The American College of Cardiology has updated clinical performance and quality measures for treating adult patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. The new measures include inpatient setting, patient safety, and other domains to improve continuity of care.
A state medical home initiative has been shown to slash healthcare costs for complex Medicaid patients by an average of $4,145.28 per patient per year. The integrated care model reduced hospitalizations and emergency department visits among patients with chronic illnesses and substance abuse or psychiatric conditions.
Scientists at Kyoto University have engineered an artificial switch that can selectively activate neurotransmitter receptors, a breakthrough that could contribute to the development of new drugs for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS. This innovation sheds light on the role of these receptors in memory formation.
A new study found that simple activities such as playing cards or throwing a foam ball can help patients regain strength and coordination after a stroke. The study showed improvements in motor performance of up to 40% with these activities compared to virtual reality games.
A new study finds that the spleen filters blood cells by imposing a 'physical fitness test' through its narrow passages, which defines the shape and size of red blood cells. This discovery has implications for understanding diseases affecting blood cell shape, such as malaria, and developing novel drug targets.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found a distinct gut microbiome in multiple sclerosis patients compared to healthy individuals. The research suggests that patients with MS have reduced levels of beneficial bacteria, which are associated with overall health benefits.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins found an association between microbiome makeup and head and neck cancer. The study suggests that specific bacterial populations may be used to discriminate between patients with cancer and healthy individuals.
A new laser-based uranium enrichment technology may provide a hard-to-detect pathway to nuclear weapons production. The separation of isotopes by laser excitation (SILEX) process could enable covert laser enrichment plants, posing proliferation concerns comparable to gas centrifuge development.
Researchers found that rats given midazolam, an anti-anxiety medication, were less likely to free trapped companions due to reduced empathy. In contrast, control rats and those treated with a beta-blocker showed no such limitation, suggesting emotional reactions drive helping behavior.
Researchers have demonstrated that consumer-grade LED bulbs can be modified to serve as both light sources and receivers of signals, enabling the creation of a network of devices in a room. This technology has potential benefits for interconnecting IoT devices without threatening the scarce radio spectrum.
Researchers tested cool-season turfgrass cultivars under evaluated UV-B conditions, revealing differences in growth rates and color. Coarse-textured grasses outperformed finer-textured ones, with some varieties exhibiting reduced tiller production and significant color loss.
Researchers tested two portable handheld microscopes and found they could rule in infections, but the CellScope missed low-burden infections. The devices were effective in rural settings after minimal training of community laboratory technicians.
Researchers argue that ancient grains like einkorn, emmer, and spelt can be reintroduced to modern markets by creating 'farm to fork' supply chains. These varieties offer unique nutritional profiles and taste experiences, making them attractive to consumers seeking healthier ingredients.
A team of engineers has created a method to produce cartilage from strands of bioink using 3D printing. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of cartilage patches for worn-out joints, with potential applications in treating osteoarthritis.
Researchers at Drexel University found that an artificial sweetener, specifically D-mannitol, is toxic to female fruit flies, but not males. The study suggests that targeting females in insect control could reduce population growth and impact social insect pests.
Researchers have identified 84 potential inherited gene mutations that may contribute to severe forms of bipolar disorder. The study used advanced genome sequencing techniques to analyze DNA from 36 family members with the disease, finding rare genetic variations that were overrepresented in those with bipolar disorder.
Researchers identified a network of genes shared by CLL patients and associated with patient survival, which could be targets for treatment. Epigenetic analysis is expected to become widely used for selecting personalized treatments in cancer and other diseases.
The ocean's slow circulation rate allowed it to store more carbon for longer periods than previously thought. This process released carbon into the deep ocean, where it was trapped due to slow circulation and eventually dissolved, storing large amounts of CO2 for thousands of years.
A new study finds that e-cigarette manufacturers make numerous unproven health claims, which may have a lasting impact on consumers. The FDA regulation aims to prevent such misinformation and ensure accurate information about e-cigarette use.
A new tool called MDSINE predicts the behavior of the human microbiome, which could lead to the development of new treatments for serious diseases. The algorithm is applied to predict the dynamics of C. difficile infections and analyze the effects of probiotic cocktails on bacterial communities.
