ill patients, enabling physicians to predict treatment responses and develop new therapeutic strategies. The technology allows for the detection of significant gene activity differences between trauma patients and healthy individuals.
A massive study is examining prostate cancer screening practices to determine their impact on death rates. The study follows 75,000 men, half of whom are screened and half receive conventional care, allowing researchers to compare survival rates.
Research finds that exposure to cigarette smoke increases severity of RSV bronchiolitis in young children. The study also reveals surprising findings on the role of allergens and asthma in infection severity.
Researchers have made significant progress in developing a breast cancer vaccine, using a protein called mammaglobin-A found in 80% of breast tumors. The DNA vaccine has been shown to stimulate an immune response that can recognize and attack tumor cells expressing the protein.
Researchers analyze brain case of 3-foot-tall Hobbit, finding few similarities to microcephalics and pygmies. The findings support the theory that the fossil is a member of a unique ancestral species, Homo floresiensis.
A recent study suggests that patients with osteoporosis may have coexisting celiac disease, which can lead to impaired calcium and vitamin D absorption. Screening for celiac disease in patients with osteoporosis may be recommended to correct bone loss.
Researchers genetically altered mice to resist obesity but still develop early signs of diabetes, revealing the complex network of factors leading from obesity to diabetes. By applying a drug treatment, they increased insulin sensitivity, a primary goal of diabetes treatment.
Researchers have identified two genomic regions associated with hypertension in African Americans, which can help locate genes affecting the condition. The study uses a genome-wide scan to compare genetic variations between African and European populations.
A new stroke-prevention drug, Exanta, has been shown to reduce the risk of major hemorrhage by 26% and is equivalent to warfarin in preventing strokes. However, its high price makes it cost-ineffective for most patients at low risk of bleeding, except those with a high risk of both stroke and bleeding.
Researchers found a genetic variant of the CYP1A1 gene associated with lower estrogen levels, higher bone resorption markers, and lower bone density in hip bones. This variant may serve as an important genetic marker for identifying women at high risk of osteoporosis.
High levels of fluoride were found in several brands of instant tea, with amounts ranging from 1.0 to 6.5 parts per million. The study suggests that doctors should ask patients about their tea consumption if they have achiness in their bones.
Researchers found that clearing Alzheimer's plaques leads to rapid recovery of normal brain structure in just three days. The study suggests that plaque-clearing treatments may slow or halt disease progression, and researchers plan to investigate the underlying mechanisms.
A random screening of 19 approved human medications revealed that anticonvulsants like ethosuximide and trimethadione increased lifespan in C. elegans worms by delaying age-related declines in neuro-muscular activity.
A study of 69 patients with rectal tumors found that carefree individuals took longer to recognize cancer symptoms due to low anxiety sensitivity. They also reported better overall health despite being seriously ill. The research suggests a different approach is needed to encourage these individuals to seek medical attention.
Researchers developed a new method called direct genomic selection that accelerates the search for genetic changes linked to diseases. This approach enables scientists to identify previously unidentified genetic variations in regions of interest, such as those associated with psoriasis.
Researchers found that K-RAS activation is a key factor in the development of tumors in neurofibromatosis 1. The study suggests that targeting K-RAS could lead to more effective treatment options for this genetic disorder.
Researchers found that new blood vessels and immune system cells are essential to tumor formation, making them promising drug targets; however, brain images used for diagnosis may not be informative.
A study of over 1,500 cervical cancer patients found that older women received less surgery and radiation therapy than younger counterparts. Treatment choices were influenced by tumor stage, medical conditions, and advanced age, which independently affected survival rates.
Researchers engineered mice to lose glucocorticoid receptors, showing an increase in depression-like behaviors and impaired regulation of stress response. This study suggests that genetic makeup may play a role in triggering depression by affecting the brain's ability to regulate adrenal hormones.
Scientists studying prion diseases in mice found that preventing cell death does not stop the progression of neurological symptoms. Damage to synapses, critical for nerve cell communication, is instead linked to the disease.
A new reduced-intensity stem cell transplant regimen has shown superior results in pediatric patients, allowing early recovery of immune function and nearly eliminating transplant rejection. The procedure, which uses a shorter and lower-dose treatment of Campath-1H, also reduces the incidence and severity of graft vs. host disease.
The analysis of the chicken genome provides new insights into its value as a model for study of developmental disorders and diseases. The genome has about the same number of genes as the human genome, but contains significantly less DNA. Key similarities with humans include genetic sequences related to early development and telomeres.
Infants who don't sleep on their tummies have a higher risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), according to a new study. Babies who experience sleeping prone are better able to avoid conditions that may trigger SIDS by learning how to breathe more efficiently.
Researchers have successfully grown the mouse norovirus MNV-1 in cells from mice with defective immune systems. This breakthrough enables scientists to study the virus and may lead to the development of a vaccine target, as it has already revealed an essential part of the capsid protein crucial for disease-causing ability.
