A new review found that advance emergency contraception provision does not decrease pregnancy rates despite increased use and faster use after unprotected sex. Women with access to emergency contraception had similar rates of unintended pregnancy as those without it.
Scientists have unearthed a rare, 450-million-year-old fossil of an armor-plated creature, known as Plumulitid machaeridian, in downtown Ottawa. The discovery provides important evidence of how annelid worms evolved and sheds light on their unique body armor.
A new Cochrane Systematic Review suggests that stomach wrap operations are more effective in reducing symptoms of severe acid reflux than acid suppression tablets. The study found significant improvement in symptoms shortly after surgery compared to drug treatment.
A 4m shark named Cosmopolitodus hastalis attacked an extinct dolphin species 2.8m long, causing severe damage and intense blood loss, researchers have found through forensic analysis of bite marks on the skeleton.
A systematic review of 51 studies found antidepressants to be more effective than placebos in treating depression in physically ill patients. However, adverse effects such as sexual dysfunction and dry mouth were more commonly experienced by those receiving treatment.
A new study published in The Journal of Physiology found that short-term high-intensity interval training (HIT) can be an effective alternative to traditional long-term exercise. By incorporating brief bursts of intense exercise, individuals can improve muscle function and burn fat without needing extensive exercise time.
Researchers decoded Orangutan long calls, discovering they convey individual identity and context. Females can distinguish between spontaneous and aroused calls, reacting differently to each. Long calls may serve to repel rivals or predators, a key finding that sheds light on Orangutan communication.
A new study found that consumers from lower-income backgrounds and rural areas are less likely to return products for refunds or exchanges, but this is not due to their socioeconomic status. The researchers recommend supporting consumer empowerment at the public policy level to encourage assertive action against companies.
The US medical community has developed new transplant criteria for patients with liver cancer, aiming to ensure equitable organ allocation. The guidelines prioritize candidates based on tumor size, alpha-fetoprotein levels, and MELD scores, while also considering locoregional therapy and down-staging.
A low-cost water purification technique using Moringa oleifera seeds can reduce bacterial contamination by 90-99.99% in untreated water. This technique has the potential to improve access to clean drinking water for millions of people in developing countries.
Researchers identified a new drug target to inhibit genes vital for leukaemia cell growth, which could prevent disease progression. Targeting Stat5 may provide a novel therapeutic approach for treating acute and chronic leukaemias.
A review of over three decades of studies suggests that insulin therapy may increase cancer risk, particularly in those with type 2 diabetes. The study's findings also highlight the potential benefits of metformin treatment in reducing cancer incidence.
Researchers found that accidental overdose deaths from cocaine use rose significantly when ambient temperature exceeded 24 degrees Celsius. The number of cocaine-related overdose deaths continued to climb as temperatures increased, due to cocaine's effect on core body temperature and cardiovascular system.
A new study suggests that mosquitoes, particularly Culex tarsalis, played a significant role in spreading West Nile virus across the US. The findings reveal that mosquitoes' flight patterns mimic the actual path of the virus's spread, contradicting previous assumptions that birds were primarily responsible.
The FiberNet Embolic Protection System had a 97.5% success rate in preventing strokes during carotid artery stenting in high-risk patients with CAD. The study found a combined major adverse event rate of 3.0% at 30 days following carotid endarterectomy.
A study found that losartan-M6PHSA, a targeted delivery system of losartan, reduced liver inflammation and fibrosis in rats. In contrast, oral losartan alone had no significant effect on disease activity. The researchers believe early detection of fibrosis offers potential for therapies to prevent further scarring.
Researchers found that ghrelin reduced liver fibrosis by 25% in treated rats, prevented acute liver damage, and decreased oxidative stress and inflammation. Human studies also showed lower ghrelin serum levels in patients with chronic liver disease, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.
Research found fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa) significantly inhibited disease progression of collagen-induced arthritis in mice. The study suggests potential drug development opportunities for arthritic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers found that SLE patients with high disease activity have higher levels of anti-Apo A-I, anti-HDL, and anti-CRP antibodies, contributing to the development of atherosclerosis. This association may place SLE patients at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that lacosamide 400 mg/day provides good efficacy and tolerability for patients with uncontrolled partial-onset seizures, while higher doses may provide additional benefits. The study confirms the safety and effectiveness of adjunctive lacosamide treatment in reducing seizure frequency and severity.
A study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that obesity and physical inactivity contribute to a higher prevalence of arthritis and activity limitations in the US compared to Canada. Women are particularly vulnerable, with a higher incidence of arthritis and activity limitations in both countries.
The study found that dementia incidence rates increase exponentially with age in both men and women past age 90. Researchers estimate that the number of Americans aged 90 and older will reach 8.7 million by 2050, making dementia a significant public health concern.
A new non-neurotoxic treatment for head lice has been found to be safe and effective in children from six months of age and up, with an average treatment success rate of 91.2% after one week. The treatment, benzyl alcohol lotion 5% (Ulesfia), works by suffocating lice, a method previously attempted with household items.
A recent Institute of Medicine report reveals 3.5-5.3 million people in the US have chronic HBV or HCV infections. Efforts to control these diseases are hindered by lack of knowledge among healthcare providers and the public, resulting in 15,000 deaths from liver cancer or related diseases annually.
