A new study found that increased Medicare payments for outpatient bladder cancer surgeries led to a significant rise in procedure numbers and overall healthcare costs. The study suggests that some Medicare policies may actually contribute to an increase in healthcare expenditures rather than reducing costs.
Researchers developed a color chart called The Manchester Color Wheel to study people's emotions. Depressed individuals tend to prefer gray, while anxious ones choose between positive and negative colors more frequently than healthy participants.
Researchers have created mice with a mutation that mimics hereditary deafness, shedding light on progressive hearing loss in children. The study provides new insights into the effects of soundwave processing and potential damage caused by inner ear compensation.
Researchers are working on improving the efficiency of superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities made of niobium to accelerate beams of subatomic particles in next-generation high-energy physics experiments. This could lead to powerful accelerators that open new frontiers in physics without increasing size.
A clinical trial of the experimental drug dimebon found it to be safe and improved cognition in patients with Huntington's disease. The study, led by University of Rochester Medical Center neurologist Karl Kieburtz, showed statistically significant benefits for patients taking the drug compared to those receiving a placebo.
Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have discovered that the old drug closantel may be useful in combating river blindness by inhibiting the molting process of the parasite. This finding holds tremendous potential for the treatment of this neglected tropical disease, which affects over 37 million people.
A study published in Archives of Ophthalmology found that high-altitude climbers experience corneal swelling, but their vision remains unaffected at elevations of up to 20,670 feet. The authors suggest that oxygen levels may play a crucial role in maintaining corneal health.
A new analysis of a fossil specimen called microraptor suggests that small, feathered species must have been gliders that came down from trees. The research supports the idea that some species believed to be dinosaurs may have descended from birds.
Researchers from Loyola University Health System found a link between premature births and cerebral palsy, with inflammation of the umbilical cord being a common complication. The study suggests that managing inflammation may reduce the risk of certain complications in these infants.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a millimeter-scale, energy-harvesting sensor system that can run for nearly perpetual periods using solar power. The system's low-power processor and innovative voltage conversion method enable it to consume less than 1 nanowatt of power on average.
A study by Ohio State University found that college-age women who watched a televised drama about teen pregnancy were more likely to use birth control, compared to those who watched a news program. The drama's narrative effect was linked to feelings of vulnerability and emotional connection with the characters.
African American women living in neighborhoods with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The study found a direct link between neighborhood environment and risk for the disease, with even well-educated women affected.
A study published in BMC Neurology found no association between teenagers' use of computer games, mobile phones, or television and headaches. However, daily music consumption was significantly associated with suffering from any type of headache. The researchers suggested that music might be a self-therapy by relaxation.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that chamomile extract therapy significantly reduced the severity of GAD in patients with mild-moderate symptoms. The study's findings suggest that chamomile may be a potential treatment option for those who are averse to traditional pharmacotherapy.
The majority of ex-smokers stop smoking without assistance, with most reporting cessation as less difficult than expected. Pharmaceutical companies' influence on cessation studies has led to an overemphasis on assisted methods.
A new study from Dartmouth Medical School examines the impact of food product placements in movies on children's dietary choices. The research found that sugar-sweetened beverages account for the largest proportion of movie-based brand placements, targeting older children and teenagers who are gaining independence in their food choices.
A study of 21,506 glaucoma patients found that those taking glaucoma medications had a 74% reduced risk of death over a 4-year period. The association was observed for both single-agent and combination use of glaucoma medications.
A University of Rhode Island researcher is proposing a global monitoring network to track banned chemicals in oceans. The initiative uses inexpensive polyethylene passive samplers, which can be easily deployed by non-scientists worldwide.
A study of 990 older adults found that hypertension predicts dementia progression in those with executive function deficits, but not in those with memory dysfunction. Control of hypertension may decrease the projected rate of dementia progression by half.
Babies as young as six months old can comprehend adults' intentions, according to a York University study. Infants detected and accepted when an experimenter was unable to share for reasons beyond her control, but became agitated when it was clear she simply wouldn't share.
Researchers found that even mild low potassium levels increase the risk of death in heart failure patients with chronic kidney disease. The study suggests routine monitoring and maintaining safe potassium levels to mitigate poor outcomes.
