Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a potential biomarker for sepsis in patients with major burns. By analyzing the movement of white blood cells called neutrophils, they found that changes in their motility patterns may predict the development of sepsis, which is a leading cause of death among burn patients.
Researchers used electrodes to record single neurons' activity in singing Bengalese finches, finding that precise timing of spikes contains more information than rate. The study's findings could improve prosthetic limb control and provide insights into brain function.
Scientists found that a trace nutrient can cause genome-wide changes to how organisms encode proteins, boosting speed and accuracy. The nutrient's availability determines which codons are optimal for protein production, leading to widespread genetic changes.
A study found that medical residency applicants are linguistically diverse, but their languages do not match those of the US population with limited English proficiency. The most common languages among applicants were Spanish, Hindi, French, Urdu, and Arabic.
The NHS has seen its annual spend on management consultancy double from £313m to £640m between 2010 and 2014. This significant increase in spending raises concerns about the value and impact of such services, with critics arguing that consultants are not accountable for their advice.
Researchers found that nursing home hospice patients have longer stays, are more likely to be women and have dementia, and often receive higher Medicare spending compared to those living in the community. The study also identified a 'crossover' group with significantly longer hospice stays.
A new guide released by the Endocrine Society and IPEN highlights the growing threat of endocrine-disrupting chemicals to human health. The document provides an overview of EDCs, their impact on human health, and policy recommendations to mitigate these effects.
Shoulder pain affects athletes like baseball pitchers, with various structures contributing to the issue. Nonsurgical options include icing and medication, while arthroscopic surgery can be effective for repairing partial rotator cuff tears.
Researchers at San Diego Zoo Global found that volunteers can accurately identify individual Andean bears after learning their unique markings. The study's success allows for citizen scientist engagement in species conservation, supporting the zoo's mission to bring endangered species back from extinction.
Researchers have created high-value, compact nanoscale resistors using thin-film chromium oxide, enabling faster development of quantum devices for computing and fundamental physics research. The new resistors can be tuned by controlling oxygen content, making them compatible with quantum phase-slip circuit requirements.
Large-scale underground storage of low-pressure gaseous hydrogen offers several advantages over above-ground storage, including cost savings and increased volume capacity. Geologic storage solutions can service key hydrogen markets by storing large quantities of hydrogen fuel for transportation and grid-scale energy applications.
Researchers analyzed press releases and news stories for exaggerated advice, causal claims, and inference from animal findings. They found that 40% of press releases contained exaggerated advice, while 33% of peer-reviewed journal articles did. Improving academic press releases could reduce misleading health news.
Research reveals that frontal brain systems and structural connections are disrupted in individuals who attempt suicide, leading to weaker connections between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala. This study provides an important first step in understanding the neurobiology of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
The NASA Operation IceBridge mission has completed its 2014 Antarctic campaign, building on previous studies to understand changes in ice conditions over time. Researchers collected data on sea ice, glaciers, and sub-ice water depth to inform projections of future Antarctic Ice Sheet changes.
A rare 520 million-year-old fossil shaped like a 'squashed bird's nest' has been discovered in China, providing new insights into life in ancient seas. The fossil, Nidelric pugio, is a probable 'chancelloriid', a group of bizarre, balloon-shaped animals with defensive spines.
Johns Hopkins researchers are using Twitter posts to gather important information about common mental illnesses, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and bipolar disorder. Their techniques have yielded fresh numbers on cases of these illnesses, allowing for analyses that were previously difficult or expensive to obtain.
The NUP/UPNA researchers developed a smart structure based on metamaterials to improve the performance of radar antennae, addressing blind spot mitigation. Their metaradome improves beam direction without modifying the prototype antenna.
Scientists at EMBL have developed a new technique called SNAP-tagging that allows researchers to study nerves in mice with unprecedented detail. This approach uses artificial tags to visualize complex structures and enable the tracking of activity in individual neurons.
A new study found that annoying online ads can lead to a loss of advertising revenue due to user abandonment. The study also discovered that participants were less accurate in remembering content on pages with annoying advertisements.
Research by Indiana University geographer Scott M. Robeson and colleagues finds that temperature anomalies are warming at a faster rate than the overall average temperature, particularly in extreme heat and cold events. These trends have significant impacts on water supplies, agricultural productivity, and human health.
