The study evaluated the outcomes of universal COVID-19 testing following new case detection in 11 US long-term care facilities. The test results identified multiple outbreaks and facilitated timely interventions.
A new Northwestern Medicine remote weight-loss program, Opt-IN, helped participants lose 11-13 pounds, matching the success rate of the gold-standard National Diabetes Prevention Program. The program is cheaper and less burdensome than traditional treatments, making it more accessible and affordable.
ICERM, a federally funded math institute, has been renewed with a $23.7 million NSF grant to support its cutting-edge research and education programs. The institute will focus on expanding the use of computation and experimentation in mathematical research.
Researchers at RMIT University and ANU are developing ultra high-performance gyroscopes that can detect tiny changes in light signals to provide pinpoint precision. The new technology promises to shrink the size and cost of traditional gyroscopes, enabling new commercial applications.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that blocking an enzyme used by glioblastoma cells to store fats may be a new way to treat the deadly disease. This approach could also apply to other types of cancers that use lipid droplets for energy.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have discovered a new site on the androgen receptor that interacts with activity-enhancing coactivators, driving prostate cancer growth. The study's findings provide insights into the design of future treatments for this devastating condition.
A new measure of social determinants of health has been developed and validated to predict cardiovascular disease mortality at the county level. The tool uses a multivariable risk score based on seven social determinants, showing better predictive performance than common single-measure area-level indexes.
Scientists have discovered that inserting the Nix gene in female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes converts them to fertile males, which could aid in mosquito control strategies. The converted males cannot fly due to the lack of another essential gene, myo-sex.
The new ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines aim to simplify and streamline reporting of animal studies, promoting better study design and transparency. The guidelines prioritize two sets: Essential 10 for basic minimum reporting and a recommended set for context.
A recent study found that most New Zealanders have large quantities of paracetamol stored at home, contributing to a significant number of calls to the National Poisons Centre. The study's results highlight the need for public initiatives to encourage safe disposal of unused medicines and prevent unnecessary accumulation.
Researchers at Newcastle University have discovered a new technique that can improve the function of 'marginal' kidneys, increasing urine production and improving blood flow to damaged cells. The treatment uses a type of stem cell called MultiStem to deliver anti-inflammatory molecules.
A new forensic approach aims to gauge the strength of witness memory and minimize unwitting bias in police lineup processes. The technique, which uses neuroscience and psychology, assigns a probability value to witness testimony and scores responses based on paired comparisons of photos.
Researchers used imaging mass spectrometry and immunohistochemistry to identify novel lipid and protein tumor markers for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. These markers, including S100A8 and S100A9, show promise as potential diagnostic tools and may provide insights into the pathophysiology of HNSCC.
A majority of US men (9/10) support healthcare providers inquiring about intimate partner violence, with those who experienced violence more likely to agree. In contrast, LGBT-friendly primary care practices have been shown to increase STD and HIV screening rates among vulnerable populations.
A descriptive bibliometric analysis by researchers reveals stark disparities in authorship between male and female scientists, with two-thirds of publications having a male first author. The study aims to broaden the discussion on gender parity in academic medical research.
Researchers found that TMEM165 expression levels alter N-linked glycosylation, promoting the invasion and growth of breast cancer cells. This study suggests a novel role for TMEM165 as a driver of tumor invasion and identifies it as a potential biomarker for breast carcinoma.
The study found that applicant practices were diverse but lacked representation from small, independent, rural, or inexperienced practices. Participating practices served healthier and more advantaged beneficiaries, highlighting the need for further engagement.
The Gemini Observatory has detected a distant short gamma-ray burst (SGRB) with an optical afterglow, providing new insights into the merger of two neutron stars. The observation, made just hours after the burst's detection, revealed the SGRB's distance and placed it in the epoch of cosmic high noon.
New research reveals the oldest Indigenous site along Australia's longest river system, confirming a 29,000-year-old occupation timeline for the River Murray region. The findings provide deeper insights into how Aboriginal people responded to climate challenges and stress during the Last Glacial Maximum.
Technical interviews in the software engineering sector test performance anxiety rather than coding skills, eliminating well-qualified candidates. Researchers found that half as many participants excelled in private interviews without on-the-spot explanations.
