Researchers found payment rates for emergency department charges decreased from 60% to 53% between 1996 and 1998. The privately insured group experienced the largest decline, with payments dropping from 75% to 63% of charges.
A New York City woman was poisoned after ingesting a herbal product believed to be contaminated with digitalis lanata, a plant-derived cardioactive steroid. She recovered after receiving antidotal therapy and digoxin-specific Fab fragments.
Scientists propose a new mechanism for passing information through cell membranes via a shuttlecock motion involving metalloproteins. This theory explains why dietary zinc deficiencies lead to a loss of smell and has significant implications for understanding the sense of smell.
A landmark analysis found that oxycodone was involved in only a small percentage of drug abuse deaths, with multiple drugs present in most cases. The study suggests that abusing opioids with other substances increases risk and calls for enhanced classification methods.
The new Advanced Disinfection Technology System uses ultraviolet radiation to eliminate molds, viruses, and bacteria in water. It improves the disinfection process by mixing water efficiently, reducing UV lamp fouling and increasing light penetration.
Researchers found that high-risk trachoma patients are unwilling to pay for future antibiotics, even if they can use household items as payment. This could limit the government's ability to control the disease and its progression.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine found that a specific enzyme is associated with high levels of HDL, which may have both positive and negative effects on cardiovascular health. The study suggests that the enzyme's impact on cholesterol transport to the liver could be beneficial or detrimental.
Research reveals that genetic mutations can lead to structural changes in the placenta, causing fetal death or miscarriage. The study found that embryos with normal placentas but defective Rb genes can still be carried to term, suggesting a critical role of the Rb gene in placental development.
Marlan Scully's new engine design uses a quantum heat bath to produce power, driving a piston with less wasted energy than in the Carnot model. The engine employs lasers, mirrors, and quantum coherence to capture energy from exhaust gases, improving efficiency.
The survey found that 35% of respondents discussed a health concern with their doctor after seeing an advertised drug. Patients who received a new diagnosis were more likely to have high-priority conditions such as arthritis or diabetes. Additionally, physicians suggested lifestyle changes and quit-smoking advice in over half of visits.
String theory predicts the existence of moduli forces with strengths comparable to gravity, which could be detected on length scales of one-tenth of a millimeter. Researchers used an experiment to search for these forces and found that they are unlikely to exist at distances smaller than previously thought.
Researchers have discovered that forces within granular materials decrease as they slide, but are then transferred to a network of 'force chains' that increase in strength. This new understanding could improve modeling of geological systems and design of industrial devices such as hoppers.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have successfully achieved quantum entanglement of three electrons using ultrafast laser pulses and coherent techniques. This breakthrough could lead to the development of quantum gates necessary for storing and processing information in practical quantum computers, offering significantly enhan...
Researchers are conducting a nationwide study to develop more personalized care for older adults with epilepsy. The study will consider factors like age, gender, and biological makeup to optimize treatment outcomes.
A national survey found that 25% of patients with DTCA-prompted discussions received a new diagnosis, including high cholesterol, arthritis, and diabetes. Specialist referrals were made for 33%, and lab tests or lifestyle changes recommended for 45%. Patients reported improvement in symptoms regardless of medication features.
A study by American College of Emergency Physicians found that only half of emergency department visits are paid, with payments decreasing from 60.3% to 53% between 1996 and 1998. The decline threatens the ability of emergency departments to provide care to all patients regardless of ability to pay.
A recent study by Dr. Douglas Wahlsten found that environmental influences significantly impact experiment outcomes in mice, including motor coordination and psychological learning tasks. The study suggests that even small factors like odors and experimenter conduct can have a profound effect on behavior.
Intentional deforestation in rainforests has gained attention, but unintentional out-of-control fires devour millions of acres of forests, threatening ecosystems. Fire behavior in rainforests differs from temperate forests, with slow-spreading fires having devastating effects on biodiversity and carbon emissions.
Two new studies highlight the severity of sepsis in young US children, with infants and low-birth-weight babies at highest risk. In contrast, imported malaria cases in European countries pose a growing health threat, while disruptions to ICU patients' sleep patterns remain poorly understood.
A recent study suggests that bacterial infections can modify the allergic response, potentially preventing asthma and allergies in children. The research found that mice infected with M. pneumoniae showed a milder reaction to allergens than control mice.
