The new assessment tool, ADAPT, provides a platform for tracking participant data by demographics, activities, and institution data warehouses. The researchers found that comprehensive assessment techniques can help evaluate and revamp existing programs, leading to better outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
Researchers have isolated a new enzyme, Orf2, that can modify a wide range of small aromatic molecules by adding a prenyl group. This modification can significantly impact the molecule's biological properties and could be used to create biologically active compounds for drug development.
Researchers found that genetic manipulation of the fruitless gene in females led to classic male sexual behavior patterns, including courtship dances. The study suggests a strong biological basis for sexual behavior and orientation in animal species.
Researchers found men with high sun exposure had half the risk of prostate cancer compared to those with low sun exposure. Men with certain gene variants showed a 65% reduced risk, suggesting sunlight helps reduce prostate cancer risk through vitamin D production.
A new study suggests that minor surgery plus antibiotics can prevent foot-bone infections and amputations. Patients with diabetes are at high risk, especially those with poor circulation and kidney problems.
Researchers have discovered a single gene, fruitless, that determines how females and males detect and respond differently to sexual cues. Activating this gene in female flies produces male-like courtship behaviors, challenging the assumption that males and females perceive the world similarly.
Researchers find that stabilizing a protein called â-catenin drives hair follicle development by reducing the threshold for stem cell activation. Key genes controlling this process are identified, providing new insights into promoting hair growth.
A large European survey of 11,000 patients admitted with heart failure found that only two thirds had received a heart tracing, while four out of ten patients lacked an ACE inhibitor prescription. Multidisciplinary treatment can cut hospital admissions and deaths from heart failure.
A study of 59 patients with persistent atrial fibrillation found a strong link between Helicobacter pylori infection and elevated C reactive protein levels, suggesting chronic gastritis may predispose to atrial fibrillation. The researchers also noted that H pylori has properties enabling it to evade the immune system.
A team of researchers found that plant-insect interactions were diverse and abundant in Patagonia 52 million years ago. The study reveals a legacy of ancient biodiversity that will help understand modern South American diversity.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that senior citizens are becoming more supportive of educational spending, defying expectations. The data contradicts long-held assumptions about the role of aging and retirement in shaping attitudes towards school funding.
A life impact study found that adults with childhood onset ankylosing spondylitis experience more serious physical deformity and work-related disability than those who develop the disease as adults. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve symptoms and prevent long-term effects.
Researchers have found that a quantum dot's dielectric function is virtually identical to its bulk material counterpart, except near the surface. This discovery could revolutionize electronic devices by allowing for more precise control over their properties.
The WVSS II sensors gather data more often, at higher vertical resolution, and at lower cost than satellites and balloons. This improves forecasts of thunderstorms, microbursts, turbulence, fog, ceiling visibility, rotating wakes from other aircraft, snow and ice storms, and year-round precipitation.
A new study found that low-income, African-American communities in Maryland are more likely to be exposed to high levels of air pollutants, increasing their cancer risk. The study suggests that targeted emissions-reduction policies can help mitigate this disparity and improve health outcomes for these communities.
A study found that disease reinfection rates for TB were four times higher than new cases in South Africa. Additionally, researchers discovered that low-dose spiral computer-based tomography (CT) screening can lead to an early diagnosis of lung cancer in a high proportion of cases.
Scientists at UCSD and Elan Pharmaceuticals have successfully vaccinated mice with a combination of human alpha-synuclein protein and adjuvant, reducing abnormal alpha-synuclein accumulation and promoting nerve cell survival.
Researchers found that adults can improve their recognition of speech sounds in foreign languages through training. The study showed a significant improvement in recognition accuracy after a 10-session training course.
A new approach to managing type 2 diabetes has been demonstrated in a Canadian study, showing that early addition of insulin glargine therapy can safely achieve better glycemic and metabolic outcomes. The results show lower and steady blood glucose levels more quickly and often compared to oral medications.
A promising new TB drug, PA-824, has entered human clinical trials, showing activity against both actively dividing and slow-growing M. tb stages. The drug may significantly reduce the time needed to cure TB, offering hope for shorter treatment regimens.
This study investigates the effects of alcohol on brain structure and function, highlighting permanent and transient changes due to excessive drinking. Abstinence has been shown to reverse some brain damage, including dendrite shrinkage, which may improve cognitive functions.
