Healthcare organizations discuss the benefits of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) in reducing healthcare costs while improving quality. However, they also highlight concerns and design flaws in the current ACO models, such as lack of beneficiary engagement and administrative complexity.
Researchers mapped the importance of enzyme shape and function in rhomboid proteases, finding four main regions important for maintaining shape and at least two regions crucial for function. The study's findings could lead to the development of drugs to treat malaria and other parasitic diseases.
A new study found that fruit flies on methamphetamine drastically reduce their food intake and increase physical activity. The flies' energy reserves and metabolism are severely impacted, leading to a primary driver of methamphetamine-related death in the insects. Adding glucose to the diet slows the damaging effects of meth exposure.
Scientists at Western University have identified Nodal as a promising new therapeutic target for advanced breast cancer. The protein promotes vascularization, providing nutrients and oxygen to tumors, and its expression is correlated with more blood vessels in the tumor.
Researchers at Kyoto University's Center for iPS Cell Research and Application have successfully recreated ALS-associated abnormalities in motor neurons derived from patients' induced pluripotent stem cells. Anacardic acid was found to rescue certain ALS phenotypes in vitro, offering a promising lead for developing new drug treatments.
African American couples affected by HIV will benefit from a new intervention program, Eban, which aims to reduce HIV transmission and promote healthier living. The program's effectiveness was previously tested in a four-city study with 535 serodiscordant couples.
A study found that caffeine supplements improved Parkinson's severity ratings and speed of movement by 3 points, but did not affect daytime sleepiness or quality of life. The results suggest that caffeine may be a useful treatment option for some patients with Parkinson's disease.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that black gay men are 15 times more likely to have HIV than their counterparts. Social inequalities play a major role, with stigma, poverty, and inadequate healthcare access contributing to the disparities.
Researchers at the Salk Institute found that a molecular link between circadian rhythm disturbances and an increased inflammatory response can lead to chronic diseases. The absence of cryptochrome leads to the activation of a signaling system that elevates levels of inflammatory molecules, causing low-grade, chronic inflammation.
A new study by MU researcher Gustavo Carlo found that empathetic adolescents are more likely to use problem-focused coping, which aims to reduce stress. They also tend to perform prosocial behaviors that benefit others, while emotionally unstable teens rely on emotion-focused coping tactics.
A recent study sheds light on the mechanisms driving the formation of the 'plant microbiome' and how plants influence microbial communities. Researchers identified key microbial players and their metabolic roles, revealing a complex interdependence between host plants and soil microbes.
A new study challenges the long-held view that conserving energy maximizes sprinter performance. Instead, researchers found that maximizing the force of each foot hit on the ground allows sprinters to achieve top speed.
A new study finds that diacetyl intensifies the damaging effects of abnormal brain protein linked to Alzheimer's disease. Chronic exposure to diacetyl has also been shown to enhance beta-amyloid toxicity on nerve cells, raising concerns over long-term neurological toxicity.
A pilot study found that an investigational drug called exendin-(9-39) controls blood sugar levels in people with congenital hyperinsulinism. The study showed promising results, suggesting the potential for a new medical treatment for children with this rare disease.
A NASA satellite has spotted a developing Atlantic tropical low with strong, high thunderstorms indicating organization and strength. The system, System 99L, is forecast to have a 70% chance of becoming a tropical depression in the next two days.
Researchers developed transgenic P. falciparum to study human antibody response to surface proteins. They found that antibodies targeting PfEMP1 mediate human immunity to malaria, with reduced risk of symptoms.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a computational technique that reduces memory requirements by 40-fold, allowing scientists to analyze large genomic sequence datasets without supercomputers. This breakthrough enables the efficient examination of complex microbial communities living in soil or the ocean.
A 15-year study found that oppositional behavior in childhood, particularly inattention, is strongly correlated with substance abuse in adulthood. Oppositional traits like irritability and disobedience increase the risk of tobacco, cannabis, and cocaine abuse by 1.4-2.9 times.
A recent study reveals a gap between Americans' opinions on obesity and the Institute of Medicine's report recommendations. While most believe personal decisions contribute to obesity, only 18% attribute environmental factors, highlighting the need for a research-driven communication strategy.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that combining two drugs extended the lives of women with metastatic breast cancer by more than six months. The combination treatment produced even greater benefits among women who had not previously taken tamoxifen, significantly improving survival rates.