A new study introduces the CATCH rule to guide physicians in determining whether a child with minor head trauma should receive a CT scan. The 7-simple findings from history and physical exam have the potential to standardize CT scans and reduce unnecessary radiation exposure, while also minimizing healthcare costs.
A study found that nearly a third of HIV-infected women experiencing antiretroviral therapy became pregnant over a four-year period. Pregnancy rates increased over time for those on ART, while remaining low for those not yet receiving treatment.
A new study found that women with medium or low income levels are more susceptible to anxiety and depression after being diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Women with financial hardship may benefit from psychosocial interventions designed to accommodate their unique needs.
Researchers studied patients with amygdala lesions to understand how decisions are made and what influences risk-taking behavior. The results show that a fully functioning amygdala makes people more cautious, while impaired amygdala activity leads to reduced loss aversion and increased willingness to gamble.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that people work about 30 percent harder when their group is competing against a lower-status group. The motivation gains were observed when students felt their group's superior status was threatened, and not when competing against similarly ranked teams or higher-ranked colleges.
The study found that advanced maternal age is associated with a significantly elevated risk of having a child with autism, increasing by 18% for every five-year increase in the mother's age. In contrast, advanced paternal age is only linked to an increased risk when the father is older and the mother is under 30.
Advanced breast cancer diagnosis among black women is 30-90% higher than among white women between 1992 and 2004. The disparity in advanced colorectal cancer also widens over time. Black women are more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive, hormone-receptor-negative breast cancers that are difficult to detect and treat.
Research by Tel Aviv University's Prof. Yoram Yom-Tov reveals that animals at higher latitudes are adapting to rising temperatures by altering their diets and body sizes. This adaptation is seen in birds getting smaller and mammals getting bigger, allowing them to cope with warmer temperatures.
Carbon-22 has a nucleus comprised of 16 neutrons and 6 protons, exhibiting an unexpected stability due to its halo structure. The discovery sets a new milestone in nuclear physics, with implications for the investigation of heavier and more exotic nuclei.
Researchers developed a novel computational model to identify genetic interactions using high-dimensional morphological data from single-cell images. The method was demonstrated in fruit flies, where it accurately inferred Rho-signaling network interactions more precisely than previous approaches.
Researchers studied cell-to-tube transformation in Drosophila, revealing the formation of small-diameter respiratory tubes and their link to capillary development. The study identified key genetic machinery and molecular mechanisms involved, providing insights into the development of fine blood vessels.
A medication called latrepirdine has been found to be well-tolerated in patients with mild to moderate Huntington's disease. The treatment showed improved average scores on an evaluation measuring overall cognitive function, suggesting potential benefits for cognition.
A team of researchers mapped the fragile sites of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome, revealing a key mechanism in DNA repair. Inactive genes are wrapped more tightly than active ones, making them vulnerable to damage.
Researchers found that the amygdala structure in the brain is critical for triggering caution when making gambles with potential losses. This study provides new evidence for the role of the amygdala in fear and anxiety, shedding light on economic behavior and emotional decision-making.
Researchers have found a genetic tool that specifically alters gene expression in the endometrium, leading to rapidly progressing cancer in mice. The Lkb1 gene is mutated in many other types of human cancers and regulates pathways contributing to aggressive cancer cell formation.
The private sale of expensive drugs in Canadian public hospitals is being debated due to concerns about unequal treatment and negative impacts on the public system. The potential for a Charter challenge raises questions about safety, access, and liberty, with advocates arguing that governments should not allow access to uninsured drugs.
Researchers identified a gene variant that affects mice's response to natural hormone fluctuations, leading to increased anxiety and impaired memory. The study suggests the gene may play a role in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and other menstrual cycle-related disorders.
A study found that mutations in IDH1 enzyme result in excess production of 2-HG, a metabolite common among cancers including leukemia and brain tumors. Elevated serum levels of 2-HG were detected in approximately 8% of AML patients with these mutations.
Researchers have identified CD99 as a potential new drug target for Ewing sarcoma. A novel type of cellular senescence has also been found to suppress prostate tumorigenesis. Additionally, the protein USAG-1 has been linked to the development of Alport syndrome, suggesting a promising therapeutic approach.
A study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture reveals that beer is a significant source of dietary silicon, a key ingredient for increasing bone mineral density. The researchers found that beers containing high levels of malted barley and hops are richest in silicon.
