Professor Michael Frakes will examine the relationship between medical malpractice laws and health care outcomes using a unique data set from the Military Health System. The four-year study aims to identify the impact of liability pressure on practice patterns, medical costs and patient outcomes.
Researchers used DNA to reconstruct past events that brought European populations together, shedding light on the lives of 'regular people.' The study found evidence of multiple migrations, including from Central Asia to Europe and from West Africa to the Mediterranean.
Research suggests that excessive daytime sleepiness and taking long naps during the day are associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. A meta-analysis of 261,365 subjects found that excessive daytime sleepiness increased the risk by 56%, while longer naps of 60 minutes or more increased the risk by 46%.
A new imaging agent, Ga-68 PSMA, significantly improved detection of early recurrent prostate cancer in a study published in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine. The agent was found to detect sites of possible recurrence in 50% of patients with low PSA levels, compared to only 12.5% for another widely used agent.
Researchers found that co-culturing pathogenic E. coli with nonpathogenic strains in mice increased sickness and severity of symptoms. The study suggests that analyzing gut flora may help predict disease outcome and treatment effectiveness.
Research found that depleting the microbiome with antibiotics can reduce neutrophil activity in sickle cell disease, preventing acute crises and reducing organ damage. The study also suggests antibiotics may help treat septic shock by eliminating pro-inflammatory neutrophils.
Astronomers at Columbia University provide evidence of a pair of supermassive black holes converging towards a collision. They predict the smashup will occur in 100,000 years, offering insights into black hole growth and space-time vibrations.
A study of 100 multiple myeloma patients found that nearly half tapped into their savings and 17% delayed treatment due to high costs. The rising cost of novel therapeutics has led to financial toxicity, affecting patient wellbeing and potentially contributing to increased mortality.
A new catalyst developed by Michigan Technological University researchers has improved the sensitivity of the PSA test for prostate cancer detection. The palladium-iridium catalyst is 110 times more sensitive than traditional peroxidase-based tests, reducing false negatives and potentially delaying treatment.
The study found regions with high multi-species genetic diversity could be included in marine reserve design to help species adapt to climate change. Understanding patterns within species is also key to understanding how species form and evolve.
Researchers discovered that a stress-coping hormone boosts amyloid beta production, leading to brain degeneration and Alzheimer's disease. The study strengthens the idea of a link between stress and Alzheimer's disease.
The influence of citizen science is growing, with some states actively encouraging local residents' participation in environmental monitoring. However, not all states share this enthusiasm, with laws limiting or prohibiting citizen scientists from collecting data near agricultural sites.
Researchers at U-M Water Center will measure green infrastructure effectiveness in managing stormwater overflows and reducing phosphorus in the Detroit River. The project aims to fill knowledge gaps on the river's contribution to Lake Erie nutrient loading, enabling policy options to be developed.
A new study finds that as climate warms, many plants face uphill struggle for survival due to competition from unknown species. Alpine plants perform poorly if new competitors move in, but migrate and adapt well when moving into new communities.
Researchers developed a new method using gold nanoparticles to enhance mammogram imaging, improving the detection of early signs of breast cancer. The technique boosts contrast and makes microcalcifications brighter on X-rays, potentially leading to more reliable diagnosis.
A recent study revealed that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) integrates information about a suspect's blameworthiness and harm to others, enabling humans to decide on appropriate punishment levels. The DLPFC is specialized for integrating multiple streams of information to select responses.
A simple blood test can detect early markers of reinvigorated T cells and track immune responses in metastatic melanoma patients after initial treatment with pembrolizumab. The study found increased levels of proteins characteristic of reinvigoration in CD8+ T cells, suggesting a potential biomarker to predict patient response.
A research team led by Dr. Saumya Das will investigate microRNA-30d as a potential biomarker to predict patient outcomes in heart disease. They aim to use microRNA-based tests to identify patients at risk of complications and intervene with medications or implantable devices.
Research shows high consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with lower intakes of healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and yoghurt. In contrast, tea and juice consumption is linked to higher intakes of these nutritious foods.
A University of Adelaide-led reanalysis of Study 329 found that paroxetine was no more effective at relieving depression symptoms than a placebo, linked to 11 suicidal or self-harming behaviours
Researchers aim to develop a non-destructive method to measure water content in solar PV cells using spectral imaging. The goal is to remove uncertainty on the modules' long-term reliability, crucial for making solar energy competitive with fossil fuels.
