A Johns Hopkins study suggests that paired kidney exchanges, also known as 'kidney chains,' could increase by an additional 1,099 transplants annually if more hospitals perform these transplants. The growth in the use of these exchanges stalled since 2010 due to financial barriers related to logistics and administrative costs.
Researchers found that bacterial communities on roller derby players predict team membership and become significantly more similar when opposing teams compete. The study highlights the potential for contact sports to influence our microbiome, with implications for healthcare and disease transmission.
The ACEmobile app uses the latest version of the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE-III) to provide a sensitive, reliable, and secure dementia assessment tool. The app will be made available free of charge via iTunes and Google Play, allowing clinicians around the world to access accurate diagnoses and aid in earlier treatment.
A systematic review of 13 modelling studies found that pre-exposure prophylaxis with antiretroviral drugs is the most cost-effective strategy for preventing HIV infection in people at risk. The cost-effectiveness of this approach depends on factors such as drug costs, epidemic context, and individual adherence levels.
A new technique for reconstructing the nose after skin cancer has been developed at Michigan Medicine, offering a more efficient and effective solution. The procedure eliminates the need for a skin flap, reducing the risk of complications and allowing patients to achieve good cosmetic results without undergoing a second surgery.
Researchers have sequenced the wild rice genome, revealing the silencing of retrotransposons and massive internal deletions that led to its compact genome. The study also found expanded gene families in cultivated rice due to tandem duplications and gene movements.
A new study found that infants prefer individuals who are nice to people like them and mean to people who aren't like them. This preference is present in infancy and helps form social bonds but can also lead to mistreating others who are different.
A recent international study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that darbepoetin alfa, a commonly used anemia drug for heart failure patients, does not reduce the risk of death or hospitalization. The treatment only increased hemoglobin levels but did not provide any significant clinical benefits.
Researchers discovered distinct gene expression patterns in Antarctic midge and Arctic springtail species, revealing unique strategies for coping with dehydration. The findings highlight the power of genomics in advancing polar science and uncovering previously undetected differences between these extreme ecosystems.
A new study proposes converting New York's all-purpose energy infrastructure to renewable energy sources like wind, water, and sunlight. The plan aims to reduce pollution-related costs, create local jobs, and save the state billions of dollars annually.
A new type of retinoblastoma has been discovered, driven by an oncogene, and is found in babies with no family history. The cancer starts long before birth and can be identified through molecular diagnostics.
Researchers found that role reversal was caused by an imbalance in the numbers of males relative to females. In sex-reversed species like seahorses, males take on traditional female roles, such as caring for offspring and competing with each other for mates.
A meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials found that adjunctive antipsychotic medications improve depressive symptoms but have limited effects on quality of life. The treatments are also linked to side effects such as weight gain, sedation, and akathisia.
Researchers discover that specific aromatic amino acids are necessary for bacterial nanowires to conduct electricity, enabling potential applications in fuel cells and bioelectronics. The study shows that removing these key components renders the wires non-conductive.
A study of over 3.3 million PCI procedures found that major bleeding was associated with significantly increased in-hospital mortality, with an estimated 12% of deaths related to bleeding complications. The researchers suggest that bleeding-related mortality may be modifiable through established strategies.
A groundbreaking study explores the psychological impact of parental deportation on US-born children, who face separation from their families and uncertain futures. The research aims to understand what circumstances lead to better or worse outcomes for these children.
A study in the Coll de Nargó archaeological site in Lleida has documented detailed records of four new dinosaur egg species, expanding our understanding of sauropod nesting habits. The discovery also sheds light on the geological formation of the region and its connection to French dinosaurs.
A University of Miami graduate student has been awarded a grant to study the effects of climate change on staghorn corals, which have experienced an 80% decline in populations over the last 30 years. The research aims to identify markers for resilience to climate change.
A new study found a link between post-discharge activity levels and the risk of hospital readmission in elderly patients within 30 days. Activity levels were tracked using wearable devices, revealing that those with lower activity were at higher risk of rehospitalization.
A study published in Psychological Science found that infants prefer those who harm dissimilar individuals, indicating an early form of schaudenfreude or social alliances. By 9 months, babies assess their surroundings to determine friend or foe based on perceived differences and similarities.