A study found that minority breast cancer patients who used the internet for medical information experienced greater social support, which was associated with better mental and physical health outcomes. The research suggests that internet use may help prolong survival among these patients.
Researchers have improved a method for measuring the strength of E-glass and other glass fibers, revealing it may be more than one and a half times stronger than previously recorded measurements. This discovery could help expand applications for glass fibers in industries such as automotive manufacturing.
A study by German researchers found nearly half breast cancer patients struggle with incomprehensible or incomplete information, while over half want more opportunities to discuss their treatment. The report emphasizes the importance of improving communication between medical staff and patients.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota developed a reliable diagnostic test for myotonic muscular dystrophy type 2 (DM2), revealing it occurs in many families of Northern European ancestry. The new test uses DNA amplification and verification to detect the disease, addressing difficulties in correct diagnosis.
BufferGel, a vaginal microbicide, maintains normal vaginal acidity to kill sperm and germs, preventing pregnancy. The compound is currently in advanced clinical trials for its ability to block HIV transmission.
A new software developed by Ohio State University engineer Benjamin Coifman uses data from in-road detectors to pinpoint traffic congestion and measure travel time. This technology can improve traffic monitoring while minimizing disruptions to drivers, reducing the financial costs of traffic jams.
Researchers evaluated 83 children with repeated short courses of oral glucocorticoids and found no detectable cumulative negative effect on bone formation. The study also showed no impact on the children's weight or height.
Researchers used a two-dimensional optical force clamp to control and observe individual kinesin molecules, revealing that applying forces from the rear has no effect on its speed. This surprising finding challenges the existing hand-over-hand model of kinesin's movement.
A comprehensive volume addresses key hypotheses for amphibian declines, including non-native species, UV radiation, and climate change. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation research to address this biodiversity crisis.
A comprehensive review of research findings shows that surgery is a superior treatment option for disabling seizures caused by mesial temporal lobe epilepsy, with better quality of life and reduced medication use. The analysis also found low surgical morbidity and mortality rates, making it an attractive alternative to medication.
Patients want to know if there was an error, how it happened, and what steps will be taken to prevent future occurrences. Doctors often hide or minimize this information due to concerns about lawsuits or patient trust, but this can lead to further upset and mistrust.
A team led by Prof. Lucio Frydman has found a way to perform multidimensional NMR with a single scan, significantly speeding up molecular studies and enabling the observation of rapid changes in molecules like protein folding. The new method uses a 'slicing' approach, simultaneously performing measurements on multiple thin slices of a ...
A survey of physicians, adults, and health policymakers reveals widespread concern about chronic condition treatment. Over 90% agree that chronic conditions affect everyone, with most stating the current healthcare system is not meeting needs.
The American College of Preventive Medicine rejects popular fad diets like Atkins, promoting instead a balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruit. The College emphasizes that sustainable weight loss and improved health come from healthy eating habits combined with regular physical activity.
A new study by U-M researchers found that the common cold leads to significant economic impact, with Americans spending over $2.9 billion on over-the-counter drugs and nearly $1.1 billion on antibiotic prescriptions for symptomatic relief. The total economic cost of cold-related work loss exceeds $20 billion annually.
Researchers have identified stem cells in human breast cancer that can form new tumors and are resistant to treatment. The discovery may explain why current treatments for metastatic breast cancer often fail, and could lead to the development of new therapies targeted at these cells.
A new study at Stanford University found that dyslexic children's brains begin to function more normally after participating in an eight-week training program. The program helped participants better understand rapidly changing sounds, leading to improved reading scores and brain activity.
Researchers are studying the efficacy of bovine growth hormone in tilapia aquaculture and developing methods for its treatment. Additionally, computer models predict physical impacts of offshore dredging on coastal beaches, and a new publication from Delaware Sea Grant examines port security measures.
A study of 444 managed-care patients aged 12-17 found that adolescents with consistently monitored parents were less likely to engage in alcohol-risk behaviors. The researchers suggest that monitoring may help reduce risk when adolescents are initially exposed to alcohol, but may be insufficient for high-risk behaviors.
Researchers devise new method combining optical trapping and single-molecule fluorescence to study DNA structural and mechanical changes. This technique allows scientists to study rare molecules essential for life and disease development.
A DNA-based computer, award-winning for smallest biological computing device, processes input molecules using spontaneous energy releases to carry out computations without external power. The device contains 15,000 trillion computers performing 330 trillion operations per second with high accuracy.
