Researchers used UV-C to eliminate Acinetobacter and Clostridium difficile bacteria from patient room surfaces, reducing CFUs by 98.1% and 97.9%, respectively. The study suggests UV light could be a promising addition to hospital infection control strategies.
A new series of radiocarbon measurements from Japan's Lake Suigetsu provides a more precise and accurate dating method, especially for older objects. The record stretches back 52,800 years, offering improved resolution and confidence in radiocarbon dating.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a first-of-its-kind self-assembled nanoparticle that can deliver chemotherapy specifically to cancer cells and release it in response to external NIR light, creating heat for synergistic anti-tumor efficacy. The platform successfully eradicated tumors in pre-clinical models.
Hurricane Rafael's northwestern fringe clouds brushed Nova Scotia, Canada, just days before merging with the cold front, generating life-threatening ocean swells. The storm's transformation into an extra-tropical cyclone was characterized by a shift in its core system.
A new report by Caltech and MIT found that voting technology has improved the election process, reducing residual votes by 50% since 2000. However, concerns remain about absentee and early voting, as well as voter identification laws, which can make it harder for some voters to participate.
Researchers emphasize that connectivity is complex and requires understanding animal behavior, genetics, adaptation, and habitat. Managing wildlife sanctuaries involves trade-offs and adapting to climate change, which can cause unpredictable species movements.
Researchers created a simplified model of the brain and skull inside a helmet during a collision, illustrating how fast vibrational motion translates to sloshing brain motion. The study aims to improve helmet design for better brain protection, with potential futuristic helmets that crumple on impact like plastic car bumpers.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine applied Toyota's lean manufacturing process to improve stroke treatment times, reducing average door-to-needle time from 58 to 37 minutes. The new protocol eliminated inefficient steps and allowed for simultaneous patient care tasks.
Scientists discovered extreme temperatures in the tropics during the end-Permian mass extinction, lasting five million years. The lengthy devastation was caused by a temperature rise of 50-60°C on land and 40°C at sea-surface.
A study found that blood hormone levels can predict postmenopausal breast cancer risk for up to 20 years. Women with elevated hormone levels had a higher risk of developing breast cancer, including aggressive forms.
A University of British Columbia study reveals that childhood poverty and stress as an adult leave imprints on genes and predict future immune responses. The research found correlations between DNA methylation patterns and early life experiences.
Research finds that elected judges in Washington state hand down harsher sentences in the last three months before an election, with a 10% increase in sentence length compared to earlier terms. Judges become more calculated and deviate from guidelines more often when re-election is at stake.
A UBC study found that certain bike routes and infrastructure can significantly reduce cycling injury risk, with cycle tracks carrying the lowest risk. The study analyzed 690 injuries in Vancouver and Toronto from 2008-2009, revealing that major streets without bike lanes pose a higher risk of injury.
Researchers found that green tea extract Polyphenon E inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor, promoting tumor cell growth, migration, and invasion. Women taking the extract had a significant reduction in hepatocyte growth factor levels, but no long-term effects were observed.
The Fourth Annual Summit on Breastfeeding highlighted ongoing disparities in breastfeeding, with only 44% of African-American women reporting breastfeeding compared to 66 and 68% for Hispanic and white women. The summit also explored the role of access to support, counseling, and equipment as a means to increase breastfeeding rates.
A team-based smoking cessation program with financial incentives improved abstinence rates among healthcare workers. The study found that team support created peer pressure and encouragement, leading to higher long-term quit success rates.
Sortilin plays a crucial role in transporting immune system substances, including interferon-gamma and granzyme A. In its absence, the immune system is weakened, but autoimmune diseases are reduced.
A team of researchers investigated whether 'surplus' land can be used to produce feedstock for bioenergy. They found that land-use conflicts between food and energy production are a pressing issue. The study suggests clarifying the definition of surplus land and taking environmental and socio-economic factors into account.
Babies born to HIV-positive mothers are at risk of measles infection due to impaired maternal antibodies. Early immunization is crucial to prevent measles virus transmission and complications.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that 86% of eligible patients had an exercise vital sign in their record, with one-third meeting national guidelines for physical activity. The initiative aims to provide valuable information about the relationship between exercise and health care utilization, cost, and chronic disease.
