A new TB treatment using Rifampin for four months is more effective than the current nine-month standard, saving healthcare systems $10,000 per patient. This shorter treatment also leads to better compliance rates and lower costs.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that reloading a multiband ligator instead of using a new one can significantly reduce the cost of treating esophageal varices. The procedure, which involves reusing the same band ligator for multiple sessions, resulted in a 58% reduction in costs.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons reveals that long-term survival and liver rejection rates are equivalent for African-American liver transplant patients as compared to patients of other races. The study suggests that race is not a predictor of survival, contrary to previous findings.
A study published in HortScience found that employees in offices with live plants and window views reported higher job satisfaction and overall life quality. The research suggests that adding green spaces to office environments can increase employee happiness and productivity.
A study found that even when patients with diabetes present with high blood pressure, there's only a 50-50 chance of receiving treatment. Uncertainty about the patient's blood pressure and other medical issues contribute to this 'clinical inertia'. More systematic guidelines for monitoring blood pressure in people with diabetes are needed
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a novel device that emits coherent Terahertz (THz) radiation at room temperature, overcoming a major hurdle in laser technology. The breakthrough has significant potential for applications ranging from security screening to chemical sensing.
Researchers at Northwestern University and Princeton University created a new kind of polymer that incorporates functionalized, exfoliated graphene sheets, exhibiting extraordinary thermal and mechanical properties. The polymer's electroconductivity is also being studied to create optically transparent conducting polymers.
A new study shows that DCE-MRI plus DWI can accurately diagnose residual or recurrent prostate cancer, improving patient outcomes. The two imaging studies have a combined accuracy rate of about 72% in detecting cancer after HIFU ablation.
TAK-390MR demonstrates consistently high healing rates and symptom relief for patients with erosive esophagitis, outperforming lansoprazole in phase 3 studies. The study's results showed that TAK-390MR produced significantly higher overall healing rates than lansoprazole across two studies.
Dr. Michael Brownlee, a renowned expert in diabetes research, has been awarded the prestigious David Rumbough Award by JDRF for his outstanding contributions to understanding diabetic complications. His innovative work on hyperglycemia-induced damage and the discovery of novel molecular pathways have significantly advanced the field.
New study results demonstrate significant relief of IBS-C symptoms in adult women treated with AMITIZA 8 mcg, improving overall quality of life. This approval marks a significant advancement in treating IBS-C, which affects approximately one-third of IBS cases.
A study found that college students often drink to excess on their 21st birthdays, with 34% of men and 24% of women consuming 21 drinks or more. The researchers estimated blood alcohol content, finding that 49% of men and 35% of women had levels indicating severe intoxication.
Researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center report positive results from a human trial of sorafenib, a cancer drug, as a treatment for pulmonary hypertension. Eight out of nine patients improved their exercise capacity and six experienced significant improvements in right ventricular ejection fraction.
Researchers have made significant progress in diagnosing and preventing celiac disease, a condition where gluten triggers an autoimmune response. A new therapy, AT-1001, has shown promising results in improving intestinal permeability and reducing symptoms.
A study by Rush University Medical Center found that the Z-plasty technique significantly improves nasal airflow and reduces recovery time compared to traditional open rhinoplasty. The minimally invasive procedure shows promise as an effective treatment option for patients with internal nasal valve collapse.
A comprehensive review of facial plastic surgery outcome measures identified 68 instruments, including patient-reported and clinical efficacy measures. The study found that most patient-reported measures were developed in the past decade and had varying levels of validation rigor.
The NIH's Undiagnosed Diseases Program aims to provide answers for patients with mysterious conditions that have long eluded diagnosis. The program will utilize the expertise of senior attending physicians from various specialties to evaluate patients and identify new diseases or treatments.
US researchers have created living computers by genetically altering bacteria, solving the burnt pancake problem in a matter of flips. The breakthrough showcases computing in living cells, offering potential advantages over conventional computers, including parallel processing and self-repair mechanisms.
A rare and intense stellar flare was detected by NASA's Swift satellite from the normally quiet red dwarf star EV Lacertae. The flare, which lasted for 8 hours, would have sterilized life-bearing planets' surfaces if they were nearby.
A study found that black patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher risk of dying in the early stages of the disease compared to white patients. The disparities are attributed to sociological factors, including poverty and access-to-care, rather than biological differences.
