A study found that biopsies and patient-provided specimens revealed dermatitis, excoriation, and ulceration but not objective evidence of skin infestation in patients with delusional infestation. Skin inflammation may trigger delusional symptoms in susceptible individuals.
A new risk score can effectively identify patients with acute aortic dissection, which has a high mortality rate. The tool uses simple bedside screening to detect the condition's symptoms, including sudden, intense pain, and is backed by a large study involving over 2,500 patients.
A University of Missouri engineer has developed a flexible solar sheet that captures more than 90% of available light, capturing both sunlight and heat for electricity generation. The team plans to make prototypes available within five years, with potential commercial applications in various industries.
A new paper identifies three ways employees hide their knowledge from co-workers: being evasive, rationalized hiding, and playing dumb. Basic distrust and a poor knowledge-sharing climate are the two big predictors of this behavior.
A recent study found that patients who delay seeking emergency medical care for asthma exacerbations are more likely to be sicker and hospitalized than those who seek care earlier. The study also revealed that patients who postponed treatment were not more likely to consult physicians before coming to the emergency department, but rath...
A study found that African-American children are more likely to have poorer lung function and less well-controlled asthma upon their first visit to an asthma specialist. They also reported a greater burden from asthma, with more emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and intensive care unit stays.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that adding low-dose sorafenib to chemotherapy and radiation can improve treatment efficacy while reducing harsh side effects. The triple combination was well-tolerated in an animal model.
A traditional Chinese herbal paste called Xiao Chuan has been shown to reduce the frequency of winter exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study, conducted in Beijing, found that patients treated with XCP experienced statistically significant reductions in steroid use and episodes of shortness of breath.
Most medical students feel unprepared to challenge poor clinical practice and promote better patient care due to inadequate legal training. A survey of 1,154 UK medical students found that confidence in using legal rules and challenging deficiencies is low.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center identified PKC-delta as a major factor for insulin resistance in mice, correlating with obesity-related conditions. The enzyme's activity was found to be increased in both human and mouse models of insulin resistance, suggesting it as a promising target for drug development.
Researchers discovered isocyanic acid, a chemical linked to cataracts and inflammation, in smoke-related environments. The findings highlight the need for more extensive measurement of HNCO in tobacco smoke and indoor biomass burning.
Scientists have identified key molecular patterns in the blood of lung cancer patients, which can help detect the disease at an early stage. The study found these patterns are present even in tumors still in their earliest stages, offering new hope for improving lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.
A study found that many gastroenterologists are not knowledgeable about the appropriate immunizations to recommend to IBD patients. In fact, over half of gastroenterologists did not regularly ask their patients about immunization history. This lack of knowledge can lead to IBD patients being vulnerable to vaccine-preventable illnesses.
Researchers have identified a stem cell population that can reverse nerve cell loss in individuals with Parkinson disease. Protein-based human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells were found to efficiently generate functional dopamine neurons and treat a rat model of the disease. These findings suggest a potential new treatment approac...
A systematic review found that t'ai chi is effective for fall prevention and improving psychological health, with general health benefits for older people. However, its effectiveness for other conditions such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis is contradictory.
A surgical procedure to remove enlarged tonsils and adenoids may reduce blood pressure in children with OSA, preventing heart damage. In a study of 115 children, adenotonsillectomy resulted in lower blood pressure levels during sleep, restored the normal nighttime dip in blood pressure, and even reduced heart size in some cases.
Researchers found that add-on diabetes drugs for patients with uncontrolled diabetes on metformin and sulfonylurea have no clear between-drug differences. High-seelenium yeast supplements slightly reduced cholesterol levels but increased the risk of harm, particularly in countries with adequate selenium intake. Obesity is linked to fun...
The American Institute of Physics has posted lay-language summaries of recent research presentations at the Acoustical Society meeting. These summaries cover a wide range of topics, including biomedical ultrasound, reducing underwater noise, and new car mufflers. The online collection offers easily approachable explanations of complex ...
Researchers have developed a novel, topically-applied molecular microbicide that uses RNA interference (RNAi) to prevent HIV transmission. The microbicide was tested in mice and found to provide long-lasting protection against HIV infection, opening the door to developing an intravaginal microbicide for women's protection.
Research finds that school victimization in middle and high school is associated with depression, suicide attempts, STDs, and HIV risk in young adulthood. The study highlights the importance of addressing anti-LGBT bullying at schools to reduce health disparities among LGBT youth.
