A recent study published in JAMA found that restricting residents' work hours to 16-24 hours per shift had no impact on patient deaths or readmissions. The researchers analyzed nearly 6.4 million Medicare patient hospital admissions between 2009 and 2012, but found no relative changes in mortality rates during this time period.
A study published in JAMA found that the 2011 duty hour reforms had no significant effect on 30-day mortality or readmissions for hospitalized patients with various medical conditions. Despite concerns about decreased continuity of care, the reforms did not appear to worsen patient outcomes.
A study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that 7 out of 11 popular eye vitamins do not match scientific evidence, with some products containing lower doses of essential ingredients. The study highlights the importance of ophthalmologists educating patients on the proper use of nutritional supplements for AMD treatment.
Researchers at Princeton University found that many abandoned oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania leak substantial quantities of methane. The study suggests that these 'super-emitting' wells could be a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, potentially accounting for up to 10% of methane from human activities in the state.
Researchers from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology measured high concentrations of organic pollutants emitted during fracking processes in the US, exceeding urban air quality standards by a factor of one thousand. The study found that certain technologies, such as open fracking facilities, release significantly more benzene and oth...
Researchers discover that most typical networks are robust to both random and deliberate attacks, contrary to previous thought. They propose a simple method to explore the mathematical space of all interesting networks with a particular node degree distribution.
Mothers who use mobile devices while eating with their young children have fewer verbal and nonverbal interactions, potentially affecting child health outcomes. This study found that mothers with the most mobile device use had 20% fewer verbal interactions and 39% fewer nonverbal interactions.
A study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that cognitive training can improve the brain performance of middle school students from poverty-stricken backgrounds. The program, called SMART, resulted in a 25% increase in gist reasoning and an 18% improvement in fact retention among students who received the training.
Two researchers at the Max Delbrück Center will use $1.9M and $1.5M ERC Starting Grants to investigate DNA repair mechanisms in B lymphocytes and direct cell reprogramming using C. elegans. The grants aim to advance understanding of immunodeficiencies, cancer predisposition, and tissue regeneration.
A new study has linked Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder to increased tobacco and alcohol use in young teens. Teens with these conditions were more likely to initiate substance use at a younger age, highlighting the importance of early prevention strategies.
A new study suggests that supplementing breast cancer screening for women with dense breasts may not be the most effective approach. Instead, it could lead to an increase in unnecessary biopsies, highlighting the need for alternative methods to screen these high-risk individuals.
A systematic overview of over 100 studies reveals organic agriculture yields are higher than previously estimated, with certain practices further shrinking the productivity gap. Organic farming can be a competitive alternative to industrial agriculture when it comes to food production.
University of Illinois researchers have developed a specialized microscope to study the movement of unfolded proteins in cells. They found that these proteins slow down and interact with chaperones, which can lead to cell dysfunction and disease. The discovery provides insight into protein-misfolding diseases.
Wealthy countries with strong individualism exhibit greater patience for new products, despite waiting times. This affects movie attendance and may slow early product momentum in highly individualistic cultures.
A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that even within the normal BMI range, excess fat has a negative impact on cardiometabolic risk markers. The researchers used Mendelian randomization to assess the effect of BMI increases on metabolic abnormalities in 12,664 young adults.
A new study in the Journal of Marketing Research found that smaller brands can increase sales when positioned as direct competitors to larger brands. Consumers may gain pleasure from 'stick[ing] it to the man' and opt for smaller, independent options instead.
A study found that seasonal flu vaccines protect against multiple flu strains, including those not included in vaccine formulations. The researchers also discovered that exposure to birds can elicit immune responses to avian influenza viruses in humans.
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria by using molecular decoys. By administering fragments of antimicrobial agents alongside the full compounds, the researchers were able to increase their effectiveness against efflux pumps that stand guard along bacterial cell membranes.
A recent study published in the Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology found that the pulsed-KTP laser treatment developed at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is as effective as traditional approaches in curing patients' tumors while preserving vocal quality. The treatment has shown a high success rate of 96% among patients wit...
A recent study by NC State University found that online students tend to evaluate male instructors more favorably than female instructors, regardless of the instructor's actual gender. The researchers discovered a significant bias against women, with students who believed they were taught by men receiving higher ratings on various traits.
