The article discusses Fox Chase Cancer Center's implementation of certified nursing assistant (CNA) positions to support experienced nurses. The CNA program has led to a significant decrease in turnover rates, with a reduction of over 20% since its introduction in 2001.
Research found that women who received dental x-rays during pregnancy had a higher risk of having low birth weight infants, especially term low birth weight (TLBW) infants. The study suggested that eliminating all dental radiography during pregnancy could reduce the prevalence of TLBW infants by up to five percent.
A recent study found that secretin alters amygdala responsiveness to affective stimuli, providing a potential treatment avenue for conditions like schizophrenia, depression, and autism. The ability to detect and measure secretin's effects in the brain has important implications for studying both brain and behavioral effects.
A new bio-bar-code amplification test could provide a comprehensive disease profile from a single drop of blood, making it ideal for resource-poor settings. The test has already shown promise in detecting anthrax and prostate cancer, with the potential to be ready for marketing within one year.
A new UNC study found that child abuse brain injuries were five times more common in the hardest-hit counties after Hurricane Floyd, while non-abuse injuries increased by over 10 times. The research suggests that families affected by the disaster experienced heightened stress, poverty, and depression.
Researchers found significant improvement in language function and mood in patients with non-severe fluent aphasia treated with fluvoxamine maleate, a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor. The study used a double-blind crossover design and showed no significant improvement with nilvadipine.
Researchers analyzed brains of deceased men with Parkinson's disease and found a significant decrease in neurons compared to those without the disease. The study suggests that neuron loss starts approximately 13 years before diagnosis, paving the way for potential preclinical intervention.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found that botulinum toxin injections significantly improved musicians' playing ability and performance, with 69% reporting a positive response. The treatment was particularly effective for highly accomplished performing artists, who often face devastating career-ending symptoms.
The University of Minnesota has been awarded a $10M grant to lead a national effort in food bio-security. The grant aims to enhance the nation's capabilities to anticipate and prevent deliberate contamination of the food supply, which could have devastating effects on human health and the economy.
A Phase I study conducted at UCSD showed promising early indications of reduced disease advancement in patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The subjects who successfully completed the surgery showed a 50% reduction in their annual rate of decline on one of the measured cognitive scales.
A new study has found that the APOE-2 form of the gene increases the risk of developing Parkinson's disease by 20 percent compared to other forms of the gene. The study analyzed data from 22 studies and 9,988 participants, providing strong evidence for the link between the APOE gene and Parkinson's disease.
A new nanoscience-based diagnostic method called bio-bar-code amplification (BCA) has been developed, rivaling PCR in sensitivity and selectivity. BCA can detect as few as 10 DNA molecules in a sample in minutes, making it suitable for point-of-care diagnostics at various locations.
New Saint Louis University research reveals that high triglycerides in the bloodstream prevent leptin from reaching the brain, leading to increased hunger and weight gain. The study suggests that lowering triglyceride levels may be a key factor in solving the obesity epidemic.
A study by Dr. Jonathan Strober found creatine supplementation to be safe in children with neuromuscular disorders, but failed to improve muscle mass or motor function. The treatment had varying effects on range of motion in patients with different conditions.
A team of researchers has developed a new technique to directly measure protein binding forces, clarifying the role of membrane-anchored protein NCAM in cell adhesion. Their study reveals that NCAM forms two adhesive configurations, which are validated by experimental results and contribute to spatially distinct bonds.
Research reveals that single parents struggle with a range of legal and social welfare problems, including debt, contact, benefits, and child maintenance. Many experience significant challenges in accessing help, with 32% facing violence or harassment problems and 34% finding it impossible to get access to benefits.
The new guidelines will help physicians select the correct treatment based on individual patient needs, reducing reliance on outdated data. Current insurance policies can lead to inadequate treatment due to cost containment measures, but the guidelines aim to address this issue and improve patient outcomes.
A new study demonstrates that donepezil, a drug used to treat Alzheimer's, may also improve memory and cognition in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. More than 65% of those treated with donepezil reported improved memory, compared to 32% on placebo.
A randomized trial compared the effects of raloxifene and CEE on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with prior hysterectomy. The study found that CEE increased bone density by 4.6%, while raloxifene stabilized bone density, and both treatments had varying impacts on cholesterol levels.
