A survey of medical school deans and state medical society executives reveals widespread physician shortages in the US. The most frequently cited specialties experiencing shortages are anesthesiology (50%) and radiology (44%), with other subspecialties such as cardiology, gastroenterology, and geriatrics also reporting deficits.
Tissue engineers can now monitor the growth and differentiation of cells in three-dimensional scaffolds with unprecedented depth. This breakthrough provides a crucial capability for the emerging field of tissue engineering, which aims to regenerate form and function in damaged or diseased tissues and organs.
A team of researchers demonstrated the use of Telescience to facilitate international biomedical research, showcasing an international consortium of users and globally-distributed resources. They successfully transferred data over IPv6 networks at speeds of over 1Gbit/second.
Researchers at University of Toronto have developed a system that allows robots to navigate using their own unique sounds, generated by pre-recorded phrases played through elevated speakers. The system uses an array of stationary microphones to locate the robot on a virtual map and guide it around obstacles.
Researchers at USAMRIID have developed Ebola virus-like particles (VLPs) that induce both cell-mediated and humoral immunity in mice, providing 100% protection against lethal challenge. The VLPs, resembling infectious viral particles without genetic material, offer a promising vaccine platform for Ebola and other viruses.
A new reference material from NIST helps researchers and implant manufacturers optimize processing parameters for crosslinking, reducing brittleness and improving wear resistance in orthopedic hip implants. The material provides precise dimensions and swelling information from round-robin tests.
Research reveals a significant rise in frog deformities over the past three decades, with a notable correlation to trematode parasites. Historically documented cases suggest an ongoing issue, while recent findings indicate increased occurrences and severity across more than 50 hotspots in North America.
A recent study analyzed patients treated with Keppra and found it to be well-tolerated and more effective in the oldest age group, those 60 years and older. The rate of epilepsy occurring in the elderly is twice that of people under 65, making treatment challenging due to multiple health conditions and medications.
The American Society of Hematology has awarded Gary Gilliland and Janet Rowley for their significant contributions to hematology research. Dr. Gilliland's work on the molecular pathogenesis of leukemia and discovery of a cause for hypereosinophilic syndrome have provided new ways to understand cancer, while Dr. Rowley's discoveries of ...
A recent UCLA study found that bullying is a widespread issue in schools, with up to 18% of students experiencing it. The study reveals that bullies are often popular and respected, while victims suffer from depression, social anxiety, and loneliness.
A cross-sectional survey of over 2000 users of Internet depression communities found that major depression was most common in the UK and Sweden, with significant numbers not receiving treatment. The study also showed that online communities can reduce feelings of isolation and lead to seeking professional help.
A recent survey by Erickson found that Atlantic Canadians are best connected, with an average of 11 out of 15 occupational categories. Volunteering is key to broadening one's social network, according to Professor Bonnie Erickson.
A study by Indiana University researchers suggests that European soil microbes help the invasive American black cherry tree grow, while inhibiting native species. The research found that in Dutch greenhouses, sterilized soil led to poor growth of native cherry trees, but non-sterilized soil allowed the invasive species to thrive.
A recent study conducted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology has found that DVD compatibility is only 85 percent, resulting in potential issues such as DVDs not working or freezing. The test involved 14 models of DVD-ROM drives and over 50 different brands and types of recordable DVD discs.
A recent study by University of Toronto researchers found that doctors with leadership roles tend to have a shorter lifespan. The study compared the life expectancies of 1,521 doctors who graduated from U of T over the past century. On average, these leaders lived 50 years after graduation, whereas their peers lived for 52 years.
Epilepsy can develop as people age, often due to common health problems like stroke, cancers, or heart diseases. The NCOA and Epilepsy Foundation launch an initiative to educate about epilepsy in the elderly, emphasizing subtle symptoms and effective treatment options.
The discovery allows researchers to move droplets across a chip's surface without touching solid walls, enabling experiments with mixed droplets and materials synthesis. This technology has wide-ranging implications for microscale transport, mixing, and chemical analysis.
A new self-powered undersea robot will descend 11,000 meters using navigation and control systems developed by Johns Hopkins researchers. The project aims to extend oceanographic research at extreme depths with a highly precise underwater vehicle.
USC neuroscientist Emily Liman founds that calcium acts as a bridge for taste cells to send signals to the brain about what's been tasted. The study reveals new details on how the sense of taste works and could lead to the development of better artificial sweeteners or additives.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully created continuous fibers of pristine single-walled carbon nanotubes using a new processing method involving superacids. This breakthrough enables the industrial production of pure carbon nanotube threads, cables, and sheets, with potential applications in materials science and aerospace.