The Pea Aphid's genome sequence provides valuable tools for understanding aphid biology, speciation, and ecological interactions. The sequencing also sheds light on the relationship between aphids and plant viruses, revealing surprising gaps in the insect immune system.
A new Excel-based application, Spatio-Temporal Animal Reduction (S.T.A.R.), aims to optimize culling strategies for invasive species in Australia. The model was developed by ecologists at the University of Adelaide to improve the success of wildlife managers tasked with eradicating feral animals.
Researchers found a surprising connection between ancient caribou bones and a massive volcanic eruption that blanketed the region with ash 1,000 years ago. The study suggests that changes in local wildlife may have been linked to environmental changes caused by the eruption.
Research shows that eye position has no effect on speed and agility in mammals, with some species able to travel as fast as cheetahs without blurring vision. The vestibulo-ocular reflex is adapted through muscle switching, allowing the brain to cope with changing eye positions.
Research reveals two to three times higher rates of registered sex offenders in energy 'boomtowns' compared to other industries. The study found that the growth of sex offenders increased by 300% over a nine-year period in areas dependent on oil extraction.
A new study in the Journal for Healthcare Quality reveals that P4P programs can improve quality of care, especially for selected measures like mammography and childhood immunization. Low performing physicians who used a P4P program improved significantly over time, highlighting the importance of sustaining these programs.
The initiative, modeled after Harlem Children's Zone, combines public charter schools and community services to help disadvantaged individuals gain financial security. Recent research suggests that similar results can be achieved independent of community investments, but additional evidence is needed to measure long-term impacts.
Canadian researchers review 16 studies to find telenurses struggle with balancing medical advice and limited service gatekeeping. Key findings include the need for specific training in telephone consultation skills and addressing job demands such as heavy workloads and stress.
A new study suggests that transracial adopted children of mixed race need early and ongoing experiences within their origin's cultural communities to build healthy cultural identities. The research emphasizes the importance of culturally grounded relationships over cultural artifacts in identity development.
Belatacept demonstrates effective immunosuppression with fewer side effects and superior kidney function compared to cyclosporine. The study found a higher early rejection rate but better long-term graft survival rates.
The Cochrane Systematic Review found that the evidence for influenza vaccine effectiveness in adults aged 65 and over is limited, with most studies being of low quality and open to bias. The review suggests that vaccination has modest benefits at best.
A Cochrane review found that flexible working arrangements with employee control can positively impact health outcomes such as blood pressure and sleep patterns. The study also highlighted the need for further research on how different types of workers experience the effects of flexible working.
A study found that over 50,000 Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans received a new PTSD diagnosis, yet fewer than 30% completed the recommended 10-12 weekly sessions. Factors such as age, sex, and rural residence also affected treatment outcomes.
The Biathlon event demands high aerobic capacity and motor functions, yet faces limitations in respiratory system performance at high-altitude and cold conditions. Understanding these challenges is crucial for elite winter athletes to optimize their performance.
Research by Dr. Michelle Ryan found that women are more likely to be appointed to powerful leadership positions when an organization is in crisis or high-risk circumstances, a phenomenon known as the 'glass cliff'. This stereotype is often reinforced and self-perpetuating, with women continuing to face challenges in politics and business.
A study published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture reveals that beer is a significant source of dietary silicon, a key ingredient for increasing bone mineral density. The researchers found that beers containing high levels of malted barley and hops are richest in silicon.
A new study analyzing performance reports from medical groups found that pay-for-performance (P4P) initiatives had limited impact on overall care quality. Despite incentivizing providers to focus on preventative medicine, researchers discovered a lack of positive spillovers to other areas of care.
The study found that children's exposure to secondhand smoke decreased by 59% from 1996 to 2006, with the largest decline occurring between 2005 and 2006. Reductions in secondhand smoke exposure can be achieved through parental and carer smoking cessation and household smoke-free policies.
A study found that three-quarters of nurses experience workplace violence, but only one in six incidents are formally reported. The majority of nurses who did report incidents said they felt it was part of their job, and senior managers often failed to take action.
Early life likely arose from gases and geochemical gradients at deep-sea hydrothermal vents, rather than a primordial soup, according to new research. This alternative theory proposes that the first cells harnessed these energy sources to generate ATP through chemiosmosis.
Researchers found that touch typing training significantly improved keyboarding speed in RA workers, regardless of impairment. However, impairments in hand function were associated with reduced mouse speeds, highlighting the need for effective strategies to maintain productivity in computer users with RA.
Researchers have identified several cytokines that increase significantly prior to rheumatoid arthritis disease onset, indicating immune system activation. Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent disease progression and improve quality of life for patients.
A study of over 800 parents and 439 children found that mothers and fathers of overweight and obese children were significantly heavier than those with normal-weight children. Parents also tended to underestimate their child's weight, with mothers of obese children being more concerned about their child's weight.
Adults aged 70 and older who are classified as overweight are less likely to die over a 10-year period compared to those with a normal weight. The study found a reduced mortality risk by 13% among overweight participants, but only up to a certain point of obesity.
A recent US study reveals that pediatric patients with rheumatic diseases have significantly lower mortality rates compared to previous studies. The Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance estimates that 300,000 children in the US suffer from some form of arthritis or rheumatic disease.
Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a higher overall mortality rate compared to the general population. The study found that cardiovascular disease and extra-hepatic malignancies were the primary causes of death among NAFLD patients.