A two-phase intervention at an inner-city school increased purchases of healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and plain white fat-free milk by 20-62%. The study suggests using emoticons and small prizes to entice students to make healthier choices in school cafeterias.
A study found that using a pocket-sized ultrasound device (PUD) with physical examination can improve diagnosis accuracy and reduce the number of tests needed. The PUD was found to be comparable in performance to standard ultrasonography, but improved the accuracy of physical examinations, resulting in a 37% reduction in further testing.
Research reveals that children aged 14 and younger are treated in US emergency rooms for playground-related injuries over 200,000 times annually. When caregivers are distracted by electronic devices, including cell phones, their children are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors on the playground.
A study found that babies as young as 6 months are being exposed to mobile devices, and by 1 year, one in seven toddlers is using them for at least an hour a day. Most 2-year-olds were also using mobile devices regularly.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that allowing kids to pick their own summer reading materials significantly reduces literacy loss, particularly among low-income students. More than 75% of students who selected some or all of their books maintained or improved their reading levels.
A large-scale study showed that emergency body cooling does not improve survival rates or reduce brain injury in infants and children with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Therapeutic hypothermia, however, has been shown to be effective for adults and newborns after cardiac arrest.
A phase 3 study showed that a combination of daclatasvir, sofosbuvir, and ribavirin was effective in achieving sustained virologic response rates of over 90% in patients with HCV infection and advanced cirrhosis. The treatment was also well-tolerated, with no serious treatment-related side effects.
A recent study published in The International Liver Congress shows that alcohol use disorders are a stronger predictor of mortality than chronic hepatitis C virus infection, especially when severe comorbidities are present. AUDs were found to be associated with higher mortality risks across all hospital subgroups.
A new study presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting found that providing students with a collection of self-selected books at the end of the school year can improve reading achievement, particularly for low-income students. Results showed no significant difference in reading scores between intervention and control ...
The study found that the Sofosbuvir/daclatasvir combination achieved an 81.6% SVR4 rate after 12 weeks of treatment and a 93.9% SVR4 rate after 24 weeks, with a 100% SVR4 rate when combined with ribavirin. The treatment was effective in both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients.
New research shows that state laws banning texting while driving led to a significant reduction in teens using their cell phones behind the wheel, but 30% of teens still admitted to texting. Experienced drivers, especially those over 16, were more likely to use their phones while driving.
A recent study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that teenagers who survive self-poisoning are at a significantly increased risk of dying by suicide in the following decade. Half of all suicides among these teens occurred more than three years after their initial episode, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts.
A worldwide study shows that daily drinking is a significant predictor of liver disease burden, with heavy drinkers having the highest risk. The study highlights the need for reducing heavy drinking as an important target for public health monitoring and policies.
A new study presented at The International Liver Congress 2015 showed high rates of sustained virologic response and good tolerance when using sofosbuvir and daclatasvir-based regimens in patients with recurrent hepatitis C. These results support the use of interferon-free regimens in managing liver transplant patients infected with HCV.
A comprehensive review highlights the need for better evidence on hepatitis B and C testing in European countries. The study found gaps in knowledge, particularly for high-risk populations such as migrants and men who have sex with men.
A Phase 3 study demonstrates that sofosbuvir in combination with ribavirin and peginterferon is highly effective for treating genotype-3 HCV-infected patients, particularly those with cirrhosis. The BOSON study shows the optimal duration of treatment for these patients, which could lead to improved outcomes.
A recent study found that exposure to books and stories in early childhood is associated with differences in brain activity. Greater home reading was linked to stronger activation of areas critical for oral language and later for reading. Visualization also plays a key role in narrative comprehension, allowing children to 'see' the story.
A new study identifies five resources that help hospitals overcome the 'weekend effect' in urgent general surgery procedures. Hospitals with increased nurse-to-bed ratios, electronic medical records, inpatient physical rehabilitation programs, home-health programs, and pain management programs are more likely to improve patient outcomes.
The RUBY-1 study evaluates ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir in patients with stage 4 or 5 CKD and HCV GT1 infection, revealing a well-tolerated combination with rapid viral load suppression.
A study reveals that individuals with undiagnosed hepatitis C infection have a similar risk of developing advanced liver fibrosis as those who are diagnosed. The findings support the importance of regular screening for HCV, especially in high-risk groups.
