A new report by University of Leicester historian Dr. Kim Price draws parallels between past and present medical negligence, warning that the UK's Coalition Government reforms may undermine patient trust. The paper argues that similar policies in the late 19th century led to widespread neglect and poor health outcomes.
Researchers found that toddlers who played with fewer toys showed improvement in communication skills after parent-guided treatment. However, the treatment did not show a significant effect on all children, but rather those who had limited playtime.
Researchers investigated how older women feel about their representation in media and society, finding complex emotions and transformative experiences. The project encouraged women to create alternative images using photography, art therapy, and video techniques, leading to increased confidence and self-acceptance among participants.
A team of researchers led by Michigan State University's Richard Lenski found that more adaptable bacteria with potential for future improvement prevailed over competitors with short-term advantages. The study shows that sacrificing some benefits now can lead to a winning move later.
The use of fibrates has increased steadily in the United States over the past decade, driven by a strong preference for brand-name products. Despite negative trial results, fibrates are still prescribed in high numbers, despite uncertain clinical benefits.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have discovered a novel mechanism in gene regulation that contributes to the development of liver cancer. AEG-1 and SND1 proteins were found to increase RISC activity, leading to increased tumor growth. Inhibiting SND1 is proposed as a potential new avenue for treating liver cancer.
A team of Georgia Tech researchers will create a suite of web-based measurement tools to promote Internet transparency and accountability. The project aims to provide users worldwide with the ability to detect artificially slowed services and censorship, enabling more informed decision-making about online activities.
A new seismology tip sheet provides critical information on building in hazardous areas near strike-slip faults, as well as tools for predicting quake shaking in Southern California. Researchers also investigated the impact of wind farms on seismic data collection, finding that nearby turbines can cause 'seismic noise'.
May Berenbaum, an expert on bees and pollinators, receives the 2011 Tyler Prize for her groundbreaking research on declining bee populations. She has also made significant contributions to public understanding of science through her writing and advocacy.
A randomized trial found hydrocortisone therapy reduced hospital-acquired pneumonia rates by 35.6% compared to placebo, resulting in shorter mechanical ventilation-free days and ICU stays. Corticosteroid insufficiency was also associated with higher pneumonia rates.
Victims of severe elder abuse show higher rates of physical harm, mental illness, and substance abuse compared to non-abused individuals. The study found that 29% of abuse victims tested positive for alcohol, highlighting the importance of addressing this issue.
Patients with CML taking imatinib in remission after two years have a mortality rate similar to the general population. Despite side effects, survival rates remain high even after eight years of treatment.
A University of Missouri nursing expert emphasizes the complexity of hospital discharge processes for older adults, citing stress, fear, and lack of understanding as common complications. Effective care requires open communication among families, patients, and healthcare providers.
A University of Melbourne academic warns that lack of specific laws governing Australia's newborn screening program could threaten public trust. The program, which tests baby blood for genetic conditions, raises legal questions about who owns the blood and how it is used.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast analyzed 2,439 food recalls over the past decade, revealing a significant increase in recalls due to operational mistakes and food fraud. The study highlights the need for improved traceability and safety measures in the food industry.
Researchers found that heavier individuals have wider femur shafts, hypothesizing this is due to increased weight and altered movement patterns. The study used 121 white male bones to eliminate racial and gender variations.
Researchers have successfully sequenced 1% of the Iberian pig's genome, providing a new understanding of its genetics and meat quality. The study reveals surprising genetic diversity, with regions related to olfactory and immune systems showing higher variability.
Catalysts made of carbon nanotubes dipped in a polymer solution have been shown to equal the energy output and outperform platinum catalysts in fuel cells. The new process is simpler and cheaper, reducing the cost of fuel cells by up to 75%.
A year-long study by University of Nevada, Reno researchers found a significant decline in native fish species density at Lake Tahoe since 1951. The team recommends establishing a management plan to protect the nearshore zone habitat critical to native fish populations.
Researchers studied stormwater runoff and riparian vegetation to understand water usage patterns. They found mesquite woodlands use significantly more water than native desert grasses, providing a tool for land managers to estimate water savings.
A new study finds that larger hippocampal volumes are linked to recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), implying that the hippocampus may play a role in reversing damage caused by chronic stress. The research suggests that treatment for PTSD could be viewed as a form of brain restoration, rather than just symptom relief.
