The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has awarded two research grants to Group Health, a learning health system in Washington state, totaling $40.7 million. The projects focus on developing tools to improve care for back pain and connecting patients with community resources.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of Pneumocystis jirovecii, a fungus that causes pneumocystis pneumonia, a common and often deadly infection in immunocompromised individuals. The genome reveals surprising facts about the pathogen's survival and virulence.
Research from King's College London reveals that individuals with mental health disorders are at a higher risk of experiencing domestic violence. Women with depressive disorders were 2.5 times more likely and those with PTSD were 7 times more likely to have been victims compared to women without mental health problems.
Researchers found that female avatars expose substantially more skin than males, independent of their virtual body proportions. The study analyzed data from over 400 virtual people and found a dramatic gender difference in the propensity to disclose naked skin.
Research from the University of British Columbia found that performing acts of kindness increases peer acceptance and reduces bullying. Students aged 9-11 who participated in kindness activities were happier and selected more classmates to work with.
Scientists have developed two novel model systems for human corneal endothelium, enabling reliable study of HCEnC cells in health and disease. The new model systems, HCENC-21 and HCEnC-21T, mimic the critical characteristics and functionalities of the tissue in the eye.
A new study by researchers from the Mayo Clinic and Austrian Breast and Colorectal Cancer Study Group found that genetic differences in liver enzyme CYP2D6 play a key role in tamoxifen's effectiveness. Women with altered CYP2D6 enzyme activity had higher rates of breast cancer recurrence and death, while those with normal enzyme activi...
A national drug shortage has been linked to a higher rate of relapse among children and teenagers with Hodgkin lymphoma. The study found that estimated two-year cancer-free survival fell from 88% to 75% after the drug cyclophosphamide was substituted for mechlorethamine.
Researchers developed a new MRI method to predict the ratio of tau and beta-amyloid proteins in cerebrospinal fluid, achieving 75% accuracy in identifying correct diagnoses. The method could be used as a screening tool and help monitor biomarkers over time in clinical trials.
A follow-up study by the National Institutes of Health found that very preterm infants who received higher oxygen levels continued to show cognitive and motor development benefits as toddlers. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy was also found to be an effective alternative to traditional respiratory therapy, without difference...
A new analysis suggests that saber-toothed cats and American lions didn't drastically change their diet near extinction due to scarcity. Instead, they likely consumed carcass bones regularly, contradicting the idea that food shortage was a main reason for their extinction.
Research reveals that yeast species and fungal communities on grape surfaces can create differences in wine flavor even among grapes from the same vineyard. The study's findings suggest that viticulturalists and winemakers can plan microharvests better and implement more consistent wine blending strategies.
The UK government has allocated £21.5 million of public funding to commercialize graphene, a 'super material' with exceptional properties. Researchers at Imperial College London will explore ways to apply graphene in aerospace design, medical technologies, and other high-tech industries.
A recent study using dental microwear texture analysis found no evidence of increased starvation in saber-tooth cats before their extinction. Instead, the research suggests that these great cats and American lions were well-fed and actively hunted prey, challenging popular theories on megafaunal extinction.
Experts recommend developing and implementing evidence-based appropriateness criteria to prioritize patients most in need of elective procedures, such as joint replacement surgery. This could help combat increasing healthcare costs while enhancing access and quality, according to Weill Cornell researchers.
Researchers found that enhanced aggressiveness of recurrent tumors is due to changes in immune response, specifically an increase in regulatory T cells and macrophages protecting tumor cells. Blocking these cells with new drugs could be a promising strategy for patients with recurrent disease.
A national study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that a drug shortage led to a significant increase in cancer relapse rates among pediatric patients with Hodgkin lymphoma. The study revealed an estimated two-year cancer-free survival rate of 88% for patients treated with mechlorethamine, compared to 75% for those treated...
An autopsy-based study among US service members (2001-2011) reveals high prevalence of atherosclerosis, associated with older age, lower education level, and higher BMI. The study's findings highlight the need for continued efforts to reduce cardiovascular risk factors.
Achieving sustained virological response (SVR) to interferon-based treatment is associated with lower all-cause mortality and reduced risk of liver-related complications in patients with chronic HCV infection. SVR was linked to a prolonged overall survival, with a 4-fold lower risk of all-cause mortality compared to those without SVR.
