A recent study found that a costly computer-aided detection tool used in nearly all mammograms does not improve cancer detection rates and may even result in missed cancers. The study's findings have led some researchers to advocate for ending Medicare coverage of the tool, which could save millions annually.
Researchers found a 30% increased risk of myeloblastic leukemia in children living within 150m of heavily used roads with combined road lengths over 260m. However, no association was observed for the more common lymphoblastic type of leukemia.
A new Michigan State University study aims to identify early signs of Alzheimer's disease among Latinos and Hispanics, potentially delaying or preventing its onset. The $5.67 million grant will gather health data from nearly 7,000 middle-aged and older adults, with the goal of differentiating mild cognitive impairment from normal aging.
A Georgia State University study found that 10% of mothers in southern Louisiana experienced chronic, persistent depressive symptoms two years after Hurricane Katrina. Despite the significant impact on mothers, maternal depression trajectories were not associated with differences in children's distress symptoms.
Advances in statistics are helping to understand the complex roles microbes play in human biology. The study found no significant association between BMI and bacterial species abundance in the gut microbiome.
A study published in the British Medical Journal found that trans fats are associated with a 34% increase in death for any reason, while saturated fats showed no clear association with an increased risk of death or heart disease. However, researchers recommend replacing high-fat foods with vegetable oils, nuts, and whole grains.
A new technique helps doctors optimize cancer treatment doses in phase I/II clinical trials. The Optimal Two-Cycle Dose-Finding Design uses a patient's cycle 1 data to set a dose level for the second cycle, improving patient benefit and controlling toxicity risk.
A study published by McMaster University has shown that corticosteroid therapy significantly benefits patients with community-acquired pneumonia. The research found that corticosteroids can reduce the need for mechanical ventilation from 9% to 5% of patients and decrease the risk of life-threatening complications.
A new statistical method, Bayesian feature allocation models, can analyze next-generation sequencing data to determine the genetic composition of a patient's cancerous tumor. This information can help physicians select targeted drugs tailored to individual tumors.
African-American participants showed a significant decline in dementia incidence rates from 1992 to 2011 compared to a stable rate among Yoruba individuals in Nigeria. The study suggests that medication for cardiovascular conditions may contribute to the decline.
A five-year grant is funding research into strategies to help older adults prevent or reverse typical age-related cognitive decline. Researchers will recruit 580 people over 65 with significant memory problems but no dementia, and evaluate their progress with cognitive tests and MRI scans.
A new study estimates the cost of implementing revised physician board recertification requirements will be a significant burden on physicians and patients. The study found that most costs arise from the time required for physicians to fulfill requirements, rather than fees payable to the American Board of Internal Medicine.
A study of over 5,700 young Swiss men found that stricter alcohol laws, such as minimum legal drinking age and advertising restrictions, lead to lower rates of hazardous drinking. However, these measures had limited impact on individuals with a high risk of substance abuse due to their personality or antisocial behavior.
Researchers found that men with low-risk prostate cancer are increasingly opting for active surveillance, while those with higher-risk tumors are receiving more aggressive treatments. This shift aims to reduce overtreatment and improve outcomes for patients.
A new study led by McMaster University professor Dr. Deborah Cook found that a program honoring patients' last wishes creates meaning, memories, and closure at death. The Three Wishes Project, which involved 40 dying patients and their families, resulted in the implementation of 97.5% of requested wishes.
Biologists from Penn University analyzed genetic data to track blacklegged tick migrations. The study reveals that ticks moved into new areas through short-distance local moves, shedding light on patterns of disease spread and controlling strategies.
Researchers at PolyU have developed a novel big data analysis platform that unveils the unregulated patterns of gene network in cancer. The platform discovers potential diagnostic and therapeutic target genes, including Nucleophosmin (NPM1), for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML).
Severely obese individuals undergoing weight-loss surgery experience substantial improvements in urinary incontinence, with a majority achieving remission three years after bariatric surgery. The more weight lost, the higher the chances of improvement, and those who were older or had severe walking limitations showed less improvement.
A new blood test has been developed to identify men with a genetically inherited risk of developing prostate cancer. The test analyzes DNA variants associated with increased risk and has shown promise in identifying high-risk individuals.
A new article by Roger D. Peng proposes a two-pronged approach to improve scientific data analysis, combining massive-scale education efforts with the identification of evidence-based data-analytic strategies to increase replicability and reproducibility.
