A literature review suggests that global health initiatives and agencies claim to support health system strengthening but often fail to deliver. The study examines the claims made by major global health actors, such as WHO and UNAIDS, and finds a gap between their language and actual activities.
The Millennium Development Goals are failing to address high under-five child mortality amongst the country's most vulnerable groups. The goal of reducing average under-5 mortality by two-thirds by 2015 may be achieved, but inequity will persist if resources are allocated solely based on averages
A new study from Lucile Packard Children's Hospital and Stanford University School of Medicine reveals that infants with bowel disease may have two distinct disease processes with different origins. The research suggests that premature infants, heart defect patients, and others with NEC may be affected by reduced blood flow to the bowe...
A new mouse model has been developed to understand the cause of progressive hearing loss, opening up avenues for treatment. The study found that a genetic mutation in microRNA seed region influences sensory hair cell production, leading to impaired hearing.
A new study published in American Journal of Public Health found that 15% of fifth-grade students reported experiencing racial or ethnic discrimination, which may lead to symptoms of depression, ADHD, and other mental health disorders. The study highlights the need for parents, clinicians, and teachers to address this issue and provide...
Research in PLOS ONE identifies early interactions between vision and language domains during reading, with the speech motor areas active simultaneously as words are processed. This finding has potential clinical applications for individuals with developmental dyslexia and acquired reading disabilities.
The BSSA special issue on rotational seismology discusses research on rotational ground motions, including theory, instrumentation, observation, and interpretation. Rotational effects from earthquakes have been observed for centuries, but were ignored due to practical difficulties in measuring them.
A new study describes a method for reattaching large sponges to coral reefs, with 62.5% of sponges surviving at least 2.3-3 years. The technique uses sponge holders and can be applied to other large sponge species removed by human activities or storm events.
Research suggests that being firstborn, having a breech birth, or maternal age over 35 may increase autism risk. This study analyzed Utah children with ASD and found significant correlations between these factors.
New American Academy of Neurology and American Epilepsy Society guidelines suggest pregnant women with epilepsy consider avoiding valproate, a drug linked to increased fetal malformations and decreased thinking skills. The guidelines recommend regular blood testing to adjust medication doses.
New research reveals that DNA repair enzyme TDG plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of cancer drug 5-Fluorouracil. By incorporating itself into DNA, 5FU creates an overload on the repair system, leading to cell death. This finding provides a new understanding of how 5FU kills cancer cells.
A new study found that smoking, high blood pressure, and being overweight are the leading preventable causes of death in the US, responsible for 467,000, 395,000, and 216,000 premature deaths annually. The study's findings highlight the importance of modifiable risk factors and call for increased public health efforts to address these ...
Researchers found that consuming fat-rich foods enhances memory consolidation, triggering long-term memories of the activity. OEA, a compound produced in the small intestine, plays a key role in this process.
A new delivery method of flu vaccine using microneedle skin patches has shown comparable effectiveness to conventional intramuscular injections. The patch-based approach eliminates pain, increases convenience and could lead to improved seasonal vaccination coverage.
Researchers found that Deity Yoga (DY) meditation enhances mental rotation and visual memory skills. DY practitioners showed significant improvements compared to Open Presence (OP) meditators and controls after a 20-minute meditation session.
The journal's new evidence-based approach prioritizes the impact of diseases and risk factors that cause significant years lost to healthy life worldwide. It also emphasizes the importance of considering social, environmental, and political determinants of health alongside biological causes.
Physicists at University of Bristol and Imperial College London develop new method using 'spooky action' to identify quantum black boxes, overcoming fundamental limitations. This breakthrough has significant implications for future quantum computing and information science.
The researcher will explore bystander passivity in school bullying, investigating how children misjudge their peers' failure to help as evidence of tolerance for bullying. The study's findings could inform the content of classroom-based intervention programs.
Researchers have determined key structural features of the mimivirus, a giant virus large enough to be seen with a light microscope. The findings reveal a starfish-shaped structure that covers a special vertex where the genetic material leaves the virus to infect its host.
The study found that solar lanterns significantly reduced kerosene and electricity costs, with annual savings ranging from $150 to $250. Solar lanterns also improved household work efficiency for women and increased school hours for children, benefiting rural Indian communities.
