A study of over 30,000 Medicare beneficiaries found that fewer than 40% received follow-up care within seven days of discharge. Patients with consistent follow-up were 15% less likely to be readmitted within 30 days. Implementing a simple follow-up system can prevent readmissions and improve patient outcomes.
Researchers discovered that metformin disables the mTOR complex through RAG GTPase, rather than activating TSC proteins via AMPK. This finding raises the possibility of using metformin more widely to treat cancer and diseases linked to TSC deficiency.
A new method for detecting and genetically identifying salmonella from contaminated foods can provide DNA sequencing-like results in hours, rather than days. This could help recognize outbreaks sooner and stop tainted food from being delivered.
Researchers found growth hormone increases sprint capacity by 4-5% in athletes, but no effect on muscle mass. Athletes experienced swelling and joint pain with growth hormone use.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that pneumococcal vaccination has no association with reduced risk of heart attacks or strokes. Researchers used electronic health records to follow 84,170 ethnically diverse California men for an average of five years.
A fish model experiment reverses an earlier finding linking early life UVA exposure to melanoma development. The study finds that UVB exposure is a significant cause of melanoma in the model, contradicting previous research. This new evidence sheds light on the role of UVA and UVB in skin cancer.
Researchers discovered a rare species of solitary bee that lines its underground nests with petals from various flowers. This unique behavior provides essential nutrients for the larvae's growth and protects them from the harsh winter conditions.
A recent study found that women taking hormonal contraceptives were at highest risk for Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD), while those using non-hormonal contraceptives had the lowest risk. The researchers also discovered a significant association between smoking status and total sexual function scores.
Researchers at Duke Clinical Research Institute found that telaprevir significantly improves response rates in patients with difficult-to-treat hepatitis C cases. The study also suggests a potential link between aspirin use and the development of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease.
Researchers have found that parvoviruses can completely regress malignant brain tumors in rats and human gliomas. The viruses target cancer cells without affecting healthy tissue, making them a potential new approach to treating glioblastoma.
Research found that short sleep (less than 6 hours) increases mortality risk by 12%, while long sleep (over 9 hours) can be a marker of serious illness. The study of over 1.3 million participants suggests that consistent sleep duration is an additional behavioral risk factor.
Patients who undergo gastric cancer surgery followed by chemotherapy have a lower risk of death and improved disease-free survival compared to those who receive surgery alone. The analysis found an 18% reduction in the risk of death and improved overall survival with chemotherapy.
A team of researchers will investigate how chromosomes untangle to expose genes that give cells their biological traits. They will tackle three independent projects: disassembling nucleosomes to reveal gene DNA, understanding protein facilitation of assembly and disassembly, and studying nucleosome movement in living yeast cells.
Researchers recommend stabilizing carbon dioxide concentrations, fashioning warming-neutral pollution laws, and achieving immediate cooling through reductions in greenhouse gases. The proposed strategies aim to reduce the probability of reaching the temperature threshold to less than 10 percent before 2050.
The medical home prototype improved quality of care, patient experiences, and clinician well-being, with significant cost savings through reduced emergency visits and hospitalizations. The study's findings support the model's ability to address healthcare concerns and provide recommendations for implementation.
Researchers calculated that a warming of 12 degrees Fahrenheit would cause some areas to surpass the wet-bulb temperature limit, while a 21-degree warming would put half of the world's population in an uninhabitable environment. Prolonged temperatures above 95 degrees could be intolerable for hours.
A recent study found that drivers who delay license reinstatement after suspension have higher recidivism rates and create danger on the roads. Drivers with more alcohol citations and prior DUI convictions are less likely to reinstate promptly.
Children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis who received azithromycin did not experience improved lung function compared to those receiving placebo. However, they showed a significant reduction in pulmonary exacerbations and weight gain.
A study shows that public fear of disease can lead to overcrowding in emergency departments, even when the actual disease is not present. The American Academy of Pediatrics calls for responsible media coverage of public health emergencies to prevent unnecessary strain on medical facilities.
Researchers have identified a unique set of proteins in glaucomatous eyes that may help diagnose and treat the condition. The protein profile is linked to changes in the trabecular meshwork, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies.
A new national survey found that public support for nanotechnology increases when informed of its risks alongside benefits. However, discussing risks decreased support among those who had never heard of nanotechnology before the survey.
