Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have received a $3 million grant to explore the genetic causes of Alzheimer's disease. The study will investigate two primary areas: identifying genetic variants in unique populations and understanding how the amyloid protein becomes toxic, leading to neurodegeneration.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have uncovered the complex structure of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a central energy gauge for cells. This discovery provides crucial details about the molecule necessary for developing new therapies for diabetes and obesity.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that a supplemental therapy teaching pain coping and biofeedback skills can reduce jaw disorder pain and health-care costs. The therapy improved pain management and reduced doctor visits among study participants.
Children with sickle cell disease who experienced major complications such as pain and lung disease early in life are not at greater risk for stroke or death during later childhood, according to new research. Children hospitalized for chest problems early on are more likely to see those problems recur up to adulthood.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a novel method to activate specific genes using RNA strands, which can help alleviate disease conditions. By introducing tailor-made RNA strands into cells, the researchers can nudging genes into activity, potentially treating diseases such as cancer.
Scientists identify a DNA repair enzyme, OGG1, that may predict high risk of developing head and neck cancer in smokers. The OGG blood test could help identify those at risk and encourage quitting.
Researchers discovered a new genetic variant SORL1 associated with late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The gene is linked to an increased risk of toxic amyloid beta peptides in the brain, leading to Alzheimer's disease.
Researchers developed a method to selectively bind and remove prion protein, effectively eliminating disease-causing agents. The approach could significantly reduce the risk of transmission through blood donation, particularly in cases of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD).
A recent study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology reveals that nearly half of young pregnant women are unaware of the safety and effectiveness of modern intrauterine devices (IUD). The study suggests that counseling about IUDs could help these women make informed decisions about contraception.
A study of 80 children found that antibiotic ear drops resolved ear drainage three to five days faster and resulted in more clinical cures overall, compared to oral administration. The topical drops also had fewer gastrointestinal problems and led to less antibiotic resistance.
Researchers found that girls use a system for memorizing words and associations, while boys rely on rule-governed language systems. The study supports the notion that men and women may process skills differently, with estrogen affecting brain processing.
In a groundbreaking pilot study, researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that children with egg allergies can build up their bodies' resistance to eggs by gradually consuming increased quantities over time. The study's findings show promising results for the development of a meaningful therapy for food allergy sufferers.
The facility has attracted high-risk injection drug users, leading to significant reductions in syringe sharing and public discarded syringes, as well as increased uptake of addiction treatment services.
In a surprise discovery, researchers found that young rats recover more quickly from spinal cord injuries due to the activation of specialized neural stem cells and oligodendrocytes, which provide a protective myelin sheath to axons. This process does not occur as efficiently in adult rats, leading to longer recovery times.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that a gene variant associated with mental illness enlarges the pulvinar, a brain region handling negative emotions. The study found individuals carrying two copies of the SERT-s gene had larger pulvinars containing more nerve cells.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center have reported a compound called tramiprosate that reduced levels of a marker for the progression of Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests the potential for slowing down disease progression by targeting the amyloid peptide, considered to be the molecular cause of the disease.
Research suggests that common antacids like lansoprazole can interfere with bacteria that cause plaque buildup and gingivitis. By disabling these bacteria, the compounds may prevent inflammation and damage to gums. If confirmed in future studies, these compounds could be widely available in oral care products.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that long-term use of topiramate can increase the propensity of calcium phosphate kidney stones due to metabolic acidosis and changes in urine pH and citrate levels. The study suggests a need for further research on optimal measures to prevent kidney-stone formation with topiramate use.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a gene, uPAR, responsible for metastases in early-stage breast cancer and poor prognosis. The study suggests that targeting the uPAR gene could be an effective strategy to stop or slow disease progression.
The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 investigates nutrient-based factors influencing AMD progression. Dr. Yu-Guang He hopes the study will resolve the potential benefit of supplements for AMD, which affects nearly 7 million Americans.
A study by UCSF researchers found that 42% of elderly patients taking five or more medications were simultaneously taking an inappropriate drug and not taking a necessary one. The study also showed that underuse of medications was common, with an average of one missed medication per patient.
