The initiative seeks to improve care for patients with sickle cell disease by establishing medical homes, providing comprehensive education, and encouraging specialization in the field. The project aims to reduce pain crises and hospitalizations through better prevention and treatment strategies.
A study by Boston Children's Hospital reveals that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes significantly more acute respiratory illnesses, ED visits, and hospitalizations among young children compared to seasonal flu. RSV-related illnesses lead to increased missed workdays for parents.
A study of 3500 Welsh children found they were exposed to similar amounts of secondhand smoke before and after the smoking ban. Despite concerns about displacement, the home remained the main source of children's exposure.
Microbiologist Louis Tisa received nearly $500,000 to explore the symbiotic relationship between bacteria Frankia and actinorhizal plant Casuarina. The USDA grant aims to enhance the performance of these trees, providing a sustainable solution to soil enrichment.
African-Americans have lower survival rates than whites after surgery for colon cancer; the study suggests genetic variation, tumor characteristics, access to healthcare, and other factors may be involved. Obesity was found to be protective in patients with advanced-stage disease, contradicting earlier assumptions.
A new study reveals a more extensive valley network on Mars, indicating the presence of an ancient ocean. The findings suggest that rainfall and precipitation played a major role in shaping the Martian landscape.
AIDS research reveals that Ugandan communities lack education on contraception, with only 8 out of 421 participants using dual protection methods. This is problematic due to misconceptions and incorrect use of condoms as sole form of contraception.
Men who engage in moderate-to-heavy intensity exercise have a lower risk of stroke compared to those with no physical activity. The study found that men who participated in such activities were 63% less likely to experience a stroke. However, the results did not show a similar benefit for women.
Researchers at Harvard University used an analog model and mathematical simulations to understand how a long leaf is formed. They found that elastic strain resulting from differential growth leads to the elegant arc and serrated surface of leaves like the plantain lily.
Research highlights vitamin D's critical role in immune function, inflammation, and heart health, with evidence suggesting it may boost innate immunity and prevent infections. Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread problem worldwide, affecting nearly one billion people, and experts are considering increasing recommended daily intake.
A University of Illinois economist suggests reducing mail delivery to five days a week could help the USPS recover from financial losses. However, this move might also lead to a loss of lucrative business customers who rely on frequent deliveries for advertisements and promotions.
A team of investigators analyzed 30 randomized trials of Vioxx and found a strong concern for cardiovascular events or death as early as December 2000. The analysis showed a 35-43% increased risk of cardiovascular events or death, highlighting the need for informed treatment decisions and public health efforts.
The Inner City Asthma Consortium, funded by the NIH, investigates novel treatments and causes of asthma in urban children. Key studies include evaluating environmental factors influencing immune system development and exploring anti-IgE therapy to decrease viral-induced seasonal asthma exacerbations.
Researchers found that bat migration evolved independently within the Vespertilionidae family, with most species migrating for better hibernating conditions. The study discovered a correlation between migration and roost use, with tree-roosting bats more likely to migrate.
A USDOE and USDA study found switchgrass to produce more dry biomass per dollar cost than the other three species, making it the optimal choice for a field. The study recommends fertilizing with 60 pounds of nitrogen per acre per year and harvesting once per year after senescence.
A University of Rochester study found that three quarters of cancer patients with chemotherapy suffer from insomnia or sleep disorders, affecting their ability to fully recover. Younger patients and those with lung and breast cancers were particularly affected.
A recent study published in the November issue of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy found that six percent of asymptomatic women underwent endoscopic screening and were diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus. Additionally, researchers demonstrated the accuracy of EUS-FNA in diagnosing pancreatic endocrine tumors, predicting five-year survival rat...
A new study found that certain types of financial incentives for improving patient care have a positive effect on patient experiences. However, placing too much emphasis on physician productivity can actually harm patient satisfaction. Researchers analyzed data from 124,021 patients and found improvements in areas like communication an...
A study found that direct-to-consumer advertising for clopidogrel led to a 12% increase in cost per unit, resulting in $40.58 added pharmacy costs per 1,000 Medicaid enrollees per quarter. Overall, this increased total pharmacy expenditures by $207 million.
A new study found that rats exposed to fuel vapor from both leaded and unleaded gasoline exhibited increased aggressive behavior. Exposure to either type of fuel vapor led to significant changes in brain chemistry, including fluctuations in neurotransmitters.
The studies used molecular dynamics flexible fitting (MDFF) to examine the interaction of the ribosome with EF-Tu and SecY, respectively. The researchers found structural evidence that when the ribosome recognizes the correct tRNA, it induces a change in the shape of EF-Tu, allowing chemical interactions to lead to protein assembly.