A new approach to PET imaging scans may help diagnose more cancerous lesions, with Saint Louis University researchers finding that up to 8% of cancerous legions occur outside the current imaging field. The true whole-body scan protocol has been successfully tested and could become the standard for all PET centers.
Researchers at K-State are contributing to the effort to sequence the common wheat genome, a significant step towards understanding its genetic traits. The goal is to determine the exact sequence of DNA that controls wheat's characteristics, allowing for more efficient and sustainable food production.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have developed a holographic video system with potential applications in medical visualization, such as improved diagnosis of ailments like heart disease. The technology also has military uses, including heads-up displays for helmets and coordinating battlefield information.
Researchers found limited evidence to support the effectiveness of 10 commonly prescribed medications for insomnia, including trazodone, which is often used as a first-line treatment.
The US National Science Foundation has awarded the highest national honor to 20 young researcher-educators who have made significant contributions to science and engineering. These award recipients will lead the nation in these fields, inspire students, and promote diversity in STEM education.
A study by researchers at the University of Illinois found that intense selective logging changed the ecological balance for three primate species, leading to increased parasitic infections in red-tailed guenons. The monkeys experienced behavioral changes and reduced protein and vital mineral intake due to decreased food availability.
Researchers found that invasive treatment with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) resulted in smaller infarct size and lower risk of death or stroke compared to conventional conservative treatment. This suggests that reperfusion therapy may be beneficial for patients presenting late after symptom onset.
A new genetic test detects malignant hyperthermia susceptibility in 25-50% of cases, improving patient safety during general anesthesia. The test requires only a blood sample and can substitute other anesthesia drugs to prevent the rare but life-threatening condition.
A study by Edward F. Coyle found that Lance Armstrong's long-term training increased muscular efficiency, leading to an 8% improvement in power production. Combining this with a planned weight loss, his steady-state power output improved by 18%. This increase in muscle efficiency may be due to an increase in type I muscle fibers.
A recent study published in the Journal of Physiology reveals that muscle fatigue can significantly impact limb control, particularly when visual cues are absent. This finding has significant implications for athletes involved in high-speed, precision-based sports like serving a tennis ball or shooting a bow and arrow.
Research finds hazardous drinkers and drug users have higher rates of injuries, hypertension, and depression compared to those with less severe problems. Screening for these issues can help prevent worsening of problems and improve overall health.
A recent study found that the APOE e2 allele is associated with a moderately increased risk for chronic kidney disease, whereas the e4 variant provides protection. The study involved 14,520 middle-aged participants and confirmed previous findings on the role of genetics in kidney disease.
A phase I study found that glioma patients who responded to erlotinib treatment had higher levels of EGFR expression and amplification. The level of phosphorylated PKB/Akt was also associated with response to erlotinib, as well as time to progression.
A new study has shown that PET with 11C-Choline improves the early diagnosis of relapsed prostate cancer, with a sensitivity of 65% compared to 28% for conventional FDG. This finding is particularly useful for detecting relapses in patients with low PSA levels.
A study examines the cost-effectiveness of HPV testing in France, Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK, finding both triage and combination strategies to be more effective than current cytology-based screening programs. The cost-effectiveness ratios range from $9,800 to $75,900 per year of life saved, depending on the screening interval.
A retrospective study comparing hospitals participating and non-participating in the QIO program found no significant improvement in quality indicators for participating hospitals. Despite initial improvements in one area, the overall impact of the program on quality of care remains uncertain.
Researchers enrolled 200 patients who had suffered from recent episodes of ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation and found that fish oil supplements increased the risk of life-threatening heart rhythms. The study suggests that patients with implanted defibrillators should avoid fish oil supplements.
A recent survey found that 88% of nursing homes have a staff dentist, but most patients receive off-site dental care due to limited on-site equipment. Daily oral care is often assigned to nursing assistants, who are expected to prioritize other tasks.
Gordon wins the award for her research on treating bone loss in anorexic patients, while Mandl is recognized for his development of a real-time automated biosurveillance system to monitor bioterrorist attacks and outbreaks. The PECASE awards aim to nurture outstanding beginning scientists and engineers.