A UCSF-Mayo Clinic team has identified three molecular markers that can classify gliomas more accurately than current methods. The study found that these markers are associated with distinct subgroups of gliomas varying in median survival times and characteristics.
Researchers found that individual microbial communities are surprisingly unique and can be used to identify people over time. The study suggests that these microbiome 'fingerprints' could potentially expose sensitive information, but also offer new insights into human health and ecology.
The District of Columbia Center for AIDS Research (DC CFAR) will provide significant pilot award funding opportunities and mentorship through its Developmental Core, promoting scientific research in DC on HIV cure and prevention. With this grant, the DC CFAR joins ranks of leading research institutions as a full CFAR.
A new Veterans Affairs study found that the high-dose flu vaccine provides stronger protection against flu-related hospitalizations and deaths for those 85 and older, while standard vaccines may be effective for younger seniors. The study included over 165,000 patients and tracked hospitalization and death rates.
Researchers found statistically elevated rates of pediatric cancers in urban areas within the Miami metro region and an area just west of the Everglades. The clusters showed differences in cancer types, racial composition, and timing, but not a clear link to environmental exposures.
A new study found that statins can help prevent heart disease in older adults but may cause muscle pain, weakness, and mild cognitive impairment. The study suggests that the benefits of statin use may be offset by these side effects, particularly in geriatric populations.
In a deadly, rapidly spreading infectious disease like Ebola, traditional randomized clinical trials may be inadequate. Alternative trial designs can provide useful information and are morally justifiable, says a new article in the American Journal of Bioethics.
Duke researchers have developed a new method to precisely control gene activity by chemically manipulating proteins that package DNA. This technology allows for the activation of specific gene promoters and enhancers, which could provide a new avenue for gene therapies and guiding stem cell differentiation.
Case Western Reserve University is leading an international team studying resistance to bacteria causing TB. The goal is to develop a new approach to treating and curing the disease by understanding how resistant individuals fight off infections.
Researchers found that financial constraints, transportation problems, and stigma associated with the disease were major barriers to accessing penicillin injections. Despite these obstacles, patients reported personal motivation and injection reminders helped them stay on schedule and manage their symptoms.
Dr. Mitchell Gail recognized for pioneering statistical work in cancer research, including breast cancer risk prediction models. His research has led to the development of widely used tools like the NCI's Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool.
Researchers from the University of Melbourne found that genetic variation affects the protective effect of aspirin on bowel cancer risk. The study analyzed data from 8,624 participants and found that about 1 in 25 people do not benefit from taking aspirin, potentially increasing their risk.
A new study by McGill University researchers found that genetic data from African and European populations did not explain the racial mortality gap in cardiovascular disease. Lifestyle, education, and socio-economic factors are now considered more promising avenues for understanding racial health disparities. The study suggests that fu...
A recent study by researchers at Georgia State University suggests that storing Ebola-infected sewage for a week or longer may not be sufficient to inactivate the virus, especially at lower ambient temperatures. The study used bacteriophage Φ6 as a stand-in for Ebola and found that holding times may need to be longer in such cases.
Researchers found that low stress resilience in adolescence increases heart disease risk, even with good physical fitness. The study of 237,980 men suggests that promoting both exercise and stress management could help prevent heart disease.
Research suggests that those who experienced violence during the Guatemala Civil War are four times more likely to suffer from PTSD and alcohol-related disorders. The study, led by Victor D. Puac-Polanco and Charles C. Branas, found significant mental health problems among Guatemalans who witnessed or experienced violent events.
A new electronic model developed by McMaster University researchers aims to revolutionize shared decision-making in doctor's offices. The SHARE-IT decision aids provide simple formats for patients to review medical information and evidence, promoting meaningful conversations between patients and doctors.
Researchers identified key immune biomarkers that can help distinguish between HIV patients who experience life-threatening complications and those who fare well on treatment. The findings suggest that personalized approaches may be necessary for these patients, as a one-size-fits-all approach could worsen outcomes.
A large-scale Danish study shows that premature babies are more likely to suffer from asthmatic symptoms and lung conditions in early life. However, the study found that they tend to grow better and eventually suffer no more lung conditions than others as adults.
A newly discovered protein called HKDC1 may be a genetic predictor for gestational hyperglycemia and its long-term health effects. The enzyme appears during pregnancy in women with less of the gene, which could lead to a predictive test and potential therapeutic targets.
