Research modeling biology as interacting systems. Covers tumor-response prediction, engineered bacteria, living-matter physics, and behavior in model organisms.
A new study found that buprenorphine implants are non-inferior to sublingual buprenorphine in maintaining abstinence from opioids. The implants reduced adherence issues and improved efficacy in stable patients, offering a potential solution for addressing opioid dependence.
The VA healthcare system generally delivers safe and effective care similar to other health systems, with some exceptions. However, studies on timeliness, equity, efficiency, and patient-centeredness show mixed results.
Researchers have developed a new device to repair the mitral heart valve without open-heart surgery. The procedure, which uses an image-guided device to deploy artificial cords, simplifies the process and reduces operating room time, resulting in improved safety and outcomes for patients.
An automated communication system has been shown to improve surgical patient engagement in preventing SSIs, with a high degree of patient acceptance. The system's two-pronged approach reminds patients to follow antibiotic protocols and reports signs of infection, reducing the risk of rehospitalization and treatment costs.
The new report explores how radiologists can succeed in the new payment landscape under MACRA. It provides a historical context for payment reform and describes the recent MACRA legislation, its impacts on payment, and organizations influencing its evolution.
A study found that older women with facial injuries are more likely to experience facial fractures, particularly those over 60. Black women were less likely to suffer facial fractures compared to white and Asian women.
The study found that SAPIEN 3 TAVR resulted in an over 85% one-year survival rate for high-risk and inoperable patients, significantly higher than previous studies. Patients also experienced improved quality of life and no significant increase in moderate leaking around the prosthetic valve.
Researchers linked traumatic brain injury with later development of Parkinson's disease, but not Alzheimer's disease or incident dementia. The study, involving over 7,000 participants, found an association between TBI and Parkinson's disease, contradicting common assumptions about the relationship between TBI and Alzheimer's.
Researchers from Oxford University used computer simulations to demonstrate how chaotic bacterial swarming can be organized to power microscopic rotors and devices. The study found that densely packed bacteria can spontaneously assemble into a 'bacterial windfarm' capable of generating persistent mechanical power.
A low-cost, tablet-based system allows physicians to assess stroke patients remotely while en route to the hospital. The study found that the system's diagnoses correlated highly with bedside assessments, enabling faster and more accurate treatment.
Researchers found that combining procedural checklists with error-tracking systems enhances resident performance. Evaluating residents on cadavers helps them identify areas for improvement, while an objective evaluation system provides unambiguous feedback.
Researchers have developed new time-domain diffuse optics systems that provide deeper insights into human bodies using light. These systems have the potential to detect and identify tissue components, including organs and functions previously unreachable with traditional diagnostic devices.
A study found that most older adults (72%) are up-to-date with screening, but timely follow-up rates vary by age and comorbidity. The research emphasizes the need for personalized risk assessment tools to improve screening completion and follow-up among this vulnerable population.
A Pittsburgh researcher has received a grant to study the effects of prolonged space travel on bones using a 3D microphysiological system. The research aims to develop new treatments for osteoporosis and enhance personalized medicine.
Researchers found that patients who were asked about their preferred site of death and those in hospices with frequent symptom monitoring had lower hospitalization rates. For-profit hospices, however, showed persistently high hospitalization rates regardless of practice implementation.
A study comparing robotics and manual approaches to treat ventricular tachycardia found that the robotic system can deliver better outcomes for many patients. The robotic arm enables precise movement and reduces invasiveness, maximizing accuracy in ablation procedures.
Indris sing in antiphony to synchronize their songs, which produces louder voices for territorial defense. Young indris prefer antiphonal singing to advertise fighting ability and signal individuality.
A new study from UTMB reveals that pulmonary rehabilitation therapy is underutilized despite its health benefits and cost-effectiveness in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study found that the majority of economic burden of COPD stems from hospitalizations, which can be reduced by PR.
Research presented at CARDIOSTIM - EHRA EUROPACE 2016 found that electronic anti-theft systems, often hidden by advertising or in floors, can interfere with cardiac device functioning. Prolonged exposure can cause pacing therapy drops and ICD shocks.
