A Johns Hopkins study finds that US operating rooms discard an estimated $15 million annually in usable surgical supplies, which can be salvaged and donated to alleviate global shortages. These donations can also reduce waste and environmental impact at home.
A new EU-funded consortium aims to develop new economic models for antibiotic R&D and define responsible use of dwindling antibiotics. The DRIVE-AB project involves 11 European countries and partners across industries to address the global threat of antibiotic resistance.
A UC Irvine-led study has revealed that a gene called grainyhead triggers a repair pathway for psoriasis lesions. The researchers found that targeting this mechanism may lead to pharmaceutical products that limit the itchy, painful lesions of psoriasis.
Research at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that obese patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia are more than twice as likely to have minimal residual disease, a strong predictor of long-term survival and disease recurrence. The study suggests modifying chemotherapy regimens for obese patients may improve outcomes.
A small study found that ultrasound biofeedback was effective in correcting 'r' speech errors when children were allowed to make different shapes with their tongues. The treatment involved using ultrasound images as a guide for tongue manipulation and adjustments to achieve better pronunciation of the sound.
Researchers have discovered the path the remaining 2 million barrels of oil from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster followed to its resting place on the Gulf of Mexico sea floor. The study found that the oil is concentrated in a thin layer at the sea floor, with deposits most extensive to the southwest of the Macondo Well.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that infants at 7 months old can distinguish between fearful and non-fearful eye expressions, indicating an early ability to detect social cues. This suggests that brain processes for automatic eye recognition develop during infancy.
The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends against using the PSA test to screen for prostate cancer in most men, citing an increased risk of false positives and overdiagnosis. The guideline aims to balance potential benefits with substantial harms.
A study in mice reveals that dysfunctional ketogenesis promotes fatty liver disease, characterized by excessive hepatic glucose and lipid production. The findings suggest targeting ketogenesis could be a viable approach to treating NAFLD.
Scientists at Brigham Young University have developed a natural treatment using phages to protect baby bees from American Foulbrood, a deadly disease that kills off larvae and leads to hive collapse. The researchers identified five phage candidates for honeybee treatment, providing a potential alternative to antibiotics.
A new RAND Corporation study estimates that informal caregiving for elderly people in the US comes to $522 billion a year. Replacing this care with paid options would cost $221 billion or $642 billion annually.
Researchers developed a random transmission model to determine how disease progression and case fatality affect transmission and patient isolation. Isolating the sickest Ebola-infected individuals before they progress into their late phase of illness can effectively eliminate the Ebola epidemic in Liberia.
Researchers estimate approximately 2 million pounds of recoverable medical supplies exist annually in nonrural US academic medical centers. Donations from the SHARE program could alleviate global surgical disease burdens and reduce environmental impact domestically.
Researchers will develop algorithmic methods and models to aid in complex DNA mixture interpretation, including identifying multiple contributors and determining match strength. The goal is to achieve accurate and reliable methods for interpreting forensic data from physical evidence.
A new study by University of Houston researchers found that religious beliefs and practices may reduce suicidal thoughts among African-Americans, particularly in cases of racial discrimination. The study suggests that extrinsic religiosity can buffer the negative effects of racism on mental health.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have been awarded a $250,000 grant to study the use of nanotechnology in treating pediatric glioma brain tumors. The team aims to develop targeted and less toxic treatment strategies for this devastating disease.
Recent findings from the LHCb Collaboration at CERN suggest that Bs meson particles may hold the key to understanding the imbalance of matter and antimatter in the Universe. The research, led by Sheldon Stone, presents a promising new avenue for exploring charge-parity [CP] violation and its implications for particle physics.
A clinical study found that high levels of TMAO, a chemical byproduct of intestinal bacteria digestion, are linked to an increased risk of heart failure and poor long-term prognosis. Patients with low TMAO levels had a lower mortality rate despite advanced heart failure symptoms.
A recent survey conducted by C.S. Mott Children's Hospital found that mothers are more likely than fathers to read nutrition labels when considering food and drink purchases. Nearly half of mothers report checking the labels always or very often for added/total sugars.
Researchers have successfully observed atomic positions and electron distribution during the transformation of vanadium dioxide from a semiconductor to a metal. This achievement marks the first time that experiments can distinguish between atomic-lattice structure changes and electron relocation at ultrafast speeds.
