A new study suggests that states may not save money by eliminating adult dental coverage under Medicaid. California's program showed a 68% increase in Medicaid costs for dental care in emergency departments after the benefit was ended, with over 1,800 additional visits annually to ERs.
Researchers at MIT and UCSD developed a new approach to detecting liver tumors using engineered probiotics. The bacteria produce a luminescent signal that can be detected with a common laboratory test, showing high sensitivity in detecting liver tumors larger than one cubic millimeter.
Researchers have identified a neural pathway in the brain that predicts an animal's next move, using differential firing patterns of specific neurons. The study confirms that this pathway, involving the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, enables animals to plan their trajectory.
A new report recommends that Congress authorize the development of nationally scaled genomic data systems for patient safety, public health, and scientific advancement. The authors argue that existing regulatory resources are insufficient to assure patients of maximal benefits from genomic testing.
A study found that women tolerate unattractive men up to a point but shun them if they misbehave. The 'devil effect' magnifies the negative impact of unattractiveness when combined with social norm violations.
Researchers at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center identified brain regions activated during mismatches between expected and experienced pain. The parietal lobe and insular cortex were found to be involved in processing real-time mismatches.
Astronomers have discovered a rare collision between two high-speed knots of ejected matter in a supermassive black hole jet. The finding suggests that shocks produced by collisions within the jet accelerate particles and brighten the regions of colliding material.
The rapidly emerging field of precision medicine is characterized by its use of genetic, biomarker, and psychosocial characteristics to tailor treatments for individual patients. While it holds great promise, precision medicine also raises concerns about the balance between patient needs and fiscal management.
A new study by the University of Copenhagen found that women who received a false positive mammogram result showed signs of stress and depression years after the initial diagnosis was denied. Researchers are now urging for better information and support to be provided to women receiving false positives.
Researchers found that snails vary in their ability to remember and respond to training, with those good at one type of memory being poor at others. The study reveals that there is no universally smart snail, but rather individuals are smart at some things but not everything.
The nation's research funding squeeze jeopardizes patient care, eroding time to conduct research and discouraging innovative science. Deans of leading academic medical centers call for predictable and sustainable funding indexed to inflation to support research and teaching.
Researchers have discovered a key driver of kidney growth in response to losing a single organ, highlighting the importance of protein synthesis and mTORC1 activation. By understanding this mechanism, they hope to develop new strategies for preserving kidney function in patients with a single functioning kidney.
A two-year study found that female breast cancer survivors lost an average of 6% of their body weight through lifestyle changes, which may lower the risk of cancer recurrence. The study's results suggest that modest weight loss could become a routine part of oncology care to improve patient outcomes.
Researchers discovered an enzyme called LysYl Oxidase (LOX) that enhances the spread of breast cancer to the bone. Treatment with bisphosphonate, a class of existing drugs for osteoporosis, has shown promise in preventing bone damage and tumour cell metastasis.
Researchers found that transcranial direct current stimulation led to improvements in short-term memory and subtle changes in word retrieval in people with schizophrenia. The study suggests that this type of brain stimulation might ease some cognitive difficulties, enabling individuals to lead a more normal life.
The US market offers less effective sunscreens compared to European counterparts, which have approved eight superior formulations for better protection against UV-A and -B rays. Manufacturers are waiting for FDA approval since 2002, hindering product availability.
A new study published in Radiology found that degeneration of white matter in the brain may be an early marker of specific types of Alzheimer's disease. White matter damage was found to be more severe and widespread in patients with atypical AD forms, suggesting a potential biomarker for early diagnosis.
A comprehensive international study found that approximately five percent of the general population experiences hallucinations and delusions at some point in their lives. The study, involving over 31,000 participants from 19 countries, revealed that these experiences can be temporary and not always linked to serious mental illness.
Researchers have found that diatoms grow faster in the presence of Sulfitobacter bacteria, which release a growth hormone beneficial to land plants. This discovery sheds light on the complex interactions between marine microbes and their environment, with potential implications for understanding ocean productivity and climate change.
NASA has selected two Southwest Research Institute instruments, a mass spectrometer and ultraviolet spectrograph, to investigate Jupiter's fourth-largest moon, Europa. The mission will explore potential life in the outer solar system and study the moon's subsurface ocean.
A study by Utah State University found that high tunnels, low tunnels, and supplemental heating increase yields and raise income for strawberry growers. The most profitable method was a high tunnel system alone, which generated an estimated net income of $1943.57 per year.
