Improving readability of discharge instructions can lead to better health literacy and reduced need for hospital follow-up calls. A study by the American College of Surgeons found that editing templates made sentences shorter and easier to read, resulting in a 2.4 times lower number of phone calls per 100 patients.
Researchers found that European drought indices are deviating in a manner consistent with climate change simulations. The study suggests decreases in drought frequency in the north and increases in the south, driven by rising temperatures and evapotranspiration. This trend has been observed from the 1980s to present.
A nearly complete Jurassic ichthyosaur fossil was discovered in India, measuring over 5.5 meters in length. The fossil is believed to belong to the Ophthalmosauridae family and is thought to have lived between 165-90 million years ago.
A new Northwestern Medicine study shows proton therapy outperforms intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in five-year overall survival rates, with a 93.25% rate for proton patients compared to 88.43% for IMRT patients. Proton therapy also reduces complications and secondary malignancies, particularly for younger patients.
Research by Swansea University scientists improved nanowire stability, enabling more durable nanotechnology for future semiconductor devices. Atomic changes to metal catalyst particles revealed new physical evidence on barrier inhomogeneity, allowing nanoengineers to select device properties.
Researchers at the University of Sussex have created a new method for making smart phone touch screens that are cheaper, less brittle, and more environmentally friendly. The breakthrough involves combining silver nanowires with graphene to create a hybrid material that matches existing technologies at a fraction of the cost.
Researchers at Pennsylvania State University have developed a novel technique for connecting piezoelectric thin films to flexible polymer substrates, reducing substrate clamping and improving material properties. The new method enables the creation of miniaturized piezoelectric devices with enhanced performance and flexibility.
A recent study published in Neurology found that young hockey players who experienced concussions may still have brain changes three months later. The study showed widespread damage to the white matter of the brain and a 10% reduction in metabolic molecules, highlighting the need for further research into concussion recovery.
Han Bin Jeong, a UNIST doctoral student, has been recognized with the 2017 AMOREPACIFIC Great Global Next Generation Research Award for her groundbreaking research on mass-transfer studies at membrane contact sites in eukaryotic cells. The award acknowledges her contribution to molecular and cellular biology fields.
A new study from UMass Amherst suggests that women who are underweight during adolescence or adulthood may be at increased risk for early menopause. The research, which followed nearly 80,000 women over 25 years, found a significant association between being underweight and an earlier onset of natural menopause.
Scientists at the University of Waterloo have created a new type of supercapacitor that can store significantly more electrical energy than existing devices. This breakthrough enables faster charging times for cellphones and laptops, and potentially replaces batteries in electric vehicles and other applications.
Researchers have created a new genome editing tool that can directly repair common DNA point mutations. The 'base editor' works by converting adenine to guanine without cutting the double helix, with high efficiency and minimal byproducts.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have found that mature B lymphocytes can greatly accelerate the healing of acute and chronic wounds in both healthy and diabetic skin. The treatment also improved tissue quality and reduced scarring. High numbers of a patient's B cells can be isolated through standard blood pheresis procedu...
A pilot study found that partnerships between rural hospitals and academic surgery departments can substantially increase patient satisfaction due to increased accessibility of quality surgical care. The partnerships also lead to cost savings for both the hospitals and the state, with projected savings of approximately $7 million.
A study by the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute reveals that routine genomic surveillance of MRSA can detect outbreaks much sooner than current methods. This approach helps prevent further transmission and reduces the number of people affected, with potential implications for infection control.
Professor Chunghun Lim has received the 2017 SUHF Young Investigator award for his groundbreaking work in the field of life sciences. The Suh Kyungbae Science Foundation supports young scientists through a maximum grant of 2.5 billion KRW over five years to nurture and promote creative research.
The study used 3D models to simulate electron emissions from photocathodes with flat and varied surface roughness. The results improved understanding of how smooth surfaces must be and over what spatial scales, aiding in the design of ultra-bright photon and electron sources.
Researchers have identified ten times more new genes on the Y chromosome than previously thought in fruit flies. These genes appear to have taken on important functions, raising questions about their durability and potential impact on species.
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that underweight women are at a greater risk of experiencing an early menopause compared to lean or normal weight women. Women who were underweight as teenagers or in their mid-30s had a significant increase in the risk of early menopause, with some women reporting a 50% higher risk.
