The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research has developed medical jargon reduction methods, enabling hospital departments to evaluate the quality of terminology systems. By using standardized terms, data can be more easily accessed and used for improving patient care and epidemiological research.
Researchers investigated the growth of urban communities in northern Netherlands between 1350 and 1650, analyzing factors driving urban 'mists' and cultural industry development. The studies also explored the emergence of new towns as instruments for politics, economics, and culture in late Middle Ages.
Researchers found that BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers experience a similar reduction in breast cancer risk with increasing number of pregnancies carried to full-term, parallel to that in the general population. Additionally, they discovered that first childbirth at age 20 years or older is associated with increased risk of breast ca...
A national study reveals that nearly 60% of older diabetics are not taking ACE inhibitors or ARBs, despite clear signs of problems. The study's findings highlight the need for improved awareness and incentives to encourage responsible prescribing and increased use of these life-saving medications.
Researchers explore risk factors for dementia, including the Mediterranean diet and obesity, as well as novel treatments for Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis. Experimental therapies also show promise in treating ALS and stroke, with potential applications in other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that animals can detect movement direction from foot cues, which may help avoid predators. This low-level locomotion detector is part of an evolutionary old system, suggesting animal brains are 'hard-wired' for this type of recognition.
MoodViews uses language technology to predict global mood, analyzing millions of blogger messages daily, with potential applications in marketing, psychology, and journalism.
A study found that higher levels of education are associated with lower prevalence of coronary artery calcium, a marker of subclinical cardiovascular disease. Individuals with less than a high school degree had four times higher CAC prevalence compared to those with more than a college education.
The NIST quantum key distribution system has achieved a record speed of 4 million bits per second (bps) over 1 kilometer of optical fiber, twice the previous record. The system uses single photons and operates at an error rate of only 3.6 percent, enabling highly secure key exchange.
Researchers at Rice University have created nanoparticles called nanostars, which exhibit strong spectral signals and can be used to discern the three-dimensional orientation of molecules. This discovery has significant potential for 3D molecular sensing applications.
Researchers found sex differences in brain regions responsible for pain transmission, with males and females responding differently to pain stimuli. Persistent pain activates this pathway more strongly in males than females, highlighting the need for tailored pain treatments.
Researchers identify a single mechanism linking ciliary, serotonergic and ion flow mechanisms to control embryonic laterality. The study challenges previous hypotheses on the role of cilia in left/right asymmetry, providing insight into human development and birth defects related to left/right asymmetry.
UB researchers have discovered an agent, L-AP4, that activates group III metabotropic glutamate receptors and reverses damage caused by rotenone. The findings could lead to a new treatment for Parkinson's disease.
The lung has a unique innate immune system, protected by alveolar macrophages that are repressed in steady state, activated when needed, and then re-repressed. This complex circuit allows for brief activation periods to fight invading microorganisms.
Researchers found cuttlefish can detect contrast differences of at least 15%, suggesting they use intensity matching for camouflage. The study's findings shed light on the complex visual processing of these cephalopods, an ideal model for studying camouflage.
A new study finds that health care spending generates significant health benefits, with a return on investment of $1.55 to $1.94 for every dollar spent. The research demonstrates the value of estimating the impact of health care investments and challenges policymakers to consider cost-effectiveness in their decision-making.
Infants born to mothers with extremely short or long intervals between pregnancies face increased risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age. Short intervals (less than 6 months) result in a 40% increase in preterm birth risk, while long intervals (more than 59 months) lead to a 20-43% higher risk.
The study found that patients' lung volumes are lower following surgery and general anesthesia, increasing the risk of developing pneumonia, respiratory failure, or worsening existing lung disease. The guidelines provide patient-related risk factors and surgery-related risk factors to assess pulmonary complications.
Researchers conducted two large studies on children with dental amalgam fillings and found no adverse health effects. Despite initial concerns about mercury poisoning, the studies concluded that children exposed to amalgam had low levels of mercury in their urine and no measurable signs of damage to the brain or kidneys.
The study utilizes biomechanics to improve understanding of heritable heart disorders and prevent children's spinal injuries. New materials and treatments are also discovered to aid in surgical implants development.
