A proposed funding mechanism coupled with a competitive peer-review process may transform the physician workforce, according to an analysis in Health Affairs. The current system is inflexible, ignoring growing needs for competencies beyond acute patient care.
More than 22 million postmenopausal women in the European Union are at risk of developing osteoporosis, which can lead to debilitating fractures, pain, and premature death. The disease is expected to increase by 23% from 2010 to 2025, with a total health burden estimated at 1,180,000 lost QALYs.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America has launched a new open access journal, Open Forum Infectious Diseases, which will publish clinical, translational, and basic research findings in infectious diseases. The journal will be fully peer-reviewed and accessible online at no cost.
A study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that diabetic patients treated in the emergency department who received automated daily text messages improved their blood glucose levels and self-reported medication adherence. The program reduced the need for emergency department visits and was well-received by participants.
Researchers have identified a new pathway that kills eosinophils before they can cause harm. The study found that targeting this pathway could lead to new therapies for devastating eosinophilic disorders.
Researchers found that women with fewer financial resources are more likely to delay seeking medical attention for breast abnormalities, leading to potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. The study suggests that reducing copays and other 'hidden' costs may improve timeliness of diagnosis in this population.
A recent MU study found that 74 percent of orthopaedic trauma surgeons substantially underestimated the prevalence of domestic violence injuries among their patients. Only 23 percent had received any training on recognizing and responding to intimate partner violence. The researchers encourage orthopaedic surgeons to seek education on ...
Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully tested a nontoxic therapy that suppresses Lupus in blood samples of people with the autoimmune disease. The study found that the peptides can block and reduce autoantibody production to almost baseline levels, showing potential as a vaccine-like therapy.
A study found that Twitter is used by individuals and organizations involved in clinical toxicology and poison control to share information on diagnosis, management, and conferences. The audit yielded 51 relevant accounts with an average of 1,084 followers.
Researchers have identified the role of the STAT3 gene in immune system memory, revealing how it directs chemical messenger molecules to various destinations. This discovery sheds light on a rare immunodeficiency disorder and may lead to improved vaccines and treatments.
Scientists at EMBL discovered that different brain regions handle various fears, with mice displaying distinct brain activity responses to threats from same-species and predator species. This finding could lead to targeted treatments for specific phobias and panic attacks in humans.
African Americans with APOL1 gene variant experience faster chronic kidney disease progression and increased risk of kidney failure compared to those without the variant. The study found that APOL1 risk variants increase CKD progression in African Americans, regardless of their diabetes status.
Researchers discovered that changes in vaginal bacteria and placental levels of lactobacillus can alter the newborn's gut microbiome and affect brain development. The study also found a potential link between placental OGT protein levels and offspring neurodevelopment.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that bacteria are responsible for conveying detailed information through scent posts of hyenas, allowing other animals to quickly gather information about their health and surroundings.
Researchers Nathan Isert and colleagues use diamagnetic levitation to study coarsening behavior of foams with varying liquid fractions. They experimentally verify decades-old theoretical predictions for bubble size growth in dry and liquid foams.
A study suggests that reducing inefficiency in primary care practices can yield dramatic gains in physician capacity and reduce burnout. Modest improvements, such as delegating tasks to non-physicians and reengineering workflows, could result in millions of additional patient visits per year.
Scientists have found a critical mechanism to keep newborn neurons alive, which may help understand underlying causes of diseases like Alzheimer's and mental illness. The discovery suggests that parvalbumin-expressing interneurons release GABA, a chemical signal that promotes the survival of new brain cells.
A study found that replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated oils like corn and safflower oil may not reduce heart disease risk. In fact, rates of death from cardiovascular disease increased in the treatment group. Health Canada should modify its health claim for omega-6 oils.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are working on an MRI-guided robotic heart catheter to accurately navigate and target tissues in the heart. The technology aims to reduce complications associated with current treatments for arterial fibrillation, allowing doctors to more precisely ablate the affected tissue and restore no...
A new virtual world program is being developed to support amputees in developing the skills needed to navigate the real world. The program will simulate experiences such as riding a jet ski and diving in a coral reef, allowing participants to test different prosthetic models and plan home modifications.