A study of 150 children and adults found that African-American, East African, Hispanic, and Native American subjects were nearly entirely vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with significant risks for osteoporosis, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.
Researchers conduct simulations of collapsed buildings using arena environments, focusing on advanced algorithms, sensors, and mechanisms for improved robot performance. The competition aims to increase the relevance of events for real emergencies by incorporating new limitations and sensor identifications.
Researchers at the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center found that pairing Gleevec with high-dose chemotherapy produces a synergistic effect in patients with Philadelphia-positive ALL, resulting in complete remissions that have lasted up to 29 months. The two-year disease-free survival rate is 85 percent, offering a promisi...
Researchers found positive associations between history of first-degree relative, current smoking, and moderate to heavy alcohol use with increased risk of advanced neoplasia. Conversely, higher cereal fiber intake, vitamin D levels, and daily NSAID use were linked to lower risk.
A new dynamic PET technique has been developed to provide more accurate diagnoses and improve patient comfort during PET scans. By combining a short initial scan with a longer static scan, doctors can gather valuable data about cancer tumors and treatment response.
A team of scientists discovered a microbe that can survive at -20°C, which could provide clues about how life might thrive beneath the Martian polar ice caps. Researchers propose that similar habitats may exist on Mars and should be explored.
A limited study of six patients found that the Atkins diet helped two children and one young adult remain seizure-free for up to 20 months. The researchers suggest that the diet may be a trial run for individuals considering the ketogenic diet, but its use should be cautious due to the small study size.
A large study found a positive association between increasing levels of C-reactive protein and risk of developing hypertension. Women with higher levels of this inflammatory marker were about twice as likely to develop high blood pressure over a median follow-up period of 7.8 years.
Researchers will monitor elderly individuals with existing heart disease to see how daily air pollution levels impact their ailments. The study aims to find an association between ultrafine particles and the severity of heart disease, which could lead to better air pollution regulations and improved medical treatment.
A new approach to glucose management in intensive care units is suggested by the findings, which indicate that tight control can improve vascular function and lower infection risk. The study analyzed data from over 1,800 patients and found a significant association between high blood sugar levels and increased death rates.
A study found that 29.8% of Ontario men diagnosed with prostate cancer used complementary medicine, highlighting the need for awareness and discussion among clinicians. The most commonly used products were natural health supplements like vitamin E, saw palmetto, and selenium, which may interact with conventional therapies.
A study found that elderly patients taking Keppra alone achieved seizure freedom, even in those suffering from epilepsy for nearly 30 years. The medication's kidney-clearance mechanism avoids interactions with other drugs, making it a promising treatment option.
Researchers have identified late-life anemia as a risk factor for mortality and hospitalization in elderly adults. A new drug, CC5013, shows unprecedented activity in treating myelodysplastic syndrome, offering hope to patients.
Researchers found that a gene mutation led to a more deadly strain of tuberculosis, which spread rapidly in mice and caused increased bacterial load in organs. The mutated bacteria were able to evade the host's immune system, leading to severe infection and death.
A new study using NCAR's global Climate System Model predicts a significant decrease in global dust levels by 2100. The reduction is expected to lower temperatures and reduce carbon dioxide removal from the atmosphere through marine organisms.
Researchers found that early treatment reduced the likelihood of poor vision from 19.5% to 14.5% and structural damage from 15.6% to 9.1% in high-risk premature infants. The study, published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, identified risk factors for ROP and showed that prompt treatment can prevent severe vision loss.
The Duct Busters team repairs patent ductus arteriosus in premature newborns with high-quality surgical care, eliminating transport risks and allowing families to stay in familiar environments. The study found no significant differences in anesthesia-related complications or surgical outcomes between on-site and off-site procedures.
Scientists studying the West Antarctic Ice Sheet have found that all its ice streams have changed substantially over the last five years, with varying effects on thickness and flow rates. The changes suggest a complex picture of the WAIS's behavior, raising more questions than answers about its future impact on global sea levels.
Researchers found that levetiracetam monotherapy can be an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for adults with new onset and difficult-to-control epilepsy. After one year of treatment, 53% of patients were seizure-free, with some experiencing significant reductions in seizure frequency.
