DNA identification technology is essential for humanitarian efforts, yet unequal access restricts its use. International structures are necessary to promote fair and efficient access, prevent misuse, and ensure victim rights.
A new book by Harry P. Selker, M.D., M.S.P.H., offers a fresh perspective on the Affordable Care Act, highlighting its potential as an experiment in translational research. The book explores the history, impact, and future of healthcare reform.
A new study published in JAMA found that the Medicare centers of excellence policy limited minority access to weight-loss surgery, with a 4.7 percentage point decline in non-white patients receiving bariatric surgery after policy implementation. The policy restricts patients to high-volume hospitals designated as centers of excellence.
A new resource, IPAC, has been launched to address the lack of international mechanisms for ensuring ethical and legal interoperability in sharing genetic information. The initiative aims to harmonize projects and provide normative tools and frameworks for accessing clinical and research data.
A new study from UT Arlington found that students attending schools with anti-bullying programs are more likely to be victims of bullying. The researchers suggest that these programs may inadvertently teach bullies the language and tactics they use, rather than preventing them.
A new study shows significant health benefits for uninsured people living in suburban areas when they receive access to primary care. After one year, participants reported improved preventive care and screenings, as well as better overall health status.
Researchers found that removing specific receptors affects brain boundary formation differently than expected, suggesting new molecules may be involved. This discovery sheds light on the neural network development and could lead to therapies and diagnostics for brain diseases.
A new study found that better verbal development in childhood is predictive of more frequent drinking and intoxication during adolescence and young adulthood. Verbal ability was linked to peer associations and sensation seeking, which may explain the association between language skills and drinking behaviors.
Researchers in Italy found a local low-cost information campaign significantly decreased antibiotic prescribing rates by 11.9%, outperforming the national decrease of 3.2%. The campaign's effectiveness was attributed to doctors' endorsement and increased awareness, not patient pressure.
Research found that 60-minute sevoflurane preconditioning reduces infarct volume and apoptotic cells, but longer durations do not provide additional benefits. The study suggests that shorter preconditioning periods may be more effective in protecting against cerebral ischemia.
Researchers have identified a genetic deficiency linked to autism that impairs neuronal growth and connectivity. By compensating for the deficient molecular mechanisms, they found that growth could be restored, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
Recent research from the Cassini-Huygens mission provides insights into the evolution of life on Earth from Titan, Saturn's moon. The findings shed light on the origin of life and the potential for life beyond Earth, with organic chemicals present on Titan's surface being influenced by sunlight and energy sources.
A new framework provides guidance for clinicians to manage moral distress, which can interfere with patient care and clinician well-being. The framework aims to create a healthy work environment supporting clinicians to practice with integrity and reduce the toll on caregivers and patients.
A new study by UC San Diego researchers reveals that the pancreatic protein Nkx6.1 is crucial for regulating insulin biosynthesis and secretion in beta cells. The study found that impaired Nkx6.1 levels contribute to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, leading to rapid onset of diabetes in mice.
A study found that dogs react sociably to robots that behave socially towards them, even if the devices look nothing like a human. The research suggests that designers of social robots should consider how their designs interact with users and animals.
Scientists have measured ice-shelf melting rates and processes beneath Pine Island Glacier, revealing a critical need to understand channelized melting under massive glaciers. The findings could lead to the break-up of the ice shelf and contribute to global sea-level rise.
A genetic variant on chromosome 2 is strongly linked with kidney failure in diabetic women, but not in men. Diabetic women with the risk variant had a nearly two-fold increased risk of developing kidney failure compared to those without it.
A recent study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology found that people with diabetes have a 30% lower risk of dying if they undergo coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) rather than angioplasty and inserting a stent (PCI). This significant finding has public health implications due to the large difference in outcomes.
Astronomers used ESO's VISTA telescope to create the best 3D map yet of the Milky Way's central bulge, revealing an X-shaped structure. The galactic bulge is composed of 22 million red giant stars that can be used as standard candles to measure distances.
Researchers found that cilantro effectively removes lead and other harmful metals from contaminated water. The study suggests that cilantro could be used as a low-cost, sustainable filter for developing countries.
A new study by researchers at Virginia Institute of Marine Science shows that denser seagrass beds hold exponentially more juvenile crabs per square meter than more open beds. The quality of seagrass habitat can influence the population dynamics of blue crabs on a baywide basis.
