Research modeling biology as interacting systems. Covers tumor-response prediction, engineered bacteria, living-matter physics, and behavior in model organisms.
Scientists at the University of Illinois have created small biological robots called bio-bots that can move on their own using muscle cells. The researchers developed a method to seed cells into a scaffold and direct their behavior using electrical or light signals.
A new biocompatible 3D tracking system has shown promising results in improving the accuracy of robot-assisted surgery. The system, which uses near-infrared fluorescent markers, enables accurate tracking of tissue and surgical tools with millimeter accuracy.
A study found that patients whose surgeons had a history of higher numbers of patient complaints were at increased risk of surgical and medical complications. The study analyzed over 32,000 patients and found that prior patient complaints significantly associated with the risk of complications, including readmission.
A study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that patient complaints can identify surgeons with higher rates of surgical site infections and other avoidable adverse outcomes. These physicians not only make patients unhappy but also impact the ability of other team members to do their work, leading to more complications.
A study published in Nature Communications identifies a population of cells expressing Foxa2 that gives rise to cardiovascular cells of both left and right ventricular chambers. The research sheds light on the formation of heart chambers and may lead to new protocols for generating ventricular cardiomyocytes in cell culture.
A new nanofiber-on-microfiber matrix enables the scalable expansion of human pluripotent stem cells, resulting in high-quality cells with robust growth. The innovative system allows for easy exchange of nutrients and reduces stress on the cells, making it suitable for large-scale production.
A study by University of California San Francisco researchers found that installing a bedside interpreter-phone system improved understanding of healthcare procedures among patients with limited English. The system reduced errors and disparities in care, especially for Chinese- and Spanish-speaking patients.
Scientists have developed a new system to aid identification of potential drug targets and treatments for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The system uses genetic engineering techniques to quickly test the effects of chemicals on viral growth, identifying compounds that can block HPV replication.
Engineers at University of California San Diego developed a desktop diagnosis tool that detects harmful bacteria in blood samples in hours. The breakthrough uses proprietary chemistry, machine learning, and high-end imaging to identify DNA sequences from bacteria causing food-borne illnesses and pneumonia.
A study found that online ratings and comments significantly increase doctor job stress, with 78% of physicians feeling the impact. Patients also use online reviews to make informed choices, but may be hesitant to share their own experiences due to concerns about bias.
Researchers used AI to predict a trio of reagents that generated a never-before-seen cancer-like phenotype in tadpoles, demonstrating its potential in controlling complex biological systems. The study showcases how AI can help human researchers achieve new outcomes in fields like oncology and regenerative medicine.
The article discusses the importance of considering genome context (karyotype) in systems biology and molecular cytogenetics. It highlights the need for a new genome-based conceptual framework to integrate these fields, which will mutually benefit both disciplines.
Indigenous patients with diabetes in Canada face culturally unsafe care, leading to poorer health outcomes. A study found that negative experiences with healthcare systems can trigger traumatic memories and disengage patients from care.
A study of nearly 31,000 insured patients in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California health care system reports that nonadherence to newly prescribed diabetes medications was greater among Latino than white patients. Meanwhile, another study found a 10 percent increase in glycemic control for Latino patients who switched from languag...
A new study found that sepsis accounts for the highest rate of hospital readmissions and associated costs among four tracked conditions, including heart attack, heart failure, COPD, and pneumonia. The study highlights the need to improve sepsis outcomes and reduce readmissions.
Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new way to protect personal electronic health records using a patient's heartbeat. The ECG signal is reused as the key for data encryption, providing enhanced security and privacy while minimizing costs. This innovative solution has the potential to significantly improve secure, per...
The EXPLORER consortium has successfully assembled a team of industry partners to build the world's first total-body PET scanner. The scanner promises improved image quality and reduced radiation exposure compared to existing technology, with the potential to transform clinical diagnostics and treatment.
A new study finds that the Veterans Health Administration's Opioid Safety Initiative reduced high-dose opioid prescribing by 24% and very-high-dose prescribing by 21%, resulting in 331 fewer patients per month receiving prescriptions above 100 MEQ. The initiative also led to a 21% decrease in patients receiving both opioids and sedatives.
A new study reveals that IMF lending conditions in West Africa reduce government health expenditure per capita by around 0.25% for every additional binding condition. This results in a 6.2% annual reduction in health spending, often at the expense of healthcare investment.
