A new study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found a strong link between healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and patient readmission after an initial hospital stay. Patients with positive clinical cultures for MRSA, VRE or C. difficile were 40% more likely to be readmitted within a year.
Researchers found that specialized bacterial populations occupy separate ecological niches during and after algal blooms, allowing them to degrade organic matter. This discovery resolves the plankton paradox by explaining how different groups of bacteria coexist in seemingly homogeneous habitats.
The Center for Sport Concussion Research and Service at Penn State aims to advance concussion research and provide baseline assessments for local collegiate and child athletes. Virtual-reality technology is being used to study the cognitive and motor effects of concussions on athletes.
A recent study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that unnecessary imaging recommendations in PET/CT oncologic reports are common, with 43 out of 84 recommendations being deemed unnecessary. This highlights the need for radiologists to reduce frequency of additional imaging tests without compromising patient outcomes.
The upcoming Sentinel-2 mission will fill the gap in research and operations, providing frequent coverage and high-resolution imagery. This will enable the monitoring of land cover, forests, agriculture, and glaciers, leading to better management of the environment and understanding of climate change.
Researchers used fMRI technology to scan the brains of alert dogs, revealing how they react to human signals. The study aims to decode canine mental processes and understand their empathy and language abilities.
Researchers found that non-native plant species use different strategies, such as blooming later in the year and occupying specific habitats, to increase their frequency of occurrence. This differentiation is important for understanding modern ecosystems and recognizing potential dangers from introduced species.
The HPV vaccine completion rate among girls has dropped significantly since 2006, with only 38.2% completing the series within 365 days. Girls who receive the first dose from a gynecologist or obstetrician are more likely to complete the series.
Scientists have discovered a biological marker in marine animals that indicates low-level exposure to domoic acid, a potentially toxic substance produced by certain algae. This finding has the potential to create reliable blood tests for assessing the effects of chronic exposure on humans and wildlife.
Researchers create functional motor circuits outside the body using stem cell-derived neurons and muscle cells, enabling accurate measurement of synaptic activity. The study provides a proof-of-principle for understanding neurological disorders that impair motor functions.
A new study published in Science magazine reveals that plant diversity is essential for maintaining productive ecosystems. The research found that each species plays a unique role in maintaining soil fertility and biomass production over time.
Heidelberg University Hospital's Breast Center reports excellent treatment results for breast cancer patients in Germany. Eighty-six percent of patients survived the first five years after onset of treatment and 80% remained disease-free during this period.
Researchers discovered a population of low-PSA prostate cancer stem cells that are resistant to hormone therapy and chemotherapy. These cells can differentiate into other cancer cell types and have long-term tumor-propagating capacity.
Researchers identify hormone Dilp8 as key player in regulating insect growth, ensuring proper body size and proportions. The protein helps slow down tissue growth, allowing organs to develop correctly and maintain symmetry.
A new study found that preoperative MRI exams are equally effective in detecting additional malignancies and high-risk lesions in both dense and non-dense breasts. The study suggests that breast density should not influence the decision to perform a preoperative MRI.
Researchers at Northwestern University have identified the molecular trigger of uterine fibroids, a single stem cell mutation that activates other cells to grow uncontrollably. The study suggests a new direction for developing therapies to treat these tumors, which affect an estimated 15 million women in the US.
A University of Calgary study found that earlier spring births result in a higher female-to-male sex ratio among big brown bats. This skewed sex ratio may be due to natural selection favoring females' reproductive success.
Researchers at the University of Hull are developing a system to produce constant supplies of sterile water, eliminating the need for chemicals or electricity in remote communities. The device uses porphyrin molecules that react to sunlight to kill bacteria and parasites, making the water safe for healing wounds.
A recent study found that radiologists recommended additional imaging in 30% of PET/CT oncologic reports, with half being unnecessary. The study suggests that reluctance to accept uncertainty and medicolegal concerns contribute to these recommendations.
New research provides evidence of early Mars being saturated with water and having a significantly thicker atmosphere. The study used ancient volcanic eruptions and Martian surface observations to determine the atmospheric pressure billions of years ago.
An economic model by Arzu Aysin Tekindor breaks down the value of great art, finding that artist style and subject have a significant impact on prices. The study found that works sold in New York tend to fetch more than those in London, and paintings with iconic subjects increase their value by over three-quarters.