A new study suggests that Phobos' surface contains tons of Martian debris, including dust, soil, and rock blown off the Martian surface by large projectile impacts. This finding could enable a sample-return mission to Mars to be flown as part of a single mission, with the Russian space agency planning to launch its second attempt in 2020.
Researchers have pinpointed specific brain regions and molecules associated with depression and anxiety, offering potential new avenues for understanding and treating these debilitating mental health conditions. The study suggests that targeting certain brain areas and chemical signals may lead to more effective treatments.
South Asian men have lower resting energy expenditure and metabolically active brown fat compared to Caucasians, which may contribute to their increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Increasing BAT activity through cold exposure or medication could potentially help alleviate this risk.
Scientists have discovered an antibody to the protein LRP4, which plays a critical role in enabling the brain to communicate with muscles. This finding explains why some patients with myasthenia gravis may not have any obvious signs of the disease despite having low levels of antibodies.
A study found that green poison-dart frogs vary their mating calls according to the availability of potential mates, adjusting their behavior to balance the risk of predation and securing a mate. In certain contexts, green males appear more conspicuous to females than red males, but less visible to predators.
A study of 1,300 students found that those who trained with Lumosity showed significant improvements in a battery of cognitive assessments. The effects were dose-dependent, with longer training sessions leading to greater gains.
PeerJ has introduced a new policy allowing all authors to publish unlimited preprints on their platform without needing a paid publication plan. This move reflects the growing demand for preprint services among researchers and aims to increase accessibility to scientific publishing.
A new Princeton study reveals that military children and their families face unique challenges despite being resilient. The report sheds light on the economic, social, and emotional impacts of military life on these families, highlighting the need for adaptive programs and community support.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered that the internal body clock contributes to a morning peak in heart attacks and ischemic strokes. The circadian system causes a morning increase in PAI-1 levels, which may help explain adverse cardiovascular events in vulnerable individuals.
Analysis suggests replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated oils like corn and safflower oil may not reduce heart disease risk, but rather increase it. Health Canada should modify health claims to exclude these oils.
A new study reveals a genetic mutation that makes certain people sensitive to bitter compounds appeared advantageous for African populations, with potential roles in immune response and metabolism. The research found strong correlations between specific gene variants and increased bitterness sensitivity in East Africans.
Bacteria and other organisms use proteins to quickly adapt to changing environments by regulating gene expression. A new study reveals how transcription factors bind to DNA and glide along the spiral path in search of binding sites.
F1000Research has launched a new data plotting tool that enables users to replot, analyze, and interpret the supporting data from journal articles. The tool allows for easy visualization of numerical values in CSV files as scatter plots, helping researchers spot outliers and correlations.
The university's simulation program employs alumni with depression and substance abuse issues to provide students with real-life experience in simulated medical scenarios. This novel approach allows for one-on-one training before actual patients are encountered.
A study by Arizona State University researchers links CXCR2 to tumor formation, growth, and progression in colon cancer. The genetic culprit is implicated in recruiting immune cells that evade the immune response, providing a new clue for developing therapeutic targets.
A new study found that the uninsured struggle to choose health insurance plans due to a lack of understanding about key terms. The research suggests that healthcare navigators can play an important role in simplifying information and improving communication to help people make informed decisions.
Researchers found that FOXO3 transcription factor protects against alcoholic liver injury when suppressed, but combination of HCV and alcohol disrupts this protective effect. FOXO3 activation is crucial for autophagy, a cellular degradation pathway that removes damaged mitochondria and prevents liver injury.
Becoming a Multicultural Educator: Developing Awareness, Gaining Skills, and Taking Action has received the Philip C. Chinn Book Award for fostering awareness, acceptance, and affirmation of diversity in society. The book provides holistic teaching solutions to address the complexities of today's globalized learning environments.
Researchers have identified two genetic variations associated with persistent atopic dermatitis in African-American children, shedding light on the skin disorder's mechanisms. The study found that loss-of-function mutations to Filaggrin-2 were linked to increased risk of AD in African American children.
Experiences can modify genes involved in memory formation and drug use, leading to long-term brain changes. This epigenetic phenomenon affects normal development and abnormal processes like depression and psychiatric disease.