A University of Nebraska Medical Center-led pilot study found that antidepressants significantly reduced the risk of depression in head and neck cancer patients. The study, led by Drs. William Lydiatt and Bill Burke, showed that only 15% of patients who took antidepressants experienced depression, compared to 50% of those who did not.
Researchers have successfully inserted DNA from the extinct Tasmanian tiger into mouse embryos, demonstrating a functional response in developing cartilage and bone. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of new biomedicines and gaining insights into the biology of extinct animals.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers suggests that heart bypass surgery is not the cause of lasting cognitive problems in patients. After six years of testing, both groups experienced similar declines in cognitive function, indicating that the disease itself may be the culprit.
Researchers have doubled the efficiency of infrared lasers in the mid-infrared wavelength range, which could enable next-generation laser-based defense systems and commercial applications like trace chemical analysis and pollution monitoring. The advancements were achieved through improvements to material quality, design, and fabrication.
Researchers found that airbag use significantly reduces injuries to the brain, face, spine, and chest; lowers in-hospital mortality rates, injury severity, and hospital-acquired infections. The study suggests optimal airbag use could lead to cost savings for trauma centers.
A new Management Insights study by Enno Siemsen reveals that software designers intentionally create complex products to advance their careers. Companies are struggling to cope with increasing design complexity, and the study suggests moving compensation agreements towards short-term project success.
Researchers report transformation of y-larvae into a previously unseen parasitic form, challenging current understanding of crustacean taxonomy. The discovery highlights the potential ecological importance of adults in this enigmatic group.
New guidelines provide guidance for medical researchers on how to handle ancillary care needs in developing countries. The four Ps - Positive obligation, Planning Partnership, and Practical steps - offer a framework for addressing these needs.
Scientists have created the first three-dimensional view of the protein TRPV1, which senses the heat of hot peppers and pain. The study reveals surprising information about its structure, including a 'hanging basket' area that regulates the channel.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have made a breakthrough finding that a smallpox drug, hexadecyloxypropyl-cidofovir (CMX001), successfully targets adenovirus in animal models. CMX001 provided protection from the virus when administered prophylactically or therapeutically and reduced viral load to undetectable levels.
A study found black men are less likely to receive elective surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysms compared to white men, even after accounting for disease rates. This disparity suggests potential differences in healthcare access or treatment, warranting further investigation.
Researchers accessed the NINDS rt-PA Stroke Trial dataset to address concerns about its design, results, and ramifications. They found the process of gaining access to the information convoluted and difficult, with some crucial data missing.
Researchers at City College of New York (CCNY) have developed new near-infrared broadband lasers with tunability ranges around triple those of earlier crystals. The lasers can operate in two telecom windows, spanning 460 nanometers, and have potential applications in telecommunications, biomedical imaging, and remote sensing.
New developments in sedation techniques, including computer-assisted systems and propofol administration, are expected to increase the effectiveness of colonoscopy and ease patient concerns. These advancements aim to encourage patients to get screened for colorectal cancer, which is curable when detected early.
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund has awarded $11.2 million to 15 physician-scientists in recognition of their outstanding contributions to medical research. The Career Awards for Medical Scientists program supports early-career investigators as they transition from mentored positions to independent research careers.
Monitoring treatment adherence to AIDS therapy can predict risk of disease progression without blood tests. A simple blood-free method uses pharmacy prescription refill claims to track patient adherence, showing it's a better predictor than CD4 cell counts at 6 and 12 months.
Researchers traced flu samples from around the world to determine migration patterns, finding Asia is the breeding ground for new strains. The study's 'antigenic map' shows relationships between viruses and helps predict future outbreaks.
University of Utah chemists have discovered the ideal photonic crystal structure, dubbed the "champion" crystal, in the shimmering green scales of a Brazilian weevil beetle. The scale material has a diamond-like structure that can manipulate light efficiently, but its chitin composition makes it unsuitable for long-term use.
A national study has found that the majority of kidney cancers are now diagnosed at an earlier stage, with a significant increase in stage I tumors and improved overall survival rates. The study attributes this trend to the increased use of medical imaging, which leads to the detection of smaller, non-symptomatic tumors.
Lubiprostone has been shown to significantly improve all IBS-C symptoms in women, including abdominal pain, bloating, and constipation severity. The drug is also effective in treating IBS-C for up to one year, with improved stool consistency and reduced nausea and diarrhea.
