Patients who saw a physical therapist first had lower utilization of high-cost medical services and lower opioid use. They also had significantly lower out-of-pocket costs, with costs shifting towards provider settings.
Ben-Gurion University has established a $1 million BGU Entrepreneurship Fund to support student-led projects and promote innovation. The fund aims to encourage innovative ideas in high-tech, biotech, and social fields.
A new study finds that e-cigarette flavoring cinnamaldehyde significantly disrupts normal cell physiology, impairing airway cilia motility and mitochondrial function. This could have implications for respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Tropical Cyclone Mekunu has consolidated and strengthened off Oman's coast with sustained winds near 69mph. The storm is expected to make landfall on May26 with winds near80knots, just west of Salalah, Oman.
Electronic health record systems can be transformed into platforms that allow doctors to access real-time patient information, reducing physician workloads and improving healthcare quality. This approach enables personalized alerts and notifications, similar to social media feeds, to reduce errors and delays.
A team of astronomers has identified at least six strong candidates for dark galaxies by leveraging the ultraviolet light from quasars to 'illuminate' gas in the intergalactic medium. The discovery could help fill a gap in our understanding of galaxy evolution, as it provides direct evidence for the existence of dark galaxies.
A new study finds that Vancouver's construction cycle is leading to increased emissions, even with energy-efficient new homes. The study estimates that new single-family home construction will result in one to three million tonnes of added emissions between 2017-2050.
A new cream containing rapamycin has been shown to significantly reduce disfiguring facial tumors in people with tuberous sclerosis complex, with 80% of patients experiencing a significant improvement. The treatment offers hope for individuals affected by the condition, which affects over 50,000 people in the US.
A study published in PLOS ONE found microplastics at all 16 sites studied in Baynes Sound and Lambert Channel, with highest contamination in Henry Bay and Metcalfe Bay. The researchers identified three main types of microplastics: microfibers, microbeads, and microfragments, with microbeads being the most common type.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that financial incentives significantly improve smoking cessation rates, with free e-cigarettes and cessation aids offering no additional benefit. The study enrolled over 6,000 participants and found that those receiving financial rewards remained smoke-free for at leas...
A team of astronomers has performed one of the highest resolution observations in astronomical history of a pulsar 6,500 light-years away, observing two intense regions of radiation around a rapidly spinning star. The observation could provide clues to the nature of Fast Radio Bursts, which may be amplified by plasma lenses.
Researchers are working to develop commercially valuable products from plant materials, including chemicals, fuels and industrial materials. The goal is to make biobased products more cost-effective by using lignin and other plant components.
African American preterm infants experienced a significant decrease in recurrent wheezing with sustained vitamin D supplementation, according to a new study published in JAMA. The daily dose of vitamin D through six months of age decreased recurrent wheezing by more than 10%.
A study found that closing the left atrial appendage during coronary artery bypass or heart valve surgery reduces stroke and mortality risks, especially for patients with pre-existing atrial fibrillation. However, this procedure may increase risk in patients without prior atrial fibrillation.
A study using oral-delayed release methylene blue during colonoscopy found a 56.3% detection rate for adenomas and carcinomas, nearly 9% higher than the standard of care. The tablet form reduces inconvenience and safety risks while improving adenoma detection rates.
A study found that patients hospitalized for asthma who received antibiotics had longer hospital stays and higher costs, but no reduced risk of treatment failure. Antibiotic-related diarrhea was also more common in treated patients.
A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital researchers reveals how HIV establishes a persistent reservoir of infected cells that can survive indefinitely. The findings highlight the role of BIRC5 and OX40 in these cells' long-term survival, providing potential targets for future therapy.
A five-year analysis of the FAME 2 trial shows that percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) along with prescribed medication is more effective than medication alone in preventing urgent hospital admissions, revascularizations, and likely heart attacks. The study found significant benefits for patients with stable coronary artery disease.
A study from the University of Waterloo found that children can sense an item's ownership without direct interaction, using territory-based inferences. This suggests that children have adult-like intuitions about ownership, which is surprising given their age.
A new study found that a vegetarian diet is the most affordable healthy dietary pattern, with an average cost of $15.44 per person per day. Compared to the Mediterranean and US diets, it costs around $2.00 less per day. The study used Amazon Grocery data to assess the nutritional quality and cost of three menu plans.