A recent catastrophic landslide on Kilauea has created a debris buffer that stabilizes the Hilina slump, reducing the likelihood of future collapse. The buffer was formed when a detached piece of the mountain slid away and settled beneath the ocean, creating a broad, bench-like structure.
The Jakobshavn Glacier, one of Greenland's major drainage outlets, has been found to be accelerating and retreating rapidly. Glacial scientists have discovered that the glacier is now flowing at speeds of up to 9 kilometers per year, with ice thinning rates reaching an alarming 12 meters per year.
A higher dose of Gleevec was found to lead to increased remission in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), with 28% of patients achieving complete molecular response after 18 months. The treatment showed improved results over time, with a significant reduction in disease progression.
Human bone marrow-derived single stem cell lines can proliferate and differentiate into islet-like cells capable of glucose-related insulin production. Researchers implanted these cells into mice with type 1 diabetes, observing an apparent reduction in glucose levels after two weeks.
A national expert panel updated widely used criteria for potentially harmful medications in older adults. The 1997 Beers Criteria has identified 48 medications to avoid, including estrogen and Benadryl, due to increased risk of adverse drug events such as depression and bleeding.
A study on therapeutic cloning of hematopoietic stem cells showed promising results in generating compatible cells for long-term engraftment. Another study on transferring donor immunity across HLA barriers identified a safe and effective way to re-build immunity after bone marrow transplantation.
Researchers discovered a significant improvement in overall survival for people with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) after using the antibody rituximab plus fludarabine, increasing progression-free survival by 22% and overall survival by 12%.
A large study found that consuming higher amounts of dietary fats, particularly vegetable and animal fats, was associated with an increased risk of progression to advanced age-related macular degeneration. In contrast, fish and nut consumption reduced the risk of AMD progression.
The study found that children of MZ and DZ twins with a history of alcohol dependence were significantly more likely to exhibit alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence than those with non-alcoholic fathers. A low-risk environment can moderate the impact of high genetic risk regarding offspring for the development of alcohol-use disorders.
A new study published in PEDIATRICS reveals that inhaled nitric oxide is a more cost-effective treatment option for newborns with HRF, resulting in significant savings of over $440,000 per 100 cases. This breakthrough therapy avoids the need for invasive ECMO surgery and its associated costs.
A novel gene therapy delivery system using stem cells has been developed to target and attack tumors, regardless of their location in the body. The system, which uses human mesenchymal progenitor cells, has shown promising results in tests with mice with various types of cancer, including ovarian, brain, breast, melanoma, and leukemia.
Researchers found that small lice stick to small birds and big lice prefer big birds due to the optimal hiding space between individual 'barbs' in their feathers. The study suggests that size matters for parasites, with larger hosts supporting larger louse species.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that sulfuric acid combines with methanol to form methyl sulfate, which can contribute to cloud formation and trapping of heat. This interaction may have a significant impact on global climate change, but the conditions required for its formation are still not fully understood.
A new map of the Arctic Tundra Biome has been published, providing a comprehensive understanding of the region's vegetation and associated characteristics. The Circumpolar Arctic Vegetation Map (CAVM) offers critical data for conservation and climate change efforts, including information on land-use change and plant biomass.
Research suggests that air travel increases the risk of blood clots, particularly in individuals with genetic predispositions and those taking oral contraceptives. Long-haul flights lasting eight hours or longer may double the risk of isolated calf muscle venous thrombosis.
A study of older Catholic nuns found that those prone to negative emotions like depression and anxiety were more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. This suggests that psychological distress may be a risk factor for the disease, rather than an early sign.
A review of scientific data found that gelatin proteins and egg proteins can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions in children with allergies. However, the quantities of other substances in vaccines are too small to demonstrate any documented reactions.
A long-term study found that BMI tracking from adolescence to adulthood is significant and strongly related to adult weight gain. Lifestyle factors like physical activity, smoking, and parental education also play a crucial role in determining an individual's adult BMI.
The USP MEDMARX report supports JCAHO's National Patient Safety Goals by highlighting the need to prevent patient misidentification, miscommunication, and errors with high-risk medications. The report found that 4.7% of records involved wrong-patient errors, while communication issues were the third leading cause of errors.
Bacteria use iron oxide to breathe in anaerobic environments, allowing them to degrade toxic waste. Genetic manipulation enables tailored targeting of specific contaminants.
Researchers found that individuals with favorable views of their community were more likely to meet weekly physical activity recommendations. Younger participants, especially those living within $10,000-$20,000 and above $35,000 annually, exhibited higher exercise adherence rates.