A new study found that three factors contribute to the feminization of veterinary medicine: decreasing discrimination against female students, male applicants deterred by growing female enrollment, and increasing female graduates. The study reveals no evidence of acceptance bias or gender-based concerns about tuition and salaries.
Researchers at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center found that robotic radiosurgery improved symptoms in patients with hilar lung tumors, reducing pain and improving breathing. However, the treatment did not show a significant impact on overall survival rates.
A University of Michigan concept for value-based insurance design is featured in a thematic cluster of papers in the November issue of Health Affairs. The approach focuses on removing barriers to high-value services and aims to improve patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs.
The new LRAUV, Tethys, combines the best of propeller-driven and glider designs, allowing for rapid travel and extended hovering periods. With its sophisticated power-saving software and fail-safe systems, Tethys has shown promising initial results in oceanographic research.
Scientists discovered a symbiotic relationship between ancient land plants and soil-dwelling fungi, enhancing photosynthetic carbon uptake and plant fitness. This collaboration, dating back nearly half a billion years, played a crucial role in the 'greening' of the Earth.
A new study reveals that telaprevir significantly improves sustained viral response rates for first-time hepatitis C patients to 75%, even for African-Americans and those with advanced liver fibrosis. The regimen's shorter treatment time also produces lower discontinuation rates for side effects compared to standard therapy.
Tropical Storm Tomas is intensifying under favorable conditions, with convection increasing and wind shear weakening. The National Hurricane Center forecasts Tomas will continue strengthening until Friday, potentially becoming a hurricane and threatening Haiti.
A new mouse model created by Japanese scientists confirms the link between mutated beta-synuclein protein and neurodegeneration in diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The discovery establishes B-synuclein as a potential target for developing new therapies.
Three models of comprehensive primary care, including GRACE, Guided Care, and PACE, have shown promise in improving effectiveness and efficiency for complex primary care. These models focus on proactive processes such as comprehensive assessment, evidence-based care planning, and coordination of professionals to tailor care to patients...
A research team led by Elise Stanley found that N-type Ca2+ channels can trigger neurotransmitter release with a single channel. This discovery sheds light on the molecular basis of neural impulse transmission and has implications for normal brain processing and nervous system disorders.
Researchers found that levels of a prostate-specific protein up to 18 months after salvage radiation therapy predict mortality and disease progression. Patients with rising PSA levels are at higher risk of spread and death, while those with stable levels may not require immediate hormonal therapy.
CONRAD will receive funding to develop vaginal rings that provide both contraceptive and HIV prevention, addressing unintended pregnancies and HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. The grant aims to improve reproductive health choices for women and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.
A Yale study reveals that hospitalizations and injuries are linked to worsening functional ability in older adults, especially those who are physically frail. The study found that fall-related injuries led to the highest likelihood of developing new or worsening disability.
Researchers used fossil finger ratios to estimate the social behavior of early humans and their extinct relatives. The study found that Neanderthals and early members of the human species had lower finger ratios, indicating high levels of prenatal androgens and competitiveness.
A geriatrician calls for improvements to primary care to meet the needs of older adults with multiple chronic conditions. Four processes and three models were identified as effective in providing comprehensive support, improving health outcomes, and patient satisfaction.
A recent study found that targeted human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in men who have sex with men is a cost-effective intervention against anal cancer. The quadrivalent vaccine has demonstrated high efficacy against anal lesions and genital warts in young MSM. Vaccination at ages 12-26 years without previous exposure to HPV-target...
A NIH study identifies 18,000 promoters and 34,000 distal regulatory elements that regulate genes in human pancreatic islet cells. These findings may contribute to a better understanding of the molecular defects underlying type-2 diabetes.
Researchers have created a material that exhibits dual electronic properties, acting as both a normal superconductor and a metal at low temperatures. This discovery could enable the development of energy-efficient quantum computers with fault-resistant capabilities, but significant technical hurdles remain to be overcome.
A study from Indiana University School of Medicine finds that a home-based geriatric care management program, GRACE, improves health and quality of life, decreases emergency department visits and hospital admission rates among high-risk patients. The program's cost-saving benefits are also highlighted.
A University of Toronto study reveals that visual attention diminishes with age, leading to better memory for irrelevant information. Older adults are less capable of filtering out distracting information, which broadly influences cognitive deficits in normal aging.