A Canadian multicenter survey of over 1,200 hospital-based clinicians identified key barriers to end-of-life care discussions with seriously ill patients and their families. The study found that factors such as difficulty accepting a poor prognosis, limited understanding of life-sustaining treatments, and disagreements among family mem...
The EPIPAGE 2 study found a significant improvement in the survival of premature infants in France, with survival rates increasing by 14% for infants born between 25-29 weeks. However, results for extremely premature infants show little progress, highlighting the need for better care and monitoring.
Researchers found a correlation between human population density and vegetation cover in Africa, increasing the risk of animal-to-human Ebola transmission. In contrast, areas with low population density saw a decrease in risk, suggesting that landscape configuration plays a role in transmission.
A study by Penn Medicine found that many patients with type 2 diabetes are being discouraged from taking metformin due to an overly conservative FDA label. The authors recommend amending the label to reflect more modern guidelines, which could extend the drug's use to nearly 1 million additional patients.
Brown University professors Joseph Hogan and Rami Kantor will use a new $3.5 million grant to develop data-driven methods for improving HIV treatment monitoring decisions, potentially reducing costs and increasing effectiveness in low- and middle-income countries.
A Harvard study found that older adults are at increased risk of hospitalization during heat waves due to a range of health issues, including fluid and electrolyte disorders, renal failure, and urinary tract infections. The study's findings have significant implications for healthcare preparedness and prevention.
Researchers found evidence of significant social clustering in the ongoing Ebola outbreak, which has implications for case reporting and public health. The analysis estimated that up to 70% of cases were not reported, significantly lower than previous estimates.
Scientists at MCW found a link between sleep loss and cell injury, particularly in the liver, lung, and small intestine. Recovery sleep from deprivation restores balance and decreases cell injury, elucidating previous research on sleep abnormalities as risk factors for diseases like cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found no causal link between antibiotics and childhood asthma, contradicting previous studies. The study of half a million children suggests that respiratory infections may increase the risk of asthma, regardless of antibiotic treatment.
A study found that living kidney donors are at a higher risk of gestational hypertension and preeclampsia during pregnancy. Despite this, most women who become pregnant after donating a kidney have healthy pregnancies.
A new study published in Brain: A Journal of Neurology found that a medium amount of physical activity can lower the risk of Parkinson's disease. Participants who spent more than six hours per week on household and commuting activities had a 43% lower risk of developing the disease.
Researchers found that bed bugs can acquire and transmit the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, causing Chagas disease. The study demonstrated bi-directional transmission of the parasite between mice and bed bugs, highlighting a potential emerging problem.
A new study led by Harvard School of Public Health found that the use of antiretroviral medications during early pregnancy does not significantly increase the risk of birth defects in infants. However, one specific ARV drug, atazanavir, was associated with a higher risk of birth defects, particularly musculoskeletal and skin anomalies.
A new analysis of NLST results concludes that CT lung screening is cost-effective in aging smokers, but its implementation will depend on various factors. The ratio of costs per quality-adjusted life-year added was $81,000, below the $100,000 threshold.
A study published in CMAJ identified key elements of end-of-life care that patients and families want to discuss, including patient values, prognosis, and fears. Discussions on these topics lead to higher patient satisfaction with care received.
A study published in CMAJ found that hospitalized patients and families prioritize discussing preferences for care, patient values, prognosis of illness, fears or concerns, and additional questions regarding care. However, these elements are infrequently discussed, leading to low concordance between preferred and prescribed goals of care.
A new analysis of over 12,000 outbreaks affecting 44 million people worldwide reveals a rising trend in global infectious disease outbreaks, with 65% caused by zoonoses. Despite this increase, the impact of outbreaks is declining on a per capita basis.
A study of nearly 12,000 people in Belarus found that higher radiation doses were associated with more aggressive tumor features, such as spread to lymphatic vessels. The findings have implications for those exposed to radioactive iodine fallout from the Fukushima nuclear reactor incidents.
A recent study published in Biological Psychiatry found that infants' preference for human faces over objects is associated with reduced callous and unemotional behaviors in toddlerhood. The research also showed that mother-child interactions during playtime can influence a child's emotional development.
A University of Georgia study found that disruption of the circadian rhythm, triggered by artificial light exposure, significantly increases breast cancer risk. The researchers analyzed studies on flight attendants who work night shifts and found a higher risk of developing breast cancer.