A national survey found that patients generally satisfied with their care but identified areas for improvement in pain management and discharge instructions. Hospitals with higher nurse-to-patient ratios and more satisfied patients tend to provide better quality care.
A new model for Grand Canyon erosion proposes that tectonic uplift drove incision, while opal formation on Mars suggests interaction with water occurred over a longer period. Fossils from the Burgess Shale have preserved soft tissues through mineralization, providing insights into ancient life.
A new study explores how men and women perceive online and offline sexual and emotional infidelity, finding that men felt sexual infidelity was more upsetting and women felt emotional infidelity was more upsetting. The results also reveal differences in beliefs about sex and love between men and women.
Researchers Edgar de Graaf and Jeroen De Knijf analyzed patterns in web surfing behavior to reduce the number of results and improve efficiency in data mining. They developed methods to detect relevant patterns quickly and effectively within large quantities of semi-structured data.
A study published in Neurology found that people with obesity and pre-existing health conditions may experience a delay in being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, or have more severe symptoms at diagnosis. The study suggests that doctors should carefully consider new neurological symptoms in patients with chronic diseases.
Scientists at the University of Warwick have found a novel signalling molecule that could stimulate hundreds of new antibiotic pathways in up to 50% of Streptomyces bacteria. The discovery was made using NMR technology and genome mining, and has potential to unlock new antibiotics to combat growing bacterial resistance.
Neuroscientists at Arizona State University developed pulsed ultrasound techniques to remotely stimulate brain circuit activity, offering insights into noninvasive neurostimulation of brain circuits. The findings provide a new tool for modulating neural circuit activity, potentially treating post-traumatic stress disorders, traumatic b...
A new Eph receptor tyrosine kinase, EphA4, is overexpressed in gastric cancer and associated with depth of invasion, recurrence, and poor prognosis. The study also found that EphA4 forms a hetero receptor complex with FGFR1, potentiating FGFR-mediated downstream signal transduction.
Researchers at NIST have developed an electronic nose that can recognize hundreds of chemical compounds with high accuracy and robustness. The device mimics the biological approach used by animals to detect odors, allowing it to generalize knowledge from familiar smells to unknown ones.
A workplace obesity program implemented at 12 Dow Chemical Company sites showed modest improvements in health risks, including weight management and decreased blood pressure, after one year. The study, led by Emory University public health researcher Ron Goetzel, examined the effects of environmental interventions on employee health.
Israelis have lost faith in teaching Arabs to accept their state and envisioning coexistence, while Arabs and Muslims no longer see Israel as capable of living in peace with them. This shift has led to cycles of violence, demoralization, and migration, casting doubt on Israel's future
A University of Calgary researcher has uncovered fundamental rules governing population cycles in natural systems, shedding light on the balancing act between stability and dramatic swings. The study reveals how food availability affects juvenile growth in populations, explaining different types of cycles in predator-prey systems.
A study from McMaster University found that media coverage greatly influences public perception of infectious diseases, making them appear more threatening. Researchers discovered that diseases receiving frequent press attention, like bird flu, are perceived as more serious than those without similar coverage.
After eight years of near-zero growth, global methane concentrations have resumed their increase, potentially offsetting the slowing growth rate of carbon dioxide. Methane is a key greenhouse gas, accounting for nearly 20% of global warming since the industrial revolution.
The occurrence of hot flushes and joint symptoms during endocrine treatment for breast cancer can indicate a reduced chance of cancer recurrence, suggesting treatment success. Women with hormone-receptor-positive tumours who reported these symptoms had lower recurrence rates compared to those without symptoms.
Researchers have uncovered evidence of at least three previous major tsunamis in the Indian Ocean over the past 2,800 years, with the most recent occurring between 550 and 700 years ago. The findings suggest that a region's tsunami history can serve as a long-term warning system, highlighting the importance of tsunami education.
The WVU study demonstrates that CT perfusion imaging can diagnose acute ischemic stroke with high accuracy, particularly for major vessel occlusion strokes. The technology allows for fast and targeted treatment, reducing the risk of life-threatening complications.
A new University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center study suggests that grapes can lower blood pressure and signs of heart muscle damage, and improve heart function in lab rats. The effect is thought to be due to the high level of phytochemicals - naturally occurring antioxidants - found in grapes.
