Gary Banks argues that a more cost-effective health system is necessary to address increasing demand and costs. The Productivity Commission Chairman suggests potential solutions include policy initiatives in various areas of healthcare.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers found significant increases in firearm homicide among young male populations between 1999 and 2005. The overall US homicide rate remained flat during this period, but firearm deaths rose sharply, with black males experiencing higher rates than whites.
A new study reveals that warmer temperatures significantly accelerated the spread of a new strain of West Nile virus across North America. The virus displaced the older strain and led to two of the largest epidemics on record, with over 270 deaths in both 2002 and 2003.
Researchers analyzed brain activity using fMRI to identify differences in connectivity between Alzheimer's patients and healthy individuals. They found that patients had fewer functional hubs, compromising regional connections and contributing to memory loss.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a hybrid molecule that can be intentionally manipulated, opening the door to quantum computing in semiconductors. This discovery enables control over the quantum state, a required step for building quantum computers.
A Kaiser Permanente study published online in the Journal of Perinatology found that integrating substance abuse screening and treatment into routine prenatal care improved health outcomes for pregnant women. The study, which examined nearly 50,000 women, found that treating pregnant women with substance abuse early in their pregnancy ...
Adults with type 2 diabetes who eat high-fat meals may experience immediate memory declines, but taking antioxidant vitamins with the meal can offset this effect. A study found that consuming healthy foods rich in fruits and vegetables is the best defense against cognitive decline.
A study found that 55-93% of new HIV infections among adults in urban Zambia and Rwanda occur within marital or cohabiting couples, with potential for increased transmission if non-cohabiting partners use condoms. Interventions targeting couples could avert 36-60% of heterosexually transmitted infections.
A University of Missouri professor found that men conducting field research on women are limited to specific subjects due to restrictions on access. The Diola people's culture and rituals, such as their fertility shrine Ehugna, were difficult for male researchers to study due to social norms and expectations.
The Early Bird Project, a five-year study funded by the National Science Foundation, has collected DNA sequence data from 169 bird species. The research revealed that birds adapted to diverse environments multiple times and that distinctive lifestyles evolved independently. The study's findings will be published in Science on June 27.
Scientists at NIST have confirmed that EUV photoresist sensitivity is twice the previously believed value. The finding raises concerns about optical system effectiveness in current demonstration tools. This discovery has significant implications for high-volume manufacturing processes in development.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that morbidly obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery are at an increased risk of developing kidney stones as early as three months post-operation. The study suggests a possible link between the surgical procedure and changes in urinary electr...
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine discovered that mice deficient in fragile X and related genes have disrupted sleep-wake cycles, leading to a lack of rhythm. This finding provides new insights into the causes of fragile X syndrome and its impact on patients.
The Deep Green program aims to create a system that can help future combat commanders anticipate enemy moves and adjust plans. The system uses anticipatory planning with adaptive execution, generating options for all sides in an operation and predicting the likelihood of multiple futures.
Researchers found that female mice who became pregnant had significantly fewer bladder cancers than their counterparts, with an average tumor volume about 15 times greater in non-pregnant females. The study suggests a possible role for hormones in bladder cancer protection.
The American Association for Cancer Research has awarded $1.8 million to three researchers to study genetic signatures, epigenetic staging, and individualized therapy for metastatic colon cancer. The grants aim to accelerate the discovery of new treatments and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers found that ovarian cancer has a distinct scent different from other cancers, which can be detected by trained dogs. Early-stage and low-grade ovarian cancers emit the same scent as advanced tumors.
Research found that exhausted individuals experience larger blood pressure increases when attempting tasks, even if they perceive success as achievable. Chronic fatigue can amplify effort and lead to elevated blood pressure, increasing the risk of hypertension and heart disease.
A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology examines the validity of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) testing. The research found that the detection power of the test is poor, with high rates of false negative results. This has significant implications for anti-doping efforts and fair competition.
Researchers at NIST created a method to build complex 3D nanoscale structures of magnetic materials like nickel using standard semiconductor manufacturing techniques. The technique enables the creation of sensors and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) with magnetic alloys.
