A study by Indiana University researchers found that playing violent video games for a week can lead to changes in the brain's frontal regions associated with emotion and aggressive behavior. The study, which followed 28 healthy adult males, showed reduced activation in these areas after one week of gameplay.
A new study finds that government scoring systems for nursing homes do not accurately evaluate the quality of care for residents with behavioral and psychological symptoms related to dementia. The study suggests that facilities with high numbers of cognitively impaired residents receive lower scores despite providing better care.
A systematic review of delirium biomarkers found that clinicians are not using these chemical indicators to diagnose or treat patients with delirium. Biomarkers linked to delirium provide a window into the disease process, enabling better recognition and management of the condition.
A new national plan aims to improve care for patients with delirium, a poorly understood condition that affects millions of Americans. The plan outlines four goals: improving clinical care, educating healthcare providers, investing in research, and developing a network of delirium professionals.
William M. Tierney, Regenstrief Institute president and Indiana University School of Medicine associate dean, will receive the AMIA Morris F. Collen Award for his efforts to advance biomedical and health informatics. He has implemented and studied electronic health record systems globally, including in Africa.
The Regenstrief Institute is launching an initiative to encourage and propel innovation in healthcare. The program focuses on enhancing the working environment and providing high-quality, lower-cost care. Research teams will be encouraged to develop high-risk, high-reward ideas that could disrupt current approaches.
The Indiana Network for Patient Care will enhance its infrastructure with an $8.4 million grant, supporting a comparative effectiveness study on three Alzheimer's drugs. The study aims to provide critical guidance to clinicians nationwide, helping them determine the best treatment for patients.
A study of over 1,100 healthy Indiana school children found that being overweight or obese nearly triples the risk of developing high blood pressure. Leptin, a protein hormone involved in body weight regulation, is also positively associated with increased blood pressure in these children.
A recent study found that cocaine use is predictive of open-angle glaucoma, with current and former users having a 45% increased risk. Patients with open-angle glaucoma and history of exposure to illegal drugs were nearly 20 years younger than those without drug exposure history.
Researchers have found that Fasudil, a vasodilator used to treat cardiovascular problems, can slow the growth of leukemia cells by blocking the activity of Rho kinase. The study showed promising results in laboratory tests and extended survival in mice with leukemia.
A long-term study found that even mild cognitive impairment substantially increases the risk of death, with a strong impact comparable to other chronic diseases. The study, which followed nearly 4,000 patients over 13 years, suggests that recognition of cognitive impairment in primary care practices should be given higher priority.
Analysis by Indiana University School of Medicine researchers resulted in changes to American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines for diagnosing and treating initial urinary tract infections in infants and toddlers. The new guidelines argue against exposing young children to painful radiologic tests and prescribing prophylactic antibiotic...
A three-year study of 668 adults found that surrogate decision-making significantly delays writing DNR orders, leading to shorter time frames between decision and cardiac arrest, reduced palliative care, and less time for families to cope with death. Surrogate decision-makers may struggle with complex ethical and communication issues.
Scientists have gained a deeper understanding of how cells translate genetic information into proteins and processes by deciphering the Mediator protein structure. The research provides an important link to discoveries in the field and has the potential to lead to new treatments for disease.
A large, long-term study confirms that medications with anticholinergic activity cause cognitive impairment. The research also identifies a possible link between these drugs and risk of death.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have discovered a peptide, CBD3, that short circuits a pathway for chronic pain without debilitating side effects. The peptide has been shown to block pain signals by interfering with calcium channels, making it potentially safer than addictive opioids or cone snail toxin.
Researchers found that clinicians created shadow processes to support their work when the computer system didn't meet their needs. Paper and pen workarounds were common, involving printed consultation notes or electronic spreadsheets outside of the electronic health record.
A new study reveals that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can normalize behavior in mice models of bipolar disorder, reducing depressive symptoms and decreasing alcohol abuse. The researchers also found correlations between molecular changes and biomarkers, paving the way for targeted clinical studies in humans.
Researchers found that complex drug labels contain an average of 70 side effects, with antidepressants and newer treatments having the most reactions. The study aims to improve patient safety by presenting information efficiently to healthcare providers.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have discovered that innate immune system proteins can induce bacterial cell walls to self-destruct. The proteins, called Peptidoglycan Recognition Proteins (PGRPs), target bacteria by exploiting a defense mechanism used by the bacteria themselves.
A lung protein called EMAPII has been identified as a key player in smoking-related emphysema. An antibody targeting this protein shows promise in reducing cell death and inflammation in mice with emphysema, suggesting potential as a new treatment for the condition.
The IU-Regenstrief programs have expanded enrollment by 50% with the addition of distance learning options, providing a solution to the growing shortage of health information technology specialists in Indiana and nationwide.
A new study published in JAMA found that neither vitamin E nor the diabetes drug metformin successfully reduced liver enzymes in children and teens with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, a biopsy of the liver showed improvement in injury pattern with vitamin E therapy in patients with severe fatty liver disease. The study high...
Pediatric doctors from Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky will collaborate on research projects to better understand and treat childhood diseases. The partnership aims to accelerate the development of new treatments for rare childhood illnesses, building on previous successes in transforming cancer treatment over the past three decades.
New training program aims to improve communication skills among healthcare providers and between providers and patients, leading to better medical outcomes and reduced errors.