The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) has launched a dedicated research collection in CMAJ Open to advance patient-oriented research. This collection aims to engage patients as partners in research, focusing on their identified priorities and improving patient outcomes.
Research reveals a significant rise in postpartum haemorrhage in Victoria, with one in five women experiencing primary blood loss after childbirth. The study highlights the need for improved monitoring and treatment protocols to address this concerning trend.
A recent study by Northwestern University researchers used network science to map the gun market in Chicago, finding that individuals are on average 2.5 handshakes away from a gun. Gang membership was found to reduce this distance by 27 percent, highlighting the role of gangs in facilitating access to guns.
Researchers identify five types of growth strata developed in different structures, suggesting a 'pair' of basement-involved fold-thrust belt and flexure basin controlled by flat subduction. Sediments record the history of the Yanshanian Movement and provide key evidence for tectonic property of Northeast continental margin.
A virulent strain of TB has been linked to 60% of cases in younger people in Ho Chi Minh City. The Beijing lineage bacteria shows positive selection for a gene that enhances its survival and may be responsible for increased virulence.
A new study reveals that C4 plants, which dominate Australia's landscape, first expanded around 3.5 million years ago due to a strengthened summer monsoon. The research suggests that human influence on the atmosphere will play a significant role in shaping ecosystems in the future.
Researchers used a novel approach to study the movement of ancient birds and reptiles, finding that many assumed poses were impossible due to ligament limitations. This challenges traditional views on pterosaur flight and provides new methods for assessing joint mobility in extinct species.
Scientists created self-contained spaces inside mammalian cells using bacterial proteins, allowing for controlled enzymatic reactions and iron biomineralization. This technology could aid in cell therapy, gene reporting, and sorting, opening new avenues for biomedical research.
The Annual Report to the Nation on Cancer finds a decline in US cancer death rates among men and women of all racial and ethnic groups. Prostate cancer incidence has increased, while mortality has stabilized, with trends linked to changes in PSA screening.
A new Penn Medicine medical school program trains students to understand life circumstances affecting patients' health care experiences. Students develop community engagement skills, confidence, and competence to overcome challenges.
Researchers must value Indigenous people's knowledge and experiences to conduct meaningful health research. The history of Indigenous health research in Canada involved unethical methods, but guidelines have been implemented to improve the field, including minimum requirements from the Tri-Council Policy Statement.
The study identifies embryonic mammary gland progenitors as multipotent cells that can give rise to both basal and luminal lineages. The researchers developed a novel strategy to isolate these cells and assessed their molecular features, revealing a hybrid transcriptional signature.
A new study suggests that just two weeks of compassion meditation training can reduce distress and improve ability to respond with compassion when witnessing others' suffering. The research found that compassion training shifted habits of becoming overly distressed, leading to a calmer and more balanced response.
The PLOS AMR Channel offers access to the latest research, commentaries, blogs, news, and discussions on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Key challenges include improving infection prevention, limiting unnecessary antibiotic use, and using existing antibiotics appropriately.
A study from Ohio State University has found that young people with subtle hearing loss are putting demands on their brains that could be preserved until later in life. This early hearing loss could lead to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia.
A cancer patient with advanced ovarian cancer responded well to treatment with hydroxychloroquine and quinacrine, initially prescribed for an autoimmune disease. The case report suggests that repurposing antimalarial drugs may improve cancer outcomes.
The study found that Medicaid expansion was associated with a decline in ICU admission rates among patients with ambulatory-care sensitive conditions. Rates of uninsurance and Medicaid coverage increased significantly in expansion states, suggesting improved access to care.
A new study found that early life trauma in men is associated with lower levels of two specific sperm microRNAs, which can be transmitted to the next generation. The study suggests a possible link between childhood trauma and increased risk of stress-related disorders.
Universal thyroid testing for pregnant women could detect mild thyroid problems that are currently missed in up to 75% pregnancies. However, experts debate the potential risks and benefits of this approach, with some arguing it may not provide significant improvements in pregnancy outcomes.
Researchers found that stable heavy smokers experienced greater decline in lung function compared to those who never smoked. However, smokers who quit had a lower risk of developing emphysema and lung disease than stable, low-rate smokers despite having smoked more cigarettes.
