Research on containing and managing disease. Covers critical-illness theory, zoonotic disease, immunotherapy trials, and historical epidemics.
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health study emphasizes the importance of involving adolescents in their own health promotion. Young people offer a unique perspective and valuable insights that can improve survey design, outcomes, and overall effectiveness.
A new vaccine targeting ticks' gut wall could significantly reduce their fertility and larval survival, decreasing the risk of diseases like Lyme disease and tick-borne encephalitis. The development comes as tick-borne diseases are increasing in the UK and becoming more prevalent globally.
The University of Michigan has launched a new Center for Genomics and Public Health, which aims to narrow the gap between genomics and public health practice. The center will examine population-based data to describe genes associated with cardiovascular disease and understand their interaction with other risk factors.
Researchers successfully controlled a cursor using only brain signals from six neurons, enabling real-time and complex goal-directed behavior. This technology may one day restore interaction with the environment for paralyzed individuals.
Researchers found a significant link between sarcoidosis and family history, with affected individuals more likely to have siblings or parents with the disease. Air pollution during adolescence also affects lung function growth and performance, while improved HIV treatment reduces the risk of pulmonary complications.
The US government is investing in bioterrorism research through seven new initiatives, aiming to develop vaccines and treatments for diseases like anthrax and smallpox. The initiatives will also support basic research and partnerships between academia, industry, and government.
Severe periodontal disease poses significant threats to pregnant diabetics, exacerbating the condition and pregnancy outcomes. The American Academy of Periodontology recommends routine periodontal exams for pregnant diabetic women.
Menkes' disease is a fatal illness caused by copper deficiency, affecting male infants typically, causing death by age 3. Researchers now study the normal function of the gene involved in development and what causes its absence or defect., The disease is named for John Menkes who first described it at Columbia University in 1962.
A recent study by Imperial College London has provided insights into the Foot and Mouth epidemic in Great Britain, revealing that large farms with many animals are more infectious and susceptible to disease. The analysis also highlights fragmented farms as a significant risk factor for transmission.
A new study calls for UK childhood screening of medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency, a metabolic disorder affecting up to 1 in 9000 people. The condition can be controlled with carbohydrate intake, but severe neurological damage occurs if diagnosed late.
Campers receive controlled dietary intake of calcium, allowing researchers to track bone density changes and determine optimal levels. The goal is to establish guidelines that will help slow bone density decline after middle age.
Researchers used voxel-compression mapping to identify early structural brain changes in individuals with preclinical Alzheimer's disease. The study found that progressive atrophy began 3 years or more before symptom onset, suggesting a presymptomatic phase of increased tissue loss.
A new study found that living in poorer neighborhoods increases the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease, with a 70-90% higher risk for whites and 30-50% for blacks. The study controlled for individual factors but still showed a significant link between neighborhood quality and heart disease risk.
A major review reveals osteoarthritis is a complex disease, but outlines new approaches to understanding, preventing, and treating the condition. The study emphasizes the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including exercise and weight management, in reducing disability and slowing disease progression.
A large clinical trial found that tamoxifen does not increase cardiovascular risk in healthy women or those with coronary heart disease. Women who received tamoxifen had the same rate of cardiovascular events as those receiving a placebo, regardless of prior heart problems.
Researchers have identified a new form of programmed cell death called paraptosis, characterized by the formation of vacuoles and mitochondrial swelling. This alternative pathway may offer novel therapeutic targets for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
A Yale study of over 51,000 participants found that taking aspirin daily reduces the risk of a first heart attack by 32%. However, it did not significantly reduce overall stroke or cardiovascular death rates, and may increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke.
The Mayo Clinic report concludes that the available data are insufficient to draw definitive conclusions about the use of soy isoflavones as an alternative to estrogen for hormone replacement in postmenopausal women. Randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials are necessary to address the potential benefits and risks of isoflavone use.
Short-term travelers to high-risk areas are at risk of getting typhoid fever, particularly those visiting India and Pakistan. The CDC recommends vaccination for travelers who have prolonged exposure to contaminated food and drink.
A new study finds that black men are 33% more likely to develop hip osteoarthritis than white men, while black women are twice as likely to develop the condition. Weight disparities account for comparable differences in women.
