A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that nearly one-third of older adults used the Medicare posthospitalization skilled nursing facility benefit in their last six months of life. This high use of the SNF benefit for end-of-life care highlights the need to improve palliative care services in nursing homes.
A study published in Behavioral Neuroscience found that repeated fluoxetine administration to adolescent hamsters increased offensive aggression and altered brain areas related to aggression control. The research suggests that clinically relevant doses of fluoxetine during adolescence can dramatically alter brain circuitry implicated i...
NASA has observed Tropical Depression 21W in the northwestern Pacific, with sustained winds near 25 knots. The system is expected to curve westward and make landfall along central Vietnam's coast by October 6 or 7.
Researchers have developed a new computerized technique to diagnose osteoporosis using X-rays, which estimates bone porosity and improves accuracy over visual examination. The system has shown high accuracy rates of less than 2% in detecting osteoporosis in elderly Asian patients.
Overweight adolescents who engaged in regular exercise showed improvements in scholastic competence, social competence, and body image, according to a recent study. The researchers found that even modest doses of aerobic exercise had a positive impact on mental health, including psychological empowerment and reduced emotional distress.
Researchers found that ragweed plants will invest resources for the benefit of their group when planted with kin, leading to a larger fungal network and greater benefits. This cooperation is likely due to plant kin recognition, which can enhance altruism towards relatives and promote sustainable farming practices.
A study found that nearly half of males and 30% of females had psychiatric disorders five years after detention, highlighting the long-term impact of juvenile incarceration on mental health. Substance use disorders were the most common, with males having a higher risk than females.
A Mayo Clinic study confirms the effectiveness of smartphone teleradiology applications in evaluating stroke patients in remote settings. The study shows high agreement (92-100%) among reviewers on critical radiological features, paving the way for telemedicine expansion.
Researchers created a defect in the structure of a single-layer crystal by inserting an extra particle, then observed as the crystal 'healed' itself. The discovery has important implications for improving conductivity in electronics and other materials science applications.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina found that saturated fatty acids and specific metabolic pathways contribute to diabetic cardiomyopathy in mice. Additionally, a study published by Helen Hobbs' group identified the mutation PNPLA3 as a contributing factor to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice.
A University of Michigan School of Public Health fellow analyzed data on 53 diseases over 19 years, finding that strong advocacy organizations received significantly more funding. This shift in policy prioritizes patients with particular diseases as recipients of research funds, based on perceived moral worthiness.
A large-scale trial has successfully tested whole-genome cancer testing to identify targeted therapies for patients with metastatic breast cancer. The study found that around 20% of patients had rare and unexpected genomic alterations, highlighting the need for whole-genome approaches.
A new study found that misconduct accounts for two-thirds of all retracted scientific papers, with fraud or suspected fraud being the leading cause. The number of retractions has increased 10-fold since 1975, attributed to a winner-take-all culture in science that rewards publication and reputation over integrity.
Cancer drugs are administered sequentially or in combination, creating a virtual monopoly for each drug. Value-based pricing is a potential solution to address the high cost of cancer therapy.
Researchers have discovered a new vaccinia virus that targets triple-negative breast cancer cells, achieving over 90% cell kill and extensive tumor destruction. The virus also inhibits tumor blood vessel growth, offering a potential targeted therapy for this deadly form of breast cancer.
Researchers at the University of Michigan discovered that paroxetine inhibits GRK2, a protein kinase involved in heart failure, improving myocardial contractility without affecting heart rate. The team hopes to optimize and develop these compounds into therapeutic leads for heart failure treatment.
A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that patients who had access to notes written by their doctors felt more in control of their care and reported better understanding of their medical issues. The majority of doctors also reported enhanced trust, transparency, and communication with their patients.
Emanuel Hamelburg, a Boston-area prostate cancer survivor, has been recognized for his dedication to cancer awareness and advocacy. He was awarded the Survivor Circle Award by the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) in 2012.
The American Gastroenterological Association and other GI societies have issued updated guidelines for colonoscopy surveillance after screening and polypectomy. These recommendations support previous guidelines, addressing areas such as the need to repeat colonoscopies every 10 years for average-risk patients with a clean exam result.
A Penn State researcher found that public health messages about a disease can elicit responses like disgust and anger, shaping stigma development and influencing people to share stigma messages or endorse interventions.
