Neurologist Brian Callaghan's team identified 74 unnecessary medical services in neurological care, including imaging for low back pain and headaches. The goal is to inspire discussions between clinicians and patients about avoiding wasteful or unnecessary tests and treatments.
Researchers at Newcastle University developed a computer model that identifies brain regions responsible for epileptic seizures, leading to improved surgical outcomes. The study successfully simulated brain activity and identified the most seizure-prone areas in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University found that small changes to tax notices can significantly increase EITC participation. The study showed that making the layout cleaner and displaying the potential credit amount in the headline led to a higher response rate.
A Johns Hopkins study suggests that individualized report cards improve VTE prevention efforts, increasing correct therapy use and resident performance. The approach also boosted trainee morale, with a significant spike in resident satisfaction scores.
Researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 to knock out six Hox genes in a sandhopper, shedding light on the genetic mechanisms that determine leg anatomy and evolutionary patterns. By analyzing the resulting transformations, they identified which genes control specific appendages and gained insights into how evolution shapes animal body plans.
A new fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal), poses a significant threat to North America's amphibian populations. The authors propose concrete steps to prevent or reduce the risk of Bsal entry into the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Engineers tested ATLAS's precision by simulating launch vibrations and temperature changes to ensure accurate beam alignment. The automatic steering mechanism adjusts the laser beams to hit specific spots on Earth, generating a precise electrical signal.
A new study finds that bacterial circadian clocks are set by metabolic rhythms, rather than light exposure. Genetically engineered cyanobacteria showed that the clock responds to sugar availability and can maintain a regular rhythm in complete darkness.
Researchers have created a new 'periodic table' to visualize and predict how proteins combine to drive biological processes. The table reveals fundamental steps in the evolution of protein complexes, providing a systematic view on protein assembly.
A recent study suggests that elevated levels of the enzyme APOBEC3B drive tamoxifen resistance in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Higher APOBEC3B levels were associated with shorter progression-free survival times.
Human astrocytes have unique genes and respond differently to neurotransmitters, particularly glutamate, suggesting improved detection of neuroactivity. The study's novel method allows researchers to compare astrocytes from healthy tissue and those affected by diseases such as glioblastoma and epilepsy.
A new RAND Corporation study finds that campus programs have led to a significant increase in California college students seeking mental health treatment, with an estimated additional 329 students graduating for each year of investment. The study also predicts a net societal benefit of over $6 per dollar invested.
A recent study by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam researchers found that narrative spoilers can ruin a story's entertainment value. Spoilers were linked to reduced suspense, fun, and emotional engagement in readers.
Protein seekers can find genetic targets faster with obstacles in some cases, according to Rice University scientists. The study resolves conflicts between other research on protein interactions with DNA.
Three high-value research projects will receive £13.9M in funding to develop cheap and effective vaccines for poultry, create self-fertilising plants and breed elite lines of wheat. The projects are led by world-leading researchers and will address major scientific challenges with five years of funding.
Researchers analyzed coral genome samples from the Ryukyu Archipelago, revealing 4 distinct groups corresponding to geographical locations. The findings suggest that coral populations repopulated themselves after 1998 bleaching, contradicting previous assumptions about long-distance larval migration.
For the first time, MIT chemists have measured the energy of a transition state in a chemical reaction, a fleeting and unstable state thought to be impossible to experimentally characterize. By analyzing changes in vibrational energy levels, they were able to decipher the patterns of reactants approaching the transition state.
Researchers at University of Oxford have developed a new technique that uses T1 mapping to create pixel-by-pixel maps of the heart without injections, improving detail and reducing subjectivity. This technology has the potential to help diagnose heart conditions in patients with severe kidney failure.
Researchers found a unique communication system in one group of crickets where females produce a vibrational signal after male calls, allowing them to locate each other. The study suggests this origin might be more common than previously thought and sheds light on the evolution of acoustic communication systems.
Researchers at TSRI have discovered the dynamics of β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AR), a protein linked to asthma, obesity and type 2 diabetes. The study found that β2AR naturally fluctuates between its active and inactive states in the absence of any drug, and different drugs can either stimulate or inhibit signaling.
Researchers investigated the reasons behind tamoxifen's varying efficacy in women. Genetic variants on the CYP2D6 gene were initially linked to worse survival rates, but subsequent studies found no association. Advanced statistical modeling suggests that genotyping errors may have contributed to these findings.