A former British Veterinary Association president argues that slaughtering animals without prior stunning is 'not acceptable' and should be restricted to those communities that require it for religious beliefs. The practice is linked to animal welfare concerns, with many animals experiencing pain and distress before loss of consciousness.
A recent study from the University of Edinburgh found that low testosterone levels in men can increase their risk of developing diabetes. The research discovered that testosterone plays a crucial role in regulating insulin sensitivity, and its impairment is linked to insulin resistance.
Researchers found that the earthquake's aftermath saw the resurgence of species on sandy beaches, while coastal armoring led to beach loss and decline in intertidal diversity. The study highlights the potential effects of natural disasters on sandy beach ecosystems worldwide.
A compound isolated from honeybee hive propolis has been found to slow the growth of prostate cancer cells and tumors in mice by shutting down their system for detecting sources of nutrition. The compound CAPE arrests early-stage prostate cancer by suppressing proteins involved in cell proliferation, offering a promising co-treatment a...
Breast cancer cells that develop resistance to tamoxifen therapy increase production of metadherin, a protein associated with recurrence. Reintroducing microRNA 375 restores sensitivity to the drug, suggesting its role in malignancy and resistance development.
Scientists have developed a new technique that allows for the mapping of nanoparticle atomic structures using transmission electron microscopes, removing barriers to widespread use. The method produces highly similar results with x-ray synchrotron data and has potential applications in energy, medicine, and materials science.
A Rutgers University study found that public school teachers provide more positive feedback to minority students than to their white peers, even when the work is of equal merit. This 'positive bias' can hinder intellectual growth and achievement in minority students.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine identified a cancer drug, idarubicin, that enhances the human body's innate antiviral system. The new strategy screens large numbers of existing drugs to find compounds that activate genes boosting natural immunity.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University have discovered that adding nanoclays to asphalt materials can stiffen the mixture, potentially preventing rutting. The study found that even tiny amounts of nanoclays can improve the viscosity of the asphalt, providing better stiffness and durability.
Researchers developed a solution called 'game-powered machine learning' that enables computers to automatically label every song on the internet using examples provided by unpaid music fans. This approach is as accurate as using paid music experts and saves time and money.
A new study found that comorbidities are independently associated with an increased mortality risk in COPD patients. The study identified 12 comorbidities, including lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and congestive heart failure, as significantly increasing the risk of death.
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope will observe the moon for seven hours before, during, and after a rare Venus transit on June 5-6. The telescope will capture reflected sunlight and isolate the small fraction of light that passes through Venus' atmosphere to study its atmospheric makeup.
Researchers at Polytechnic University of Valencia analyze the use of color in modern architecture, identifying four concepts: transformation, fragmentation, movement, and innovation. Chromatic versatility transforms buildings through changing appearance and perception.
Researchers develop data logger to analyze and harness energy from vibrations, enabling wearable devices, IoT systems, and industrial applications. The technology replaces traditional battery-powered devices with sustainable energy harvesting.
Researchers have identified a molecule, PDE4, that plays a key role in regulating the division of tumor cells and blood vessel growth in lung cancer. By blocking PDE4, they were able to significantly reduce tumor growth in laboratory experiments and mouse models.
Karin Melnick has been awarded the prestigious AMS Centennial Fellowship for her outstanding research achievements in differential-geometric aspects of rigidity. The fellowship provides a stipend of US$80,000 and comes with an expense allowance.
A new study found that a 6-month follow-up MRI after a benign breast biopsy is not necessary, according to the American Roentgen Ray Society. The study included 144 patients with 176 lesions and found no malignancies on follow-up MR imaging, except for one patient who had minimal atypical ductal hyperplasia
Researchers at the University of Granada found that many healers exhibit emotional synesthesia, allowing them to associate people with colors and emotions. This neurological condition enables them to read people's feelings and provide empathy.
A large-scale study found that young men who engaged in load-bearing sports for four hours a week or more increased bone mass and gained larger bones compared to sedentary individuals. This is thought to offer protection against osteoporosis, which affects men and women alike, leading to porous and weak bones that fracture over time.
