A new model accounting for social risk factors could reduce financial penalties for at least half of all safety net hospitals, the study found. The research suggests that adjusting for social risk factors has potential to level the playing field for hospitals serving vulnerable patients.
Researchers developed a new approach to treat ischemic strokes by blocking hemichannels, reducing brain damage. The approach also showed potential for treating other neurodegenerative conditions.
New study from Michigan State University finds that student social norms and peer approval are crucial in determining drinking behavior. Researchers suggest emphasizing social costs of risky behaviors and promoting messages from peers themselves, not authority figures.
A recent study using a cholera vaccine cluster trial found that conventional fecal microbiological cultures identified only 66% of patients with cholera, suggesting widespread underestimation of global cases. The study supported the sensitivity of these culture methods, but no evidence of protection was found.
Brazilian scientists have found that the strong odor released by some amphibian species is produced by bacteria, assisting in the animal's mating process. The study suggests that the odor serves to permit mutual recognition between males and females of the same species for mating purposes.
Researchers at Kanazawa University developed a method to visualize and manipulate neural circuits in insects, shedding light on the generation of innate behaviors. The study found that a specific neural cluster plays a crucial role in regulating motivation during courtship behavior.
A study of Swedish adults found a U-shaped relationship between kidney function and cancer incidence, with lower eGFR associated with higher cancer risk. The research suggests that individuals with mild to severe chronic kidney disease may be at increased risk for skin (non-melanoma) and urogenital cancers.
Researchers found that in 9% of cases, embryos produce males when sperm genetic material is used after fertilization. This unique case suggests that males play a crucial role in helping females produce descendants without contributing their own genes.
Asexual female nematodes M. belari produce limited male offspring to exploit their sperm for reproduction and maintain a stable population. This unique strategy allows females to control the reproductive process and ensures that male genes do not re-enter the gene pool.
A recent study at Hospital for Special Surgery found that multi-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) can be safely performed in an outpatient setting without increased risk of complications. The study compared outcomes between 57 outpatient and 46 inpatient patients, with results showing shorter operative times and hosp...
A large observational study published in BMJ Open found that medium to high awareness of alcohol marketing among UK teens is linked to increased consumption and a greater probability of 'higher risk' drinking. Ownership of branded merchandise is also associated with future intentions to try alcohol, particularly among never drinkers.
Researchers are analyzing hair samples to study how hormones and environmental factors influence puberty. The goal is to understand the mechanisms that trigger puberty and how personal experiences shape hormone changes.
A recent study using camera traps in African forests found that wild apes exhibit varied reactions to unfamiliar objects, including poking, staring, and attempting to bite cameras. The study highlights the need for scientists to consider how animals will respond to monitoring equipment in their natural habitats.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a solar-powered moisture harvester that captures and cleans water from the air using hydrogels. The system can produce up to 50 liters of clean water per kilogram of hydrogel, making it a promising solution for disaster situations, water crises, or poverty-stricken areas.
Researchers analyzed sea otter use of large rocks as 'anvils' to break open shells, leaving behind recognizable damage patterns and shell middens. The study suggests that sea otters may exhibit handedness, with a consistent pattern of striking the mussels against points and ridges on the rocks.
Virginia Tech professor Webster Santos has received a grant to discover drugs that inhibit a small molecule transporter, which modulates the immune system and could treat multiple sclerosis. The collaboration aims to develop SPNS2 inhibitors for treating MS and metastatic cancers.
A two-week treatment course showed similar efficacy and fewer side effects than the standard eight-week treatment in adult patients with chronic Chagas disease. The results bring new hope for people living with this silent disease and could change access to treatment in endemic countries.
Dr. Parks, clinical director of Orthopedic Surgery at Hospital for Special Surgery, received the 2019 Diversity Award from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He has led research projects on socioeconomic and racial disparities in arthritis care and total joint replacement surgery.
Researchers analyzed 385 patients with transplant glomerulopathy to identify distinct features and outcomes, developing a tool for clinicians to predict health outcomes. The study may help individualize treatments for patients at high risk of transplant failure.
Antifreeze proteins, typically preventing ice formation, have also been found to promote its growth at extremely low temperatures. This study, published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters, provides insight into the basic processes of ice formation and suggests potential implications for understanding climate.