Research suggests that patients with MSA have lower levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in their blood, regardless of COQ2 genotype. This finding may support the idea that CoQ10 supplementation could be beneficial for MSA patients. However, more studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Researchers developed ways to improve epigenome sequencing data quality and accuracy, enabling more comprehensive analysis of cancers. The technology can detect epigenetic variants more efficiently, providing vital information on cancer development and progression.
The discovery of high levels of manganese oxides in Martian rocks suggests that the Red Planet may have had a more Earth-like atmosphere in the past. This finding is significant because it could indicate that higher levels of atmospheric oxygen once existed on Mars.
A recent study published in BMC Genomics has identified a gene mutation responsible for high juvenile mortality in calves. The mutation affects the structure of cilia in airways, leading to chronic infections and respiratory disease.
Researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery discovered a potential genetic trigger of systemic autoimmune disease, linking virus-like elements to two autoimmune diseases. The study found that abnormal expression of genetic elements known as LINE-1 retroelements may contribute to the development of lupus and Sjogren's syndrome.
The adoption of machine learning techniques in ecology and earth science has the potential to greatly accelerate the pace and quality of science. However, despite its advantages, machine-learning methods have not met their full potential due to communication gaps, graduate education deficiencies, and training data requirements.
A new study from Queen Mary University of London found that listeners can distinguish between low and high resolution audio formats with training. The research analyzed data from over 12,000 trials and suggested that careful selection of stimuli plays a crucial role in identifying the difference.
A UBC study suggests that teacher burnout and student stress are linked, with elevated cortisol levels found in students in classrooms where teachers experience more emotional exhaustion. This connection highlights the need for adequate resources and support for teachers to prevent a cyclical problem of stress contagion in classrooms.
Researchers found that combining anthrax toxin proteins with chemotherapy drugs can selectively target blood vessel cells feeding tumors, reducing tumor growth. The treatment regimen showed durable anti-tumor effects in mice, warranting further exploration for cancer therapy.
A new study reveals that California's drought-stricken Central Valley harbors three times more groundwater than previously estimated. The researchers found approximately 2,700 cubic kilometers of usable water, which is almost triple the state's current estimates.
A new study of the 37,000-year-old Deep Skull fossil has overturned long-held views about the early history of South-East Asia. The research finds that the remains likely belonged to an older woman and closely resemble Indigenous people of Borneo today, rather than Indigenous Australians.
A Japanese research team has discovered four new genes in rice that could significantly improve crop breeding and help address global food shortages. The newly identified genes, found through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), influence traits such as flowering date, panicle number, and grain yield.
Scientists have found that antibodies developed in response to dengue virus can cross-react with and neutralize Zika virus, but also enhance its infection in laboratory experiments. These findings suggest a complex relationship between the two viruses and offer potential insights for vaccine design and treatment.
European countries should not adopt Australia's immigration system, which perpetuates human rights abuses and torture in detention centers. The lack of transparency in the system is particularly concerning, with allegations of waterboarding, force-feeding, and restraints on asylum seekers surfaced.
Researchers found that c-Abl activation accelerates α-synuclein accumulation and motor deficits in Parkinsonian mice. This suggests a potential role for c-Abl in promoting neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease.
Researchers found that increasing doses of cisplatin were associated with increased hearing loss at most tested frequencies, and high blood pressure was also linked to hearing loss in these patients. Comprehensive hearing assessments are recommended for survivors given cisplatin-based chemotherapy.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are developing a new approach to stabilize donor limb and tissue biology after brain death, which could lead to improved success rates in transplantation. The goal is to increase the number of viable organs available for transplant, addressing a pressing need in the field.
The Carnegie Institution for Science has published a study on the distances of brown dwarfs and low-mass stars, using the CAPSCam instrument. The study reveals accurate distance measurements for 134 objects, including 38 previously unmeasured brown dwarfs.
Researchers at Linköping University found that common fMRI analysis methods produce false positives, leading to inflated false positive rates. The team's alternative method yielded more accurate results, reducing the false positive rate from 60% to 5%.
Research suggests that pregnant women with blood pressure in the prehypertension range have a 6.5 times greater odds of developing metabolic syndrome after giving birth. This finding highlights the dynamic nature of blood pressure during pregnancy and underscores the importance of monitoring blood pressure levels.
