Researchers found that modifying electronic order set lists can significantly alter both the number and quality of lab tests ordered by clinicians. Including default selections increased the quality of lab tests, but also added costs.
Researchers at PNNL have developed a new test to assess the effectiveness of enzyme mixtures, which could reduce the time and cost of producing biofuels. The test uses activity-based protein profiling to track the activity of dozens of enzymes simultaneously.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that children who slept more for a week consumed an average of 134 fewer calories per day and weighed half a pound less compared to those who slept less. The study suggests that enhancing school-age children's sleep at night could have important implications for preventing and treating obesity.
A Carnegie Mellon University study found that repeating rare events can improve detection rates for security screeners. The researchers used a simulation to show that exposure to multiple threat events reduced the error rate from 45% to 25%. This technique could be applied to other occupations prone to inattentional blindness, such as ...
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that 17.9% of adolescent boys in the US are extremely concerned about their weight and physique, leading to increased risk of drug use and binge drinking. Boys focused on muscularity were more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors.
A study examines how mainstream news coverage of transgender-related news and policy issues reflects entrenched views about gender, particularly the notion that women are weak and vulnerable. The authors found that perceived threats to women's spaces spur panic, but that clear policies can calm down such reactions.
Researchers propose harnessing beneficial microbes to control opportunistic pathogens in household plumbing, which can harbor deadly germs like Legionella and M. avium complex. This approach aims to improve water-borne disease control by leveraging the microbiome's potential for competition.
A new study found that obesity is the largest predictor of earlier onset puberty in girls, with white girls experiencing breast development at a median age of 9.7 years. The study suggests that greater obesity may be the cause of this phenomenon, highlighting potential psychosocial and biologic outcomes for affected girls.
Guoquan Wang, a UH professor, has received an $168,000 NSF grant to develop GPS and LiDAR education at the university. The project includes creating an upper-level applications course and augmenting field methods courses with real-time GPS and seismic instruments.
A paper proposes a novel understanding of brain architecture using a network representation of connections within the primate cortex. The researchers describe the cortex as a network of connections with a bow tie structure, characterized by a dense core connecting to feed-forward and feedback pathways. This arrangement is found in self...
A new analysis examines factors affecting integration of mental health and substance abuse treatment services with medical care at community health centers. Health centers were more likely to offer behavioral health services if they were larger or located in areas with more psychiatrists and psychologists per capita.
Physicists at the University of Basel have developed a quantum-classical hybrid system to stabilize the wavelength of photons emitted by a semiconductor, removing charge noise and enabling a stable single-photon source. This breakthrough could lead to improvements in semiconductor-based spin qubits and quantum communication.
A recent study published in the Journal of Heredity has identified two distinct populations of bottlenose dolphins living in the Indian River Lagoon, separated by a north-south geographic area. The research also found genetic differences between these populations and those living in other areas, highlighting the importance of habitat a...
A new study found that underground gas injection was correlated with small earthquakes near Snyder, Texas, between 2006 and 2011. The researchers suggest that geological faults may be responsible for the triggering of these quakes in some areas but not others.
A three-year project aims to create an oral vaccine against C. difficile, which kills thousands annually. The novel approach uses harmless bacterial spores to boost immunity and targets the protein needed for the infection to take hold.
UTSA's two-year pilot project aims to identify reliable solutions to San Antonio's sewage overflows, which pose environmental and health risks. The study will use simulation and optimization algorithms to develop a model for the sewer system, with the goal of reducing overflows by 50%.
A team of researchers from the University of Texas at Arlington is developing a computational model to de-identify information in electronic health records, ensuring their anonymity. The project aims to balance data protection with secure access for secondary analysis and improved healthcare outcomes.
Ben Mazin's superconducting detector array measures individual photon energy, allowing for higher per-pixel performance and improved time resolution. The ARray Camera for Optical to Near-infrared Spectrophotometry (ARCONS) instrument enables megapixel arrays within a decade.
A study found that teenagers in the child welfare system have a higher risk of abusing marijuana, inhalants, and other drugs compared to their counterparts outside the system. Parental involvement is a key factor in reducing this risk, with youth who feel supported by parents being less likely to engage in high-risk behaviors.
A team of researchers challenges widely-held assumptions about the growth of medical tourism, citing a lack of credible data and regional factors. They argue that historical flows between countries, cultural relations, and geo-political factors drive medical tourism, rather than global market opportunities.