A study published in Neuron found that the brain has a specific 'executive processing' area that inhibits emotional activity, enabling people to cope with distractions. Researchers also discovered that individuals with PTSD and depression have impaired amygdalar inhibition, leading to emotional intrusion.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center discovered an emotional control circuit that regulates fear responses in the brain. The study found that the rostral anterior cingulate cortex, a region of the frontal lobe, activates to resolve emotional conflicts and dampens activity in the amygdala, allowing for emotional cont...
The Georgia Guidebook for Pedestrian Planning provides a vision, goals, and objectives for pedestrian planning in the state. The guidebook aims to enhance safety, create seamless integration of pedestrian facilities, and encourage a pedestrian-friendly environment.
A lack of cardiac calsequestrin protein can cause irregular heartbeats during exercise, but not at rest. Researchers found that the protein's absence triggers premature calcium release, leading to life-threatening conditions like CPVT.
Prolonged immobility in older adults can lead to functional decline within 48 hours. Simple policy changes can prevent complex problems and improve patient outcomes.
The University of Edinburgh's Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility will establish a national database for clinical research training opportunities across Scotland. This initiative aims to enhance the skills of NHS Scotland healthcare teams, particularly those involved in primary care.
A new study found that certain characteristics of rural neighborhoods, such as lack of sidewalks and safety concerns, are strongly related to obesity rates. Altering the neighborhood environment to promote physical activity may help reduce obesity on a population level.
Researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center have developed a device that effectively eliminates migraine pain by targeting the aura phase. The TMS device sends an electric current to the brain, interrupting the neural disturbances that signal the onset of migraines.
The LBD-CPR device's effectiveness is influenced by its use details, including patient population selection and deployment timing. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests claim over 1,000 daily US lives.
The BROOM software system streamlines sampling and cleanup activities, minimizing downtime and providing a transparent basis for facility reoccupation. This technology has the potential to save multi-millions of dollars in costs and improve public safety.
Researchers found that Gardenia extract contains the chemical genipin, which blocks UCP2 enzyme and improves insulin secretion. In both animals and humans, high concentrations of UCP2 appear to inhibit insulin secretion from the pancreas and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
The D-SPECT camera reduces image acquisition times by an order of magnitude, provides better image quality, and enables simultaneous multi-isotope imaging for more versatile diagnostics. This technology also offers personalized diagnostics taking into account patient-specific physical information.
A study by OHSU Cancer Institute physicians validates the reclassification of breast cancer stages, improving disease-free survival rates for patients previously diagnosed with Stage II and III. The revised classification system has been shown to increase 10-year survival rates for these patients, from 30-36%.
A study of 93 women at Ohio State University Medical Center found no correlation between the frequency of sexual intercourse and the onset of labor. Women who were sexually active during the final weeks of their pregnancies carried their babies an average of 39.9 weeks, compared to 39.3 weeks among those who abstained from sex.
A recent study found that millions of dollars are being squandered on unnecessary medical tests ordered during routine doctor visits. The research estimated annual direct medical costs for the three most expensive 'D' category tests to be between $47 million and $194 million.
Multiple studies investigated ICD replacement complications, with one study finding a 1.24% complication rate and another reporting 8.1% complications. A decision analysis model was developed to guide management of device recalls, concluding that risks are not insignificant but should only be considered for high-risk patients.
A new study has demonstrated the use of PET imaging to track diabetes progression by measuring beta cell mass. The method uses a molecule expressed in both beta cells and the central nervous system, allowing for non-invasive imaging of beta cells in rats and potentially human subjects.
A large clinical examination found that 185 out of 187 women returned to menstruation within 90 days of stopping a non-cyclic oral contraceptive. The study results suggest that women can expect a quick return to menses after discontinuing daily oral contraception.
Researchers found that triclocarban, used in antiseptic soap, persists in sludge and is concentrated several thousand-fold higher than in raw wastewater. The chemical's polychlorinated structure makes it resistant to degradation during wastewater treatment.
