A new study by transplant surgeons at Washington University School of Medicine found that moving organ donors from hospitals to a regional stand-alone facility significantly reduces costs and improves efficiency. The average cost of retrieving a liver dropped 37% after the change, while travel time for surgeons was reduced from 8 hours...
Scotland achieved a reduction in postcode lottery for hip replacement surgery through NHS expansion, improving geographical inequalities and increasing access to treatment. The Scottish government's decision to run the Golden Jubilee National Hospital as an NHS center contributed to these reductions.
A study analyzing over 2 million patients who underwent PCI found a significant association between blood transfusion and an increased risk of in-hospital heart attack, stroke, or death. The analysis also showed considerable variation in red blood cell transfusion practices among hospitals across the US.
Scientists have disproven the assumption that tropical cyclone numbers are increasing due to global warming, and instead found they are shifting southward. Late-season frost is also not receding as quickly as flowering, threatening food security.
The study found that traveling to donor hospitals for organ procurement reduced travel time from eight hours to two hours and saved 37% on organ recovery costs. The use of free-standing organ recovery centers significantly improved the efficiency of deceased donor organ transplantation.
Researchers trained immune cells of mice to fight melanoma using nanoparticles and magnetic fields, with treated tumors stopping growth and six out of eight mice surviving for over four weeks. The study uses artificial antigen-presenting cells to activate naive T cells, revealing a key difference in cancer-fighting cells.
Scientists at UT Southwestern Medical Center successfully generate new neurons from adult astrocytes in mice, offering hope for repairing traumatic brain injury or spinal cord damage. The two-step approach uses a transcription factor to reprogram scar-forming astrocytes into neurons, which then mature and persist for months.
The Life-Seed Capital project uses rapeseed crops to improve agricultural productivity and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Rapeseed cake, a by-product of oil extraction, is used as animal feed, reducing emissions by up to 13% and improving organic matter use efficiency.
A new tissue repair drug has been shown to improve healing rates for diabetic foot ulcers, reducing the risk of amputation. Patients treated with the drug were twice as likely to have their ulcers heal within eight weeks compared to those receiving a placebo.
The NIST Genome in a Bottle consortium has developed reference materials for measuring DNA sequencing process accuracy, providing a 'meter stick of the genome'. These well-characterized, whole genome standards help laboratories assess their sequencing processes and minimize biases.
Researchers have developed a new method to treat phantom limb pain, using muscle signals from the arm stump to drive an augmented reality system. The patient's pain was drastically reduced, and he now experiences periods of complete relief.
Researchers found that byproducts of two bacteria causing gum disease promote the growth of Kaposi's sarcoma-related lesions and tumors in the mouth. High levels of these bacteria are associated with periodontal disease, while healthy gums show lower levels.
Researchers at NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found no evidence that baby media products teach reading skills to infants. However, the study did reveal an undeniable effect on parents - their increased confidence in their children's vocabulary development
A nationwide study in Denmark found that receiving the MMR vaccine on schedule was associated with a lower rate of hospital admissions for any infections, particularly lower respiratory tract infections. The study suggests that timely vaccination averted many hospital admissions between 16 and 24 months.
A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health reveals that Air Force reservists who flew in dioxin-contaminated aircraft after the Vietnam War were exposed to higher levels of dioxin than previously acknowledged. The findings challenge the current position held by the Air Force and VA.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a sustainable aerogel material that can absorb oil and chemicals without absorbing water. The cellulose-based aerogel, made using an environmentally friendly process, has superior absorbing ability for organic solvents and metal ions.
A single genetic mutation in the GSTe2 gene causes mosquitoes to break down DDT, making them resistant to the insecticide. This discovery could help improve malaria control strategies by allowing for early detection and tracking of resistance.
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) affects nearly 30 million Americans, causing significant healthcare costs annually. The Northwestern Medicine Sinus and Allergy Center is receiving a $8.4M NIH grant to advance CRS research and develop new treatment strategies.
Researchers found that male chipping sparrows form 'dear enemy' alliances with weaker neighbors to prevent stronger rivals from moving in. In a surprise discovery, these coalitions were shown to be rare and often based on specific vocal relationships.
Rural businesses are relying on risky loan methods due to declining local lending, according to a Baylor study. More than 50% of banking firms in the US have closed since 1984, with only 30% obtaining traditional loans through local banks.
