A new assessment tool published in the Journal of Hospital Medicine provides a framework for effective hospital medicine groups. The tool outlines 47 characteristics organized under ten principles, aiming to improve patient care and hospital operations across the US.
Researchers at Clemson University are developing a new method of studying breast cancer cells by building 3D structures that mimic the complex behavior of cancer cells in human tissue. The 3D structures allow for the testing of various treatments and can be customized to represent different stages of cancer.
The Sochi Winter Olympics are expected to be the first 'fully mobile' Olympics due to increased web and mobile viewing. However, traditional TV viewing is enhanced by social media usage, according to a new study. The Olympics attract diverse audiences and offer a unique experience that balances sports and social aspects.
An expert argues that allowing patients to choose the ethnicity of their attending doctors perpetuates institutional racism in hospitals. Dr Nadeem Moghal suggests that confronting racists and strengthening institution policies are key to preventing such incidents.
Researchers at the Vienna University of Technology have found that inhomogeneously charged particles can form gel-like or crystal-like structures depending on parameters. The study's results show different possible configurations, including simple hexagonal structures and less ordered gel-like structures with interconnected rings.
Researchers at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center identified a molecular pathway that enables cancer cells to grow in low-oxygen environments. By targeting this pathway, therapeutic strategies may be developed to inhibit tumor growth with minimal side effects.
A recent study found that nearly three-fourths of common medicines contain animal derived products, including lactose, gelatine, and magnesium stearate. The authors call for improved labelling to inform doctors, pharmacists, and patients about the content of medicines.
The study emphasizes the need for scientists to develop teamwork and communication skills, beyond just scientific knowledge. Graduate programs can play a crucial role in teaching collaboration through seminars, workshops, or courses.
Psychologists at the University of Jena discovered that attractive faces without distinctive features are less memorable. In a study published in Neuropsychologia, researchers found that test subjects were more likely to remember unattractive faces than attractive ones when the latter lacked notable traits.
The MAVEN spacecraft has completed its initial checkout and is now ready to carry out its full science mission. The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission aims to determine the role of gas escape in changing Mars' climate throughout its history.
A study of 230 bipolar I disorder patients found that nearly a third were taking four or more psychiatric medications, with an average of six different drugs. Women were significantly more likely to experience complex polypharmacy, taking 68% of these high medication burden cases.
Researchers from University of Southern Denmark engineer controlled assemblies of artificial vesicles, resembling natural tissues in architecture and functionality. The new systems have potential applications in personalized medicine, studying cells, and as small bioreactors.
Gregg Semenza discovered the oxygen-sensing gene HIF-1alpha, a master regulator of cellular response to low oxygen levels. His work has led to translational studies enhancing oxygen and blood flow in conditions like cardiovascular disease and cancer.
A large cohort study found that time spent with oxygen saturation below 90%, sleep time, number of awakenings, and periodic leg movements are associated with cardiovascular disease. The researchers developed a nomogram to predict CVD risk based on sleep study scores, but it requires validation.
A study found that patients with high levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in their blood had poor response to treatment with immunotherapy ipilimumab. Combining immunotherapy with VEGF inhibitors may be a potential option for these patients.
Fossilized jawbones and teeth from northern Egypt confirm the existence of a primitive lineage of bats, which eventually spread to South America. The discovery sheds light on the evolutionary history of sucker-footed bats, which roost head-up using wet adhesion.
African American youth experiencing frequent discrimination during adolescence are at risk for chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Emotional support from parents and peers can protect against stress-related damage.
Researchers found that methylation patterns in acute myeloid leukemia patient samples were prognostic for overall survival. A novel biomarker for lysosomal storage disorders was also identified by correlating relative acidic compartment volumes with clinical severity.
Researchers found amino acids and biologically important molecules in carbon-rich meteorites, suggesting that extraterrestrial material may have played a role in the origin of life. The new technique allows for analysis of tiny samples, enabling future studies on cometary particles and sample-return missions.
University of Cincinnati researchers are developing validation metrics that could help predict the success or failure of hypersonic aircraft. The metrics involve principal component analysis (PCA) decomposition of simulation and test data to measure uncertainty, which will ultimately determine the success in building such a plane.
