A Harvard Medical School study found that individuals who were previously uninsured between ages 51 and 64 cost Medicare an additional $1,000 annually due to complications from cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Expanding coverage may reduce subsequent Medicare spending by $98 billion, offsetting the costs.
A new study suggests that high mortality rates in small-bodied people may be linked to their small stature. Researchers found that populations with high mortality rates experienced a decrease in height over time, while those with lower mortality rates remained stable.
NASA's Aqua and Quick Scatterometer satellites captured infrared imagery of Tropical Storm Olaf stretching eastward over mainland Mexico, showing its center west of Baja California. The storms dissipation was attributed to adverse environmental conditions like upper-level winds and cooler sea surface temperatures.
A Swedish thesis reveals that intensive care units are often ill-equipped to provide good end-of-life care, with patients dying in public areas or without relatives present. Despite this, most relatives report a positive experience, highlighting the need for improved environment and support.
Researchers at the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute found that survival rates for intestinal and multivisceral transplants increased with innovative surgical techniques, novel immunosuppressive protocols, and better post-operative management. The five-year survival rate rose to 68 percent, similar to other abdominal and thora...
A high-fat diet impairs muscle health in adolescents with pre-diabetes, leading to initial adaptations but ultimately decreased ability to use fat or glucose as fuel. The study suggests early therapeutic interventions are needed to prevent long-term functional impairment.
The Framingham Heart Study has received a $1M challenge grant to identify risk factors for developing atrial fibrillation. Researchers will use data from five major cohort studies, including the study's own long-term follow-up of over 10,000 participants.
A recent study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that iodine-based skin preparation solutions, such as 3M's DuraPrep Surgical Solution, may be superior to chlorhexidine in preventing surgical-site infections. The study of over 3,200 general surgery patients suggests a significant reduction in morbidity and ...
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that people who sit up straight are more likely to believe positive thoughts about their qualifications and abilities. In contrast, those who slouch over have less confidence in their own thoughts. The study suggests that body posture can influence how we think about ourselves.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a sustainable solution to the global period poverty issue by creating affordable sanitary pads from locally sourced, organic materials. The pads will be sold at a lower cost than existing brands, making them accessible to millions of women in impoverished countries.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute will combine two advanced technologies to screen massive peptoid libraries in parallel fashion, increasing the rate of ligand discovery by several hundred times over current methods. The new technology has the potential to revolutionize the search for new therapies.
A study by researchers from the University of Colorado found that hepatologists believe metabolic complications are common in liver transplant patients but poorly controlled. The majority of respondents felt that these complications significantly contributed to morbidity and mortality 10 years after transplantation. Barriers to control...
Researchers have successfully produced renewable hydrogen from wastewater using a microbial electrolysis system at a Napa Valley winery. The process uses bacteria to convert organic material into electrical current and then produces hydrogen gas, which can be used as a clean energy source.
A new study found that higher folate intake can decrease the risk of hearing loss in men, while antioxidant vitamins have no beneficial effect. Men over 60 with high folate intake had a 20% lower risk of developing hearing loss.
Since 2000, there has been a dramatic increase in cosmetic and non-cosmetic surgical procedures performed by dermatologic surgeons, with a 120% growth rate between 2001 and 2007. The procedures with the greatest increases were soft tissue augmentation, botulinum toxin injections, and non-ablative skin rejuvenation.
Mayo Clinic researchers found that certain structural features within breast tissue can indicate a woman's individual cancer risk. The percentage of acini present per lobule at a given age indicates cancer risk. This method is more accurate in predicting risk for an individual than the Gail model.
Researchers found SRS alone reduces learning and memory problems in cancer patients with one to three brain metastases. SRS plus WBRT results in twice the risk of cognitive decline, but no survival benefit.
A new study from Trudeau Institute reveals that older animals' immune cells live longer but acquire functional defects. This research may provide new targets to boost immune system function in older individuals, improving vaccine efficacy.
Researchers have identified a link between the mutated FGFR4 protein and the spread of childhood cancer. Additionally, changes in iron levels are found to affect inflammation via the TLR4 pathway, while glial cells play a crucial role in stimulating red blood cell production.
Tropical Storm Grace formed suddenly near the Azores Islands and is expected to merge with a non-tropical low-pressure system. The storm has sustained winds of up to 65mph and is forecasted to bring rainfall to Ireland.
