A review of 90 published studies on contact precautions found no high-quality data to support or reject the practice. Local needs and resources, not mandates, are recommended to drive infection prevention practices. Alternative methods, such as horizontal infection control, may be effective in reducing hospital-acquired infections.
Researchers propose a mesh of Mach-Zehnder interferometers to overcome limitations in traditional optics, enabling perfect performance. This approach enables the creation of custom optical devices with improved power consumption and sensitivity.
A three-year study reveals that contaminated sediments from Fukushima are resuspended by typhoons and transported to the Pacific Ocean. The research team tracked radiocesium levels in sediment samples along the continental shelf and slope, finding high concentrations of clay material characteristic of near-shore sediments.
Researchers found that lice populations in 25 states have high levels of gene mutations linked to resistance to pyrethroids. The most resistant populations are from California, Texas, and Florida, where lice have all three genetic mutations associated with knockdown resistance.
The fourth Atlantic Tropical Depression formed on August 18, 2015, with NASA's Terra satellite capturing its visible image. The depression is expected to gradually strengthen over the next 48 hours and become a tropical storm by August 21.
A new delayed-release metformin treatment has been developed to target the lower bowel and limit absorption into the blood. The treatment may help 40% of type 2 diabetes patients who currently can't take metformin due to impaired kidney function.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that complete resection of high-grade brain cancer significantly improves survival rates in children. The study revealed a greater survival benefit for female patients compared to male patients. Gross total resection (GTR) improved the chances of survival free of recurrent or progressive cancer o...
Researchers discovered that edible active coatings based on pectin, pullulan, and chitosan can preserve the color, flavor, and texture of strawberries. The EACs reduced fruit softening, microbial growth, and extended shelf life from six to 15 days.
New studies establish a framework for nanoinformatics by standardizing the way nanotechnology data are curated. This will enable future studies to combine multiple datasets to explore complex questions. The research also proposes a new, standardized way of studying the properties of nanomaterials using functional assays.
Researchers updated their breast cancer risk model to include benign biopsy results, revealing a 300% increase in five-year risk for women with proliferative findings. The revised model enables more accurate identification of women at high risk who may benefit from chemoprevention.
A study by UC Davis researchers has identified two biomarkers that can detect lung cancer up to six months before diagnosis, with an 80% accuracy rate. The findings offer a promising alternative to expensive low-dose CT scans, which involve X-ray radiation.
E-cigarettes are becoming increasingly available in low- and middle-income countries, where they pose a significant public health risk. The devices may produce known carcinogens and carry the potential for addiction, exacerbating cardiovascular disease and lung problems.
A newly discovered dwarf galaxy is radiating high-energy gamma rays, potentially pointing to the presence of dark matter. The detection was made using publicly available data from NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope and has sparked excitement in the scientific community.
IU School of Medicine researchers have developed biomarkers and apps that can predict the risk of suicide in individuals with bipolar disorder and other psychiatric illnesses. The tests, which use RNA biomarkers from blood samples along with questionnaire instruments, were able to predict suicidal ideation with over 90% accuracy.
Researchers have created a unique antenna that collects unused blue photons from sunlight, converting them into usable energy for silicon-based solar cells. This innovation has the potential to significantly increase solar cell efficiency, making them more affordable and environmentally sustainable.
Johns Hopkins researchers warn that hospital monopolies can drive up medical expenses, reduce patient choice, and threaten quality of care. The authors call for greater vigilance from the Federal Trade Commission to prevent the rise of 'too big to fail' hospital systems.
Women undergoing fertility treatment face a higher risk of depression after giving birth compared to those who don't have a child. The Danish research found that women who give birth after fertility treatment are five times more likely to develop depression in the first six weeks after birth.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne have captured images of immune cells responding to herpes simplex virus using state-of-the-art microscopy. The study reveals the dynamic choreography between killer T cells, helper T cells and dendritic cells as they work together to defeat an infection.
Researchers discover that high nighttime temperatures cause rice plants to produce a stress hormone, leading to losses in yield and quality. They also find that root pruning can occur due to rice water weevils, affecting plant growth.
A new study found that children with larger oral vocabularies at age 2 arrive at kindergarten with greater reading and math achievement, better behavioral self-regulation, and fewer acting out or anxiety-related problem behaviors. Early intervention efforts, such as home visitation programs, may help target these high-risk children.