A mechanical model of vocalization has been developed to study the phonation process and combat voice disorders. The model, which mimics the airflow and vibrations within the vocal folds, aims to improve surgical assessments for patients undergoing vocal tract surgery.
A new study analyzes data from five continents to conclude that existing strategies can be used to predict, monitor and manage insect resistance. By understanding what accelerates and delays resistance, farmers can more effectively thwart pest resistance using tactics like refuge strategy and pyramided crops.
Researchers from Empa have successfully synthesized a graphene-like polymer with well-defined pores using a 'bottom-up' synthesis method. The new material boasts finer pores than traditional lithographic processes, opening up new possibilities for applications in electronics and other fields.
Researchers discovered that the peptide C3a regulates nerve cell maturation and migration in mice, which could lead to treating stroke, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders. The study found that molecules similar to C3a can boost nerve cell formation and replace damaged cells.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that home-based HIV care is an effective strategy, relying less on clinical staff and hospital services than facility-based care. This approach provides large savings for patients and could improve equitable access to HIV treatment, especially in areas with scarce clinical infrastructure.
A new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society reveals high densities of western lowland gorillas in a Congolese swamp forest, with estimated populations exceeding 5,000 individuals. The researchers warn that protection is needed to safeguard these gorillas and their environment from imminent threats.
Researchers analyzed all clinical trials of rofecoxib before its market withdrawal and found an association between the drug and increased cardiovascular risk as early as December 2000. The study provided a roadmap for assessing drug safety after product introduction, highlighting the importance of public disclosure of trial results.
Children exposed prenatally to tobacco smoke and during childhood to lead face a high risk for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The study estimates that up to 35% of ADHD cases could be reduced by eliminating these environmental exposures.
The researchers used photolithography to define shapes on a thin film of single-crystalline silicon, then applied water droplets to direct self-assembly. The resulting structures offer mechanical bendability and promise efficient solar energy harvesting with thin films.
A new chameleon species has been discovered in Tanzania's Magombera Forest, with the specimen named Kinyongia magomberae. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting this area, which is home to endangered red colobus monkeys and under threat from habitat loss.
Physicist Jeff Barrett and colleagues are analyzing old notes by Hugh Everett III to understand how to measure physical objects in quantum mechanics. The effort aims to resolve the quantum measurement problem, a long-standing puzzle in physics.
A consensus statement on diabetes surgery recognizes the legitimacy of surgery as a dedicated treatment for type 2 diabetes in carefully selected patients. The document summarizes evidence showing that bariatric surgery effectively reverses type 2 diabetes, and its findings justify considering surgery as a specific diabetes intervention.
A new study examines screen time in both home-based and center-based child care settings, finding that those in home-based settings watch significantly more on average than those in center-based daycares. The study recommends parents limit screen time for children under two years old and choose age-appropriate programs.
A study by Oregon State University economists found that countries like France and the US fare well due to competitive crop production and few trade barriers. In contrast, low-income countries suffer from higher trade restrictions and below-average productivity.
Bestselling journalist Robert Wright will present his new book "The Evolution of God," a provocative interpretation of the evolution of religion and our concepts of God. This event marks one of several 'Darwin Day' events at Stevens to honor the 150th anniversary of Charles Darwin's publication.
Researchers at MIT developed a new modeling methodology to determine the capacity and assess risks of leakage in potential underground carbon-dioxide reservoirs. The tool can quickly predict how carbon dioxide will migrate through subsurface, reducing hours or days of computational time required.
Researchers have developed a new method to delicately comb out entanglements among qubits while preserving the encoded information. This work provides a primitive model for a quantum World Wide Web, where individual users form ebits with quantum search engines and send queries via quantum teleportation.
Biomethylation of arsenic compounds causes oxidative DNA damage, enhancing their toxicity and potentially carcinogenicity. Methylation-competent cells exhibited rapid cancer cell acquisition after peak oxidative DNA damage.
This pioneering research projects recreate authentic sounds of the past using acoustics, enhancing our understanding of heritage and its impact on daily life. By studying past events through sound, researchers improve acoustic preservation of old buildings and design new ones to mitigate noise pollution.
Researchers found almost 11 times more aftershocks in the first three days after the main event, revealing a new understanding of fault creep. The matched filter technique allowed them to automatically detect events, increasing detection accuracy.
A UK survey of 1500 respondents found that those who own their own home are more likely to separate rubbish than renters, while switching off lights in unused rooms is the most popular green behavior. The survey also shows that taking fewer flights and car sharing are less common.
