A new UCSF study reveals large price swings in patient charges for the 10 most common outpatient conditions in emergency rooms across the country. The median charge for total outpatient conditions was $1,233, with some patients facing bills of $4 to $24,110.
Researchers from Basque Country describe two new species of Hydnum mushroom, Hydnum ovoideisporum and Hydnum vesterholtii, with distinct ovoid spores and ecological characteristics. The study confirms high genetic diversity among the genus, shedding light on their distribution and ecology.
A tablet-based experiment found that subconcussive head impacts in soccer can cause changes in performance on certain cognitive tasks, particularly those requiring voluntary responses. High school female soccer players were significantly slower than non-players when pointing away from a target.
A recent UEF study reveals that high cell sugar concentrations boost hyaluronan production, which can fuel cancer growth. Regulating hyaluronan levels may hold the key to preventing cancer progression.
The University of Nottingham will lead two innovative manufacturing centres, one in food production and the other in medical devices, with a focus on sustainable food production and cost-effective medical device manufacturing. The £45 million package of investment aims to drive growth and keep the UK ahead in the global race.
A new study published in PLOS ONE finds rapid and point-of-care tests for syphilis are as accurate as conventional laboratory tests, making them a viable solution for resource-limited settings. The findings have major worldwide implications for populations living in rural areas with limited access to healthcare.
Researchers identified a molecule called lipoxin A4 that plays a crucial role in resolving airway inflammation in asthma. This discovery provides new direction for developing next-generation asthma therapies to decrease chronic inflammation.
A researcher at North Carolina State University has created a more efficient method for producing high-density ceramic materials. The new technique, known as selective-melt sintering, allows for the creation of ceramics with no porosity and increased strength in just under a second.
Researchers developed an Adaptation for Conservation Targets (ACT) framework to assess climate change impacts on natural resources. The framework enables scientists and managers to work together to adjust management actions and address the 'What do we do about it?' question.
Researchers analyzed EEGs from autistic children and found a structural difference in brain connections, including increased short-range and decreased long-range connections. This pattern may underlie autism's classic cognitive profile of focused tasks but poor integration across brain areas.
A new genetic analysis of human lice from around the world sheds light on their evolution, disease transmission, and resistance to insecticides. The study's findings suggest that lice can be used as a tool to understand human migration patterns and test ideas about human evolution.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have identified a potential new target for meningitis B vaccination, offering hope for universal protection. The discovery focuses on the Adhesin Complex Protein (ACP), which stimulates the production of antibodies that kill bacteria, providing protection against multiple MenB strains.
A new study investigates the connection between amphibian social habits and a fungus called Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which causes Chytridiomycosis. The researchers aim to understand how behavior affects the spread of the disease in California's slender salamander populations.
University of Toronto researchers dominated eight prize categories in this year's Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) awards. A total of nine U of T researchers won honours, including Stephen Cook receiving the Gerhard Herzberg Canada Gold Medal for Science and Engineering.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a nanotube-based photodetector that can detect light across the visible and infrared spectrum. The device, made from extra-long carbon nanotubes, promises to make possible new optoelectronic devices, solar cells, and specialized cameras.
A study found that even organic foods not stored, prepared, or cooked in plastic containers can contain phthalates and bisphenol A. High levels of these chemicals were detected in dairy products, spices, and children's bodies.
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center successfully infused large numbers of donor T-cells specific for the Wilm's Tumor Antigen 1 (WT1) to prolong survival in high-risk leukemia patients. The treatment showed improved anti-leukemic activity and reduced graft-vs.-host-disease.
Researchers found that patients with metastatic gastric cancer who underwent both surgery and radiation had better survival rates than those receiving one or no treatment. Radiation therapy also showed promise in reducing symptoms such as pain, obstruction, and bleeding from gastric tumors.
A Wayne State University study found seasonal fluctuations in blood lead levels among children are linked to resuspended dust contaminated with lead. The research, based on nine years of data from over 367,000 children, highlights the need for improved controls to prevent lead exposure.
Research suggests that older people who expect a bleak future are more likely to take precautions to maintain health and safety, leading to better outcomes. Meanwhile, younger individuals tend to have a brighter outlook but may face greater risks of disabilities and death.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that higher indoor humidity levels can significantly reduce the infectivity of influenza virus particles. Indoor humidity above 40% is essential to inactivate flu virus particles, with most inactivation occurring within the first 15 minutes, reducing viral particle infectivity by up to 86%.