Joint Bioenergy Institute researchers improve isopentenol tolerance and production in E.coli, a key step towards cost-effective microbial biofuel production. The study identifies two genes, MetR and MdlB, that improve isopentenol production by 55% and 12%, respectively.
Researchers at UCSB and WHOI have identified a 1,250-square-mile patch of the deep sea floor where 2-16 percent of the discharged oil was deposited. The oil fell in thin deposits most intensive to the southwest of the Macondo well.
Genetics expert Muntaser Ibrahim's research on human genetic variation and population structure sheds light on disease susceptibility, offering potential insights into novel vaccines. His studies have identified key gene variants that can protect against malaria and other infectious diseases.
A national study found that prescription opioids were involved in 67.8% of opioid overdoses in emergency departments, while heroin accounted for 16.1%. The study also highlighted the importance of healthcare providers prescribing opioids with caution to patients with pre-existing conditions.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers reveals that a form of calmodulin plays an active role in opening and closing ion channels, contrary to previous thought. This finding could lead to new treatments for disorders such as cardiac arrhythmias, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease
Eight new research projects will explore various techniques for detecting dementia, including microstructure-sensitive MRI and graphene-based biosensors. The projects aim to develop diagnostic tools that can identify biomarkers of dementia at the point of care.
Research suggests that men who have slept with more than 20 women may have a lower risk of prostate cancer, while those with multiple male partners are at higher risk. The study found a 28% reduction in prostate cancer risk for men with many female partners and a twofold increase in risk for those with multiple male partners.
Patients who received newly donated blood had significantly fewer post-operative complications than those who received older blood, according to a Canadian study. The study found that patients given only new blood fared better in terms of re-operation for bleeding, ventilation duration, infection, renal failure, and death.
A new study by University of Utah anthropologist Shane Macfarlan challenges the idea that humans naturally fight like chimpanzees. Instead, Yanomamö men form long-term alliances with other villages through marriage and cooperation, which leads to increased social status and benefits.
A CU-Boulder study suggests that modern hearing aids can distort music due to advanced processing designed for speech. Researchers found that simpler hearing aids with minimal processing allowed users to enjoy music more, despite reduced sound quality.
A study of over 3,000 patients found that non-Caucasian groups have higher rates of cardiovascular risk factors, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. However, South Asians, East Asians, and Blacks reported lower awareness of these risks compared to Caucasians.
A study presented at the Canadian Cardiovascular Congress found that people with mental health disorders are twice as likely to develop heart disease or stroke. The study also showed that psychiatric medications and unhealthy behaviors contribute to this increased risk.
Astronomers have taken the first time-lapse images of an expanding fireball from a 'nova' star, providing new insights into this rare celestial phenomenon. The data reveal that the fireball expands at a rate faster than previously predicted, engulfing a region comparable to Earth's orbit within a day.
A study by University of Montreal researchers found that 33% of children who were reunited with their families after being placed in foster care were abused or neglected again. The study identified age and the back-and-forth between biological families as significant factors contributing to maltreatment recurrence.
Tropical Depression 9 reformed into Tropical Storm Hanna, becoming a 'zombie' storm that brought strong thunderstorms and heavy rainfall to Nicaragua and Honduras. The National Hurricane Center issued a tropical storm warning for the area, predicting life-threatening flash floods and mudslides.
Researchers have developed a device that can detect markers of kidney disease and prostate cancer in urine samples, offering instant results and potentially higher accuracy. The device uses DNA sequences to latch onto disease markers, allowing for early detection at ultra-low concentrations.
Researchers found that patients who received more accessible primary care had better health-related quality of life and improvements comparable to eliminating early complications of diabetes. Women particularly benefited from doctors being more available, leading to stronger health improvements.
The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation honored Herbert Pardes with its inaugural Humanitarian Prize for his significant contributions to the field of mental health. The prize recognizes Dr. Pardes' tireless work in education, prevention, treatment, and advocacy, as well as his championing of empathic healthcare.
A Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) team has developed a chemical navigation system that uses the Marangoni effect to find the quickest route to a destination. By applying acid and alkaline liquids with dyes, the system creates a color trail that indicates the shortest path.
Breast cancer patients taking brand name aromatase inhibitors had higher discontinuation rates and nonadherence compared to those on generic AIs. Higher copayments of $15-$30 per month were also linked to discontinued use.