Researchers at SISSA have simulated a catalyst that mimics nature's process of producing 'green' fuel from sunlight. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, uses Ru4-POM to oxidize water and produce hydrogen, paving the way for cost-effective and efficient energy storage.
Researchers believe neural synchrony is key to understanding how the human brain perceives and processes information. Synchrony code suggests precise timing coordination across neurons is necessary to control brain circuits.
Johns Hopkins researchers have discovered that mesenchymal stem cells derived from human adipose tissue can seek out and destroy glioblastoma cancer cells in the brain. This innovative approach may provide a new tool for accessing difficult-to-reach areas of the brain where cancer cells proliferate.
A study found that brain imaging after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussion can detect microbleed lesions and tube-shaped linear lesions, which may be associated with vascular injury. These lesions could potentially provide a target for treating people with mTBI.
The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has selected six papers published in 2012 to receive the Cozzarelli Prize. The prize acknowledges papers that reflect scientific excellence and originality, particularly in physical and mathematical sciences.
Researchers Effy Vayena and John Tasioulas propose a framework for adapting standards of ethical oversight to participant-led health research, balancing autonomy with benefits. The proposed categories identify varying levels of risk to participants, aiming to prevent over-regulation and protect individual liberty.
A new low-cost nano-biosensor can detect Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis. The biosensor uses gold nanoparticles and has the potential for commercial development.
A randomized controlled trial of over 14,000 infants found that improved breastfeeding duration and exclusivity had no impact on childhood obesity at age 11.5 years. The study suggests that socially patterned factors may explain observed associations between breastfeeding and growth.
Coral reefs are evaluated using fluorescence levels which decrease with stress and increase before bleaching, making it a non-invasive early indicator of coral health. This novel method improves on current testing technologies and could aid in reef conservation efforts.
The Colombian Orinoco Basin's protected areas have almost doubled, but ecosystem protection does not increase proportionally, indicating a lack of planning and management capacities. Indigenous Reserves are crucial for conservation, but their status as Protected Area categories is debated.
A University of Michigan Stroke Program study suggests that the combination of blood thinners and tPA treatment for stroke does not increase the risk of brain bleeding. The research, based on data from 830 patients, found no significant difference in brain bleeding rates even among those taking aspirin or clopidogrel.
A long-term climate monitoring network in Nevada is being expanded to include hazard monitoring, providing researchers, educators, and the public with access to real-time data and tools. The network aims to support sustainable research and education, as well as inform community planning and disaster preparedness.
Surviving patients with ruptured aneurysms have persistent problems in key areas affecting quality of life, including mobility and anxiety/depression. Long-term follow-up care plans are necessary to address these challenges.
The authors implemented an electronic data collection tool in a large referral hospital in southern Malawi, using the Surveillance Programme of IN-patients and Epidemiology (SPINE) system. This tool allows for accurate assessment of disease burden and monitoring of changing patterns of disease at the hospital.
A new method called Jokestega uses automatic joke generation to hide secret messages in plain text documents, avoiding grammar disruptions. The technique takes advantage of recent software that can create pun-type jokes, allowing for efficient and humorous message concealment.
Scientists have discovered how influenza viruses evade T cell immunity, enabling researchers to design vaccines targeting distinct virus strains for universal protection. This breakthrough may lead to the development of a new universal influenza vaccine to combat both seasonal and pandemic outbreaks.
Researchers found that as cows' core body temperatures rise above 101°F, they stand for longer periods to disperse heat. Dairy producers can use this behavior to improve herd well-being and efficiency by providing cooling systems.
Researchers found that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improved working memory performance in individuals with schizophrenia, comparable to healthy subjects. The study suggests rTMS as a potential treatment for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
Researchers have identified a genetic cause of developmental delay in Amish individuals, characterized by learning disabilities and hyperactivity. The HERC2 gene mutation leads to an unstable protein that causes similar symptoms to Angelman syndrome.
Researchers found that preschoolers can use introspection to improve accuracy in decision-making. They were more likely to choose a 'don't know' option when uncertain. The study, published in Child Development, suggests that children as young as 3 are aware of their uncertainty and can use it to inform their decisions.