Researchers found an association between physical aggression and language development in toddlers, but the link disappeared after 41 months. Affectionate parenting is associated with low aggression levels and good language development.
Researchers found that potato extract reduced weight gain in mice fed an obesity-inducing diet by 9 grams. The extract's high polyphenol content is responsible for its benefits. This study suggests that potato extracts could be a low-cost solution for preventing both obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Ebola survivors can donate blood, care for sick patients, and generate community-based responses. Employing trained survivors as caregivers could also provide a source of income.
Research participants who reported greater sleepiness had higher amyloid accumulation in cerebral cortex regions heavily affected in Alzheimer's disease. This suggests that sleep disturbance may be an early target for intervention to prevent cognitive deficits.
Researchers at the University of Basel have developed nanomimics of host cell membranes that trick malaria parasites. These nanomimics effectively disrupt the parasite's cycle, blocking its invasion of new red blood cells while exposing it to the immune system.
A study found that female great tit birds excel in spatial and learning abilities compared to males. This cognitive superiority may be linked to their lower social standing and increased need for food pilfering, allowing them to supplement their limited food supply.
Scientists have developed a unique combination of light and climate simulation to optimize algae cultivation, leading to higher yields and more efficient energy production. The system uses spectrum-tuned LEDs to simulate natural sunlight, allowing for precise control over the growth conditions of different algae species.
Researchers develop a new approach to customize nuclear medicine treatment for cancer, using targeted alpha therapy with customized radiolabeled antibody cocktails. This method has great potential for treating various diseases, including those with disseminated tumor cells.
Researchers found brown organic carbon and black carbon particles in the Taj Mahal complex, which come from fuel combustion, cooking, and brick-making. The dust may come from local agricultural activities or distant sources, and reducing particulate matter could have health benefits for people in the region.
Penn researchers demonstrate that stiffness and strength scaling remain unchanged across various glassy materials, indicating a constant critical strain before catastrophic failure. This finding provides insight into the fundamental mechanism driving failure in glasses, suggesting cooperative motion of particles or atoms.
A study found that physicians trained in lower-spending regions tend to continue practicing in a less costly manner, while those from high-spending regions spend more, even when relocating. The effect persists for up to 15 years after training, suggesting an imprinting of care-related spending behaviors during residency.
A new case study assesses the immediate and ongoing response to the 9/11 disaster, identifying key elements that impact the health of exposed populations. The study emphasizes the importance of clinical expertise, site safety, attention to vulnerable populations, and developing trust and transparency in public health disaster response.
A new coalition aims to promote balanced dietary guidance, backed by a survey of healthcare professionals who favor balanced information over prescriptive food policies. The Coalition suggests that approach based on balanced, moderate consumption of a wide variety of foods would be the most effective.
Plymouth University has received £1.2 million from HEFCE to invest in teaching facilities for Biomedical and Human Bioscience programs. The funding will enhance STEM education and research capabilities, supporting the university's reputation for world-leading medical science.
A study by researchers at Milken Institute School of Public Health found that physicians trained in high-spending areas tend to practice more expensive medicine, even after completing residency. This can lead to higher healthcare costs for patients and contribute to the rising healthcare expenditure in the US.
A team of researchers, led by Wayne State University's Steven M. Firestine, has been awarded a $3.2 million NIH grant to assess the effectiveness of a new treatment for C. difficile infection. The study aims to prevent the spore germination of the bacterium, which is responsible for the majority of hospital-acquired cases.
A new study by Georgia State University researchers found that a significant percentage of loyal customers have hidden habits that negatively impact sales. These habits include returning products and buying items only when on sale.
Female Drosophila sechellia flies produce fewer eggs than other fruit flies due to a genetic mutation that inhibits dopamine production, but feeding morinda fruits or chemicals from these fruits increases fertility. Dopamine precursor L-DOPA is present in morinda fruits and compensates for the genetic deficiency.
A team of researchers at Argonne National Laboratory has developed an integrated modeling approach to understand the fluid dynamics of fuel injectors in modern engines. The study aims to improve engine design and simulation, reducing trial and error and increasing efficiency.
Computational modeling allows researchers to design efficient and affordable catalysts from gold, reducing the need for large amounts of expensive precious metals. The method has potential impact on energy-and-environment related fields, such as automotive exhaust and hydrogen production.