Increasing the dose of radiotherapy for children with intracranial ependymoma can significantly improve their survival rates. Studies show that higher doses above 54 Gy can lead to better overall survival and progression-free survival rates compared to lower doses.
A population-based study found brachytherapy with external beam radiation improved overall survival by 13% for women with inoperable stage 1 endometrial cancer. Brachytherapy was also associated with lower deaths from endometrial cancer after three years.
A study found that many magazine images and stock photos of infants show them sleeping on their stomachs or with soft objects, increasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Only about half of the stock photos and a third of magazine pictures depicted safe sleep environments according to AAP guidelines.
A large-scale study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that therapeutic hypothermia did not improve neurological outcomes in pediatric cardiac arrest patients. The study compared two treatment groups: therapeutic hypothermia and active normothermia therapy.
A Texas A&M study found that students with standing desks show greater on-task engagement and academic behavioral engagement, equating to an extra seven minutes of engaged instruction time. Standing desks were also shown to burn more calories than traditional desks, with obese children burning 25% more calories.
Scientists at Ames Laboratory have created a new magnetic alloy using cerium instead of dysprosium, which is scarce and expensive. The alloy demonstrates comparable properties to traditional magnets and could be used in high-performance applications such as wind turbines and automobile engines.
Researchers identified a protein called ATM that regulates DNA repair during sperm production, preventing genetic errors that can cause infertility. The discovery sheds light on the mechanisms controlling gamete formation and has implications for understanding human fertility.
Scientists found that people's preconceptions affect the information transmitted, influencing those receiving it. This can lead to an increasingly alarmist perception of potential risks as original messages are reinforced.
A study by University of Vermont professor Lori Erbrederis Meyer found that inclusive classrooms without disability awareness curricula do not increase friendships for students with disabilities. However, having a best friend helps children with high rates of problem behaviors and low social skills gain peer acceptance.
Researchers at WashU Medicine have identified a potential target for treatments for fragile X carriers, who can experience social deficits and milder versions of cognitive and behavioral disorders. A potential way to boost levels of the key brain protein could lead to symptom easing for carriers.
A study of combined intracavitary and interstitial brachytherapy for cervical cancer treatment found that the technique delivers higher radiation doses to tumors without increasing treatment-related problems. The method successfully targets the tumor while avoiding other organs, leading to a better chance of cure.
A team of researchers from GFZ explains possible barriers for the ascent of mantle plumes and resolves major conflicts surrounding present model predictions. They found that low-buoyancy thermochemical plumes can develop, preventing massive volcanism and environmental catastrophes.
Scientists have created a more efficient way to generate broadband terahertz radiation by using a microplasma in air, which can be used for applications such as monitoring explosives or drugs. The approach uses lower power lasers and can provide higher spectral resolution, enabling clearer identification of materials.
The study demonstrates a new therapeutic option for chronic HCV infection, achieving high sustained virologic response rates. The combination therapy resulted in 90% sustained viral response (SVR12) rates across various genotypes of the virus.
Neurons, not astrocytes, consume glucose and produce lactate in the brain, according to a groundbreaking study published in Nature Communications. This discovery has significant implications for understanding neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's and stroke.
A new hybrid plant used in anti-malarial drug production, developed by scientists at the University of York's Centre for Novel Agricultural Products (CNAP), has been registered as a new variety in China. The plant is believed to be the first instance of Chinese registration for an Artemisia annua variety bred outside China.
Digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) increases cancer detection rates among women with dense breasts, with a significant improvement seen in those with dense breasts called back for mass and asymmetry. The study found a striking increase in detection among these groups, offering new insights into DBT's effectiveness.
A 12-week oral regimen of once-daily single tablet grazoprevir/elbasvir is effective and well-tolerated in treatment-naive patients infected with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1, 4 or 6. Preliminary results show that 299 out of 316 patients achieved a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks.
Proviso Partners for Health (PP4H) has been awarded a $4.8 million grant from the Institute of Healthcare Improvement to support its efforts in improving community health. The grant will help PP4H develop ways to share and spread effective improvement approaches across the country.
A team of Belgian philosophers and plant biotechnologists explores the widespread anti-GMO sentiment, attributing it to cognitive processes and emotional representations. They argue that the public should form opinions on GMOs on a case-by-case basis, rather than focusing on the technology itself.