Friedreich's Ataxia, a rare genetic disorder, imposes significant annual costs of £11,000 to £19,000 on individuals. The study emphasizes the need for tailored resource allocation to maximize quality of life while minimizing its impact.
A study of over 40,000 Kaiser Permanente patients found no increased risk of infection or complications following total knee replacement (TKR) for those with diabetes. However, patients with uncontrolled diabetes were more likely to be obese and have severe comorbidities.
Researchers use small angle neutron scattering to study ion adsorption in pores of different sizes, understanding how factors like pore size and electrolyte properties affect ion concentration. The technique provides new insights into optimizing energy storage and water desalination systems.
Scientists report new estimates that downgrade additional land available for biofuel production by nearly 80%. The revised estimates suggest 140 million-2.6 billion acres of land can be cultivated for biofuels, compared to previous estimates of 800 million-3.5 billion acres.
The Aquarius instrument captures the first full year of surface salinity data, revealing rapid evolutions of salt patterns in the tropics. Salinity variations drive ocean circulation and provide valuable insights into global climate change.
A new Cochrane systematic review finds starch-based IV fluids used by the NHS cause unnecessary deaths. Researchers conclude that these fluids are more expensive than saline-based crystalloid fluids and increase the risk of death.
A study at the University of Chicago shows that birds' brains coordinate physical actions and brain activity to produce complex movements, similar to how humans govern skilled performance. The research may lead to new ways of understanding human speech production and other complex movements.
Researchers developed a genetically modified protein that reverses vitiligo in mice and shows similar effects on human skin tissue samples. The modified protein, called mutant HSP70i, supplants normal HSP70i, thereby reversing the autoimmune response that causes vitiligo.
Researchers have achieved a major advance in understanding genetic information transcription from DNA to RNA, illuminating critical molecular interactions during the step-by-step process. The study provides new insights into how proteins work together to ensure accurate loading of DNA into Pol II at the start of a gene sequence.
Researchers found that reintroducing normal microbial diversity can eliminate vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) from the intestinal tracts of mice and potentially humans. The study suggests that certain bacterial species, such as Barnesiella, play a key role in preventing colonization by VRE.
A NIH-funded study identifies fundamental math skills needed for functioning in adult life, including number system knowledge. Children who failed to acquire these basic math skills by first grade scored far behind peers by seventh grade on a test of mathematical abilities.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center found that two antagonistic proteins help keep leukemia at bay by maintaining balance in stem cell production. The study suggests that new compounds could fight cancer by targeting the pathways responsible for regulating these proteins.
VitaThreads, a WPI startup developing biopolymer microthreads for wound healing and tissue regeneration, has made it to the final four in the Association of University Technology Managers' international business plan contest. The company will present its business plan on March 1 in San Antonio, Texas.
New research investigates how social information processing patterns, urgency, and rumination contribute to adolescent mental health disorders. The studies found that Fast Track intervention improved antisocial behavior in youth, while urgency levels predicted depression, and individual differences in distraction shared genetic sources...
Two new species of gorgonian inhabiting barnacles have been found in São Tomé and Príncipe, demonstrating a unique ability to recognize and choose a preferred host. The high degree of symbiotic relationship is believed to be mediated by pheromones, allowing barnacle larvae to determine where to settle.
A national study found same-sex couples who cohabitate have poorer health than their heterosexual married counterparts, despite potential benefits from marriage such as partner insurance and social support. The research may suggest that legalizing same-sex marriage could positively impact the health of these individuals.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have validated a questionnaire to assess youth participation in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)-related helping activities. The Service to Others in Sobriety (SOS) questionnaire shows promise in identifying youths at risk of relapse and promoting recovery.
A novel fabrication technique called selective area atomic layer deposition (ALD) developed by Brian Willis could vastly improve the efficiency of solar rectenna arrays. Rectennas can harness more than 70% of the sun's electromagnetic radiation, converting it into usable electric power.
Bearded capuchin monkeys deliberately place palm nuts in a stable position to crack them open, revealing their capacity for tactile strategy. The researchers found that the monkeys' tool-use skills improved with experience, as they learned to optimize the placement of the nut based on its shape.
