A study found that Medicare costs in the last six months of life are driven more by patient characteristics such as ability to function and family support than regional factors. Patient impairment or decline was a strong predictor of higher Medicare costs, accounting for ten percent of variation.
The Clinical Addiction Research and Education (CARE) Unit at Boston University School of Medicine has received $1,886,087 in NIH funding. The grant aims to educate physicians-in-training on substance use screening, assessment, and treatment research, addressing a notable shortage of experts in addiction medicine.
Ayman Fayed, an Iowa State assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, is developing technology to improve the battery life of portable devices. He has created energy-efficient power regulators that convert a battery's uneven voltage into stable power for sensitive analog and radio frequency circuits.
Physicists propose beaming laser at atmospheric sodium to measure global magnetic field, offering cheaper alternative to satellites. Ground-based measurements can avoid problems caused by satellite movement and electronic instrument effects.
A recent study challenges the long-held assumption that early humans were significantly different from modern humans. Archaeologist John Shea found no single behavioral revolution in human evolution, but rather wide variability in toolmaking strategies over time. This research has significant implications for understanding human behavi...
The newly discovered stone monument features a central figure with an elaborate headdress and ornate accessories, dating back to the Early Formative period. The sculpture's design suggests a connection between corn cultivation and religion, supporting the idea of an early association between the two.
A study by Mario Pandelaere and colleagues found that consumers tend to perceive larger differences between ratings with higher numbers, not necessarily because of actual quantity. For instance, a 7-year warranty might seem more desirable than an 8-month one due to the arbitrary nature of unit representation.
A recent outbreak of tuberculosis in Nunavut, with a population infection rate 62 times the Canadian average, underscores the need for rebuilding trust in public health. The territory's historical legacy of mistreating patients and lack of consistent screening measures have hindered control efforts.
Scientists have identified a complex chemical reaction responsible for the degradation of Van Gogh's paintings, which involves the reduction of chromium in chrome yellow pigment. The study suggests that shielding affected paintings from UV and sunlight can help slow down the fading process.
Researchers developed a method to isolate individual Andreev bound states in graphene-superconductor junctions, allowing for the measurement and manipulation of these unique states. This breakthrough may enable new applications in quantum computing and other fields.
Scientists discovered a molecular assistant called Spy that helps bacteria produce stable, functional proteins. The 'spy' helper aids in protein refolding and protects unstable proteins from degradation.
Research finds vines are outcompeting trees in tropical forests across the Americas, posing a threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services. This shift has significant implications for climate models, business models relying on tree growth data, and human communities dependent on these forests.
A study by researchers at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre found that cardiac rehabilitation programs can increase patient referrals by 40% and reduce mortality rates by approximately 25%. The program offers a comprehensive approach to health, combining medical treatments and lifestyle modification.
A new study finds that coral reefs are more vulnerable to weakening due to ocean acidification and global warming, especially in developing countries. Effective local management efforts can help maintain coral resilience while carbon emissions are stabilized.
Scientists from Scripps Research Institute have discovered a new type of RNA molecule, called riboswitches, that can turn genes on or off in response to cellular energy needs. These findings may have implications for designing new antibiotics against harmful bacteria.
Researchers found up to 500,000 tons of gaseous hydrocarbons emitted into the deep ocean during the Deepwater Horizon oil discharge, leading to small-scale zones of oxygen depletion. The study highlights the difficulty in separating gas-induced oxygen depletion from that due to liquid hydrocarbons.
Scientists have discovered a genetic partnership between two proteins that enables nerve cells to connect correctly in the brain. The study suggests that similar mechanisms may play a role in human brain development and could lead to new therapies for developmental disorders.
Researchers recreated ancient Egyptian artificial toes and tested them on volunteers, finding they could help with walking. The toes date from before 600BC, predating the Roman Capula Leg as the earliest known practical prosthesis.
A study published in Neurology found that men who eat berries regularly have a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. Flavonoids, particularly anthocyanins from berries, were associated with a reduced risk in both men and women.
A study published in The Arts in Psychotherapy found that women with anorexia or bulimia draw themselves with distinct characteristics, including a larger neck and emphasized mouth. Self-figure drawings can be used as a tool for assessing eating disorders and may help individuals open up to therapists about their struggles.
