The American College of Physicians' AABB recommends a restrictive red blood cell transfusion strategy for stable adults and children, with evidence showing no difference in mortality or hospital stay between liberal and restrictive approaches. The guideline suggests considering transfusion at a hemoglobin threshold of 7-8 g/dL.
A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that obese youths with particular genetic variants are more susceptible to fatty liver disease. The study focused on three ethnic groups and measured liver fat content using magnetic resonance imaging.
A Stanford study shows a single antibody can shrink human tumors in mice by blocking a protein flag on cancer cells. The treatment achieved dramatic responses in various types of cancers, including breast, ovarian, colon, bladder, and prostate cancers.
A national survey of UK ambulance services found significant variation in response to elderly falls patients, with some trusts utilizing dedicated clinical advisors and triage systems. Despite efforts to reduce delays, the provision of care remains inconsistent, highlighting the need for research to inform policy and practice development.
Cedars-Sinai researchers found that rifaximin and lubiprostone are effective treatments for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with low side-effect profiles. The study analyzed over two dozen clinical trials and compared various drug therapies, concluding that these two drugs offer the best options for IBS patients.
Research finds that hospitals adopting quality process management techniques to reduce errors and meet government mandates often compromise on the quality of individual patients' experiences. This tension arises from prioritizing standardized, data-driven approaches over customized, patient-centered care.
Researchers develop a new technique to dynamically regulate metabolic pathways in microbes, boosting the production of biodiesel by threefold. The dynamic sensor-regulator system (DSRS) can detect metabolic changes and control gene expression to optimize productivity.
Researchers have found that slime mold can compute a complex network similar to the Canadian highway system. This discovery provides evidence that nature is capable of computation, challenging our understanding of its capabilities.
Researchers identify precise genetic links between nature and nurture in schizophrenia risk. Defects in DISC1 protein and environmental stress after birth increase brain development abnormalities and schizophrenia likelihood by 1.4 times.
A Case Western Reserve University psychology study found that being assertive with God can strengthen one's faith. The researchers discovered that if a person views God as cruel, protest towards God is seen as more acceptable.
A pre-procedure bleeding risk score can predict greater risk and higher costs for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. The study identified that high-risk patients experience increased rates of complications, longer hospital stays, and higher total costs.
Research suggests that smoking can increase the impact of genes like TCF4 on acoustic stimulus filtering, potentially leading to schizophrenia. Healthy carriers of the TCF4 gene also exhibit reduced stimulus filtering abilities.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have identified a mechanism by which normal cells can become cancerous. By understanding how the FOXM1 gene influences cell behavior, scientists may be able to develop new diagnostic tests to detect cancer at an early stage.
At the American Chemical Society's National Meeting & Exposition, experts will discuss the chemistry and instruments used to investigate the scene and monitor the controlled burn of the 'bomb house'. The session reveals how public safety and law enforcement professionals utilized their skills and expertise to safely destroy the house.
A new study reveals how an invading virus hijacks a cell's signaling system by mimicking a cellular marker to defeat the body's defenses. This finding may represent a broader targeting strategy used by other viruses.
A study published in Archives of Neurology found that early-initiated immunotherapy is associated with improved seizure outcomes among patients with autoimmune epilepsy. In a cohort of 32 patients, 81% reported improvement after immunotherapy and 44% were seizure-free within 12 weeks.
A team of MIT researchers has developed a new approach to solar energy by creating 3D configurations of solar photovoltaic cells. Their results show that these structures can increase power output ranging from double to more than 20 times that of traditional flat panels, with the biggest boosts seen in locations far from the equator, i...
A novel monoclonal antibody, SAR236553/REGN727, has been shown to dramatically lower circulating LDL cholesterol by 40-72% in patients, providing a potential new treatment option for those resistant to statins. The study's results demonstrate a dose-response effect, with higher doses resulting in greater reductions in LDL cholesterol.
The BRICS nations are injecting new resources and momentum into global health efforts, challenging traditional donor approaches with innovative models of cooperation. The GHSi report highlights the significant contributions of BRICS countries to multilateral health initiatives and their emphasis on South-South partnership.