A study in Manitoba found a socioeconomic gradient in healthcare utilization, with low-income areas experiencing more hospitalizations and ambulatory visits. This challenges the assumption that frequent outpatient care for Ambulatory Care Sensitive conditions leads to lower hospitalization rates.
A new study found that anal cancer precursors are common among HIV-negative, sexually active men who have sex with men, regardless of age. The study also identified risk factors for these precancerous lesions, including HPV infection and having multiple male sex partners.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have developed a method to create flexible silicon nanotubes using nanoparticles. These nanotubes exhibit a unique combination of properties, including elasticity similar to rubber, making them suitable for various applications such as catalysis and guided laser cavities.
A new study analyzing Medicare data from four quality improvement organizations found no significant improvements in most clinical areas, despite a larger investment. However, participating hospitals showed better results in screening and administering pneumonia vaccinations.
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that high-poverty schools often struggle with inadequate educational resources, leading to a significant disadvantage for poor children. In these schools, up to 40% of students fail the writing test and are taught by non-highly qualified personnel.
Health professionals from Physicians for Social Responsibility, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Nurses Association file lawsuit against EPA over mercury rule. The rule threatens significant mercury reductions for 10-15 years longer than required by Clean Air Act, posing risks to brain development in children.
A new study by Cardiff University reveals that European food labels can be based on competing definitions of animal welfare, often reflecting different welfare standards. Welfare-friendly labels can be divided into three groups: explicit welfare content, implicit welfare component, and ambiguous welfare component.
Research suggests that drinking during pregnancy can increase the risk of infection in newborns, with excessive alcohol use increasing the risk by more than three times. Maternal smoking also increases the risk of infection, and concurrent abuse of both alcohol and smoking may have synergistic effects.
Research reveals how a molecule helps Brucella bacteria evade destruction within macrophages, leading to a deeper understanding of the pathogen. This discovery has significant implications for developing new vaccines and treatments against Brucellosis.
A 54-week randomized study found that orlistat, a gastrointestinal tract lipase inhibitor, significantly improved weight management in obese adolescents. The medication was well-tolerated and showed a sustained effect on reducing BMI, waist circumference, and lipid levels.
A double-blind trial found that fish oil supplements did not reduce the risk of sudden death or heart attack in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators. Instead, patients taking fish oil were more likely to experience recurrent ventricular fibrillation events.
A new study found that even short-term chronic alcohol consumption can lead to long-lasting cognitive deficits in mice. Researchers fed mice an alcohol or sucrose diet for eight weeks, followed by a three-week withdrawal period, and found that learning and memory tests showed deficits in all types of tasks.
A study found that 50% of patients who underwent temporal lobectomy for epilepsy were seizure-free after 30 years. Patients who experienced seizures within the first year after surgery had a lower likelihood of being seizure-free in the long term.
A study by UT Southwestern researchers found that the Clock gene regulates reward responses to cocaine and dopamine pathways. The study suggests a link between disrupted circadian rhythms and the tendency to abuse drugs.
Researchers discovered that the onset of spring is more rapid than previously thought and linked to a phenomenon known as the stratospheric final warming. This event accelerates the weakening of tropospheric winds, allowing for more accurate weather prediction models.
A Penn-led team has launched a balloon-borne telescope, BLAST, to survey the universe for faint stellar objects and gain insights into the formation of stars and galaxies. The telescope will capture light at three wavelengths, allowing astronomers to determine an object's distance and luminosity.
Researchers at Boston University found that the brain's ability to fill in gaps in visual information can be both beneficial and detrimental. The study showed that adults can develop a perceptual bias, seeing stimuli even when they are not present, which can lead to errors in perception and memory.
Researchers found that wearing knee-length graduated compression stockings reduced DVT risk by 95%, with only two participants developing the condition out of nearly 2,500. The review also highlights the importance of regular exercise and hydration to counteract the risks of long-haul flights.
A new program, The Sibling Center, aims to support the emotional and behavioral well-being of healthy siblings of children with chronic medical conditions. Preliminary responses show promising results, including reduced anger and improved communication within families.
A study examining reasons for suboptimal outcomes following deep brain stimulation surgery found issues with screening, diagnosis, and device programming. The researchers successfully salvaged 51% of failed procedures through reprogramming, medication adjustments, and electrode replacement.