Effective communication among surgical teams is linked to lower risk of surgical site infections, while irrelevant communication increases the risk. Relevant communication facilitates team coordination and minimizes distractions.
A new study by Oregon Health & Science University found that regular face-to-face social interactions with family and friends significantly lower the risk of depression, while phone calls and digital communications have less impact. Study participants who met up frequently had the lowest level of depressive symptoms.
A 45-year study of 179 individuals with childhood-onset epilepsy found that patients attain excellent seizure outcomes, but often exhibit abnormal neurologic signs. These signs may be a risk factor for future stroke and cognitive impairment, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and care.
A new study has identified four previously uncharacterized genetic disorders in children, using a computational approach to analyze DNA samples from over 4,000 families across the UK and Republic of Ireland. The researchers compared these samples with data from millions of people who have agreed to share their genetic information.
The University of Illinois at Chicago has been chosen as one of six research centers in the US to combat emerging infectious diseases. Researchers will study how healthcare workers can care for patients without putting themselves at risk, addressing concerns about Ebola and other diseases.
A new study found that introduced salt marsh plants, like Spartina alterniflora, have caused significant shifts in ecosystem productivity and biodiversity over the past 200 years. These changes were likely hidden from scientists due to the 'ecological mirage' phenomenon, where our perception of nature can be illusory.
A study reveals the key structure of telomerase, an enzyme that enables cancer cells to proliferate indefinitely. Researchers have discovered how the enzyme carries out its crucial function in protecting chromosome ends.
A new study suggests that large fires will continue to increase as a result of climate warming, citing evidence from charcoal deposits in lakes near Mount Zirkel Wilderness in northern Colorado. The research found that even modest regional warming trends can cause exceptionally large areas to be burned by wildfires.
Researchers at Monash University discovered that regulatory T cells can function even when their receptors bind to MHC in a completely different orientation, challenging established views on the immune system. This finding opens up new avenues for investigating and potentially treating autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes.
A new study by Richard Benton suggests that participating in voluntary civic organizations strengthens ties to high-status individuals and improves social capital. This is particularly true for shared social spaces like workplaces, schools, and neighborhoods, which are often segregated by social class traits.
Rats exposed to frequent stress during adolescence showed improved problem-solving skills and foraging efficiency under high-threat conditions in adulthood. This study provides insights into how humans respond to adolescent stress and may inform research on human maltreatment and adverse environments.
The Guidelines International Network has issued 9 principles to address financial, intellectual, and personal conflicts of interest in clinical practice guideline development. The principles emphasize the importance of disclosure and management of COI to ensure trustworthiness of guidelines.
A recent study found that dengue epidemics are more likely to occur during abnormally high temperatures brought by El Niño weather patterns. The research team analyzed 18 years of data and discovered synchronicity in dengue transmission across the entire region, highlighting the need for improved disease surveillance and control efforts.
Scientists have developed finches with a genetic mutation linked to Huntington's disease, enabling them to study the disorder's effects on speech. The transgenic birds display behavior disorders associated with the condition, providing valuable insights into its neurological basis.
A comprehensive study of 25 US states found that compliance with antibullying laws reduces rates of bullying and cyberbullying by 24% and 20% respectively. The study identified three critical components of successful anti-bullying state laws: school intervention, clear definitions, and local policies.
The study found that the overall incidence of Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) was relatively low in 2012-2013, with an annual rate of 2.93 cases per 100,000 population. Most CRE cases were associated with prior hospitalizations and discharge to long-term care settings.
Asthma and other allergies can be aggravated by artificial scents in hospitals, affecting vulnerable patients. Implementing a scent-free policy promotes patient safety and well-being.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Men's Health found that 13.3% of expectant fathers experience elevated levels of depressive symptoms during their partner's pregnancy. The research highlights the importance of depression screening and early prevention efforts for men who are about to become parents.
A new study found a variant in the IL1RAP gene associated with higher rates of amyloid plaque accumulation and cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. The research suggests targeting the IL1RAP immune pathway may be a viable approach for clearing amyloid deposits and fighting disease progression.
Researchers developed a smartphone application to collect data on food handlers' behaviors, minimizing the Hawthorne Effect. The app allows for discreet observation and recording of aspects such as hand hygiene and temperature control, improving the quality of food safety observations.