Shorter maternal height influences fetal environment, affecting pregnancy length and prematurity risk; birth length and weight mainly influenced by genetic factors. The study's findings highlight the importance of identifying genetic contributors to preterm birth.
A large US study found that light to moderate drinking is associated with an increased risk of certain alcohol-related cancers in women, mainly breast cancer, and men who have ever smoked. Overall, the study suggests that women should not exceed one standard drink a day and men should not exceed two standard drinks a day.
Researchers used computed microtomography to investigate a well-preserved fossil arthropod from the famous Chengjiang Lagerstätte in China. The study revealed anatomical details previously hidden in the rock matrix, allowing for the identification of the species as Xandarella spectaculum.
Researchers have discovered how bacteria convert phosphonate compounds into phosphate, using a complex of fourteen proteins. This mechanism could be used to develop techniques for removing pesticide residues from drinking water and understanding the greenhouse effect.
Recent anthropological analysis of a 7000-year-old mass grave reveals victims were murdered and deliberately mutilated during the early Neolithic period. The study suggests that social tensions may have contributed to the termination of this era and that such massacres were frequent features of the early Central European Neolithic period.
A new species of cave-dwelling snail from South Korea has been described, shedding light on the ancient distribution of subterranean biodiversity across Eurasia. The discovery suggests that these unique creatures may have once inhabited a pan-Eurasian range, with potential implications for conservation efforts.
Researchers found significant differences in reproductive tract microbiomes between women who delivered preterm and full-term babies. The study suggests that these differences can predict early pregnancy risks and may help identify women at risk of preterm birth.
A recent study analyzed prescription claims data in Florida and Georgia, finding modest decreases in opioid prescribing and use after implementation of the state's pill mill law and prescription monitoring program. The reductions were most pronounced among patients and providers with high levels of opioid use at baseline.
A recent study assesses e-waste recycling's economic potential and finds it worth billions of euros, with potential revenues expected to rise from €2 billion in 2014 to €3.5 billion by 2020. The recycling industry also aims to reduce environmental pollution by conserving virgin resources.
A new project aims to characterise the genetic diversity of traditional Vietnamese rice varieties using genomic markers for disease resistance and salt tolerance. Bioinformatics capacity will be built in Vietnam through training workshops and data sharing.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that whistled Turkish eliminates brain asymmetry in language perception, contradicting the long-held theory of left hemisphere dominance. This discovery sheds new light on the cognitive processing of languages.
The University of Oklahoma has received a $1 million grant to develop a digital Latin library, providing resources for users of varying expertise levels. The project aims to create a Linked Open Data resource for Latin texts, allowing users to find, read, and study texts with advanced tools and visualization environments.
Researchers found that treating astrocyte nucleus with TGF-beta frees p75NTR protein, allowing critical molecules to enter the nucleus and enabling reactive state. This discovery highlights the importance of nuclear pore complex in brain health and raises possibilities for treating neurological disorders.
A new study found that depicting food in motion on packaging and marketing campaigns can make it seem fresher and more appealing to consumers. The researchers discovered that implied motion elevates the perceived quality of food, potentially encouraging healthier choices.
A new test measures changes in calcium isotope ratios to monitor bone diseases like osteoporosis and multiple myeloma. The test, validated on NASA space shuttle astronauts' blood samples, shows promise for near-time monitoring of bone health.
A study suggests that two Florida laws, enacted to combat prescription drug abuse, led to a small but significant decrease in opioid prescriptions. The Prescription Drug Monitoring Program and 'pill mill' law measures reduced the volume of opioids prescribed by 2.5% and the dosage strength by 5.6%, equivalent to 750,000 pills per month.
A new study finds that smaller-scale space weather events are amplified near the equator, putting power grids at risk in previously considered safe regions. These disturbances can cause fluctuations in wholesale electricity pricing and damage unprotected power infrastructure.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Neurology found that poor sleep is a major factor in MS-related fatigue. The study, led by Dr. Lauren Strober, confirms that sleep disturbances account for up to 25% of the variance in fatigue among individuals with MS.
The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group has opened the National Cancer Institute-Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice (NCI-MATCH) phase II precision medicine trial. The trial seeks to enroll approximately 3,000 adults with solid tumors or lymphoma who have returned or worsened after standard therapy.
Researchers have identified phytol and coumarin as key compounds responsible for repelling mosquitoes in traditional sweetgrass. The study, presented at the American Chemical Society meeting, demonstrates a scientific basis for the folklore of using sweetgrass to deter biting insects.
