The Hospital Clínic's at-home bone marrow transplant program has shown promising results in reducing febrile episodes and hospital readmissions. By treating patients in their homes, the program improves quality of life and reduces hospitalization expenses by half. The program is now a routine service for one out of three cancer patients.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have named an ancient mammal found in Alberta, Canada, which lived about 60 million years ago. The creature, Horolodectes sunae, had powerful jaws and a unique tooth shape that resembles those of primitive relatives of ungulates, but was likely carnivorous.
A study published in Radiology found that virtual colonoscopy is an accurate screening method for colorectal cancer. The procedure was shown to be safer, faster, less costly, more convenient, and just as effective as optical colonoscopy in detecting polyps and cancers.
Parkinson's disease impacts brain's centers of touch and vision, affecting more than just motor control. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) reveals widespread abnormalities in somatosensory and visual cortex.
A version of a gene has been linked to autism in families where more than one child is affected. The variant, which impairs brain development, was found in people with autism spectrum disorders and their parents, but not in controls.
A comprehensive plan recommends leveraging video games to strengthen US education and workforce training, teaching skills in demand by present-day employers. Features of video and computer games are identified as effective in teaching higher-order learning skills such as strategic thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Researchers found PPM abuse varies greatly across US states, differing from traditional illicit drug trends. States with large metropolitan areas often have lower abuse rates despite perceptions of city dwellers being more prone to drug use.
A computer-driven system can reduce mechanical ventilation time by 50% and ICU stay by 20% compared to traditional physician-controlled weaning. The system uses automated gradual pressure support reduction, spontaneous breathing trials, and incentive messages to ensure patient readiness.
Researchers have identified a key mechanism by which Filoviruses, including Ebola and Marburg, cause immunosuppression. By targeting specific amino acid sequences, new drugs may be developed to disrupt the virus's ability to shut down the immune system.
A study reviewing 45 national pandemic influenza plans found that countries have not consistently prioritized who should receive vaccines, antivirals, ventilators, face masks, and other critical resources. Healthcare workers are often prioritized, but with varying criteria among countries.
A study published by the American Thoracic Society found that an antioxidant called heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is elevated in the lungs of patients with chronic silicosis. HO-1 protects against reactive oxygen species, which cause tissue injury and scar formation.
Postoperative nausea and vomiting affects one out of three patients after surgery, leading to patient dissatisfaction, longer hospital stays, and prolonged recovery. New guidelines incorporate antiemetics and a simple four-point scoring system for identifying high-risk patients.
Arizona State University has received a $1.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop innovative nanotechnology solutions for solar energy. The team aims to create tiny devices that can harness light energy more efficiently and convert it into electricity.
Scientists developed a DNA chip to monitor Atlantic salmon health and performance, identifying genes that influence key traits such as disease resistance, oil production, and growth efficiency. The chip will help farmers assess stock accuracy and conservationists sample wild populations.
Pfizer is funding a series of seminars for graduate students and faculty at Rutgers, valued at $23,000 over five years. The company's commitment reflects the increasing importance of mathematics in life sciences, with nearly three-quarters of statistics graduates pursuing careers in pharmaceuticals.
Scientists have developed a technique to predict when and where blood clotting will occur using a simple laboratory model. The model, which uses only three main equations, adequately reproduced many features of blood clotting. Microfluidics technology was crucial in controlling complex reactions at critical times and locations.
A study of 3,130 adults found that patients with more severe sleep apnea, a high body mass index, or other medical conditions were at a higher risk for serious complications after surgery. Concurrent retrolingual procedures also increased the risk of complications.
Researchers have characterized the genome sequences of nine different lactic acid-producing bacteria, encoding diverse genes for efficient carbon and nitrogen acquisition. This study will increase understanding of their role in industrial food production, leading to optimized production schemes and new bioproducts.
The study found that most LA County hospitals have limited disaster preparedness, with only 16% integrating emergency services in their plans. The researchers highlight the need for integration of hospital disaster plans with EMS and community resources to ensure effective response to disasters.
Microbes adapted to living with oxygen around 2.7 billion years ago, as indicated by changes in fossil isotopes of carbon in rocks from the late Archean period in Western Australia. This finding supports the idea that oxygen-producing photosynthesis evolved and enriched the atmosphere over time.