The study sheds light on the genetic legacy of European hunter-gatherers, showing a complex and diverse ancestry in southern Europe. The findings suggest that hunter-gatherer lineages survived in Iberia during the Last Glacial Maximum and later intermingled with Neolithic farmers.
Researchers at Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine have made breakthroughs in treating chronic kidney disease with cell therapy. Amniotic fluid-derived stem cells injected into diseased kidneys showed improvement in kidney function and structural recovery after 10 weeks, reducing damage to capillary clusters.
Researchers have developed a novel method for detecting amphetamine and ketamine in latent fingermarks using nanocarrier-based biological fluorescent probes. The method allows for simultaneous detection of multiple drugs in a single fingerprint, providing a potential solution to combat drug abuse.
The study shows that Iberian male lineages were virtually replaced by newcomers from the Russian steppe between 4,500 and 4,000 years ago. The researchers found a significant influx of new people during the Copper Age, which left an indelible mark on the region's genetic makeup.
Researchers found that around half of all British farms were connected to more than 1,000 other farms per year when buying in cattle, and two-thirds were connected to over 1,000 farms when selling. This extensive network of contact chains can help identify potential routes for disease spread and inform control strategies.
A recent study published by Hospital for Special Surgery found that joint replacement surgeries performed in an ambulatory setting show no increased risk of complications. The average cost per patient was $11,677 compared to $19,361 for in-patient procedures.
A machine learning approach using high-quality animal model data sheds new light on the biology of the liver and kidneys after toxin exposure, revealing nine distinct patterns of response to chemical exposure that may be broadly relevant to studies of human disease. The analysis highlights defense mechanisms and novel biomarkers, provi...
A landmark study found that high awareness of alcohol marketing is associated with increased and higher-risk consumption in young people. Young people who own alcohol-branded merchandise are also more susceptible to drinking, regardless of their previous drinking habits.
Researchers found that a blood-clotting protein called thrombin can degrade nerves, but nerve-supporting glial cells like Schwann cells block its effects. This discovery could have implications for diseases such as ALS, MS, and Alzheimer's.
Scientists have discovered that the direction of laser light hitting a molecule determines its chiral form. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient production of molecules with uniform chirality for pharmaceuticals. The research was conducted using the planar formic acid molecule and the reaction microscope method.
Researchers found that oral bacteria are associated with the severity of cystic pancreatic tumours, which can become cancerous. The study suggests that certain oral bacteria may play a role in the development of pancreatic cancer.
A new study finds that successful CPAP therapy requires personalized patterns of behavior and adaptations to physical, psychological, and cognitive factors. External assistance and advice can improve use, particularly in the home setting.
A Rutgers-led study found that higher doses of vitamin D improved memory and learning, but slowed reaction times among post-menopausal women. The researchers warn that excessive doses may compromise balance and walking ability, increasing the risk of falls.
New research from the University of Notre Dame discovers that extracellular vesicles from Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected cells can activate an immune response against the disease. This approach, when combined with antibiotics, shows promise in treating drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Researchers have identified tropical tectonic pileups as the likely trigger for three major ice ages in the last 540 million years. The team found that these collisions caused a chemical reaction between rocks and the atmosphere, pulling carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and leading to cooling temperatures globally.
A new study found that increased tobacco taxes and smoke-free policies in European countries were significantly related to a reduction in smoking among older adults. The association was particularly strong among those between 50 and 65 years old and those with lower levels of education.
Researchers discover six new spider species in Colombia, including four unknown to science, and create new genus Stormtropis inspired by Star Wars' clone troopers. The spiders are well adapted to camouflage and burrowing into habitats.
A new study published in npj Digital Medicine found that a wearable tracking device called Tingle achieves higher accuracy in position tracking using thermal sensors. The device was able to distinguish between behaviors directed toward six different locations on the head, potentially aiding in the diagnosis and management of conditions...
The percentage of young Americans experiencing mental health disorders rose significantly between 2005 and 2017, but remained stable for older adults. The study suggests that increased digital media use may be contributing to the trend, particularly among teens and young adults.
Motor vehicle collisions involving moose are 13 times more likely to result in human fatalities compared to deer crashes, a study found. The study analyzed data from northern New England and noted that moose-motor vehicle crashes often involve head, neck, and face injuries due to the animal's massive size and weight.