A study of US emergency departments found that supervised visits involving resident and attending physicians were linked to a greater likelihood of hospital admission and longer ED stays. Supervised visits also resulted in increased use of advanced imaging, whereas blood testing rates were similar.
A study examined general surgery patient outcomes before and after 2011 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) duty hour reform. The findings show that the reform was not associated with a significant change in death or serious illness, as well as no impact on resident examination performance.
Heavy rainfall amounts of over 450 mm were found in eastern Philippines near where Typhoon Hagupit came ashore. The typhoon's slow movement resulted in frequent flooding along its track.
Yuliya Gorb received a $420,000 NSF CAREER Award for her research on complex composite materials and an after-school program for high school girls. The award aims to promote STEM education and careers in mathematics, science, and engineering.
A study published in the American Journal of Perinatology found that severely premature infants (23 weeks gestation) have higher death rates if born male, as multiples or without access to neonatal care. Lower birth weights and lack of steroid exposure before birth also increase disability risk.
A new policy paper by Professor Jim McCambridge argues that the concept of harm reduction has been co-opted by industry interests and proposes a redefinition to include full range of evidence-based measures. This shift aims to protect public health and society from alcohol damage.
A new study by the American Cancer Society finds that cigarette smoking causes about three in ten cancer deaths in the United States. The study concludes that reducing smoking prevalence as rapidly as possible should be a top priority for US public health efforts to prevent future cancer deaths.
A University of Florida study found that vaccinating school-aged children from flu can protect other age groups, including non-school-aged residents, with significant reductions in influenza-like illness rates. This effect is profound, both on students and the community.
James Ingle, a renowned breast cancer expert at Mayo Clinic, has been awarded the 2014 William L. McGuire Memorial Lecture Award for his groundbreaking research on pharmacogenomics in breast cancer treatment. His work aims to develop personalized approaches to prevent breast cancer in high-risk women by identifying genetic biomarkers t...
Researchers found that women with BRCA1/2 mutations and treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy have low risk of cardiac dysfunction. Most participants had normal heart function, with only a few showing borderline reductions in heart function.
Researchers at NREL and SolarCity collaborate with Hawaiian Electric Companies to study distributed solar energy systems, using advanced modeling and inverter testing. The project aims to address operational issues and enable safe, reliable, and cost-effective grid integration of solar power.
Myriad Genetics announced new studies on its myRisk Hereditary Cancer test, detecting 105% more mutations than conventional BRCA testing. The test also showed promising results in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) by predicting response to platinum-based therapy. Additionally, the company's BRACAnalysis molecular diagnostic test sig...
A pilot study found that two-thirds of patients with treatment-resistant clinical depression experienced an improvement in symptoms after receiving nitrous oxide, compared to one-third who improved with a placebo. The researchers are encouraged by the results and plan to replicate the study and test various concentrations of laughing gas.
A Tel Aviv University study finds that early parental writing support is instrumental in improving a child's literacy level, vocabulary, and fine motor skills. The research recommends 'scaffolding' parental mediation to promote correct writing habits among preschoolers.
Research by Samuel Hunter and Lily Cushenbery found that being disagreeable can help push original ideas forward, but only in supportive groups. However, in creative environments where ideas are shared freely, such attitudes can backfire and hinder originality.
Researchers from McMaster University have identified a key hormone responsible for reduced brown fat activity in obese individuals, leading to increased risk of obesity and diabetes. Blocking the production of peripheral serotonin enhances brown fat activity, providing a potential new treatment approach.
The Curiosity rover has taken samples of Martian rocks and soils using the CheMin instrument, which has provided insights into processes on Mars. The analysis reveals a complex mineralogy, including aqueous alteration and hydrated sulphates.
Researchers at Kent State's SOLE Center aim to measure the impact of informal science education on children's interest and knowledge. The team will develop an assessment tool to study the effectiveness of field trips to the Great Lakes Science Center and explore how these experiences influence STEM learning.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab achieved a world record energy for laser-plasma accelerators, accelerating electrons to 4.25 giga-electron volts in just 9-centimeter long plasma tube. The setup marks a significant breakthrough in particle acceleration technology, offering potential for shrinking traditional accelerators.
Scientists have developed a method to observe DNA double strand breaks, a process that lasts microseconds. They also created slow-motion films of the reaction by altering temperature and pH balance.