The American College of Physicians and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have released an updated adult immunization schedule for 2014. Key changes include the removal of health care worker vaccination as an indication and updated recommendations for certain adults at increased risk for Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) i...
Research on a prospective payment system for ESRD improved patient access to care while reducing costs and mortality rates. The system created incentives to reduce high medication doses and higher-cost medications, saving taxpayers money.
Studies highlight the impact of clinical education on imaging examinations, including increased effectiveness and improved guideline adherence. Trends in diagnostic CT scans also reveal differential changes by age group and body region.
The study creates maps of habitat corridors connecting protected areas in the tropics to conserve biodiversity and mitigate climate change. The corridors provide opportunities for carbon sequestration and avoiding emissions from deforestation.
A group of experts has proposed concrete steps to prevent and manage drug shortages, including sharing scarce drugs and giving equal priority to patients. The 'blueprint for action' aims to move away from reactive strategies and focus on prevention, ensuring life-saving medications are accessible to children with cancer and beyond.
A three-and-a-half year trial found a significant reduction in cesarean deliveries and neonatal morbidity in hospitals implementing best practices and professional training. The study's results confirm that continuing education and internal audits can improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.
A meta-analysis study found that more than half of parents underestimate the weight of their overweight or obese child, regardless of age or obesity rates in their area. Parents' perceptions about their children's weight become more accurate with age.
Researchers at UC Davis have invented a technique to produce gasoline-like fuels from cellulosic materials like farm and forestry waste. This breakthrough could lead to a larger market for renewable fuels beyond existing diesel substitutes.
A new study emphasizes the importance of a data-driven team in launching and sustaining a School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) framework. The study found that an effective school-based team using data for decision-making was more critical to sustainability than principal support.
Belgian scientists applied a particle physics analogy to describe exciton behaviour in two graphene layers, mimicking parallel worlds. The approach reveals swapping effects between layers under specific electromagnetic conditions, similar to brane theory predictions.
Scientists have identified a genetic function called Grasp that plays a crucial role in maintaining the proper function of the p53 tumor suppressor gene. This discovery could lead to a new approach in cancer therapy by activating or stimulating the Grasp gene to enhance p53 function.
UW physicists debunk the 'heavy soliton' mystery by revealing it's actually a quantum equivalent of smoke rings, shedding light on nuclear dynamics and neutron star behavior. The research uses state-of-the-art computing techniques to demonstrate that virtually all aspects of the phenomenon can be explained by vortex rings.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found a causal link between depression symptoms and an increased risk of coronary heart disease. In contrast, no such association was found with stroke risk. The Whitehall II study, which followed over 10,000 civil servants in the UK for 20 years, suggests that r...
A new study published in PNAS found that recording the activity of just 50 neurons can accurately capture the behavior of larger neural networks. This challenges decades-long research on response time and accumulator models in psychology and neuroscience.
New research suggests private exchanges like dark pools can actually improve price discovery in public markets by attracting less-informed traders. Well-informed investors may be unable to fill their orders quickly, prompting them to return to public exchanges for better liquidity.
A meta-analysis of 46 studies found that positive feelings about race or ethnicity are associated with fewer symptoms of depression and emotional problems. Minority youth who feel positively about their racial or ethnic identity tend to have better social interactions, self-esteem, and academic performance.
The James Webb Space Telescope is nearing completion, with all 18 primary mirror segments and four science instruments delivered to NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The telescope will be the most powerful space telescope ever built, capable of observing distant objects in the universe.
The number of excess deaths caused by hot weather in England and Wales is projected to surge by 257% by the mid-2050s due to climate change and population growth. The elderly, particularly those aged 75+, will be most at risk, with rising temperatures expected to lead to increased mortality.
A US study found that many adults consume more added sugar than recommended for a healthy diet, and this can increase the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. The study also suggests that regular consumption of sugary drinks is associated with an increased risk of CVD mortality.
A study by North Carolina State University and Harvard University found that murderers who committed homicide during robberies are more likely to commit crimes again when paroled. The motivation for murder was a significant predictor of recidivism rates.
A new study by London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that opening a new supermarket in a low-income community did not lead to significant changes in diet or reduced obesity rates. Despite improvements in residents' perceptions of food accessibility, only 27% of residents adopted the new supermarket as their main food store.
