Recent research highlights geography and care outside hospitals as main factors influencing hospital readmission rates. A broader focus on community health systems is needed to address these issues.
A recent study published in the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting found that induced or augmented labor is not associated with an increased risk of Autism spectrum disorder. The research analyzed data from over 166,000 children and found no link between labor induction/augmentation and ASD diagnosis.
A variation in the POC5 gene was found to be associated with familial scoliosis in a large French family study. The gene encodes for a centrosomal protein involved in microtubule-organising centres and cellular polarity, leading to rotational deformations similar to those observed in scoliosis patients.
Researchers at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that offering a range of options and different price points can lead to higher success rates and profits in crowdfunding campaigns. This approach allows creators to tap into consumers' willingness to pay more, generating additional revenue.
Scientists at Northwestern University have found a way to harvest industrially useful protein from yeast in greater quantities without increasing its production. By genetically knocking out proteins responsible for reabsorption, the team increased protein yields by two- to three-fold.
Researchers developed a new test using magnetic resonance imaging to measure the function of retinal blood vessels and light-detecting cells. This breakthrough enables doctors to detect eye problems earlier, including macular degeneration and after childhood injuries, and may slow disease progression.
Researchers at Ohio State University discovered that when people walk in sync on a swaying bridge, they conserve energy and reduce their energy costs. By widening their stride, individuals can increase stability while also saving energy, which is equivalent to walking with or without a school backpack.
Recent research suggests sleep apnea impacts bone metabolism through sleep duration and quality disruptions. Daily rhythms play a crucial role in maintaining normal bone health.
Health economics calculations for targeted anti-cancer therapies are often based on assumptions that can change when re-examined. Adjusting these assumptions can significantly alter the cost-effectiveness ratio, making treatments seem more or less viable.
A new study found that increased proximity to opponents leads to more polarization in the US Senate, contrary to expectations. Senators from opposing parties who had more contact moved further apart in their voting behavior.
Sexual behavior among female university students has become more risky, with younger age at first intercourse and higher numbers of lifetime and recent partners. Condom use during initial sex also decreased, highlighting a concerning trend in Swedish female student sexuality.
Tropical Cyclone Eunice was spinning in the Southern Indian Ocean when NASA's Terra satellite captured its transition to an extra-tropical cyclone. The storm's warm core became a cold core, characteristic of mid-latitude low pressure areas.
Researchers discovered that a low-energy nanosecond laser therapy can reverse the pathological and molecular changes in age-related macular degeneration. The treatment does not cause retinal damage, and it may also be effective on other eye diseases like diabetic macular oedema.
Researchers at the University of Manchester have identified a possible cause of IVF failure in some women, which may be treated with therapies targeting microRNA-145 and its effects on IGF1R. The study's findings suggest that manipulating this biological process could lead to improved rates of embryo attachment during implantation.
Scientists at TU Dresden have presented a novel method, real-time deformability cytometry (RT-DC), to mechanically screen large populations of cells quickly and accurately. This technology enables the continuous, on-the-fly mechanical screening of hundreds of cells per second.
Teenagers who own smartphones spend more time online during the night, leading to an increased risk of poor sleep and depressive symptoms. Smartphone use at night is associated with a higher likelihood of sleep disturbances.
A study found that treating insomnia with cognitive behavioral therapy led to a significant reduction in suicidal ideation among veterans. The therapy also improved depression and quality of life, suggesting its potential as a target for reducing suicide risk.
A recent study found that almost 60% of Ontario Family Health Teams offer physical activity services, but their quality and accessibility vary. The study suggests that standardized physical activity promotion is needed to increase its effectiveness in promoting healthy lifestyles among Canadians.
Researchers developed a new genetic control mechanism using synthetic RNAs that can turn genes on and off. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of RNA-only genetic circuits with diagnostic capabilities.
Researchers analyze ancient wooden bows found in La Draga, Spain, and conclude that bowhunting played a significant community and social role among early peasant societies. The discovery provides new evidence on the social role of hunting in the first farming societies.
A new study identifies a DNA biomarker that can detect β cell death and predict type 1 diabetes risk. Unmethylated insulin DNA levels correlate with reduced β cell function and increased risk of clinical onset.
