A US study finds that 84% of residents are within an hour's distance from a trauma center, with medical helicopters key to extending this access to suburban and rural areas. The researchers recommend reorganizing trauma centers, ambulances, and helicopter bases to improve access.
Researchers have found tantalizing evidence that short gamma-ray bursts are caused by the collision of old, dense neutron stars. The discovery was made using data from the Swift satellite and spectroscopy from the Keck II telescope, which pinpointed a new burst near an elliptical galaxy.
Researchers at Medical College of Georgia have developed a new approach to inhibit blood vessel growth by targeting VEGF production within cells. The technique, which uses a gene that binds to and sequesters VEGF, has shown promising results in reducing destructive blood vessel proliferation by up to two-thirds.
Researchers found that early-life exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) can increase the incidence of uterine tumors in rats with a genetic predisposition. The study suggests that environmental exposures during development can interact with a preexisting genetic susceptibility to increase disease risk.
Heavy smoking is associated with a four-fold increase in major cardiovascular events, emphasizing the need for enhanced policies and individual support. The European Society of Cardiology advocates for smoke-free environments and access to quitting resources.
Lan Zhang et al. integrated five biological relationships to discover recurring patterns and themes, highlighting previously unknown relationships between functional modules. Their approach can predict interactions and gene functions, offering a basis for detailed network reconstruction and understanding biological networks.
A randomized trial of 900 patients with breast or prostate cancer found that a shorter course of radiation therapy was as effective as the standard treatment in providing pain relief. The study also showed less acute toxicity and re-treatment rates in patients who received a single dose of 8 Gy radiation.
A study found that approximately 69% and 84% of US residents had access to level I or II trauma centers within 45 and 60 minutes, respectively. Rural areas were often without timely access to these centers, while urban areas had better access due to higher concentrations of trauma centers.
The miRNA profiling technique is widely used in cancer research to identify and quantify microRNAs in tumor tissues. Researchers have found that specific miRNA patterns are associated with different types of cancers, leading to potential biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment.
A study by Beth E. Meyerowitz and colleagues found that cancer survivors are twice as likely to experience cognitive deficits, including dementia, compared to their cancer-free twins. The authors suggest that cancer treatments may lower survivors' cognitive reserve, leading to increased risk of long-term cognitive dysfunction.
Researchers found that exposure to fine particles in air pollution impairs blood vessel reactivity in people with diabetes, leading to a higher risk of heart problems. The study also suggests that this association may help explain previous findings on the link between air pollution and cardiovascular issues in diabetics.
A new study by UC Davis researchers suggests that learning to recognize and follow internal hunger cues can significantly improve overall health regardless of weight loss. Non-dieters who adopted the Health at Every Size approach showed significant improvements in metabolic and psychological health, including lower cholesterol levels a...
A newly developed treatment for severe grief, known as Complicated Grief Treatment (CGT), has been shown to be more effective than standard therapy in reducing symptoms of complicated grief and improving response rates. CGT was compared to Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) in a randomized controlled trial involving 83 women and 12 men.
Researchers propose that reservoir construction creates ideal conditions for exotic aquatic species to thrive and spread. Studies suggest that reservoirs can facilitate the invasion of invasive species such as Daphnia lumholtzi and zebra mussels.
Research from Mayo Clinic Proceedings reveals that patients traveling long distances prior to surgery are at increased risk of postoperative blood clots, which can be life-threatening. The study also found a threshold for anesthesia duration that increases the risk of blood clots in veins after surgery.
Research found that primary care physicians have only 3.5 hours per day to provide care for common chronic diseases, increasing to over 10 hours per day when accounting for poorly controlled conditions. The authors suggest collaborative guideline development and team approaches to patient education to address this issue.
Research on the ATM gene suggests that women carrying one mutated copy are twice as likely to develop breast cancer, with a lifetime risk of one in six compared to one in 11 in the general population. Meanwhile, a new study on ursodeoxycholic acid treatment found a 39% reduction in colorectal adenoma recurrence among patients who recei...
A recent study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that the Medicaid system fails to identify 28% of children in foster care. The study also discovered that nearly 40% of these children never visited a healthcare provider after being placed in foster care, highlighting concerns about unmet medical needs.
Cancer centers are urged to implement tobacco cessation services, promoting a smoke-free environment for patients and staff. The public is aware of tobacco's risks, and excuses about staff smoking should not justify continued smoking in healthcare facilities.
