Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Research aims to improve safety at sea

The Cardiff University Research Unit aims to inform policy makers and prevent accidents by focusing on the human element of seafaring. With £500,000 funding from Lloyd's Register, the unit will draw on expertise within the Seafarers' International Research Centre.

MayoClinic.com receives top honors

MayoClinic.com empowers people to manage their health with useful and up-to-date information and tools from a team of over 2,000 physicians and scientists. The site is owned by Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research and serves as a dependable source of health information.

Clonidine reduces post-surgical risk of cardiovascular death in non-cardiac surgery

A study found that clonidine significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular death in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery, particularly those with coronary artery disease or high-risk factors. The medication was shown to prevent myocardial ischemia events before and after surgery, leading to a lower mortality rate compared to plac...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalAnesthesiology·DateJul 27, 2004

Vertigo can be treated at home

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is an inner ear problem causing spinning or whirling sensations when moving the head. A study found that performing modified Epley's and Semont maneuvers at home can lead to significant symptom relief for 95% of participants.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 12, 2004

Dental disease hits hardest among older blacks

A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that periodontitis is more prevalent among older blacks than whites or Mexican-Americans, regardless of income or education levels. The researchers suggest historical factors such as unequal opportunities contribute to this disparity.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 29, 2004

Study shows lower than expected allergic-like events following second prescription of penicillin

A new study found that only 2% of patients who experienced an allergic-like event after the first penicillin prescription had another reaction, despite previous estimates suggesting a 60% rate. The researchers suggest that some patients labeled as penicillin-allergic can safely receive the antibiotic in emergency situations.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateApr 7, 2004

Stress hormones and heart failure

Researchers have found that urocortin II administered intravenously significantly enhances heart muscle cell contractions in mice with congestive heart failure. The hormone targets the CRF2 receptor, leading to improved cardiovascular function and a potential new treatment for heart disease.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2004

World's first databank for all living systems

The Bridging the Rift Center will house the world's first databank of information about all living systems, gathering genetic sequences, ecological data, and global positioning information to quantify and characterize life. This groundbreaking facility aims to advance our understanding of coevolution, ecology, and DNA relationships.

Shark guide probes uncharted waters

A new guide, developed by NOAA Fisheries and Rhode Island Sea Grant, aims to increase species-specific identifications without associated mortality. The guide focuses on external characteristics and uses photographs to aid in identification, helping users distinguish among 44 highly migratory shark species.

Possible mechanism for link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease discovered

Research at Joslin Diabetes Center reveals that insulin resistance in the brain may contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease. Studies using genetically altered mice found a marked reduction in insulin signaling proteins, leading to excessive phosphorylation of tau protein, a hallmark of brain lesions in Alzheimer's.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 16, 2004