A California study found that not-for-profit hospitals provided an average of 1.9% of operating costs for charity care, while for-profits spent 4.4% on bad debt and uncompensated care. The disparity highlights the need for clearer guidelines to ensure hospitals fulfill their community obligations.
Researchers review the use of pulse electric fields to boost biogas yield in anaerobic digestion, finding significant benefits in lab and pilot plant studies. The technology has shown promising results in enhancing gas production with minimal side effects on microbial communities.
A new study published in Molecular Cell identifies the precise trigger that causes melanoma cancer cells to transform into invasive killer agents, pinpointing a key role for 'Notch signaling' in this process. Understanding this mechanism may lead to new prevention and treatment strategies.
Scientists at MD Anderson Cancer Center discovered the critical role of fumarase enzyme in DNA repair, revealing a key mechanism for reversing genetic damage leading to cancer and therapy resistance. The study's findings have potential implications for developing new cancer treatments by inhibiting DNA-PKs and fumarase.
The study reveals that glaciers worldwide are melting at an unprecedented rate, losing half a meter to one meter of ice thickness every year. This is two to three times more than the average for the 20th century, with some glaciers in Norway having retreated by several kilometers from their maximum extents.
Super Typhoon Soudelor showed extreme rainfall rates with over 58 mm/hour on its southern side, as measured by NASA's GPM core satellite. The storm is predicted to intensify before making landfall in eastern China.
WSU researchers discover that environmental factors can prompt genetic mutations through epigenetics, changing our understanding of disease and evolution. The study found increased genetic mutations in offspring exposed to the fungicide vinclozolin, suggesting a more significant role for environment in driving intergenerational changes.
A Phase III trial shows the engineered clotting protein rvWF is safe and effective in controlling bleeding episodes in patients with severe vW disease. The protein increases naturally produced FVIII levels, reducing the need for additional infusions.
A new study by George Washington University researchers challenges the idea that early Homo genus evolved with an increase in body size. They found that early hominins were generally smaller than previously thought, and the increase in body size occurred later with H. erectus.
Researchers have devised a new approach to vaccines that creates immunity without standard approaches, offering a rapid solution to deadly diseases like dengue fever. The DMAb platform produces antibodies that do not bind to cell receptors, eliminating the chance for infection and disease.
Researchers found that mice with lower levels of EDNRB protein are more tolerant to hypoxia and better able to maintain cardiac function and oxygen delivery. This study suggests that EDNRB could be targeted to treat sea level diseases related to low oxygen, such as heart attack and stroke.
A randomized clinical trial of high-dose vitamin D supplementation in postmenopausal women found no benefits on bone mineral density, muscle function or falls. The study's results contradict some experts' recommendations for optimal serum vitamin D levels.
MIPT researchers have developed a new method to eliminate energy losses of surface plasmons in optical devices, paving the way for high-performance optoelectronic chips. By pumping extra energy into surface plasmon polaritons, they can compensate for propagation losses and increase integration density.
Researchers found that people form trait impressions of others' character, such as generosity, before considering material benefits. This study provides insights into how we learn about people through interactions and challenges existing scholarship on the role of reward value.
A Michigan State University study found that septic tanks are contaminating freshwater sources with fecal bacteria, threatening water quality and human health. The research used a novel source-tracking method to analyze 64 river systems in Michigan and identified areas with high numbers of septic systems as hotspots for pollution.
Researchers found that reminding skeptics about the importance of vaccines and the risks associated with not being vaccinated can change their attitudes positively. The study tested three groups of participants and showed that even the most skeptical individuals were influenced by the intervention.
The BioLEGO web application enables single and two-step multiorganism fermentation process design, maximizing feedstock conversion rates. It also evaluates possible biomass-to-product yields and recommends media changes to increase process efficacy.
Researchers designed a revolutionary high-throughput robotic platform to automate the process of generating patient-specific stem cells, reducing variability and increasing scale. This technology allows for 'clinical trials in a dish' and can identify potential drug metabolism and toxicity issues in human cells before clinical trials.
A study by the University of California, Davis found that ocean changes are affecting the survival rates of Coho and Chinook salmon, causing them to become more synchronized. This loss in biodiversity can't be addressed through freshwater management alone.