A recent study found that cloth skullcaps are more effective than disposable bouffant hats in reducing airborne contamination in operating rooms. The researchers tested three types of headgear and observed lower particle counts and microbial shedding with cloth caps, suggesting they may be a better option for minimizing infection risk.
Researchers discovered that cells retain properties from their previous environment for several days, known as mechanical memory. This property can aid in tumor invasion and metastasis. The study's findings may lead to new insights into the mechanisms behind cancer spread.
Researchers found that triclosan accumulates in toothbrush bristles and elastomer parts, releasing it when switching toothpastes. This could lead to prolonged exposure to triclosan and its potential transformation products.
A new geological analysis of a 6,000-year-old human skull found in Papua New Guinea suggests that it may be the oldest known victim of a tsunami. The study, published in PLOS ONE, reveals that the person likely died in a catastrophic tsunami around 6,000 years ago.
African-American men report an average of eight depressive symptoms per month, with family support, mastery, self-esteem, chronic stressors, and discrimination as significant factors. The study found that public health policies should account for neighborhood conditions to address poor mental health among African-Americans.
Researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center found that physicians who received pharmaceutical gifts prescribed more branded drugs and had higher costs per claim. The study, which analyzed data from Medicare Part D prescriber reports, suggests that even small gifts can influence prescribing behavior.
Scientists found that skin helps regulate blood pressure and heart rate in response to changes in oxygen availability. In mice genetically modified to lack certain HIF proteins, the response to low-oxygen conditions was altered, affecting heart rate, blood pressure, and overall activity.
A new flu forecasting tool combines data on virus spread with evolutionary analysis to predict the severity of upcoming seasons. By factoring in how much the virus has changed compared to recent years, the model can generate disease forecasts before the season begins, significantly earlier than existing tools.
Researchers found that oysters rapidly closed their shells at sound frequencies between 10 and 1000 hertz in response to high-acoustic energies. This behavior suggests that oysters may 'hear' tidal cues, triggering appropriate behavior as the tide rises.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience reveals that neutrophils, a type of immune cell, play a significant role in clearing debris from damaged nerves. Without this cellular clearance mechanism, nerves cannot properly regenerate after injury.
A £1.1 million trial led by the University of Stirling will investigate whether a self-management programme can help women with pelvic organ prolapse manage their symptoms more effectively. The trial will compare standard care with self-management, focusing on women's quality of life and cost implications.
A team of scientists has found that applying a brief laser pulse to the C60 bucky-ball material creates superconducting properties up to 100 degrees above the critical temperature. The discovery sheds light on the unusual physical phenomena and offers potential for manufacturing electronic devices with adjustable properties.
A recent study by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers found that more than half of men with prostate cancer prefer preserving sexual function, but this preference was not strongly linked to the choice of treatment strategy. Active surveillance is widely recognized as the best option for preserving sexual function, ye...
Researchers from NIST have developed a new material mix that combines metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with 3-D printer plastic, showing promise for sensing and storage applications. The mixture retains more than 50 times more hydrogen than plastic alone, suggesting the MOFs are still functioning effectively while inside the plastic.
Researchers discovered that the timing of DNA damage within cell cycle phases affects a cell's fate, with certain stages vulnerable to DNA damage. The study suggests that synchronizing cancer cells in susceptible phases before treatment could be an effective strategy.
A new study found that Medicare beneficiaries in low-income US counties utilize observation care more commonly, leading to high out-of-pocket expenses. Patients in poor counties were 17% more likely to incur high costs compared to wealthier counterparts.
Researchers at the University of Kansas are launching a three-year study to identify how microplastics enter US waters, with goals to engage municipalities and create a publically accessible database. The study aims to quantify plastics release from municipal wastewater treatment plants and estimate national release estimates.
The special issue explores the role of nursing in addressing environmental changes and protecting vulnerable populations. Scholars present papers on disaster preparedness, planetary health, and education to prepare future healthcare workers for uncertain climate conditions.
Researchers applied high-resolution mass spectrometry to investigate synthetic chemical contamination in two lakes in Central Europe, capturing the past 100 years of sediment layers. The analysis revealed concentrations of industrial chemicals starting in the 1950s, marking the beginning of large-scale human impact on the environment.
A recent study examined the impact of scheduling IVF procedures on weekends versus weekdays. The results showed that delays of two days or longer may be unfavorable in some treatments, but may not affect live-birth rates for most IVF/ICSI treatments receiving single-embryo transfer.