A recent study published in JAMA found that quitting smoking is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, even after subsequent weight gain. The study included data from the Framingham Offspring Study and found that among participants without diabetes, recent quitters had a 53% lower risk for CVD compared to smokers.
A recent study by University of Maryland researcher Waverly Ding found that women are almost 50% less likely than men to be invited to join corporate scientific advisory boards and start new companies. The study suggests that academia can counteract this inequity by utilizing technology transfer offices, which can help female professor...
Researchers found a strong link between job burnout and coronary heart disease, with the top 20% of burnt-out employees facing a 79% increased risk. Burnout is associated with physical wear and tear, weakening the body's defenses against cardiovascular disease.
Research suggests autistic children are 28 times more likely to contemplate or attempt suicide than typical children, with demographics and behavioral problems being key risk factors. The study analyzed data from over 700 children with autism, finding depression was the strongest single predictor of suicidal ideation or attempts.
A new study suggests that current CDC guidelines for HIV screening are too restrictive, recommending less frequent testing for both high- and low-risk groups. More frequent screenings, up to every three months for high-risk individuals and every three years for low-risk groups, would be cost-effective in the long run.
Infant girls exposed to high levels of DDT while pregnant are three times more likely to develop hypertension as adults. Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart disease, which claims millions of lives worldwide.
A nationwide Swedish study of over 300,000 young men found that those with low cognitive scores were at a higher risk of sustaining a mild traumatic brain injury. The study also identified other risk factors for mild traumatic brain injuries, including socioeconomic status and physical fitness.
Researchers found that contaminated water used to dilute pesticides can carry human noroviruses, potentially contaminating the food chain. The study suggests that pesticide application may be a microbiological risk factor for public health.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a micro-endoscope that can resolve objects four times better than previous devices, enabling new methods in diverse fields. The so-called micro-endoscope is a significant step forward in high-resolution bio-imaging with potential applications in research and clinical practice.
A team of scientists has found an extremely rare triple quasar system, which is believed to be the result of galaxies colliding. The system consists of three distinct sources of energy, with two members closer together than the third.
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that Medicare spending for advanced cancer patients does not correlate with survival rates. Despite significant regional differences in spending, researchers discovered a strong link between higher spending and more frequent hospital visits.
Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital have found that decreasing tube voltage in CT colonography does not negatively impact image quality, allowing for reduced radiation doses. The study, published in Radiology, aims to improve the safety of colon cancer screenings while maintaining diagnostic quality.
A large nationwide study found that female doctors' patients do not use health-care services more frequently than those treated by male doctors, contradicting previous investigations. The study suggests focusing on factors like smoking and diet to influence health-care utilization and mortality.
A new study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology highlights the need to improve antibiotic use in outpatient dialysis facilities. Nearly one-third of antibiotic prescriptions were classified as inappropriate, with blood-stream infections being the most common misdiagnosed infection based on unmet criteria.
A new protein Smad7 has been found to protect against and heal mouth sores commonly associated with cancer treatment. The protein was administered genetically or topically to mouse models, resulting in dramatic resistance to oral mucositis development.
Researchers identified an enzyme that removes ADP-ribose modifications from proteins, essential for normal cell function. This finding provides a new pathogenic mechanism for neurodegenerative disorders and may lead to the development of new cancer drugs.
A recent study led by George Washington University Assistant Biology Professor Alex Pyron used DNA sequencing technology to discover a new species of blindsnake in Sri Lanka, revealing the island's immense biodiversity. The research also shed light on the evolutionary relationships between snakes and other reptiles globally.
Researchers at Mount Sinai are studying spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological disorder characterized by vocal cord spasms. The team aims to identify new drug targets and diagnostic biomarkers using advanced neuroimaging methodologies.
A new study predicts that the summer monsoon rains over the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico will arrive later in the coming decades due to climate change. The delay is expected to affect agriculture, livestock, and desert ecosystems, with potential impacts on crop yields, wildfires, and water resources.
The Life Sciences Discovery Fund has awarded nearly $750,000 in Proof of Concept grants to three Washington organizations to develop and test new diagnostic and therapeutic products. These grants will help accelerate the transition of promising technologies from concept to commercial product.