A new study finds that many US states are cutting mental health funding due to budget crises, while others have reduced Medicaid payments. However, a few countries are investing in stimulus-funded services to address recession-related mental health disorders, such as the UK's training of psychotherapists and nurses.
Researchers at Brandeis University found that DNA repair mechanisms can increase mutation rates and alter gene expression in cancer cells. The study suggests that these mutations may be a key factor in the development of cancer.
The Science Posse program, developed by Brandeis professor Irv Epstein, recruits and trains underrepresented students for college-level science. The program has seen significant success, with all currently enrolled students planning to major in science and many attending prestigious summer research programs.
A recent study by Brandeis researchers found that medicalizing human problems has led to substantial economic costs, with $77.1 billion spent on conditions like menopause and ADHD in 2005.
A Brandeis biochemist confirms Darwin's theory of universal common ancestry using a large-scale, quantitative test. The study finds that all life forms share a genetic heritage from single-celled microorganisms to humans, supporting UCA millions of times over alternative theories.
The surveys will track trends in behavioral health services, consumer access, and cost sharing in the nation's privately insured individuals. The data collected will provide insights for policy-makers, advocacy groups, and health plan executives on how to improve delivery of behavioral health services.
The new center will provide timely data on prescriptions to doctors, pharmacies, and regulatory agencies, helping identify best practices in prescription monitoring. The initiative aims to reduce the serious epidemic of drug abuse, taking thousands of lives.
Researchers found that humans and insects have an ancient system for detecting toxic compounds through a protein receptor called TRPA1. This detection mechanism has been conserved across 500 million years of evolution, linking animals back to their common ancestor.
A new federal center for Medicare and Medicaid innovation could spur significant delivery system change by implementing alternative payment structures through voluntary pilot projects. Such pilots would be particularly beneficial for health care organizations looking to reduce excess clinical spending.
A large national study from Brandeis University found that intellectual activities undertaken regularly can make a difference in maintaining memory. Those with low education who engaged in reading, writing, attending lectures, doing word games or puzzles regularly had memory scores similar to people with more education
Researchers at Brandeis will explore the behavior of active matter using interdisciplinary approaches, aiming to shed light on biological structures like flagella beating. The project seeks to elucidate the properties of active matter at length scales ranging from microscopic to macroscopic.
A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience found that rats use their taste system to smell with, and when the taste cortex is inactivated, their sense of smell alters. The researchers discovered state dependency in neural circuit function, where the sensory systems don't work in isolation from each other.
A recent study by Brandeis and Rice University sociologists found that families frequently raise the topic of prayer when a child is seriously ill or dying. Pediatricians respond to these requests in different ways, including participating in prayers, accommodating them, reframing prayers for realism, or referring patients to religious...
Researchers computationally and experimentally discovered molecular pathways for proteins to change shape without unfolding. They found that proteins follow transient, bridging states lasting less than a nanosecond, enabling function while avoiding unfolding.
A Brandeis study directly visualizes protein structures crucial for enzyme catalysis at high-energy states, suggesting new molecular sites for potential drug targets. The research reveals the importance of protein dynamics in enzyme function, offering insights into protein function and potential avenues for targeted drug design.
A novel scleral lens has been shown to improve vision and quality of life for patients with severe cornea or ocular surface disease. The Boston Ocular Surface Prosthesis (BOS-P) was found to be clinically beneficial in a study conducted by Brandeis University researchers, who assessed 69 patients before and after fitting them with the ...
Pediatric physicians tend to pragmatically consider religion and spirituality in family decision-making and end-of-life situations, but view them as barriers when they conflict with medical decisions. The study found that pediatricians often welcome patients' religious beliefs when medicine has failed or all options are exhausted.
A new Brandeis study found that faculty values at US academic medical centers align well with institutional missions, but in some cases, institutions fall short of practicing what they preach. Faculty prioritize caring for the underserved, teaching, intellectual rigor, and freedom of discovery.
Professor Derek M. Isaacowitz, a Brandeis University psychologist, has received the 2009 Baltes Foundation Award for his research on emotion regulation in older adults. His work explores how people of different ages manage their emotions and maintain well-being.
A $2.2 million NIH grant will enhance the lab's ability to rapidly detect protein clumps in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases using a new high-resolution electron microscope. This technology will also enable researchers to study molecular motors in flagella, leading to a better understanding of these diseases.
A recent study published in the Journal of Religion examines medical studies on intercessory prayer, finding that scientists' personal beliefs influenced the outcomes. The research highlights the evolution of American religious demographics and the development of clinical trials.
The Greater Boston coalition, representing over 35 organizations, has been awarded a $200,000 planning grant to develop a plan of action to align efforts and create concrete systems change. The initiative aims to improve healthcare quality, reduce disparities, and provide models for national reform.
A large Brandeis University-led study found that cardiac rehabilitation significantly reduces mortality rates among older adult patients with heart disease. The study showed a 19% lower risk of death for those attending more than 24 sessions, and the benefits were most pronounced in extreme elderly patients.
A new study from Brandeis University estimates the economic cost of dengue fever globally at $1.8 billion annually, with a significant impact on healthcare systems and societies. The research assesses direct and indirect costs, including school absenteeism, lost productivity, and unpaid caregiver time.
A groundbreaking study at Brandeis University has shed light on a crucial step in the complex process of genetic encoding for the first time. The researchers report that they were able to crystallize a large complex of a macromolecular machine in the human cell and determine its structure, zeroing in on the process of RNA splicing.