A study found that transplantation within a 72-hour time window resulted in early functional recovery and reduced brain atrophy. The optimal therapeutic time window was determined to be between 72 hours and 120 hours after stroke onset, with no benefit observed when transplanted at 14 days.
A new study published in The Lancet found that apixaban is more effective and safer than warfarin for patients with atrial fibrillation and at least one additional risk factor for stroke. This suggests that current risk scoring systems may be less relevant when using apixaban, potentially simplifying treatment decisions.
Montserrat Fernández-Vallejo has developed the longest fibre-optic sensor network measuring 250 km with a multiplexing capability, enabling remote monitoring of large infrastructures. The network addresses three main challenges: multiplexing sensors, ensuring continued service in case of faults, and allowing remote monitoring.
The province's stroke strategy has led to better treatment and reduced long-term care facility admissions for stroke patients in rural Nova Scotia. Data from 2004-2011 shows improvements in stroke unit treatment, swallowing tests, and discharge rates.
A new study from Georgia Tech and the University of Toronto found that reducing visual clutter can improve object perception in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The researchers tested MCI patients on identifying identical pairings, finding that interspersing similar objects with dissimilar ones reduced interference.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio have discovered a potential cure for triple-negative breast cancer. They found that microRNAs can sensitize drug-resistant tumors to chemotherapy drugs like paclitaxel, reducing side effects and improving treatment outcomes.
A new study by American Sociological Association investigates the rise of the top 1 percent and finds that Republican strength in Congress increases their share of income. The study also reveals a significant link between decreased union membership and higher levels of inequality, as well as a strong effect of financial asset bubbles o...
A study found that 40% of stroke patients were treated for depression without proper diagnosis. Researchers say clinicians are over-treating some patients and overlooking others due to lack of access to mental health care professionals. Screening for depression after all strokes could improve treatment outcomes.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) presented annual Young Investigator Awards to top five ranking abstracts at its regional meeting. The award recipients received USD 1,000 and were invited to present their work during a special plenary session.
Researchers are developing a simple blood test to detect early signs of breast cancer, which could improve treatment and detection rates. The study aims to identify DNA markers consistent with cancer in blood samples from women attending breast screening clinics.
Researchers developed a five-pronged assessment tool called the FACES score to measure patients' postsurgical, clinical, and social outcomes. The score predicts who will be successful candidates for facial transplants, highlighting the need for better reporting and follow-up care.
A new study published in The FASEB Journal suggests that being born with a low birth weight may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and diabetes later in life. Researchers found that older female rats had a reduced ability to become pregnant and carried babies that were smaller or lighter in weight.
A PhD student at the University of Bristol spent two weeks in a simulated Martian habitat, where he and his crew members experienced life on the red planet. They conducted experiments, studied space suits, and even had a 'close encounter' with a desert mouse.
Researchers discovered a pheromone formula that attracts milkweed stem weevils, four times more than boll weevils, in Texas traps. This finding could help conserve rare milkweed types and monitor monarch butterfly populations.
A new study suggests that investing in vision care services could generate massive economic benefits, saving the global economy $202 billion each year. The proposed investment of $28 billion would provide training for eye care personnel and establish infrastructure to improve vision correction rates.
Researchers have developed a noninvasive method to measure interstitial fluid pressure in tumors, which may help identify aggressive tumors. The technique uses dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI to evaluate the velocity of fluid flow from tumors and has been shown to correlate with tumor aggressiveness.
Researchers found that warmer temperatures and increased atmospheric evaporative demand will lead to widespread tree mortality and changes in forest distributions. The study used a 'Forest Drought Stress Index' to estimate annual regional tree-growth variability with exceptional accuracy.
A new study by Dr. Lisa Rosenthal found that social dominance orientation can lead to increased sexual risk-taking and decreased confidence among both men and women, particularly when it comes to using female condoms.
Researchers found that inviting patients to read their doctors' notes boosts patient engagement, adherence, and control in healthcare plans with minimal impact on doctor workload. Additionally, the use of electronic health records improves diabetes care by enhancing monitoring, treatment, and glucose control. New equations for estimati...
Researchers discovered FNDC5/irisin hormone is secreted by muscle cells and reflects muscle mass. Irisin levels increase after acute exercise and are associated with growth factors that promote muscle growth.