The American Chemical Society is hosting a special symposium on communicating science to the public, featuring noted science journalists and communicators. The event aims to engage the general public in understanding the role of chemistry in driving economic prosperity and contributing to societal values.
Scientists have developed thin, flexible 'electronic skin' patches that can monitor brain, heart, and muscle activity without wires or invasive procedures. The patches can be applied to the skin like temporary tattoos and provide real-time health data through wireless capabilities.
A new study by UCLA researchers found that the brain responds differently to antidepressant medication based on prior treatment history. Subjects who had never taken an antidepressant showed large increases in prefrontal brain activity during placebo treatment, while those with prior experience exhibited slight decreases in activity.
Researchers have discovered that Streptococcus gordonii can mimic human proteins to activate platelets and form unwanted blood clots. This triggers endocarditis, which can lead to growths on heart valves or inflammation of blood vessels.
A new study from Brigham and Women's Hospital suggests a strong link between telomere shortening and poor cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Telomeres are DNA-protein complexes that protect chromosomes from deteriorating, and their length is associated with increased risk of heart attack and death.
A study by Joe Vinson found that popcorn has higher antioxidant levels than fruits and vegetables due to its high concentration of polyphenols. The hulls of the popcorn kernel have the highest concentration of these antioxidants, making them a nutritional gold nugget.
Researchers found low LDL cholesterol in patients with no history of cholesterol-lowering drugs existed before cancer diagnosis, suggesting an underlying mechanism. The study's lead investigator noted that the relationship between low LDL-C and cancer exists for many years prior to diagnosis, highlighting the need for further examination.
The ACS president will focus on climate science, graduate education, and commemorating the Morrill Land Grant Act. The initiative aims to advance chemistry through research, education, and innovation, while communicating its value to society.
Researchers identified a protein called NOD2 that triggers the activation of dendritic cells, which deliver critical information about the pathogen to T-cells. The study found this pathway to be potent in fighting leprosy, but inhibited in more serious forms of the disease.
A recent study found that community hospitals can safely and effectively perform elective angioplasty without on-site cardiac surgery units. The study showed no significant differences in death rates or complications between patients undergoing elective angioplasty at facilities with and without on-site cardiac surgery units.
Researchers found that intensive community-based lifestyle interventions tailored to individual needs can significantly reduce multiple risk factors for heart disease. The study highlights the importance of addressing psychological factors alongside traditional cardiovascular risk factors to achieve synergistic effects.
A nationwide CPR training effort in Denmark led to a significant increase in bystander CPR, from 20% in 2001 to 44% in 2010, resulting in improved cardiac arrest survival rates. The study found patients treated with CPR or AEDs by bystanders were about four times more likely to survive 30 days after the cardiac event.
Prostatic artery embolization shows promise in treating lower urinary tract symptoms and improving quality of life for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Clinical success was seen in 91% of treated individuals, with significant volume reduction in prostate size.
Researchers have successfully captured a quantum interference pattern from single dye molecules using live imaging. The experiment visualizes the dualities of particle and wave, randomness and determinism, locality and delocalization in a tangible way. This study has significant implications for understanding quantum physics and develo...
Researchers recommend including race-specific criteria to reduce false positives and anxiety among healthy black athletes. A study found 43% of black athletes would be identified for further investigation under current guidelines.
A study found a significant mismatch between the growth of cardiac catheterization laboratories and the need for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures. PCI centers have grown 12.9% over eight years, but STEMI rates have declined, leaving many patients without access to care.
Researchers are using pond scum microbes called Euglena to develop a new test for detecting cancer cells in the bloodstream. The test uses the microbe as a natural cargo carrier to identify and analyze circulating tumor cells, which enable cancer to spread.
A multifaceted intervention improved the use of evidence-based therapies among patients with acute coronary syndromes in public hospitals in Brazil. The study found significant improvements in medication usage and overall quality of care, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Researchers found metformin increases heart-pumping capacity, reduces fat accumulation, and limits cell death in rats. Long-term effects suggest the medicine's benefits persist for a year or more.
Researchers are revisiting bacteriophages as antibacterial agents to combat growing antibiotic resistance. Effective against high bacterial loads, these viruses can target specific bacterial strains without infecting human cells.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers has developed a statistical method to estimate the heritable component of four common diseases. The study found that hundreds of loci with common causal variants explain most of the risk for these diseases, not rare mutations.
