Researchers at Johns Hopkins found that a simple frailty test can accurately predict surgical outcomes in older patients. The test assesses physical reserve and ability to withstand stress, identifying those at risk for complications and prolonged hospital stays.
A nationwide telephone survey found that peanut allergies in children more than tripled from 1.4% in 1997 to 4.2% in 2008. The prevalence of combined peanut or tree nut allergies also increased, with 2.1% reported in 2008 compared to 0.6% in 1997.
A novel behavior treatment for IBS significantly relieved symptoms in nearly 1/3 patients within four weeks. Rapid responders maintained improvement at three months despite increased symptoms when starting the treatment.
Researchers found that Cdk5rap2 and pericentrin work together to regulate neural growth in the developing brain. Loss of these proteins leads to genetic disorders characterized by abnormally small head circumference. The study may offer insight into human evolution and provide potential treatments for related diseases.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology investigated the effectiveness, safety, and outcomes of two popular esophageal metal stents: Ultraflex and Choostent. The results showed that both types of stents provided good palliation of dysphagia in patients with inoperable esophageal carcinoma.
Researchers design plastics to capture signaling molecules, blocking bacterial infection and biofilm formation. The approach aims to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and reduce the risk of infections.
NASA mobilized remote-sensing assets to help assess the spread and impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The agency deployed its instrumented research aircraft, ER-2, equipped with satellite observations to assist NOAA, USGS, and Department of Homeland Security in monitoring the spill.
A new human hepatoma multidrug resistant cell line, SK-Hep1/CDDP, was established to elucidate the biological mechanisms of MDR in hepatocellular carcinoma. This cell line can be used to test new therapeutic agents and explore targeted approaches for improving MDR cancer therapy.
Researchers identified protein Ash2l as a crucial partner of Tbx1, regulating early embryonic development and gene activity. The study provides insight into the biological events leading to chromosome 22q.11 deletion syndrome, which often includes congenital heart defects.
David Corr's $449,999 NSF CAREER award will support his research on harnessing cells' natural abilities to improve functional tissue engineering. He aims to develop fundamental understanding of environmental stimuli on cellular growth and fiber formation.
A new study demonstrates that a first-person perspective of a life-sized virtual human female body can generate a body transfer illusion, where subjects experience ownership of the virtual body. This finding contradicts previous research assuming visuotactile synchrony as the critical factor in ownership illusions.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that music enhances recognition memory for Alzheimer's patients, but not healthy older adults. The study suggests that understanding musical processing and memory may lead to effective therapies for this prevalent disease.
The American Chemical Society's Green Chemistry Institute is developing a universal standard to evaluate chemical products and processes based on their environmental performance. This standard will provide comparative data, making it easier for consumers to choose greener products.
Researchers found that four caged xanthones significantly inhibit CCA cell lines by increasing apoptosis-promoting proteins and decreasing apoptosis-inhibiting proteins. The compounds' chemical structure diversity reflects their biological activities, with isomorellinol exhibiting the highest potential.
The American Society for Microbiology will honor Scripps Institution of Oceanography pioneer Claude ZoBell's contributions to marine microbiology. The event, held on May 22, recognizes ZoBell's pioneering research career and his work laying the foundation for the field.
Researchers observed 40 doctors over 210 hours in an emergency department, finding that interruptions led to shorter task completion times and a fifth of tasks were not resumed. Interruptions occurred most frequently during documentation and direct care.
Researchers have rewritten Kirchhoff's current law to accommodate the unique properties of the transistor laser, enabling better understanding of photons, electrons, and semiconductors. The modified law fits data from the device, predicting properties for integrated circuits and supercomputing applications.
The NIST-developed Phannie phantom is a plastic sphere filled with water-bathed grids of small magnetized spheres. It allows for accurate calibration of MRI machines, improving image quality and reliability. The phantom will help reduce medical costs by enabling consistent tumor measurements across patients and scanners.
Treatment decisions for patients with severe brain injury vary widely between medical institutions, driven by hospital priorities and financial incentives. The authors argue that providers should prioritize patient preferences and create open communication environments to navigate these complex decisions.
A team of researchers discovered that tobacco-free cigarettes can cause more DNA damage than tobacco products, making them potentially carcinogenic. The study found double-strand DNA breaks in human lung cells exposed to smoke from 'safe' cigarettes.
