A RAND Corporation study found that nearly one-third of local health departments connected callers to a public health professional within 30 minutes, while nearly 40% had cases where no one reached a trained professional. The study highlights the importance of having live operators at all times to meet federal guidelines.
A new study led by Duke University Medical Center researchers found that older patients over the age of 60 who undergo elective surgeries are at an increased risk for long-term cognitive problems. The elderly were more likely to die in the first year after surgery, and education protected against postoperative cognitive problems.
Scientists at the University of Leeds have identified a previously unknown natural mechanism that activates ion channels through thioredoxin, offering new opportunities for treating inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. This breakthrough could lead to the development of innovative therapies.
Research finds that multiple species of Chlamydiae bacteria are involved in trachoma, contradicting previous assumptions. The study suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment may not be effective, highlighting the need for new vaccine and treatment strategies.
Researchers found that delivering the IL-22 gene to the intestines of mice with ulcerative colitis reduced inflammation and enhanced mucus production. Local delivery of the IL-22 gene also neutralized chemical-induced intestinal inflammation in normal mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for UC.
Researchers found that compressing nanoscale nickel pillars drives out dislocations, producing a perfect crystal and increasing strength. The process, called mechanical annealing, reduces dislocation density by 15 orders of magnitude, making small structures stronger than expected.
Researchers found that oral osteoporosis medications appear to reduce the risk of jaw degradation in patients. The study analyzed medical claims data from over 714,000 individuals and showed a protective association between oral bisphosphonates and adverse bone outcomes.
A new discovery reveals that consuming polyphenols with high-fat foods may reduce the appearance of toxic compounds in human plasma. Polyphenols have been shown to counteract the unhealthy effects of fatty foods, potentially leading to improved heart health.
The National Arthritis Data Workgroup estimates over 46 million US adults have diagnosed arthritis or other rheumatic conditions. By 2030, this number is expected to rise to nearly 67 million, posing a significant burden on healthcare and public health systems.
A recent study published in Nature reveals that northern terrestrial ecosystems are losing more carbon dioxide through autumnal warming than they gain during spring, offsetting nearly 90% of increased carbon uptake. This finding highlights the critical role of autumn temperatures in determining the carbon balance of these ecosystems.
Hydrogen peroxide plays a crucial role in cell health, but excessive levels can damage DNA and proteins. Researchers have identified a key protein, Prx, that helps control hydrogen peroxide levels by acting as a sensor, warning the cell to respond when levels become too high.
Research found that obese individuals are less likely to use seatbelts due to discomfort, leading to increased risk of injury or death in car accidents. The study suggests promoting awareness about seatbelt extender availability and designing more comfortable seatbelts for overweight individuals.
Researchers at Purdue University developed a new modeling technique to study and design miniature biosensors. The model explains why certain designs perform better than others and refutes long-held assumptions about sensor performance.
Researchers discover polyphenols in winemaking waste inhibit the ability of bacteria to cause cavities and form biofilms, potentially leading to new treatments for oral diseases. The findings also suggest the compounds may hold clues for lessening the ability of bacteria to cause life-threatening infections.
A study by Penn State researchers found that daily alcohol consumption causes changes in male fruit fly sexual behavior, including increased arousal and decreased inhibition. The research also discovered that repeated exposure to ethanol leads to behavioral sensitization, where flies engage in more inter-male courtship.
A study identified ADK as a molecular link between astrogliosis and neuronal dysfunction in epilepsy. Mice engineered with less ADK were protected from chemical-induced epilepsy, suggesting an ADK-based treatment strategy for individuals with epilepsy.
Scientists are developing a novel treatment strategy to target the key enzyme responsible for tooth decay in Streptococcus mutans bacteria. By disrupting this enzyme, researchers hope to render the bacteria more vulnerable to acid damage and prevent the formation of cavity-causing acid.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute uncover two new methods for correcting mistakes in protein synthesis, which could help identify underlying causes of diseases. The discovery also suggests the presence of a triple redundancy system to prevent mistranslation errors.
Researchers have discovered how life evolved from simple self-replicating molecules to complex organisms by studying a primitive fungus protein. The study shows how RNA progressed to share functions with proteins, a critical missing step in the evolution of life.