A team of scientists at the University of Leicester has identified novel markers to detect senescent cells, which are associated with aging. These markers have shown promise in predicting increased survival in certain types of cancer, particularly breast cancer.
A UT Arlington professor aims to uncover hidden relationships in social networks using a new approach to analyze vast amounts of online data. The research could have numerous applications, including improving military intelligence and identifying emerging media trends.
New research at Arizona State University's Planetary Aeolian Laboratory found that wind speeds necessary to move sand-size particles on Titan are about 40 percent too low. Dune particles on Titan need winds of at least 3.2 miles per hour to start moving, contradicting previous estimates.
A Dartmouth/Univ. of Exeter study found that correcting myths about the flu vaccine did not effectively promote immunization among vaccine skeptics, and in some cases even reduced intention to vaccinate among those with high concerns about side effects.
The study highlights a state-by-state patchwork of coverage for children and adolescents, excluding services for kids with developmental disabilities. The analysis suggests four policy steps to improve pediatric benefits under the ACA, including revising the essential health benefit standard and incorporating medical necessity.
A new peptide developed by IU researchers has effectively cured lab animals of obesity, diabetes, and associated lipid abnormalities. The peptide combines the properties of three gastrointestinal hormones, GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon, and has shown unprecedented efficacy in reducing body weight and controlling metabolism.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that rats can create a unique map for every environment, allowing them to remember distinct locations without mixing up similar events. This discovery sheds light on the brain's storage capacity and memory organization.
A new genetic therapy has restored light response to the retinas of blind mice and dogs, offering hope for future clinical trials in humans. The therapy uses a virus to insert a gene into normally blind cells, followed by photoswitches that activate the cells when exposed to light.
Researchers at McGill University found that tramadol use is associated with a two-fold increased risk of hospitalization for severe hypoglycemia. The study also suggests that this risk is particularly high in the first 30 days of tramadol use.
Researchers at LA BioMed have developed a novel vaccine, NDV-3, that can protect against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin infections. The vaccine enhances molecular and cellular immune defenses of the skin in response to MRSA and other S. aureus bacteria.
A new study reveals that macrophages induce neutrophil reverse migration to resolve inflammation in wounds. Without macrophages, neutrophils remain in wounds longer, leading to recurring infections and exaggerated inflammation.
A team of researchers has identified an enzyme that inhibits the breakdown of progesterone, a hormone linked to PMS. This discovery could lead to targeted therapy with minimal side effects.
Researchers found that a specific protein's conformational defect causes Autosomal Dominant Lateral Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, a form of familial epilepsy. Treatment with chemical chaperone LGI1 mutant protein was shown to ameliorate seizure susceptibility in mice.
A new model developed by economists at Duke University and the University of Connecticut helps fishermen boost profits by identifying the most efficient fishing practices and behaviors. The model found that in some cases, congestion can actually increase potential late-season profits and reduce the risk of fishery depletion.
The Allen Institute for Cell Science will create dynamic, visual models of cell behavior and share reagents, data, and tools with the scientific community. The initial project, Allen Cell Observatory, aims to accelerate disease research by predicting cell behaviors.
Researchers will investigate SUDEP's causes, risk factors, and potential interventions through a collaborative effort involving eight US epilepsy centers and one UK center. The grant aims to accelerate progress toward successful interventions by leveraging diverse expertise and combining large datasets.
A new analysis found that nearly two-thirds of elderly women with early stage breast cancer continue to receive radiation therapy despite clinical trial data suggesting it may not be effective. The findings highlight the challenges in implementing clinical trial results into practice patterns, particularly due to concerns about long-te...
Researchers found that Bougainvillea can tolerate moderate deficit irrigation, reducing water consumption while improving plant quality. The study tested three varieties of potted Bougainvillea under full and deficit irrigation treatments.
Elsevier has launched a new open access journal, Journal of Vascular Surgery Cases, to publish high-quality case reports on all aspects of vascular diseases. The journal aims to provide novel and timely information to practicing clinicians and researchers in the field.
A new study found that low-crime, walkable neighborhoods reduce severe depressive symptoms in older Latino adults. The 12-month and 24-month follow-up results showed a significant reduction in depression among participants living in safer neighborhoods.