A study by the University of Bonn reveals that when participants were given the freedom to set prices themselves, their brains showed increased activation in the lingual gyrus, an area associated with social stimuli. This suggests that social considerations, such as fairness, played a significant role in their decision-making process.
A new study at Hospital for Special Surgery shows that a communication skills training program for orthopedic surgery residents has a positive impact on their interactions with older adults. The program, which includes interactive sessions and presentations, results in improved attitudes and anxiety levels towards older adults.
Researchers discovered that charge carriers in perovskites are polarons, moving coherently as one unit. This finding could help progress perovskite research projects and large-scale applications.
Researchers found that bumble bees selectively forage among plant species based on the nutritional quality of their pollen. The study identified specific plant species with high protein-to-lipid ratios as preferred by bumble bees.
Researchers at Linköping University have discovered that stimulating autophagy can be harmful when trying to treat tuberculosis, highlighting the need for new treatment alternatives. Strengthening immune defense cells like macrophages and dendritic cells may hold promise in controlling tubercule bacilli.
A new study found that community pharmacy staff deviate from standard procedures to provide tailored patient care, citing high workload and conflicting pressures. The research highlights the tension between standardizing practice and delivering effective patient care.
The study reveals that errors in cell adhesion and inhibition cause two types of kidney cyst formation, which can lead to a significant increase in kidney size. The researchers used advanced computer simulations to identify the potential new drug target and confirmed its accuracy using real human cells.
A new study reveals that Antarctic sea ice migration drives the strength of global ocean circulation by changing water density. The researchers found that freshwater from melting sea ice contributes 10 times more to freshwater input than land-based glaciers, making it a vital contributor to circulation.
Geologists at MIT traced Mercury's cooling history, finding the planet cooled dramatically in half a billion years. The team used data from NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft to analyze lava deposits and found that older deposits had distinct chemical compositions.
A study by Plymouth University PhD student Rebekah Cioffi and colleagues found that widespread and restricted species of Deronectes diving beetles have different levels of bacterial immunity and metabolic plasticity. This suggests that factors beyond just temperature tolerance may play a role in shaping geographical ranges
A team of scientists has developed a computational method to map cancer progression, which offers new insights into the factors that spur this affliction. The researchers used gene sequencing data to create a model that predicts how a tumor's genomes will change over time.
A Weizmann Institute study found that viral infection during pregnancy disrupts the fetal immune system, leading to abnormal brain development and increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. The study suggests a possible explanation for how maternal infections raise the risk of autism and schizophrenia in offspring.
Researchers at University of Houston discovered a graphene-based Janus amphiphilic nanosheet that achieves 15 percent tertiary oil recovery at a low concentration of 0.01 percent, comparable to expensive methods. This breakthrough makes the process more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Researchers found a unique 'texting rhythm' in approximately 1 in 5 patients using smartphones while having their brain waves monitored. The study suggests that texting can change brain waves and may have significant implications for brain-computer interfacing, gaming, and driving.
A study published in The Journal of General Physiology found that two specific mutations in the Cx26 protein cause distinct symptoms in KID Syndrome patients. Hemichannels containing the N14Y mutation showed lower ion conductance, while those with the N14K mutation were more stable and allowed robust ion conductance.
A new study led by Carnegie Institution's Greg Asner reveals diverse forest communities in the Andes and Amazon regions that break long-held ecological rules. The research uses high-fidelity imaging to create large-scale maps of leaf nutrients, offering key findings on forest responses to climate change.
Researchers at Cornell University have identified biological markers of chronic fatigue syndrome in gut bacteria and inflammatory microbial agents in the blood. This breakthrough discovery offers a new approach to diagnosing ME/CFS through stool samples and blood work.
A national study of US physicians reveals that the use of electronic health records and computerized physician order entry leads to lower satisfaction and higher rates of professional burnout. The findings highlight the need to find ways to incorporate these tools without increasing clerical burden or reducing efficiency for physicians.
New high-resolution maps and images of Jupiter showcase the planet's dynamic atmosphere, including giant storms and vortices. These observations will help set the scene for Juno's close-up views of Jupiter and provide a global context for its thermal structure, cloud cover, and gaseous species.
A controlled pulse of water to the Colorado River Delta released stored greenhouse gases, including methane and carbon dioxide. This study highlights the need for a long-term approach to manage riverbed carbon storage in response to changing climate conditions.