A new malaria drug has been developed that is twice as effective as existing treatments and may fight off the disease with a single dose. The new compound, combined with mefloquine, showed promising results in mice, allowing them to live almost twice as long.
A high-resolution draft of the barley genome has been published, revealing insights into its genetic makeup and potential for improvement. The sequence data will aid in breeding more resilient crops that can withstand climate change and disease, benefiting the £20 billion UK beer industry.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have developed a promising treatment approach for metastatic melanoma using chemotherapy and adoptive cell transfer (ACT) with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). The therapy achieved an impressive response rate of 38% in patients. A second-generation ACT TIL trial is currently enrolling patients.
Over three-quarters of people with depression report experiencing discrimination, which acts as a barrier to social life and employment. Despite this, nearly half of participants who anticipated discrimination found that their experiences did not confirm this.
Bariatric surgery radically reduces risk factors for heart disease and stroke, with an average reduction of excess weight by 54%. Cardiovascular risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and unfavourable blood fats improve or resolve completely after the procedure.
A recent study found that nearly 38% of lesbians in the US had not been screened for cervical cancer according to recommended guidelines. Women who disclosed their sexual orientation to healthcare providers were more likely to undergo routine screening, highlighting the importance of effective communication between patients and providers.
Researchers found that pregnant men experience increased stress levels during conflict discussions, depending on the level of hostility expressed by their partner. Women, on the other hand, show varying responses to relationship conflict, with some experiencing prolonged stress and others finding discussing difficult topics reassuring.
Scientists at the University of Manchester used CT scans to study a 16 million-year-old amber specimen revealing a springtail transported on an adult mayfly, a behavior never recorded before. The findings demonstrate the importance of the fossil record in understanding present-day animal behaviors.
A recent fungal meningitis outbreak has highlighted the aggressive nature of this condition, particularly after joint or bone injections. The researchers report on a clinical observation involving a patient who died due to severe brain and spinal cord damage.
Researchers have developed a new treatment for traumatic brain injury (TBI), using nanoparticles to rapidly restore blood flow to the brain. In laboratory rats, the nanoparticles acted like antioxidants, reducing free-radical buildup and killing brain cells.
Researchers found that people with dementia received an anti-psychotic at a rate of 15.3%, compared to the national audit's 10.5%. A multi-disciplinary approach to care can reduce or withdraw low-dose anti-psychotics for more than 60% of patients. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm effectiveness.
A new study identifies 27 countries most vulnerable to declining coral reef fisheries, with low-income nations lacking adaptation capacity and middle-income nations sensitive to climate change. The top two countries at risk are Indonesia and Liberia, while Malaysia and Sri Lanka are the least vulnerable.
A new gluten and lactose-free ingredient substitute has been created for low-fat white sauces, meeting the growing demand for healthier food options. The innovative formulation replaces traditional ingredients with vegetable protein sources and gluten-free starches, improving stability and consumer acceptability.
Research finds men's mental health deteriorated following 2008 recession, with job insecurity a major contributor. Analysis of Health Surveys for England from 1991 to 2010 shows rising prevalence of poor mental health among men during economic downturns.
A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggests that decreased gene activity may be involved in childhood risk for anxiety and depression. Researchers found that young children with highly anxious temperaments have lower levels of specific genes in the amygdala, which can lead to overactivity and impaired learning about f...
Researchers found that ovulation rates and quality remained unchanged after bariatric surgery, with only a minor shortening of the menstrual cycle. Weight loss improved sexual function, particularly desire and arousal, in obese women seeking pregnancy.
Researchers used non-invasive X-ray technology to study the jaws and teeth of a primitive jawed fish called Compagopiscis. The discovery provides solid evidence that teeth evolved along with or soon after the development of jaws in early vertebrates, shedding light on our evolutionary ancestry.
Scientists have discovered that carob tree leaves possess antibacterial properties effective against Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium responsible for serious food poisoning outbreaks. The study suggests carob extracts could be used to preserve food and control disease-causing microbes.
A study by Lisa Kern and her team found that electronic health records (EHRs) are associated with higher quality ambulatory care in primary care physicians. The researchers compared the performance of physicians using either EHRs or paper records, assessing nine specific quality measures for a total of 466 primary care physicians.