A study found that at least 25% of Eco-Challenge participants developed leptospirosis after returning home. The CDC reports that swimming in the river was the only independently significant risk factor for infection. Travelers should investigate location risks to minimize infectious disease exposure.
The American Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene has warned of an emerging dengue fever crisis in South Texas. The region's high population density and abundance of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are fueling increased disease transmission, with risks including epidemic dengue hemorrhagic fever and death.
A study of over 220,000 adults found that nearly two-thirds of long-term uninsured adults go without medical care due to cost, particularly those in poor or fair health. This poses a significant public health risk, as these individuals are more likely to experience complications and early death if they do not receive necessary medical ...
The Emory-led research group aims to use naturally occurring sphingolipids to develop more effective compounds for cancer prevention and treatment. Sphingolipids have shown promise in controlling certain types of cancer, and the grant will focus on developing these compounds into new anti-cancer treatments.
A study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that Duke University football players transmitted a Norwalk-like virus to their Florida State University opponents after eating contaminated food. The transmission was attributed to people touching each other's hands, uniforms, and possibly the football itself.
A new program, 'Health Works After the Flood,' aims to address post-flood stress and potential domestic violence among blue-collar working women. The initiative builds on a previous project and will provide training and support to local communities to minimize domestic violence at home and in the workplace.
A University of Michigan professor suggests that flu vaccines should be administered when available to prevent lost work days and reduce physician visits, even if not cost-effective for working adults. The vaccine may have a greater impact on the elderly, who are more prone to complications.
The year 2000 marks a significant turning point in cancer research, driven by advances in genetic knowledge and increased international cooperation. This collaboration enables large-scale trials to be conducted more quickly, leading to potential breakthroughs in cancer prevention and treatment.
A study of 3,500 STD clinic visitors found that counseling helped replace misconceptions with effective strategies for STD protection. Over 15 million new cases of STDs occur annually, and common misconceptions include douching, urinating after sex, and washing genitals after sex.
A controlled trial found that anti-smoking TV advertising can help smokers quit, with over 50% of participants reducing their smoking habits. The campaign led to a fall in smoking prevalence of more than 1% in targeted regions.
Researchers present innovative solutions for weight management, metal protection, and pharmaceutical advancements. A dietary supplement may help control weight, fat, and diabetes, while a new coating extends the life of metals tenfold. Additionally, a gentler form of aspirin is developed using polymers.
A research team at Johns Hopkins University has designed four different versions of vitamin D and tested them on mice, showing that one candidate can reduce tumor incidence by 28% and number of tumors by 63%. The results demonstrate the potential effectiveness of a chemically modified version of vitamin D in preventing cancer.
The new book, edited by Howard Libman and Harvey J. Makadon, offers high-quality primary medical care to HIV-infected patients. With contributions from 23 AIDS experts, the book covers pathogenesis, antiretroviral therapy, and infection control.
A study analyzing perinatal records found that 33.1% of pregnant women in Nova Scotia smoked before their pregnancy, with 69.9% continuing to smoke throughout. An accompanying commentary provides guidance for physicians to increase smoking cessation rates among pregnant women.
The UK Chandler Medical Center will conduct research on cervical, colorectal, and lung cancers in central Appalachia through prevention and early detection efforts. The center aims to reduce cancer incidence and mortality in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
A study by the CDC found that increasing smoking cessation therapy availability boosts assisted quit attempts and doubles success rates. The majority of smokers attempt to quit without treatment, resulting in low abstinence rates, but pharmacologic methods like nicotine patches and gum can significantly increase chances for success.
A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that nearly 90% of high-risk patients received antibiotic instructions, while only 60% of moderate-risk patients did. The study also revealed that 25% of low-risk patients incorrectly received antibiotics and 13% chose not to take them.
A study found that inner-city physicians provide fewer cancer screenings and preventive services compared to higher-income communities. The researchers identified four main barriers: lack of training, time constraints, office support, and insurance reimbursement issues.
A recent study involving nearly 3,700 Gulf War-era veterans from Iowa found evidence of multiple symptoms, including joint pain, fatigue, and headaches, but no definitive 'Gulf War syndrome'. The researchers suggest that these health problems may be due to common medical conditions rather than a unique disorder.