Researchers discovered protein Bud14 inhibits formin interactions, regulating actin filament length. This discovery advances understanding of cell division and development, with implications for human health conditions such as infertility and deafness.
A study published in Health Affairs explores four payment reform options to address the issue of value in healthcare. The authors suggest that episode payments may be a promising near-term opportunity for payment reform in Medicare, which could lead to improved quality and access.
A new Brandeis University study reports that academic medicine faces a toxic culture leading to faculty burnout and disconnection, affecting patient care and professional relationships. The study identifies serious problems with relational culture, competitive individualism, and deprecation among medical faculty members.
A Brandeis University study published in Poetics analyzed 683 prayers written between 1999 and 2005. The researchers found that prayer writers typically frame their prayers broadly to allow multiple outcomes to be interpreted as evidence of being answered. Most writers anthropomorphized God, addressing it as a relative or friend.
Researchers at Brandeis University have discovered a specific set of wake-promoting neurons in fruit flies that are analogous to cells in the human sleep circuit. The study found that these neurons play a crucial role in regulating sleep-wake cycles and that targeting them could lead to the development of more effective sleep treatments.
Brandeis University has partnered with Smart Balance to advance heart-healthy research, with a $1 million sponsored research agreement. The partnership aims to develop new fat technologies to support healthier living.
A novel Brandeis University study reports on molecular gymnastics performed by a protein involved in regulating DNA transcription. The research uses state-of-the-art tools and simple methods to observe the shape and behavior of individual DNA molecules.
The new center will study active matter, which can move on its own, exhibiting properties previously observed in living materials like muscle and cells. Researchers will explore constraints on materials using DNA confinement and functioning cellular components like cilia.
A study by Brandeis University suggests that age-related differences exist in how people view their past, present, and future expectations. Younger adults tend to be more optimistic about their future, while older adults are more realistic and accurate in their predictions.
Brandeis scientists have identified a catalyst that efficiently breaks the carbon-fluorine bond, rendering it harmless to the environment. This breakthrough finding could lead to large-scale reactions to convert environmental pollutants into reusable or destroyable products.
A Brandeis study finds that mutated protein superoxide dismutase leads to toxic levels of the protein in motor neurons, causing cell death in ALS patients. The research aims to develop drugs targeting key proteins to prevent aggregation and treat the disease.
A new study from Brandeis University found that hospital chaplaincy services are strongly predicted by general demographic and institutional characteristics, rather than national accreditation guidelines. The study also suggests that increasing attention to religion and spirituality in medicine may be the result of doctors' and nurses'...
A new study reveals that fruitflies have four large heat-responsive neurons in their brain, which help them detect and avoid temperatures just above their preferred level. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms of neural circuits that drive animals to select a preferred temperature.
New research from Brandeis University finds that multi-tiered formularies requiring higher copayments for non-preferred medications reduce the use of antidepressants. The study, which analyzed data from a large nonprofit managed care organization, found that out-of-pocket spending increased while health plan spending per user decreased.
Researchers at Brandeis University have uncovered a molecular switch in the 'nature's blowtorch' enzyme cytochrome P450. The protein chain can change its structure through a 180-degree rotation, allowing for precise control over oxidation reactions.
Scientists from Brandeis University and the Leibniz Institut have created a 3D image of an Alzheimer's peptide aggregate using electron microscopy. The study reveals the spaghetti-like structure of A-beta peptide aggregates, also known as amyloid fibrils.
A new study from Brandeis University reveals that 1 in 10 elderly adults on Medicare consume more alcohol than recommended, with 9% engaging in unhealthy drinking habits. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to be aware of this often-missed issue and consider individual factors when assessing risk.
A new five-year study aims to identify modifiable beliefs and behaviors that boost memory performance in middle-aged and older adults. By assessing psychological and physiological pathways, researchers hope to develop effective interventions to reduce distress, impairment, and dependence.
Researchers at Brandeis University and the University of Georgia have identified ten new compounds that inhibit Cryptosporidium's parasitic activity, including four effective in stopping infection in laboratory tests. The discovery provides an avenue for much-needed therapy for this debilitating disease.
A recent study published in Nature captures enzymes in motion, revealing they engage in a dynamic dance before catalysis occurs. The research, led by Dr. Dorothee Kern, uses advanced techniques to document the tiny changes in enzyme shape and structure.
A new study by Brandeis University researchers finds that many pediatric oncologists lack the necessary training to build bridges with families of critically ill children through religion and spirituality. The study suggests that providing this type of training could improve patient outcomes.
Michael Rosbash, a Brandeis University professor, has been elected as an AAAS Fellow for his distinguished contributions to understanding RNA splicing and circadian rhythms. This year, 471 members have been awarded the honor by AAAS due to their scientifically or socially distinguished efforts.
A Brandeis study found that fewer than one in five patients receive cardiac rehabilitation services after a heart attack or coronary bypass surgery, despite its proven benefits. The use of cardiac rehab varies significantly by age, gender, and geography.
Gina Turrigiano, a Brandeis University professor, has received a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director's Pioneer Award to develop a super-resolution cryo-microscopic method for studying synapses. This innovative approach aims to understand how synapses are impaired by neurodevelopmental and neurological diseases.
Researchers develop mathematical model to predict ethnic conflict based on global pattern formation, finding poorly defined boundaries and heterogeneous areas prone to violence. The study suggests that clear borders can prevent ethnic tension, echoing Robert Frost's poem 'good fences make good neighbors',