Scientists used gene transfer to increase heart muscle cell contractions, improving cardiac function and quality of life for patients. The fast molecular motor gene transfer showed promise in reversing the course of heart failure.
A randomized trial found that organized phone therapy for depression significantly improved symptoms, leading to a gain of 46 depression-free days over two years. The treatment was cost-effective, with only a $397 increase in outpatient health care costs, compared to $676 for phone care management alone.
Researchers analyzed the clinical and cost-effectiveness of early H1N1 vaccination, finding that vaccinating 40% of the population in October or 35% in November could save costs and shorten the pandemic. Expanded vaccination and antiviral prophylaxis are also effective against avian flu, with a focus on mitigating the pandemic potentia...
Researchers at the University of Santiago de Compostela have developed a new technique to accurately measure vitamin C in fruit juices and soft drinks. The study found that only two out of 17 samples matched their labels, revealing higher levels of natural vitamin C in other drinks.
Research reveals that non-allergic rhinitis patients experience more severe symptoms, affecting activities and sleep quality. Studies found that non-allergic rhinitis can have a greater impact on daily life compared to allergic rhinitis.
A study by RAND Corporation researchers found that multifunctional electronic health records improve the quality of care in community-based primary care practices. Practices using these records showed better care for diabetes and provided certain health screenings compared to those without.
A new study from Rhode Island Hospital found that alcohol-impaired drivers, regardless of injury severity, incur higher medical costs in emergency departments. The study revealed a median charge difference of $4,538 and a longer length of stay, totaling 3.3 hours compared to non-alcohol impaired patients.
A recent study found that individuals who experienced violence at an early age are more likely to struggle with healthy romantic relationships and experience marital difficulties. The research highlights the importance of preventing domestic violence from childhood onward.
The IT industry is rethinking its role in corporate cost-cutting, focusing on productivity and efficiency rather than slashing jobs. Top executives cite improving business agility and speed to market as key concerns.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki have shed light on the origin of probiotic mechanisms, promoting product development in the food industry. The study found that LGG probiotics have a fundamental role in binding with human intestinal mucus, enabling health-promoting effects.
Fernandez-Valle's research aims to identify proteins that could deliver cancer-fighting drugs to NF2 tumors, potentially improving lifestyles and extending patients' lives. She has established nationally affiliated clinics in Florida, bringing together physicians with expertise in treating the disease.
Researchers at MIT have successfully generated blood vessels near damaged tissue using enhanced stem cells equipped with genes producing growth factors. The breakthrough could lead to new treatments for infarctions and induced blood supply for engineered tissues.
Xiaoqi Liu's research found that cytoplasmic linker protein-170 plays a major role in proper cell duplication and DNA distribution. The absence of this protein can lead to uneven DNA distribution, resulting in cancerous cells. Without proper regulation, cells may become confused, leading to an increased chance of becoming cancerous.
Researchers calculate that adding small amounts of lithium can convert hydrogen to a metal at significantly lower pressures. The study predicts the formation of metallic hydrogen compounds under experimentally accessible pressures.
The center received nearly $40.4 million in grants to support various cancer research projects, including proteomics, colorectal cancer, and cord blood transplantation. The funding is expected to retain and create over 920 jobs, according to the Center president.
Childhood cancer survivors tend to have normal pregnancies and healthy babies, but may experience a higher risk of preterm births and low birth weights. Pregnancies among female partners of male cancer survivors also show an increased risk of preeclampsia associated with certain cancers.
Scientists at the University of York have successfully silenced a gene that appears essential to cancer cell survival, leaving healthy cells unaffected. This discovery suggests that certain genes may be specific to cancer cells, paving the way for the development of new cancer treatments with fewer side effects.
A recent study found that burn injuries in children have decreased by 31% since 1990, but children under six are still at high risk of injury. The majority of injuries occurred in the home and resulted from thermal burns.
Dr. George Whitesides receives the inaugural Dreyfus Prize in the Chemical Sciences for his pioneering work in materials chemistry. He has developed innovative methods for creating new materials that have significantly advanced the field of chemistry and its societal benefits.
Super Typhoon Melor's massive size was captured by NASA satellites on October 5, showing its strong winds and towering clouds. The storm is forecast to weaken as it interacts with cooler waters and a baroclinic boundary, before potentially affecting Tokyo and the surrounding region.
