A controlled study of 1,918 participants found that learning about cost containment incentives increased trust in their primary care doctor by 3% among those with increased knowledge. The results suggest HMOs can use financial incentives without harming the doctor-patient relationship.
A joint ESRC-funded research study found that young people between 16-25 in North East England struggle with social skills, leading to marginalization and exclusion. The study highlights the need for targeted support and policies that address structural barriers rather than blaming individual victims.
An international consortium is developing a sequence-ready map of the cattle genome to improve dairy and beef cattle, enhance food safety, and protect against bioterrorism. The project will provide valuable tools for animal breeding and securing the world's meat and milk supply.
A new website, ICUnet, has been developed to help doctors and nurses find nearby intensive care beds. This system could prevent critically ill patients dying during transfers by providing a comprehensive, up-to-date list of available beds.
Researchers found that volcanic regions on Mars' Hellas basin were eroded by liquid carbon dioxide due to explosive eruptions. The 'magmatic erosion model' suggests catastrophic erosion occurred when molten rock rose to the surface, causing debris flow and shaping features.
Researchers found that tobacco companies selectively increased youth targeting after the 1998 settlement, exploiting inconsistencies in the ban and government definition of youth magazines. The companies shifted their ads to magazines just under the limit, increasing youth targeting by 14% between 1997 and 2000.
A Michigan Medicine-led study has successfully improved the odds that patients receive life-saving treatments after a heart attack. The study, GAP (Guidelines Applied in Practice), used reminders, checklists, and educational materials to boost adherence to American College of Cardiology guidelines. As a result, hospitals saw significan...
A new index by Yale researcher Sharon Inouye assesses the risk of mortality in elderly populations by identifying high-risk medical diagnoses. The index identifies 10 conditions associated with higher mortality risk within one year of hospitalization.
Research finds that larger forest stands can help control caterpillar infestations by reducing the effectiveness of parasites and diseases. The study suggests that forests larger than 100 hectares are more effective in suppressing outbreaks, which could lead to increased fibre production if defoliation is reduced by just one year.
Researchers at Northwestern University have created a novel device that detects ultraviolet light 10 times more efficiently than the Hubble Space Telescope. The innovative detector uses gallium nitride material to block visible and infrared light, allowing astronomers to study important objects in the universe for the first time.
A study found that suicide rates among African-American males aged 15-24 increased by 14% from 1979 to 1997, while gun-related suicides rose to 70%. Healthcare providers should ask depressed youths about firearm access.
The researchers aim to create a prototype for real-time measurement of complex processes within cells. This technology could lead to more effective drugs and insights into human disease.
A study by University of Houston researchers suggests that levels of transport molecules for glutamate increase during learning, indicating an important role in the process. This molecular cleaning crew helps clear away excess neurotransmitters, allowing effective transmission and a non-toxic environment in the brain.
Scientists have identified a specific genetic locus associated with fundamental human brain oscillations, contributing to the understanding of brain neuroelectric activity and providing new insights into alcoholism risk. The study found an association between beta EEG frequencies and a cluster of genes located on chromosome 4.
A Yale study of hospital website ratings found that the system yielded mixed results, with some high-rated hospitals performing similarly to lower-rated ones. The researchers suggested that patients should focus on accepted measures of quality instead of relying on ratings.
Researchers have found a genetic susceptibility locus on chromosome 1 that may contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa. The study used a genome-wide linkage analysis and identified a possible AN-susceptibility gene on chromosome 1p, adding to growing evidence supporting the role of genetics in eating disorders.
A study by Dr. Tong J. Gan suggests that better communication and a tailored plan can significantly reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after surgery. The analysis identifies key patient characteristics, surgical procedures, and anesthetic methods that increase the risk of PONV.
A recent study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that daily NSAID use reduced prostate cancer risk by up to 60% in men aged 60 and older. The study, which followed 1,362 Caucasian men for an average of five and a half years, suggests that the beneficial effect may increase with age.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that removing copper had no effect on the pace of disease in mice with familial ALS-like paralysis. The study used CCS chaperone-deficient mice to rule out copper's role in the disease, suggesting alternative pathways may be responsible for the mutant enzyme's effects on motor neurons.
A team of USC researchers has identified the key role of a previously unknown protein, Artemis, in repairing double-stranded DNA breaks. They found that oxygen causes chromosomal breaks due to oxidative free radicals, leading to genetic information loss.
A study by cancer experts found that the response rate of tumours to a new drug decreases over time due to 'wish bias', an unconscious tendency for doctors to expect better results. The research team recommends double-blinded trials to avoid this bias and ensure objectivity in medical research.