Researchers at five universities will examine the economic and social impact of diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices, including insulin pumps, hearing aids, and genomic diagnostics. The studies aim to provide objective evidence on the value of medical technology to inform health policy.
A new study by the University of Illinois found that high school students with good social skills, such as conscientiousness and cooperativeness, earn more than those with similar test scores but fewer social skills. The study's findings challenge traditional views on educational attainment and earnings.
Researchers found that women with metastatic breast cancer experience sleep disturbances due to autonomic nervous system dysregulation. Insomnia symptoms are associated with lower baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia and increased stress levels.
Researchers successfully linked a person's brain to individual muscles in a paralyzed limb using neuroprosthetic devices, allowing natural control and movements. The study demonstrates a novel approach to restoring movement through direct artificial connections between the brain and muscles.
The Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam initiative awards grants to 16 US high schools for inventive projects, fostering STEM skills and encouraging real-world problem-solving. This year's projects include alternative energy solutions, assistive technologies, and innovative agricultural systems.
Researchers at the University of Florida have discovered a way to short-circuit genetic processes that contribute to neuroblastomas. By targeting the ALK gene, they found that certain mutations can be sensitive to a small molecule inhibitor, potentially leading to new drug treatments.
The discovery of ancient DNA in 9,000-year-old bones found off the coast of Israel reveals that human tuberculosis is 3,000 years older than previously thought. The study confirms that the human strain of TB evolved before bovine TB and sheds light on its evolution over time.
The SYNTAX trial found comparable safety and efficacy rates between drug-eluting stents and heart bypass surgery in patients with left main disease. Stent use resulted in fewer strokes, while bypass surgery had higher revascularization rates.
A clinical trial on therapeutic endovascular cooling found that the treatment is well-tolerated and can be safely achieved in high-risk patients. The study, presented at TCT 2008, used a novel approach to cool patients' kidneys before administering contrast agents during cardiac catheterization procedures.
The UK's Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC) has launched the world's largest household longitudinal study, Understanding Society. The ambitious project will collect data from 100,000 individuals across 40,000 households to explore the long-term effects of social and economic change on the well-being of the UK population.
The Institute of Medicine has elected three Johns Hopkins University researchers - Harry C. Dietz, Lisa A. Cooper, and Nancy Kass - for their exceptional contributions to medical science and public health. They have conducted pioneering research on cardiovascular disease, racial disparities in medical care, and bioethics, among other a...
Researchers genetically modified a brain receptor to make it more sensitive to nicotine, allowing them to study the effects of dopamine production on hyperactivity in mice. This could lead to new knowledge about dopamine neurons' functions and potential treatments for conditions such as ADHD.
The Triton Resource is a 3-pronged program focusing on data analysis, storage, and scalable clusters. It will enable UC San Diego researchers to process massive amounts of data, facilitating 21st-century research and education.
A study has found nearly 3,000 sea turtles dead along a 27-mile stretch of coast in Baja California, highlighting the impact of bycatch on loggerhead sea turtle populations. Conservation efforts, including awareness-raising and sustainable fishing practices, are being implemented to mitigate this threat.
Researchers have developed a new grape called Improved Chancellor that is resistant to the popular herbicide 2,4-D. The discovery of the gene that makes this grape resistant came about by accident, and it has the potential to help salvage the wine and grape industry in the Midwest.
Researchers at UT Southwestern found that adding corticosteroids to traditional antimicrobial therapy can help people with pneumonia recover faster and have less inflammation in their lungs. The study also suggests a potentially more effective therapy for asthma attacks triggered by bacterial pneumonia.
The new five-year grant from NASA's Astrobiology Institute will focus on developing indicators of life, including analyzing cells, metals, and DNA. The team will search for microbial life in extreme locations on Earth and study ancient rocks for signs of past life.
Researchers have identified two novel gene locations associated with an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The study, published in Diabetes, provides a promising lead for the development of more accurate diagnostic tests and potential preventive therapies.
A safety and efficacy study found tribendimidine to be effective against hookworm, large roundworm, whipworm, threadworm, and tapeworm infections. The new drug cured up to 92% of soil-transmitted helminth infections in a highly endemic setting in China.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona and ICIQ have designed a compound that can stabilize the p53 protein, even when it has mutations that promote cancer. The study opens up a new approach for developing anti-tumor drugs.