A University of Adelaide pathologist has sounded a warning about the dangers of herbal medicines, which can cause serious illnesses, exacerbate pre-existing health problems, or result in death if taken in excess or combined with prescription drugs. The study analyzed 251 Asian herbal products and found high levels of toxic substances.
A new UCLA School of Public Health study found that commercial TV viewing is associated with higher BMI in children, especially those under 7. Non-commercial viewing had no significant link to obesity. The researchers suggest steering kids away from commercials may help reduce childhood obesity.
Scientists have identified CD99 as a crucial marker in Ewing sarcoma development and suggest targeting it to develop new therapies. The protein's role is tied to preventing neural differentiation, a process that contributes to oncogenesis.
Researchers enhanced a type of cellular senescence to suppress prostate tumor development and growth in mice. This novel approach uses Pten-loss-induced cellular senescence to prevent cancer progression.
US PSA screening detected fewer prostate cancers compared to a European randomized trial, with lower sensitivity being the main cause. The estimated sensitivity of PSA testing followed by biopsy was significantly lower in the US (0.26) than in the European trial (0.94).
Fewer than half of individuals with non-specific chest pain experience relief from symptoms after standard medical care, and one-tenth undergo unnecessary diagnostic testing. Persistent chest pain affects over half of patients, yet knowledge about its course and outcome is sparse.
The US Army has taken delivery of the first two units of a revolutionary waste-water treatment system developed by Sam Houston State University. The system uses proprietary bacteria to clean polluted water with high efficiency and can be deployed in remote areas with minimal infrastructure.
Patients with active inflammatory bowel disease are at a significantly increased risk of developing venous thromboembolism, especially when ambulatory. The study found that non-hospitalized patients with active IBD have a relative risk of 16 times higher than the general population, highlighting the need for prophylaxis strategies.
A new study analyzing performance reports from medical groups found that pay-for-performance (P4P) initiatives had limited impact on overall care quality. Despite incentivizing providers to focus on preventative medicine, researchers discovered a lack of positive spillovers to other areas of care.
Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital discovered that people with anorexia nervosa have high levels of fat within their bone marrow. This unexpected finding may help track the effectiveness of hormonal therapies aimed at improving bone mass in individuals with this condition, who often experience bone loss and osteoporosis.
The study found that children's exposure to secondhand smoke decreased by 59% from 1996 to 2006, with the largest decline occurring between 2005 and 2006. Reductions in secondhand smoke exposure can be achieved through parental and carer smoking cessation and household smoke-free policies.
Scientists have revealed the 3-D structure of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), a model system for understanding negative-strand RNA viruses. The research provides insights into the assembly process and proposes a model for viral structure, potentially leading to advances in cancer treatment and HIV vaccines.
A study published in Global Change Biology found that the seasonal timing of biological events has become earlier by more than 11 days in the UK since 1976. This acceleration is most rapid for organisms at the bottom of food chains, such as plants and insects.
Researchers compiled database of 1.1 million grass species and found 18 out of 21 transition nodes between C3 and C4 grasses were linked to changes in precipitation. This discovery challenges previous understanding that warmer temperatures were the primary driver of C4 grasses' evolution.
A new study suggests that morality and religion are linked but distinct concepts. Experimental moral psychology reveals that individuals' moral judgments operate independently of explicit religious commitments.
Researchers have identified a genetic variant associated with biological aging in humans, which can affect telomere length and increase the risk of age-related diseases. The study found that individuals carrying this variant showed shorter telomeres, indicating faster biological aging.
A population-based study of over 10,000 participants found that women with gout were 39% more likely to have a heart attack and 41% more likely to experience a non-fatal heart attack. This risk was significantly higher than in men with gout.
A population-based study confirms exposure to TCE increases the risk of Parkinson's disease, with workers five and a half times more likely to develop the condition than those not exposed. The study used twins to evaluate environmental risk factors and found significant associations between TCE exposure and Parkinson's disease.
Researchers use minicircles to reprogram adult cells, achieving higher efficiency than viral vectors and introducing new hope for regenerative medicine applications. The discovery enables easier creation of induced pluripotent stem cells, which can be used to study human diseases and develop novel treatments.