Researchers developed a risk calculator that uses various statistical tests to analyze biopsy results, family history of prostate cancer, race, age, rectal examination results, and previous biopsy history. The model can help patients and physicians decide whether a prostate biopsy should be performed.
Chronic pain in elderly population projected to increase by 75% between 2010 and 2030, with limited effective treatment options. Dr. Debra Weiner emphasizes the need for more research to better treat chronic pain in older adults.
Researchers have discovered evidence of massive carbon dioxide releases into the atmosphere over a short geological timescale. Fossil records show significant changes in carbon isotope ratios, indicating sudden releases of light carbon isotopes.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that gamma ray bursts are rare and unlikely to occur near our solar system due to the Milky Way's metal content. The study suggests that GRBs pose no danger to life in our galaxy, dismissing theories of mass extinctions caused by these events.
A new mathematical model, devised by Phil Ham, calculates the size of a polluted groundwater plume and assesses natural degradation capacity. This scientifically-supported method enables predictions about the effectiveness of natural degradation as an alternative to aquifer remediation.
The Maldives AUAV Campaign has demonstrated the effectiveness of lightweight AUAVs in analyzing atmospheric chemistry, revealing how pollution particles cause dimming and contribute to cloud formation. The data produced will aid in understanding climate change science.
The US Office of Naval Research supports the joint US-Taiwan COSMIC satellite project, which will track hurricanes, monitor climate change, and accelerate space weather research. The constellation will provide real-time atmospheric data daily.
Researchers at UCSC discover that Hymenopteran insects create new centrosomes in unfertilized eggs using accessory nuclei. This process allows for the development of haploid males, which have half the number of chromosomes as females. The study sheds light on basic cell biology and the evolution of these social insects.
Researchers present new discoveries on topics ranging from molecular biology to clinical diagnosis and treatment of smell and taste disorders. Key findings include zebrafish exhibiting robust light responses, flavor and fragrance scientists working to uncover basic science behind sensory delights.
Chromosomes in the cell nucleus exhibit directed, long-range movement that depends on actin and myosin, contradicting earlier theories on gene location. The study reveals a mechanism for actively moving chromosomes between the periphery and interior of the nucleus.
Research highlights how mega-brands, such as processed foods with high sugar and salt content, maintain market share despite health concerns. Supermarkets favor these brands due to their high sales velocity and profit margins, perpetuating unhealthy eating habits.
Scientists create new voltage-sensitive dyes that allow them to image the electrical activity of cells deep within the heart. These dyes provide a more complete picture of normal and abnormal heart rhythms, shedding light on the causes of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
Researchers have discovered how certain zeolites form, enabling targeted methods to create crystals with precise sizes and shapes. The study reveals a step-by-step process, including silicon-oxygen nanoparticles forming first, which can be used to develop tailored designs for specific applications.
A new study finds that PCOS is associated with elevated cholesterol levels, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome in mothers. The long-term health consequences of PCOS are significant, and mothers should be screened for cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital develop a strategy to identify 'light bulb genes' linked to medulloblastoma mutations, helping to predict which children will respond to new treatments. The approach could also be applied to other types of cancer.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that overexpression of microRNA miR155 leads to the development of a neoplastic disease in transgenic mice. The researchers believe that miR155 acts as an oncogene, promoting abnormal cell growth and cancerous transformations.
A study examining Campylobacter jejuni isolates from 585 Australian patients found only 2% were resistant to ciprofloxacin, a type of fluoroquinolone. This low level of resistance likely reflects Australia's policy of prohibiting fluoroquinolones for animal use.
Researchers found that blocking microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES)-1 in mice reduces cardiovascular risk, while retaining the benefit of Vioxx and Celebrex. The study suggests a promising alternative for patients with arthritis, conserving clinical benefits while managing cardiovascular risks.
A study found that tanning advertisements appeared in 48% of Colorado high schools' newspapers between 2001 and 2005. The ads often promoted discounts for students or labeled as 'prom specials', but only 13% featured UV-free tanning options.
Researchers found that 20% of participants developed additional melanoma within one year and 27% within two years after initial diagnosis. Those with atypical moles had a higher risk of developing additional melanomas, with those having three or more atypical moles being four times more likely to develop multiple tumors.
Researchers found a genetic switch controlling animal development and cancer growth, involving protein PTEN. The discovery provides insight into cancer progression and suggests additional genes may be involved.
