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Patient-reported outcomes essential to comparative effectiveness research

A research group recommends that patient-reported symptoms and health-related quality of life measures should be assessed in comparative effectiveness studies. This approach is crucial for adequate evaluation of cancer treatments, as patients' experiences directly impact their ability to function and maintain quality of life.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 16, 2012

Not getting sleepy? Stanford research explains why hypnosis doesn't work for all

A study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that highly hypnotizable individuals have greater activity in executive-control and salience networks, indicating a neural trait underlying hypnotizability. This advance enables scientists to better understand the mechanisms of hypnosis and its potential for clinical applications.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateOct 3, 2012

Researchers discover gene that causes deafness

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have identified a genetic mutation responsible for deafness and hearing loss associated with Usher syndrome type 1. The discovery of the CIB2 protein provides new insights into the mechanism of mechano-electrical transduction, which converts mechanical energy into sound.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Genetics·DateSep 30, 2012

BIDMC and Diagnostics For All create first low-cost, paper-based, point of care liver function test

Researchers at BIDMC and Diagnostics For All have created a simple and reliable point-of-care liver function test that can be conducted for pennies per test. The device uses a droplet of blood from a finger prick to deliver results in 15 minutes, with greater than 90 percent accuracy compared to the gold standard automated platform test.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 19, 2012

Modeling sepsis in newborns

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have created a model to study sepsis in newborns, identifying diagnostic markers and potential treatments. The model has shown that even at the earliest hours of life, newborns can mount a robust inflammatory response to bacterial challenge.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 6, 2012

Protein critical to gut lining repair

Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified Wnt5a as a critical protein for reconstructing glands in the intestinal lining, which is key to repairing damaged gut tissue. The study provides new insights into the process of gut regeneration and potential therapeutic targets for diseases like inflammatory bowel disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateSep 6, 2012

A male contraceptive pill in the making?

Researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Baylor College of Medicine developed a small molecule compound, JQ1, that generates reversible birth control in male mice by disrupting spermatogenesis. The study showed a decrease in sperm count and quality without affecting testosterone production or offspring health.

Girls with ADHD at risk for self-injury, suicide attempts as young adults, says new research

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that girls with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are significantly more likely to attempt suicide or injure themselves as young adults. The study also found that ADHD in girls can signal future psychological problems and have serious public health implica...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateAug 14, 2012

Rejected drug may protect against toxic substance common to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases

Latrepirdine, a compound initially rejected for Alzheimer's treatment, shows promise in animal models by reducing neurodegeneration-related proteins and activating autophagy. The study suggests potential benefits in treating or preventing disorders associated with high levels of alpha-synuclein.

Blood test for Alzheimer's gaining ground

Scientists have identified a group of blood markers that show consistent findings in patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment. The study found four proteins that correlated with beta-amyloid levels in cerebrospinal fluid, providing potential clues for an early diagnosis.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNeurology·DateAug 9, 2012

Gladstone scientists discover that epilepsy drug reverses memory loss in animal model of AD

Researchers at Gladstone Institutes found that levetiracetam, an FDA-approved anti-epileptic drug, reverses memory loss and alleviates other Alzheimer's-related impairments in mice genetically modified to simulate key aspects of the disease. The study shows how levetiracetam suppresses abnormal brain activity and restores memory function.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2012