Severely obese teenagers who underwent weight-loss surgery experienced minimal complications, with no major complications or deaths reported during the initial hospitalization period. The study included 242 teens and found that only 8% experienced reoperation and 15% had minor complications like readmission for dehydration.
Edmund Clarke receives Bower Prize for his work on Model Checking, while Mark Kryder is awarded Benjamin Franklin Medal for Perpendicular Magnetic Recording. Both professors have made significant contributions to the field of information technology.
A new risk measure called a home score combines patients' symptoms and demographic information with local strep throat activity to estimate an individual's strep risk, empowering them to seek care appropriately. This innovative tool has the potential to eliminate 230,000 unnecessary doctor visits for strep throat in the US annually.
Based on Kepler data, scientists found that one in five sun-like stars has an Earth-size planet in its habitable zone. The estimated number suggests that life-supporting planets may be more common than previously thought.
The Population Council will showcase research on new contraceptive technologies, expanding access to family planning, and promoting gender equity. The conference highlights innovative solutions to improve the health and well-being of women and families in poor and underserved communities.
A national panel of experts recommends that osteopathic medical schools develop programs in partnership with teaching hospitals and training sites to provide more hands-on learning. The goal is to train primary care-focused physicians who can deliver team-based care and are proficient in prevention, health systems planning, leadership,...
A recent study by George Washington University found that 20% of Medicare's graduate medical education (GME) funding goes to New York, while 29 states receive less than 1%. The study highlights the need for reform in the GME payment system to address imbalances in physician availability across the country.
A preclinical study led by UTHealth researchers found that stem cell therapy promotes lasting cognitive improvement after brain injury. The treatment, known as MAPC therapy, was shown to reduce inflammation and improve brain function in mice.
Patients should never drive if taking narcotic pain medication, as it impairs cognitive judgment and reaction time. Additionally, using one arm can significantly limit safe driving abilities due to impaired coordination and control of the vehicle.
A new computing model developed by Virginia Tech researchers enables faster analysis and smarter insights from large-scale DNA sequencing data. This allows life scientists to collaborate globally on 24/7, sharing public data sets and facilitating large-scale collaborative research.
A research team led by Johns Hopkins engineers discovered that animals use opposing forces in their movements to increase both stability and maneuverability. This biomimetic approach is found in fish, hummingbirds, and bees, and could simplify designs for small robots that fly, swim, or move on mechanical legs.
Researchers found small differences between self-reported and measured weights following bariatric surgery, but self-reported weights were closer to actual weights than reported personal weights. Women underreported their weight by an average of 2.2 lbs., while men also showed similar underreporting.
Researchers have identified genes associated with brain aging, revealing a heritable basis for neurocognitive deterioration and decreased white matter integrity. The study used large pedigrees of Mexican Americans to disentangle genetic from non-genetic influences on aging.
The center will integrate operations at four locations, including the UC San Diego Jacobs Medical Center and the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine. It aims to translate discoveries into therapies that can improve and save lives, with a focus on treating cancer, Lou Gehrig's disease, and spinal cord injury.
Researchers reveal how neurons regulate PP1 protein through neurotransmitter NMDA, allowing PP1 to promote synaptic remodeling. A regulatory protein called inhibitor-2 also helps promote PP1 activity in neurons.
Researchers have mapped the structure of complement component C1, a protein responsible for spotting foreign agents and triggering the immune response. The study reveals how the complex is assembled from its constituent proteins, shedding light on the immune system's prevention of disease and potential therapeutic applications.
A clinical trial found gabapentin to be safe and effective in treating alcohol dependence, reducing cravings, depression, and sleeplessness. The drug's effect on drinking outcomes was at least as large as existing FDA-approved treatments, with significant benefits seen in patients who received the high-dose regimen.
Scientists demonstrated a breakthrough in quantum cryptography, enabling perfectly secure data transmission between two sites for up to fifteen milliseconds. This achievement marks the first step towards impregnable information networks controlled by Einstein's relativity and quantum theory.
Prime Minister Najib Razak emphasizes the need to address poverty and environmental concerns in a unified, people-centered agenda. Malaysia has achieved significant development milestones, but faces challenges like climate change and inequality.
The productivity of many lands has been dramatically reduced due to soil erosion, salinity accumulation, and nutrient depletion. A sustainable approach to agriculture is needed to maintain soil fertility and address climate change and biodiversity loss.
Researchers announced positive trial results for an artificial aortic heart valve that does not require open-heart surgery. The device showed high survival rates, low stroke risk, and significant improvements in patients' quality of life.