Researchers found that waxed and inactive tree frogs have similar metabolic rates as unwaxed, dehydrating frogs, challenging the idea of a hibernation-like dormant state. Tree frogs use wiping behaviors to conserve energy by reducing surface evaporation by up to 4%, but this does not lead to significant changes in metabolic rate.
Researchers found that yeast cells deal with potassium limitation by producing and excreting amino acids, similar to a detoxification system in mammals. In low potassium conditions, yeast cells are more susceptible to ammonium toxicity, leading to increased amino acid excretion.
WEHI researchers will investigate impaired apoptosis and differentiation in tumourigenesis and therapy, as well as molecular regulation of blood cell production and function. The funding may lead to new approaches for cancer treatment and novel therapeutic strategies for blood disorders.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School found increased thickness of two brain areas in people with migraine compared to healthy controls. The study used magnetic resonance imaging and identified structural differences that may explain visual processing problems during attacks.
The Gulf of Maine Toxicity program seeks to develop a full understanding of Alexandrium fundyense blooms and their impact on shellfish resources. The project's findings could lead to the harvesting of offshore surfclam and ocean quahog beds, valued at over $50 million annually.
Researchers at Ford Motor Company tested four driver warning systems to help combat drowsy driving. The study found that these systems cut drivers' reaction time in half, with the steering wheel vibration warning being the most effective.
Researchers aim to reduce genome sequencing cost to $1,000 using novel methods and computational tools. Meller's 'Opti-Pore' method uses electrons to decode DNA strands, while Weng focuses on bioinformatics to analyze data.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that women on hormone therapy are more sensitive to negative events and can process emotions similarly to younger women. However, hormone therapy does not improve memory for negative events, suggesting that the brain's arousal system is modified with age.
A national study of medical students will assess their future career aspirations, influences on specialty choice, and work preferences. The research aims to inform health workforce planning and address chronic shortages in rural areas, benefiting underserved communities.
Project AGE provides master's students with field experiences and aging-rich training, focusing on individual, community, and policy issues. The program aims to educate leaders in geriatrics to meet the needs of an increasingly older population and their families.
Researchers at UTMB have developed an antioxidant treatment that reduces oxidative stress and inflammation caused by RSV, a common and dangerous early-childhood infection. The treatment, tested on laboratory mice, also lowers asthma-like symptoms after the virus has been cleared.
The HealthGrades 2007 hospital-quality study found a significant gap in patient outcomes between top-rated and poorly performing hospitals. The study analyzed 40.6 million Medicare records and revealed that mortality rates declined by nearly 8% across the nation, while the quality chasm between best and worst-performing hospitals grew ...
Researchers found lower vitamin D levels in women with advanced breast cancer compared to those in early stages. The study supports the idea that vitamin D may play a role in preventing breast cancer progression.
The Gerontological Society of America has received a five-year, $7.7 million grant from the John A. Hartford Foundation to support geriatric social work faculty scholars and research. The project aims to address the projected shortage of over 46,000 geriatric social workers by advancing practice through research and training.
The University of Queensland has been awarded $40.2 million in National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funding for various medical research projects. The university's researchers are working on spinal pain, cardiovascular and metabolic disease, and health economics evaluation.
Researchers found that competition among T cells allows HIV to escape destruction and develop into full-blown AIDS. A new computer model suggests a polytopic vaccination strategy to combat this effect, which may prevent the final onset of AIDS by reducing immunodominance.
Researchers at the University of Virginia are exploring how nutrients in broccoli prevent cancer by bonding with a specific enzyme. This enzyme is linked to inflammatory diseases and cancer, and understanding its role could lead to anti-cancer compounds.
Scientists have gained unprecedented insight into the internal structure and melting rate of the Filchner-Ronne Ice Shelf using phase-sensitive radar. The results show that an average of 1m of ice is melted from the bottom of the ice shelf every year, with no signs of change due to replenishment by upstream ice flow.
Menzies School of Health Research has received $4.6 million in funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council to boost its research capability in Indigenous, remote, and tropical health. The funding will support six projects, including the Aboriginal Birth Cohort Study and scabies diagnosis development.
