A new study found that global budgets for healthcare can slow the growth of medical spending while improving quality of care. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Alternative Quality Contract program in Massachusetts achieved significant savings and quality improvements, with provider groups seeing reductions of up to 9.9% in medical spending.
Researchers studying sloths on a shade-grown cacao farm in Costa Rica are gaining insights into their mating habits, behavior, and ecological parameters. The study reveals that sloths tend to disperse from home range and have multiple partners, and the cacao farm provides an ideal habitat for these animals.
Researchers have discovered ancient domesticated caprines at Leopard Cave in Namibia, dated to the end of the first millennium BC. The findings provide new insights into the origins of domestication and herding practices in southern Africa.
Researchers identified innovative solutions to increase access to nutritious food among low-income groups. The study, published in JNEB, proposes catering trucks as a strategy to promote healthful eating in low-wage worksites.
Geetha Srinivasan wins prestigious L'Oréal-UNESCO UK and Ireland Fellowship to continue research on enabling biomedical applications of ionic liquids. The £15,000 award supports flexible financial help for her work, promoting women's participation in science.
Researchers at the University of Bristol used climate and ice sheet models to identify the cause of rapid sea level rise in the past. They found that a process called 'saddle-collapse' led to two major events, including the 14,600-year-old Meltwater pulse 1a event, which resulted in a 9m sea level rise.
Researchers from RUB have dynamically measured ATP splitting in membrane protein MsbA for the first time, tracking minute changes in the protein and its interaction with ATP. This study provides important clues on how the protein moves during ATP hydrolysis, laying the foundation for further investigation into whole membrane proteins.
Current genomic research resources and bioinformatics methods are insufficient for personalized genomic medicine, citing shorter linkage disequilibrium regions and unprobed variants.
Scientists are developing new medicines to target both human and non-human cells in the body, based on a paradigm shift in understanding the human body as a complex ecosystem. This approach, called functional metagenomics, has the potential to treat diseases with substances that affect non-human cells.
A naturally occurring molecule, Akt3, regulates lipid entry into macrophages and prevents cholesterol storage, potentially leading to new plaque-fighting drugs. The discovery could also aid doctors in developing screening tests for patient risk levels of atherosclerosis.
A Saint Louis University scientist is working to harness the anti-inflammatory activity of antithrombin to reduce the incidence and severity of heart disease. He has also been studying the control of blood clotting factors for 23 years, with a focus on improving the effectiveness of activated protein C.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh and Harvard University created self-regulating microscopic materials that can continuously sense and regulate temperature. The new material, called SMARTS, offers a customizable way to trigger chemical reactions on cue and reproduce stable feedback loops found in biological systems.
The Iberian wolf's distribution in Galicia is primarily driven by landscape characteristics offering refuge from humans. Landscape attributes account for 48% of animal safety, while human presence and food availability contribute to a lesser extent.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have identified laboratory-based biomarkers that can help understand brain-based abnormalities in schizophrenia. These endophenotypes could provide clinicians with reliable indicators of brain dysfunction, even when overt symptoms are not apparent.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that sharing a meal with a former romantic partner is more likely to make the current partner jealous than other activities. The researchers also found no significant differences in jealousy reported by male and female participants.
James Elser, an ASU ecologist, has been elected president of the global aquatic sciences organization, ASLO. He will focus on addressing pressing issues related to freshwater sustainability and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to reduce pollution.
Researchers have developed a simple, low-cost method to synthesize silver nanoparticles using strawberry tree leaf extract. The technique allows for control over nanoparticle size and geometry, resulting in stable particles that remain effective for up to 6 months.
A new study suggests that moderate drinking as part of a healthy lifestyle may benefit postmenopausal women's bone health by reducing the risk of osteoporosis. The researchers found an increase in blood markers of bone turnover after just two weeks of abstinence, but this effect reversed shortly after resumption of normal drinking habits.
Scientists studied Agrobacterium tumefaciens, a rod-shaped soil bacterium responsible for crown gall disease in plants. They discovered that the bacterium maintains its linear chromosome through an enzyme called TelA, which forms hairpin loops to protect it.
Researchers identified five rare mutations in the AFF2 gene that appear to increase the chances a boy will develop an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Mutations in X chromosome genes affect four times more boys than girls. The study bolsters a growing consensus that rare variants contribute significantly to ASD risk.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that early-stage lung cancer cells use a biological process called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) to bypass growth controls and enable uncontrolled growth. This discovery offers new clues for a potential approach to treating lung and possibly other cancers as early as possible.