Researchers found that zeta toxins convert a compound required for bacterial cell wall synthesis into a poison that kills bacteria from within. The toxin-antitoxin systems, which are normally dormant under normal conditions, can be activated to trigger programmed cell death in response to stress.
The BCG World Atlas is a first-of-its-kind resource providing detailed information on current and past TB vaccination policies and practices across 180+ countries. Clinicians can use this atlas to inform diagnosis and treatment decisions, particularly for foreign-born adults with unclear vaccination histories.
Researchers found obese teens had higher C-reactive protein levels, insulin resistance, and homocysteine levels, indicating chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Poor dietary quality, low in fresh produce and dairy products, was common among both groups.
Recent study finds that adolescents at risk for obesity exhibit heightened brain activity when consuming palatable foods like chocolate milkshakes. This suggests that their brains may be more responsive to rewarding stimuli, potentially increasing the risk of overeating.
A highly sensitive blood test has been shown to detect heart attacks in a third more patients than previous tests, identifying smaller amounts of heart damage. The test has been found to halve the risk of being readmitted to hospital with another heart attack within a year.
The Harry T. Mangurian, Jr., Foundation has awarded Mayo Clinic a $1 million gift to understand how Lewy body dementia develops, how to treat it more effectively, and how to diagnose it earlier. Researchers will use genetics, new drugs, and imaging techniques to advance knowledge about the disorder.
A new clinical trial, sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, is testing whether rosuvastatin reduces the risk of recurrent colon cancer. The five-year study involves 1,740 patients and will determine if statins are effective in preventing colon cancer.
The UK and Vietnam are collaborating on a major effort to improve flood, drought, salt and pest tolerance in rice, addressing growing population demands and climate change threats. The project will sequence the genomes of 30 rice varieties, developing an important genomics platform for breeding rice with improved traits.
A study found an association between occasional physical activity and a short-term increased risk of heart attack and sudden cardiac death. The absolute risk was small, but those with high levels of regular physical activity were less susceptible to the triggering effect of episodic physical activity.
Researchers mapped spinal cord function using MRI to improve injury diagnosis and treatment. Attention levels impact spinal cord processing, affecting pain management for those with spinal cord injuries.
Ruhul Abid's groundbreaking research reveals that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a beneficial role in activating eNOS and maintaining coronary vasodilation, challenging the long-held notion of ROS being harmful. The discovery has potential implications for the development of therapeutic modalities for vascular diseases.
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is conducting a Phase III randomized clinical trial to examine whether acupuncture can prevent xerostomia, a debilitating side effect of radiation treatment for head and neck cancer. The study aims to determine if true acupuncture effectively prevents radiation-induced xerostomia and im...
Hot dogs and deli meats have low levels of carcinogenic compounds, while bacon and rotisserie chicken contain higher amounts. Chicken skin is particularly high in HCA levels due to its lower moisture content.
A new 2-hour accelerated diagnostic protocol identified 352 patients with chest pain at low risk of major adverse cardiac events, who could be discharged earlier. The 99% accurate protocol uses point-of-care biomarkers, ECG, and TIMI score to classify patients.
A study of pregnant women with autoimmune diseases found specific genetic mutations associated with preeclampsia. The research suggests new genetic targets for treatment and potential tests to identify women at risk of developing the condition.
Researchers successfully simulated the operation of a laser-plasma wakefield accelerator in three-dimensional detail using the 'boosted-frame' method. This breakthrough enables calculations that were previously beyond the state of the art, reducing computational time by tens of thousands of times.
Researchers identified genetic errors in women with autoimmune diseases and preeclampsia, suggesting new treatments and screening tests. The study found mutations in three genes involved in the immune response to injury, providing a potential link between preeclampsia and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.
A collaborative study between UH and Michigan State University reveals that bacteria evolving quickly can outcompete those that initially grow faster but then become extinct. Understanding these evolutionary dynamics may help design roadblocks to antibiotic resistance.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that widespread implementation of seven prevention interventions and three treatment interventions could reduce child diarrhea deaths by up to 92% by 2015. This would save nearly 5 million lives at a cost of $3.24 per capita.
A Wayne State University researcher has found that continuous restructuring of the extracellular matrix, which supports tumor weight, enables highly invasive cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body. The study identified fibronectin and cofilin as crucial components required for this mechanical response.
Researchers discovered that membrane potential-dependent modulation of recurrent inhibition is a key mechanism for maintaining dynamic balance of excitation and inhibition in the cortex. This finding has implications for understanding cortical rhythms and preventing abnormal cortical activities during seizures.