Researchers have created digital switches using graphene-nanotube hybrids, outperforming existing graphene-based switches. The material's lopsided band gaps create a potential barrier that stops electrons, enabling high-speed switching.
A proposed global vaccine-development fund could help make vaccines available for emergency use, saving thousands of lives. The fund would cover the financial burden of vaccine development, addressing barriers such as high costs, limited market potential and lack of government support.
Research reveals that low concentrations of 5α-dihydrotestosterone can induce complete or incomplete sex reversal in female Pelophylax nigromaculatus frogs. Environmental androgenic endocrine disrupting chemicals pose a threat to aquatic ecosystems, highlighting the need for increased regulation.
A study found that most major mammal groups in Africa tried grazing on grass around 2 million years ago, but some animals switched to browsing trees and shrubs or became extinct. The bovids, including cattle and antelopes, are the only group still mostly grazing on grass today.
A new microchip design captures circulating tumor cells for serial analysis, while a 3D hydrogel scaffold enables retrieval and in vitro growth promotion. The technology also facilitates xenograft models in immunodeficient mice, offering a promising approach to personalized cancer therapies.
A new study found that daily changes in mouse gut bacteria are linked to the internal clock and gender. The researchers analyzed circadian rhythms in abundance and type of microbiota in mice and found that female mice showed more significant oscillation than males.
A small tilt of magnets makes them viable memory chips, opening the door to a memory system that can be packed onto a microprocessor. This breakthrough could lead to computers that turn on instantly and operate with greater speed and significantly less power.
Research from North Carolina State University reveals that couples can manage financial uncertainty by seeking information, communicating effectively with their partner, and adapting to the situation. The study identifies four barriers to successful management: information barriers, communication barriers, time management barriers, and...
A study found that participants who mimicked a partner's dilated pupils were more likely to trust them in an investment game. The researchers suggest that group membership plays an important role in interpreting pupil signals, and that mimicry of dilating pupils is particularly beneficial in in-group interactions.
The study found that regional node irradiation had a marginal impact on overall survival for patients with stage I, II, or III breast cancer. This was accompanied by improved disease-free and distant-disease-free survival rates, but long-term radiation effects remain unknown.
Faculty from LSU and its partner universities will lead research efforts in advanced manufacturing technologies, including 3-D metal printing and multi-scale metal forming. The $20 million NSF grant will support the development of a national consortium promoting innovation and workforce development.
Researchers are monitoring drug resistance to HIV prevention drugs in sub-Saharan Africa through a $5 million initiative. The project aims to prevent new infections and develop cost-effective diagnostic plans.
Scientists at University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center identified EMT as a potential therapeutic target for reversing kidney disease and fibrosis. The study showed that inhibiting EMT in tubular epithelial cells can restore their health and function.
Researchers found that changing industry standards for maintenance therapy can maintain treatment responses and lower side effects. The study tested three dosing strategies: nightly dosing with 10mg, intermittent dosing with 10mg 3-5 days a week, or partial reinforcement through nightly pills with half placebo capsules.
ATF3 is a critical protein that helps repair DNA damage and prevent cancer. When cells experience stress, ATF3 binds to the Tip60 protein, promoting DNA repair and cell response. The study suggests that increasing ATF3 levels could lead to new cancer therapies.
Researchers discovered that CA125-negative tumor cells have an enhanced ability to repair their DNA and resist programmed cell death, making them dangerous. Combining chemotherapy with birinapant significantly improved disease-free survival in laboratory models of human ovarian cancer.
A study from Duke University Medical Center found that moderate and severe picky eating in children is linked to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and social issues. Children with selective eating behaviors showed increased symptoms of generalized anxiety at follow-up intervals.
Researchers found that gut microbes in mice exhibit a daily cycle, influencing circadian clock genes and metabolism. High-fat diets disrupt this cycle, leading to weight gain in mice.
Research identifies a key trouble spot in the brain that contributes to intellectual disability in Down syndrome, shedding light on disrupted brain networks. The study suggests therapies targeting these networks may be beneficial for future treatments.
Researchers found that marriage leads to a dramatic decrease in heavy drinking among young adults, particularly those with severe drinking issues. This 'marriage effect' may be due to role-incompatibility theory, which suggests that individuals must adapt their behavior to meet the demands of new roles like marriage.