A randomized controlled trial found that consuming three servings of raisins per day can significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with mild hypertension. Raisins' high potassium content is believed to be the key factor behind this effect.
Scientists have developed a technology to produce hydrogen from heat in nuclear power plants, which could reduce global warming by burning only water vapor. This process is more efficient than current methods using natural gas or coal, and experts envision widespread adoption of nuclear-powered hydrogen production.
A large population survey found that adults getting less than six hours of sleep a night are at significantly greater risk of stroke, heart attack, and congestive heart failure. Those sleeping more than eight hours also have a higher prevalence of heart problems, including chest pain and coronary artery disease.
A team of researchers tracked mouse lemur lice to understand their social interactions, finding that lice transfer occurred between 43% of males, with peak transfers during breeding season. Louse transfer showed greater distances and geographic areas than previously thought.
A 10-week program combining interactive lessons and healthier food options significantly reduced cardiovascular risk factors in sixth-graders. Students showed improvements in dietary habits, physical activity levels, and physiological markers such as blood pressure and cholesterol.
J. Craig Venter discussed his team's progress on major projects, including developing new synthetic cells and engineering genomes to produce biofuels, vaccines, clean water, food and other products. He also described his work in sequencing the human genome and studying the human microbiome.
A large-scale study found that underweight patients are twice as likely to experience complications or die during ICD insertion compared to obese and normal-weight patients. Smaller body size is associated with longer hospital stays, more complications, and increased risk of dying from the procedure.
A genetic finding has identified a human gene that influences how we respond to influenza infection. People carrying a particular variant of the IFITM3 gene are more likely to be hospitalized with severe flu symptoms than those with other variants.
A recent study found that selected 90-year-old patients who experience acute heart attacks can benefit from coronary stenting, leading to reasonable outcomes and low cardiovascular readmissions. The study suggests that reperfusion therapy should be considered for this age group, which is expected to quadruple by 2050.
A new study found that pregnancy increases the risk of heart attack, with more severe attacks and different causes than in non-pregnant women. The standard approach to managing heart attacks during pregnancy may not always be best, and alternative treatments may be needed to prevent complications.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that men with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin without a history of cardiovascular disease are at higher risk for major cardiovascular events. The study showed an accelerated rate of new cardiovascular events in these patients, with a 16% rate over four years.
Researchers tracked the transfer of parasitic lice on brown mouse lemurs to infer their social contacts and habits. The study found that lice were transferred between 43% of males during the breeding season, indicating conflicts over females.
A three-pronged intervention improved physician adherence to evidence-based protocols for treating acute coronary syndrome, raising the rate of total adherence by 18 percent. The study's strategies, including nurse case management and educational materials, were adaptable to other countries.
Scientists have measured the carbon content of Sri Lanka's natural forests, finding that nearly half of greenhouse gas emissions originate from deforestation. The study suggests alternative ecosystems can bind carbon while providing food and protection for local populations.
Scientists have created a new buoyant material inspired by the water strider's ability to walk on water. The material, made from nanocellulose aerogel, can absorb huge amounts of oil and float on its surface, making it potentially useful for cleaning up oil spills.
A minimally invasive endovascular treatment for CCSVI shows promise in improving physical- and mental health-related quality of life in individuals with multiple sclerosis. The study found significant short-term improvements in over 75% of those with relapsing remitting and primary progressive forms of MS.
Scientists found that Salmonella bacteria attach differently to ripe and unripe tomatoes, with filaments forming on ripe ones. This could affect how pathogens are maintained on surfaces, according to researchers at Imperial College London.
A new study has shown that delivering abciximab directly to the site of a heart attack can significantly reduce damage to the heart muscle. The treatment was found to be effective in reducing infarct size by up to 15% compared to no treatment or aspiration thrombectomy.
Researchers discovered that abciximab significantly decreased heart muscle damage in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients. Clot aspiration did not show similar benefits.
Triclosan effectively preserves gasoline and fire starters in charred remains, enabling crime scene investigators to determine arson intent. This preservation method could help law enforcement officials catch criminals and reveal the true extent of arson problems.