A survey of healthcare staff in the US found that over 40% would be unlikely to report to work during a flu pandemic, while 66% feared putting themselves at risk. The study also showed that many felt the need for additional training to prepare for such an event.
A new study by UC Davis Cancer Center researchers reveals that smoking is a significant contributor to cancer death rates among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The study found that non-lung cancer death rates correlate closely with smoke exposures, suggesting that eliminating smoking could lead to very low cancer mortality rates.
Researchers found that salmonid fish gene expression is controlled by a few major genes and can predict their future lifestyle. This study reveals how programs of gene expression shape different developmental outcomes in these fish, which exhibit exceptional life-history variation.
Researchers have successfully completed 18 data-gathering missions using autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles in pollution-filled skies over the Maldives. The aircraft flew in synchronous vertical formation, collecting unprecedented detail on how pollution particles contribute to cloud formation and dimming.
Researchers have discovered nearly 4,000 genes associated with high and low alcohol consumption in mice, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms underlying excessive drinking. These findings could lead to new targets for treating alcoholism.
A study of 40 wrong-site surgery cases found a rate of one in 112,994 non-spine procedures. Implementation of the JCAHO protocol would have prevented eight cases, highlighting the importance of site-verification interventions.
A study found that clinical staff, such as physicians and nurses, were more likely to report for work than technical or support staff. The willingness to report was strongest among employees who perceived an importance in their work during a pandemic, while technical workers felt they had little role to play.
A mathematical model reveals that implementing isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) in co-infected individuals may increase the transmission of drug-resistant TB. Large-scale IPT programs need to be equipped to diagnose and treat resistant cases as part of their strategy.
Researchers discovered that octopuses generate two waves of muscle contraction to create joint-like bends in their arms, allowing for precise point-to-point movements. This human-like strategy suggests that articulated limbs controlled by joints are the optimal solution for achieving such movements.
A recent study published in Archives of Surgery found that tightly controlled blood sugar levels before surgery can significantly reduce the risk of postoperative infections in diabetic patients. The research involved 490 diabetic patients who underwent major noncardiac surgery between 2000 and 2003, with 197 having good glycemic control.
A study of 56 children with Down syndrome found that 57% had abnormal sleep patterns and evidence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. In contrast to parental reports, only 25% met the normal REM sleep criteria.
A six-year study analyzing data from 1 million mammograms reveals racial and ethnic disparities in breast cancer screenings. African-American women are more likely to have inadequate screening before diagnosis, whereas Asian and Native American women tend to underutilize mammography, leading to higher advanced-stage tumor rates.
A study led by Binghamton University aims to address cardiovascular disease in rural women, who face unique challenges such as limited access to healthcare and healthy habits. Researchers will employ two techniques: community intervention and nursing interventions, tailored to individual readiness to change behavior.
A randomized controlled trial found that telephone support from bilingual prevention care managers significantly increased cancer screening rates among low-income and minority women. The intervention resulted in a 12% increase in mammography screenings, a 7% increase in Papanicolaou tests, and a 13% increase in colorectal screenings.
Researchers reveal that specific physical and chemical cues guide CD8+ T cells to sites of activation in the lymph node. This discovery provides insight into the fundamental behavior of the immune system and suggests new approaches to vaccine strategies.
Emmanuel Candes, a Caltech professor, has been awarded the $500,000 Waterman Award for his groundbreaking work in harmonic analysis and signal processing. His research aims to improve signal processing and analyze complex waves, with potential applications in medical imaging and everyday technologies.
A new curriculum at the University of Kentucky aims to teach healthcare professionals to evaluate and prescribe medications in a cost-effective manner, reducing influence from pharmaceutical marketing. The program will be taught online and in classrooms to medical students, physician assistants, and practicing clinicians.
A survey of 141 physicians and medical students found that female respondents were more likely to perceive sex discrimination in surgery, citing workload considerations and lifestyle concerns as deterrents. The results suggest addressing these concerns to attract both men and women to surgery, but also highlight the need to confront a ...
Researchers found that a high-caloric ketogenic diet slowed ALS progression in mice by promoting mitochondrial energy production and membrane stabilization. The study suggests that dietary interventions may offer new therapeutic options for ALS patients.