Three years after bariatric surgery, patients experienced significant weight loss, particularly in the first year. The study found that while there was variability in weight loss outcomes, many patients achieved substantial improvements in diabetes, blood pressure, and lipid profiles.
Researchers found chronic PTSD patients have gray matter structural damage in the prefrontal lobe, occipital lobe, and parietal lobe. Improved PTSD symptoms are associated with reduced but not recovered gray matter structural damage.
Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine are studying the quality and effectiveness of generic drugs for treating depression. They aim to determine if generic versions of bupropion HCl ER tablets work as well as brand-name Wellbutrin XL in treating depression, with a focus on safety and potential side effects.
A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that treadmill step training significantly improved spontaneous motor activity in rats with incomplete spinal cord injury. The training also promoted neural plasticity and growth-associated protein-43 expression, leading to functional recovery.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that women who adhered to a Mediterranean-type diet in midlife had greater physical and mental function in old age. Researchers also developed a scoring system to identify low-risk patients for strep throat, which could potentially save hundreds of thousands of doctor visits...
Tropical Depression 30W, also known as Wilma, formed and moved through the Visayas region of the Philippines. NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared images showing the depression's potential for heavy rainfall, particularly in the central Philippines.
Researchers propose a new method for robots to capture malfunctioning satellites in space. By mimicking the way animals track and capture prey, the team developed a bio-inspired solution that reduces damage and minimizes disruption to the spacecraft. This technology aims to revolutionize space maintenance and rescue operations.
Researchers discovered that snakes can optimize their vision by controlling blood flow in their eyes when perceiving threats. The coachwhip snake's visual blood flow patterns change depending on its environment, allowing for improved visual clarity in times of need.
A new test identifying low levels of placental growth factor may predict severe high blood pressure in pregnant women. It could also prevent unnecessary hospitalizations by monitoring those at high risk for developing preeclampsia.
Tropical Storm Sonia formed on Nov. 1 and made landfall in western Mexico by Nov. 4, with NASA capturing its brief life in a 36-second animation. The storm's maximum sustained winds reached 45 mph, but it weakened as it moved over rugged terrain.
Scientists from ZSL and Imperial College London capture images of five wild cat species, including the elusive bay cat, in a logged area of forest. The study reveals that large carnivores can survive in commercially logged forests, challenging conservation assumptions.
Researchers analyzed hot-air balloon tour crashes from 2000-2011, finding 78 crashes involving 518 occupants, with 91 serious injuries and 5 fatalities. Targeted interventions may improve crash outcomes and decrease injury severity.
A recent study published in Cancer Prevention Research found that women vaccinated with one dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine had stable antibodies against HPV viruses in their blood for up to four years. The results challenge previous dogma on protein subunit vaccines requiring multiple doses for long-lived responses.
A study of 126,134 users on OkCupid.com found that racial barriers to romance are not insurmountable online. While people tend to self-segregate by race, they are more likely to reciprocate a cross-race overture and initiate interracial contact in the future.
The Population Council has been awarded a flagship project by USAID to generate evidence for strengthening family planning and reproductive health services. The EVIDENCE project will address critical challenges in scaling up quality programs, including financing, contraceptive access, and social norms.
SPIRou, a near-infrared spectropolarimeter and high-precision velocimeter, will detect habitable Earth twins orbiting nearby red dwarf stars and study the formation of Sun-like stars and their planets. The instrument's advanced technology will reveal the existence of liquid water on planetary surfaces.
Researchers are developing computer-aided diagnosis methods for mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs to identify specific tumor characteristics. This technique may also help identify genes that influence the risk of disease.
A team of scientists has revealed the details of a microbial process regulating the global nitrogen budget in the oceans. They found that anammox, a process converting fixed nitrogen to N2, affects primary productivity and isocyan signature patterns in oxygen minimum zones.
A new, giant species of extinct platypus, Obdurodon tharalkooschild, has been discovered in Australia. The estimated length of the species is nearly a meter, twice that of the modern platypus. The fossil record suggests that platypuses became smaller and reduced their teeth through time.
Whitehead Institute scientists report that the FLCN protein acts as a trigger to activate the mTORC1 pathway, which regulates cell growth in response to nutrient levels. This unexpected finding may provide insight into how cancer cells distort normal cellular functions to maintain their own harmful ways.
Women who underwent bariatric surgery experienced significant improvements in sexual functioning, including arousal and satisfaction, as well as better reproductive hormone levels and reduced depressive symptoms. They also reported improved body image after weight loss.