A study published in Health Affairs found that eliminating copayments for diabetes and vascular disease patients stabilized statin adherence rates, with a 2.8% increase in the Pitney Bowes group compared to a control group. Similarly, lower copayments for clopidogrel prescription led to an immediate stabilizing of adherence rates.
A UMass Medical School study found a genetic link in apnea of prematurity (AOP), with identical twins showing an 87% correlation. The research suggests heredity may play a strong role in determining an infant's susceptibility to AOP, leading to the development of more effective treatments and screening methods.
The study confirms the 'malaria hypothesis', which suggests that the sickle cell gene provides protection against malaria, allowing it to survive and thrive in areas of intense transmission. The global map shows a significant geographical overlap between the frequency of the sickle cell gene and malaria prevalence.
Scientists have found toxic levels of chemicals near the Deepwater Horizon oil spill site, with PAH concentrations extending up to 13 kilometers from the wellhead. A global study on moisture recycling reveals that water can originate from distant regions or be recycled within a region, affecting global water resources.
A new analysis of old data suggests that bacterial infections associated with the 1918 influenza pandemic may be important in modern pandemics. The study confirms the importance of Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccines in preventing pneumonia and death, which could lead to reduced mortality rates in future outbreaks
Researchers critique the limitations of scientific approaches to eHealth evaluation, advocating for a new set of guiding principles. The authors argue that current methods are often flawed and fail to capture the complexities of healthcare in digital environments.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that anti-immigrant practices fuel increased political action from immigrant communities. The research found that metropolitan areas with high levels of anti-immigrant activity saw more protests from the immigrant community.
Researchers have discovered how an antibody binds to West Nile virus, neutralizing it by crosslinking protein molecules. This 'locking up' prevents the virus from infecting host cells, making it a potential target for vaccine development.
Researchers discovered that microglia cells are constantly active and create and eliminate synapses, contributing to learning and memory. Microglia appear to be involved in creating or changing the extracellular space around synapses, affecting brain signaling.
A study found that hospitalization and restricted activity increased the likelihood of transitioning to new or worsening disability, particularly among those with physical frailty. The researchers also discovered that fall-related injury conferred the highest risk of developing new or worsening disability.
A University of Illinois Chicago study found that black raspberries can prevent colorectal tumors in two mouse models, reducing tumor incidence by up to 60 percent. The findings suggest that black raspberries' ability to inhibit tumor development may be linked to their suppression of a protein called beta-catenin.
A recent study in PLoS Medicine reveals that doctors' interactions with drug companies continue to influence prescribing practices, affecting quality and cost of care. The research suggests that these relationships can compromise the autonomy of medical professionals.
Researchers suggest using digitized personal health records (PHR) to improve chronic disease management, increasing patient engagement and reducing hospital visits. A PHR portal-type system could facilitate dialogue between patients and healthcare workers, leading to better overall health outcomes.
A multidisciplinary team is developing objective performance measures for assessing motor control in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. The researchers aim to investigate the underlying physiological mechanisms of osteopathic manipulative medicine and improve patient function and mobility.
Researchers at UIC are investigating both acquired and familial causes of heart failure with a focus on identifying markers for diagnosis and targets for cures. The five-year funding supports an ongoing program-project grant led by R. John Solaro, which looks at the underlying maladaptive changes that lead to heart failure.
A randomized controlled trial of DHA supplementation in individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease found no beneficial effect on cognitive and functional decline. The study included 402 participants who received either DHA or a placebo for 18 months. No significant difference was observed in the rate of brain atrophy, ADAS-c...
A Spanish study estimates that the average person emits approximately two tonnes of carbon dioxide a year from food production to excretion, accounting for over 20% of total yearly emissions. Human excrements contribute significantly to water pollution with nitrogen and phosphorus, affecting aquatic ecosystems.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet used MRI to measure brain lactic acid levels and found increased levels before other aging symptoms, suggesting a potential indicator of aging and age-related diseases. The study also suggests a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and lactate production in the brain as aging progresses.
A new study found that workers are pivotal in creating complex societies where conflict is minimized. The research discovered that UK worker ants are more docile and less aggressive towards their queens, whereas Spanish worker ants engage in ruthless behavior to determine the next queen.
A recent study found that patients with MUTYH-associated polyposis have a statistically significant better survival rate than those with colorectal cancer from the general population. The five-year survival rate for MUTYH-associated polyposis was 78%, compared to 63% for control patients.