A new class of small molecules, P7C3 series, has been identified to block cell death in animal models of Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The compounds protect newborn neurons from cell death and correlate with improvement of disease symptoms.
Tropical Storm Nadine has weakened from a hurricane and is now expected to move toward the south-southeast, potentially affecting the Azores. Wind shear and cooler sea surface temperatures are forecasted to lead to its weakening.
A new study found that preoperative falls in older surgical patients are a powerful predictor of complications, prolonged hospital stays, and higher rates of disability. Researchers found that adverse outcomes occurred more frequently in patients who had reported one or more falls in the six months prior to their operation.
Researchers analyzed DNA sequences of thousands of influenza strains to predict trends and understand the rules of flu virus evolution. This knowledge can help develop more effective vaccines against emerging strains.
NASA observed Tropical Storm Maliksi forming on Sept. 30 from the 20th tropical depression in the region, with maximum sustained winds near 35 knots (40 mph/65 kph). The storm is expected to pass Iwo To and strengthen into a typhoon by Oct. 3.
Researchers from ASU will identify suitable locations across the US for perennial biomass energy crops to reduce reliance on food crops and combat greenhouse gas-induced climate change. The five-year project aims to explore sustainability, hydroclimate, crop yield, and economic profitability of large-scale deployment.
The UK Cohorts and Longitudinal Studies Enhancement Resource (CLOSER) aims to maximize the use, value, and impact of nine leading longitudinal studies. By strengthening links between these studies, researchers can make better use of rich data on people's lives, gathered over many years in the UK.
Guidelines provide three categories for initial patient evaluation and order sets for follow-up visits, aiming to reduce inappropriate imaging utilization, steroid and narcotic use, and invasive procedures. The approach is based on the best available evidence to improve patient care.
A Yale study found a 4.9% increase in hospitalized children due to abuse-related injuries from 1997 to 2009, unlike the 55% decline reported by child protective services agencies. The divergent results raise concerns about reporting changes.
Research reveals that activated macrophages accumulate triglycerides to support their function, leading to increased pathogen destruction. This finding provides new insights into the development of atherosclerosis and potential approaches to slowing its progression.
The Great Barrier Reef has lost over half its coral cover in the last 27 years, primarily due to intense tropical cyclones, population explosions of Crown-of-thorns starfish, and two severe coral bleaching events. The study highlights the need for action to control crown of thorns populations.
Researchers explored AMP-activated protein kinase's role in Drosophila energy homeostasis and tissue-specific gene expression in Arabidopsis. Cellular memory of stress resistance was also studied in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, revealing a multifaceted response mechanism.
Researchers found that administering immunotherapy for three years can achieve long-term control of allergic asthma and reduce symptoms. After three years, 50 percent of children with dust mite-induced asthma experienced remission, needing reduced or no controller medications.
Phase III trials have reported promising results for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma, with pazopanib and temsirolimus emerging as effective options. Pazopanib was shown to be non-inferior to sunitinib in controlling metastatic renal cell carcinoma, resulting in fewer troublesome side effects and improved quality of life.
A nationwide study of over 300,000 patients found that statin use reduces the risk of open-angle glaucoma by eight percent. The study suggests that statins may protect against glaucoma by improving blood flow and reducing intraocular pressure.
Using biological markers can increase the success rate of new breast cancer drugs. A study found that the use of biomarkers such as HER2 resulted in a 23% success rate, compared to 15%, with significant cost savings.
A team of researchers from Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf and TU Vienna discovered that highly charged ions can create nano-hillocks or craters on surfaces. The formation depends on the ion beam's charge state and kinetic energy, with nano-hillocks forming at higher energies.
Researchers found that HEXIM1 blocks gene expression necessary for muscle regeneration after injury, leading to increased muscle mass and function in mice with reduced HEXIM1 levels. This suggests that HEXIM1 may be a key regulator of skeletal muscle regeneration and a potential therapeutic target for degenerative muscle diseases.
A new study by Professor Nilli Lavie and colleagues found that focusing on remembering an image can lead to 'blindness' in detecting visual information. The research, published in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience, reveals a pathway of competition in the brain between new visual information and short-term memory.
A study published in Pediatrics found that children are underrepresented in clinical trials, with fewer than 5% of trials enrolling kids under 18. This lack of representation can lead to a shortage of data on pediatric therapies and dosages, affecting treatment decisions.