Researchers found that transplanted human-derived umbilical cord blood stem cells had positive therapeutic effects on specific lung and heart disorders in animal models. The study showed that MSCs have anti-inflammatory effects and can differentiate into various cell types, including lung-specific cells.
The NIGMS has awarded 14 GO grants to scientists across 13 states, totaling $42.3 million. These grants focus on various areas of biomedical science, including personalized medicine, gene expression, and drug development.
Only 2,300 children out of 30,000 to 40,000 in care are adopted annually; youth in care face higher hospitalization rates and justice system involvement. Experts advocate for easier adoption processes, including support for adoptive parents and breaking down provincial barriers.
A study of 160 kidney transplant patients found that social support was lower in the later transplant period, while medication side effects had a significant impact on quality of life. Researchers highlight the need for more social support and interventions to alleviate medication side effects.
A new MEMS sensor can detect changes in bulk resistance for plaque characteristics and identify spots where back currents may be promoting plaque formation. This technology has the potential to improve heart attack treatment by distinguishing between stable and unstable plaque.
A new study found that exposure to airborne metals like nickel and vanadium, as well as diesel exhaust particles, are associated with respiratory symptoms in young children. The study controlled for other risk factors and suggests improved regulatory action is needed to protect urban children.
A meta-analysis of 22 studies found that sedatives and hypnotics, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines significantly increase the risk of falling in older adults. The study suggests that psychotropic medications contribute to falls and fracture risks, emphasizing the need for careful medication management in elderly populations.
Male circumcision significantly reduces HIV infection risk by 60% in rural Uganda men. The removal of foreskin tissue containing HIV target cells explains most of the protection. Circumcision also reduces genital ulcer disease by lowering rates of trauma-induced ulcers, not just those caused by herpes.
The article emphasizes the need for a more methodologically robust approach to evaluating eHealth systems. Researchers must recognize the importance of combined quantitative and qualitative work when assessing IT systems.
A University of Utah scientist argues that energy conservation doesn't save energy, but instead spurs economic growth and accelerated energy consumption. The study finds a constant link between global energy use and accumulated economic productivity, tied to a physical constant of 9.7 milliwatts per inflation-adjusted dollar.
A recent study by Loyola University Health System found that one out of five adults with Type 2 diabetes is morbidly obese. The rate of morbid obesity among people with diabetes increased by 141% between 1976 and 2006, highlighting the growing public health implications.
Researchers found that common human bacteria, specifically Porphyromas gingivalis, produce unique lipids that can enhance inflammatory responses and exacerbate autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. These lipids may serve as new markers of MS disease activity and targets for therapeutic intervention.
New research reveals that European forests and grasslands can only compensate for 15% of the continent's carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel burning. Methane and nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural land and peat-lands cancel out almost all carbon sink, leaving a net effect of only 2%.
Scientists have demonstrated that stem cells found in amniotic fluid can form three-dimensional aggregates of cells known as embryoid bodies, which suggests they may be useful for treating a wider array of diseases and conditions. The findings suggest that the amnion cells have greater potential than thought and may be able to form man...
Galaxy Zoo Mergers allows citizen scientists to compare real images of colliding galaxies with millions of simulated images. This project aims to understand why the universe contains its mix of galaxies, including spiral arms and compact star balls.
Researchers produced single-molecule resolution images of peptide-mineral interaction, revealing mechanisms that molecules use to bind to surfaces. Peptides slow down or speed up crystal growth depending on conditions, offering potential solutions for pathological mineralization and kidney stone treatment.
Genome-wide association studies are increasingly conducted in developing countries, raising ethical concerns about data release, privacy, and security. A study developed a 'managed' approach to oversee open access, define acceptable uses of data, and guide the timing of data release.
A UBC study found significant associations between sedatives, antidepressants, and anti-psychotics with falling among seniors. Safer alternatives like counseling and less-sedating therapies may be more appropriate for certain conditions.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that amyloid-beta is necessary for normal day-to-day information transfer through nerve cell networks in the brain. The study suggests that removing amyloid-beta may impair neuronal function and accelerate Alzheimer's disease progression.
The USDA has awarded a two-year grant of $908,280 to Virginia Tech and the University of Minnesota to complete sequencing the genome of the domesticated turkey. The project aims to identify genes and functions in the final genome sequence, providing invaluable information for disease prevention.
Researchers have identified the reaction inside the lungs that can trigger coughing when exposed to certain air pollutants and irritants. The study found that switching on receptor proteins called TRPA1 on nerve endings in the lungs triggers a cough reflex, which could potentially be treated by blocking these receptors.