A comprehensive survey of schizophrenia rates around the globe debunks a popular textbook definition that the disorder affects 10 in every 1000 people. The study reveals the incidence and prevalence of schizophrenia varies greatly between regions, with poorer countries having more women affected than men.
X-ray flashes and gamma-ray bursts, two powerful cosmic explosions, have long been linked in theory. New satellite data, however, suggests that these events may not be as connected as previously thought, contradicting popular theories.
Researchers identified seven non-B HIV-1 subtypes among African-born patients in Minnesota, contradicting the assumption of subtype B prevalence. The study suggests that implementing HIV subtype surveillance in states with larger immigrant populations is essential for public health.
A study found that nearly all US physicians in six high-risk specialties reported practicing defensive medicine, with common practices including ordering unnecessary tests and referring patients for consultation. Defensive medicine may reduce access to care and pose risks of physical harm, particularly in women's health.
A study found that adopting direct malpractice reforms led to a significant increase in the overall supply of physicians. The researchers discovered that these reforms had a larger effect on nongroup vs. group physicians, specialties with high malpractice insurance premiums, and states with high levels of managed care.
MESSENGER successfully tested its main camera by snapping distant approach shots of Earth and the Moon. The images show bands of clouds between North and South America on Earth's sunlit side, providing valuable data for planetary exploration.
Research suggests long-term cancer survivors may experience increased cognitive impairment, with 15% showing signs of cognitive dysfunction. The study's findings highlight the need for further research into potential causes and possible treatments.
A study of 260 non-ventilated patients found that delirium is a predictor of longer hospital stays and higher mortality rates. Patients experiencing delirium had a 29% greater risk of remaining in the ICU and a 41% greater risk of prolonged hospitalization.
A multidisciplinary team found that early-stage romantic love is associated with subcortical reward regions rich in dopamine and brain systems involved in motivation to acquire a reward. The study suggests that romantic love may be linked to mammalian drive behaviors, such as pursuing preferred mates.
A new treatment approach for complicated grief, developed by University of Pittsburgh researchers, has shown significant promise in improving symptoms and reducing emotional pain. The treatment, which combines elements of interpersonal psychotherapy with a unique two-pronged approach, was found to be more effective than a comparison th...
Researchers have found that carrying the sickle cell gene provides partial protection against malaria, increasing to 60% in childhood before declining. The study suggests an immune component to this protection and may offer insights into developing an effective vaccine.
Astronomers observed a binary star system called RX J0806.3+1527, where the white dwarf pair has an estimated mass of one-half the sun and orbits at a rate consistent with gravitational wave predictions. The system is believed to be among the brightest sources of gravitational waves in the galaxy.
Researchers found that reducing yeast in flies' diet increased life span by over 60%, suggesting protein or fat plays a greater role in longevity than sugar. The study's findings challenge the conventional wisdom that eating less promotes longevity and provide insight into the effects of different nutrients on life span.
A comprehensive analysis of 1,721 estimates from 188 studies covering 46 countries found schizophrenia is more common in developed countries but overall less common than thought. The study revealed that immigrant populations have higher rates of the disease than native-born individuals.
Observations of SN 2003jd reveal aspherical explosion, supporting hypothesis that Type Ic supernovae can produce gamma-ray bursts. The findings also suggest that the direction-dependent shape of the oxygen line is a key indicator of an aspherical explosion.
Researchers at Rutgers University have developed a method to produce ordered arrays of particles with properties comparable to those of true single crystals. The technique involves self-assembly of nanoparticles into densely packed layers, opening up new possibilities for applications in sensing, imaging, and energy storage.
Astronomers using Spitzer Space Telescope image a new generation of stars at the heads of huge dust pillars created by galactic weather conditions. The Carina Nebula, located 10,000 light years from Earth, is visible to the human eye and contains several dozen massive stars that shape the gigantic dust pillars.
Two astronomers have used NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory to discover a shell of superheated gas around a dying star in the Milky Way galaxy. The study reveals how material ejected at two million miles per hour can heat previously ejected gas to emit X-rays, providing new insight into the persistence of such gas around dying stars.
Researchers found a significant gap in statin use among patients with high and moderate risk of heart disease. Statin therapy was underused in these groups, with fewer than half of patient visits associated with use, despite being recommended for them.
A study analyzing national surveys found that many patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease are not receiving statin treatment. The authors conclude that education is needed to improve physicians' adherence to evidence-based medicine guidelines for cardiovascular risk reduction.