Researchers found that D538G and Y537S mutations in the estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) gene are common in ER-positive breast cancer patients, associated with poorer outcomes and reduced response to everolimus treatment. The study suggests that these mutations may predict different responses to therapies.
Studies found that patients with delayed breast cancer surgery and chemotherapy had poorer overall and disease-specific survival rates. A delay of up to 90 days in receiving chemotherapy was associated with no adverse outcomes, but prolonged delays led to increased risks of death from the disease.
A study by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science found that emissions controls on coal-fired power plants reduced mercury levels in the air by up to 75% over a 10-year period. This reduction was strongly correlated with power plant emissions from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Nanolive SA announces the launch of its groundbreaking 3D Cell Explorer microscope, which enables real-time exploration of living cells in 3D. The tool has the potential to fundamentally change research in cell biology across various fields, including education, universities, cosmetics, hospitals, and pharma industry.
The University of Tennessee is working to solve its state and nation's obesity problem with a new center focused on reducing childhood obesity. The USDA grant will support programs like SNAP-Ed and EFNEP to improve nutrition education and address barriers to healthy living.
New fossil evidence reveals that Australia's fire-prone shrubland open vegetation originated at least 70 million years ago. This finding rejects the previous notion that rainforests covered Australia until 40 million years ago and instead suggests that native vegetation types evolved under the influence of fires on a drying continent.
Researchers used genome sequencing to trace Ebola's spread in Liberia, finding that most cases were linked to a single introduction of the virus in September 2014. The study suggests that widespread migration within Liberia contributed to the outbreak's magnitude and longevity.
A Journal of the American College of Surgeons study reveals that a hospital's safety culture plays a significant role in delivering high-quality patient care. The study found that 10 out of 12 safety culture factors influenced surgical site infection rates after colon operations.
Researchers have developed innovative, eco-friendly polyethylene fibers from natural fats like olive oil and peanut oil. These ultra-strong fibers can stop speeding bullets, serve as sails, ropes, and surgical sutures while minimizing environmental harm.
Adding carboplatin to presurgery chemotherapy significantly improved disease-free survival rates for patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The study found that patients with pathologic complete responses had the lowest risk of relapse, supporting the use of carboplatin as a standard part of neoadjuvant therapy regimens.
A gold standard data record has been established to improve cancer genome analysis and detect somatic mutations reliably. The record, obtained from interlaboratory testing, provides a basis for laboratories to evaluate their bioinformatic methods and thresholds for detecting specific mutations.
Professor José Azaña has been elected Fellow by the Optical Society (OSA) in recognition of his remarkable contributions to ultrafast photonics. He is the only Quebec academic and one of three Canadian researchers among this year's group of 77 OSA Fellows.
A review of 18 studies found that health professionals' knowledge of female genital mutilation (FGM/C) varies greatly according to their work setting. FGM/C is a harmful practice affecting 100-140 million women worldwide, with long-term complications including recurrent urinary infections and psychological problems.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that women with heart disease attend less than half of their prescribed cardiac rehab sessions, yet still show significant improvements in exercise capacity. Researchers suggest tailoring programs to individual needs and promoting female-only models may improve participation rates.
Researchers from Syracuse University found that atmospheric argon and neon are trapped in minerals formed at ultra-high pressure depths within the Earth's mantle. These findings indicate that noble gases can be recycled from the atmosphere into the deep Earth, and back to the surface again through a process known as forearc recycling.
A new method developed by UC San Diego biologists can quickly identify and characterize compounds capable of controlling antibiotic-resistant bacteria in natural product extracts. This breakthrough could shave years off screening efforts and lead to the discovery of new antibiotics, addressing a growing global crisis.
A study by McGill University researchers proposes using metal powders as a viable alternative to fossil fuels for generating electricity and powering transportation. The use of metal powders in external-combustion engines could provide a zero-carbon solution with recyclable fuels that store clean primary energy.
A recent study by researchers at the University of Toronto found that negative views on aging can negatively impact memory and hearing in older adults. The study suggests that education and training exercises can help improve cognitive and physical performance, dispel stereotypes about aging, and enhance overall quality of life.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a three-drug delivery system that targets cancer cells in the lymph nodes, reducing toxicity and resistance. The technology has shown success in laboratory animals and holds potential for treating various types of cancer that spread through the lymphatic system.