The US Food and Drug Administration has introduced a new Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) to manage the risks of misuse and addiction associated with long-acting and extended-release opioids. The plan includes requirements for prescriber continuing education and patient counseling, aiming to reduce opioid abuse in the US.
Research reveals widespread skin cancer in wild coral trout populations, caused by UV radiation, affecting three species on the Great Barrier Reef. The study's findings highlight the urgent need for continued conservation and management of reefs and their inhabitants.
A CU-Boulder-led study reveals that Earth's vegetation and oceans have doubled their uptake of carbon dioxide in the past 50 years, despite sharp increases in human CO2 emissions. The trend may not be sustainable, as natural carbon sinks are expected to saturate, leading to increased warming impacts.
A global analysis of sleep problems found that 16.6% of adults in developing countries experience insomnia and other severe sleep disturbances, close to rates seen in developed nations. The study highlights a growing public health issue in low-income settings, particularly among older women.
A new study published in Liver Transplantation found that pediatric liver transplant recipients are at increased risk of graft loss and death from adult organ donors who are severely obese. However, the study also suggests that a BMI of 25-35 kg/m2 is not associated with an increased risk of mortality in this population.
The new process creates wrinkled surfaces with precise sizes and patterns, useful for microfluidic systems, sensing and diagnostics, photonic devices, and more. The system produces deterministic two-dimensional patterns of wrinkles without masks or complex printing processes.
Researchers used 99mTc-HMPAO-WBC SPECT/CT to diagnose infectious endocarditis in hard-to-diagnose cases, achieving high sensitivity and specificity. The test detected septic embolism in 41% of patients, aiding physicians in diagnosis and treatment.
Recent studies from Northwestern University's Physical Sciences-Oncology Center report significant methodological advances in gene expression regulation. The breakthroughs enable better comprehension of gene transcription in both normal cells and cancer cells.
Research in rural British Columbia found that nearly two percent of teens have traded sex for substances like marijuana or other drugs. The study also discovered that trading sex was associated with higher rates of binge drinking among students.
A diet high in choline during pregnancy may lower the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes in offspring. Choline, found in eggs, helps protect against prenatal stress effects on fetal development.
Researchers have identified a new direction for cancer therapy by discovering a mutant form of the Chk1 gene that permanently stops cancer cell proliferation and causes cell death. This finding has the potential to reduce toxicity in cancer treatment, allowing physicians time to fix genetic errors.
Mani Golparvar-Fard's D4AR system analyzes physical progress on large-scale construction projects, providing cost savings and reduced delivery time. The system uses digital photos and Building Information Models (BIM) to automate project monitoring and evaluation.
Researchers have identified a core group of bacterial types consistently found inside Arabidopsis roots, while others depend on soil type. The study establishes a framework for examining how plants interact with microbial communities influencing growth and development.
The combination of anastrozole and fulvestrant improved overall survival and progression-free survival in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. The study showed a six-month extended median survival time compared to anastrozole alone, and improved median time to disease progression.
A recent study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology shows that cataract surgery significantly reduces the risk of hip fractures in older patients with vision loss. The study found a 16% decrease in hip fracture incidence among patients who underwent cataract surgery, particularly those aged 80-84 and those with severe cataracts.
Scientists have discovered a tropical climate in Antarctica 52 million years ago, where palms and relatives of today's Baobab trees thrived on the coast. This finding highlights the extreme contrast between modern and past climatic conditions on Antarctica and provides valuable insights into global warming.
A recent JAAOS study highlights the success of nerve transfer surgery, particularly when patients are referred early. Nerve transfer surgeries can restore function to severely damaged nerves, and the study aims to raise awareness among healthcare providers about this treatment option.
A combination of anastrozole and fulvestrant extended the median survival time of women with Stage 4 hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer. The treatment option showed a significant overall survival benefit, particularly exciting for patients who have not had a new treatment in over a decade.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that autistic children who received a pet scored higher in 'offering to share' and 'offering comfort' categories after the pet arrived compared to before. Participants who had lived with pets since birth showed weaker relationships with their pets.
A new study by Syracuse University scientists found that slower and/or longer sperm outcompete their faster rivals in fruit fly reproduction. The research, published in Current Biology, used genetically altered fruit flies to observe sperm in real-time inside the female reproductive tract.