A new study by Atsushi Mizoguchi and colleagues established that IL-22 ameliorates disease in a mouse model of ulcerative colitis. The authors suggested that individuals with UC might benefit from local delivery of the IL-22 gene to their intestines.
Physicians must not participate in executions as it contradicts the core concept of ethics in medicine. Lethal injections used in executions raise concerns about pain and human suffering, with experts calling for improved procedures to ensure humane treatment. The Mayo Clinic Proceedings provides a forum for debate on this critical issue.
Researchers found a founder mutation in two large US families that may contribute to significant colon cancer cases. The mutation increases risk by 2-3 times by age 80, but can be prevented with proper screening and care.
Researchers found that a short course of hormonal therapy before and with radiation therapy slowed cancer growth by up to eight years, particularly the development of bone metastases. This delayed cancer progression increased survival rates among older men with potentially aggressive prostate cancer.
Researchers found a significant association between the index-to-ring finger length ratio and the risk of knee osteoarthritis. Women with a 'male' pattern of longer ring fingers were more likely to develop knee OA, while those with smaller 2D:4D ratios had a greater risk of tibiofemoral knee joint OA.
A team of astronomers discovered that a white dwarf, AE Aquarii, emits high-energy X-rays as it whirls around on its axis, similar to the Crab Nebula's pulsar. This behavior indicates that white dwarfs can accelerate charged particles to near-light speed, potentially contributing to cosmic rays.
The National Nanotechnology Initiative has released a new strategic plan aimed at achieving growing economic benefits and improved quality of life for US citizens. The plan reflects the consensus of participating agencies and provides guidance for investments and activities in nanotechnology R&D.
A new study published in the journal SLEEP found that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can effectively treat catathrenia, a rare sleep disorder characterized by involuntary groaning during sleep. The study treated seven female patients with CPAP, resulting in the elimination of the groaning sound in all cases.
Research published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that Ashkenazi Jewish women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations have a significantly longer survival rate compared to those without these mutations. After up to nine years of follow-up, carriers were 28% less likely to die from ovarian cancer.
A University of Utah study found that drivers on cell phones drive slower, make fewer lane changes, and have lower overall speeds, leading to increased travel times. This can substantially reduce traffic flow, increasing congestion on highways.
A study found that people with untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have weakened heart rate recovery after maximal exercise, suggesting an imbalance in autonomic control. This may be an early clinical sign of OSA progression.
A study found that children who don't get enough nightly sleep are more likely to be overweight and have behavioral problems. Sleep duration was shorter on weekends, in the summer, and when bedtime was after 9:00 p.m.
A study found that preschoolers' nightmares are trait-like in nature and linked to personality characteristics, as early as five months. The study also showed that children with consistent bad dreams were more anxious and emotionally disturbed at younger ages.
Researchers developed a three-drug cocktail targeting glioblastoma multiforme tumors, which showed significant benefits in killing cancer cells and sparing healthy brain tissue. The treatment is based on the first-ever documented molecular signature of GBM tumors and may be tested in patients within five years.
A new study found that black and Hispanic patients are less likely to receive strong pain drugs in emergency rooms, despite increased opioid use. Non-opioid pain relievers were prescribed more often to non-whites than whites.
A new study by Temple University finds that women who stopped being religiously active were more than three times likely to suffer generalized anxiety and alcohol abuse/dependence. Conversely, men who stopped being actively religious experienced decreased major depression.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center have developed a new saliva test that accurately detects head and neck cancer in 42.9% of patients, ruling out the disease in 81.9% of healthy individuals. The test uses genetic signatures common to the disease and holds promise for screening high-risk populations.
A study published in SLEEP finds that zolpidem extended-release improved sleep onset and maintenance, as well as concentration and morning sleepiness in people with chronic primary insomnia. The medication showed sustained benefits over six months, with no evidence of rebound insomnia upon drug discontinuation.
A specific gene variation appears to significantly increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis. Researchers found that elevated EGF levels and activation of the EGFR receptor were associated with a higher risk of HCC in patients with at least one copy of the G allele.