A new study by University of Cambridge researchers identified a critical threshold in alpha-synuclein protein levels that increases the chances of aggregation and neurodegeneration. The findings provide a mechanistic description of the initial molecular events leading to Parkinson's disease.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which immune cells in the skin function as the body's 'border control'. This finding could improve how we fight some infections, allergies and auto-immune diseases. The discovery of CD1a molecule reveals how it interacts with lipid molecules to identify foreign invaders.
A new study found that older adults with musical training were 20% faster at identifying speech sounds than non-musicians. The research suggests that music instruction can enhance brain areas supporting speech recognition, even in old age. Music training may help counteract cognitive decline and improve auditory processing abilities.
The non-invasive first trimester blood test reliably detects Down syndrome in over 99% of cases, making it superior to other testing methods.
Research from Northeastern professor of psychology Iris Berent and her colleagues finds that linguistic preferences are guided by abstract rules rather than motor system simulation. Abstract rules trigger motor action, not the other way around.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University have discovered a new reset button for the brain's master biological clock, which can be stimulated using light to alter sleep patterns. This finding has the potential to lead to new treatments for conditions like seasonal affective disorder and reduce adverse health effects of night shifts.
Researchers discovered that high temperatures stimulate stem growth in plants, contrary to cooler temperatures where light inhibits it. Mathematical models and experiments validated the findings, suggesting plants may associate hot weather with drought risk and grow quickly to reproduce.
Texas-based Shackleton Energy Company plans to mine lunar water ice and convert it into rocket propellant, with Moon Express also interested in using the resource as fuel. Meanwhile, China is making headway in mining rare-earth elements on the Moon, sparking interest in establishing a human settlement.
Infants as young as 13 months old can comprehend complex social scenarios, taking into account who knows what about whom. They are able to make inferences about others' behavior based on the information they have learned, indicating that they are developing essential skills for assessing social situations and making relevant judgments.
A new study led by Penn's Damon Centola reveals that social conventions can emerge spontaneously, with no centralized leader or media source, through the normal interactions of people in social networks. The research used a web-based game to test how large populations come to consensus, and found that random mixing allowed for the emer...
A new study found that HIV penetrates the blood-brain barrier by relying on proteins expressed by mature monocytes. These proteins could serve as a target for preventing HIV from reaching brain cells. The research aims to shed light on novel mechanisms for improving drug delivery to the brain.
A new network of underground sensors in the Texas Hill Country is connected to NASA's SMAP satellite, providing vital information for determining drought and dangerous floods. The Texas Soil Observation Network will help answer questions about how much rainfall gets soaked up by the soil and how much fills reservoirs.
A new study reveals distinct methylation patterns in primary biopsy breast cancer cells, indicating better or worse prognosis. This epigenetic signature can stratify triple-negative breast cancers into two sub-groups, allowing for more precise disease management and potential improved outcomes.
Researchers at NYU have developed a method to monitor microscopic particles' properties during chemical reactions, enabling improved product design and production. This technique offers benefits for various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
A new review of qualitative studies reveals that researchers often overlook social factors influencing gender barriers to cardiac rehabilitation. The study suggests a lack of conceptual clarity about the role of gender in shaping views on heart disease.
Feral cats feed on a wide range of native species, including endangered birds and mammals. A study suggests that controlling rabbit populations could harm native mammals instead, highlighting the need for multi-species pest control approaches.
According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, light jogging is associated with lower mortality rates. Jogging frequencies between 1-2.4 hours per week showed significant lower mortality rates compared to sedentary non-joggers.
A severe bushfire burned in southwestern Australia, covering an area of 70 square miles. Residents were forced to evacuate due to the high risk of fire spreading.
Researchers at Indiana University have discovered a way to use nitrogen gas as a nitrogen source for bioethanol-producing bacteria, increasing ethanol yield and reducing costs. This breakthrough could make cellulosic ethanol more competitive with corn ethanol and gasoline, benefiting the industry and environment.
A new BU study finds a decline in kidney function among Nicaraguan sugarcane workers, suggesting heat stress and dehydration may play a role in the high rates of chronic kidney disease. The research team recruited 284 workers performing different tasks and found that those with longer employment duration had worse kidney function.