A team of researchers has developed a machine learning approach to analyze millions of tweets on Twitter for signs of bullying. The computer can identify bullies, victims, accusers, defenders, and reporters, and even analyze the emotions behind the messages. This new method could provide valuable insights into bullying issues and help ...
Dr. John DeLuca, VP of Research at Kessler Foundation, received the 2012 Roger G. Barker Distinguished Research Contribution Award from the American Psychological Association for his groundbreaking research on cognitive effects of brain injury and multiple sclerosis. The award recognizes his lifelong contributions to rehabilitation psy...
Young athletes playing contact sports are at high risk of recurring shoulder instability injuries, often caused by traumatic contact injuries such as force or falling on an outstretched arm. Symptoms include pain, instability, and weakness in the affected shoulder.
Millions of HIV-infected individuals in sub-Saharan Africa are also infested with parasitic worms, which can lead to anemia, malnutrition, and impaired cognitive development. Integrating deworming into HIV care could delay the progression of HIV, reduce other infections, and increase responsiveness to vaccines.
Scientists have discovered a method to harness hydrogen peroxide's oxidizing property to switch on gene expression in live mammalian cells. The researchers designed a molecule that reacts with hydrogen peroxide and expresses the firefly luciferase gene, causing cells to glow.
The state of Michigan has adopted a new plan to combat infant mortality, which includes the use of progesterone therapy to reduce preterm birth. This therapy has been shown to reduce the rate of preterm birth by up to 45% in women with a short cervix.
A recent study by the University of Leicester found that medical staff struggle to detect alcohol problems in non-intoxicated patients. General practitioners identified 40% of problem drinkers, while hospital doctors and mental health specialists detected 50% and 55%, respectively.
Researchers investigate debris flow impacts on alpine denudation rates and find that large events can significantly perturb cosmogenic denudation rates. Mid-Pacific microatolls provide a record of sea-level stability over the past 5000 years, indicating minimal oscillations in recent millennia.
Majorana particles may form the basis of quantum computers, while also being linked to dark matter. Theoretical physicists at Dartmouth College have proposed a model suggesting Majoranas could exist in topological superconductors.
A UT Southwestern Medical Center study reveals that glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) recurs due to slower-growing 'cancer stem-like' cells. Researchers identified these cells as a potential target for future therapies, offering new hope for treatment.
A new study finds that American teens' low expectations of longevity before age 35 predict increased risk behaviors, such as substance abuse and suicidal thoughts. The research, published in PLOS ONE, suggests that monitoring survival expectations may identify at-risk youth.
A study by Esther Kim found that commuters use various tactics to avoid sitting next to others, including pretending to be busy or checking phones. The primary concern is not the background characteristics of fellow passengers but rather personal comfort and safety.
Scientists analyzed 50 years of global carbon dioxide measurements and found that the planet's oceans and ecosystems are still absorbing about half of the emitted CO2. However, they expect this process to slow down gradually, and may eventually lose their capacity to absorb CO2.
Researchers found that peer group opinions carry weight when it comes to decisions about distant and abstract issues, but individual views become more influential as an election nears. The study suggests that people are always influenced by what others think, but the timing of these influences can vary greatly.
A new study has found that 11% of people in remote Amazonian communities regularly exposed to vampire bats have natural protection against rabies. Ten percent appear to have survived exposure to the virus without medical intervention, suggesting a potential route for developing effective treatments.
Researchers have reversed symptoms of myotonic muscular dystrophy in mice by targeting and eliminating toxic RNA in muscle cells. The treatment approach has shown significant promise, reducing symptoms by up to one year in a mouse model.
The Entomological Society of America has elected ten new Fellows for 2012, including Christian Borgemeister and Henry Hagedorn, recognized for their research on biological control and integrated pest management. The ESA International Branch also named Joseph Morse as a Fellow, honored for his work in entomology and systems science.
Researchers at Boston Medical Center are implementing a new model of care in primary care settings to decrease opioid misuse and addiction among patients with chronic pain. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of standardized practice guidelines and tools to improve provider monitoring and patient care.
Researchers found that global brain connectivity, specifically with the left lateral prefrontal cortex, explains 10% of individual differences in intelligence. The study suggests that this connection enables flexible hub-like function, monitoring and influencing other brain regions to accomplish tasks intelligently.
Researchers discovered HIV exploits immune system by using infected T cells to travel and infect other CD4 T cells. The study used a humanized mouse model and found that infected cells carry virus to remote locations, supporting the development of new treatment strategies.