A promising new solution for improving water quality is the Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework (ACPF), a systematic approach to identifying best options for reducing nutrient losses and erosion within a watershed. The framework provides an inventory of conservation possibilities, allowing farmers and stakeholders to choose th...
A University of Michigan study found that poor families struggle to stay afloat with bills and debt, leading to 'consumption smoothing' where they acquire more debt. Higher wages and robust safety nets are needed to help families recover.
A new online tool called TB-Profiler can predict genetic resistance to tuberculosis drugs in a matter of minutes, improving the likelihood of cure for patients with drug-resistant TB. The tool uses genome sequence data to analyze and interpret resistance to 11 drugs used for treatment.
The AHRQ-funded Healthy Hearts Northwest project aims to improve heart health among patients in primary care practices in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. The initiative provides resources, support, and quality improvement strategies to help small- and mid-sized practices build their capacity for delivering high-quality cardiovascular care.
Researchers developed an efficient method to concentrate arbitrary N-particle less-entangled W states into maximally entangled states using parity-check gates. The approach requires a single photon as an auxiliary and can be repeated to increase success probability.
A new research team at RI-MUHC has developed a glutamate biosensor platform using revolutionary protein engineering technology Cyto-iGluSnFR. This platform allows for the detection of glutamate levels in brain cells, enabling the screening of millions of chemical compounds to develop new drugs targeting EAATs.
Researchers found that women who adhered to a Mediterranean diet most closely lowered their risk of womb cancer by more than half. The diet's components included eating lots of vegetables, fruits and nuts, pulses, cereals and potatoes, fish, monounsaturated fats, and moderate alcohol intake.
Leading medical schools warn of a hostile work environment due to uncertain federal funding, threatening research initiatives and clinical advances. The deans call for predictable funding streams and increased financial stability to support biomedical research and innovation.
A new RAND Corporation study found that patients treated virtually for acute respiratory infections are just as likely to be prescribed antibiotics as those treated face-to-face. The study also found higher rates of broad-spectrum antibiotic use in virtual care.
Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology developed Terapio, a next-generation nursing robot that assists healthcare staff in delivering resources and recording patient information. The robot's friendly communication abilities and autonomous navigation capabilities enable efficient data management and care delivery.
A recent study published in the BMJ finds that anti-osteoporotic medication is not effective in preventing hip fractures among older adults. The research highlights that falls and balance disorders are more significant contributors to hip fractures than bone brittleness, challenging current treatment strategies.
Researchers have identified molecules associated with Alzheimer's disease as crucial players in long-term depression, a process that weakens synapse connections. These findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases.
A University of Miami researcher has received a $1.9 million grant to investigate the impact of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on smoking cessation in African American, Hispanic and White smokers. The study aims to reduce tobacco-associated health disparities by examining the effects of CBT on stress and depressive symptoms.
Genetically programmed probiotics can detect liver cancer metastases early-on by producing signals easily detectable in urine. The approach may be useful for detecting the disease earlier, increasing chances of survival.
Archaeologists are using social media to save sites, but a new study warns of potential harm from naive initiatives without strategic oversight. The use of online platforms puts archaeologists at risk of harassment and exploitation, and local communities face unequal access to their heritage.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have discovered a key mediation pathway that explains why sodium-oxygen batteries are more energy efficient compared to their lithium-oxygen counterparts. The discovery could pave the way for developing highly efficient and affordable energy storage solutions.
A world-first study by QUT reveals that roadside air is more charged with particles than air under high-voltage power lines, with concentrations up to 15 times higher within 10 meters of a freeway. The study highlights the significant impact of motor vehicle emissions on urban air quality.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have identified the genetic blueprint of a bacteria that produces ET-743, a compound extracted from a marine invertebrate. This discovery expands understanding of the microbe and could lead to lab-grown production of the cancer-fighting drug.
A new human ancestor species, Australopithecus deyiremeda, has been discovered in Ethiopia that lived alongside Lucy's species. The species differs from Lucy's in terms of its thick-enamelled teeth and lower jaw architecture.
A new study reveals that omitting the market risk factor from the Standard & Poor's Case-Shiller Home Price Indices can create a critical flaw, leading to inaccurate estimates. The authors propose an alternative weight model to properly incorporate the market risk factor and demonstrate its impact using empirical evidence.