Researchers developed a new fluorescent imaging technique using FRET (Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer) to track glutamate production in individual brain cells. This breakthrough technology will help better understand disease processes and construct new drugs.
A new study reveals that tobacco industry documents show companies intentionally modified products to promote female smoking by emphasizing stylishness and perceived health benefits. The analysis highlights the troubling implications for world health as tobacco companies seek to increase smoking among women in developing countries.
A new study found that long-term daily use of aspirin was associated with an increased risk of ER/PR-negative breast cancer, while long-term daily use of ibuprofen was linked to a higher risk of nonlocalized breast cancer. Regular NSAID use was not associated with breast cancer risk.
A team of researchers has made a breakthrough in creating perfect glass by monitoring the structure changes of zeolites when heated. The resulting glass is stronger and more resistant than traditional glass, with potential applications in making glass invulnerable to water and reducing breakage.
Research psychologist Michel Varkevisser found that employees with chronic sleeping complaints perform less well under controlled laboratory conditions. However, when self-reliant in boring circumstances, they can maintain high performance levels but at a long-term cost to their physical well-being.
A study published in PNAS found that prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) can permanently alter tissue in rats, making them more susceptible to hormone-dependent tumors. The researchers believe this phenomenon could explain why some people with inherited tumor suppressor gene defects develop cancer while others do not.
Researchers at U-M have identified a method that produces viable eggs when thawed, allowing cancer patients to preserve fertility. The vitrification technique enables 98% survival of eggs after thawing, compared to traditional slow-freeze techniques.
Researchers found that dyslexic children struggle to ignore 'noise' and isolate relevant visual and auditory cues, leading to reading problems. This ability is crucial for learning to read, as it allows individuals to distinguish between sounds in words.
Researchers used PET/CT scans to evaluate nearly 2,000 cancer patients and detected unexpected additional malignancies. These newly identified lesions are often of early stage and have a better likelihood of being cured if treated promptly and aggressively.
The lack of effective cancer therapy access in developing countries is a pressing issue, with over 60% of children lacking treatment options. Experts propose twinning partnerships between institutions to improve pediatric cancer care through education and training.
Researchers have successfully manipulated the spin of an electron using a jolt of voltage, allowing for precise control over the process. The discovery has implications for the development of optoelectronics and quantum cryptography, enabling secure information encoding.
A new fluorescence device using time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TR-LIFS) has been developed to detect atherosclerotic plaque and brain tumors. The technique shows promising results in distinguishing between inflamed and stable plaque areas, as well as detecting tumor cells left behind after surgery.
A study by Texas A&M AgriLife Communications reveals that planting containerized seedlings in the fall can significantly increase the survival rate of pine tree seedlings, with a 93% survival rate compared to 67%. The shift in reforestation methods may help landowners improve their forest land management and reduce waste.
Dartmouth Medical School researchers have identified the enzymatic activity of Aprataxin, a gene associated with an early onset hereditary neurological disorder. This discovery may lead to improved treatment strategies for ataxia-oculomotor apraxia 1 by targeting specific protein substrates.
A team of Johns Hopkins engineering undergraduates designed a system that uses sound emitters in the ball and on the backboard to enable blind people to play basketball. The system, tested by Blind Industries and Services of Maryland, allows players to locate their shooting target through low pulse tones and higher continuous tones.
Benicar-based treatment algorithms significantly reduced mean systolic blood pressure in Stage 2 hypertensive populations. In Stage 1 patients, 89% reached the aggressive blood pressure goal of less than 130/85 mmHg.
Researchers identify two distinct cell types, macrophages and dendritic cells, that form the body's emergency response to foreign bacteria. These cells play a crucial role in developing protective immunity against leprosy and other diseases.
Professor Menachem Elimelech of Yale University has been awarded the prestigious Athalie Richardson Irvine Clarke Prize for outstanding achievement in water science and technology. The award recognizes his significant contributions to understanding water quality, quantity, and public policy.
Five high-profile medical whistleblowers share their accounts of practices in medicine and research that risk public health and safety. They reveal the 'pharma-FDA complex' may compromise drug development, prescribing, and safety monitoring, leading to potential disasters like Vioxx.
The Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network (DILIN) will investigate patients who have suffered severe liver injury due to medications. The network aims to identify genetic risk factors for such injuries, which are a major cause of sudden liver failure and new drug failures.
A recent study using the Panel Study of Economic Dynamics found that women's weight gain is associated with reduced family income and occupational prestige. The researchers tracked changes in Americans over several decades, highlighting the impact of body mass on economic outcomes.