A portable transcranial magnetic stimulator (TMS) device has been found to be safe and effective in eliminating headaches during the onset of migraines. The device's pulses interrupt the electrical storms in the brain that lead to throbbing head pain, offering a promising new treatment option for those suffering from chronic migraines.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that optimizing university recruitment strategies and processes can lead to a significant increase in female surgical faculty. The research also identified cultural stereotypes, insufficient mentoring, and family responsibilities as barriers to women's career ad...
The new strategy focuses on reducing per capita consumption from 150 litres to 130 litres per day, emphasizing the need for a sociological perspective to understand water usage habits. The report explores the role of metering and price signals in encouraging water efficiency, as well as the development of rising block tariffs.
A study found 10.7% of asymptomatic middle-aged individuals had silent cerebral infarctions, a brain injury caused by blood clots. Hypertension and atrial fibrillation significantly increased the risk of SCI.
A cohort of half a million patients in Taiwan found that chronic kidney disease has a high prevalence and associated all-cause mortality, especially in low socioeconomic status groups. CKD is treatable and preventable at earlier stages, but awareness and treatment are often lacking globally.
A randomized controlled trial found that buprenorphine maintenance treatment significantly increased time to first heroin use and relapse compared to naltrexone and placebo. Patients on buprenorphine also had more continuous days of heroin abstinence, supporting the widespread dissemination of this effective public-health approach.
The NHS needs to revise its vision and focus on equity, availability, accessibility, and quality based on UN principles. A Technical Advisory Group, General Health Council, and annual assessment are proposed to strengthen the NHS.
A panel of seven biomarkers can predict prostate cancer risk with high accuracy, offering a major step forward in patient care. Elevated levels of these biomarkers were associated with increased risk of relapse, and the combination of all seven variables accurately predicted risk 86.6 percent of the time.
Researchers discovered a novel structure that enables oxygen ions to move through fuel cells at lower temperatures than previously thought possible. This breakthrough may lead to reduced operating costs and improved efficiency in stationary fuel cells.
Researchers at CCNY have demonstrated the efficacy of Cytate as a fluorescence marker to detect prostate cancer. The contrast agent exhibited greater fluorescence when applied to cancerous tissue, with a peak ratio of 3.57 between cancerous and normal tissues.
Weizmann Institute scientists have discovered a mechanism that enables an injured embryo to regenerate itself while maintaining the relative proportions of its organs. The research reveals that inhibitor molecules shuttle morphogen between sides of the embryo, keeping organs proportional regardless of size.
Researchers found that adults who consumed at least one serving of lowfat milk or milk products daily had 37% lower odds of poor kidney function linked to heart disease. A diet rich in lowfat milk and whole grains, fruits, and vegetables was also associated with a reduced risk.
Researchers at NIST have uncovered an unusual phenomenon that may impact how manufacturers estimate the lifetime of future nanoscale electronics. The 'electron trapping' effect causes a temporary negative charge and heightened conductivity during recovery from stress, complicating threshold voltage shift measurements.
Researchers have identified a new molecular mechanism of starch breakdown in plants, involving the action of enzymes that place and remove phosphate groups on starch molecules. This process is finely tuned to diurnal changes in photosynthesis and circadian rhythms.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a novel pheromone detection mechanism in fruit flies, where the pheromone docks onto LUSH protein before activating nerve cells. This finding may lead to developing compounds that block pheromone action, controlling pest behavior.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a novel cellular regulator called Ronin, which maintains embryonic stem cells in their undifferentiated state. This finding suggests an alternative control mechanism to the previously identified proteins Oct4, Sox2, and Nanog.
Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute discovered that blocking p110beta molecule inhibits prostate tumor growth, suggesting it as a potential target for novel cancer therapies. The study, published in Nature, reveals p110beta's role in driving runaway cell growth when PTEN function is impaired.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new nano technique that significantly enhances boiling efficiency by up to 30 times. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize cooling methods for computer chips, improve heat transfer systems, and reduce energy costs in industrial applications.
A new study finds that high levels of FGF21 hormone cause mice to become resistant to growth hormone, stunting their growth. This discovery provides insights into the physiological role of FGF21 in energy conservation during food deprivation.
A new classification system has been developed to help cardiologists determine the best course of treatment for patients with symptomatic myocardial bridging. The system combines clinical symptoms, non-invasive tests, and heart flow studies to reduce subjective decision-making.