A scholar of religion proposes a new theory on religious diversity, suggesting that religions share more commonalities than differences. He argues that interreligious theology can help believers overcome prejudices and develop appreciation for other religions.
Researchers found similarities between horse sickness and human conditions like Alzheimer's disease in a study published in Molecular and Cellular Proteomics. The findings shed light on the causes of equine grass sickness, a rare but fatal condition that can be tricky to diagnose.
Research reveals that ancient aquatic algae were genetically pre-adapted to form symbiotic relationships with microorganisms, crucial for plant nutrient acquisition. This finding sheds light on the evolution of land plants from freshwater algae and could help unlock efficient nutrient acquisition in crops like cereals.
A new bee fly species, Marleyimyia xylocopae, is described based solely on high-resolution photographs. The researchers emphasize the importance of alternative methods in species description due to difficulties in obtaining permits for collecting specimens.
Researchers have identified kisspeptin neurons as the key players in generating episodic hormone pulses crucial to normal reproductive functioning. These findings hold promise for developing new fertility treatments targeting brain circuitry disorders, which contribute to up to one-third of all infertility cases.
Researchers at the University of Southampton have developed a new method for measuring the mass of pulsars, highly magnetised rotating neutron stars. This breakthrough technique relies on principles of nuclear physics and can be used to measure the mass of young pulsars in isolation.
Physicians' unconscious attitudes toward special patient populations like LGBT and disabled individuals may be responsible for poorer overall health. This is due to reluctance in discussing important health concerns with these patients, depriving them of high-quality care.
Two new 'door head' ant species have evolved saucer-like shields to block nest entrances and protect against intruders. Their unique morphologies are the second case of such specialization discovered in Africa.
A team of researchers developed a simple model of permafrost carbon based on direct observations. For every one degree Celsius of global warming, the amount of permafrost carbon that enters the atmosphere is equivalent to 1.5 years of global carbon dioxide emissions.
A study of Danish patients undergoing noncardiac surgery found that use of β-blockers was associated with increased risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and death. The results suggest that perioperative management of patients with hypertension should receive specific attention in clinical practice.
Research reveals fish have a more efficient oxygen delivery system than humans, allowing them to thrive in various water conditions. This adaptation is crucial for their survival, particularly during times of stress or low oxygen levels.
Patients with higher positive psychological states were more likely to engage in healthy habits, such as physical activity and better sleep quality. Positive emotions also enabled people to cope with stress and adjust their health goals, leading to improved adherence to medications and reduced smoking rates.
Research reveals that human activities, particularly deforestation and fires, are driving genetic differentiation among the Udzungwa red colobus monkey in Tanzania. The study's findings suggest that these changes are threatening the species' survival, as smaller populations become isolated and more susceptible to extinction.
Tropical Storm Oho formed near Hawaii on October 3, with strongest winds detected on its southeastern side. The storm is expected to intensify and move northeast, potentially affecting the US.
David Nygren, a renowned physicist at UTA, has been awarded the Division of Particles and Fields Instrumentation Award for his pioneering work on the Time Projection Chamber. This technology has enabled accurate capture of results in high-energy particle collisions, leading to breakthroughs in particle detection and discovery.
Scientists at MIT have developed tiny graphene pores that exhibit diverse preferences for certain ions, similar to those found in biological channels. The findings have significant implications for the development of ion-specific membranes for environmental sensing and trace metal mining.
A new study shows that sleeve gastrectomy can increase testosterone levels in obese men by 43% over a 12-month period, while also lowering BMI and reducing cardiac risk factors. This procedure has been shown to improve sexual quality of life and reduce the risk of sarcopenia.
The analysis reveals that modern oceans have a unique and unparalleled biodiversity, with numerous species coexisting due to the fossil record's large Internet database. Human impacts on the environment could lead to a decline in biodiversity.
Major volcanic eruptions can trigger reduced river flow in tropical and northern Asia regions, including Amazon, Congo, and Nile, researchers found. The study also reveals increased flow in sub-tropical regions like the south-west US and parts of South America.
UT Dallas researchers aim to develop a new therapy using targeted plasticity therapy with vagus nerve stimulation to reduce anxiety in PTSD patients. The four-year DARPA grant will support research at nine labs and a team of 30 researchers.