A new study published in PLoS Medicine found that older people with diabetes are at a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, with the risk being particularly high for those treated with insulin injections. The study followed nearly 6000 individuals over 65 and found that approximately 50-60% of deaths were attributable to ca...
A new study suggests that rifaximin may improve IBS symptoms by over 50% compared to placebo. However, the researchers caution that antibiotics can have side effects and more research is needed to fully understand its benefits.
Scientists confirm the first direct evidence of human-induced link to Antarctic ice shelf collapse. Stronger westerly winds, influenced by climate change, led to regional summer warming and the break-up of the Larsen Ice Shelf in 2002.
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded $50,000 Hartford Doctoral Fellowships to 11 social work students conducting research on various aspects of aging. The fellowships aim to support the next generation of geriatric social work faculty and promote aging research.
Researchers created a prototype just-in-time support device that provides guidance on administering CPR and assessing victims of sudden cardiac arrest. The device improved performance to the level of American Heart Association guidelines, increasing the number of people able to provide life-saving treatment.
A study found that elderly women with breast cancer are often under-staged, under-treated, and miss out on life-saving treatments. The researchers analyzed data from a tumor registry database and found that 70% of patients were in early stages of cancer but missed out on lymph node evaluation.
Two studies in Florida found that economic pressure from hospitals and insurance companies can negatively affect the quality of care for some people, particularly those in prison. Researchers suggest that standard protocols and decision support systems can help prevent bias and prioritizing in patient care.
Sarah Chayes, a former NPR correspondent, has been awarded the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists' Ruth Salzman Adams Award for her work on the impact of US actions in Afghanistan. The award recognizes emerging writers who can translate complex ideas into everyday language and images.
A recent study found that most adult beachgoers accurately reported their sun habits, with moderate to substantial agreement between self-report measures and objective procedures. The study used a novel sunscreen-swabbing procedure in real-world conditions, providing valuable insights into the validity of self-report sun habits.
A new study explores how boys view their fathers as the boys move from childhood into adulthood. The study found that men who witnessed marital violence as children were more likely to report being emotionally and physically abused by their fathers, and had lower ratings for their fathers' moral role.
The Berkeley Cancer Genome Center will use genome analysis to identify genetic changes involved in cancer. The center aims to analyze messenger RNA populations and exon-specific expression to understand cancer development.
A study of 227 individuals found that many consumers are unaware of tire aging as a potential problem. Researchers recommend improved warnings, clear information on tire degradation, and distribution through various channels to address this issue.
A long-term study found that preschoolers with ADHD benefit from low doses of methylphenidate, but may need higher doses later on to maintain effectiveness. The study also showed significant side effects, including growth rate changes and weight loss.
Researchers at Monash University will use stem cell therapies to treat autoimmune diseases like MS and diabetes by targeting a rogue immune system. The $5.23 million program aims to develop new treatments without excessive immunosuppressive regimes.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that a nonabsorbable antibiotic can effectively treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) even after treatment ends. The study showed sustained benefits for participants who received rifaximin, providing new hope for those suffering from IBS.
A study by human factors/ergonomics researchers found that virtual reality-based simulators can effectively train military medical personnel in high-stress conditions. The simulation tested the efficiency and quality of emergency chest tube thoracostomy procedures, revealing a correlation between faster completion times and poorer work...
The St. Jude technique enables blood stem cells from parents or unmatched adult siblings, reducing the need for harsh treatments and boosting the chance of cure. The modified transplantation method accelerates immune system recovery and reduces the risk of infections.
Researchers have developed a new method to detect metastasizing melanoma cells in the blood using photoacoustic detection, which can identify as few as 10 cancer cells. The technique uses laser techniques and ultrasound methods to emit noise from cancer cells, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.
Nicotine exposure at a young age can alter brain development, leading to future addiction risk. The study found molecular changes in the brain that break down nerve cell membranes, especially in males.
Analyzing carbon and nitrogen in hair strands can determine whether a person has an eating disorder, providing an objective measure for diagnosis. The test required only five strands of hair to predict with 80% accuracy whether a person had anorexia or bulimia.
Researchers have identified how the body's own immune system contributes to nerve fiber damage in multiple sclerosis. B-cells damage axons by inhibiting energy production, leading to degeneration and death. This finding could aid therapy development for this chronic disease.