Researchers at Waseda University develop a novel palladium catalyst called dcypt to enable efficient synthesis of aromatic esters. The 'ester dance reaction' can be combined with other reactions to produce compounds with diverse substitution patterns, making it a cost-efficient process.
Researchers found that depression, anxiety, and loss of smell were strongly associated with COVID-19. The study suggests that psychological distress could be a sign of the virus's impact on the brain, potentially due to its entry through the olfactory tract.
New French prescribing rules for zolpidem resulted in a significant decrease in its use, with a corresponding rise in zopiclone prescriptions. The implementation of secure prescribing forms in 2017 led to a half cut in zolpidem prescribing rates, while zopiclone usage increased nearly equally.
A novel bone imaging approach has established that bone metabolism is abnormally elevated in patients with knee osteoarthritis. This finding provides a new functional measure to assess degeneration of the knee joint, and may help develop interventions to slow or arrest its progression.
A nationwide project aims to engage 30,000 people in memory training to understand its cognitive benefits. The study will explore how different training methods affect individuals and shed light on the underlying mechanisms of brain training.
A study of over 400,000 US adults found that higher long-term consumption of both plant and animal proteins was associated with increased risk of death. The researchers discovered a non-linear relationship between protein intake and mortality risk, suggesting that moderate levels of protein may be protective against mortality.
Researchers at Baylor Scott & White Research Institute receive NIH funding to investigate the molecular mechanisms that link GERD to Barrett's esophagus and cancer. The team aims to identify strategies to prevent EMT, a process that promotes cancer cell survival.
Researchers developed a novel radioiodinated PSMA-targeting radiopharmaceutical that can be produced in high yields without generating volatile byproducts. The agent shows exceptional effectiveness for precision diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer in preclinical studies, targeting prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA).
Researchers used a novel imaging agent to visualize inter-organ communication between the heart and kidneys via the immune system following acute myocardial infarction. The study found a systemic inflammatory response, suggesting a potential mechanism for disease progression and therapy response.
Flexible on-skin electronics made from pencil traces on paper can record various biomedical signals such as temperature, heart rate, and glucose levels. The technology has the potential to enable transdermal drug delivery and provides a cost-effective solution for monitoring vital signs in low-resource medical settings.
Bats must find a compromise between energy consumption and efficient echolocation, as louder calls increase energy expenditure. High-intensity echolocation calls are costly and require significant additional muscle activity, particularly above 130 dB.
A new study from NYU Grossman School of Medicine researchers shows that the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine significantly reduces the incidence of congenital heart block (CHB) in newborn babies, a rare and sometimes fatal condition. CHB affects as many as one in 15,000 live births and is strongly linked to immune proteins in mothers.
Researchers found that patients who experienced delirium were more than twice as likely to show significant long-term cognitive decline. The study suggests that delirium may cause cognitive decline and is associated with increased mortality, hospital costs, and care duration.
Researchers at the Monell Chemical Senses Center found that genetic traits shape an individual's preference for fatty foods. The study used identical and fraternal twins to test the relationship between fat content and flavor perception.
A new study published in JNCI Cancer Spectrum found significant disparities in cancer mortality rates between one-star and five-star hospitals. The research examined 105,823 patients who underwent complex cancer procedures at 3,146 hospitals between 2013 and 2016.
The article discusses challenges faced by older adults with diabetes and ways to care for them during the pandemic. Key findings include the importance of close monitoring, medication management, and addressing social determinants of health.
Researchers compiled a comprehensive list of 317 US mental health units in correctional facilities, finding that most units offered group therapy and had dedicated staff. The review suggests that smaller unit sizes and more individualized services could improve outcomes for inmates with serious mental illness.
Researchers analyzed ancient cat remains to determine the diet and ecology of early European cats. The study found that while Near Eastern cats may have accompanied farmers to Europe, they did not yet rely on humans for food.
Researchers at Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation have identified collagen V as a key factor regulating cardiac scar tissue size after a heart attack. The study found that fibroblasts without collagen V produce larger, more irregularly-structured scars, leading to reduced shrinkage and increased risk of complications.
Peter S. Conti, MD, PhD, received the 2020 Benedict Cassen Prize for his pioneering work in radiopharmaceuticals and clinical PET applications for cancer imaging. The award recognizes his contributions to advancing nuclear medicine and molecular imaging.