A $3 million NIH grant will fund a two-year study investigating the short and long-term consequences of soccer heading on the brain. The researchers, led by Dr. Michael Lipton, will assess the relationship between heading frequency and structural and cognitive measures using advanced MRI technology and cognitive tests.
Researchers have devised a model of oxygen-ion dynamics that contribute to the conductivity of yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ), a material of great interest in electrochemical devices. By understanding oxygen-ion diffusion, scientists aim to reduce fuel cell operating temperatures from above 700°C to room temperature.
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln study finds that childhood socioeconomic disadvantages and maternal depression increase the risk of major depression and chronic pain in working-aged adults. Hunger experienced in childhood can lead to chronic pain and depression later in life.
A new study found that CRE-positive patients took an average of 387 days to be clear of the organism after hospital discharge. Risk factors for extended carriage included multiple hospitalizations and active infections.
A camera embedded in a rubber-sheathed plastic foam football can record video while in flight, providing a unique ball's-eye view of the field. The researchers developed a computer algorithm that converts raw video into a stable, wide-angle view.
Indiana University neuroscientists have found evidence of source memory in rats, which has implications for future research into the biological underpinnings of memory and the treatment of diseases marked by memory failure. The study provides converging evidence that rats rely on source memory to recall how they acquired information.
A recent study published by the American Sociological Association found that same-sex cohabitors experience poorer self-rated health compared to their heterosexual married counterparts. The study controlled for socioeconomic status and found significant disparities in health between same-sex cohabitors and married individuals.
Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have developed a novel immunotherapy that could work like a vaccine against metastatic cancers. The therapy, called Flagrp-170, uses a molecule engineered to stimulate the immune system and attack cancer cells, with promising results in animal models.
Researchers reveal extraordinary fossil find of fuxianhuiid arthropod with legs used to shovel sediment into the mouth, shedding light on one of Earth's earliest evolutionary examples of complex animal life. The discovery also features the oldest known post-cephalic nervous system, dating back 520 million years.
A large epidemiological study found that increased sugar availability was linked to higher diabetes rates, independent of obesity. The researchers analyzed data from 175 countries and found a 1% increase in diabetes prevalence for every additional 150 calories of sugar per person per day.
Bioengineering researchers at UC Santa Barbara found that changing the shape of chemotherapy drug nanoparticles from spherical to rod-shaped made them up to 10,000 times more effective at targeting and delivering anti-cancer drugs to breast cancer cells. The rod-shaped nanoparticles were engineered with an antibody called trastuzumab t...
Researchers have successfully revived ancient enzymes that enable antibiotic-resistant bacteria to thrive. The 2-3 billion-year-old proteins were reconstructed and studied for their stability, structure, and function, offering insights into the evolution of antibiotic resistance.
Surgeons who played games on a Nintendo Wii improved certain metrics of performance on laparascopies. The study found that Wii-trained surgeons showed significant improvements in economy of instrument movements and efficient cautery.
Researchers used NuSTAR to observe X-rays emitted by hot gas near a supermassive black hole, ruling out obscuring clouds and conclusively measuring its spin rate. The findings provide crucial clues about the fundamental relationship between black holes and their host galaxies.
The University of Nottingham has received two five-year research grants to develop next-gen 'smart' manufacturing systems that can adapt quickly to changes in product requirements and technology. These systems will enable self-repair, self-adaptation, and reconfiguration with low-cost maintenance.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that children with autism spectrum disorders display more social behaviors like talking and physical contact when interacting with animals than with toys. The presence of animals also increases instances of smiling and laughing, and reduces negative behaviors.
Scientists have created a new water-repellent coating that rapidly absorbs water molecules preventing freezing and allows larger droplets to form as flattened droplets. This coating could be used in various applications such as automobile windshields and camera lenses.
A study by the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research found a link between high vitamin D levels in expectant mothers and increased infant allergy risks. Mothers with low vitamin D levels had fewer food allergies in their children, while those with high levels had higher risks.
A small study found that babies born to overweight or obese mothers already have thickened artery walls, a sign of heart disease. This finding suggests that maternal weight may contribute to a child's risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified 25 human proteins that may be critical to HIV-1's ability to infect new cells. These proteins are found in viruses from two different types of infected cells, providing a potential target for diagnosis and treatment.