A study by Penn State researchers found that gastric bypass surgery alters the brain's response to sweet tastes in obese rats, reducing their preference for high-sugar foods. The surgery also improves insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, suggesting potential benefits for human patients with obesity-related diabetes.
A new report from the Energy Biosciences Institute projects that developing cost-competitive algae biofuel production will require long-term research and development. Several non-fuel applications of algae could advance the industry, but achieving economic viability will require additional income streams.
Researchers found that environmental inputs can modify bees' genetic hardware through DNA methylation, leading to distinct behaviors. The study, published in PLOS Biology, sheds light on the nature-nurture debate and highlights the importance of diet in shaping behavior.
Researchers have found that brain damage continues to develop and evolve after traumatic brain injury, offering a potential target for treatments. The study, published in the Journal of Nuclear Medicine, provides new insights into progressive changes in brain structure and function after injury.
Researchers discovered that FoxO1, a multi-tasking protein, promotes an inflammatory response in macrophages, leading to insulin resistance and diabetes. Conversely, it generates a negative feedback loop to limit damage from excessive inflammation.
A study found that states with higher past seasonal influenza vaccination coverage or use of other preventive health services showed higher H1N1 vaccine rates. States with lower adult vaccination coverage had longer disease circulation periods, suggesting households may not need vaccinations if someone already has the flu.
A pre-school language intervention programme has been shown to improve expressive language skills, including vocabulary and grammar, in children with poorly developed speech and language skills. The programme also lays the foundation for phonics and indicates improvements in letter-sound knowledge and spelling.
Research reveals widespread internal exposure of humans to cosmetic UV filters, found in 85% of human milk samples, comparable to PCBs. The presence of UV filters is correlated with the use of cosmetic products containing these filters.
CSIRO's Ngara technology offers wireless broadband access to rural areas, with a six-user system capable of uploading data at 12 Mbps. The technology achieves high spectral efficiency, enabling multiple users to upload simultaneously without reducing individual data transfer rates.
Researchers found that transporting severely injured patients directly to trauma centers results in a significantly lower mortality rate. The study analyzed 11,398 patients and discovered that 24% more patients die if taken to non-trauma centers first.
A randomized trial found that oseltamivir monotherapy was both virologically and clinically more effective than the combination of tamiflu and relenza. The study also showed that zanamivir monotherapy had similar effects to the combination
A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association recommends prioritizing palliative care over life expectancy when determining hospice eligibility for advanced dementia patients. The study found that a clinical tool assessing mortality risk can improve accuracy and expand access to hospice services.
A 20 million-year-old fossil discovery in Australia's rainforests sheds light on the origins of marsupial moles. The find suggests that these animals evolved from a common ancestor with placental mammals, such as rats and humans, through a unique evolutionary pathway.
A study published in JAMA found that the use of a fall prevention tool kit with health information technology reduced patient falls in hospitals by 30%. The intervention, which included a fall risk assessment and personalized prevention plans, was most effective for older patients.
A new study suggests that MRI can accurately predict the duration of a stroke within 90% accuracy, allowing more patients to be treated with clot-busting drug tPA. This could change the way stroke is managed in emergency settings, enabling all patients to receive urgent treatment regardless of symptom onset time.
A recent study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers found that students' educational and career goals are related to their eventual level of education attainment. Extracurricular activities also played a significant role in shaping these expectations, which in turn influenced the students' behaviors and academic choices.
Studies reveal that our brains tend to remember birthdays closer to our own, while facial processing may prioritize change detection. Additionally, research finds that state borders can influence risk perception and lead people to categorize locations differently. These findings have important implications for policy and decision-making.
The Canadian Journal of Cardiology will benefit from the partnership, enhancing the dissemination of medical knowledge relevant to cardiovascular disease. The journal under the editorial leadership of Stanley Nattel, MD, FRSC, FRCPC, FACC, FHRS, aims to publish peer-reviewed material pertinent to specialists and general practitioners.
Researchers analyzed 20,657 patients with acute stroke from 11 stroke centers in Ontario and found that people admitted on weekends had an 8.1% risk of dying, compared to a 7.0% risk for those admitted on weekdays. The study controlled for factors like age, gender, and stroke severity.
A study found that a peptide being tested to treat atherosclerosis significantly inhibited the growth of ovarian cancer in human cell lines and mouse models. The peptide, an apoA-I mimetic, was shown to be effective when administered via injection or ingestion, with minimal side effects.