Research by Professor Erickson suggests that having a variety of casual acquaintances can improve job prospects and overall well-being. People with diverse social networks are more likely to feel in control and have access to valuable information, leading to improved health and happiness.
The repeal of the estate tax may lead to increased wealth inequality, particularly among minority groups, with potential costs for most American families. The tax reduction is expected to decrease philanthropic giving by up to 12 percent annually due to lower inheritance donations not being taxed.
Computer scientists Pedro Diniz and Joonseok Park are developing programming tools to automatically synthesize near-optimal chip architectures for flexible chips. Their techniques enable FPGAs to utilize available transistors more effectively for irregular applications, outperforming current processor architectures in some cases.
Researchers found that progesterone receptor knockout mice showed a complete lack of infanticide and exhibited active paternal care, frequently contacting and retrieving pups. In contrast, control mice committed 74% infanticide and displayed less paternal behavior.
Researchers found that cardiac surgery patients with the factor V Leiden gene variant lost less blood and required fewer transfusions than those without the mutation. The study suggests a new approach to personalized medicine, tailoring therapies based on individual genetic risk factors.
Argonne researchers have created powerful stem cells that can morph into various cell types, offering a practical alternative to embryonic stem cells. The breakthrough allows for the production of pluripotent stem cells from adult blood cells, which can potentially treat diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
The Prevention of Recurrent Venous Thromboembolism trial found that low-dose warfarin prevents episodes of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism with a significant reduction in risk. The study showed no major bleeding complications, making it an effective and safe treatment option.
Researchers from the University of Washington and Southern Methodist University conclude that climate change, not humans, was responsible for the extinction of Pleistocene mammals in the New World. The study found no evidence linking Clovis people to the extinctions, contradicting previous 'overkill' hypothesis.
A new clinical trial found that a drug called milrinone strongly reduces the risk of heart failure in children after cardiac surgery. The study involved 238 patients and showed that high-dose milrinone is 55% less likely to cause low cardiac output syndrome compared to a placebo.
A 12-week study in Baltimore evaluated nevirapine for HIV prevention in adults at high risk, showing no serious side effects or new infections. The researchers discovered that the three lower doses of nevirapine provided sufficient blood levels to potentially prevent HIV infection.
A study published in Child Development found that teenagers in high-use schools are three times as likely to follow their peers' smoking behaviors compared to those in low-use schools. The researchers suggest that school-based programs may be effective in reducing tobacco and alcohol use among teens.
Researchers have successfully created a giant self-assembled liquid crystal lattice using hundreds of thousands of highly branched molecules. The structure, which consists of discrete microscopic spheres linked together, has a repeat unit size comparable to spherical virus particles isolated from plants.
A study by academics at the Universities of Edinburgh and Aberdeen found that half of Scottish sporting estates have been owned for 25 years or less, while two-thirds are run by absentee landowners. Despite new access legislation, many estate owners still oppose public access to their properties.
According to a recent study, 20% of Los Angeles County public school children are overweight, with Latino children facing the highest prevalence rate. The data also shows that boys are more likely to be overweight than girls, with over 23% of 5th graders and 19% of 7th graders meeting this criteria.
The American Academy of Neurology Foundation will honor Jerry Lewis for his decades-long fight against neuromuscular disease. The organization, which supports research and patient care for diseases like muscular dystrophy and ALS, has seen the impact of Lewis's work firsthand.
Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System found that medical students who have not yet completed their OB/GYN clerkship place more value on securing consent before performing pelvic examinations under anesthesia. This suggests a decline in the importance of obtaining patient consent for these procedures.
A new computer simulation reveals that burning particles of highly reactive gas can leap out in front of an explosive shock wave and ride it, sparking reactions ahead of the wave. The model predicts ultrafast detonations can occur in laboratory experiments.
A randomized study found that rapid-release nicotine gum significantly reduced cravings and provided meaningful relief compared to Nicorette. By 30 minutes of chewing, 92% of participants reported complete relief, outperforming Nicorette's 77%. The gum's unique mechanism delivers a controlled dose of nicotine for longer periods.
A study by Dr. Michael Gaziano and colleagues found a significant link between greater height and increased risk of prostate cancer in men aged 50 and above, with risks increasing by 32% for those over 72 inches tall. However, no association was found between weight or body mass index and prostate cancer risk.