A revolutionary new procedure developed by Hilton Becker preserves the nipple, areola, and surrounding skin, eliminating animation deformities and offering a faster recovery. The single-stage procedure has shown a low complication rate and implant loss in a preliminary study of 31 patients.
A new study provides visual simulations of what someone with restored vision might see after undergoing sight recovery therapies, highlighting the limitations of current technologies. The simulations reveal that patients may experience fuzzy or blurred outlines, and temporary visual disappearances.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a technique to grow large numbers of muscle cells in the lab, offering a better model for studying muscle diseases like muscular dystrophy. The new method involves mimicking early developmental cues to drive cells to grow into functional muscle fibers.
Research finds that men who become dads before age 25 have poorer health and die earlier than those who delay fatherhood. The study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, used a nationally representative sample of over 30,500 men to track their mortality rates from age 45 until death or age 54.
Researchers developed a novel dimensional method to differentiate between expectable and problematic early childhood misbehavior. The study found that children with normal irritability levels had a high risk of clinical problems, highlighting the need for early identification and intervention.
T cells' activation relies on a dynamic protein network at the cell surface, with proteins coming and going in rapid intervals. Understanding this process could help boost the immune response against diseases like cancer or infections.
The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has released a new 'Scope of Practice' document to clarify the changing role of medical genetics specialists. The document defines the specialty's scope, including genetic consultations, counseling, testing, and education.
Researchers Elena Belova and her team proposed a mechanism explaining why plasma fails to reach required temperatures in tokamaks. The new understanding could lead to improved control of temperature in future fusion devices, including ITER.
Animal models are still crucial for medical research, according to experts, as they have led to tremendous progress in treating human and animal diseases. The authors argue that alternative methods, such as in vitro research, are not yet ready to replace animal models entirely.
Cholinesterase inhibitors used to treat dementia can lead to significant weight loss in older adults. Clinicians should monitor patients for weight loss and consider discontinuing these medications if necessary, according to a new study.
Researchers at UCLA and University of Illinois found that emphasizing the benefits of vaccination and taking a non-confrontational approach can increase support for vaccination among skeptical parents. A study with 315 adults showed that highlighting the dangers of measles and mumps can substantially increase support for vaccination.
A novel process configuration produces clean middle-distillate fuels from coal with minimal emissions, suitable for jet or diesel engines. The process extracts coals with light cycle oil, separates solids, hydrotreats liquids to remove sulfur and aromatic compounds.
A recent study by MIT researchers found that most languages tend to minimize dependency length (DLM) in practice, preferring words related to each other to be close together. This tendency is associated with simpler language use and reduced cognitive load for speakers, listeners, and readers.
Two California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine projects aim to treat pediatric cancer with genetic analysis and diagnose acute infections using DNA sequencing. The projects, led by UCSF researchers, have the potential to deliver precision medicine tests and therapies within 18-24 months.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a DNA-loaded nanoparticle that can penetrate the human airway mucus barrier in lungs, offering a potential breakthrough for treating cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases. The biodegradable nanoparticles successfully delivered therapeutic genes to the lungs of animals, producing hi...
A novel approach using a motile bacteria and microbial lug-gage enhances cellulose degradation in solid-state conditions. This method overcomes limitations of current biocatalysts, offering a promising solution for efficient and cost-effective cellulose hydrolysis.
Scientists will develop an implantable drug delivery system to deliver antiretroviral drugs, providing protection against HIV infection for up to a year. The project aims to improve upon current methods of prevention, which have low adherence rates.
Researchers at University of Cambridge found earliest example of reproduction in rangeomorphs, a type of ancient organism. They replicated their distribution using spatial statistics and modeling, finding dual mode of reproduction involving waterborne propagules and stolons.
A new study published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management suggests that Health Codes of Conduct can effectively engage employees in wellness activities. The study found that features such as annual physicals, exercise routines, and recognition programs were most supported by participants.
Hurricane Guillermo's strongest winds, reaching 67 mph/108 kph, were measured by NASA's RapidScat instrument on the western side of the storm. The storm is expected to weaken as it approaches the Hawaiian Islands, with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph.
Agrindus and Nanox developed a technology that extends the shelf life of grade A pasteurized whole milk from seven to 15 days by incorporating silver-based microparticles into rigid plastic bottles. This innovation doubles the shelf life, benefiting logistics, storage, quality, and food safety.