Scientists found significant differences in Salmonella and E. coli's use of a gene linked to processes that govern antibiotic resistance, altering their ability to survive in different environments. The study suggests that understanding such changes will help develop new treatments for disease-causing microorganisms.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism by which Helicobacter pylori bacteria can stick to stomach cells, allowing them to survive a strong immune response. By recombining DNA from two related genes, the bacteria can create a functional BabA gene, enabling it to bind tightly to Lewis B receptors.
Researchers found that fasting reduces phospholipid levels in the heart by up to 40% after 12 hours, allowing mitochondria to become more energy-efficient. After feeding resumes, phospholipid levels return to normal, but triglyceride levels remain elevated, hinting at a memory of deprivation.
Researchers found that DHEA supplementation reduced visceral fat by 10.2% in women and 7.4% in men, improving insulin action and glucose levels. DHEA therapy also decreased subcutaneous abdominal fat by an average of 6%.
Research reveals that gut microbes suppress fasting-induced adipocyte factor (Fiaf), helping to keep fat cell gates closed. This suppression can lead to increased fat storage and insulin resistance, highlighting the importance of gut microbiota in regulating fat metabolism.
A new theory proposes that hyperglycemia and hypoxia contribute to diabetic complications by disrupting NADH recycling. This process produces free radicals that cause damage to tissues, including those in the eyes, heart, nerves, and kidneys. The study suggests that glycolysis and the sorbitol pathway play a crucial role in this process.
Researchers have connected neuregulin-1 and postsynaptic density protein-95 to memory and hearing loss, suggesting that these proteins may play a crucial role in neural development and communication. The study's findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying age-related cognitive decline and hearing loss.
Researchers identify LRP6 as a potential missing link in the cancer-causing chain, promoting cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. The study found increased LRP6 gene activity in human tumor samples from patients with breast and colon cancers.
A study published in Neuroscience found that calorie restriction had mixed effects on the brains of mice, improving grip strength, coordination, and flexibility, but having no effect on cognitive performance. The researchers suggest that free radical damage may contribute to age-related cognitive impairments, which could be prevented o...
Scientists have created a genetically modified parasite to study the immune system's memory, which could aid in developing vaccines for Leishmania major, AIDS, and tuberculosis. Researchers found that central memory T cells remain primed to fight new infections even after initial infection has cleared.
Researchers developed a new, less invasive approach to treat atrial fibrillation, a condition affecting over 2 million Americans. The procedure uses bipolar radiofrequency ablation and achieved similar success rates as traditional surgery, but with significantly shorter operative times.
Researchers discovered that MMP-1 operates as an extracellular molecular motor converting chemical energy into motion by breaking collagen bonds. This process contributes to tissue growth, development, and repair, and may even aid in cancerous invasion.
Researchers at Washington University ophthalmology discovered that a non-opsin protein, cryptochrome, plays a dominant role in controlling pupil constriction independently of light-sensitive photoreceptor cells. The study found that reducing cryptochrome production by 50% resulted in a corresponding loss of sensitivity to light.
Researchers discovered that the HMW1B protein forms a tetramer structure, unlike previously thought monomers, which creates an active pore for substance movement across cell membranes. This finding may lead to new targets for drugs to treat H. influenzae infection.
Researchers found that extended outpatient rehabilitation therapy significantly improves functional abilities, strength, balance, mobility, and quality of life in elderly hip fracture patients. In contrast to standard home-based therapy, supervised rehabilitation with resistance training led to greater improvements.
Scientists have found that a longevity protein called SIRT1 delays the breakdown of axons in nerve cells, potentially slowing neurodegenerative diseases. The discovery opens new avenues for treating Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and other disorders.
Researchers have developed a new approach to identify connections between genes and chemotherapy drugs, which may enable clinicians to customize treatment plans. By analyzing cell lines from large families, the team found potential links between genetic markers and increased sensitivity to two chemotherapy drugs.
Scientists have developed a technique to detect protein interactions using firefly luciferase. The method was tested on human proteins interacting with the antibiotic rapamycin and showed accuracy and selectivity. The technique also demonstrated its potential in studying other protein pairs linked to cell life cycle regulation.
Researchers found that babA protein, used by virulent H. pylori strains, has lost flexibility to bind to multiple blood types due to adaptation in Latin American populations. This discovery may lead to new approaches to prevent or decrease infections.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine presented multiple studies highlighting the relationship between stress and Alzheimer's disease severity, as well as identifying predictive brain changes. These findings may lead to improved treatments and early detection methods for the devastating disease.
A study found that genetically modified mice lacking SAP gene develop normal immune functions despite pristane exposure, which typically induces lupus-like symptoms. The researchers suggest targeting SAP for treatment may be an ideal approach to developing new drug treatments for autoimmune diseases.
Scientists have grown functional kidneys in rats using embryonic tissue transplants, demonstrating their ability to filter blood and excrete waste. The research marks a critical step towards developing animal-to-human transplants to address chronic organ donation shortages.
Removing abdominal fat by liposuction did not improve insulin sensitivity or reduce risk factors for heart disease. However, the procedure was found to be safe for large-volume fat removal.