A new study has shown that a simeprevir-based therapy is as effective as the standard of care in treating chronic Hepatitis C virus infection, with fewer adverse events. The study found that simeprevir was well-tolerated and could be a viable alternative for patients who cannot access or afford newer treatment options.
A recent study from Ohio State University found that people's math skills are not always a single concept. Research suggests that individuals may have varying levels of numeric competency in areas such as objective numeracy, subjective numeracy, and symbolic-number mapping.
Researchers at Purdue University have created the first modern germanium circuit, a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) device, using germanium as the semiconductor material. The breakthrough enables the industry to make smaller transistors and more compact integrated circuits, potentially replacing silicon in the future.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that brain cells fire more rapidly and synchronously when animals focus on touch stimuli, a step toward understanding how brains process external stimuli. The research also showed that synchronization was more important to performance than firing rate.
Undergraduate Levent Alpoge is awarded the 2015 Morgan Prize for his contributions to number theory, probability, and combinatorics. He has authored seven research papers before even beginning graduate studies.
Researchers discovered that yeast cells can clear themselves of misfolded prion proteins by activating a stress response and producing specific heat-shock proteins. This finding suggests a new approach to treating diseases associated with prion misfolding, such as Alzheimer's, Huntington's, and Parkinson's.
Researchers have discovered that individuals in opioid recovery exhibit signs of re-regulation of their brain's reward system within several weeks of medical-assisted opioid withdrawal. This finding suggests that the natural reward system may return to normal, making it easier for patients to remain drug-free outside treatment.
Researchers developed a 'virtual lab' to study nanocomposites, allowing for prediction of material properties based on chemical composition and processing conditions. The simulations revealed how polymers and clay particles interact, enabling the development of improved composite materials.
A new study published in Genome Research tracked the spread of MRSA in a hospital with high transmission rates using genome sequencing. The team identified multiple distinct clades of MRSA and confirmed numerous transmission events between patients, highlighting the importance of infection control measures such as hand-washing.
Research from the University of Washington suggests that warmer ocean water is melting frozen methane deposits on the seafloor, releasing massive amounts of methane into the environment. The study estimates that up to 4 million metric tons of methane are released annually off the coast of Washington.
A BMJ investigation analyzed 3,494 contracts awarded by Clinical Commissioning Groups in England between 2013 and 2014, showing that non-NHS providers secured 45% of these contracts. NHS providers won 55%, while private sector providers were successful in competitive tender processes and smaller AQP-based contracts.
Researchers used genome sequencing to track MRSA spread in a Thai hospital with high transmission rates, revealing multiple distinct clades and transmission events between patients and staff. The study highlights the need for improved hand hygiene practices and measures of within-host bacterial diversity.
A new study published in Psychological Science found that consistent distraction during learning does not hinder learning, but rather helps recall motor skills. The researchers discovered that dividing attention between tasks during learning can create an internal representation that boosts recall when a similar cue is present.
Researchers found that up to 45% of breast tumors exhibit genetic alterations affecting the CYP2D6 gene, leading to distorted patient genotypes. This has significant implications for tamoxifen therapy, which relies on accurate CYP2D6 testing to guide treatment.
A study by researchers at Washington State University found that corporate social responsibility (CSR) can buffer firms against negative customer reactions following service failures. When CSR aligns with customers' values, it reduces anger and negative word-of-mouth, while increasing positive word-of-mouth and repurchase intentions.
Historical records describe the intense Kamikaze typhoons that struck Japan in 1274 and 1281, preventing a Mongol conquest. A new sedimentary reconstruction reveals these storms were more frequent during this time period, supporting their significant role in shaping Japan's geopolitics.
A new study reveals that long-term endurance training affects thousands of DNA methylation sites and genes associated with improved muscle function and health. The research also found epigenetic differences between male and female skeletal muscle, which may lead to gender-specific therapies in the future.
The Ebola epidemic in West Africa lacks standardized treatment guidelines, with conflicting reports on mortality rates and treatments. Experts propose a range of measures, including the development of guidelines and international cooperation to ensure quality control and transparency.
Scientists at Disney Research and Université Laval have developed a method to automatically estimate illumination conditions depicted in a collection of photographs. This enables the realistic insertion of 3D objects into images, simplifying photo editing tasks.
A new study in the Journal of International Marketing reveals that subsidiary desire for autonomy is driven by psychology, leading to dysfunctional business relationships. Subsidiaries strive for independence to influence local markets, which can backfire if not managed carefully.