Researchers have observed improvements in eye contact, social interaction, and speech in adults and children with autism and Fragile X syndrome treated with acamprosate. Larger studies are needed to determine effectiveness and tolerability.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have discovered an orphan drug that short-circuits the process resulting in increased sensitivity and pain from opioid use. This finding may make morphine a safer and more effective drug for chronic pain control.
A new study conducted in Eldoret, Kenya found that computer-generated reminders about overdue tests yielded a nearly 50% increase in the appropriate ordering of CD4 blood tests. This improvement in quality of care was made possible through the implementation of just-in-time clinician support within electronic medical records.
Researchers found that successfully treating post-stroke depression leads to significant improvements in functional capabilities, enabling patients to return to work and enjoy leisure activities. This study highlights the importance of screening for and managing depression in stroke patients to restore lost function.
A new evidence-based model of geriatric care management, GRACE, optimizes the health and functional status of community-dwelling lower-income older adults. GRACE improves health and quality of life, decreases emergency department visits and hospital admission rates.
A review of medical studies confirms that social and emotional context of the doctor-patient relationship are crucial for healthcare outcomes. Effective communication, like in aviation, is critical to safety and success in medicine.
A study by Indiana University School of Medicine found that tanning bed radiation can cause severe skin reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis, a life-threatening condition. The researchers advise caution when using tanning beds to treat undiagnosed skin conditions.
Scientists at Indiana University School of Medicine have identified the source of excessive phosphate buildup in glycogen, a chain-like molecule used to store energy. This finding sheds light on a possible route to treatment for Lafora disease, a rare and deadly condition caused by genetic mutation.
Delirium is a growing concern in hospitals, affecting over 7 million Americans annually and causing prolonged hospital stays, increased mortality risk, and vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease. Researchers are calling for improved monitoring and treatment strategies to reduce the delirium burden by half within two decades.
Experts warn that unrealistic expectations about genomic medicine have created a 'bubble' that must be deflated to ensure long-term benefits. They recommend reappraising funding priorities and promoting responsible scientific claims to avoid diversion of resources and premature implementation.
Researchers aim to improve post-hospital management of patients with pending test results. Inadequate communication and follow-up can lead to serious medical errors.
Researchers developed a new mode of dementia care that significantly reduces emergency department visits and hospitalizations, while encouraging the use of non-harmful medications. The model results in improved health outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and less emotional burden on family caregivers.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have discovered a potential new anti-cancer treatment using the antibiotic tautomycetin, which targets the cancer-causing enzyme SHP2. This finding offers hope for developing effective treatments against various types of leukemia and solid tumors.
A new study found that Black and Hispanic young women are screened for chlamydia at a significantly higher rate than young white women, contributing to nationwide reporting of higher rates of this sexually transmitted disease among minority young women. Screening likelihood varied by insurance status and age.
Researchers found a significant decrease in tooth decay among young American Indians who switched from sweetened soda to water, with up to 63% reduction in early stage cavities. The study suggests that promoting water as a primary drink can have a substantial impact on preventing tooth decay.
A new study finds that a simple hemoglobin A1c test can identify individuals with pre-diabetes, allowing them to prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes through diet and exercise. By testing 60 million Americans at risk, healthcare costs can be reduced by up to half.
Primary care providers experience stress and guilt when managing chronic pain, often feeling ineffective and frustrated. Strategies to ease these frustrations are crucial for improving pain management from both patient and provider perspectives.
A new study analyzes student narratives to understand how future physicians acquire knowledge of respectful professional behavior. The results show that disrespect can lead to loss of trust and negative emotions, while respect is associated with satisfaction and positive emotion.
A study using the MEADERS (Medication Error and Adverse Drug Event Reporting System) system found that communication problems and lack of knowledge are leading causes of medication errors, with cardiovascular medications being the most commonly associated. The system has been successful in reducing harm to patients, documenting 11% of ...
The Cervical Cancer-Free America program aims to raise awareness and increase screenings for cervical cancer, targeting disadvantaged communities. With the support of a $150,000 grant, Indiana will implement initiatives to reduce HPV infection rates and increase vaccination rates, ultimately aiming to eliminate cervical cancer.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine introduce a potent anti-tumor gene into mice with metastatic melanoma, resulting in complete remission and permanent immune reconfiguration. The gene therapy uses modified lentivirus to deliver a T cell receptor gene that recognizes specific melanoma proteins.
Prescription abandonment can undermine medical treatment and result in increased healthcare costs. Studies estimate that 20-30% of prescriptions are not filled or picked up due to cost concerns, with physicians often unaware of patient out-of-pocket costs.
A national survey found that palliative care for patients with dementia has increased, but gaps in coverage and inadequate insurance coverage remain. Interdisciplinary teams, community partnerships, and education are critical strategies for successful palliative care and reducing caregiver burden.
A study from Indiana University School of Medicine finds that a home-based geriatric care management program, GRACE, improves health and quality of life, decreases emergency department visits and hospital admission rates among high-risk patients. The program's cost-saving benefits are also highlighted.
A study found that living in neighborhoods with poor air quality, traffic noise, and infrastructure issues significantly increases the risk of mobility problems among African Americans with diabetes. The researchers discovered that people with diabetes who live in adverse neighborhood conditions are up to 80 times more likely to develo...