Researchers developed new performance measures to improve warfarin management, resulting in better clinical outcomes and cost savings. The study, published in Annals of Pharmacotherapy, found that these measures could prevent 48 strokes and 68 major bleeding events annually, with a potential annual savings of over $4 million.
Researchers developed a sensor that uses Raman spectroscopy to detect molecular markers of IBD in the colon, helping to distinguish between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The device could provide an objective gold standard for diagnosis and guide personalized treatment approaches.
A study found gun violence research receives significantly less funding and publication volume than other leading causes of death, including sepsis and motor vehicle accidents. This disparity affects vulnerable communities disproportionately.
The study found that bundled payment models can reduce healthcare costs without compromising quality, with a 20.8% decrease in average cost for joint replacements and improved post-acute care spending. The hospital system's use of evidence-based data and incentivizing physicians also played a key role in achieving these savings.
Patient satisfaction has become a key quality measure in the US healthcare system, but some plastic surgeons question its value. They argue that subjective ratings can lead to lower-quality care and suggest that better rating tools are needed to measure patient satisfaction.
A Clemson University team, led by Gregory Batt and John DesJardins, is working on improving facemask designs to help reduce the severity of head injuries in football. They are using a linear drop tower system to test various facemask materials and structures.
A pilot study at Nationwide Children's Hospital demonstrates that a local learning health system can improve clinical quality while reducing healthcare costs. The study implemented an electronic health record and robust care coordination system, resulting in significant reductions in hospital days, admissions, and urgent care visits, a...
Research at University of Helsinki finds that noise sensitive individuals' brains process sounds differently, leading to decreased responsiveness to new sounds. This adaptation may help protect against overreacting to noise, suggesting a physiological basis for noise sensitivity.
A recent study by Queen's University researcher Dr. Robert Campbell found that young ophthalmologists are struggling to secure practice opportunities after total provincial surgical rates plateaued in Ontario. The study suggests a pressing need for effective career counselling and policy changes to address the issue.
Researchers from Mount Sinai Health System presented various studies on multiple myeloma and other hematological disorders at the American Society of Hematology's Annual Meeting. The studies focused on treatment protocols, biomarkers, and gene expression in these diseases.
A new study found that vestibular thresholds double every 10 years above 40, correlating strongly with poorer balance test results and increased fall risk. Vestibular dysfunction is estimated to cause up to 152,000 American deaths each year, making it a leading cause of death.
Researchers developed a machine-learning model that can distinguish between pathological hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and physiological changes in athletes' hearts, enabling easier diagnoses. The model demonstrated superior diagnostic ability comparable to conventional 2D echocardiographic and Doppler-derived parameters.
A survey of 1,976 adult radiology outpatients found that most patients want to meet with a radiologist and have limited understanding of their role. Radiologists should make themselves available to address patient concerns and improve communication.
Daily torpor, a hibernation-like state, is influenced by reduced sensitivity of the thermoregulatory system. Researchers developed an individualized system to detect periods of daily torpor and found that reduced sensitivity was the major factor contributing to this phenomenon.
The Regenstrief Institute's Center for Biomedical Informatics has developed an open-source medical record system, OpenMRS, to support healthcare delivery in resource-poor environments. The platform has been widely adopted and adapted to address various global health challenges.
Orthopaedic surgeons are adopting new patient-focused measures to improve post-surgical outcomes and quality of life. The National Institutes of Health's Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) is being used to objectively assess and track patient symptoms over time.
A systematic review of breast augmentation implant sizing systems found tissue-based planning to be superior in reporting low rates of repeat surgery and favorable clinical outcomes compared to other approaches.
A new system has been developed to better understand variables involved in survival from gunshot wounds to the head. The study found that level of consciousness upon arrival, pupillary reactivity, and injury severity score are key factors in determining survival rate.
Dr. Rama Ranganathan receives a Transformative Research Award from the National Institutes of Health's Common Fund to visualize protein mechanics and understand their mechanism of action in healthy and disease states.
Researchers at Rice University have received a $2 million NIH grant to create a library of programmed bacteria that can produce therapeutic drugs on-site in response to dietary triggers. The project aims to advance the development of a biological control system for safely and effectively turning bacteria on and off.
Researchers aim to develop a diagnostic test for glymphatic system impairment after traumatic brain injury, which can lead to cognitive difficulties. The study seeks to identify treatments that could help repair the system, with potential applications in military personnel and servicemen.
