A new study by Yale researchers found that measuring patient deaths over a 30-day period, rather than just during initial hospitalization, provides a more accurate assessment of hospital quality. This approach reveals significant differences in quality between hospitals and favors those with shorter patient stays.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have created a new class of highly porous materials that can efficiently store large amounts of drug molecules or gas molecules, such as carbon dioxide or methane. This breakthrough has significant implications for alternative energy and the pharmaceutical industry.
Recent Mayo Clinic studies identify risk factors for rising liver cancer cases, including hepatitis C infection and fatty liver disease. The studies suggest that screening for hepatitis C could improve treatment and survival rates for affected populations.
A new technique developed by Cardiff University scientists may help predict which IVF embryos are most likely to result in a successful pregnancy. By analyzing the internal movements of eggs, they hope to improve IVF success rates and reduce the number of multiple births.
Researchers assigned distinct aspects of visual information processing to each side of the brain, revealing a division of labor between left and right hemispheres. The left hemisphere processes external physical input, resolving into a 'grey scale', while the right hemisphere makes final decisions on face recognition.
Research in songbirds reveals glial cells and synapses can produce estrogen, a hormone linked to neurodegenerative diseases. This discovery could provide new insights into the prevention and treatment of conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
A new study shows that targeting a specific microRNA, miR-221, can prolong the lives of mice with human liver cancer. The treatment also boosted activity of tumor-suppressor genes in these animals.
Researchers identify CCL5/CCR5 interaction as key to recruiting endothelial progenitor cells for wound healing. Mice with faulty CCR5 show delayed healing, suggesting similar issues in humans with CCR5 mutations.
A team of scientists from Boston University School of Medicine has identified a novel compound that inhibits viruses from replicating, including poxviruses such as Monkeypox. The compound works by inactivating an essential piece of virus machinery, preventing the virus from amplifying itself.
A new research study published in The FASEB Journal suggests a simple blood test can predict fetal gender as early as the first trimester. The test measures the ratio of enzymes DYS14 and GAPDH in maternal plasma, indicating if the baby will be a boy or girl.
Research published in the Journal of Leukocyte Biology suggests that high levels of estradiol prior to ovulation weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infection. This natural dip in immunity may allow spermatozoa to survive and fertilize an egg successfully.
Researchers found that GABA interneurons initially form many tentative connections, which are later pruned back by a mechanism triggered by GABA. This process helps refine neural networks and eliminate incompatible contacts.
A study found that US patients treated for acute heart attacks were more likely to be readmitted within 30 days due to shorter hospital stays. This may be attributed to the US healthcare system's episodic care approach, which can lead to inadequate management of patients after discharge.
Researchers found that high-contrast bingo cards enhance thinking and playing skills for individuals with cognitive difficulties and visual perception problems caused by dementia. Boosting contrast also enables people with dementia to move safely around their homes and improve eating habits.
Researchers found that bat brains process echolocation and social calls in a lateralized manner, with the right hemisphere handling navigation and the left hemisphere processing communication sounds. This study provides insights into the neural basis of sound processing and may lead to new treatments for human communication disorders.
Researchers at Cardiff University have secured a £2M MRC Programme Grant to investigate the potential of a calcium-like molecule in protecting against enzymes that trigger pancreatitis. The team aims to better understand stellate cells, which may be the link between chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
A study of 2,010 obese participants found that bariatric surgery was associated with a reduced incidence of cardiovascular deaths and events. The surgery group had lower rates of fatal heart attack deaths, stroke events, and total cardiovascular events compared to the control group.
A recent study analyzing data from over 15 countries found that US heart-attack patients are more likely to be readmitted to the hospital within 30 days compared to patients in other countries. The study identified factors associated with readmission, including multivessel coronary artery disease and baseline heart rate.
A collaborative study by New Jersey stroke specialists has developed a bedside clinical evaluation to detect spatial neglect, a hidden disability that impedes recovery after stroke. The study found that psychometric assessments may be used to identify specific motor-exploratory deficits in spatial neglect.
A team of scientists has discovered communities of previously unknown species on the seafloor near Antarctica, clustered in hot, dark environments surrounding hydrothermal vents. The findings include new species of yeti crab, starfish, barnacles, and potentially an octopus.
Researchers discovered an agent, PEDF, that suppresses brain metastatic activity and shields the brain from tumor-induced damage. This finding represents a significant step forward in managing brain metastases, a major challenge in cancer treatment.
The Oregon Health & Science University's Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) program has expanded to 34 states and improved end-of-life care outcomes. The program provides a comprehensive set of medical orders based on patient preferences, ensuring accurate treatment with a high degree of accuracy.
Researchers analyzed the whole-genome sequences of two supercentenarians, aged over 114 years, and found a mix of common and rare genetic variants. Despite carrying many disease-associated genes, they lived exceptionally long lives, suggesting other protective mechanisms are at work.
Researchers propose that manganese is essential for calcium absorption and its depletion may lead to osteoporosis. The study suggests a link between manganese deficiency and conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, highlighting the importance of maintaining bone health in relation to brain function.
Scientists identify chemokine CCL5 as a crucial signal for endothelial progenitor cell recruitment in wound healing. Meanwhile, researchers discover CBX7 acts as a tumor suppressor, regulating cell growth and preventing cancer progression. Additionally, zinc deficiency is linked to severe skin inflammation due to impaired immune functi...
The American Thoracic Society has recommended that critical care research become less fragmented and account for patient heterogeneity. Key areas of focus include basic science, translational research, clinical research, health service delivery, and education.
The new electrocatalysts have high activity, stability, and durability while containing only about one tenth the platinum of conventional catalysts used in fuel cells. This reduction leads to lower costs and environmental benefits by producing no harmful emissions.