A new analysis finds that prostate cancer patients who undergo testosterone-lowering therapy are at higher risk of bone fractures and heart-related deaths. The study highlights the need for preventive measures and careful health scrutiny to mitigate these risks.
A study published in the Biophysical Journal has discovered a method to predict heart attacks by measuring electrical activity coupling between two types of heart muscle cells. This can help doctors and patients buy time before an attack occurs.
The new AAP clinical report offers guidance on secure transport and advises parents to use car safety seats only for travel, while car beds are recommended for infants with breathing difficulties. The guidelines recommend placement of car seats in the rear seat and use of rolled blankets for support.
A comprehensive study estimates that smoking and high blood pressure cause nearly half of the US adults' preventable deaths. The analysis highlights the potential for targeted interventions to reduce these deadly risk factors.
The Pittsburgh Science of Learning Center (PSLC) will continue its research on how people learn with a renewed $25 million NSF grant. The PSLC conducts experiments in over 50 classrooms across the US to understand learning styles and habits.
A study in Zanzibar found that rapid malaria tests reduced prescriptions of antimalarial drugs and increased treatment for non-malarial causes, while also lowering reattendance rates due to perceived lack of cure. The results suggest improved health outcomes with routine use of these tests.
Researchers are exploring new treatments for lung cancer using targeted therapies and personalized care. Studies have shown promising results in improving patient outcomes, including the use of molecular targeted therapies and chemotherapy combinations.
Researchers at Saint Louis University have developed a universal influenza vaccine that evokes high antibody titers, similar to those found in small animals infected with the disease. The vaccine, known as BIPCV, is well-tolerated and safe, even at low doses.
The American Urological Association recommends individualized PSA testing for men 40 years or older with a life expectancy of at least 10 years. The test should be accompanied by a digital rectal exam to determine prostate cancer risk, which also considers family history and overall health.
Current treatments for cystic fibrosis, including hypertonic saline, macrolide antibiotics, and ibuprofen, are crucial for improving life expectancy. Patients with CF can benefit from airway clearance techniques, nutrition supplements, and medications to prevent bacterial infections.
A recent study by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute found that patients at community health clinics are less likely to receive cardiology consultations than those at hospitals. Women and minority groups were also underrepresented among these consultations, highlighting disparities in heart care.
Elsevier has launched a new journal called Epidemics, which will focus on infectious disease dynamics. The journal aims to bring together researchers from various disciplines and provide a platform for high-quality papers in this emerging field.
Researchers found that macrophages focus reactive oxygen species (ROS) on targets outside the cytoplasm to kill bacteria. The study shows that superoxide dismutases in bacterial periplasm protect bacteria from ROS, suggesting a new mechanism for macrophage-bacteria interaction.
A study by Ottawa researchers found that an interactive voice response system can effectively monitor patients taking anticoagulants like warfarin, reducing the workload of clinical staff. The system improved patient outcomes and efficiency in managing anticoagulation therapy.
Researchers at Hebrew University found that administering morphine with a drug blocking interleukin-1 provides effective long-term pain relief without increasing dosages. This breakthrough could lead to better pain management with lower side effects.
A Florida State University researcher is exploring the effect of school-based screening on student fitness and parent behavior as part of a $2.2 million NIH grant. The study aims to track children's health changes and assess the impact of wellness programs on obesity rates in ethnic-minority students.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a powerful relief for kids' chronic eczema using diluted beach baths. The study found that giving pediatric patients with moderate or severe eczema reduced signs of infection and improved the severity and extent of the eczema on their bodies.
A recent Finnish study found that short sleep duration increases risk for behavioral symptoms of ADHD, even without sleeping difficulties. The researchers tracked 280 healthy children and found a higher hyperactivity and impulsivity score with shorter sleep duration.
A new JGP study advances conclusions about the essential features of the Shaker K+ channel. Researchers propose that if three of four voltage sensors are in an activated conformation, the fourth can open and close the channel by itself.
Medication errors in the ICU account for 78% of serious medical errors. Implementing strategies such as computerizing orders, reconciling medications, and maintaining detailed medication lists can help prevent errors and improve patient safety.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will present several awards at a banquet recognizing significant contributions to parachute and balloon technology. Charles H. Lowry and Loren Seely are among the recipients of the Knacke and Winzen Lifetime Achievement Awards, respectively.