The study demonstrated that ledipasvir-sofosbuvir achieves high sustained virologic response rates in patients with chronic genotype 4 and 5 HCV infection. The treatment was found to be effective in both treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients, with similar SVR12 rates across all patient types.
A team of biologists at Vanderbilt University has identified a specific signaling protein called Asef2 as crucial for forming dendritic spines, the tiny filaments that connect neurons to enable memory formation. This discovery could lead to new treatments for autism and Alzheimer's diseases.
A study found that a text messaging service connecting teens to sexual health educators is effective in reaching those most at risk, such as lower socioeconomic teens and those in relationships. The service helps prevent negative outcomes like sexually transmitted disease and unwanted pregnancy.
A team at Northwestern University has developed a faster and higher quality 3D camera that can be used in more environments and produces better images. The camera uses single-point scanning and is modeled after the human eye, making it much faster and higher quality than existing devices.
A new study by Duke University finds that orphaned boys experience similar rates of physical and sexual abuse as girls in low- and middle-income countries. The research suggests investing in support services for both genders to prevent long-term trauma and abuse, ultimately benefiting girls' safety.
A new study suggests that higher education's focus on individual access for underrepresented populations does not address systemic inequalities and marginalizing attitudes in STEM fields. Colleges must tackle complex challenges of changing campus culture to improve student outcomes.
BLU-554, a small molecule inhibitor of FGFR4, has been identified as a potential treatment option for up to 30% of HCC patients. The investigational drug was shown to be potent and 'exquisitely selective' for FGFR4 compared to other kinases targeting the FGFR family.
Aid workers should consider long-term archaeological information about local building practices when providing shelter after natural disasters. Archaeological research reveals that communities in the Caribbean have been rebuilding homes for centuries using effective and culturally relevant designs.
Scientists have identified 35 genes and three long intervening noncoding RNA molecules that spur aggressive activity in HER2+ breast cancer. These findings provide a new target for treatment approaches, potentially leading to RNA-based therapeutics.
Two bumblebee species' genomes have been sequenced, providing insights into their behavior and responses to environmental threats. The research highlights the importance of understanding bumblebee biology to address declining populations and ensure their conservation.
A large population-based cohort study found that non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) increases the risk of death by 50% compared to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study also showed that patients with NASH had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality over a 14-year period.
Researchers have uncovered new insights into the structural controls of fluid pathways in an active rift system, with potential implications for geothermal exploration. The study focuses on Aluto volcano, a major source of geothermal energy in Ethiopia's Rift Valley.
A recent study published in The Journal of Pediatrics reveals that improper use of infant sitting and carrying devices can lead to fatal accidents. The researchers analyzed records of 47 deaths associated with these devices, finding that two-thirds involved car seats and strangulation from straps was the leading cause of death.
Researchers found that paternally contributed centriole proteins can persist up to ten cell generations, raising the possibility that centrioles may be a non-genetic information carrier. This discovery has profound implications for biology and disease treatment, particularly for understanding centriole-related diseases.
Researchers found that only 3% of newly diagnosed patients with stage III ILC benefited from systemic staging with FDG PET/CT, suggesting CT and bone scan are sufficient instead.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have developed an imageable mouse model of brain-metastatic breast cancer and shown the potential of a stem-cell-based therapy to eliminate metastatic cells from the brain and prolong survival. The study also describes a strategy to prevent negative consequences of stem cell therapy.
A new study successfully grew stem cells with dead feeder cells, challenging the theory that feeder cells provide nutrients. The discovery suggests that stem cells may only like the topology of feeder cells, enabling a simpler approach to growth using nanomanufacturing techniques.
A study by University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee researchers found that exposure to metformin causes intersex conditions and stunted growth in male fish. The diabetes medication was detected in freshwater systems worldwide and is being investigated as a potential endocrine disruptor.
Researchers developed an imageable mouse model of brain-metastatic breast cancer and tested a stem-cell-based therapy that eliminates metastatic cells from the brain, prolonging survival. The treatment also prevents negative consequences by targeting tumor-specific molecules.
A new study reveals a sharp increase in MS drug costs over the past 20 years, with long-standing drugs like Betaseron and Copaxone seeing average annual price hikes of 21-36%. The study highlights the need for reform to address unsustainable pricing and ensure life-changing treatments remain accessible to patients.