A CU-Boulder instrument, SUDA, has been selected for a NASA mission to Jupiter's icy moon Europa to measure surface particles and study the moon's hidden ocean. The mission aims to understand the prerequisites of life in the solar system.
A study by Jaana Viljaranta and colleagues found that limit setting is beneficial for children's math skill development, whereas guilt-inducing techniques hinder progress, especially among girls. The research project, funded by the Academy of Finland and Jacobs Foundation, examined teachers' interaction styles with around 150 children.
A study in Nigeria found that 9.3% of antimalarial drugs purchased in Enugu were of poor quality, while 1.2% were falsified and 6.8% substandard. The results highlight the need for improved drug regulation and monitoring to protect patients from receiving ineffective or harmful treatments.
A study by Penn State researchers reveals that 64% of children initially diagnosed with autism also have apraxia, a rare neurological speech disorder. The Checklist for Autism Spectrum Disorder (CASD) accurately diagnoses autism in children with apraxia, and ongoing screenings are crucial to prevent long-term problems.
Researchers found four essential genes that were lost from the human Y chromosome but relocated to other chromosomes, including one gene crucial for sperm production. These findings suggest a complex role of sex chromosomes in genetic function and may contribute to male infertility.
A team of scientists has developed a method using commercial-grade laser equipment to find and analyze fossils of dinosaurs, revealing complex details unseen with traditional visual enhancers. The technique causes fossil samples to fluoresce, allowing for the detection of fakes and the identification of new species.
Researchers have found a novel way to 'read the Earth's LIPS', revealing a previously missed connection between Large Igneous Provinces and mid-ocean ridges. This discovery changes our understanding of massive volcanism in ocean basins, suggesting that undersea eruptions are less catastrophic than thought.
While advances in technology have made multigene testing useful in predicting breast cancer risk, clinicians need awareness of its limitations. Recent studies suggest that low-cost genetic testing solutions may cause undue anxiety and stress due to lack of information about many genetic variants.
A major international trial found that starting antiretroviral drugs earlier reduces the risk of developing AIDS and other serious illnesses. The study supported treating everyone with HIV, regardless of CD4+ T-cell count.
A new MIT algorithm significantly reduces robot teams' planning time by deferring difficult grasp decisions until easier ones are made. The algorithm produces a workable plan that may not be perfectly efficient but saves time in planning, often offsetting added execution time.
Researchers at UC San Diego discovered a microsporidian called Nosema ceranae can infect honeybee larvae, leading to reduced lifespans as adults. The parasite has been linked to colony collapse disorder, with global losses of one-third of managed bee colonies each year.
A machine learning breakthrough enables fast and accurate measurement of metabolic profiles from biofluid samples, revolutionizing predictive medical screening. This technology accelerates the development of diagnostic tests for various diseases, potentially years before symptoms appear.
A global study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that psychotic experiences are relatively rare in the general population, affecting approximately 5.8 percent of adults worldwide. The study also revealed significant differences in prevalence rates between countries and demographics.
Dr. Gary Frishman's editorial in Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology suggests that second-look laparoscopy may not be the best approach due to its risks and high cost. The procedure, which involves a repeat surgery to check for adhesions after a previous treatment, is questioned by Dr. Frishman as a model for responsible healthcare.
Researchers developed a 3D printing technique to create scaffolds for insulin-producing cells, which showed full functionality and improved transplantation success rates. The bioplotting method enabled the creation of porous structures that facilitated glucose and insulin exchange, while protecting the cells from the immune system.
A new UT study suggests that prey emit warning cues to survive and also help predators avoid danger. The theory proposes a mechanism called concurrent reciprocal selection, where both prey and predators benefit from the signals, ensuring their survival.
A recent study by NYU researchers found that approximately one-third of Chinese Americans incorrectly perceive their body weight. The study explored the accuracy of body weight perception and its impact on obesity among 162 participants, revealing significant differences among participants in terms of gender, age, and education years.
A 16-year-old patient underwent a novel approach to diagnosis, where the spinal tumor was removed endoscopically while awake and under local anesthesia. Pathology confirmed Ewings sarcoma diagnosis, enabling effective treatment.
A new study by GW researcher Valerie Hu found significant sex-dependent differences in brain RORA protein levels, with males having lower baseline levels and stronger correlations with genes regulated by RORA. The findings suggest that RORA deficiency may contribute to the known male bias in autism susceptibility.