Researchers at LMU identified ZNF281 as a critical factor in colon cancer metastasis, driving the transition from epithelial to mesenchymal cells. The protein's inhibition prevents metastasis in mice, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for colon cancer treatment.
The Missouri Botanical Garden is testing a new approach to improve access to digital texts by using crowd sourcing and online gaming. The project aims to enhance texts from the Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL), which contains over 40 million pages of scanned texts.
Researchers found acupuncture activates ephrin-B/EphB signaling, potentially improving pain and repairing injured nerves. The study provides insight into the mechanisms underlying acupuncture's effects on neuropathic injury and pain.
A new study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology shows that calmness affects test performance and job outcomes. Candidates who experience high anxiety tend to underperform, while those with motivation score higher on both tests and in their roles.
A new study assesses the impact of offshore wind farm construction on marine mammals, providing a framework to mitigate potential harm. The research focuses on harbor seals and could inform climate change targets while protecting endangered species.
Researchers at NJIT developed a flexible battery using carbon nanotubes that can be used to power flexible displays and devices. The battery's flexibility allows it to be used in various applications, including powering electric cars.
Researchers at SISSA have identified a key mechanism by which riboswitches regulate gene expression in bacteria. By using computer simulations to model the dynamics of the process, they found that binding to a metabolite molecule stabilizes the active form of the riboswitch, triggering protein synthesis.
Severely obese patients who underwent gastric bypass or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding surgical procedures experienced substantial weight loss, with most of the change occurring in the first year. The study also found significant improvements in obesity-related complications, including diabetes, hypertension, and high choleste...
A telemedicine program called HEALTH-COP improved health outcomes for children with obesity in rural California. Clinicians learned how to better assess patients' weight, provide nutrition and physical activity counseling, and implement strategies to change lifestyle behavior.
A computer model developed by a University of California, Riverside sociologist and Indio police has predicted burglaries by census block group, leading to an 8% decline in thefts. The model uses crime data and truancy records to anticipate hot spots of crime, enabling targeted prevention activities.
A study found that clinicians are more likely to recommend invasive prenatal tests like amniocentesis for mothers who conceived naturally, compared to those who used assisted reproductive technologies (ART). The 'precious baby' phenomenon may affect medical advice, with doctors being influenced by the method of conception.
Researchers found that chronic fluoxetine administration can induce a 'juvenile-like' state in specific neurons of the prefrontal cortex, potentially leading to improved plasticity and neural function. This discovery may revolutionize the prevention and treatment of depressive disorders.
A new international collaboration aims to advance commercial opportunities in next-generation electronic devices by developing more accurate measurements of strain at the nano-scale. The Nanostrain project seeks to drive innovation in areas such as microelectronics, ICT, and sensors industries.
A new approach to treating high blood pressure aims to reduce medication usage while preventing more heart attacks and strokes. Researchers found that considering multiple factors beyond just blood pressure levels can lead to more effective treatment.
A study found that six patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer developed mutations in the estrogen receptor after taking anti-estrogen therapies, leading to treatment resistance. The discovery sheds light on why patients become resistant to hormonal therapy and offers new insights into developing targeted treatments.
Tropical Storm Haiyan is strengthening due to warm waters and low wind shear, expected to intensify to a powerful typhoon before landfall in the Philippines on Nov 8. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecasts Haiyan will have maximum sustained winds of near 45 knots/51.7 mph/83.3 kph.
Gary M. Shaw receives Agnes Higgins Award for his research on human birth defects, highlighting the link between prenatal nutrition and increased risk of birth defects. The award recognizes Dr. Shaw's efforts to improve maternal nutrition and baby health.
A new algorithm developed at Northwestern University can accurately track physical activity no matter where a patient carries their phone. The study's findings are crucial for improving the health of patients with Parkinson's disease, who may carry their phones in different locations throughout the day.
A University of Southampton study has found that ibuprofen provides no benefit for patients with respiratory tract infections, including colds and sore throats. The research also showed that steam inhalation has no clear symptom-relieving effect, while ibuprofen may actually contribute to the progression of illness in some individuals.
Researchers at University College London have developed a new method for building membrane-crossing pores using Lego-like DNA building blocks. This approach provides a simple and low-cost tool for synthetic biology and has potential applications in diagnostic devices and drug discovery. The technique uses two large anchors to embed the...