Researchers aim to predict Dragon Kings, statistical anomalies in natural disasters, using advanced statistical analysis. They have identified empirical evidence in abnormal rainfall, hurricanes, and sudden events.
A serendipitous accident in shipping a donated human retina led to the discovery of a previously undetected mechanism causing choroidal neovascularization, a leading cause of vision loss. Researchers found that adhesion defects play a crucial role in maintaining the retina's structure and preventing blood vessel invasion.
A study by UC Irvine and U.S. Army researchers found that cutting off work email significantly reduces stress and improves concentration among employees. Without email, participants experienced more natural heart rates and were able to multitask less and stay focused.
Age-related macular degeneration is a progressive chronic disease causing vision loss worldwide. New treatments like Lucentis and Avastin have transformed management of the condition.
Researchers from Delft University of Technology have discovered a crucial step in the DNA repair process, revealing how a broken DNA molecule efficiently searches for a matching sequence. The discovery uses a dual-molecule technique to clarify why certain sequences lead to quick dissociation while others form strong bonds.
Researchers found a critical gene responsible for human brain features, duplicated around two million years ago. The partial copy's interaction with the original gene likely enabled cognitive changes and neuron development benefits.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that prebiotic galacto-oligosaccharide can significantly reduce the severity of colitis in mice. The prebiotic stimulates beneficial bacteria growth, leading to a 50% reduction in inflammation and abnormal cells, precursors to colon cancer.
A recent study published at the EuroPRevent2012 meeting found that regular jogging increases life expectancy by 6.2 years in men and 5.6 years in women. The study analyzed data from over 20,000 participants and showed a significant reduction in mortality risk among joggers.
Researchers discovered that embryo brains exhibit waking-like activity up to 20% into the final stage of embryonic life, followed by emergence of sleep patterns. This finding may have significant implications for understanding complex fetal learning and developmental consequences in premature infants.
A new study shows that imaging surveillance is a suitable alternative to surgical excision in patients with benign papilloma diagnosed at breast core biopsy without cell abnormalities. The study found no cancer was detected in 66 lesions monitored for at least two years, while 53 lesions were surgically excised, including 50 benign cases.
The US Department of Health and Human Services has contracted with Archimedes Inc. to provide the advanced mathematical modeling tool, ArcheS, to its agencies for large-scale analyses of healthcare spending, treatment, and effectiveness. This will enable policymakers to make informed decisions on health care interventions.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study has identified a homegrown genetic variant responsible for naturally blond hair in the indigenous people of the Solomon Islands, distinct from European genes. The research found that the gene variant accounted for 50% of the variance in hair color among the islanders.
A new systematic assessment helps diagnose malnutrition in patients with chronic diseases and acute injuries, considering inflammation status. The approach aims to guide practitioners in selecting nutrition interventions and predicting outcomes.
Carnegie Mellon and McGill researchers argue that current research ethics frameworks fail to prevent biased evidence in phase IV drug trials. They propose policy options to expand FDA review authority and empower oversight systems to detect scientific bias.
Scientists use Schumann Resonance technique to study planetary atmospheres, gaining insights into the solar system's composition and formation. By detecting electromagnetic waves from above, researchers can measure global density of volatiles like water, methane, and ammonia.
Researchers from Columbia University Medical Center will present on grief and major depression, exploring the complexities of complicated grief. The session also delves into the ethics of psychiatric relationships with pharmaceutical companies, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to patient care.
Scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have found that inhibiting the protein Cdc42 can reverse the aging of hematopoietic stem cells, restoring their functional efficiency. This breakthrough has significant implications for understanding and combating age-related diseases.
Researchers combine a blood test with CT imaging to screen for cancer, aiming to detect early-stage lung cancers while reducing biopsies and operations. The trial may improve survival rates and reduce the toll of lung cancer on patients.
Researchers at NIST have developed a novel method for generating superluminal light pulses through four-wave mixing, which can be used to improve communication timing and investigate quantum correlations. The technique introduces cleaner, less noisy pulses with increased speed, potentially enabling faster-than-light information transfer.
The European Society of Cardiology recommends eating oily fish at least twice a week to benefit from omega-3 fatty acids. Supplementation with pharmaceutical-grade omega-3 oils is also effective in achieving beneficial effects, but must be taken as prescribed by health professionals.