Researchers found that using smaller mechanical breaths reduces deaths from acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The study showed a 22% decrease in mortality rates, giving acutely inflamed lungs a better chance of healing.
Alexandre Chorin, a renowned mathematician, is working on a new method of optimal prediction that could contribute to solving the turbulence problem. His work incorporates contributions from collaborators and aims to tackle the complex multi-dimensional problem that defies current computing power.
Researchers have confirmed a new, genetically distinct species of Pfiesteria that thrives in waters with high levels of nitrogen, posing risks to fish and potentially human health. The discovery brings the total number of toxic Pfiesteria species to two, shedding light on their life cycles and behaviors.
Researchers found that Pin1 depletion allows cell division despite DNA damage, suggesting drugs inhibiting Pin1 could trigger cancer cells to divide and die even with lethal damage. This approach may spare normal cells from uncontrolled division.
Researchers have identified a protein, Chk2, that activates the tumor suppressor gene p53 to prevent damaged DNA from causing cancer. In Chk2-deficient cells, the brakes on proliferation are released, allowing cancerous cell growth.
Current data shows that nursing homes with low nurse staff levels have a greater incidence of health problems among older adults. The authors recommend minimum staffing standards to improve care, including higher registered nurse-to-resident ratios and additional education and training.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a molecular switch, the protein p21, that controls the development and proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells. The discovery may solve a major limitation to using these stem cells in transplants and gene therapies.
Researchers modeled US ecosystem carbon budget using state-of-the-art data and models, finding small uptake of carbon despite high emissions. The results suggest that ecosystems in the US store carbon, but not enough to balance fossil fuel use, making other regions important for climate change mitigation.
A recent study published in Science reveals that urban and industrial air pollution can suppress rainfall and snowfall by creating clouds with abnormally small water droplets. This phenomenon occurs when pollution particles act as 'seeding' sites, preventing cloud moisture from condensing into raindrops and ice crystals.
The 100th meeting of the American Society for Microbiology brought together experts in the field to share groundbreaking research on various microbiological topics. Key findings included significant progress in understanding microbial mechanisms and developing new diagnostic tools.
A study led by Colorado State University scientists reveals that human-caused global changes, such as land-use change and nitrogen deposition, are expected to drive biodiversity loss between now and 2100. The research identifies five primary drivers of global change and assesses their impact on terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.
A new diode laser technique developed by MGH dermatologist Eliot Battle successfully removes excessive hair from individuals with darker ethnic skin. The longer-wavelength laser light and slower pulse delivery reduce damage to the surrounding skin, enabling patients with darker skin tones to tolerate higher energy dosages.
A nationwide clinical trial found that reducing tidal volumes in mechanical ventilation can cut mortality from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) by up to 22%. The study, involving 861 patients and coordinated at Massachusetts General Hospital, used a new technique with smaller oxygen puffs to provide breathing assistance.