Scientists discover that quinoline compounds inhibit S100A9's pro-inflammatory effects on white blood cells involved in immune regulation. This new mechanism may provide insights into the early stages of autoimmune disease development.
Genetic screening for cystic fibrosis carrier mutations is universally recommended for the reproductive-age population. New reference materials have been developed to ensure accuracy in genetic testing, but some mutations may lead to false results due to large deletions or interference with laboratory methods.
Researchers developed a new statistical model simulating human mobility patterns, with potential uses including land use planning and public health studies of epidemic disease. The model, called SLAW, represents regular movement patterns using statistical data.
Astronomers have found evidence of planet destruction caused by a star's tides, with some planets falling into their parent stars. The research uses computer models and observations to show that the tidal forces can misshape the star's surface, leading to the planet's demise.
A new study by researchers from the University of Minnesota found that individuals with higher cognitive ability are more likely to make good economic decisions, including taking calculated risks and being cooperative. The study also found a positive correlation between cognitive skill and perseverance in job retention.
A new study published by the University of Leicester suggests that a six-month time lag may occur before effective vaccines can be manufactured during a pandemic flu outbreak. The study proposes a pre-pandemic vaccination approach to mitigate the worst effects of pandemic flu, which could potentially protect people years in advance.
Researchers at Autoimmunity Research Foundation discovered that hidden bacteria alter human genes and gene products, leading to autoantibody production. Antibacterial therapies targeting these microbes can reverse autoimmune disease processes.
Countries including US, Canada, Japan, and European Union agree on globally coordinated scientific recommendations for alternative toxicity testing methods. This will reduce the number of animals needed for product safety testing, improving animal welfare.
The UN University International Institute for Software Technology is launching a project to develop an electronic government strategy for Afghanistan. The project aims to build human and organizational capacity of the Ministry of Communication and IT and promote international best practices in electronic governance.
Professor Peretz Friedman is recognized for his work in aeroelasticity, while Raphael Haftka and C.T. Sun are honored for their groundbreaking design work and mentoring in structural mechanics.
Researchers discovered how a SUMO protein guides an enzyme complex to alter chromatin structure and regulate gene expression. The interaction between SUMO and the enzyme complex prevents aberrant gene expression, which is common in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
A literature review reveals that landfill cover soils oxidize more methane than previously recommended guidelines suggest. The overall mean fraction oxidized was 36%, with a standard error of 6%, indicating that the actual oxidation rate is likely higher than current default values.
The American Urological Association recommends PSA testing for men aged 40+, considering factors like family history and overall health. The new guidelines stress that prostate cancer is an individual decision, and the single standard should not apply to all men.
A study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry reveals a novel protein called RANBP9, which when over-expressed leads to increased generation of amyloid-beta peptide. The researchers found that inhibiting RANBP9 may offer an alternative approach to therapy for Alzheimer's disease.
A survey of new doctors and teaching physicians found significant disagreement on essential medical procedures to learn, with new doctors prioritizing more invasive procedures. The results have led to a revised curriculum at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, enhancing student training and potentially improving patient care.
Researchers Norrmén et al identified Foxc2 and NFATc1 as key transcription factors in lymph vessel development. These factors work together to build lymph vessel valves, a critical aspect of the lymphatic drainage system.
The Medical College of Georgia is part of a large national study examining the genes of 10,000 patients with schizophrenia and 10,000 healthy individuals. The study aims to pinpoint variations that can improve disease diagnosis and treatment.
Scientists at the University of Central Florida have revived a dormant gene found in humans, which produces retrocyclin, a protein that resists HIV. The study found that restoring the production of retrocyclins prevents HIV entry and transmission.
In Ethiopia, the scale-up of antiretroviral treatment has achieved remarkable success in expanding access to treatment and HIV counseling and testing. However, HIV prevention interventions and managing chronic care patients are lagging behind. Task shifting to health officers and workers is credited with these successes, but urgent att...
Research published in PLOS Medicine found that mortality among HIV-infected people starting antiretroviral treatment (ART) is comparable to non-HIV related mortality in four sub-Saharan countries. The study analyzed data from over 2 million people with HIV and found moderate excess mortality, similar to that associated with diabetes.