Researchers at the University of Washington are developing a semi-automated scan using ultrathin laser endoscope and software to create a full, 3-D panorama of the bladder interior. This technology has the potential to bring endoscopy into a more digital age.
Researchers Claire Rind and Luke Birkett discovered tarantulas shoot silk from their feet when they lose their footing. The silk is produced by microscopic spigots on the spiders' feet, which are distributed across the foot's surface.
A €3.5M European Commission-funded project is working to understand the causes of pollinator declines and develop ways to manage landscapes for wild bee conservation. The STEP project aims to safeguard pollinators providing essential services to crops and wildflowers.
Comparing the genomes of plant parasites has provided insights into their invasion strategies and sabotaged plant immune responses. This knowledge can be used to develop new tools for diagnosis and disease forecasting, as well as breeding crops with stronger disease resistance genes.
A recent study published in Brain Connectivity suggests that ongoing, intrinsic brain activity accounts for the majority of human brain energy usage. This finding challenges previous assumptions and highlights the complexity of brain function and structure.
A study conducted in New York found that 92% of urban minority children, aged 5-6, exhibited behavioral sleep problems. The children had significantly shorter sleep durations, averaging 7 hours and 45 minutes per night, compared to the recommended 10-11 hours.
Thurston worked with Dr. Nader Sanai to create a detailed Gantt chart, compressing the project timeline from five to three years and reducing expenses. The gift agreement includes financial incentives, motivating Dr. Sanai to achieve specific goals on a quarterly basis.
A team of researchers successfully barcoded over 28,000 Australian moth and butterfly specimens, covering 65% of the country's known species. This achievement will transform biodiversity monitoring and biosecurity efforts in Australia.
A new study disputes the use of a single minimum viable population number as a yardstick for conservation policies. Populations show rapid declines due to human activities, but removing negative effects, even small populations could be viable in the long term.
Research published in Injury Prevention found that young drivers who engage in risky behavior, such as speeding and using mobile phones while driving, are at a greater risk of psychological distress. The study also discovered that women are more likely to experience increased psychological distress compared to men.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals that obese patients undergoing colon surgery are 60% more likely to develop costly surgical-site infections. These infections result in extended hospital stays, increased costs of $17,000 per patient, and a three-times greater risk of hospital readmission.
Researchers created a new mouse model that can be used to study degenerative diseases, such as type I diabetes and Parkinson's disease. The Mos-iCsp3 mouse allows for targeted destruction of specific cell types, providing a valuable tool for developing therapies.
A lung protein called EMAPII has been identified as a key player in smoking-related emphysema. An antibody targeting this protein shows promise in reducing cell death and inflammation in mice with emphysema, suggesting potential as a new treatment for the condition.
Research on Rana boylii reveals tadpoles are weak swimmers and don't survive high-flow events, while habitat modeling tools provide reliable predictions. The study's findings guide conservation planning for the species, emphasizing the importance of mimicking natural flow patterns to conserve riverine species.
A surgical procedure involving muscle transfer from the thigh appears to improve smile function and overall quality of life in children with facial paralysis. Thirteen children experienced statistically significant QOL improvement after the free gracilis transfer surgery.
Gina Hodges, a University of Oklahoma graduate student, has been awarded $30,000 annually for three years to research flash flood prediction using next-generation radar observations and stormscale rainfall forecasts. Her goal is to improve current methods to protect public lives and property.
Researchers have uncovered patterns of ancient croplands in Hawaii, providing clues to individual household farming decisions. The findings suggest that these decisions were later adopted by the ruling class, leading to a more complex agricultural system. This study offers insights into the structure of Hawaiian society during this tim...
Research from Rice University and the University of Delaware found that unverifiable information like personal stories enhances lending decisions. Borrowers who explain their circumstances but deny details have poor loan performance. Using a 'trustworthy' identity can lower costs by almost 30% and save $375 in interest charges.
Scientists at the University of Washington have identified 21 newly occurring genetic mutations in children with autism spectrum disorder, many of which altered proteins. The study suggests that these sporadic mutations could contribute substantially to the underlying mechanisms and severity of autism in approximately 20 percent of cases.
A new computer-based decision aid has been developed to educate patients with moderate/severe COPD on end-of-life planning, generating an accurate advance directive that reflects their wishes. Patients reported high levels of satisfaction and no decrease in hope after using the program.