A recent study published in JAACAP found that abandoned children placed in institutions have an increased risk for behaviors similar to those seen in children with autism. However, when moved into child-centered foster family care at a young age, their social behaviors improved significantly.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center discovered six microRNAs that can distinguish between high-risk and low-risk pancreatic lesions, offering a promising biomarker for early detection. This finding may lead to the development of a microRNA-based blood test to aid in predicting disease severity and foster new prevention strategies.
A Penn State College of Medicine researcher proposes updating professional medical society guidelines to address when it is ethically justified to Google a patient. The proposed guidelines would help healthcare providers navigate the use of search engines in patient care.
A 30-year study found that suicides in Greece increased sharply after the government introduced austerity measures in June 2011, with a total of 11,505 deaths over the period. The introduction of austerity led to a significant rise in male suicides, while female suicides also surged during this time.
New review highlights advances in image-guided surgery using fluorescence imaging to improve cancer detection and patient survival. Innovative strategies in low-income countries, such as mosquito net repairs and task redistribution, offer lessons for high-income countries.
Researchers at University of Manchester and University of Sheffield create see-through and efficient electronic devices using graphene and related materials. The new technology enables the creation of light-emitting devices that are incredibly thin, flexible, durable, and semi-transparent.
Hay fever sufferers can benefit from state-of-the-science treatments like sublingual immunotherapy. The American Academy of Otolaryngology recommends this treatment for patients with specific allergies who don't respond to other treatments, with a completion period of up to five years. Other key recommendations include diagnosing and t...
Researchers at the University of Maryland have discovered a new mechanism of inheritance in roundworms that could revolutionize our understanding of evolution and disease treatment. The team found that genes can be silenced through a process called RNA interference, and this silencing can persist for multiple generations.
The study analyzed 11,535 women with preterm birth in the first pregnancy and found that an interval of less than 12 months increases the risk for severe preterm birth. Women with preterm birth are advised to postpone their next pregnancy for at least 12 months.
A new study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology finds that ultrasound can help surgeons decide whether to remove only a few or all underarm lymph nodes from breast cancer patients who have received chemotherapy, reducing the risk of complications and saving healthcare costs.
The book, 'Unfinished Work: The Struggle to Build an Aging American Workforce,' explores how businesses, governments, and individuals deal with the issue. Coleman traveled extensively, including Japan, France, and Sweden, to research how companies are adapting to an aging workforce.
Scientists have created a Stream Biome Gradient Concept to compare streams across continents, aiming to improve understanding of stream ecosystems and biodiversity. The concept takes a macrosystems approach, viewing systems on a continental or national scale, to develop hypotheses for testing at various aquatic sites.
Researchers at the University of Missouri discovered that the cerebellum plays a critical role in controlling robotic grasping tools. By monitoring brain activity with fMRI, they found that participants' brains adapted quickly to associate new movements with grasping actions.
The International Code of Botanical Nomenclature was updated after the five-day Vienna meeting, with relatively few changes accepted and several clarifications adopted. The new code includes a Glossary for the first time, linking nomenclatural terms to their definitions.
The Liberia-NIH partnership is conducting a Phase 2/3 study to test the safety and efficacy of two experimental vaccines against Ebola virus infection. The trial will enroll approximately 27,000 healthy adults and those at high risk of infection, and will provide crucial information on potential countermeasures for future outbreaks.
A study suggests some galaxies may shoot out gas early, causing them to redden and die prematurely. Researchers found that four galaxies approaching the end of star formation had expelled most of their gas.
Changes to labor and delivery care systems, introducing expanded midwifery and streamlined obstetric staffing, led to significant decreases in primary and repeat cesarean delivery rates. This study suggests that modifying the traditional model of obstetric care can lower cesarean delivery rates while improving maternal safety.
A study of 825 women with mild gestational diabetes found that those with preeclampsia/gestational hypertension had a higher frequency of subsequent hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Women who delivered preterm and had preeclampsia/gestational hypertension were at greatest risk.
Naomi Cleghorn's team will excavate a site near Knysna, South Africa, believed to date back 44,000-18,000 years and hold never-before-seen evidence of early human evolution. The funding supports the search for additional sites in the area, which may provide insight into the population dynamics of early humans.