A McLean Hospital study found that esketamine is not currently cost-effective due to its high price, but it can be effective for patients with treatment-resistant depression. The study suggests that the price of esketamine needs to fall by more than 40% to make it a viable option.
Research using satellite observations and air mass trajectory modeling reveals that aerosols can extend cloud lifetime and brightness in the stratus-to-cumulus transition zone. This can lead to reduced planetary warming by reflecting more solar radiation back into space.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that Black women are often viewed as more similar to Black men than to white women, leading to their exclusion from anti-racist and feminist movements. This 'intersectional invisibility' can result in Black women facing higher rates of police abuses and domestic violence.
A plant-based diet can help promote healthful aging and mitigate the global burden of disease. The diet has been shown to reduce the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease by almost 50%. Plant-based diets rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes have also been tied to increased life expectancy.
A recent study using ancient DNA, archaeological artifacts, and written records confirms the existence of state-enforced resettlement in 15th century southern Peru. The research reveals that nonlocal people were forcibly relocated to support the economy and quell threats to authority, transforming the Andean sociopolitical landscape.
Researchers have identified the structural changes and metallization caused by external pressure in hybrid Perovskite solar cells. The study provides a theoretical explanation for phase transition and metallization, paving the way for high-performance solar cell materials that can withstand extreme environments.
The COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating the adoption of innovative healthcare service delivery models. Healthcare providers are turning to digital platforms and remote care options to stay afloat.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science developed a fully automated micro-lab on a chip that can quickly and reliably determine a patient's blood type. The device can dilute whole blood automatically and detect weak coagulation with the naked eye, holding potential for use in emergency medical situations.
A multidisciplinary team has developed a new technique to recover human lungs declined for transplant through cross-circulation between the human lung and a xenogeneic host. This breakthrough increases organ availability, saving lives of those waiting on the transplant list.
A large-scale study found that communication increases the likelihood of reaching a target by almost two-fold, confirming its role in promoting cooperativeness. Players who communicate are more persistent and refuse to give up, while genuine free riders pay little attention to communication.
A recent study found that individuals with COVID-19 symptoms are at a higher risk of developing general psychiatric disorders and feeling lonely. Women and young people (aged 18-30) were significantly more at risk from these conditions, suggesting social and economic disruption as contributing factors.
Fine roots in peatlands respond rapidly to warming, increasing plant nutrient and water uptake. Soils drying likely drive this increase in fine-root growth, potentially accelerating ecosystem carbon cycling.
Daydreaming can have significant upsides for creativity, particularly in professions where workers deeply care about their work. However, when professional identification is lacking, daydreaming compromises performance. The study's findings suggest that most businesses could benefit from removing the stigma around daydreaming at work.
Thylakoid membranes from a model cyanobacterium have been studied in unprecedented detail using atomic force microscopy. The results show how these membranes modulate protein abundance and form structurally variable complexes to adapt to changing environments.
Researchers at Clemson University found that climate change will lead to more extreme wet and dry seasons globally. The study predicts that regions already prone to drought and flooding will be disproportionately affected.
Rats' brain activity shows that individual preferences for alcohol vary based on how the brain interprets it as a reward. The orbitofrontal cortex stores reward value and regulates reward seeking, with malfunctioning linked to drug use disorders.
A team of researchers identified that the intestinal flora (microbiota) of each host determines the maintenance of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the gut. The study found that resistance has different interactions depending on the individual's microbiota, with some individuals showing a high ability to survive without antibiotics.
Researchers found potential benefits of meditation and yoga in reducing stress and inflammation, which can aid in immune system enhancement. These practices may provide additional counteracting effects against certain infectious challenges associated with COVID-19.
Astronomers have discovered one of the lowest-mass supermassive black holes (SMBHs) ever observed, weighing less than a million times the mass of our Sun. The finding provides a major step in understanding how SMBHs are formed and challenges the long-held assumption that they were born with extremely large masses.
Researchers at University of Missouri discovered that pencils can conduct energy when drawing on paper, allowing for the creation of bioelectronic devices. The devices can be used for personal health monitoring, education, and remote research, offering a low-cost and simple alternative to existing commercial devices.