A researcher at the University of Arizona has created a computer-aided surgical trainer that provides haptic guidance and augmented reality images to train surgeons in laparoscopic procedures. The device is designed to improve hand-eye coordination and reduce complications, ultimately leading to better surgical outcomes.
A recent study found that poorly-rated interactions between patients and providers lead to higher levels of disease damage. Patients who experienced poor patient-provider communication or care coordination also accrued more damage to various body tissues.
A study published in JAMA Surgery found that implementing lean processes reduced average surgical wait times from 33 days to 12 days, while increasing operative volume and reducing no-shows. The improvements were sustained over multiple areas and seen during the implementation of new technologies.
Researchers found that obese individuals with insulin resistance showed improvement by avoiding AGEs, a byproduct of dry heat-cooked foods. A diet low in AGEs reduced insulin resistance, body weight, and AGE levels.
A team of NYU scientists will investigate how rice adapts to salty soil conditions under a $4 million NSF grant. They aim to identify genes that enable plants to thrive in saline environments, with potential implications for breeding more resilient crops.
Researchers devise a way to record analog memories in human cells by using CRISPR and self-targeting guide RNA strands. This allows them to track biological events such as inflammation or infection and monitor cell differentiation into various tissues during development.
Researchers identify Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 (PRC2) as a key player in maintaining medium spiny neurons' identity and function throughout adulthood. The study reveals that PRC2's dysfunction contributes to Huntington's disease-like symptoms in mice, highlighting its potential role in neurodegenerative disorders.
Researchers developed a 'dual molecular tuner' to rapidly manipulate two proteins in mammalian cells, offering an easy way to perform in-depth analyses. The tool uses plant hormones to target specific proteins for degradation, allowing for reversible and controllable manipulation of protein levels.
Zeriscope enables comprehensive assessment of SNF patients by off-site physicians, reducing unnecessary hospital readmissions. The platform allows for high-definition real-time streaming video and physiologic sensor data, improving patient care and outcomes.
Researchers utilized Regeneration Intelligence to evaluate signaling pathways in lung and liver fibrosis and glaucoma, identifying potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The study suggests that pathway signatures may play a role in aging-related diseases.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that implementing electronic health record (EHR) systems has no significant impact on patient outcomes, including inpatient mortality and adverse events. The study analyzed data from 17 hospitals that went live with new EHR systems within a single day.
The study found moderate inter-rater reliability between therapists in determining muscle fatigue through observation of changes in movement patterns. This approach may provide clinicians with a tool to address the challenge of therapeutic exercise dosing in rehabilitation settings.
A new study finds that patients taken directly to endovascular centers receive treatment 99 minutes earlier than those transferred from one hospital to another. This reduces the chance of a good outcome by 30-40%. Implementing this insight could improve patient outcomes nationwide.
The Penumbra 3D Trial demonstrated non-inferiority in safety and efficacy of a next-generation stent retriever when used with aspiration devices compared to solo aspiration use. Revascularization rates were comparable between the two groups, suggesting frontline effectiveness of the combined therapy.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found cord blood transplants had a lower incidence of severe chronic graft-versus-host disease and allowed patients to discontinue immunosuppression sooner. The results suggest cord blood may be equal to or better than matched, unrelated donor transplants.
Researchers developed an automated system to produce fluorine-18 hypoxia radiotracers, overcoming cost and logistical barriers to PET imaging. The system enables consistent, low-cost production of radiotracers, improving patient access to life-saving diagnostic and therapeutic treatments.
The Human SRMAtlas provides highly specific mass spectrometry assays for targeted identification and reproducible quantification of any human protein. This resource enables the measurement of 99.7% of the annotated human proteins, revolutionizing systems-level understanding of physiology and disease.
Researchers have identified a panel of genes that can help predict whether a transplanted kidney will develop fibrosis, leading to organ failure. The study's findings have the potential to change how doctors monitor and manage renal transplant patients.
A team of scientists has created an online resource, systemsDock, to virtually check the effectiveness and specificity of potential drugs. The tool allows users to screen multiple drugs against multiple biological targets, providing a comprehensive understanding of drug interactions with the biological system.
A national survey found that over half of US physicians have withheld medical interventions due to cost concerns. Solo practitioners and those with conservative leanings were less likely to ration treatment options. The study highlights the complexities of resource utilization for healthcare providers in the US.