UBE4B is a molecule that binds to p53 and MDM2, allowing them to degrade the tumor-suppressing protein p53 in cancer cells. This discovery could lead to novel anti-cancer therapies and improve prognosis for cancer patients.
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered the first evidence of a human DNA fragment in a bacterial genome, specifically Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This finding offers insight into the bacterium's ability to adapt to its human host and could lead to new strains of the disease.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University and Brookhaven National Laboratory measured superconducting fluctuations in a superconductor, finding they disappear 10-15 Kelvin above the transition temperature. This suggests electron pairs lose coherence rather than break apart at Tc, driving the transition to a non-superconducting state.
The use of electronic fetal heart rate monitors significantly lowers infant mortality, especially in high-risk pregnancies, according to a recent study. The findings show a 53% decrease in early neonatal mortality among infants with EFM.
Scientists can now focus light to a controllable position within tissue, overcoming the challenges of scattering in biological tissues. This breakthrough technology uses an ultrasound guide star and time-reversal mirror to create high-resolution images of objects within tissue.
A study found that the standard third-trimester GBS test did not accurately predict its presence during labor, while a rapid test performed at labor showed excellent accuracy. The test's performance varied among racial groups, with Hispanic and African-American women more likely to have discordant results.
Warren K. Bickel's research focuses on the brain processes that support dysfunctional decision-making, including addiction. His work has demonstrated a novel therapeutic approach to changing the preference for immediate rewards over future health benefits.
The UCLA Neurology program played a key role in assessing stroke rehabilitation, finding that patients who received physical therapy at home improved their walking ability comparable to those treated in a clinic. Early locomotor training did not seem to matter, with all groups showing similar gains in walking speed and mobility.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon and IBM are developing an open computing system called OAQA that enables the creation of modular software architectures for question-answering tasks. The system is designed to allow direct comparison and swapping out of individual components, making it easier to build on existing success.
A new compound has shown significant effectiveness in protecting brain cells directly affected by Parkinson's disease, a progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder. The compound, SR-3306, aims to inhibit JNK enzymes that play a key role in neuron survival.
A new study by Oregon State University researchers found that applying a naturally occurring pheromone to honey bee test colonies increased colony growth and led to healthier hives. The optimal dose of brood pheromone stimulates foragers to collect more pollen, supporting better nutrition within the colony.
A new gene test has identified GFPT1 as a crucial cause of Congenital Myasthenic Syndrome (CMS), a rare genetic condition affecting signal transmission between the brain and muscles. The test allows for earlier treatment with cholinesterase inhibitors, offering an effective therapy that can be taken through life.
A new study suggests that severely obese women may not need to gain as much weight during pregnancy as current guidelines recommend, without undesirable outcomes. In contrast, obese and non-obese women who gained less weight suffered adverse outcomes, including a higher likelihood of delivering a small-for-gestational-age baby.
Researchers reconstructed Arctic ocean conditions during Late Cretaceous greenhouse periods, finding periodicities matching modern Arctic climate influences. The findings suggest that natural modes of climate variability, such as ENSO and AO/NAO, may remain unchanged under global warming.
A study found that leptin resistance, common in diabetes, helps prevent the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and acute lung injury (ALI). Leptin resistance reduces the formation of inflexible tissue that develops in ALI and ARDS.
Two large studies on osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) published in the IADR/AADR Journal of Dental Research investigate risk factors and prevalence. The studies found that bisphosphonate use is strongly associated with ONJ, and patients with oral bisphosphonates are 15.5 times more likely to have ONJ.
A study by RUB researchers found that sugar residues in the extracellular matrix control the growth and survival of motoneurons, a type of nerve cell. The study, published in Journal of Neuroscience Research, reveals that certain sugar residues can promote or inhibit neurite growth and cell death.
A recent study by the University of Minnesota found that recovering from conflict well predicts higher relationship satisfaction. A romantic partner who can effectively recover from conflicts benefits their partner's relationship satisfaction.
Researchers have developed a novel technology to diagnose Alzheimer's disease from blood samples before symptoms appear, identifying two potential biomarkers with 90% accuracy. This breakthrough could lead to earlier intervention and improved outcomes for patients.
A small proportion of adult cancer patients participate in clinical trials due to low physician referrals. Medical and radiation oncologists were more likely to refer patients, as well as those in larger practices and academic appointments.
A new study by Duke University researchers has found that home-based physical therapy is an effective way to help stroke survivors regain mobility, with similar results to specialized locomotor training programs. The study, which compared home exercise with body-weight supported treadmill training, found that both approaches led to sig...