Researchers suggest governments should prioritize adaption policies to address the negative impact of global warming, rather than focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights the importance of monitoring and modeling the impacts of climate change on Earth surface systems.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's 2012 Community Health Leaders Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to improving health and healthcare in their communities. The recipients include Kay Branch, Fred Brason, Debbie Chatman Bryant, Beth Farmer, Amy Johnson, and Ifeanyi Anne Nwabukwu, who are addressing i...
The leading source of professional information for neonatal nursing professionals, Advances in Neonatal Care, is now available on the iPad. The app offers full access to open issues during an initial trial period, followed by a simple login process for subscribers.
Researchers found that referring cancer patients to higher-volume hospitals did not lead to lower mortality rates, but some hospitals still performed better. Mechanisms should be created to refer patients to these hospitals to achieve better outcomes.
A new graphene-cobalt material has been developed that can catalyze the oxygen reduction reaction nearly as well as platinum, with improved durability. The material is substantially cheaper than platinum and has shown promise for use in hydrogen fuel cells.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that ustekinumab increased clinical response and remission in patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn's Disease. The treatment was shown to decrease debilitating symptoms such as diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, and weight loss.
A study of nearly 3,000 women in Denmark found that those with an ectopic pregnancy had significantly lower delivery rates and total number of pregnancies over 20-30 years compared to others. These women also have a high risk of another ectopic pregnancy.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found a significant association between myasthenia gravis and impaired sense of smell, comparable to Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's. The study suggests that myasthenia gravis may involve the brain, contrary to its traditional peripheral nervous system classification.
A University of York-led study reveals that strategically placed habitat 'stepping stones' can accelerate species range expansion, even in fragmented landscapes. The research offers a new approach to conservation planning, prioritizing areas where gaps between habitats are most difficult to cross.
Researchers created a new fruit fly model of inherited epilepsy that shows the link between temperature-dependent seizures and flawed sodium channels. The study establishes a platform to develop therapies for febrile seizure disorders, such as GEFS+, which can persist beyond childhood and often develop seizures in the absence of fever.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that female Komodo Dragons live significantly shorter lives than males, with an average lifespan of 32 years compared to 60 years. The research suggests that females invest excessive energy in building nests and guarding eggs for up to six months, leading to reduced body size and weight.
Researchers identified an epigenetic change associated with a higher risk of breast cancer in the sick twin before clinical diagnosis. The DOK7 gene showed pathological methylation gain, indicating potential as a novel biomarker for early detection.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new technique that uses sound waves to rapidly separate selected collections of cells. This method is faster and more efficient than existing techniques, with a viability rate of over 90%.
Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight, staying physically active, and following a healthy diet significantly reduced mortality in elderly female cancer survivors. Researchers found that adherence to lifestyle guidelines resulted in an almost 40% lower risk for death compared to those who did not follow these recommendations.
African-Americans and those living in high-poverty areas were more likely to present with an emergency diagnosis, indicating missed opportunities for screening. The study highlights the need to address these disparities to reduce mortality from colorectal cancer.
Elizabeth Garrett, MD, receives American Academy of Family Physicians' highest honor in education for her career contributions to family medicine education. She has improved training in family medicine across the country for nearly three decades through curriculum development and teacher development programs.
Researchers discover that evolutionary diversity can be a reliable proxy for measuring biodiversity, including species richness and trait diversity. This finding could help conservation organizations better protect threatened species globally.
A University of Minnesota scientist contributed to a landmark study mapping the barley genome, providing valuable tools for improving crop yields, resistance to pests and diseases, and nutritional value. The research will accelerate breeding efforts to help barley adapt to climate change, making it more resistant to drought and efficie...
A new study explores how processing affects mango varieties' flavor and texture, revealing that some characteristics are lost during processing. The findings can help manufacturers choose the right variety for their mango-flavored products.
Researchers from Los Alamos National Laboratory have devised a method to use cosmic rays to gather detailed information from inside damaged reactor cores. The technique, known as muon scattering, showed superiority over traditional transmission methods for capturing high-resolution image data.
A study of nearly 75,000 ICU patients in 43 hospitals shows that daily antimicrobial soap and ointment use significantly decreases bloodstream infection rates. The approach, known as universal decolonization, resulted in a 44% reduction in MRSA-related infections.