Researchers found that memory T cells play a crucial role in lung transplant acceptance, suggesting that current immune-suppression strategies may contribute to organ rejection. The study aims to develop new strategies to selectively target immunosuppression in lung transplants and boost the ability of memory T cells.
A study of US filicide arrests over 32 years found that men are as likely to kill infants as women, and stepchildren are not more likely than biological children to die at their parents' hands. The data also revealed that fathers were more likely to be the alleged murderers of adult children.
Recent research by Eawag and EPFL suggests that silver nanoparticles are not toxic to certain types of algae, which can survive even low concentrations of silver ions. However, this finding raises concerns about the potential impact on higher organisms, such as fish and other aquatic life.
Researchers at GEOMAR found that large-scale climate intervention methods have limited benefits and significant side effects, such as accelerated global warming. The study's results highlight the need for careful consideration of the potential social, political, legal, and ethical implications of proposed climate engineering methods.
A European study found that patients are more likely to die after common surgical procedures in hospitals with heavier nurse workloads and fewer nurses with bachelor's degrees. In contrast, a 10% increase in the proportion of nurses holding a bachelor degree is associated with a 7% decrease in the risk of death.
Researchers have identified four biomarkers in blood samples that can predict mortality from any disease within five years. The study used NMR spectroscopy to analyze over 17,000 healthy individuals and found that these biomarkers were independent of traditional risk factors, indicating a general frailty in the body.
A study found that MERS-CoV is prevalent in camels throughout Saudi Arabia, with antibodies detected in 74% of camels and active virus in 35% of young camels. The virus likely spreads through respiratory secretions.
A study published in The Gerontologist reveals that parents' attitudes towards giving help to their grown children can impact their mental health. Researchers found significant interactions between tangible support and feelings of reward, as well as nontangible support and stress, in explaining parents' depressive symptoms.
A study of 39 young adults found that consuming polyunsaturated fat resulted in less body fat and more muscle mass than consuming saturated fat. This is significant for preventing obesity-related disorders like type-2 diabetes, as it suggests that a diet rich in unsaturated fats may help regulate fat distribution.
Researchers have created a highly aligned nanofibrous scaffold derived from decellularized human fibroblasts, allowing cells to thrive and mimic the natural extracellular matrix. The scaffold's uniform composition and low immune response make it suitable for engineering softer tissues like skin, blood vessels, and muscle.
A Rutgers-led study finds acupuncture can reduce inflammation and organ injury in septic mice, with half surviving for at least a week. The treatment also triggers increased levels of dopamine, which may help alleviate other inflammatory diseases like arthritis and Crohn's disease.
A WSU researcher has developed a novel asphalt made from waste cooking oil, reducing costs by under $200 per ton. The bioasphalt is expected to be as durable as petroleum-based alternatives, with potential applications in construction of roads and highways nationwide.
Scientists at Princeton University have created a 3D video of a virus-like particle attempting to enter a cell, revealing unprecedented details about the interaction. The technique developed could help deliver drugs via nanoparticles and prevent viral infections.
A study published in Medical Care found that nearly half of uninsured children in the United States live in immigrant families. The study analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau survey and found that children with immigrant parents are more likely to be uninsured, regardless of their citizenship status.
A team of scientists at Penn State University has detected water vapor in the atmosphere of a hot-Jupiter exoplanet, tau Boötis b. This discovery could help researchers understand how many planets like Earth exist throughout the universe and provides new insights into the formation and evolution of exotic hot-Jupiter planets.
A research team from Michigan State University studied the recovery of forests and bamboo groves in the Wolong Nature Reserve, China, after a devastating earthquake. They found that many areas were on the road to recovery, with replanting efforts helping in areas with poor soil conditions.
Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Advanced Light Source have demonstrated the ability to control the conducting/insulating phases of ultra-thin films of Mott materials using epitaxial strain. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient transistors and memories with higher energy efficiencies and faster switching ...
Researchers found that a cancer medication reduces sudden cardiac death risk in mice with abnormal heartbeats and heart failure. This promising treatment option could provide patients and clinicians with a new paradigm for treating life-threatening illness.
A team of researchers found that some cells exhibit random monoallelic gene expression during development, which can affect protein production and potentially lead to diseases. The phenomenon is more common in mature cell types than stem cell precursors.
A recent study published in ZooKeys identified 186 new species of Microgastrinae wasps from Area de Conservación Guanacaste in Costa Rica. The findings suggest that parasitoid wasps are more specialized than previously thought, with most species only parasitizing a few moth or butterfly species.