Scientists have developed a rapid and efficient way to transform baker's yeast, enabling the creation of synthetic yeast strains that can be customized on-demand. This breakthrough could lead to mass production of advanced medicines and have significant implications for the future study of DNA.
Five species of giant hammerhead flatworms have been discovered in metropolitan France and French overseas territories, including two species reaching up to 40 cm in length. The discovery raises concerns about the potential threat to native animals and soil ecology due to their predatory nature.
Researchers have developed a synthetic SensoGlow™ material that can detect the quantity and quality of UV radiation from the Sun. The material is durable and can be used multiple times due to electron storage, making it a promising tool for everyday UV radiation monitoring.
A study by MIT researchers found that patterns of eye movement correlate strongly with performance on standardized tests of English as a second language. The study tracked eye movement to determine comprehension, revealing potential for use as a testing tool.
A study of 9,641 middle-aged and elderly adults found that even moderate plant-based diet adherence can lower BMI and fat mass index over 26 years. Higher scores on a plant-based diet index were associated with lower waist circumference and body fat percentage.
Researchers found that the Unified Model's microphysics scheme produces unrealistic raindrop size distributions, affecting storm structures. The study emphasizes the importance of selecting the right microphysics scheme for accurate weather prediction.
A Brazilian study suggests that austerity measures have led to an increase in childhood mortality rates, with the potential to reduce this trend by maintaining social protection programs. The research found that the maintenance of Bolsa Familia and Estrategia Saude da Familia could lead to a reduction in child mortality by 8.6% in 2030.
Research on mice brain structure found substantial molecular differences between male and female mice, particularly in the locus coeruleus region. Female mice have higher abundance of EP3 receptor and elevated levels of Slc6a15 and Lin28b genes associated with major depressive disorder.
Researchers found that incorporating flowering areas and agri-environmental schemes in agricultural landscapes increases predator species and individuals, leading to effective natural pest control. The distance between the flowering plot and the oilseed rape field is crucial for this effect.
Rice University researchers have synthesized and isolated plasmonic magnesium nanoparticles that show promise with all the benefits of their gold and silver cousins. The particles proved to be unexpectedly robust and can concentrate light in nanoscale volumes, useful for chemical and biological sensors.
Two studies found that more frequent follow-up testing did not significantly impact mortality rates from any cause or colorectal cancer over five years. However, a related editorial suggests that current guidelines should be reevaluated in the context of these findings and potential harms associated with more frequent testing.
A study found that including Indigenous elders in primary care improves urban Indigenous people's mental and physical health. Elders provide cultural support and healing, strengthening identity and trust.
Researchers developed an animal probiotic that can reduce methane emissions and prevent nitrite poisoning in cattle. The probiotic uses a bacteria-based approach to increase feed efficiency and decrease pathogen carriage, with potential benefits for greenhouse gas reduction.
Scientists found that a specific region of the Ataxin-2 protein helps form long-term memories but drives neurodegeneration in ALS. Flies with altered Ataxin-2 protein showed resistance to neurodegeneration and normal short-term memory, highlighting the importance of this protein region.
A randomized clinical trial found that sustained vitamin D supplementation reduced the likelihood of recurrent wheezing in preterm black infants by 12 months' adjusted age. The study involved 300 black infants born between 28-36 weeks and compared two vitamin D supplementation strategies.
A new technique doubles the conversion of carbon dioxide to an essential plastic component, ethylene. The approach uses copper coated with polyacrylamide to increase efficiency, offering a promising method for recycling CO2 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A study found a dramatic spike in cases of progressive massive fibrosis, the most severe form of black lung disease, among former US coal miners, particularly those working in smaller mines and longer hours.
Studies found that retiring eight fossil fuel power plants in California resulted in a significant drop of 20-25% in preterm birth rates, particularly among non-Hispanic African-American and Asian women. The researchers also observed an increase in fertility rates in the surrounding areas.
Researchers found a new treatment, dupilumab, effective in treating severe asthma by blocking key drivers of inflammation. The study showed improved asthma symptoms, lung function, and reduced need for corticosteroids.
Despite a decrease in prescription numbers for low-value treatments, overall prescribing costs have increased due to higher costs of certain medications, such as co-proxamol and liothyronine. The study found strong associations between practices with older patient populations and higher prescribing costs.