Researchers at Oregon State University have identified a group of viruses associated with the coral epidemic 'white plague,' which has killed 70-80% of some reefs. The study suggests that viral diversity is higher in diseased corals, highlighting the need for further research to prevent this disease.
A revised Medicaid sterilization policy could remove logistical barriers, reducing unintended pregnancies by 29,000 annually and saving $215 million in public health costs. The updated policy would prioritize informed decision-making and equitable access to sterilization, benefiting vulnerable populations.
A UK study finds that only 3.9% of total infectious disease research funding was allocated to antimicrobial resistance, highlighting the need for increased investment in this area. The study calls for strong leadership and sustained targeted spending to combat the growing threat of drug-resistant infections.
Researchers found that ocean warming is melting the Pine Island Glacier's floating ice shelf, causing rapid movement of glaciers in Antarctica. This process can lead to increased sea level rise as more ice is added to the mass of Antarctic glaciers.
The use of stem cells, gene therapy, and neurotrophic factors has been shown to play a crucial role in the regeneration of inner ear hair cells. Cochlear gene therapy has also been successfully used in treating neurosensory hearing loss and other inner ear disorders.
Researchers found that molecules of precise size can zip through nanotubes five times faster than those of a different size. This discovery could be used to design better membranes for desalination and develop sensors capable of detecting specific contaminants in water.
Hurricane Humberto is expected to weaken due to wind shear and cooler waters. NASA's Terra satellite captured a visible image showing the storm's well-organized structure and cloud-filled eye.
Researchers found a group of Wnt proteins essential for long-term memory, but not short-term memory. The study suggests that Wnt signaling participates actively in memory formation and shares molecular mechanisms with early development.
People with lower self-esteem focus on others' posts, while those with higher self-esteem invest in personal profile information on Facebook. Individuals with higher self-esteem also show more agency, adding family, education, and work experience to their profiles.
The Wistar Institute has received a $1.5 million grant from the US Department of Defense to prepare its potential new prostate cancer drug Gamitrinib for trial in humans. The three-year grant will cover the costs of developing the data necessary to allow Gamitrinib's use in the clinic.
The Entomological Foundation awards Dr. John Acorn the Entomological Foundation Medal of Honor for his preeminence in the field through outstanding contributions. The foundation also recognizes Dr. Douglas B. Walsh's efforts in integrated pest management, resulting in a reduction of over 100,000 pounds of insecticide use annually.
Scientists have identified several natural ingredients with potential health benefits, including curcumin, which inhibits cancer cell growth and induces apoptosis. Other compounds found in ginger, cranberries, and olive oil also show promise in reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Researchers at Columbia University have won a $5.25 million NIH grant to develop a new single molecule electronic DNA sequencing platform that could reduce genome sequencing costs to $100. The platform uses nucleic acid chemistry, electronics, and protein engineering to sequence DNA in real-time.
A new method for producing nootkatone, extracted from grapefruit, could lead to the development of more effective and affordable insect repellents. The ingredient has been shown to repel mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects with a broad-spectrum effect.
Li Qian, an assistant professor at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, has received a New Scholar in Aging Award from the Ellison Medical Foundation. The award provides four years of funding to support her research on regenerating or repairing injured heart cells.
A new study reveals how maize plants regulate stem cell activity through a functional interaction between a G protein and an unexpected class of cell-surface receptors. The research, led by Professor David Jackson, provides insights into the CLAVATA signaling pathway and has implications for increasing crop yields.
A study published in Vaccine suggests that genetically engineered malaria parasites can be used as a vaccine to protect against infection. The attenuated parasites, which are stunted through precise gene deletions, induce robust immune responses that provide long-lasting protection.
Researchers Struck and Elmegreen found that the gravitational pull of young galaxy clumps is responsible for the smooth universal brightness profile in older disk galaxies. This process takes a few hundred million years to a few billion years, scattering stars from their original orbits.
Researchers investigate toxicology of alternate fuels, finding emissions from biodiesel vehicles are less mutagenic than petroleum-based diesel. The symposium also discusses human health effects of biofuels and engine changes with changing fuels.