A new study suggests that declining Social Security benefits are a leading cause of older men staying in the workforce. The study found that between 25 and 50 percent of the increase in labor force participation among men aged 55-69 can be explained by declining benefits.
A new study reveals racial disparities in emergency department documentation of sexual histories for adolescent girls, with black teens more likely to have their history documented than white teens despite higher STI incidence rates. This finding highlights the need for standardized care and attention to racial disparities in healthcare.
A study found that alcohol abuse elevated specific genes in the nucleus accumbens, while nicotine blunted this effect. The research also identified a set of genes crucial for cell structure regulation, which were altered by both alcohol and nicotine abuse.
A Spanish study led by researchers shows that regular physical activity during adolescence can reduce the impact of a mutated FTO gene on weight and body fat. The study suggests that even modest amounts of exercise, such as one hour per day, can counteract genetic predispositions to obesity.
Researchers at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center have discovered a key molecular mechanism behind breast tumor cell spread. The finding focuses on Snail's interaction with LSD1 enzyme, which regulates DNA structure and shuts down E-cadherin gene expression, leading to metastasis.
A new study from Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute found that high doses of antioxidant nutritional supplements can induce stem cell genetic abnormalities, potentially leading to cancer. Researchers discovered this danger zone when seeking a way to multiply human cardiac stem cells.
A study found that genetic variations in the ADH1B enzyme are associated with reduced rates of alcohol dependence and increased sedation. Individuals with this variant tend to drink less and experience a different response to alcohol, which may help protect against heavy drinking and its consequences.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic are testing new endoscopic optics to detect precancerous polyps and micrometastasis. The pCLE system shows the highest accuracy yet in detecting small polyps, with a specificity of 100%. This technology has the potential to perform virtual biopsies, reducing unnecessary procedures.
Researchers uncover evidence of closed channel water pressure predating European arrival in Palenque. The Piedras Bolas Aqueduct is a spring-fed conduit with engineered water pressure that controlled flooding and preserved urban space.
Researchers have made significant advancements in diagnosing and treating Barrett's esophagus and inflammatory bowel disease. A new study found that endoscopic radiofrequency ablation can effectively eliminate the condition in most instances, with five-year durability outcomes showing 46 of 50 patients remained free of disease.
A study of 723 adolescents found that shorter sleep duration was related to higher BMI, with stronger associations in boys and middle school students. The research suggests that inadequate sleep may be a risk factor for childhood obesity.
Dr. Fumin Zhang, a Georgia Tech Savannah professor, has received the 2010 Young Investigator Award from The Office of Naval Research for his research on unmanned robots and mobile sensor networks in oceanography and robotics/control engineering.
A team of researchers at Karolinska Institutet has discovered a crucial role for NKT cells in regulating B cell activation and preventing autoimmunity. This finding provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying autoimmune diseases, such as MS and rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that mexiletine is effective in alleviating myotonia, a central symptom of myotonic dystrophy. The medication reduces muscle stiffness and relaxation time by 38-59% in patients with the condition.
A University of Florida engineer has developed a nickel-sized imaging device that uses organic light-emitting diode technology for night vision. The device is lightweight and inexpensive, making it a possible add-on to cell phone cameras or eyeglasses.
A study found that older children hospitalized with pandemic H1N1 influenza had more severe medical conditions than those with seasonal influenza. Vaccination is crucial for this age group and those with pre-existing conditions to prevent hospitalization.
Researchers have discovered a way to create superhydrophobic surfaces based on water ferns, which could reduce friction and save up to 1% of global fuel consumption. The coating is made possible by the unique properties of the plant's hairs, which are hydrophobic but also have hydrophilic tips that 'staple' water in place.
Vancouver Island has an unusually high rate of Cryptococcus infection, a rare but deadly disease caused by inhaling toxic fungus from fir trees. Researchers at the University of Calgary have found that a class of approved therapeutic drugs could prevent brain infection by stopping the fungus from crossing the blood-brain barrier.
Researchers at ARS Dale Bumpers National Rice Research Center have identified a genetic region qShB9-2 that controls sheath blight in rice. They also developed a standardized screening technique to detect the disease in seedlings, accelerating the process of identifying resistant germplasm.
Research by Weijia Xing and colleagues reveals that most SARS epidemiological articles were submitted after the epidemic had ended, with only a small percentage published during the outbreak. The study suggests that journals alone are not sufficient to address delays in publishing epidemiological research on emerging infectious diseases.