A team of engineers is creating a smartphone-based test kit to detect kidney inflammation in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. The test uses glow-in-the-dark nanoparticles to measure protein levels in urine, offering a non-invasive and quantitative solution for patients.
A researcher has discovered a protein that drives tumor growth in gallbladder cancer, providing an important prognostic marker for improved patient outcomes. The findings may lead to more effective treatment options and new drug therapies.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a micropillar compression technique to characterize the micro-scale strength of cement, allowing for the development of stronger, more sustainable materials. The study provides precise measures of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) compressive strength in cement mixtures.
Researchers developed a risk assessment system, HANDOC, to identify patients with streptococcal bacteria who need echocardiography for potential heart valve infection. The system showed good reliability in distinguishing high and low-risk patients.
Researchers found that low-current electrical pulses targeting the right side of the entorhinal area significantly improved patients' ability to recognize specific faces. The study builds on previous research demonstrating that electrically stimulating the brain's entorhinal cortex can strengthen human memory.
Recent study finds that galaxy clusters' density is smaller than predicted, and brightest cluster galaxies wobble, indicating a shallower central density. This suggests the existence of exotic forms of dark matter.
The study presents a novel catalyst for metal-air batteries with excellent electrochemical performance, close to that of precious metal catalysts. The new catalyst, PBSCF-NF, exhibits high surface areas and improves the bi-functionality of oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction.
A new study found a strain of leprosy in a pre-Norman skull from Suffolk, suggesting it was endemic in East Anglia earlier than thought. Squirrel fur trade with Scandinavia may have played a role in the disease's spread.
UNIST researchers have been consistently chosen by Samsung Electronics to develop innovative futuristic technologies. The latest selection includes Professor Jeong Min Baik in the School of Materials Science and Engineering, who will receive follow-up support for his project on developing high power generators.
Researchers from Germany's Technische Universität Braunschweig uncovered a crucial link between the formation of cometary 'dust pebbles' and planet accretion. The study, based on Rosetta mission data, reveals that these pebbles are concentrated by solar instability, leading to collapse and the birth of comets.
Researchers have discovered an Alvarezsaurid dinosaur fossil in Uzbekistan, revealing distinctive characteristics that set it apart from other species. The findings provide evidence for the continent's role in the species' evolutionary history.
Researchers from Lehigh University and Columbia University have developed a new testing approach for deep learning platforms used in self-driving cars, malware-detection, and other systems. Their method, called DeepXplore, exposes thousands of unique incorrect corner-case behaviors, enabling faster identification and fixing of errors.
UK hospitals face unprecedented challenges in receiving major trauma patients, requiring extended surgery hours, rehabilitation, and support. Healthcare staff experience severe physical and psychological effects, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
A single infusion of wildtype hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells into a mouse model of Friedreich's ataxia restored normal cellular functions, halted cellular damage, and improved mitochondrial function. This breakthrough suggests a potential therapeutic approach for the currently incurable disease.
A probe invented at Rice University has identified a specific binding site on the amyloid beta peptide, which is suspected to cause Alzheimer's disease. This discovery could lead to the development of photodynamic therapy for Alzheimer's disease.
A 6,000-year-old human skull discovered in Papua New Guinea has been confirmed as the world's oldest known tsunami victim. The skull was analyzed using scientific techniques to determine its age and environmental context, which revealed a violent tsunami that struck the coast around 6,000 years ago.
Scientists have successfully synthesized a promising anticancer molecule, BE-43547A(2), which shows unprecedented activity against pancreatic cancer stem cells. The compound reduces cancer stem cell proliferation by 21-fold and abolishes tumor-initiating capability.
A pilot study shows that fluorescent imaging with antibody cetuximab can specifically distinguish cancer from normal tissue in patients with glioblastoma. The technique allows surgeons to visualize tumors more clearly, potentially leading to better progression-free survival.
A new class of antibody-drug conjugates, dubbed dual variable domain antibodies (DVD-ADCs), have been developed using a versatile double-decker technology. These pharmaceuticals selectively deliver drugs to cancer cells without harming healthy cells and tissues.
Research discovered a developmental abnormality in babies' brains that increases risk of SIDS when sleeping on their front. The abnormality affects the control of breathing, heartbeat, and responses to oxygen deprivation.
Researchers discovered that different types of brain tumors and brain cancer cells share common energy production processes, enabling them to adapt and grow in the brain. This study aims to identify new targets for treatment and potentially develop drugs specifically designed to target these survival mechanisms.