Dr. James Bogenberger has been awarded a 3-year fellowship to research acute myeloid leukemia at TGen, with the goal of identifying therapeutic targets that sensitize AML to epigenetic therapies. The fellowship project aims to translate state-of-the-art biomedical research into novel targeted therapy approaches for leukemia patients.
Researchers found that biological differences between men and women can impact vaccine efficacy, with women typically generating a more robust protective immune response. This knowledge could inform strategies for optimizing vaccination programs, including the timing and dose of vaccines.
Four researchers from the Center for Vaccine Awareness and Research at Texas Children's Hospital presented studies on vaccine attitudes, rotavirus prevention, pertussis cocooning, and school-based immunization programs. The research aimed to educate parents about immunizations and promote healthier children and families.
Bruno Sinopoli, an assistant professor at Carnegie Mellon University, has received a $400,000 grant to investigate tools and methodologies for designing and analyzing cyber-physical systems. His goal is to set new standards for the robustness and security of critical infrastructures such as power grids and transportation systems.
Scientists have discovered that a molecular switch in spider silk controls fiber assembly, enabling the creation of highly stable and elastic fibers. The breakthrough opens the way towards biomimetic production of ultra-strong fibers with applications in various industries.
Researchers have created autonomous molecular 'robots' made of DNA that can be programmed to follow a track, start, move, turn and stop. The development could lead to molecular systems used in medical therapeutic devices and reconfigurable robots.
Archaeologists Alice V. M. Samson and Bridget M. Waller argue that the bared-teeth motif, commonly linked to death and aggression, actually represents social affiliation and benign intent in pre-Columbian Caribbean cultures.
A Brandeis biochemist confirms Darwin's theory of universal common ancestry using a large-scale, quantitative test. The study finds that all life forms share a genetic heritage from single-celled microorganisms to humans, supporting UCA millions of times over alternative theories.
Researchers found significant patterns in discarded brain wave data, revealing connections between low-frequency and high-frequency brain waves. These connections suggest important aspects of brain architecture and function, potentially shedding light on the brain's organizational structure.
Researchers at NYU and Nanjing University have created a DNA-based assembly line that can efficiently produce novel materials on the nanoscale. The system uses three components: DNA origami, programmable cargo-donating devices, and a DNA walker, allowing for precise control over material creation.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have developed a male contraceptive method using therapeutic ultrasound, which has shown promising results in animal studies. The method involves 15 minutes of ultrasound treatment for six months of contraception, with permanent sterilization achieved with no vasectomy needed.
A study at National Jewish Health found that art therapy significantly improves problem-solving, communication, quality-of-life, anxiety, and self-concept scores in children with chronic asthma. The benefits persisted for six months after treatment stopped, suggesting art therapy as a valuable adjunct to traditional treatments.
A University of Illinois study reveals that breast milk induces unique genetic pathways in infants, differing from those in formula-fed babies. The discovery sheds light on the immune-protective components of breast milk and its role in intestinal development.
A study by LSU researchers found that socioeconomic and physical disadvantages, as well as social isolation, are associated with higher rates of older adult malnutrition death rates across the US. The research highlights the importance of addressing poverty, disability, and limited access to resources in reducing malnutrition-related d...
Researchers have found that biofuel combustion is more complex than previously thought, with diverse chemical reaction networks and the formation of toxic emissions. The study used a combination of laser spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and flame chemistry modeling to explore decomposition and oxidation mechanisms.
Research at University of California, Riverside found that juvenile male crickets exposed to loud songs from adult males grow larger and invest more in testes. Meanwhile, those without exposure are more likely to act as 'satellites' hanging around singing males to intercept females.
Antipsychotic drugs increase Akt signaling in C. elegans, a common effect across major categories of schizophrenia medication. This finding highlights the importance of Akt signaling in schizophrenia and suggests that medications or dietary approaches targeting this pathway may help alleviate symptoms.
Researchers have developed a tiny silicon chip that can detect specific chemicals and map their location, potentially alerting emergency responders to hazardous situations. The sensor works by manipulating the shape of pores on the silicon flake to respond to specific chemical traits.
David Hanneke's research created a building block of quantum computing, performing what some call the most accurate experiment in science. He will receive the Michelson Postdoctoral Prize at Case Western Reserve University.