Research finds child labor stubbornly persists in developing countries due to unequal access to education and income inequality. The QUT study suggests that targeting schooling costs for the poor and improving public health infrastructure could help eliminate child labor.
Consolidation of small populations and protected areas are key to saving the critically endangered species, researchers say. The study provides vital data to support a final attempt to prevent extinction, with priority forest protection zones identified as irreplaceable.
The Ecological Society of America will create a new network for 21st century STEM professionals in environmental biology with an innovative mindset. The project aims to prepare students for rapidly evolving career tracks and addresses NSF's goal of building the professional STEM workforce for tomorrow.
Researchers at Brown University are conducting a five-year study on mindfulness and patient treatment adherence, funded by a $4.7 million NIH grant. The study aims to determine whether mindfulness interventions can influence self-regulation related to medical regimen adherence, with the goal of improving health outcomes.
A new study by Duke University finds that China's giant panda conservation measures also protect 70% of forest bird, mammal, and amphibian species found in mainland China. The research identifies high-priority areas for conservation to protect endangered native species.
In a study on Latin American butterflies, researchers found that males without scent-producing organs do not co-occur with their closest relatives. This suggests that the loss of male scent pads may be linked to geographic isolation, allowing species to avoid competition for mates.
Virginia Tech has won a $2.5 million grant to establish its own center for earth and environmental nanotechnology infrastructure, part of the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure network. The center will focus on characterization, fabrication, and analysis of nanomaterials in soil, water, air, and biological systems.
The Geoscience Career Master's Preparation Survey report assesses students' experiences in geology, geography, and hybrid programs. The study reveals valuable insights into workforce readiness of graduates for government and industry-related positions.
A new study has pinpointed the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) as a critical brain region responsible for coordinating punishment decisions made by judges and juries. The DLPFC integrates information from other parts of the brain to determine punishment, with disruption leading to reduced punishments for morally responsible agents.
The Center for Agriculture and Food Security and Preparedness at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is developing a national training program for produce food safety with a $1.5 million grant from the FDA.
Synthetic biology holds promise for revolutionizing science and medicine, but its safe and stable application is crucial before being applied in real-world settings. Engineers are working on developing safety infrastructure, including kill switches and microbial sensors, to ensure the reliability and predictability of engineered microbes.
A new study by Duke University researchers found that 60% of criminals obtain guns through purchase or trade with family and acquaintances. The study also identified straw purchasers and gun traffickers as key sources of crime guns in Chicago.
A team of researchers has identified a protein that helps heart muscle cells regenerate after a heart attack, improving cardiac function and survival rates in mice and pigs. The protein patch, loaded with Follistatin-like 1, showed remarkable results in animal models, regaining nearly normal function within four to eight weeks.
A study by University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that women discharged from rural hospitals had higher readmission rates than urban hospitals. The researchers attributed this to a lack of family support, disease burden, and limited obstetrician availability in rural areas.
Researchers investigated whether rhythmic skills are linked together or separate, finding that beat tapping and rhythm memory are distinct abilities. The study suggests that these skills may track differently with specific language functions.
Researchers found that high uterine artery blood flow resistance in early pregnancy is associated with a 5-fold increased risk of preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and stillbirth. Increased cell death and reduced IGF2 expression may be causal factors of abnormal placental development.
The Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) has launched an online patient application portal called the UDN Gateway. The new system streamlines the application process and allows patients to be matched with top diagnostic teams and advanced diagnostic tools, aiming to improve diagnosis and care for those with undiagnosed diseases.
The University of Washington has won a $4.5 million NSF grant to advance nanoscale science, engineering and technology research in the Pacific Northwest. The funding will support the Washington Nanofabrication Facility and the Molecular Analysis Facility, providing critical tools and resources for academic and industrial users.
The Cornell NanoScale Science and Technology Facility will receive $8 million from the National Science Foundation over five years. This grant, combined with a matching commitment from New York state, will provide long-term infrastructure support for ambitious research.
Research finds that spending time in nature enhances the functioning of the body's immune system, providing protections against a range of diseases including depression and cardiovascular disease. The immune system plays a crucial role in every one of these diseases, highlighting the importance of exposure to nature for overall health.