Researcher Alex de Vries finds Bitcoin mining mechanism cannot be powered solely by renewable energy, citing variable hydroelectric production and significant electronic waste generation. Alternative 'proof-of-stake' mechanisms could reduce energy consumption by 99.99% and eliminate e-waste.
Scientists developed a unique model that can predict Eastern Pacific leatherback turtles' location along the coast of Central and South America. The model aims to reduce bycatch mortality of this critically endangered species.
A team of researchers from Harvard University has discovered genetic switches that control the process of whole-body regeneration in animals. Using three-banded panther worms, they found that a non-coding DNA section activates a 'master control gene' called early growth response (EGR), which controls various processes by switching othe...
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have discovered a method to forecast which breast cancer patients will experience heart problems from trastuzumab, a commonly used chemotherapy drug. A class of medications already approved by the FDA may mitigate these side effects.
Research links early menopause to increased bladder cancer risk, particularly in smokers. The study found that women who went into menopause before the age of 45 were 45% more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who had later menopause.
Researchers used Thoreau's observations to study the effects of climate change on tree leaf-out and wildflower emergence. The study found that wildflowers are now leafing out earlier, while trees are leafing out later, potentially hindering wildflower abundance.
Researchers summarize recent advances in 2D nanomaterials for electrodes in lithium-ion batteries, showcasing their high electrochemical and mechanical properties. The review highlights the potential of 2D nanomaterials as anodes and cathodes, with applications in high-performance energy storage devices.
The contact angle method, used for over two centuries, is being called into question due to its dependence on camera accuracy and subjective decisions. Newer methods that measure adhesion or friction forces are proposed as a solution, offering lower errors and more relevant physical terms.
A study of 3000 IVF births found average birthweight increased by 180g, despite low initial risks. Embryo freezing may mitigate this risk, suggesting a lower health impact on newer IVF children.
The latest data from the STAR experiment at RHIC show that different flavors of antiquarks contribute differently to proton spin, with up antiquark spins making a greater contribution than down antiquark spins. This result provides new insights into the proton spin puzzle and reveals a more complex picture than previously thought.
A new SDSU study reveals that California sheephead and spiny lobsters play a crucial role in controlling sea urchin populations in Southern California kelp forests. The research provides valuable insights into the complex predator-prey relationships in these ecosystems, which are essential for maintaining the health of kelp forests.
Researchers studying Nicaraguan Sign Language find that signs don't move towards the face to be easier to understand. The study uses machine learning and computer vision techniques to analyze language change over 40 years, shedding light on how languages evolve.
The UK is failing to provide universal health coverage to undocumented child migrants by charging them for healthcare, contravening the UN Convention on Rights of the Child and Sustainable Development Goals. The policy has led to poor health outcomes, underuse of services, and obstacles in identifying children at risk.
A new study finds that occupational heat exposure is linked to a decline in kidney function and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in artisanal brick makers in Nicaragua. The researchers found 12.1% of the sample had stage 3-5 CKD, with risk factors including operating ovens, less education, older age, and inadequate water intake.
Dorothee Dormann's work reveals similarities in ALS and FTD pathogenesis, highlighting the role of protein FUS in disease progression. Her research aims to identify molecular targets for therapy and explore common mechanisms with other neurodegenerative diseases.
Researchers found that when fewer mates were available for brown-headed nuthatches, these birds opted to stay home and help their parents or other adults raise their offspring. In areas with skewed sex ratios, more birds became helpers, including both males and females.
Scientists have observed a new mode of heat transport in graphite, known as second sound, which behaves like sound when moving through the material. At temperatures above 80K, heat travels through graphite as a wave, cooling points instantly and carrying heat away at close to the speed of sound.
A study by an international team led by researchers at the University of Zurich found that diet-induced changes in the human bite resulted in new speech sounds, contradicting the theory of a fixed range of human sounds. This shift allowed for the rise of labiodentals, such as the sound 'f', in modern languages.
A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that IQ is a better indicator of adult wealth than math skills for very preterm and very low-weight babies. The research followed over 400 children born in Bavaria, Germany, from birth to adulthood and found that IQ was a stronger predictor of life course economic success.
Researchers propose a novel method for reducing uranium concentration in contaminated water by utilizing amidoxime-functionalized ordered mesoporous silica SBA-15. The results show high U(VI) sorption capacities and selectivity, as well as effective regeneration and reuse after six cycles.