National trends in extreme obesity among young children living in low-income families have shown a decline in recent years. Obesity rates among this age group decreased from 13.05% in 1998 to 14.94% in 2010, while extreme obesity rates also declined from 1.75% to 2.07% over the same period.
A study analyzing data from 28 US children's hospitals found a significant increase in resource use among hospitalized children with chronic conditions. The study reveals that children with complex, lifelong illnesses accounted for the largest percentage of hospital charges and days.
A new meta-analysis of 10 studies involving over 203,000 patients with anemia and heart attacks found that liberal blood transfusions increased the risk of death by 12% and had twice the odds of another heart attack. The study calls for rigorous randomized trials to determine when transfusions are appropriate.
A study by Brown University biologists found that the PACMAD clade of grasses developed an anatomical predisposition to C4 photosynthesis due to evolutionary pressures. The clade's bundle sheath cells became larger, facilitating more efficient CO2 transfer when temperatures rise or plants become stressed.
A new study by Washington University School of Medicine found that children suspected of having appendicitis are more likely to receive ultrasound scans instead of CT scans at St. Louis Children's Hospital, reducing radiation exposure. Researchers aim to find ways to reduce CT imaging use without compromising patient care.
A recent Mount Sinai survey reveals that nearly 1 in 3 children with food allergies are bullied, leading to increased stress levels and lower quality of life. The study highlights the importance of parents, school personnel, and physicians being aware of bullying in this population.
A recent study found that Amazon deforestation results in a significant loss of microbial diversity, leading to reduced ecosystem resilience. The research team discovered that the conversion of rainforest to agricultural pastures causes a homogenization of bacterial communities, resulting in a net loss of diversity.
A recent study found that deforestation in the Amazon rainforest leads to a net loss of diversity among microbial organisms, which are crucial for ecosystem function. The research revealed biotic homogenization and reduced genetic variation in bacteria across converted forests, compromising ecosystem resilience.
University of Massachusetts Amherst mathematician Robert Kusner explains the observed
Researchers found that the environment transitioned rapidly between a closed woodland and an open grassland, triggering evolutionary changes. The team used lake sediments and biomarkers to reconstruct the types of vegetation present, revealing a correlation between environmental changes and planetary movement.
Researchers have identified key proteins involved in loading a vital protein into the centromere, a critical region for cell division. Disruption of this process can lead to abnormal numbers of chromosomes, common in 90% of cancer cases.
A meta-analysis of 10 studies suggests that blood transfusions are associated with increased all-cause mortality in patients with myocardial infarction. The analysis found a weighted absolute risk increase of 12% and a higher risk for subsequent myocardial infarction, highlighting the need for further research.
A study published in Neurology found that people with MS relapses had faster retinal thinning than those without relapses. The study also showed that participants with worsening disability experienced increased retinal thinning.
A study published in PNAS reveals that inflammation enhances the activity of enzyme ADAR1, leading to increased self-renewal and therapeutic resistance in cancer stem cells. Targeting this pathway with a small molecule inhibitor may help prevent relapse and progression of chronic myeloid leukemia.
An analysis of nationally representative survey data found significant improvement in the delivery of underused care, including better use of antithrombotic therapy and aspirin for atrial fibrillation. However, the study also found limited changes in reducing inappropriate care, such as overuse of antibiotics for asthma exacerbations.
Research suggests that reducing pavement and increasing natural habitat can improve nesting opportunities for wild bees. Bees will also forage further away from their home nest if the surrounding landscape is less heterogeneous, seeking out species-rich patches.
Researchers found an association between elevated levels of C-reactive protein and increased risk of psychological distress and depression in a large Danish population. Elevated CRP levels were also linked to higher rates of antidepressant use and hospitalization with depression.
A study of over 140,000 people has uncovered 18 genetic variants that increase uric acid levels, leading to improved treatment and prevention options for gout. The research also highlights the growing prevalence of gout worldwide, attributed to increasing obesity and aging populations.
The first high-quality reference genome of the domestic goat has been successfully assembled using OpGen's ARGUS Whole Genome Mapping System in combination with next-generation sequencing. The study demonstrates the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of this technology for large, complex genomes.
A new study projects a 10 percent decline in the Colorado River's flow by 2040, posing significant challenges for water management in the US Southwest. Climate modelers predict increased evaporation and drying conditions across three key regions, including California, Nevada, and Texas.
Researchers at Wellcome Trust Centre for Molecular Parasitology developed a new technique to knock out genes in the parasite's genome. The study found that removing specific genes did not prevent the parasite from invading host cells, suggesting alternative invasion strategies.
