A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that postoperative sepsis is the most common treatment-related injury in hospitals, associated with significant increases in length of stay, charges, and mortality. The unintended re-opening of surgically closed wounds was also a major concern, linked to increased hospital stays and costs.
A new Duke study finds that forgiveness, through loving-kindness meditation, reduces back pain and depression in patients with persistent low back pain. The study suggests a strong relationship between forgiveness and pain, including measures of adjustment.
Vanderbilt University is one of nine US sites participating in a phase I trial of the Merck HIV vaccine, designed to test its safety and ability to stimulate immune responses in healthy volunteers. The study aims to generate cellular immune responses that could prevent the virus from spreading in the body.
Researcher Dr. Mitra has developed an optical tomography method to locate lung tumors using short-pulse lasers. The technique yields physiological information with higher resolution and a safer system than traditional methods.
Researchers mapped out circulation patterns using Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs) to enhance understanding of the Bay-RIS system. The study provides detailed spatial images of circulation, showing that water predominantly enters the Bay through the East Passage and is supplied by the southeast during summer.
A new approach to healthcare emphasizes patient-centered care, allowing patients to access medical assistance when and where needed. Implementing this approach requires embracing principles of expertise alignment, need-based care, and timely service.
A recent study published in JAMA found that the steroid Prednisone proved effective in stabilizing and improving hearing in patients with AIED (autoimmune ear disorder) but failed to maintain these gains over time. The study also tested Methotrexate, a promising anti-inflammatory drug, which showed no significant benefit in treating AIED.
A study found significant positive relationships between forgiveness of self, others, and various health outcomes among people with spinal cord injury. Forgiveness has a positive effect on health, but its impact varies by type, suggesting an impact on treatment protocols.
Rutgers University has secured $3.5 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to explore biodiversity in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The five-year program aims to discover new compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications, while also conserving native biodiversity.
The study found that specific Hox genes direct the formation of nerves controlling muscles for eye movements and facial expressions. Disabling these genes led to abnormalities in mouse embryos, including cross eyes and breathing difficulties.
REAl Glass has unique qualities useful for creating materials for demanding optical applications. The glass is made from Rare Earth oxides, Aluminum oxide and small amounts of silicon dioxide. It can be used to create efficient power lasers and expand coverage to new wavelengths, making it a promising material for surgical lasers.
A new study finds that forgiveness is associated with lower resting diastolic blood pressure, especially among low-income black individuals. The research, conducted on a diverse sample of community residents, suggests that forgiving oneself and others may help mitigate cardiovascular risk factors.
ThraxVac uses alpha particles from polonium-210 to kill anthrax spores, making them vulnerable to heat and moisture. The technology has several advantages over current methods, including being lightweight and eliminating health and radiation hazards.
Researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder have discovered tiny footpaths in Costa Rica that were precursors to wide, deep, and ritualistic roadways leading to and from cemeteries and villages. The team found that people traveled these paths for centuries, creating worn pathways up to 3 meters deep.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that imagining movement of affected limbs can improve stroke rehabilitation. The study used a motor imagery training program with patients experiencing hemiparesis, resulting in increased assessment scores and functionality.
The study found a strong association between Adelie Penguin populations and the productivity of plankton in coastal polynyas. These 'oases' provide ideal conditions for phytoplankton blooms, which feed krill that are then eaten by penguins.
A three-year study found that low-dose methotrexate had no effect on maintaining restored hearing in patients with autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED). Researchers are now focusing on alternative treatments for this rare condition.
Researchers at OHSU discovered that HIV-encoded protein Vif neutralizes human protein APOBEC3G, which would inactivate HIV if present. This finding could lead to the development of targeted anti-HIV drugs and provide insights into the body's innate protection system.
Sony has donated twelve DCR-TRV38 MiniDV Handycam camcorders to Sixth College, enhancing their Digital Playroom for innovative film-making courses. The donation supports UCSD's $1 billion fund-raising goal and aligns with Sony's philanthropic priorities in education.
ICESat is providing new insights into polar ice sheets and their mass-balance. The satellite detects features such as ice streams, cloud heights and aerosol distributions, enabling a better understanding of the Earth's climate.
A study found that 32% of women reported increased interpersonal distance and 39% experienced more distance in their sexual relationships one year post-miscarriage. Women who felt distant saw their miscarriage as a significant loss, leading to increased emotional disturbance and decreased love and communication with their partners.