A recent study by University of California, Berkeley researchers found that blacks are more likely to initiate contact with whites in online dating than the other way around. In contrast, white daters prefer to date within their own race, with a significant disparity in reciprocation rates between black and white participants.
Damage to a specific area of the brain and decreased noradrenaline levels are linked to multiple sclerosis progression. The study found that noradrenaline plays a crucial role in preventing inflammation and preserving blood-brain barrier integrity.
A study found that female rats given folic acid supplements before conception and during pregnancy had higher rates of breast cancer, with twice as many tumours and faster-growing tumours. The researchers stress the need for more research to determine whether this applies to humans.
Researchers at Emory and Georgia Tech developed nanoparticles to detect circulating tumor cells in blood samples from 19 head and neck cancer patients, achieving a positive signal for 17 patients. The 'one-tube' SERS technology could be faster and lower in costs than other detection methods.
A study by researchers at UCLA Stroke Center found that strokes and cardiovascular disease exacted an enormous toll on Hollywood stars. The team identified 30 actors who suffered strokes and 39 heart attacks among Oscar nominees between 1927 and 2009, with women accounting for 60% of stroke victims.
Researchers create first high-resolution, three-dimensional digital model of an at-risk fossil using portable laser scanning technology, providing a baseline to measure future deterioration. The digital model duplicates a 110-million-year-old Texas dinosaur track and is shareable with others.
Wesley Brooks, a Ph.D. candidate at Rutgers University, received the AIBS Emerging Public Policy Leadership Award for his commitment to fostering dialogue between policymakers and scientists. He will receive a certificate, one-year membership, and a subscription to BioScience.
Researchers have developed a new bioluminescent probe that enables real-time detection of hydrogen peroxide levels in mice, allowing for the tracking of infectious diseases or cancerous tumors without harm. The PCL-1 probe has provided evidence that hydrogen peroxide is continuously produced even in healthy animals.
The two-year project aims to improve the durability and lifetime of mirror-augmented photovoltaic systems. Researchers will test and qualify mirrors, PV modules, and MAPV systems to ensure reliable performance.
The University Hospitals system has implemented a successful approach to stroke care, increasing the use of tPA therapy for ischemic stroke patients by 13.5 times. The System Stroke Program (SSP) educated community hospital staff and ensured timely treatment, resulting in better patient outcomes.
The Stardust-NExT mission will allow scientists to study the surface of comet Tempel 1 before and after its orbit around the sun, comparing findings with previous probe data. The spacecraft's Dust Flux Monitor Instrument will also collect photographs of a crater left on Tempe 1 by a Deep Impact probe.
The NASA National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP) climate/weather satellite is successfully completing flight environmental testing. The five-instrument suite will provide continuity of climate observations and enhance weather forecasting capabilities.
Researchers found that using non-alcohol antibacterial mouthwash containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) decreases the incidence of preterm birth. The study, funded by The Procter & Gamble Company, involved pregnant women with periodontal disease who received either treatment or a control group.
The SCAST study found that candesartan did not reduce the risk of vascular death, stroke, or heart attack in patients with acute stroke and high blood pressure. In fact, it increased the risk of poor outcomes and low blood pressure-related symptoms.
A study by Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and Hertie School of Governance explores the benefits and risks of cloud computing for public administration in Germany. Researchers are developing application scenarios for interoperable use of cloud-computing technologies, while also creating a Cloud Computing Test Laboratory to test security concepts.
A comprehensive review of 27 long-term studies found that children with ADHD are two to three times more likely to develop serious substance abuse problems in adolescence and adulthood. The research, published in Clinical Psychology Review, analyzed data from approximately 4,100 children with ADHD and 6,800 without the disorder.
A new class of magnetic superhalogens has been discovered, exhibiting unusual stability at a specific size and composition. These clusters can be used to create salts with magnetic and super-oxidizing properties not previously found.
Children with acute anemia are at risk of undetected brain damage due to silent strokes, which can cause poor academic performance and severe cognitive impairments. Regular monitoring and timely transfusion may help prevent permanent brain damage in these children.
Researchers found that a naturally present brain chemical signal, CX3CL1, can suppress microglial activation and reduce inflammation in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. This suggests that the communication between neurons and glial cells may play a role in neurodegeneration.