A new study by RAND Corporation suggests that pay-for-performance programs could worsen medical disparities, particularly in communities with lower-income and minority populations. The study found that practices serving these communities would receive lower payments under typical pay-for-performance programs.
The Polygala balansae, a thorny bush up to 1.5m high, has only one population in Spain, found on 1,920m2 Mediterranean scrubland. It is threatened by habitat fragmentation, human settlement, and biological problems due to low reproductive individuals.
Researchers found that a subset of cells in flies express sex-specific genes, while others remain identical in males and females. This discovery has profound implications for our understanding of sex differences in the animal kingdom and may have relevance to human biology as well.
Researchers predict a significant increase in cardiovascular disease events and deaths in China between 2010 and 2030, driven by demographic changes and rising risk factors. Dramatically reducing smoking and controlling elevated blood pressure could prevent up to 5.7 million deaths by 2030.
A recent trial in Ghana found that vitamin A supplementation did not reduce maternal mortality, contradicting previous findings from a Nepalese trial. The study showed similar rates of pregnancy-related and all-cause female mortality between the intervention and control groups.
Researchers propose a multi-faceted approach to avoid exceeding the 2-degree C temperature threshold, including reducing methane, hydrofluorocarbons, and other greenhouse gases. They advocate for aggressive simultaneous pursuit of strategies to stabilize CO2 concentrations and implement warming-neutral pollution laws.
Researchers confirm a link between pancreatic cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, finding that EUS is as effective as surgery in treating pancreatic pseudocysts. Additionally, studies suggest that intra-abdominal fat can predict survival in pancreatic cancer patients, while new technology shows promise for improved surgical procedures.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that statin use post-operative reduces the need for revision surgery after total hip replacement. Statins have been associated with improved bone metabolism, anti-inflammatory effects, and prognosis after infections, which may improve THR outcomes.
Joseph W. Sanger, T. Vidhya Persaud, and Richard B. Marchase received the highest honors from the American Association for Anatomy for their unique contributions to anatomical sciences. The awards recognize exceptional service and meritorious achievements in education, research, and scientific advancements.
Research by Juan Oliva found that HIV-positive individuals are less likely to find work than their male counterparts, with women facing a significant disadvantage, and factors such as health, education level and type of transmission playing a role in employment status.
Researchers at UCLA have imaged a virus structure at an atomic resolution of 3.3 angstroms using cryo-electron microscopy, allowing them to study the virus's functionality in its native environment. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential of Cryo-EM for producing high-resolution images of biological samples.
Researchers at UCSF have created a transgenic mouse model that displays the earliest signs of Parkinson's disease, including constipation and gastrointestinal problems. The model is significant as it validates a theory suggesting the neurological component of Parkinson's is a late-stage effect of a larger systemic problem.
A study suggests that preoperative breast MRI can reduce local breast cancer recurrences at follow-up, particularly in young patients with dense breast tissue. The study found that patients who received a contrast-enhanced MRI prior to surgery had significantly fewer local recurrence cases.
MIT researchers have developed a new tool for rapid DNA damage analysis, combining the comet assay's versatility with high-capacity platforms. The technology enables automated readout and can be used to test potential cancer drugs and detect environmental toxin effects.
A comprehensive study found that every additional hour of TV exposure among toddlers corresponded to a future decrease in classroom engagement and success at math. High levels of TV consumption during early childhood can lead to future unhealthy habits, including increased victimization by classmates and higher body mass index.
A recent study by American Academy of Pediatrics found that parents administering medication to children with chronic conditions often make mistakes. The researchers visited the homes of 83 children and reviewed 544 medications, discovering 128 errors, including those that could injure the child.
Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute use selective laser melting to create serial parts out of metal powder, producing high-quality components with improved safety standards. The process reduces manufacturing cycle times by up to 40% and has the potential to decrease material costs by 50%.
A new study suggests that magnetic stimulation therapy produced significant antidepressant effects in a subgroup of treatment-resistant patients, with remission rates of 14% compared to 5%. The treatment has few side effects and may be an effective alternative for those who don't respond to current medications.
A recent study discovered that a protein produced by T cells reduces inflammatory proteins hindering learning, improving navigation in mice trained to find their way through a water maze. Mice lacking this protein suffered from learning disabilities, which could be reversed with IL-4–producing T cells.