Researchers analyzed data from 1990-2002 and found that ICDs had a significantly higher malfunction replacement rate (20.7 vs. 4.6 replacements per 1,000 implants) than pacemakers, with battery/capacitor abnormalities and electrical issues being major causes of device failures
A national survey of 954 adults found that 44.7% of African-Americans and 33.5% of whites reported low trust in healthcare providers. Understanding these differences can help physicians improve trust and medical care for diverse patient communities.
A study by the Veterans Affairs Medical Center found that individuals with a family history of alcoholism who exhibit behavioral disinhibition are at higher risk of developing alcoholism. This group shows working-memory deficits and an attraction to reward-taking challenges.
A new study published in Neuron suggests that facial recognition relies on a similar neural mechanism as other object recognition, rather than specialized processing. The researchers used computational modeling and fMRI to find that a small group of neurons in the fusiform face area is highly selective for different faces.
A telephone quitline network can significantly help smokers quit compared to standard care, with higher rates of abstinence and usage of additional smoking cessation techniques. The study supports the recommendation for a national network of quitlines to make these services available to all tobacco users.
Researchers suggest that increasing efficiency in medical practice and directing resources to effective care can reduce costs and improve patient outcomes. Studies have shown that patients with severe chronic illnesses receive excessive physician care, which may do more harm than good.
Researchers have identified two genes, Factor H and Factor B, that explain nearly three out of four AMD cases. The study suggests a specific immune response pathway plays a central role in the disease's development.
Researchers at NDRI examined the HCV-related services offered in a drug treatment program at a California correctional facility. They found that such programs present an opportunity to limit Hepatitis C spread, but are not widely available. The authors recommend low-cost and sustainable peer-to-peer educational programs as a solution.
Researchers found that Ginkgo biloba extract significantly slowed the growth of aggressive breast tumors in mice by 80 percent, while also reducing brain tumor size. The study suggests that Ginkgo biloba may have preventive effects on invasive cancers and is being explored as a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease.
A study found that high-status male macaques took longer to follow the gaze of other dominant monkeys compared to low-status individuals. The researchers suggest that testosterone levels in high-status males may suppress social vigilance, a trait often seen in low-status males.
A study found that receptors on brain nerve cells bind to apolipoprotein E and glutamate, affecting memory formation. Efficient APOE levels may clog these binding sites, preventing glutamate from activating processes necessary for memories.
The new Bill and Rita Clements Advanced Medical Imaging Building will house a 7-Tesla magnet, enabling high-resolution imaging of small anatomical structures in the living human brain. This technology is expected to accelerate research into new diagnostic tests and treatments for neurological and metabolic illnesses.
Research highlights importance of early oral health screenings for young patients with diabetes, as gum disease onset is younger than previously recognized. Studies show significant disparities in dental care access and a perceived lack of need among diabetic patients.
Researchers found that academic medical centers have varying approaches to disclosing conflicts of interest to potential research participants. While some institutions focus on avoiding legal liability, others aim to provide more detailed information about the nature and implications of financial relationships.
High Energy Density Physics is a new journal launched by Elsevier to publish research on extreme conditions, including planetary interiors and astrophysical phenomena. The journal aims to provide a platform for scientists to study material properties and hydrodynamics under high-energy density regimes.
Researchers at Argonne's Structural Biology Center have contributed their 1,000th protein structure to the Protein Data Bank, providing insight into cellular behavior, disease origins, and biomolecular interactions. The achievement highlights advances in technology and data analysis.
A new test can identify up to a third of patients who are unlikely to benefit from implanted cardiac defibrillators. The Microvolt T-wave Alternans (MTWA) test measures electrical activity in the heart and may reduce healthcare expenses due to lower ICD implantation costs.
Facial plastic surgeons have found that complication rates are unaffected by the length of anesthesia, contradicting existing guidelines. The study analyzed 1,200 patients and found only three cases of major complications across all patient groups.
A clinical trial found that epidural injections of steroids and local anaesthetics provided modest pain relief for shingles patients, but did not prevent chronic pain. The treatment was most effective during the first week after injection, but its effects were short-lived.
Researchers found that delaying surgery for men with hernias that don't cause discomfort can be a safe option. Patients who underwent surgical repair showed significant improvement in performing everyday activities compared to those who waited.