Researchers analyzed prenatal management and outcomes of infants born at 22-24 weeks' gestation in two time periods. They found that resuscitation efforts increased during the later period, but did not impact mortality rates. Instead, prolonged care contributed to a longer duration of death.
The University of Arizona College of Pharmacy and the Translational Genomics Research Institute have been awarded a $7.5 million grant to establish a comprehensive center for drug discovery and development. The center aims to assemble a team capable of designing and selecting drug candidates to respond quickly to unmet medical needs.
Termites' non-reproductive offspring may have inherited their parents' throne, answering a question posed by Charles Darwin nearly 150 years ago. This new research suggests staying at home could have given these first termites an advantage to become reproducers.
Research published in the European Respiratory Journal found that 32.6% of children born to uncontrolled pregnant asthmatic mothers developed asthma themselves. The study suggests that maternal asthma during pregnancy can affect lung development and increase the likelihood of asthma in later childhood.
The US Chamber of Commerce's annual surveys have been criticized for their inaccuracies and biases, raising concerns about the reliability of their rankings. Theodore Eisenberg's analysis suggests that the surveys may be more of an advocacy tool for tort reform rather than a genuine assessment of state judiciaries.
A new computer program called EFIT-V is being used by European police departments to help witnesses remember and recognize suspects. The software generates multiple faces that evolve based on the witness' memories, increasing identifications of suspects compared to traditional methods.
Merry aims to understand how human rights indicators are created, who develops them, and their impact on governance. Her research focuses on three key indicators: human rights conventions, violence against women, and sex trafficking.
Researchers at San Francisco State University have discovered 7 new glow-in-the-dark mushroom species, including four new species and three new reports of luminescence in existing species. The discoveries, which include species from Belize to Japan, suggest that luminescence evolved at a single point and was later lost by some species.
The Forsyth Institute has received highly competitive Challenge Grants totaling over $6 million from the NIH's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This funding will support innovative projects addressing various oral health challenges, including inflammation and bone resorption in oral diseases.
Researchers found that a mutated FGFR4 protein is associated with advanced-stage rhabdomyosarcoma and poor survival rates. Targeting this protein may offer new treatment options for individuals with the disease.
A new study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests that air pollution may trigger appendicitis in adults. The research found correlations between high levels of ozone and nitrogen dioxide and the incidence of appendicitis among different age groups and genders.
Researchers found that 66% of inner city pediatric voice clinic patients presented with hoarseness, while 77% had vocal nodules. This suggests a significant prevalence of vocal health issues in this population, highlighting the importance of laryngeal examination in all pediatric patients with vocal nodules.
Researchers found that patients with both conditions have significantly higher fatigue scores and stress levels, as well as decreased ability to cope. The study highlights the need for comprehensive care and evaluation of patients with either condition.
Researchers found that timely treatment of otitis media reduces transplantation failure in organ transplant recipients. The study reviewed 3,278 patients and showed that surgery was more effective than antibiotics or observation alone in managing chronic ear infections after transplantation.
A new research method using radiofrequency energy shows promise in treating symptoms of tonsillar hypertrophy in children, offering a safer alternative to traditional tonsillectomy surgery. The technique resulted in significant improvements in over 91% of the children who underwent treatment.
Research found a higher incidence of chronic rhinosinusitis among patients with other chronic diseases, particularly asthma. The study suggests that some chronic diseases may share common mechanisms of how they arise or progress, highlighting the need for further investigation into the relationship between CRS and other conditions.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have engineered a way to design drugs and their antidotes together, improving patient care. The new approach allows for the creation of universal antidotes for aptamers, which can reverse the action of any aptamer drug, regardless of sequence, shape, or target.
A new type of genetic change, a second copy of an entire gene, has been identified as a cause of familial chordoma, a devastating and rare form of cancer. The T (Brachyury) gene duplication was found in patients with the disease, but its exact mechanism is unknown.
Researchers have discovered 231 new genes linked to head and neck cancer, which could aid in early detection and treatment. These findings may also help monitor disease progression and patient response to therapy.
A retrospective questionnaire survey of 26 adult patients undergoing blepharoplasty found a positive impact on quality of life. The procedure improved patients' self-esteem and appearance, with most undergoing surgery to feel better about their look.