Synaptotagmin-1 catalyzes membrane fusion at the synapse, allowing for rapid neurotransmitter release. The protein's C2B domain binds to calcium ions and interacts with both membranes to facilitate fast transmission.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that aggressive phototherapy reduced the risk of severe neurodevelopmental impairments in premature infants. The treatment, which involves starting phototherapy early and maintaining it until bilirubin levels are low, showed a 14% reduction in impaired outcomes.
Scientists found that boundary extension, a type of false memory, occurs quickly when visual input is disrupted, suggesting the role of amodal perception and spatial perception in scene perception. The study suggests that errors in boundary judgment may be beneficial for understanding the world as a coherent whole.
Research at Mayo Clinic suggests that teaching children to face their fears can improve functioning and complete exercises exposing them to their fears earlier than recommended treatment manuals. In contrast, focusing solely on managing anxieties yields less improvement.
Interferon-gamma plays a deciding role in whether immune cells attack and injure the central nervous system in mice. The protein is protective in cerebellums and brainstems but causes nerve cell damage in spinal cords.
Researchers discovered a significant genetic link between male to female transsexuals and a longer version of the androgen receptor (AR) gene, which modifies testosterone action. This study provides evidence for a biological basis of how gender identity develops.
Researchers have discovered that alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) can eliminate inflammation in diabetic animals after islet transplantation, allowing the transplanted cells to survive and function for over 120 days. This breakthrough could lead to a safer and more effective treatment for type-1 diabetes patients.
Researchers discovered that Myxococcus xanthus uses a rippling motion to hunt other bacteria, with the pattern adapting to prey density. The study found that individual cells line up and move in an alternating pattern, producing high and low cell density waves.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt aim to improve heart healing after a heart attack by promoting cellular regeneration. Micro-RNAs may hold the key to discovering new inhibitors to regulate protein synthesis and activate stem cells.
Researchers have developed a synthetic biology advance that creates a stable, fast and programmable genetic clock in E. coli cells. The clock's blink rate changes when temperature, energy source or other environmental conditions change, enabling the detection of environmental information.
A two-year study led by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that combining a vaginal delivery with a Caesarean section for the second twin is generally safe. The researchers compared over 1,000 women who underwent this procedure and found that it was associated with a slightly higher risk of infection, but this risk was easily treated.
A study found that households in California reduced their electricity use by 13% when prices rose, but returned to previous levels once prices fell. Public informational campaigns also played a significant role in conserving energy, with households reducing their use by an additional 7%.
A potent bacterial toxin targets human cells expressing Neu5Gc, a sugar incorporated from diet, making humans susceptible to disease. Red meat and dairy products are richest dietary sources of Neu5Gc, increasing the risk of E. coli infection.
A new study by Dr. Navah Ratzon found that amateur athletes are at risk of musculoskeletal problems due to the intensity and repetitive movements involved in their sport. To prevent such damage, experts advise incorporating stretching, balancing exercises, and proper rest into daily routines.
A large population-based case-control study found that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) have a significantly increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), independent of cofactors. The study suggests that DM2 may be a concourse rather than merely a consequence of the liver tumor.
A study found that undocumented immigrants with tuberculosis exhibit longer symptom durations and more severe symptoms before seeking care. This raises concerns about the value of improving access to healthcare for these individuals.
A clinical trial reveals that combining ivabradine with current treatments significantly improves exercise capacity and reduces symptoms in patients with stable angina. The study showed a threefold improvement in total exercise duration at four months compared to those receiving standard doses of beta blockers alone.
A team of MIT researchers has detected a new surge in methane levels, ending a decade-long period of stability. The increase is attributed to an imbalance between emissions and destruction, with the majority of emissions coming from the Northern Hemisphere.
A meta-analysis found that many wines contain high levels of metal ions, exceeding the safe threshold and posing potential health risks. The study suggests that these metals may contribute to neurological problems, oxidative damage, and chronic inflammatory diseases.
Researchers aim to advance tailored communication and health public relations to improve health outcomes through a new news service, Informing Smart Health Decisions (I-SHD). The project will provide locally relevant cancer news stories to minority newspapers nationwide.
Researchers investigated ancient soils in Big Bend National Park, Texas, and found increased chemical weathering during the initial Eocene thermal maximum. The study suggests that increased humidity and CO2 levels led to hydrolysis reactions, potentially serving as a negative feedback to reduce atmospheric CO2.
The study found that VYVANSE controlled ADHD symptoms from the first time point measured through the last time point assessed. In addition, VYVANSE treatment was associated with significant improvement in math problems attempted and answered correctly for up to 13 hours post-dose.