A recent Indiana University study found that a smoke-free air law implemented in an Indiana community did not harm business at the local off-track betting facility. The research suggests there is no economic reason to exclude OTB facilities from smoke-free legislation, contradicting previous mixed findings in the gaming industry.
Researchers found that plant buffers can slow down the runoff of veterinary antibiotics in surface water, reducing transport by 58-72% for herbicides and 70% for antibiotics. The use of certain species like hybrid poplar can further enhance degradation of deposited antibiotics.
Researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society have developed a 'stress test' for coral reefs to prioritize areas most likely to survive climate change factors. The model considers environmental stressors like rising sea temperatures and their impact on coral and fish diversity.
The article discusses how fabricated research can lead to tragic consequences, including patients fearing lifesaving interventions and clinicians altering practice. The authors call for changes throughout the research process to adjust expectations for researchers, journals, and the public.
An analysis of 900 regular-season NFL games found a 10% increase in calls to police reporting men's assaults on their wives or intimate partners following losses by the local team. The researchers suggest that unexpected disappointments, particularly those involving traditional rival teams, may lead to an increase in violent behavior.
A Cardiff University-led study has discovered a protein, calmodulin, that protects pancreatic cells against the harmful effects of alcohol. The findings could lead to the development of new treatments for pancreatitis and reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Researchers identified genetic mutations in women with lupus and/or antiphospholipid antibodies that may predispose them to preeclampsia. The study's findings suggest new targets for treating the condition and raising the possibility of tests to identify women at increased risk
A new oral drug intended to protect healthy tissue from radiation effects has been found safe for use in advanced non-small cell lung cancer patients. The agent, called manganese superoxide dismutase plasmid liposome, boosted antioxidant levels and reduced inflammation without protecting tumor cells.
Researchers found that interleukin-13 stimulates invasion of airway cells called fibroblasts in asthma patients, leading to increased thickness in airway walls and loss of lung function. The protein acts in combination with other mediators, including TGF-β1 and MMPs, to cause cellular changes that contribute to airway remodeling.
Researchers create a new model of how self-repairing materials function, revealing that an ideal amount of weak bonds can make a material stronger and more resilient. The findings are corroborated by nature's example of the abalone shell, which absorbs stress through stretching and sliding.
The BCG World Atlas offers detailed information on current and past vaccination policies across over 180 countries. This database aims to improve the care of patients with tuberculosis (TB) by providing useful resources for clinicians, policymakers, and researchers.
A recent study by Penn State researchers found that sign language users can process both English words and American Sign Language (ASL) signs concurrently. When word pairs were matched with similar signs, reaction times were faster and accuracy rates improved compared to control group bilingual speakers.
A Swedish study found that problems in relationships with colleagues and superiors were more frequent in the days leading up to sick leave. Individuals with minor ailments were also more likely to report sick when they expected a stressful workday ahead, highlighting the impact of work environment on behavior when ill.
A new study found that a more sensitive test for the cardiac biomarker troponin can increase the diagnosis of heart attacks and identify patients at high risk of another heart attack or death. The test was associated with improved clinical management, fewer deaths, and fewer admissions with recurrent MI.
The Biophysical Society has recognized twenty student research achievement award winners for their outstanding contributions to the field of biophysics. The winners were selected from a competitive event held during the annual meeting, and they will receive monetary awards for their work.
Researchers have identified a new virus as the cause of deadly outbreaks in six Chinese provinces, with a mortality rate of 12%. The virus, known as Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome virus, is transmitted through tick bites and affects humans without causing human-to-human transmission.
A European study found harbour seals in the Elbe estuary have high levels of contamination from industrial activities, dredging, and shipping. This highlights the impact of coastal pollution on marine life.
Brown University researchers created two nanoscale surfaces that promote skin cell growth on titanium leg implants, sealing the gap where bacteria can enter. The findings show nearly doubled skin cell density within five days, indicating a complete layer of skin has been formed.
A University of Rochester Medical Center study found that a mother's iron deficiency early in pregnancy can have a long-lasting effect on the child's brain development, even if it's not severe enough to cause anemia. The research suggests that monitoring a pregnant woman's iron status beyond anemia is crucial.
A new study finds that our memories are affected by how we process information emotionally, rather than just the amount of study. Automatic processing biases lead to incorrect predictions about memory performance.