A large-scale genome analysis reveals that birds did not evolve from a common ancestor as previously thought, but instead underwent multiple adaptations to diverse environments. The study's results challenge current classifications and provide valuable insights into the evolutionary history of birds.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed the first two standards for solid-state lighting in the US, detailing color specifications and test methods for LED lamps and light fixtures. These standards aim to significantly reduce energy consumption and improve color rendering.
Researchers at Kansas State University are exploring the potential of ocean-grown algae as a sustainable energy source. The project aims to identify suitable materials and attributes that enable algae growth on solid carriers, with the goal of developing a cost-effective process for biofuel manufacturing.
Researchers have discovered that naturally occurring nanotubes can form tunnels to protect retroviruses and bacteria from diseased to healthy cells. The nanotubes, which are recognized as tiny but important bodily channels, also aid in transporting bacteria to their doom and facilitating information exchange between cells.
A Northwestern University biomedical engineer has developed optical technology that can detect colon cancer early and is now being tested in large-scale clinical trials. The tests aim to predict the presence of colon cancer with adequate sensitivity, potentially leading to a routine screening test.
Dr. Philip Preshaw is being recognized for his groundbreaking research on the effects of quitting smoking on periodontal treatment outcomes. He has co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and holds multiple prestigious awards, including the UK National Clinician Scientist award.
Dr. Childers' research on mucosal immune responses and dental caries vaccine development has contributed to a better understanding of oral health. He currently supervises projects funded by NIDCR, investigating host/parasite relationships in dental caries high-caries-risk populations.
The International Association for Dental Research presents the 2008 Oral Medicine & Pathology Research Award to Dr. Paul Speight for his contributions to understanding oral cancer, screening, and early detection of lymphoma in Sjögren's syndrome patients. His research focuses on photodynamic therapy and has been widely published.
Researchers found that Asian brands use a 'global, urban, and multicultural' image in their advertising campaigns. The study demonstrates how Asian corporations are redefining globalization with a more contemporary vision of Asia.
Researchers identified a brain region associated with novel experiences, which may drive humans to take risks for rewards. This discovery could have implications for understanding addiction and decision-making.
The International Association for Dental Research presents Dr. Miroslav Marek with the Wilmer Souder Award for his exceptional contributions to corrosion science and standardization, particularly in restoratives, implants, and dental amalgam. He is being recognized for his influential work on mercury release from dental amalgam.
Scientists at UGA create novel synthetic gene vectors that package DNA into nanostructures for efficient gene delivery without triggering immune responses. The study has implications for cancer treatment and vaccine development.
Jacob Whitehill, a UC San Diego Ph.D. student, has developed a proof-of-concept system that uses facial expression recognition to control video playback speed in real-time, allowing robots to adapt to individual learning needs.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley researchers suggests that Mars had liquid water in its atmosphere during the Hesperian epoch, contrary to the dominant view. The analysis of Martian soil data reveals chemical signs of water moving downward through the dirt, indicating a climate with enough moisture for dew or rain.
Researchers found that humans prefer novel stimuli over familiar ones and associate novelty with activation of the ventral striatum, a region linked to reward anticipation. This suggests humans use novelty as a substitute for true choice uncertainty.
Dr. Adrian Lussi is recognized as a pioneer in dental erosion and caries research, with over 160 publications and executive positions. He received the Research in Dental Caries Award for innovative achievements in caries diagnosis.
Researchers at the University of Bonn discovered that oregano's active ingredient beta-caryophyllin inhibits inflammation and may help treat osteoporosis, arteriosclerosis, and chronic disorders like Crohn's disease. The substance targets cannabinoid-CB2 receptors, providing a non-intoxicating alternative to existing treatments.
The WebAnywhere service reads aloud web text on any computer with speakers or headphones, making it accessible to the visually impaired. Users can access the internet without installing special screen-reading software, eliminating the need for local technical support.
The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine team proposes a new policy requiring transplant programs to disclose all foreseeable risks of the surgery to potential recipients at the waiting list. This change aims to promote greater equity in organ allocation and restrict 'cherry-picking' of organs from suitable but suboptimal donors.
Researchers discuss how noise affects marine mammals, including beaked whales and killer whales, as well as the impact of urbanization on bird communication. The study highlights various mechanisms animals use to compensate for elevated noise and explores the effects of sonar and other human sounds on marine and land animals.