The ACRN, a partnership of NHLBI and eight clinical centers across the US, conducts well-designed clinical trials for asthma treatments. Penn State's Data Coordinating Center leads expertise in biostatistical design and analysis.
A study found that nearly 40% of lung cancer patients believe exposure to air during surgery promotes cancer spread, leading some to reject recommended surgery. The study suggests that physicians need to address these misconceptions to improve healthcare outcomes in African Americans, who are disproportionately affected by lung cancer.
A USC study found that physical activity can reduce the risk of breast carcinoma in situ (BCIS) by up to 35%, particularly among women who exercise more than four hours a week. The exact mechanism is unclear, but hormones and immune-boosting effects are potential theories.
Researchers will analyze the external environment of tularemia bacteria, develop a vaccine for ricin, and engineer antibodies against anthrax. They will also work on developing drugs to treat Lassa fever and understand how plague blocks the immune system.
New research from Saint Louis University shows that babies under 8 months are at highest risk of death in adult beds due to lack of motor skills to escape safety threats. The study recommends cribs as the safest option for babies' sleep, and calls for a public awareness campaign to alert parents.
A UCI study found unexpectedly high hydrocarbon levels in central and southwest US regions, including Oklahoma City, with pollution levels exceeding those in high-smog cities. The research suggests total hydrocarbon emissions are higher than previously estimated, contributing to the American air pollution problem.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have identified a protein transport deficit as a key factor in Alzheimer's disease. The study suggests that reversing this deficit could lead to a new therapeutic target for treating the condition.
A recent study reveals that African American and Hispanic children are disproportionately represented in clinical trials, with 26% of participants being African American. Despite lower representation among the overall U.S. population, these groups are overrepresented in potentially stigmatizing research studies.
The SARS epidemic taught four important lessons: the need for global cooperation, improved public health infrastructure, care for patients despite personal risk, and measures to minimize infectious risks to healthcare workers. The response to SARS demonstrates that a strong public health infrastructure can help contain outbreaks and pr...
Researchers used DNA microarray technology to identify seven major subtypes of pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia, including six known prognostic subtypes. This discovery enables more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans based on a patient's unique expression profile.
Researchers at SLU have successfully deciphered the molecular structure of recombination protein O (RecO), crucial for accurate genomic DNA replication. This breakthrough may aid pharmaceutical researchers in developing more effective drugs and basic scientists in understanding gene function.
Dr. Troutt Powell's selection as a MacArthur Fellow recognizes her path-breaking work in modern Arab and Middle Eastern history, which has been widely praised by leading scholars. The award provides her with $500,000 to explore and create without restrictions.
A new genetic switch has been discovered in the process of T-cell maturation, which is a two-stage process. This finding could lead to ways to produce T-cells in the lab and potentially treat diseases such as AIDS.
Elevated G-alpha-i levels in aging hearts lead to decreased cardiac function, but beta-blockers show promise in reducing these levels and improving heart function. The study's findings suggest that targeting G-alpha-i could be an effective way to protect the heart from age-related decline.
People with mild dementia decline faster than nondemented individuals in driving performance, but also some nondemented participants show decline. Longitudinal driving test every six months can identify those who become unsafe, increasing awareness about driving issues in demented persons and empowering families to intervene.
Researchers found that children with mild asthma already show pathologic features of adult disease, including basement membrane thickening and airway eosinophilia. New AAT deficiency guidelines also aim to improve diagnosis and management by identifying specific risk factors for this hereditary disorder.
The NIAID initiative addresses primary immune deficiency diseases by focusing research priorities and uniting established researchers with new investigators. A cell line repository and Web-based patient registry will also be created to advance understanding of these lesser-known diseases.
Clemson University's COMSET lab is focusing on developing new optical materials. The NSF grant will create an extended regional partnership to commercialize photonics research and attract high-paying industries to the region. This collaboration aims to build a knowledge-based South Carolina economy.
A pioneering study using brain imaging has yielded new insights into treatment-resistant depression, revealing differences in brain activity between healthy individuals and those suffering from the condition. The research also highlights the potential for developing a new generation of antidepressants with unprecedented efficacy.
The study found that methylation levels in a specific gene can predict the seriousness of breast cancer. High levels of promoter methylation correlate with an altered structure of the gene, resulting in a tightly closed DNA configuration that prevents gene activation.
