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How dangerous is boxing for the brain?

A study of 42 amateur boxers found microhemorrhages in three cases, a potential precursor to Parkinson's disease and dementia. However, the differences were not statistically significant, leaving conclusive statements unclear. Further research on professional boxers is planned to assess intensive exposure to blows.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Neuroradiology·DateMar 28, 2008

Brain's 'sixth sense' for calories discovered

The brain can detect calorie content in food independently of taste, according to a study published in Neuron. The research found that the brain's reward system is activated by caloric intake, leading to a preference for calorie-containing foods over non-caloric sweeteners.

Researchers engineer new polymers to change their stiffness and strength when exposed to liquids

The team created artificial materials that can change from hard plastic to soft rubber when exposed to water, addressing a problem with existing brain signal recording devices. This adaptability could alleviate damage to surrounding brain tissue and improve treatment for conditions like Parkinson's disease and spinal cord injuries.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScience·DateMar 6, 2008

From detainee facility to health advocacy center: A new role for Guantanamo?

A new article suggests that the United States government should convert Guantanamo Bay into a biomedical research institute dedicated to combating diseases of poverty. The facility could conduct research on developing new drugs and vaccines, promote clinical research, and serve as a training ground for physicians and scientists.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 26, 2008

Study finds spine surgery yields greater benefits over nonsurgical treatments

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients who underwent surgery for spinal stenosis showed significant improvement compared to those treated nonsurgically. After two years, 63% of surgical patients experienced a major improvement, while 29% of non-surgical patients reported similar results.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 22, 2008

Former US Naval captain and interim minister of health for Iraq criticizes US Department of Defense

A former US naval captain and interim health minister of Iraq criticises the US Department of Defense strategy for using achievement indicators instead of outcomes to judge the success of initiatives. The critique comes as a report confirms that far too many civilians have been killed during the US-led occupation, and many healthcare w...

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 17, 2008

Plague remains a threat; and more

A study finds that Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization is linked to persistent S. aureus infections, highlighting a potential target for non-antibiotic interventions. Plague remains a current threat globally, with most cases occurring in Africa and Asia, primarily through contact with infected rodents and fleas.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 14, 2008

Making emergency artery repair safer

Catheters equipped with balloons, lasers, and miniature drills can treat tears in arteries, improving safety for emergency repairs. The technology has reduced the risk of life-threatening bleeding from vessel punctures during angioplasty procedures.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalJournal of Interventional Cardiology·DateDec 6, 2007

A new baseline of invasive plants in Isabela

A new baseline of invasive plants has been established in Puerto Villamil, Isabela Island, Galapagos, with 261 introduced species recorded, 39 growing wild. The study highlights the impact of invasive plants on native flora and fauna, with five species identified as potentially serious weeds that should be eradicated.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 16, 2007

Risk of venuous thrombosis in long-haul flights

A cohort study of 8,755 employees found that long-haul flights significantly increased the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. The researchers estimate that airline passengers are at least twice as likely to develop DVT during a long-haul flight compared to non-air travelers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 24, 2007

Columbia researchers identify brain network that may help prevent or slow Alzheimer's

Researchers identified a brain network in the frontal lobe associated with cognitive reserve, which builds through mentally-stimulating activities and provides protection against Alzheimer's disease. The study found that participants with higher levels of cognitive reserve could activate this network while working on difficult tasks.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateAug 20, 2007

Diagnostic tests for malaria underused in Zambia

A study found that diagnostic tests for malaria are often underused in Zambia, resulting in patients being prescribed antimalarial medications despite negative test results. The use of rapid antigen-detection diagnostic tests (RDTs) is proposed as a cost-effective approach to reduce overtreatment.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 22, 2007

New research shows why too much memory may be a bad thing

A new study from Columbia University Medical Center suggests that too much memory can be detrimental to cognitive function. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that suppressing neurogenesis in the hippocampus improves working memory. This implies that a balance between memory growth and...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2007

Expert centers prove cost-effective in managing ovarian cancer

A new study reveals that expert centers with extensive experience in managing cancer are more cost-effective over time, providing significantly longer quality-adjusted survival compared to less experienced medical centers. High-volume multidisciplinary centers also show better outcomes for ovarian cancer patients.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMar 12, 2007

Pigs arrived in biosecure facility

Spring Point Project's biosecure animal facility has successfully bred high-health, pathogen-free pigs, paving the way for potential human islet cell transplantation. The goal is to provide an FDA-approved standard treatment soon after clinical trials within three years.