A study found that reminding hospital staff about the costs of daily blood draws resulted in a significant reduction in routine blood tests ordered. The intervention led to cost savings of $54,967 over an 11-week period.
A previously unknown fossil primate, Mescalerolemur horneri, has been discovered in West Texas, dating back to the Eocene Epoch. The species is closely related to Eurasian and African adapiforms, challenging current understanding of North American primates.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has established a set of quality measurements for its prison health care services, building on research from the RAND Corporation. The new measurements will help improve access to care and quality of care in the prison system.
A new test measuring multiple parameters including PSA and six antibodies found in the blood of men with prostate cancer is more sensitive and specific than the conventional PSA test. The A+PSA assay reduces false-positives and shows great potential to improve prostate cancer diagnosis.
A new review article outlines four ways in which happiness can be problematic, including the risk of disappointment and decreased happiness when pursuing it. The study also finds that excessive or inappropriately felt happiness can lead to negative consequences, such as reckless behavior and social problems.
A team from MBL and West Point used hyperspectral imaging to model cuttlefish camouflage in the eyes of fish predators, revealing that brightness is more important than color. This study provides strong evidence that cuttlefish can produce effective camouflage despite lacking color vision.
Researchers discovered a link between cell rigidity and proteins associated with cancer activity, using innovative collaboration between physics and cell biology. Exerting mechanical force on cells activates Rho GEF proteins, leading to tumor growth and metastasis.
Researchers identified Abcc10 as a key player in resisting certain anticancer drugs, including taxanes. Blunting its activity may help counteract resistance and make these drugs more effective, providing hope for improved treatment options.
A CSIRO Australia study found that ocean warming is detrimental to the growth of a long-lived south-east Australian and New Zealand inshore species, the banded morwong. The research team analyzed long-term changes in the growth rates of the banded morwong and observed slowed growth at warmer temperatures.
Researchers found that computer simulations and cutting-edge techniques used by the film industry can restore lost hand and arm function in stroke victims. The study showed significant improvements in patients who played Plasma Pong, Hammer Task, Virtual Piano, and Hummingbird Hunt games.
Researchers have developed autonomous robots that can explore and map buildings using a combination of navigation technology, vision-based techniques, and network technology. The robots can transmit detailed floor maps to humans in minutes, which could improve response times to emergencies and enhance safety in confined spaces.
Researchers from Fox Chase Cancer Center investigated the effectiveness of active surveillance in patients with small renal masses. They found that in select patients, active surveillance may be a viable option when surgery is risky due to poor health or advanced age.
A new study examines the trend of radical nephrectomy rates in patients with clinically localized renal masses and finds that despite guidelines recommending kidney preservation, laparoscopic procedures have become more prevalent than expected. This shift may lead to increased morbidity and mortality due to chronic renal insufficiency.
A team of scientists at Monash University has discovered a manganese-based catalyst that can split water into hydrogen and oxygen using sunlight. The breakthrough uses the common mineral birnessite, which is found in rocks, to create a simple and efficient process for producing clean fuel.
Researchers discovered that ancient microbial mats could produce enough oxygen to support tiny, mobile life forms billions of years ago. The study challenges the long-held assumption that oxygen was necessary for animal evolution.
A study suggests that evaluating gene expression changes in nasal cells can serve as a non-invasive approach for early detection of lung cancer. The researchers identified 170 genes that were differentially expressed between patients with and without lung cancer, including genes linked to colon cancer and tumor suppression.
A new study from UCSD School of Medicine reveals the plasticity of some gene expression programs, allowing for alternative induced gene expression. This plasticity may contribute to cancer cell growth and normal differentiation, with implications for hormone therapy.
Researchers have identified a gene variant associated with the onset of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Caucasian men. The study found that variants in the vitamin D receptor gene influence the time to development of COPD, highlighting the potential role of vitamin D metabolic pathways in COPD risk.
A groundbreaking study by Prof. Adrian Bachtold's team has discovered nonlinear damping behavior in nanoscale mechanical devices, which facilitates amplification of signals and dramatic improvements in sensitivity. The findings have profound consequences for the physics of nanoelectromechanical resonators and will enable significant ad...
A large registry study found pneumonia patients are at risk for sudden cardiac arrest outside of ICU, with few warning signs. The study suggests improving risk assessment and interventions to address this issue.