Researchers have discovered a new drug combination that disrupts two key signaling pathways that drive breast cancer growth, showing promise in treating the disease. The combination of rapamycin and dasatinib was found to be more effective than using either drug alone in killing tumors.
The study reveals that social resources and connections play a critical role in shaping a neighborhood's resilience. Residents who have strong social ties are more likely to report their neighborhood is well-prepared for future disasters, indicating higher confidence in long-term recovery.
Researchers used landscape genetics to study Ae. albopictus dispersal in the US, finding it traveled by 'jump' dispersal via cars and trucks along highways, with wetlands supporting mosquito growth. The discovery highlights human-aided gene flow's role in accelerating species adaptation.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have discovered a connection between innate immune system genes and ovarian longevity, which could lead to new treatments for fertility issues. Neutralizing the effects of a key protein may slow down egg destruction and improve IVF success rates.
Parents can learn scientifically validated autism therapy through group classes, improving their children's language skills and reducing stress. The treatment involves rewarding the child for trying to talk, with benefits including improved happiness and a sense of community.
A new drug delivered through a skin patch has shown promise in healing diabetic foot ulcers and preventing their recurrence. The drug increases the protein HIF-1α, which helps form new blood vessels needed for wound healing.
Two new studies from Johns Hopkins shed light on how complex cells detect and respond to minute differences in chemical concentrations. Cells use their internal 'skeleton' to influence gradient detection and movement, with implications for development, immune response, wound healing, and cancer metastasis.
Tropical Cyclone Nilofar intensifies to hurricane strength with maximum sustained winds of 75 knots (86 mph/139 kph), centered near 15.2 north latitude and 62.2 east longitude.
A new study by Simon Fraser University researchers suggests that Canada's consideration of activity-based funding for hospitals may lead to a 'sicker and quicker' discharge of patients, increased readmissions to hospital, and strain on post-acute care services. The study concludes that governments should exercise caution before impleme...
A study by Northwestern University found that influential colleagues can boost the adoption of new treatments in doctors, with a sweet spot of reminders every five to seven days. The research aimed to accelerate physicians' adoption of new treatments and tests, which can take up to 17 years.
Researchers suggest that asymptomatic individuals may benefit from treatment for thyroid dysfunction to reduce associated health risks. However, the effectiveness of thyroid screening is still unknown, and further studies are needed to inform an updated recommendation.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation has published a succinct slide deck highlighting 60 original scientific abstracts presented at the ASBMR meeting in September 2014. The slide kit provides clinically focused research on various aspects of bone health, including osteoporosis treatment and new strategies.
Researchers at Wayne State University are working on a grant-funded project to design molecular vaccines for Type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases. They aim to use a novel approach called 'hitchhiking' to deliver therapeutics to specific sites in the lymph nodes.
A new study found that future-oriented women are the voting bloc most strongly motivated to invest in reducing global warming. They tend to be more politically liberal, value the environment, believe in global warming, and are willing to pay more to mitigate climate change.
Astronomers observed unprecedented nova images that show the expanding thermonuclear fireball is more complicated than predicted. The research collaboration measured the nova on 27 nights over two months using CHARA's high-resolution telescopes, revealing an ellipticity of 13% and a rapid expansion rate of over 600 km/s.
Researchers at Rice University have made significant breakthroughs in the study of synthetic collagen fibers, demonstrating how they self-assemble through their sticky ends. The discovery could lead to improved synthetic collagens for tissue engineering and cosmetic medicine.
A new study found that two-thirds of health websites recommending prostate cancer screening aligns with medical organizations' stance. Many online resources advocate for patient-individualized approaches, while some sites advise against screening due to potential risks.
A study published in International Scholarly Research Notices (ISRN) Stroke found that overall knowledge about stroke in Uganda is poor. Researchers surveyed 1,600 residents and discovered three-quarters were unaware of stroke risk factors and warning signs, or recognized the brain as the affected organ.
A study found that maintenance opioid agonist therapy with methadone or buprenorphine reduced the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in young injection-drug users. The treatment strategy is crucial for preventing the spread of HCV among this high-risk group.
Researchers create a learning network of wheelchair-mounted robotic arms and human users to improve daily activities, satisfaction, and quality of life for people with spinal cord injuries. The project aims to maximize human-robot learning and address ethical issues related to assistive technology.