A team of scientists aims to create novel materials that change shape in response to external stimuli like heat or light. The researchers will use high-throughput techniques to identify components that can be combined to produce interesting effects.
The Scripps Research Institute has been awarded a grant to develop a vaccine against HIV and the disease it causes, AIDS. The Center for HIV/AIDS Vaccine Immunology & Immunogen Discovery (CHAVI-ID) will conduct multidisciplinary research into immune responses that prevent infection or control the virus in infected individuals.
GigaScience, a new journal from BGI and BioMed Central, publishes large-scale biological research in a unique format that combines standard articles with complete data hosting and analysis tools. This allows readers to test scientific conclusions using underlying data and analysis tools.
The July 2012 Genetics Society of America's journal features research on increasing association mapping power and resolution in mouse genetic studies through meta-analysis for structured populations. The study also explores the properties and power of a Drosophila Synthetic Population Resource for dissecting complex traits.
Astronomers have spotted the first direct detection of dark galaxies in the early Universe, shedding light on these elusive objects. The team used a bright quasar to illuminate gas-rich galaxies, revealing their existence and properties, including suppressed star formation efficiency.
A study published in the Genetics Society of America's journal found that genes responsible for immune response at youth are almost completely different from those in middle age. This discovery opens doors to understanding genetic interactions underlying why older people struggle more with infections.
Researchers found that BPA alters fish behavior and appearance, leading to inter-species breeding. This process poses long-term ecological consequences, including the potential decline of native species.
A new study has detected BPS, a BPA substitute, in thermal paper receipts and many other products. The researchers analyzed 16 types of paper from the US, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, finding BPS in all receipt papers and 87% of currency samples.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that parental involvement can significantly increase the number of students enrolled in STEM courses. The intervention involved sending parents glossy brochures and a dedicated website to promote STEM education, resulting in more advanced math and science classes taken by participati...
Children with disabilities are at nearly four times greater risk of experiencing violence, with over a quarter exposed to some type of violence during their lifetime. Lifetime levels of physical and sexual violence are also high among disabled children.
Researchers from Drexel University have developed a novel electrochemical flow capacitor that combines the strengths of batteries and supercapacitors, addressing scalability issues. The technology allows for rapid charging and discharging ability, enabling efficient storage and delivery of renewable energy.
Scientists have discovered a white rot fungus that can break down tough cellulose in corn stover, releasing sugars for ethanol fermentation. The study found that the fungus extracted up to 30% more sugar from corn leaves and 50% more from stalks and cobs.
A study proposes a framework for complementary prevention by targeting specific subgroups with tailored interventions. The research finds that 'treatment as prevention' needs to consider the full range of HIV-risk behaviors.
A new study has found that patients with mild or no cognitive impairment can be identified as at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease through a PET brain scan using a radioactive dye. The study, led by researchers at Duke University Medical Center, shows that the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain can predict future decline.
A new treatment protocol, Emotion Detectives Treatment Protocol (EDTP), shows significant reduction in anxiety and depression severity after treatment. The program delivers education about emotions, strategies for evaluating situations, problem solving skills, behavior activation, and parent training.
A study published in Neuron found that a brain region involved in empathy, the temporoparietal junction (TPJ), is linked to individual differences in altruism. The size and activation of this region predict an individual's setpoint for altruistic behavior.
A weekly stress management program for patients with multiple sclerosis prevented the development of new brain lesions, a marker of the disease's activity in the brain. The study showed that stress management therapy reduced two types of new brain lesions common in multiple sclerosis.
Researchers inserted ancient gene into modern-day E. coli and observed its evolution over 1,000 generations. The results showed that the ancient gene did not mutate to become more similar to its modern form, but rather the bacteria adapted through novel mutations.
Researchers at the National Physical Laboratory have created an electron pump nano-device that can manipulate individual electrons to create a well-defined electrical current. The device achieves this by speeding up the rate of pumping electrons while maintaining accuracy, surpassing previous records.
Researchers found that OxyContin's abuse-deterrent formulation significantly reduced inhalation and injection, prompting users to switch to heroin. The study reveals a surge in heroin use across the US, with overdose risks increasing due to dealers cutting heroin with other substances.