Researchers at San Francisco State University have discovered a fly parasite in honey bee hives, which may help explain the mysterious phenomenon of colony collapse disorder. The parasite, found only in California and South Dakota, causes bees to abandon their hives and behave 'zombie-like'.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a way to control the formation and dispersal of biofilms by manipulating bacterial signals. This breakthrough enables the creation of novel bioreactors that can efficiently produce chemicals and potentially transform the economy.
A recent study in the journal mBio challenges the unique E. coli protein YfeX's role in iron acquisition, finding it lacks catalytic ability to dechelate iron from heme. Meanwhile, researchers discover an unprecedented level of transference of resistance among strains and species of bacteria via plasmids containing carbapenemase genes.
A study in Cell Metabolism identifies serum response factor (Srf) as a crucial signal that tells surrounding muscle stem cells to multiply and join muscle fibers, controlling muscle growth. SRF's role in regulating muscle atrophy is also confirmed, with potential applications for therapies targeting its targets.
A study found that children exposed to maternal gestational diabetes and low socioeconomic status have a higher risk of developing childhood ADHD. The risk is doubled when both factors are present, suggesting a significant environmental contribution to the development of the disorder.
The American College of Physicians has released the sixth edition of its Ethics Manual, addressing new topics such as health catastrophes and social media professionalism. Researchers also found that spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) and home exercise are more effective than medication for relieving neck pain. In contrast, in-hospital ...
Research suggests that cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers can identify individuals at high risk for Alzheimer's disease up to 5-10 years before symptoms appear. Studies found reduced Aβ42 and elevated T-tau and P-tau levels in patients with mild cognitive impairment who later developed Alzheimer's.
A new study has discovered well-preserved fossil insect ears from 50 million year-old crickets and katydids, shedding light on the evolution of insect hearing. The findings suggest that these insects evolved their supersensitive hearing long before bat predators came to be.
Researchers discovered that increased production of microRNA miR-21 stimulates progressive muscle deterioration in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Inhibiting miR-21 reduced collagen levels and prevented fibrogenesis in diseased animals, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target.
A systematic review of studies suggests that physical activity is positively related to improved academic performance in children. The findings support the idea that exercise may help cognition by increasing blood flow to the brain, reducing stress, and improving mood.
A Baylor University study reveals that humility is a positive quality with potential benefits, predicting greater helpfulness in aiding someone in need. Researchers found that humble individuals offered more time to help compared to less humble ones, especially when personal or situational factors were controlled.
Researchers found that quantitative CT scans can identify patients with greater airway wall thickness and emphysema, who are at higher risk for frequent exacerbations. These findings could lead to individualized, targeted management of COPD disease.
Researchers from Cornell University created a healthier cigarette filter with lycopene and grape seed extract, drastically reducing toxic free radicals. The study demonstrates the potential for an alternative type of cigarette filter with a free radical scavenging additive.
A study found that marijuana ingredients Δ9-THC and CBD affect different regions of the brain during visual processing tasks. Δ9-THC increased psychotic symptoms by modulating prefrontal and striatal function, while CBD enhanced response to salient stimuli.
The American College of Physicians has released the sixth edition of its Ethics Manual, covering topics such as culturally sensitive care, social media professionalism, and research ethics. The manual provides guidance for clinicians, educators, and researchers on navigating complex ethical dilemmas in medical practice.
Researchers found a potential new risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer's disease in women, linking the hormone adiponectin to an increased risk. Elevated levels of adiponectin were associated with an increased risk of all-cause dementia and AD in women, contrary to its expected anti-inflammatory properties.
Adolescents diagnosed with schizophrenia show greater decreases in gray matter volume and increases in cerebrospinal fluid in the frontal lobe compared to healthy peers. Progressive brain changes are also linked to poorer prognosis, including longer hospitalization and reduced symptom improvement.
A new study published in Archives of General Psychiatry found that deep brain stimulation is a safe and effective intervention for treatment-resistant depression in patients with unipolar and bipolar disorders. After four weeks of single-blind stimulation, 58% of patients achieved remission and showed significant improvement in function.
The hepatitis C virus has evolved a unique relationship with the liver's miR-122 microRNA to stabilize its RNA and promote efficient replication. A new experimental antiviral drug works by binding to and sequestering this microRNA, destabilizing viral genome and accelerating degradation.
A study found that maternal gestational diabetes and low socioeconomic status significantly increase the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in six year olds. The risk doubles with either factor alone, but increases exponentially when both are present.
A nationwide study found demographic and clinical factors associated with Parkinson's disease survival. Dementia was diagnosed in 69.6% of the study population, particularly among black patients, and significantly increased mortality risk. Environmental exposures also seemed to influence survival rates.
Researchers found that women are more vulnerable to exfoliation syndrome (ES) than men, and that living in the middle or southern tier of the US reduces the risk. The study also confirms established associations with age and family history, as well as new data on associations with gender, eye color, and ancestry.
The open access journal PhytoKeys is pioneering electronic publication of new plant species, supported by strong practices from publishers and authors. The journal's completion will be archived on the 7th of January 2012 and share biological data with international databasing initiatives.
Researchers have developed a comprehensive three-dimensional model to predict droplet size and spray characteristics in effervescent atomization. The study reveals the influence of operating conditions and liquid properties on atomization performance.
Young diabetics struggle with blood sugar control, school performance, and misbehavior due to lighter sleep and breathing problems. Sleep apnea also contributes to compromised health outcomes.
Researchers investigate protein binding mechanisms, including the recently discovered fly-casting method, which accelerates binding by unfolding a protein chain. Temperature influences capture radius, with optimal conditions found at transition temperatures between folding and unfolding.