Researchers have developed new techniques for optimal soil moisture monitoring under drip irrigation systems, helping growers prevent over-irrigation and improve grape yields. By identifying the most suitable locations for soil sampling, vineyard managers can reduce water waste and enhance plant cold-hardiness.
Research debunks five myths about domestic violence in men, revealing serious effects on mental health and long-term consequences. The study found that many men experience domestic violence, with depressive symptoms nearly three times as common among those who have been abused.
A small red dwarf star called EV Lacertae unleashed an unprecedented stellar flare, detected by NASA's Swift satellite. The star's fast rotation and magnetic fields generated the powerful flare, releasing energy across the electromagnetic spectrum.
Regular skin self-exams can help couples detect melanoma earlier, increasing their chances of survival. Couples with strong bonds are more likely to perform these exams and support each other through the process.
The Department of Homeland Security has awarded a $589,000 continuation grant to Florida Tech associate professor Marcus Hohlmann for his research on using subatomic particles to detect hidden nuclear materials in cargo. The project uses muon radiography and a novel micro-pattern particle detector to identify potential threats.
A new study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine has found that sequential therapy is superior to standard treatment for eradicating H. pylori, with potential implications for future treatments. Additionally, the study reveals a higher risk of certain cancers among HIV-infected patients and suggests a possible association betwe...
A national survey of teachers found that one in eight high school biology teachers present creationism as a scientifically valid alternative to Darwinian evolution. The majority of teachers spend less than five hours on human evolution, suggesting pressure from the community may influence teaching practices. Raising certification stand...
A Canadian study finds that video-conferencing technology improves pulmonary rehabilitation outcomes for rural patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The TELEHEALTH program, which uses video and communications technologies to deliver exercise programs under direct supervision, shows similar results to standard in-p...
Researchers found that high pressure can induce superconductivity in high-temperature superconductors, allowing them to operate at higher temperatures. This breakthrough could change the energy system by providing a new approach to studying and harnessing these materials.
Researchers developed a blood test that can detect lung cancer in its earliest stages with high accuracy, potentially eliminating the need for invasive biopsies. The test uses gene expression analysis of circulating white blood cells and showed an 87% accuracy rate.
A vaccine created by University of Rochester Medical Center scientists prevents the development of Alzheimer’s disease-like pathology in mice. The vaccinated mice demonstrated normal learning skills and functioning memory despite being genetically designed to develop an aggressive form of the disease.
A study of 504 patients with herpes zoster found that individuals with a family history of the condition were 4.35 times more likely to develop shingles. The authors suggest targeting at-risk individuals based on their family history to decrease the risk and health care expenditures associated with herpes zoster morbidity.
A study of 15 Finnish families has pinpointed genetic regions associated with musical aptitude, including genes involved in neural development. The findings suggest that musical talent may be regulated by multiple predisposing genes/variants, offering new insights into music's relationship to language and brain function.
A 3-year 'Greener Voices' study reveals children will engage more in gardening when given responsibility for planning and decision-making. Researchers found that adult assumptions about children's involvement can hinder their participation.
Researchers found that tracking patients' medication adherence was more accurate than CD4 test results in identifying those at risk of treatment failure. Adherence assessments could be used for early identification of high-risk patients, averting health impacts and prioritizing limited viral load testing.
Two studies found that erectile dysfunction is a powerful early warning sign for serious heart disease, including heart attack and death in men with type 2 diabetes. Cholesterol-lowering medications and certain compounds like Viagra may reduce the risk of heart problems.
As people age, they experience more feelings of ease and contentment than younger counterparts. The study found that aging is associated with more positive than negative emotions, and more passive than active emotions.
The Springer Handbook of Robotics presents the latest research in robotics, covering foundations to social and ethical implications. Edited by renowned experts Bruno Siciliano and Oussama Khatib, the handbook sets new standards for future developments and challenges in this scientific discipline.
A new study suggests that taking the antidepressant citalopram before starting treatment for head and neck cancer may help prevent depression during therapy. The study found that patients who took citalopram experienced lower rates of depression compared to those who took a placebo.
Researchers have made significant progress in developing neural cell transplants as a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease. Engineered human neural progenitor cells that produce glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) show promise in promoting functional recovery and improving motor function without causing negative side effects.