A national study led by Henry Ford Health System found that 83% of people who commit suicide receive medical care in the year prior to their death, but only 45% receive a mental health diagnosis. The study emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to identify and treat patients at risk of suicidal thoughts.
Researchers found that PPAR-γ agonists can reverse emphysema development despite continuous exposure to cigarette smoke. Additionally, a compound enhancing glutamate uptake improved ALS symptoms and extended lifespan in mice. Increased autophagy also contributed to BRAF inhibitor resistance in melanoma patients.
For-profit hospices tend to provide fewer community benefits, serve more patients with longer stays, and exceed Medicare's cap on length of stay. In contrast, nonprofit hospices are more likely to partner with oncology centers and address disparities in hospice use.
Researchers evaluated the effectiveness and safety of an anti-FGF23 antibody in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia, finding improved renal phosphate reabsorption and increased serum phosphate levels. Additionally, studies on natural killer cells suggest that targeting specific ligands may enhance cancer therapies by protecting tum...
Researchers clear up mystery of bowel movement, finding that segmentation motion occurs when two sets of pacemakers interact to create a specific rhythm. This discovery provides direction for developing drugs or nutrients to combat disorders like diarrhea and constipation.
Researchers have discovered that the Plastisphere, a community of microorganisms living on ocean plastic, can pose significant risks to invertebrates and humans. The study found that certain bacteria thrive on these plastic islands and may cause diseases in animals and humans.
A study of 64,322 children found that mothers who used acetaminophen during pregnancy were at higher risk for their children developing ADHD-like behaviors and hyperkinetic disorders. The use of acetaminophen in multiple trimesters increased the risk further.
Researchers found that flowing water impeds bacterial movement, making microbes more likely to attach to surfaces. This discovery has implications for studying marine ecosystems and preventing infections in medical devices.
A Mayo Clinic study found that blacks are twice as likely to develop multiple myeloma because they are more likely to have monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). The study also showed that the type of MGUS in blacks is associated with a higher risk of progression to full-blown multiple myeloma.
Studies showed that individuals in good moods make healthier food choices due to future health benefits, while those in bad moods focus on immediate taste and sensory experience. Temporal construal also plays a role, with trying to focus on the past reducing indulgent food consumption.
Eating a vegetarian diet is linked to reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to omnivorous diets. The analysis of 39 studies found that vegetarian diets can be an effective strategy for preventing and managing hypertension.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that the Body Shape Index (ABSI) is a strong indicator of mortality hazard, surpassing traditional measures like Body Mass Index (BMI). The research analyzed data from over 7,000 adults and showed that ABSI was closely linked to increased death rates.
Researchers have developed a new optical device that can measure blood coagulation parameters in near real time, enabling timely diagnosis and treatment of bleeding patients. The device uses laser speckle rheology to detect changes in blood sample patterns, providing insights into clotting time and fibrinogen concentration.
Researchers demonstrate a clear causal effect of the mirror system on social understanding, finding that areas involved in action production also contribute to understanding others' actions. The study uses innovative magnetic stimulation techniques to reveal the brain's role in social cognition.
A new gene has been isolated that plays a causal role in the development of Alzheimer's disease. The gene affects amyloid-beta protein accumulation, leading to brain damage and disease progression. This breakthrough could lead to new avenues for therapeutic design and early detection methods.
A review of scientific literature indicates that depression should be added to the list of risk factors associated with heart disease. Studies found that depression increases the likelihood of having a heart attack or dying from heart disease.
A new study revealed that marine algae can detect a range of colors beyond red light, allowing them to adapt to changing environments. This innovation has significant implications for understanding photosynthetic life and potentially improving food production by teaching crops to grow in various light conditions.
A new digital atlas details historical sea ice concentration data in Alaska's Beaufort, Chukchi, and Bering seas from 1850 to the present. The atlas provides a reliable tool for researchers to evaluate climate change impacts and offers users interactive features to explore historical trends.
Researchers from Saarland University have developed a method to capture actors' movements and transfer them to virtual characters in near real-time. This technology allows for more efficient and user-friendly motion capturing, enabling the creation of animated characters outdoors without markers.
Protected areas in Costa Rica reduce poverty by 16% through ecotourism and infrastructure changes. Increased tourism accounts for two-thirds of the reduction.