A RAND Corporation study suggests that expanding patient-centered medical homes and nurse-managed health centers can help eliminate up to 50% of the expected primary care physician shortage by 2025. These new models rely on a mix of medical providers, including nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
Researchers have recorded unprecedented observations of energy moving through diamond impurities, providing a starting point for new insights into critical electronic-state phenomena. The findings hold broad implications for magnetometry, quantum information, and sensing applications.
The latest issue of ZooKeys has been automatically registered in ZooBank, marking the successful deployment of an automated registration-to-publication pipeline for taxonomic names. This innovation is part of a joint EU and US National Science Foundation project to develop the Global Names Architecture.
A study by UC Berkeley researchers found that wives' ability to calm down during disputes is linked to higher marital satisfaction. Constructive communication by wives helps couples resolve conflicts, while husbands' quick problem-solving mode often leads to disagreements.
The new journal will cover a range of topics including microscopic methods, optogenetics, and computational methods relevant to understanding brain function. It aims to foster greater awareness and interaction among the photonics, neuroscience, and clinical communities.
College of Veterinary Medicine researcher Yunjeong Kim is working on a novel approach to combat feline coronavirus and calicivirus infections, which cause life-threatening illnesses in cats. She has identified a promising compound that targets the virus protease, essential for successful replication.
University of Helsinki researchers have developed photochemically active polymers that can switch from a trans conformation to a cis conformation using light. This phenomenon allows for the creation of complex patterns and designs in liquids, opening up new possibilities for materials science and optics.
Researchers at UCSF advocate empowering all team members to care for a large number of patients based on their training and abilities. They recommend expanding the scope of practice for registered nurses, pharmacists, physical therapists, and medical assistants to provide care for uncomplicated medical problems.
The Theory in Biosciences journal commemorates Alfred Russel Wallace's contributions to evolutionary biology and biogeography. Wallace was a leading scientist who published extensively on various topics, including natural selection and biodiversity research.
Before hitting wind shear, NASA's TRMM Satellite observed heavy rainfall in Typhoon Krosa, with rain rates exceeding 116mm/hour. The storm weakened significantly over the South China Sea, making landfall far south of Vietnam on Nov. 5.
Women who underwent bariatric surgery reported significant improvements in overall sexual function, including desire, arousal, lubrication, and satisfaction. Additionally, they experienced gains in reproductive hormones and psychological status.
A 300-year-old Asian elephant specimen has been reclassified as an African elephant due to genetic and physical evidence. The discovery confirms that the specimen, named Hansken, was likely from West Central Africa and challenges traditional understanding of the species' classification.
A new study predicts a sixfold increase in the number of potential invaders in Arctic waters by 2100 due to warmer climate and increased shipping. The researchers expect an increasing pressure on marine ecosystems, threatening traditional fisheries in Norway and Greenland.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals that women and African Americans are at a higher risk of heart attack due to atrial fibrillation. The study found that patients with AF, especially women and African-Americans, have a more than double increased risk of heart attack compared to those without AF.
UC Riverside researchers found that recipients prefer to hear bad news first, while news-givers prefer good news. However, the timing of good news can impact behavior change, with a good-bad-good delivery strategy potentially undermining its effectiveness. The study suggests a good-then-bad news order may be more beneficial for recipie...
This special issue explores the interconnections between climate change, biodiversity, ecosystem functionality, and ecosystem services. It highlights the need for adaptation efforts that consider managing landscapes to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem attributes.
Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to determine which patients with glioblastoma would benefit from anti-angiogenic drugs. Persistent improvement in vessel perfusion and oxygen delivery was found to be associated with longer survival rates among patients.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals that offspring of stressed mothers show stress-induced changes at birth, with altered behavior and gender-related differences continuing into adulthood. The researchers identified the CRF1 gene as a key contributor to this intergenerational transmission of patterns.
Foreign-educated and foreign-born health professionals fill critical gaps in the US healthcare workforce, particularly in primary care physicians and nursing positions. However, relying on these workers may reduce incentives for addressing healthcare workforce shortages and lead to instability.
The use of electronic health records and consumer e-health apps is expected to profoundly impact the American healthcare workforce over the next decade, reducing future demand for physicians by 4-7%. This is due to increased efficiency and delegation of care to nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
A recent genetic study published in Scientific Reports reveals that Israel's wild boars descended from European pigs brought by the Philistines approximately 3,000 years ago. The research analyzed DNA samples from over 25 modern-day wild boars and found a dominant European genetic signature.