Researchers found that large pulses of organic material sink to the deep seafloor, providing enough food for years at a time. The study used multiple instruments to track marine snow and its impact on life in the deep.
Researchers found that patients surveyed at federally supported community health centers generally reported high-quality care, with excellent or very good ratings for overall quality of services, clinician care, and referrals. The study also found that higher patient ratings of access to care and patient-centered communication were ass...
Researchers found that a specific molecular process controls B cell activation and differentiation, leading to impaired antibody production. The study highlights the importance of genes like IL-21 receptor, STAT3, and CD25 in B cell function, with mutations causing debilitating effects in patients.
Scientists have developed a system that can construct its own network of tracks, transport cargo, and dismantle the tracks using DNA and nano-scale motors. The system is powered by ATP fuel and uses motor proteins to control the movement of cargo across the network.
Researchers analyzed 21,309 Chinese individuals and identified only two independent low-frequency coding variants with moderate effect on disease risk. These findings suggest that the overall genetic risk for psoriasis is largely driven by other factors, contradicting previous assumptions about the role of coding variants.
Studies show that absence of serotonin receptors during early development leads to highly aggressive behavior in mice, while adolescents exhibit increased impulsivity to danger. The findings have potential applications for treating disorders related to impulsivity and aggression.
The new peer-reviewed journal brings together knowledge on pneumonia's pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention, featuring original research articles and expert analysis.
A new EU fishing ban faces criticism from researchers who say it may not be enough to ensure sustainable fisheries. The study, published in the journal Fisheries Research, highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to reducing fishing mortality and increasing selective fishing practices.
A new '1-stop' radiotherapy technique has shown non-inferiority to traditional treatment in reducing breast cancer recurrence. The TARGIT trial found a single dose of targeted radiation during or soon after surgery reduced local recurrence risk by 80% compared to standard radiotherapy.
This year's AAPS Fellows were recognized for their research and scholarly contributions in various fields of pharmaceutical sciences, including immunology, drug delivery, and clinical pharmacology. Notable recipients include Sathy Balu-Iyer, who developed a mechanistic model to understand immunogenicity of biotherapeutics.
New research reveals that sleep plays a crucial role in consolidating visual task learning through specific brain frequencies. Brainwaves of 15 volunteers were measured during sleep and training to demonstrate increased sigma power in the visual cortical area, leading to improved performance on the task.
Researchers identify 18F-NaF as a promising tool to detect high-risk coronary plaques in patients with stable and unstable heart disease. The study suggests that this non-invasive technique could transform the way doctors identify, manage, and treat patients at risk of heart attacks.
Researchers have identified a molecule that regulates fibrotic disease, offering hope for treating damaged organs. Removing this molecule or using experimental drugs has been shown to reduce scar tissue in mice, with implications for human treatment.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide and The University of Queensland discovered that zinc 'jams shut' a protein transporter in deadly bacteria, preventing manganese uptake. This finding opens the way for designing antibacterial agents to target essential transporters.
Research reveals new roles for sex hormones like estrogen in the cognitive function of females, including memory and interpreting social cues. Estrogen replacement therapy may help prevent stress-related memory loss in post-menopausal women.
Researchers Leaf Huang, Sukyung Woo, Shyh-Dar Li, and Raj Suryanarayanan received awards for their groundbreaking work on non-viral gene therapy, tumor evasion mechanisms, nanomedicine, and physical pharmacy. Their research holds promise for future development of clinically effective gene and anti-cancer therapies.
Scientists have found the cause of a genetic disease, pancreatic agenesis, in previously unexplored regions of DNA. The condition affects babies and leads to diabetes and digestive issues.
Research at the University of Montreal found that even 20 minutes of moderate exercise three times a week during pregnancy enhances brain activity in newborns. The study suggests that this early stimulation can lead to improved cognitive and motor development in children.
Researchers discovered genetic differences between African Americans and European Americans that affect blood clot formation, providing a potential explanation for the racial disparity in heart disease outcomes. The study highlights the need for personalized treatment approaches based on an individual's genetic profile.
New studies reveal exercise and diet play crucial roles in treating depression, aging, and learning in teenagers. Lifestyle changes, such as yoga, meditation, and regular exercise, show promise for preserving movement function, improving memory, and boosting mood.