Researchers at The Scripps Research Institute have solved the high-resolution structure of halofuginone, a compound derived from Chang Shan, shedding light on its biological process. This discovery could lead to the development of new drugs targeting aminoacylation, a crucial step in protein synthesis.
Researchers have identified 7 new genes with a key role in T-ALL, a form of leukemia primarily affecting children. The study also found that defects in the ribosome can play a role in cancer activation, offering potential new targets for treatment.
A UC Riverside-led research team tested the hypothesis that low zinc levels delayed eukaryote diversification, finding instead high seawater zinc availability throughout Earth's history. The study suggests that ferruginous deep oceans and volcanic activity maintained stable zinc levels.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified three new genetic variants linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The study, published in Nature Genetics, provides new insight into the biology of the disease and could lead to new therapeutic targets.
The completed goat genome provides a valuable reference for identifying SNP markers for breeding and improving biomedical models. The study also reveals the molecular mechanisms of cashmere formation and development, with implications for improving quality and quantity.
In a study published in Nature Neuroscience, researchers discovered that three distinct brain areas work together to weigh the benefits of giving to oneself versus another monkey. The team found that neurons in the anterior cingulate gyrus (ACCg) encode both giving and receiving rewards in a remarkably similar way.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified two molecules that stimulate liver X receptors in the midbrain, promoting the production of new dopamine-producing neurons. These findings may lead to the development of regenerative medicine treatments for Parkinson's disease.
A new study reveals nearly twice as much warming in West Antarctica than previously thought, with average annual temperature rising by 4.3 degrees Fahrenheit since 1958. This warming trend could upset the surface mass balance of the ice sheet, contributing to sea level rise.
Researchers identified three genetic variants associated with abnormal insulin production, increasing the risk of developing diabetes. The study's exome array genotyping analysis revealed the involvement of genes TBC1D30, KANK1, and PAM in insulin processing and secretion.
Whitehead Institute researchers identify Rag GTPases as key mechanistic regulators of autophagy, a process to break down internal energy sources. Rag GTPase's continuous activity leads to permanent activation of mTORC1, resulting in nutritional crisis and death in newborn mammals.
Scientists have discovered a vital interplay between transport machinery and integrin receptors that ensures proteins are transported to the correct area of the cell. This understanding could lead to better diagnosis for cancer patients as it reveals how cells become disorganized in early stages of the disease.
Scientists have discovered a new type of molecular lever that can accelerate chemical reactions 1000 times faster than other molecules. This breakthrough has the potential to engineer more efficient materials with improved mechanical and thermal properties.
A study published in Nature reveals that normalizing excessive protein synthesis in the brain can partially remedy autistic-like behaviors in laboratory mice. The researchers found that reducing protein production reversed behaviors such as repetitive actions and improved social interaction.
Researchers developed a novel approach to deliver cholesterol-conjugated small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to liver cells using an endosomolytic polymer. The method significantly improves siRNA efficacy for targeted gene silencing, opening new possibilities for disease treatment.
Physicists at the University of Texas at Austin have designed a simulation that emulates key properties of electronic topological insulators. The simulation, called SPINDOMs, allows researchers to control the spin of photons in a way that emulates what can be done with electrons.
Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center found that activating the unfolded protein response (UPR) triggers the expression of Xbp1s, a protein regulating genes needed for metabolic switch. This suggests Xbp1s could play a role in metabolic disease.
Research by Brigham Young University geologists reveals Hawaiian Islands are dissolving from within, with groundwater removing more mineral material than stream water. The study predicts Oahu will continue to grow for up to 1.5 million years before eventually declining in elevation.
Researchers used an X-ray free-electron laser to determine the structure of trypanosomal Cathepsin B, a promising target for treating sleeping sickness. The study provides detailed insight into how the naturally occurring native inhibitor binds, offering new ideas for designing targeted treatments.
Scientists at the University of Luxembourg have developed a new calculation technique that accurately predicts the B-Z transition in DNA, which can lead to cancer. The breakthrough enables the prediction of material properties such as melting temperatures and elasticity with high accuracy.
A study led by Columbia University Medical Center researchers found that an important branch of the immune system mounts a surprisingly robust anti-inflammatory T cell response to prevent atherosclerosis progression. Regulatory T cells suppress pro-inflammatory effector T cells and macrophages, reducing disease severity.