Researchers at Georgia State University develop an oral drug using microparticles and natural herbal molecules to target colon inflammation in ulcerative colitis. The curcumin-loaded microparticles show potential as a scalable drug carrier for efficient clinical treatment of this chronic gastrointestinal disease.
A team of researchers has identified ERManI as a key protein that prevents HIV-1 replication, providing a potential natural defense against the disease. The discovery could lead to the development of new antiretroviral treatments and promote HIV resistance by increasing ERManI levels.
A new analysis suggests that banning microbeads from products is the best way to protect water quality and wildlife. Researchers estimate that 8 trillion microbeads are being emitted into aquatic habitats daily, with toxic effects on animals and ecosystems.
The study found that recognizing opportunities, creating a clear narrative team, and using emotionally impactful photographs are key elements of success. By leveraging cultural entrepreneurship and visuals, environmental movements can gain legitimacy and inspire action among followers.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University will analyze data from over 5 million solar panels worldwide to identify factors contributing to degradation. By applying an epidemiological approach, they aim to develop more reliable designs and extend the lifespan of solar panels.
A University of Oregon study suggests that charity logos on food products can trigger quick perceptions about an item's healthiness. The research found that consumers associate certain cause logos with healthier options, even if the partnership is not intended to endorse the product's healthiness.
The USA 300 strain of MRSA has decreased in hospital-onset cases, but remains prevalent in the broader community. Current or former drug use was a strong predictor for acquiring this strain of bacteria.
A new method called Phantom Derivative (PhD) has been developed to determine complex structures with limited experimental data. PhD is a competitive approach in protein crystallography, producing results comparable to existing techniques like density-modification and Vive la Difference.
Nanoparticles wrapped in human platelet membranes deliver drugs to targeted sites, increasing therapeutic effects for diseased rats and mice. The platelet-membrane-coated nanoparticles selectively bind to damaged blood vessels and certain pathogens, minimizing the spread of bacteria and enhancing antibiotic efficacy.
Researchers discovered rapamycin prevents Parkinson's disease by boosting cellular clean-up via up-regulation of a protein called TFEB, increasing lysosomal autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis. This breakthrough challenges current dogma and presents new opportunities for drug discovery.
Researchers Ivona Pandrea and Cristian Apetrei are investigating the relation between accelerated aging characteristics linked to HIV infection and non-AIDS comorbidities. They aim to develop treatments tackling these processes, aiming to improve quality of life for people on HIV medications.
A pioneering ultrasonic device called StarStream has been developed to improve the cleaning of medical instruments using cold water, eliminating biological contamination and bacterial biofilms. The device has shown significant effectiveness in removing complex contaminants such as brain tissue from surgical steel.
Tropical Storm Vamco brought extreme rainfall to central Vietnam and Laos, resulting in flash floods and landslides. The NASA GPM mission measured over 220 mm of rainfall along the storm's path, highlighting the importance of monitoring heavy precipitation events.
A study by Duke University analyzed data from 500 citizen scientists worldwide, who played the same games as researchers use in labs. The results showed that dogs rely on memory over sense of smell to solve problems. The dataset also revealed unique cognitive skills among dogs, including communication and problem-solving abilities.
Researchers at IRB Barcelona have discovered the MAF gene is a reliable predictor of breast cancer bone metastasis. The study, published in JNCI, analyzed over 900 clinical samples and found that MAF-altered tumors are 14 times more likely to develop bone metastasis.
A reanalysis of a 2001 study on antidepressants found that popular drug paroxetine is neither safe nor effective for adolescents with depression. The new results contradict the original research and have important implications for research and practice.
New research suggests that obese patients with type 2 diabetes should be prioritized for obesity surgery, as they often experience remission of diabetes and reduced healthcare costs. The study, based on the Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study, found that total healthcare costs were lower in surgery patients who had prediabetes or diabetes.
Researchers have identified the protein marker Bim as a potential predictor for patient response to PD-1 immunotherapy for melanoma. Patients with high levels of Bim and soluble PD-L1 are more likely to respond to treatment, suggesting that this biomarker may help clinicians predict which patients will benefit from PD-1 blockade.
Scientists have discovered that antibacterial soap is ineffective in reducing bacterial contamination when used under 'real life' conditions. The study found that triclosan, the active ingredient in antibacterial soap, has significant effects only after more than nine hours of exposure.