Breast cancer survivors with lymphedema often don't treat their symptoms, with 29-65% of patients taking no action. Patients who do manage their symptoms use a mix of recommended techniques, pharmaceutical treatments, and lay therapies. The study aims to address the gap in treatment and develop effective management techniques.
A Caltech-led study found that voters' brain responses to politicians' appearances, particularly negative aspects, play a significant role in determining election outcomes. The research suggests that negative evaluations based on appearance may influence which candidate will lose an election, more so than positive evaluations.
Researchers found that eating red meat absorbs human cells with non-human molecules, making them a target for disease-causing bacteria. The study emphasizes the need to eat well-cooked or pasteurized dairy products to avoid food poisoning.
Researchers found that fat cells in obese people produce melanin in excess, which could lead to the development of new treatments for obesity-related metabolic problems. The discovery was confirmed using additional laboratory tests and may provide a safer alternative to weight loss treatments.
A new NIST technique uses an optical microscope to quickly analyze nanoscale dimensions with high sensitivity. The 'Through-focus Scanning Optical Microscope' (TSOM) method has potential applications in nanomanufacturing, semiconductor process control, and biotechnology.
Researchers convert olive stones into bioethanol using low-cost, eco-friendly process. Yields of 5.7kg ethanol per 100kg of olive stones reached in study published in Journal of Chemical Technology & Biotechnology.
A new study found that exercise can prevent fatty liver disease, with obese individuals at high risk. The researchers discovered that a sudden transition to a sedentary lifestyle can lead to symptoms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
A Florida State University researcher is leading an international team to produce a comprehensive history of the Arctic region from the late 19th century to the present. The team, funded by the European Science Foundation, is conducting a comparative international study of Arctic science and its impact on perceptions of the region.
Researchers have developed a prototype card-swipe device that can test for dozens of diseases simultaneously, detecting as few as 800 microscopic particles. The device uses giant magnetoresistance technology, similar to hard drive reads, and could lead to fast and affordable diagnosis in medical settings.
A study found that African-Americans in Canada have better health outcomes after receiving a kidney transplant compared to their US counterparts. Despite lower access to transplants, African-American Canadians experienced similar kidney survival rates and longer overall survival rates than Caucasians.
Researchers discovered that using hydroxychloroquine reduces diabetes risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients by 53%. The study suggests HCQ improves glucose tolerance, preventing diabetes onset.
A new study examines how stress affects decision-making in older and younger adults, revealing that stressed older adults alter their behavior more significantly. The researchers found that stressed older adults were not only more cautious but also jerkier drivers, braking almost three times as much as their calmer peers.
Researchers found that in-home photography can identify asthma triggers, while omega-3 fatty acid levels may affect sleep apnea severity. Seasonal asthma patterns show a peak in the fall, and in-hospital statin use is associated with lower mortality rates in patients with severe sepsis.
A large study of physicians found that doctors tend to mirror the attitudes of the majority and implicitly favor whites over blacks. This suggests that subtle race bias may affect healthcare quality, but more research is needed to confirm this link.
Researchers found that difficulty falling asleep was associated with a lower risk of hypertension in men who were not African-American. Omega-3 fatty acid levels may affect sleep apnea severity, while sedative-hypnotic medication could improve CPAP compliance. BMI may predict sleep apnea diagnosis in children.
Asthma health-care utilization peaks in the fall, with emergency department visits increasing by 2.4 to 5.6 times higher than in summer. Swimming is found to be an effective nonpharmacologic intervention for children with asthma, improving pulmonary function and severity of symptoms. Virgin coconut oil may also aid in treating pediatri...
Researchers at Clemson University have successfully created a practical silicon optical fiber using standard mass-production methods. The development of this new fiber is expected to increase efficiency and decrease power consumption in computers and other systems that integrate photonic and electronic devices.
New research shows tadalafil, an erectile dysfunction drug, effectively treats pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) by improving six of eight short form-36 domains and reducing pulmonary artery pressures. The study also reveals PAH diagnosis has increased by 10 months and affects women more in middle age.
Popular cholesterol-busting drugs statins appear to lower men's PSA values along with their cholesterol levels. However, it remains unclear whether statins prevent prostate cancer growth or just mask it. The study found that PSA levels declined by an average of about four percent after starting statins.
A groundbreaking study reveals that the color red makes men feel more amorous toward women, with no effect on female perceptions. The research confirms what many women have long suspected - that men's preferences are driven by primal instincts.