A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that people are quicker to find a hard-to-see person in an image when the directions mention a prominent landmark first, as opposed to last. The researchers also discovered that listeners prefer to use these landmarks as 'mental bookmarks' to speed up the process.
A five-year, $60 million project will integrate HIV services with tuberculosis, malaria, family planning, nutrition, and other health services. The project aims to increase the availability, accessibility, and quality of health services for vulnerable populations in southwestern Uganda.
A University of Florida Health study found that increasing alcohol taxes can decrease gonorrhea rates by 24 percent. The tax increase resulted in 2,400 fewer statewide cases of gonorrhea in Maryland during the 18 months after it went into effect.
Researchers discovered that astrocytes are repelled by amyloid plaques, contrary to previous assumptions. This finding suggests that modifying astrocyte function rather than changing position may be a key response to plaque formation.
Scientists at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre discovered that blocking the master regulator of bone renewal, RANKL, stops osteosarcoma. The findings provide a strong rationale for using this drug to develop targeted therapy for patients.
A new sensor developed by UCL scientists can detect and identify five commonly used explosives in solution within 10 seconds. The sensor uses fluorescent technology to create unique 'fingerprints' for each compound, allowing for multiple explosives to be detected with a single test.
A team at Tohoku University developed sNOOOpy, a genetically encoded FRET-based indicator that senses nitrate and nitrite levels. The sensor can monitor intracellular levels in real-time and has potential applications in various organisms and research fields.
Two researchers at TU Dresden have been awarded EU funding to investigate neurogenesis and cell cycle regulation, aiming to produce human neurons and improve cancer treatment strategies. The projects will focus on understanding the biological rules of neurogenesis and the interaction between cell cycle machinery and redox systems.
Researchers discovered how a common parasite, Toxoplasma, hijacks host cells to store food for decades, altering host behavior. The findings could lead to vaccines and drugs to protect against the parasite's serious risks, including miscarriage and birth defects.
A new study led by Adda Grimberg proposes to reframe the debate on treating short stature in children. The research team found that psychosocial issues such as self-esteem and future adult success dominate parent discussions, with treatment characteristics and health concerns playing a significant role in decision-making.
Researchers found that teens who witness others using substances are more likely to engage in antisocial behavior, especially those with a 'risk-taking' gene. The study used cell phones to track teens' daily lives and found that witnessing substance abuse triggers misbehavior.
Jason Dworkin, chief of NASA's Astrochemistry Laboratory, has made significant contributions to our understanding of the early solar system through his research on organic compounds in meteorites, comets, and asteroids. His work has identified amino acids and nucleobases that are precursors to essential biological molecules, shedding l...
Older men with central sleep apnea are at greater risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF), according to a recent study. The research suggests that addressing central sleep-disordered breathing may help prevent AF in this population.
Researchers found that certain plant species can quickly respond to induced climate challenges through rapid genetic changes. This study suggests that pre-existing genetic variation plays a crucial role in supporting plant resilience in the face of climate change.
A 15-million-year-old fossil sperm whale specimen from California has been re-analyzed by researchers, revealing a new genus name 'Albicetus' due to its bone-white color. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of body size in sperm whales and suggests that they may have fed on large prey like marine mammals.
Researchers applied complexity theory from computer science to study ecological and evolutionary dynamics, revealing unexpected connections between the two fields. They found that certain fundamental questions in ecology and evolution can be precisely characterized by specific classes of complexity theory.
A multidisciplinary accountable care team model has been shown to decrease hospital stays and lower costs by $649 per stay. The ACT model, implemented across an urban hospital, has also improved communication with patients and families, as well as employee engagement and job satisfaction.
Researchers at Rice University and Swansea University have developed a new class of superhydrophobic nanomaterials that are inexpensive, nontoxic, and can be applied to various surfaces via spray- or spin-coating. The coating is equivalent in performance to commercial coatings that employ hazardous fluorocarbons.
A new study finds that minimally invasive hysterectomies for early uterine cancer are less accessible to poor and minority women, despite being linked to fewer postoperative complications. The procedures occurred only 23.6% of the time in low-volume hospitals, which performed fewer than 10 hysterectomies annually.
A study published in Neurology found an association between pesticide heptachlor epoxide and reduced brain cells in nonsmokers who drank more than two cups of milk daily. Researchers discovered residues of the pesticide in 90% of participants with high milk consumption, but note that the study does not show cause-and-effect.