The journal PLoS Medicine is calling for international action to address the crisis of malaria drug shortages across Africa. The 'third wave' of malaria activism aims to raise awareness of the issue and find solutions.
A new study finds climate change could boost the incidence of civil war in sub-Saharan Africa by over 50 percent. Rising temperatures and crop failures may lead to huge potential costs to human livelihoods, with some regions experiencing a 55% increase in conflict likelihood by 2030.
Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics create a system called information field theory (IFT) to reconstruct incomplete image data. IFT asks two questions to determine the probability of images based on measured data and prior knowledge, allowing for optimal reconstruction in areas where telescopes are blind.
A lack of quantity and quality of health data from poor settings threatens global research, warns Peter Byass. Alternative strategies to improve health data representativeness are discussed.
Johns Hopkins researchers found that a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is responsible for the cell overgrowth in chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps. This discovery gives scientists a new target for treating this form of the disease, which typically resists current treatments.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered novel molecular interactions at the surface of platelets that regulate blood clotting. The study found that sulfatides bind to Disabled-2 protein, preventing it from inhibiting clotting, while also recycling the protein for future use.
A new study by U of T researchers reveals that forest trees use different drought response gene programs at different times of the day, not just in the middle of the day as previously thought. This critical finding has implications for conserving and breeding drought-resistant trees.
The International Menopause Society consensus statement emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about cardiovascular disease risks in postmenopausal women. The statement also concludes that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is generally safe and may have cardioprotective effects, particularly for younger women.
A Mayo Clinic-led study found that nearly 9% of US surgeons reported making a major error in the past three months, with burnout and depression being key factors. The researchers suggest that reducing work hours may not be enough to limit errors unless addressing burnout is also prioritized.
Patients treated with team-based care involving pharmacists achieved lower blood pressure levels and were more likely to reach blood pressure control goals compared to those without this approach. The study found significant improvements in mean blood pressure and overall blood pressure control rates.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences challenges the long-held notion that fish obtain up to 50% of their carbon from terrestrial sources. Instead, researchers found that algae provide a much more nutritious and abundant diet for fish and other aquatic life.
A new technique using infrared spectroscopy can accurately determine the gender of six-week-old turkey poults with over 95% accuracy, potentially saving millions of male chicks from being killed shortly after birth. This method could be used by the breeding industry to identify female eggs for breeding and select female turkeys.
Researchers have discovered that SIV induces a vigorous immune response in both natural and susceptible hosts, but only in natural hosts is the response brought under control. This study provides new insights into how to control HIV infection of humans by understanding the mechanisms behind SIV's rapid control of immune activation.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that low-income children who lack continuity with a regular health care provider are significantly more likely to have unmet health care needs. The study found that 79% of children without a usual source of care had an unmet need compared to 45% who reported having a usual source of care.
Clemson University has received a $45 million grant from the US Department of Energy, combined with $53 million in matching funds, to build a large-scale wind turbine drive train testing facility. The testing facility will create at least 134 jobs and generate 568 indirect jobs, supporting South Carolina's emergence as an industrial hu...
A new study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) for clopidogrel had no significant effect on sales, contributing to a $207 million price increase for Medicaid. The study suggests that pharmaceutical companies may be passing on ad costs to consumers through higher prices.
A study identified a gene variant associated with elevated baseline blood pressure, suggesting it may be a good target for drugs to alleviate stress-induced hypertension. The researchers also found that the protein generated by this gene influences sympathetic activity and prevents stress-induced hypertension in both mice and humans.
Millions of sanitary sewer overflows are caused by hard deposits made up of fat, oil, and grease (FOG) that clog sewage pipes, posing dangers to human health and the environment. A new project aims to discover fundamental chemical reactions leading to FOG buildup and develop models to identify potential hot spots where deposits may form.
A recent review highlights the need for improved asthma control in preschoolers, with key findings including the use of inhaled corticosteroids as a regular therapy for children with severe symptoms. The authors emphasize the importance of considering alternative conditions if children do not respond to optimal therapy.
Dr. Beverley J. McKeon's work on simplified models of turbulence under different pressure gradients has garnered the Presidential Early Career Award. Her research aims to improve understanding of turbulence in various technologies, including commercial aviation and industrial flows.
Researchers identify phosducin's role in modulating blood pressure in response to stress, finding increased baseline and stress-dependent blood pressure in mice and humans. The study suggests phosducin as a promising target for developing drugs to alleviate stress-induced hypertension.