The Elsevier journal Vaccine released a comprehensive supplement dedicated to influenza vaccines, supported by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations. Key findings include discussions on pandemic influenza vaccine challenges and the importance of robust global surveillance systems.
A new dispersible antimalarial tablet is as effective as crushed tablets, improving adherence and cure rates in children. The study found a higher day-28 cure rate and lower adverse events with the new tablet.
Dr. Randy Moore, a professor at the University of Minnesota, is receiving the 2008 Evolution Education Award for his innovative classroom teaching and community education efforts to promote evolutionary biology. His approach incorporates evolution as a unifying element of modern biology, helping students understand and appreciate nature.
A new article in American Entomologist reveals that Formosan subterranean termites played a significant role in the destruction of New Orleans' floodwall system. The termite species, originating from China, was found to have caused major breaks in the levees by digging networks of tunnels and undermining the structure.
A study published in the journal AIDS found that HIV-infected patients taking efavirenz had higher treatment adherence and lower rates of virologic failure and death compared to those taking nevirapine. This suggests a more favorable clinical outcome for efavirenz-based therapies.
The HealthGrades Hospital Quality in America Study found that top-rated hospitals have a significantly lower mortality rate, with an average of 14.17% improvement from 2005 to 2007. If all hospitals performed at the level of five-star rated hospitals, 237,420 Medicare deaths could potentially be prevented.
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) has launched four Capacity Building Clusters to develop closer dialogue between social science and the business sector. The clusters focus on key priorities, including driving innovation, adapting to new technologies, and improving leadership and management.
Researchers have identified a stable, modifiable virus capable of withstanding harsh conditions and can be used as a nanobuilding block. The virus particles are ideal for producing materials on the nanometre scale and can be modified spatially controlled.
Researchers will catalog and preserve diverse mollusk species in the Philippines, aiming to discover new products for central nervous system disorders, cancer, and antimicrobial drugs. The project also seeks to develop cellulosic biofuels production using enzymes from shipworms.
Researchers found less than half of Medicare patients had pre-elective PCI, and only 44.5% underwent stress testing within 90 days.
Researchers found that web search activity stimulates key centers in the brain, controlling decision-making and complex reasoning. This triggers a greater extent of neural circuitry, indicating potential benefits for cognitive function in older adults.
A study found that reducing amiodarone treatment frequency did not decrease side effects but increased atrial fibrillation recurrence rates. Patients in the episodic treatment group had higher all-cause deaths and cardiovascular hospitalizations compared to those receiving continuous treatment.
A clinical trial by UC San Diego found that high-dose vitamin B supplements did not impact cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients, despite lowering homocysteine levels. Symptoms of depression were more common in the high-dose group.
Researchers developed models using sensor data to calculate a system's remaining useful life. These predictions are integrated with maintenance management policies for improved logistics.
A University of Oregon anthropologist found that women experience poorer dental health than men due to dramatic changes in female-specific hormones, reduced saliva production, and increased food cravings during pregnancy. The study suggests that these factors contribute to a higher risk of cavities in women as they age.
Researchers have identified RMI2, a novel protein essential for genome stability and DNA repair in Bloom's syndrome. The study sheds new light on the disease's underlying mechanisms.
A landmark study by NC State University researchers found that African-American seniors with sleep trouble have poorer memory performance. The study of 174 subjects aged 65-90 suggests that identifying and treating sleep difficulties may help preserve cognitive functioning.
A study by the University of South Florida Health Sciences Center found that resveratrol reduces fat production and increases breakdown in the liver of mice fed alcohol. This prevents accumulation of fat and suggests resveratrol as a promising agent for preventing or treating human alcoholic fatty liver disease.
A Brown scientist found that quahog clams increase in number in hypoxic zones, as they can withstand oxygen-depleted waters and their predators cannot survive there. This suggests that certain species may benefit from dead zones, contradicting the conventional wisdom on these areas.
A study by Cedars-Sinai cardiologists suggests that evidence-based reimbursement incentives can lead to significant economic savings in healthcare. By prioritizing medical procedures with proven effectiveness, doctors and hospitals can help reduce costs without compromising patient care.