A team of scientists found a coral species that can maintain a constant pH in its calcifying fluid, even under acidic conditions. This unique mechanism allows the coral to form its calcium carbonate skeleton and grow at a relatively constant rate.
The NIH Common Fund has awarded three grants totaling over $30 million to researchers at University of California, San Diego. The 4D Nucleome Program aims to determine how DNA is organized within the cell's nucleus and its impact on human health and disease.
Tropical Depression 8C formed near Hawaii on October 3 and quickly weakened to a post-tropical cyclone. The GOES-West satellite captured its final image as it tracked west through the Central Pacific Ocean before dissipating.
A nationally representative study found racial/ethnic minorities and unemployed individuals spent more time traveling to, waiting for, and receiving medical care. Face-to-face time with physicians averaged 20.5 minutes and did not vary by patient race/ethnicity.
Researchers found that people with MS who experienced neuro-ophthalmic symptoms, such as blurred vision and nystagmus, performed poorly on visual neuropsychological tasks like the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT). This suggests that these individuals may have residual delays in visual processing speed.
A new study found that people who inject drugs with chronic HCV infection will experience moderate liver fibrosis between 26-38 years after infection and develop cirrhosis within 34-46 years. The disease can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma in mid-to-late adulthood, resulting in a poor prognosis.
Scientists utilize advanced molecular techniques to clarify dinosaur color, distinguishing melanosomes from microbial coats. By analyzing keratin and ToF-SIMS results, researchers confirm the presence of melanin in fossilized feathers, shedding light on ancient color patterns.
Research finds that higher levels of physical activity lower heart failure risk in the general population. Current U.S. guidelines may not be enough to reduce the risk, suggesting stronger recommendations are necessary.
Professor Nanfang Yu has received the DARPA Young Faculty Award to develop metasurface-based flat optical modulators. He aims to create high-speed, light-weight spatial light modulators (SLMs) with tunable materials for various applications including LIDAR and remote sensing.
The October issue of Health Affairs explores global health experiences to inform US policy, particularly on addressing risk selection and premium rates. Studies examine strategies used by European countries to reduce high costs, such as quality skimping and flexible premium rates.
A study published by JAMA Pediatrics found that students in states with antibullying laws including at least one U.S. Department of Education-recommended legislative component had lower odds of reporting bullying and cyberbullying compared to those in states without such provisions.
Researchers found that Eurasian reed warblers use a geomagnetic map to navigate during migrations. The birds can reorient themselves towards their original destination even after being exposed to a different magnetic field.
Microglia facilitate the spread of tau fibrils between neurons by releasing exosomes, which could lead to a novel therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease. Pharmacologic depletion and inhibition of exosome production suppress tau spread, restoring neural excitation.
Researchers found that the visual cortex can make decisions on its own, switching between different interpretations of visual input. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the role of the visual cortex in processing visual information.
Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a nanoscale photodetector that can detect optical plasmons, generating current with light. The device expands on previous work demonstrating light transmission through silver nanowires, paving the way for miniaturized photonic circuits.
A team of researchers from Oxford University has identified a protein called PAT4 that tumours use to detect food supplies. Targeting this protein may restrict cancerous cells' ability to grow and improve survival rates.
Researchers discovered that the Dengue virus NS1 protein binds to the host enzyme Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), increasing its glycolytic activity to support viral replication. This finding suggests that GAPDH is a crucial target for developing new treatments against dengue.
Researchers at California Institute of Technology have developed a proof-of-concept study on an injection that stops egg and sperm production in mice, using packaged DNA to produce neutralizing antibodies. This method could be a cheap alternative to spaying or neutering feral animals.
University of Oklahoma School of Industrial and Systems Engineering researcher Kash Barker is leading a project to evaluate the impact of analytics on infrastructure resilience. The goal is to design resilience into infrastructure systems, such as transportation and electric power networks, to withstand disruptions and recover rapidly.
A Georgia State University researcher is investigating the impact of emulsifiers on gut microbiota, leading to chronic inflammatory diseases and metabolic syndrome. The study aims to determine how emulsifiers alter the intestinal tract's relationship with beneficial bacteria.