Onur Mutlu received a five-year grant to research techniques and algorithms for creating scalable high-performance memory systems. His goal is to develop predictable and controllable systems with guaranteed service quality on multi-core processors.
Researchers discovered a strong link between childhood sexual or emotional abuse and the severity of binge eating disorder. The study found that learned self-criticism and body dissatisfaction are key factors in this association.
Vitamin A supplementation before, during, and after pregnancy significantly improved lung function in preadolescent children. Children whose mothers received vitamin A had a greater forced expiratory volume and vital capacity compared to those who received beta-carotene or placebo.
Researchers evaluated MARS treatment's cost-utility and health-related quality of life in 90 ALF patients. The study found improved HRQoL and reduced healthcare costs after MARS treatment, indicating a potential cost-effective option for ALF patients.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers highlights the need for culturally competent health-care providers and information dissemination about treatment options. The study found that minorities are less likely to consider combining medication and counseling for their children due to barriers such as financial hurdles and l...
Research published in Archives of Disease in Childhood found that giving infants a small amount of sucrose or glucose before immunization significantly reduced crying and pain. Healthcare professionals are recommended to consider using these solutions as an analgesic during painful procedures.
A new method for effective discussions involves a student facilitator who directs the discussion, rather than a leader controlling content. This approach encourages all participants to contribute, promoting equal participation and improving communication skills.
A study published in the Journal of Political Economy suggests that government regulation of nurses' pay leads to higher death rates in U.K. hospitals. The research found a significant association between regulated wages and increased heart attack death rates.
Dr. Patrick Sullivan is leading a research project to identify genetic links to psychosis in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. He will analyze DNA from four families with a high number of affected members to uncover rare genetic variants and compare them to unrelated samples.
Three CU-Boulder-built biomedical payload devices will study microbial biofilms in space, aiming to improve astronaut health and understand gene and protein changes in pathogens. The experiments, led by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, will examine microbe growth and interactions in space vs. normal gravity.
Researchers found that anti-inflammatory drugs can preserve kidney function in hypertensive rats by regulating blood pressure on tiny filters called glomeruli. The study aims to understand how kidneys autoregulate pressure and explore the role of inflammatory factors in arteriole dysregulation.
A new study from the Regenstrief Institute provides a framework for evaluating the costs, effort, and value of health information exchange services. The framework will help track the development and utilization of these services, crucial for understanding their impact on quality of care and patient safety.
A GSU professor's research reveals a strong connection between children participating in federal school nutrition programs and an increased likelihood of becoming overweight. The study suggests that preventing childhood obesity is crucial to reducing the risk of obesity in adulthood.
Matthew Lux, a Virginia Tech Ph.D. student, has been awarded a US Department of Defense SMART scholarship to explore opportunities in synthetic biology for defense applications. His research involves developing intelligent sensors and countermeasures using calibrated genetic parts.
Physicists at McGill University have developed a cantilever force sensor to measure the energy involved in adding electrons to semi-conductor nanocrystals. This innovation could lead to the development of components replacing silicon chips in computers, increasing speed and reducing size.
University of Missouri researcher Jason Grissom is leading a study to determine the qualities and skills necessary for effective school principals. The study, funded by a $1 million grant, aims to gather data from K-12 administrators, teachers, and district officials to examine what makes a principal successful.
A University of Alberta study found that people living in neighborhoods with high perceived traffic density were more likely to have a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) than those who didn't. The study also revealed age and socioeconomic status as significant factors, with younger individuals experiencing greater BMI increases.
A new study by Stanford researchers highlights the need for standardized criteria in diagnosing food allergies due to differing definitions and inconsistent treatment approaches. This could lead to misdiagnosis and unnecessary anxiety for patients with food intolerance, while also potentially overdiagnosing food allergies.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a genetic sensing mechanism that allows E. coli to form colonies in cattle, and found that interfering with this system can prevent the bacteria from colonizing and reaching humans. This discovery could lead to new strategies for preventing food-borne illnesses.
Mediterranean red coral populations thrive in three decades-old Marine Protected Areas, but future conservation efforts may be needed to ensure species resilience. The areas have proven effective in conserving this slow-growing species.
A consistent pattern in five genes has been found to predict the likelihood of relapse in pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL), allowing for more aggressive treatment to be administered from diagnosis. This discovery has significant potential to improve outcomes for patients at high risk of relapse.