A specific variation in the glucocorticoid receptor gene is associated with lung disease progression in cystic fibrosis, new research reveals. This finding adds weight to previous research suggesting that specific subgroups of patients with cystic fibrosis may benefit from glucocorticoid treatment.
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Researchers have a potential solution to the problem of large quantities of low value by-product generated in the synthesis of biodiesel — by turning it into high value hydrogen.
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A cancer treatment that uses microwave energy to shrink or eliminate tumors can be safely used to treat malignant lung tumors, according to a new study. Similar to radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation is a minimally invasive, image-guided technique that uses heat generated by microwave energy to destroy tumors.
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Diisobutyl Phthalate has been found in recycled cardboard sometimes used in food packaging. With take out pizzas, hot food is placed inside the cardboard box, and so there is a high chance that the food will be exposed to any volatile chemicals in the cardboard such as plasticizers as they will enter the headspace of the box, researchers argue. The phthalates (plasticizers) are present because the containers were made from pulp that contained at least some recycled paper and cardboard.
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In the very first trial of its kind in the world over 300 families are being recruited to find out if water softeners can help in the treatment of childhood eczema. Families of eczema sufferers and some doctors have said that living in a hard water area may make eczema worse.
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A study found the chlorinated flame retardant Dechlorane Plus in the bark of trees across the northeastern US, with by far the highest concentrations measured near the Niagara Falls, N.Y., factory where this chemical is produced.
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After a quarter century of increases, obesity prevalence has not measurably increased in the past few years but levels are still high — at 34 percent of U.S. adults aged 20 and over, according to a new study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The report, “Obesity Among Adults in the U.S.: No Significant Change in 2005-06,” is the latest analysis based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, conducted by CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics.
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One version of a gene puts women who are under chronic stress at risk for more severe depressive symptoms. But among men, the same gene variant appeared to be protective against depression. In fact, men with the opposite gene variant were the ones who experienced more depressive symptoms when under chronic stress. The researchers analyzed two independent samples of healthy individuals for the presence of a genetic variant that regulates levels of serotonin — a neurotransmitter that is linked to health in numerous ways, including emotion regulation.
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Using pure biodiesel or blending biodiesel with standard fuel could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector, according to a new report. Biodiesel can be manufactured from any product containing fatty acids, such as vegetable oil or animal fats.
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