A study published in The Lancet found that telemedicine can reduce unnecessary follow-up tests and improve patient satisfaction. Patients who received virtual outreach consultations had a higher rate of offered follow-up appointments than those who received standard outpatient referrals.
Researchers discovered a set of 511 genes that distinguish four groups of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including those with symptoms and cancer. The findings suggest a potential link between BPH and prostate cancer, as well as a genetic 'field effect' in individuals with prostate cancer.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that individuals with depression are more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those without depression. The researchers suggest that low levels of serotonin in the brain may contribute to both depression and Parkinson's disease, increasing the risk of developing the latter.
A Canadian debate over for-profit hospitals has been informed by a study showing these facilities have significantly higher mortality rates compared to non-profit hospitals. The analysis of 38 million patients found that the profit motive leads to reduced staffing and limited care, resulting in increased mortality.
Scientists create protein SPICE to study variola's role in immune system, with potential to reduce side effects from vaccination. By understanding the virus's pathogenesis, researchers hope to develop new therapies and prevent bioterrorism.
Research by Professor Malcolm Koo found that higher dietary fibre intake is associated with a later onset of menstruation in girls. Girls consuming over 25g of fibre per day had approximately half the risk of early menarche compared to those with less than 18g of fibre daily.
Scientists tested the founder effect model in a natural population of Silvereye birds, finding that speciation occurs gradually, not suddenly. The study challenges long-held assumptions about genetic diversity in island bird populations.
Research suggests that high homocysteine levels are related to brain atrophy, with elderly individuals experiencing greater loss of brain cells and volume. Additionally, elevated homocysteine levels have been found to be associated with a higher risk of vascular disease in both healthy and Alzheimer's patients.
A six-month intervention increasing fruit and vegetable intake lowered blood pressure and boosted antioxidant levels in UK participants. The study found a significant association between higher fruit and veg consumption and lower cardiovascular disease risk, similar to previous findings from the DASH trial.
A new bioreactor-based technique has improved stem cell cultivation, allowing for large-scale production and higher efficiency. This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Scientists from Johns Hopkins Medicine have discovered that sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli, kills the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which causes stomach cancers and ulcers. The findings suggest that dietary intake of vegetables containing sulforaphane could relieve infection and have significant public health implications.
Researchers have discovered that MRI scans can identify individuals at high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease decades in advance. The study used postmortem brain scans to show that shrinkage of the hippocampus, a key region affected by the disease, occurs early on.
A recent University of Toronto study examines the probability of male homosexuality based on fraternal birth order. The researchers found that 15% of gay men in the sample could be attributed to the fraternal birth order effect.
A systematic review of studies found private for-profit hospitals in the US had a higher risk of death compared to not-for-profit institutions. This new evidence has sparked debate about the relevance of for-profit care and the importance of a universal healthcare system with public accountability.
A study of children's friendships in Ontario schools found that kids with learning disabilities befriended each other more often than those without. However, these friendships were often one-sided, with the child with a learning disability feeling closer to their non-learning-disabled peers.