MEDICINE & HEALTH

New learning mechanism for individual nerve cells

The traditional view is that learning is based on the strengthening or weakening of the contacts between the nerve cells in the brain. However, this has been challenged by new research findings from Lund University in Sweden. These indicate that there is also a third mechanism – a kind of clock function that gives individual nerve cells the ability to time their reactions.

A Heartbeat Away? Hybrid "Patch" Could Replace Transplants

TAU researcher harnesses gold nanoparticles to engineer novel biocompatible cardiac patch TAU researcher harnessaes gold nanoparticles to engineer novel biocompatible cardiac patch Because heart cells cannot multiply and cardiac muscles contain few stem cells, heart tissue is unable to repair itself after a heart attack.

Americans undergo colonoscopies too often, study finds

Following the proper guidelines could save money and discomfort of unnecessary screenings Following the proper guidelines could save money and discomfort of unnecessary screenings Colonoscopies are a very valuable procedure by which to screen for the presence of colorectal cancer.

NEJM: Crizotinib Effective in Phase 1 Trial Against ROS1 Lung Cancer

The New England Journal of Medicine reports positive results of a phase 1 clinical trial of the drug crizotinib against the subset of lung cancer marked by rearrangement of the gene ROS1. In this multi-center study of 50 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer testing positive for ROS1 gene rearrangement, the response rate was 72 percent, with 3 complete responses and 33 partial responses. Median progression-free survival – the time it takes for the disease to resume its growth after being slowed by treatment – is estimated at 19.2 months with exactly half of patients remaining on observation for disease progression that has not yet occurred.

Antioxidant found in grapes uncorks new targets for acne treatment

UCLA study points to resveratrol as key to possible combination therapy UCLA study points to resveratrol as key to possible combination therapy Got grapes? UCLA researchers have demonstrated how resveratrol, an antioxidant derived from grapes and found in wine, works to inhibit growth of the bacteria that causes acne.

New hypothyroidism treatment guidelines from American Thyroid Association

Published in Thyroid journal Published in Thyroid journal New Rochelle, NY, September 30, 2014-Levothyroxine (L-T4), long the standard of care for treating hypothyroidism, is effective in most patients, but some individuals do not regain optimal health on L-T4 monotherapy.

High-speed drug screen

Engineers devise technology for rapidly testing drug-delivery vehicles in zebrafish. Engineers devise technology for rapidly testing drug-delivery vehicles in zebrafish.

UCI study uncovers important process for immune system development

Research yields insight into delicate course of T cell creation Research yields insight into delicate course of T cell creation Research by UC Irvine immunologists reveals new information about how our immune system functions, shedding light on a vital process that determines how the body's ability to fight infection develops.

New diagnostic approach for autism in Tanzania

Researchers at Brown University and the University of Georgia have developed and tested an approach for diagnosing autism in Tanzania, where such clinical assessment and intervention services are rare. The assessment battery combines several existing but culturally adapted techniques into a protocol that the researchers tested with 41 children at two Tanzanian sites.

"Virtual Breast" Could Improve Cancer Detection

Next to lung cancer, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women, according to the American Cancer Society. That’s why so many medical professionals encourage women to get mammograms, even though the tests are imperfect at best: only a minority of suspicious mammograms actually leads to a cancer diagnosis.

Michael Phelps ‘Swimming’ In New DUI Charges

With the most decorated Olympic career in the sport of swimming, earning 18 Olympic gold medals while only in his 20’s, Michael Phelps was once America’s golden boy. But, with a known knack for lapses in judgment, he may soon find his legacy sinking in the pool under the weight of yet another DUI.

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