A new study found that financial and social hardships are a major contributor to hospital asthma readmissions among black children. Nearly 23% of black children were re-admitted within a year, compared to 11% of white children.
Researchers studied how a protein complex called Mre11-Rad50 reshapes itself to take on different DNA-repair tasks, revealing insights into its dynamic structure and biological outcomes. The findings could guide the development of better cancer-fighting therapies and more effective gene therapies.
Scientists at Rice University and Russia have calculated a road map for creating ultra-thin diamond films without high pressure. The 'phase diagram' outlines conditions necessary to turn stacked graphene sheets into flawless diamond lattices, with potential applications in nanocapacitors, electronics, and nano-optics.
A study published in Health Affairs found that the FDA's median rulemaking time is 7.3 years, with cost-benefit analysis associated with additional delays. The authors recommend improving efficiency and promoting transparency to reduce regulatory burdens.
Research by American Psychological Association found that single-sex schools do not offer advantages in academic performance or attitudes towards school. A comprehensive analysis of 184 studies involving over 1.6 million students worldwide showed trivial benefits, if any, for boys and girls in math and science subjects.
Researchers have developed a smartphone-based system that can locate buried avalanche victims using satellite navigation, promising faster and more precise rescue operations. The Galileo-LawinenFon system uses the combined signals of GPS, Galileo, and GLONASS satellite systems to pinpoint accident victims in seconds.
INRS received seven NSERC Strategic Project Grants, totaling $3.5 million, to tackle scientific and technological challenges in ITC, materials, and environmental sciences. The funding supports projects such as developing new broadband RF signal processing and infrared subcyclic impulse lasers.
Scientists discovered a female-specific hormone in blue crab eyestalks that regulates development of reproductive structures for mating and childcare. This hormone is required for maternal care and triggers development of special receptacles to store sperm, as well as hair-like structures to hold fertilized eggs.
A study by the University of York found that British people traveling abroad for medical treatment often lack understanding of potential consequences, including catastrophic outcomes. The research highlights the need for better information and advice to mitigate these risks.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University discovered that mosquito sperm contain a suite of specialized chemical sensors called odorant receptors, which drive the rapid increase in movement. These findings suggest a new paradigm for regulating insect reproduction and could provide a powerful approach for controlling insect populations.
A group of experts warn that high blood pressure could be as devastating to global health as HIV, with potentially more deaths over the next 20 years. Despite similarities between the two conditions, there is 'denial' and misunderstanding about hypertension's impact, hindering effective treatment and management.
A new approach may help doctors tailor treatments for women at risk of preterm birth by identifying genetic differences. Progesterone injections have been shown to reduce the risk of recurrent preterm births, but not all women respond to treatment.
A recent study found that the use of wasps to combat citrus greening disease is unlikely to threaten non-target insects. The parasitoid wasp Tamarixia radiata was tested against seven non-target psyllid species, with only one showing a low level of parasitization.
A new study published in Pediatrics reveals that HPV vaccine perceptions do not influence subsequent sexual behaviors in teenage girls and young women. The vast majority of participants maintained safer sex habits after vaccination, regardless of their beliefs about the vaccine's effectiveness.
A recent study by Group Health Research Institute found that patients with treated hypertension had 27-28% fewer specialty visits after implementing a patient-centered medical home. In contrast, clinically complex patients with multiple diseases saw a 3-5% increase in specialty use during the first two years after implementation.
Cedars-Sinai researchers found that genetically targeting immune cells to overproduce ACE breaks down beta-amyloid plaque, preventing cognitive decline in laboratory mice. The study identifies a novel role for ACE in the clearance of beta-amyloid in brain blood vessels.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh identified shugoshin as a critical protein in ensuring accurate cell division. The study found that disabling shugoshin led to increased abnormal chromosome numbers, highlighting its importance in preventing aneuploidy and potentially cancer.
Tropical Cyclone Fletcher has brought heavy rain to coastal areas in western Queensland and the Gulf of Carpentaria. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology expects further rainfall over the next couple of days, with maximum sustained winds estimated at 30 knots/34.5 mph.
Researchers at the University of Glasgow challenge the long-held view of six basic emotions by studying the temporal dynamics of facial expressions. They found that fear and surprise share a common signal, as do anger and disgust, suggesting only four basic emotions.