Research found a 50% increased risk of total stroke and 70% increased risk of ischemic stroke in women with migraine with aura, compared to those without. High cholesterol levels were also associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke.
A study comparing newspaper stories to peer-reviewed research papers found that genetic research is often sensationalized, leading to inaccurate public perception. The authors suggest that academic promotion, grant funding, and financial gain may drive the hype surrounding genetic research.
A national survey found that 35 percent of respondents used prayer for health concerns. Prayer is most often directed towards wellness and used in conjunction with conventional medical care. People who use prayer report high levels of perceived helpfulness, but rarely discuss their use with physicians.
Duke researchers found that slower rewarming reduces brain temperature and hyperthermia risks after coronary artery bypass surgery. This leads to improved cognitive outcomes for patients six weeks post-surgery. A seven-year analysis of 6,334 patients showed significant reductions in hyperthermic episodes.
Researchers develop new methods to assess carbon uptake in Western mountain forests, which are affected by drought. By combining airborne data with ground-based measurements, scientists can better understand natural processes involved in forest-air carbon exchange.
A $3.6M study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of linking CT lung cancer screening to smoking-cessation programs. Dr. Claudia Henschke's research will use advanced image analysis software to investigate this connection.
Researchers combine airborne data with ground-based measurements to better understand carbon exchanges in rolling hills and mountain ranges. The project aims to enhance carbon uptake and improve monitoring methods for high-emitting nations and industries.
The joint program aims to expand technical capabilities in systems biology by combining ISB's instrumentation expertise with PNNL's computational powers. Current collaborations include protein structure prediction and whole proteome analysis, with potential applications in disease diagnosis and prevention.
The American Academy of Neurology and American Epilepsy Society have developed guidelines for treating newly diagnosed and difficult-to-manage epilepsy. The guidelines evaluate the safety, efficacy, and mode of use of eight new anti-epileptic drugs, offering a rigorous analysis that clinicians can use to make treatment decisions.
Researchers found that cholesterol levels peak in the winter and decrease in the summer, with women experiencing greater seasonal variability. The study suggests that changes in plasma volume explain the observed increases in cholesterol levels during the winter months.
The 'Immersive Earth' project brings together six museums and two universities to create digital planetarium shows nationwide. A new portable system uses an inflatable dome and single-projector display to fully immerse viewers in Earth and space science content.
Recent studies have identified key molecular markers of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease, revealing a complex role of amyloid proteins in the condition. These findings have significant implications for developing new treatments that target the underlying processes driving the disease.
A study at Massachusetts General Hospital found that natural testosterone delivery products improved muscle strength and function in HIV-infected women with low testosterone levels. The treatment resulted in significant improvements in muscle mass and overall quality of life.
Case Western Reserve University and US military combat stress experts are training Cleveland police supervisors to recognize stress in their ranks and address operational stress. The training aims to reduce the potential for violent confrontations with suspects or life-altering mistakes.
The UCF Technology Incubator was named the 2004 Technology Incubator of the Year by the National Business Incubation Association, recognizing its success in helping start-up companies generate over $140 million in revenue. The incubator has supported over 70 companies and provided work for more than 450 employees.
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories and the University of New Mexico developed a simple method to form durable nanocrystal arrays using a self-assembly process. The arrays can be used for biological labeling, laser light, catalysts, memory storage, and relief for physicists. The technique also enables the creation of independen...
Women with epilepsy face difficulties during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause, leading to changes in seizure severity and increased risk of fetal loss and birth defects. Doctors can help women balance medication risks by adjusting dosages or switching medications while minimizing harm.
Dr. Jiang's research focuses on ion channels, proteins in cell membranes controlling ion flow. He joins UT Southwestern faculty with a strong background in chemistry and postdoctoral experience.
A new analysis from Duke University Medical Center uses breast cancer data to develop personalized risk predictions and prognoses for individual patients. The study integrated traditional clinical variables with genomic information, including genetic fingerprints of a patient's tumor, to improve accuracy.
Researchers found pergolide substantially improves PLMS measures and subjective sleep disturbance associated with RLS. The study demonstrated long-term efficacy of pergolide treatment, maintaining improvements over 12 months.
A study by Ohio State University found that women tend to remember physical features, clothing, and postures of others better than men. This advantage may be due to women's greater focus on interpersonal interactions and people-oriented nature.