David A. Gonzales II wins ConocoPhillips Energy Prize for his innovative Layered MagWheel technology, increasing energy conversion and efficiency. The prize recognizes new ideas to improve energy development and use.
Scientists have identified potential biomarkers in plasma samples from premature infants to detect infection and type of microbe. Eight proteins associated with immune responses were found to be consistently over-expressed in infected neonates.
Researchers found that women place significant importance on altruistic traits when choosing a partner. Altruistic behavior was correlated with stronger preference for such traits in both men and women.
Researchers developed a single-sensor system using compressed sensing and randomized images, enabling real-time terahertz imaging. This technology could lead to inexpensive security cameras and breakthroughs in medicine, signal processing, and telecom.
The Open Access Scholarly Publishers Association (OASPA) aims to represent the interests of OA journals publishers globally. OASPA supports OA publishing by setting industry standards, advancing business and publishing models, advocating for gold OA journals publishing, education and innovation.
A study found that most Medicare patients with stable coronary artery disease who underwent elective angioplasty did not have a recommended stress test performed to confirm the necessity of the procedure. The study suggests that this is due to factors such as patient characteristics, physician volume, and geographic variation in care.
A new study suggests that people with Alzheimer's disease may have lower blood pressure because of cognitive decline. Failing memory causes forgetfulness, which can lead to a decrease in stress-related high blood pressure.
A study by The Hershey Company reveals resveratrol, a compound found in red wine, is also present in cocoa and dark chocolate products. These foods contain significant levels of resveratrol, an antioxidant with potential health benefits.
The 12-month ATLANTA Trial data showed zero percent stent thrombosis in patients discontinuing dual anti-platelet therapy after 30 days. The CATANIA stent's Polyzene-F surface treatment promoted healthy endothelial cell growth and reduced platelet activation, leading to improved safety and economic benefits.
A study found that high-dose vitamin B supplementation had no beneficial effect on cognitive decline in individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. However, the treatment did lower homocysteine levels, and symptoms of depression were more common in those who received the supplements.
Researchers found black patients with chronic pain were less likely to have their weight or BMI recorded, despite being at higher risk for obesity. Obesity contributes to greater disability and poorer functioning over and above the impact of pain level.
Researchers at Purdue University propose a flexible approach to producing alternative fuels, hydrogen, and electricity from waste materials. The new process could supply up to 20% of transportation fuels in the US annually, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 50%.
The SNM Technologist Section (SNMTS) has partnered with IBA Molecular and Philips to provide a leadership training program for young professionals in nuclear medicine technology. The program aims to develop the leadership skills necessary to excel in the field.
A study by PASS International found that transportation costs and lost earnings significantly contribute to abandonment of treatment. The researchers propose decentralizing treatment to reduce economic burdens on families. Decentralized approaches may improve access to efficient treatment in low-income settings.
Scarab, a robotic system designed for lunar prospecting, will simulate a lunar mission to extract water, hydrogen, and oxygen from Hawaii's Mauna Kea. The robot will use a Canadian-built drill to obtain geologic cores, which will be chemically analyzed on-board instruments developed by NASA.
New research identifies key factor in treatment delay: flock management philosophy. Early identification and individualized treatment of footrot can reduce lameness incidence by up to 80%. The study suggests farmers have the skills to follow best practices but may need resources to implement them.
Researchers investigated etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of spontaneous colon perforation, a rare condition with high mortality rate. The study found that chronic constipation was common among patients and that surgical intervention was often necessary.
A study found that online gamblers think they're more in control of their behavior compared to casino gamblers, but this is not the case due to a lack of social connections and intense sensations., The researchers believe regulating online gambling could remove its excitement.
A new approach to genetic testing for cancers in Australia could effectively halve deaths caused by an inherited form of bowel cancer. By testing tumors of young people with cancer, researchers can identify inherited genetic faults and prevent further cases.
Long-term follow-up data from the APPROVe trial confirm that rofecoxib substantially increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and death compared to placebo. The relative risk of reaching cardiovascular events was increased by 79% in the rofecoxib group.