A study by researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that phobic anxiety is associated with shortened telomeres, a marker of biological aging. This association suggests that phobic anxiety may be a risk factor for accelerated aging, linked to increased risks of cancers, heart disease, dementia, and mortality.
A new study found that prenatal and early childhood exposure to the chemical solvent tetrachloroethylene (PCE) may be associated with poorer color-discrimination abilities. People exposed to higher levels of PCE from gestation through age 5 exhibited greater visual impairments, suggesting irreversible effects.
A widely-held belief that certain eye movements indicate lying has been debunked in a new study published in PLOS ONE. The researchers found no correlation between eye movement direction and truthfulness, challenging existing approaches to detecting deceit.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have identified two key regulatory proteins critical to clearing away misfolded proteins that accumulate and cause neurodegeneration in Huntington's disease. PGC-1alpha and TFEB provide a new therapeutic target for treating the disease, offering hope for its treatment.
A new approach using an HIV drug has significantly reduced the incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) in bone marrow transplant patients. The treatment redirects immune cells away from vital organs, reducing the risk of GvHD without compromising the patient's ability to fight cancer.
Scientists develop SMARTS, a customizable platform for autonomously regulating chemical reactions and temperature, mimicking biological systems. The material's dynamic feedback loops enable it to sense and modulate desired stimuli without external power, paving the way for intelligent medical implants and efficient buildings.
Research finds that both brain and muscle cells require the protein LRP4 to ensure robust communication. Without it, communication is inefficient and short-lived, contributing to disabling disorders like myasthenia gravis. The study suggests that delivering LRP4 through gene therapy may help bolster insufficient levels in patients.
Researchers found that silver nanoparticles are less toxic to bacteria than their released ions. The team's study suggests that controlling the rate of ion release can enhance antibacterial properties and mitigate environmental impacts. They also discovered hormesis, where low doses of silver ions stimulate bacterial growth.
Researchers found that the HIV protein vpu interferes with the immune response protein IRF3, dampening the ability of the immune system to protect against virus infection. This discovery could lead to the development of new antiviral therapeutics that target this interaction.
GigaScience offers a new era of publishing with its open access, open data format, hosting large datasets and analysis tools alongside traditional articles. This allows readers to test scientific conclusions using underlying data and analysis tools, overcoming reproducibility issues.
The American Health Assistance Foundation (AHAF) has awarded 22 new research grants to scientists studying innovative approaches to combat Alzheimer's disease, including repurposing existing drugs and examining the link between diabetes and cognitive decline.
The discovery of the new moon provides additional clues for unraveling how the Pluto system formed and evolved. The team is using Hubble's powerful vision to scour the Pluto system to uncover potential hazards to NASA's New Horizons spacecraft.
Physiologists and neuropathologists from the University of Zurich have identified the origin of metastasis formation in intestinal cancer cells. Cancer cells manipulate specific doorman receptors on blood vessel endothelium to enter other organs via bloodstream.
A new study found that gastric bypass surgery changes the gut microbiota composition in rats, increasing beneficial bacteria and altering peptide release. This shift resembles prebiotic treatment effects, suggesting a potential link between postsurgical gut modulations and improved metabolic outcomes.
Dr Mariana Fuentes' new book 'Dhyum the Dugong' takes readers on a journey through the life of a real dugong in the Torres Strait. The book aims to educate young Australians about the importance of protecting these endangered marine mammals.
Pre-notification by EMS significantly improved treatment times for stroke patients, including arrival-to-imaging and tPA treatment within 60 minutes. However, rates varied widely among hospitals and states, highlighting the need for improved stroke care systems.
The MU researcher's network model can analyze complex networks to identify the most damaging cyber attacks, protect critical infrastructure, and halt disease epidemics. By understanding network resilience, officials can prevent future problems and make informed decisions for conservation projects.
Researchers at UNC Health Care developed a non-invasive ultrasound method to detect cancer using blood vessel 'tortuosity.' This technique filters out tissue signals, allowing for clear visualization of small blood vessels. The study found a definitive difference between tumor and healthy vasculature, with limitations in detection depth.
Research funded by NIH shows that deaf people use auditory cortex for touch processing and visual stimuli more than hearing people. The finding suggests that the brain adapts and takes on additional sensory tasks in response to early loss of a sense, such as hearing.