A newly discovered gene, Pcsk9, has been found to regulate the uptake of bad cholesterol from the blood by affecting liver cells' LDL receptors. This study provides a potential therapeutic approach to treating high blood cholesterol levels, a major risk factor for heart disease.
Prudent-layperson laws have reduced emergency department denials based on symptoms, rather than diagnoses. Insurers are now more likely to cover treatments, and fines for non-compliance have increased industry-wide changes in ED claims management.
Researchers have developed a faster and more environmentally friendly polishing slurry using green tea extract, which can save hard-drive manufacturers millions of dollars in disposal costs. The new slurry works by binding to tiny particles on the surface of read-write heads, making them easy to remove with water.
Epileptic seizures result from brain dysfunction, with early diagnosis and treatment crucial to preventing irreversible damage. The stigma surrounding epilepsy exacerbates the condition's impact on daily life and quality of life.
A study by Ohio State University found that despite new regulations, only half of recalled meat and poultry products are actually recovered from the market. The number of recalls has increased due to more sensitive tests, but their success rate remains low. Small plants have shown a better recovery rate than large ones.
A randomized trial of adult stem cell injections in heart failure patients showed significant improvement in cardiac function. The study found that patients who received stem cells had improved ejection fractions and increased Connexin 43 protein levels, indicating better communication between cells.
A team of scientists found that a single genetic mutation in the BBS4 protein can cause complex disorders like obesity, diabetes, and retinal degeneration. The researchers discovered that the mutation affects microtubule function, which is essential for cellular division and cell death.
Researchers have discovered a molecular force used by spiders to attach themselves to surfaces, which could be the key to creating super-strong adhesive Post-it notes. The van der Waals force is so strong that it allows spiders to carry their own body weight on their feet while standing on ceilings.
A recent study analyzing over 1,700 surgeries found that open surgery was more effective than laparoscopic repairs for treating groin hernias. The study also revealed that surgeons' experience with the procedure played a significant role in its success.
A study found that only 25% of internal medicine residency programs in the US have formal instruction on interacting with drug company sales representatives. A six-hour curriculum was developed to teach residents about the ethics of these interactions and how they can be influenced by marketing tactics.
A recent study found that undersized hearts can adapt by increasing in mass without affecting function or survival rates. This discovery could expand the heart donor pool to meet growing demand, with 3,490 people currently waiting for a transplant.
Researchers discovered that abnormal signals scattered across brain images, like a fireworks display, occur in patients who lose consciousness during seizures. In contrast, patients who don't lose consciousness have localized increases confined to the temporal lobe.
The US Pentagon is using cutting-edge sensors and software tests to protect against airborne hazards, including chemical and biological attacks. The system includes a multiscale weather forecast model, lidars, and other sensors to monitor air flow and turbulence around the building.
The NIST virtual surface calibration Web site provides free two-dimensional surface texture analysis software and a database of 10 different types of surface profiles. Manufacturers can validate software measurements and upload their own surface profiles to gain confidence in the accuracy of their software.
A 24-month study found that everolimus reduced intimal thickening and cardiovascular events, while sirolimus showed plaque regression. The results suggest that intravascular ultrasound measurements can be used as a valid surrogate for therapeutic intervention.
A study found that 73% of Canadian doctors can't estimate treatment costs within 25% of actual costs. They tend to underestimate expensive treatments and overestimate cheap ones, which can lead to unnecessary prescribing. The pharmaceutical industry's reluctance to provide cost information further hampers this process.
NIST's new portable 'rainbow' source enables precise color calibration across the entire visible light spectrum, addressing uncertainty in instruments measuring ocean and atmospheric properties. The highly portable source has been ordered by NOAA to reduce uncertainties in satellite calibrations.
Researchers developed a multi-gene molecular expression assay test to identify the quiescent state after heart transplantation and predict future occurrence of rejection. The test can help manage transplant patients' immunosuppression regimens and reduce discomfort during constant monitoring.
Scientists recommend overhaul of college introductory science courses to implement inquiry-based and active-learning strategies. This approach has proven to spark student interest in science, improve learning outcomes, especially among women and underrepresented minorities.
Researchers found that using an escrow settlement model settles cases more quickly and reduces litigation costs by 37%. The study, published in the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization, showed that 69% of cases were settled out of court using this method.