A substantial reduction in stroke risk is associated with increasing physical activity levels, including walking, according to a study of female nurses. Walking was found to be inversely associated with total stroke risk, even at a brisk or striding pace, and its benefits were comparable to those of vigorous physical activity.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine implemented an STD study program that set up booths in community gathering places to offer urine screening for chlamydia and gonorrhea. The program identified 24 people with the diseases, most of whom were unaware they were infected, and successfully treated 90% of them.
A landmark survey reveals that 57% of Canadians with asthma do not have their illness adequately controlled. Many patients and physicians underestimate the severity of asthma, leading to poor control of symptoms.
A study found that 64% of alcohol-related child passenger deaths involve a child riding with the drinking driver, emphasizing the need for deterrents such as lower legal blood alcohol limits and child endangerment laws.
Researchers found that a 200 milligram-per-day dose of the narcolepsy drug modafinil successfully controlled fatigue in patients with MS, a disease that attacks the nervous system. The study involved 72 patients with severe fatigue and MS, who reported significantly less fatigue when taking the 200 mg dose compared to the placebo.
New York State-based study finds that removing financial barriers through vaccine-financing reforms reduces scattered care and underimmunization among disadvantaged children. The reforms appear effective in keeping children in their primary care medical homes.
A major study on colon cancer prevention found no link between dietary changes and reduced polyp recurrence. Despite initial hopes, researchers now recommend regular screening and colonoscopies for those with existing polyps.
Emory University researchers suggest that glutathione could be used as a flu preventive by exposing it directly to the tissues lining the mouth and upper airway. Studies have shown that glutathione reduces cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen, but its effectiveness in preventing disease has been unclear.
A study by Penn State researcher Dr. S. E. Specter found that young men who ate mashed potatoes prepared with heart-healthy mono unsaturated oil stayed satiated longer than those who ate the same lunch with rice or polyunsaturated oil.
Researchers developed an intensive treatment combining radiation and chemotherapy to control locally advanced head and neck cancer, achieving complete local control for 92% of patients. The therapy increased long-term survival to 55%, with most side effects resolving after treatment.
A recent Mayo Clinic study found that patients with CMV disease used significantly more resources and had higher charges than those without infection. Preventive treatment of CMV in high-risk patients can significantly reduce these costs.
A new meta-analysis of 24 studies found that allergy shots can effectively treat allergic asthma in both adults and children, reducing symptoms and improving lung function. The research suggests that up to half of all adult asthmatics and an even greater proportion of children may benefit from immunotherapy.
A new study suggests that human aging and its associated diseases can be traced to gradual increases in cell division errors in tissues throughout the body. Altered gene expression results in cells with diminished function, leading to aging.
A Saint Louis University School of Medicine Center for Vaccine Development study will focus on the effectiveness of diluted doses of Dryvax, a smallpox vaccine. The goal is to increase the available stock by up to 100 fold, which could improve the nation's ability to protect citizens in the event of a bioterrorism attack.
A recent NICHD study found that antibiotic treatment for bacterial vaginosis was ineffective in preventing premature birth. The study, which treated over 1,900 pregnant women, showed no significant reduction in preterm births among those receiving metronidazole treatment.
Researchers have identified three key brain areas - superior frontal, inferior parietal and superior temporal cortex - that show activity during attentional tasks. This mapping represents a crucial step towards understanding the detailed topography and function of these regions.
A global alliance for cancer research has been formed to accelerate progress against the disease, with six priorities including creation of national registries, increased funding for research, and international clinical trials. The Alliance aims to unite scientists, governments, and corporations in a coordinated effort to combat cancer.
The Tuberculosis Research Unit at CWRU will work with seven basic science sites and three clinical sites to evaluate new drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tests. The unit aims to alleviate the burden of TB, which affects 1.7 billion people worldwide.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine reported a groundbreaking case of tuberculosis transmission from a cadaver to an embalmer, revealing the first documented instance of such a transmission. The study emphasizes the need for updated guidelines and precautions to prevent similar incidents in funeral homes.
A new report highlights the significant threat of emerging infectious diseases in wildlife to both human health and global biodiversity. The study reveals that many diseases have spread from domestic animals to wildlife populations through various means, including globalization, animal trade, and environmental changes.
A new method for crafting medical implants from an antibacterial polymer could prevent thousands of patients from dying of hospital-acquired infections. The technology slowly releases an antibiotic to keep bacteria from establishing a foothold, making it ideal for catheters and permanent implants.