A new study published in Administrative Science Quarterly finds that neutral language can build trust among divisive groups and stimulate economic growth. Using data on Kenya's Nairobi Securities Exchange, researchers identified mechanisms driving social segmentation and integration of disparate groups.
Researchers have demonstrated that DNA can preserve information for at least 2,000 years, and they're now working on a filing system to make it easier to navigate. DNA offers a potential solution to data loss in the digital age, with the ability to store unprecedented amounts of data in a fraction of an ounce.
A recent study published in Tobacco Control found that varenicline, a prescription smoking-cessation aid, has no significant impact on the rate of smokers who successfully quit. Instead, it appears to displace the use of older tobacco addiction therapies, such as nicotine patches and bupropion.
A University of Bristol study has identified the mechanisms behind disruption in brain communication channels linked to schizophrenia symptoms. The research reveals that over-activation of dopamine receptors can suppress NMDA receptor function, leading to a marked disruption of communication between key brain regions.
Researchers have identified a 125 million- to 130 million-year-old freshwater plant, Montsechia vidalii, as one of the earliest known flowering plants on Earth. The finding represents a major change in the presumed form of one of the planet's earliest flowers and raises significant questions about its early evolutionary history.
Researchers found that vitamin D supplements improved vitamin D levels and reduced falls in a five-month trial. The study suggests vitamin D may help maintain muscle integrity and strength, reducing the risk of falls in vulnerable populations.
A regular dose of aspirin reverses the long-term risk of cancer in those who are overweight, according to a study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology. The research found that being overweight more than doubles the risk of bowel cancer in people with Lynch Syndrome.
Scientists have discovered a cytokine called MIF that regulates EGFR activation in the tumor microenvironment, promoting tumor progression. The findings could lead to new approaches in treating tumors by intervening in this self-regulating loop.
A new type of flexible electronics can monitor health, stresses on aircraft wings, and vital signs through wearables. Researchers are developing hybrid systems for military and civilian use, including biosensor patches that can transmit biometric signals in real-time.
A large-scale analysis of published research studies found that yoga therapy was most often used for mental health, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease. The study, published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, analyzed 28,000 study participants from 29 countries over 46 years.
Studies have shown that an increase in muscle mass can lead to improved glucose metabolism and blood vessel dilation, even in obese mice. The researchers are now exploring the role of galectin-3 and Nox1 in this process to identify potential targets for intervention.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a method for self-assembling molecular electronics using soap, creating ordered molecular structures that can be used to make solar cells and transistors. The breakthrough is a significant step forward in the development of environmentally sustainable and flexible electronics.
Scientists created adjustable weirs to simulate flooding levels, allowing for realistic study of coastal wetland impacts. The low-cost approach provides a more accurate representation of natural conditions than traditional mesocosm studies.
The study found that nearly 3000 square kilometers of glaciers have been lost since the 1960s, with an average annual ice loss of 5.4 gigatons. By the 2050s, half of Tien Shan's glacier volume is estimated to be depleted due to climate change.
Researchers at University of Michigan Health System tested strategically placed sound acoustic panels in hallways around patient rooms, reducing noise by 3-4 decibels. The study found a significant impact on patient satisfaction and hospital scores, highlighting the importance of minimizing noise levels in healthcare environments.
A new study from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that regular coffee consumption, especially four or more cups a day, significantly reduces cancer recurrence and death in stage III colon cancer patients. The researchers discovered that caffeine is the key component responsible for this protective effect.
A provocative essay in Annals of Internal Medicine exposes doctors' disrespect towards vulnerable patients, highlighting shocking clinical experiences. The author's anonymity protects patient privacy, but raises questions about medical ethics and accountability.
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that music therapy significantly lowered anxiety levels for patients undergoing surgical breast biopsies. The study involved 207 patients who received either live or recorded music before surgery, with results showing a 43% reduction in anxiety compared to usual care.
Researchers at Leuphana University developed a new screening-based procedure to assess environmental risks caused by veterinary antibiotics. The Usage Pattern-Based Exposure Screening (UPES) method aggregates data on antibiotic usage patterns and models consumption to predict environmental impact.
A new study analyzes 1,800 years of ocean surface temperature data, finding a steady cooling trend before the Industrial Revolution. Volcanic eruptions drove this trend, which was later erased by human-caused global warming.