Jean B. Owen, PhD, receives the highest honor from ASTRO for her extensive work in establishing and analyzing benchmarks for optimal care in radiation oncology. Her contributions include developing clinical performance measures and survey processes to improve quality of care nationwide.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has released a list of five targeted, evidence-based recommendations to support conversations between patients and physicians about necessary care. The recommendations aim to reduce waste and overuse in the healthcare system by identifying unnecessary tests and procedures in orthopaedics.
A new protein in Australian tarantula venom has been found to be highly toxic to the cotton bollworm, a major pest affecting crop yields. The orally active insecticidal peptide-1 (OAIP-1) shows potency similar to synthetic insecticides, offering potential for bioinsecticide applications.
Researchers have explored using terahertz radiation to detect early signs of melanoma, which starts in pigment-producing cells beneath the skin. T-rays can penetrate a few millimeters through cloth and skin, allowing for biochemical signatures of cancer to be detected, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
A new study published in PLOS ONE reveals that copper and copper alloys rapidly destroy norovirus, a highly-infectious sickness bug responsible for over 267 million cases worldwide. Copper surfaces can effectively shut down one avenue of infection, reducing the risk of outbreaks.
The CU-Boulder student-built DANDE satellite will investigate atmospheric density variations in the thermosphere, affecting satellite orbits and drag forces. Launched on Sept. 15, it will gather data for about one and a half years to improve models of the atmosphere.
A new Johns Hopkins research study reveals that nearly 80% of trauma centers treating predominantly minority patients have higher-than-expected death rates. Meanwhile, trauma patients of all races are 40% less likely to die if treated at hospitals with lower-than-expected mortality rates, which mostly serve white patients.
Researchers found that patients with Auto-Activation Deficit could dream when awakened from REM sleep, even if they seemed mentally blank during the day. The dreams were simple and lacked complexity, but still demonstrated brainstem stimulation's role in generating dream imagery.
A recent study found that people who are obese are more likely to experience occasional migraines, with obese individuals being 81% more likely to have episodic migraine. The research suggests that promoting healthy lifestyle choices for diet and exercise may be beneficial in managing episodic migraine.
Exposure to ionizing radiation during puberty increases the risk of developing aggressive ER negative breast cancers later in life. Researchers discovered that self-renewal of stem cells is the primary mechanism behind this increased risk.
Researchers developed a new program to simulate protein movements by exploiting similarities with robot arms, enabling faster and cheaper analysis. The project combines mechanical engineering and biosciences, aiming to understand protein movement and its potential applications in diseases.
A new gene-expression-based biomarker, the Breast Cancer Index (BCI), accurately identifies patients at continued risk of breast cancer recurrence after five years of treatment. The BCI distinguishes between high and low-risk patients, enabling prolonged treatment for those who remain at risk and avoiding unnecessary side effects.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have found that transplanting fat into mice with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) significantly lowers amino acid levels, a breakthrough for treating this rare inherited disorder. The procedure may also be effective for other metabolic diseases.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have developed an antibody that prevents Candida albicans from binding to heparin, stopping biofilm formation in a rat model. The study suggests that standard anticoagulants may facilitate biofilm formation by microbes, highlighting the need for new prevention strategies.
Wild male orangutans demonstrate remarkable planning skills by facing their intended travel direction and emitting specific vocalizations before embarking on journeys. Females within earshot often follow these planned paths, while subordinate males tend to avoid similar routes.
Wind shear significantly altered the rainfall pattern of Tropical Storm Gabrielle, with intense storms southeast of Bermuda receiving heavy rain. The storm is expected to weaken due to continued wind shear, which disrupts the heat engine and tilts the circulation center.
A new system enables cloud customers to quickly verify the proper execution of their software, protecting against malicious code and ensuring data privacy. The system uses a practical, succinct zero-knowledge proof that can fit in a single data packet.
The PsA-TT vaccine has been shown to dramatically reduce the incidence of all cases of meningitis by 94% and eliminate serogroup A meningococcal meningitis in vaccinated regions. Carriage of the disease-causing bacteria was also significantly reduced.
A computer system called MACH helps users practice social interactions, including eye contact, tone of voice, and filler words. Students who practiced with MACH demonstrated an improvement in interviews compared to the control group, suggesting its potential for addressing behavioral health issues.
A public opinion poll reveals a significant disparity between medical experts and the general public regarding the need to cut Medicare spending. While many experts believe future spending reductions are necessary, only 31% of the public agrees, with most believing Medicare recipients already pay or have prepaid their healthcare costs.