Stevens Institute of Technology has been ranked as the most connected campus in the nation, with a robust wired and wireless network. The university is expanding its network with its new Babbio Center for Technology Management, which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for leading-edge education in business and technology management.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers are awarded a $2.6 million NIH grant to develop engineered bone tissue that can promote faster and stronger bone healing, potentially treating bone injuries, hip replacements, and arthritis.
A massive iceberg drifted into the Ross Sea, blocking sunlight and preventing phytoplankton growth, which are a critical food source for krill and other marine animals. This event had a significant impact on the entire food chain in the Ross Sea.
Two studies found that combining parathyroid hormone (PTH) and alendronate increases bone mineral density (BMD) at least as well as or better than single drug treatment. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal effects of these drugs, particularly through sequential or cyclic therapy.
A large-scale study of 560 patients with malignant gliomas suggests that surgical resection is a critical factor in improving survival rates and quality of life. The study found that younger, more active patients tend to benefit more from aggressive treatment, while age and overall health also play significant roles.
The project aims to create new information processing technologies for extracting detailed understanding of biological processes from images depicting biological molecules within cells or tissues. The researchers will establish a digital library for bio-molecular images, facilitating image bioinformatics and large-scale biology.
A study published in BRAIN found that frontal lobe damage can lead to inconsistent performance, even on simple tasks, with effects varying across brain regions. The researchers identified specific areas of the frontal lobes responsible for increased variability, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon.
A two-year study found that caregivers refuse risk-free medications to slow Alzheimer's disease progression if it may impact their relative's quality of life. Caregivers with depression, financial burdens, or from racial minority groups were more likely to decline treatment.
A study of 352 patients found that sirolimus-eluting stents significantly improved minimum coronary artery diameter at 8 months, reducing restenosis rates by 42% and major cardiac events by 23%. The technology offers promising results for endoluminal therapy, potentially rivaling bypass surgery.
A team of Purdue biologists has determined the structure of the cytochrome protein complex, critical for photosynthesis in a blue-green bacterium. The study reveals the entire mechanism of photosynthesis and its energy flow, shedding light on animal metabolism.
The Voice Academy website, funded by a NIDCD grant, provides virtual classrooms and resources for kindergarten through high school teachers to learn about voice health and prevention. The site aims to help teachers address voice problems, such as hoarseness and fatigue, with behavioral changes and expert advice.
Researchers discovered that neighboring non-neuronal cells can protect or rescue motor neurons from degeneration when they carry an ALS mutation. This finding suggests the potential of stem cell replacement therapy targeting non-neuronal cells to treat ALS. The study used mouse models with a mutation in the gene superoxide dismutase (S...
Researchers at CU-Boulder created more efficient 'soft' x-ray light in the water-window region using a femtosecond laser, making it possible to build compact microscopes for biological imaging. This advance could visualize processes within living cells and understand how pharmaceuticals function.
The study found that gastric bypass surgery significantly improved diabetes outcomes in patients, with nearly all achieving normal blood sugar levels and reducing their reliance on anti-diabetic medications. Patients with shorter disease durations and milder type 2 diabetes saw the greatest improvements in glycemic control.
A comprehensive human protein database has been launched, featuring 3,000 entries on protein roles in health and disease. The database includes protein interactions, disease genes, and other information, making it easier for researchers to connect observations and create new hypotheses.
The Institute for Genomic Research has released sequence data for the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite, which causes trichomoniasis and is linked to increased HIV transmission. The larger-than-expected genome holds promise for finding new treatments and prevention strategies.
The Blanke Lab will conduct fundamental research about anthrax and methods to neutralize its impact, with a goal of generating novel therapeutics and vaccines. This project is part of the Regional Center of Excellence for Biodefense and Emerging Infectious Diseases Research, bringing together leading researchers from various disciplines.
Research suggests that low and high birthweights are associated with a higher risk of cerebral palsy. Babies born with weights below the 10th percentile or above the 97th percentile had a four to six times increased risk, respectively.
Tufts University has been awarded a $25-million NIH contract to collaborate with the University of Massachusetts on developing ways to diagnose and treat botulism poisoning, one of the most dangerous bioterrorism threats facing the US. The research will focus on identifying human pathogens that can cause disease in food or water.