A WSU biologist has spent 20 years studying the movement of nutrients through plants, confirming an 86-year-old hypothesis about phloem transport. His research could lead to new strategies for fighting plant diseases and improving crop efficiency.
Seattle researchers deciphered how tuberculosis bacteria tolerates bedaquiline by silencing regulatory genes or pairing with pretomanid, disrupting tolerance gene networks to improve efficacy. This systems-approach represents a significant advance in the fight against tuberculosis.
A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that osseointegrated implants have a minimal risk of severe infection in patients with above knee amputations. The implants, which grow directly into the bone, provide greater comfort and mobility compared to traditional prosthetic systems.
Researchers found that excessive drinkers would pay nearly $3 in $4 of the increased cost of alcohol following state alcohol tax increases. In contrast, non-excessive drinkers would pay less than $10 per year, regardless of hypothetical tax increase amounts.
A team of astronomers discovered a brown dwarf born as a full-fledged star, stripped to its current mass through stellar cannibalism. The brown dwarf was detected in a binary system with a tight orbit around a white dwarf, where the white dwarf's gravity removes about 90% of the companion's mass.
A study presented at the 96th AATS Annual Meeting found that VA hospitals have increased their use of mitral valve repair over replacement, with significant advantages in terms of mortality rates and complications. The rate of valve repair varied widely among centers, presenting an opportunity for quality improvement.
Researchers found that low-flow sprinkler systems were effective in mitigating heat stress in cows, with similar benefits to high-flow systems. Cows produced more milk when given access to sprinklers, and both types provided improved behavioral and physiological responses.
The EDWARDS INTUITY valve system has been shown to reduce the duration of interrupted blood flow and heart stoppage during surgery, resulting in improved cardiac function. Patients who underwent rapid deployment aortic valve replacement had high one-year survival rates and clinically acceptable postoperative complication rates.
Researchers have identified a 'weekend effect' contributing to the decline in donor kidney availability in the US. Organs procured on Fridays and Saturdays were more likely to be discarded than those during weekdays, with higher quality kidneys also being thrown away at a greater rate.
A UA computer engineering researcher is developing a guided simulation model to train surgeons on minimally invasive robotic systems. The system uses visual and haptic force guidance to help correct depth perception mistakes, reducing the risk of serious damage during complex procedures.
A new study from Penn Medicine found that changing default prescription settings in electronic medical records (EMRs) increased generic prescribing rates from 75% to 98%. The study demonstrated the impact of well-designed default options on physician behavior, with significant cost savings for patients and health systems.
A Massachusetts General Hospital team has developed a compact system that rapidly diagnoses bacterial infections in under two hours, bringing testing to the point of care. The PAD system uses genetic testing and optical components to identify key pathogens, offering improved diagnosis and treatment options.
Using clinical data from over 7 million US armed forces members, researchers identified patients with Crohn's disease and found that specific antimicrobial antibodies in their serum samples were associated with increased risk of complications. These biomarkers could potentially predict IBD development and inform preventive strategies.
Physicians urge sweeping single-payer reform with publicly financed system, citing high administrative costs and profits in private insurance. The proposal aims to save $500 billion annually by eliminating overhead and profits.
A Johns Hopkins University computer scientist has successfully programmed a robot to adjust to the subtle movement of soft tissues during surgery, promising improved safety and efficiency. The robotic system, called STAR, was compared with human surgeons and showed comparable performance in terms of suture spacing and seam leakage.
Seven of the top 10 most profitable US hospitals in 2013 were nonprofit hospitals, earning over $163 million each. The study suggests that monopolies in their communities allow these hospitals to charge high rates to private insurers, leading to substantial profits. In contrast, rural and urban hospitals with smaller patient volumes te...
A study found that chronic exposure to interleukin-1 causes overproduction of immune cells, resulting in an imbalanced blood system. This imbalance can lead to inefficient oxygen delivery, immunodeficiency, and increased cancer risk. Researchers suggest that therapies may be able to reverse the effects of chronic inflammation on blood ...
The ACS-Military Health System Partnership is developing a pre-deployment course for military surgeons to prepare them for combat and disaster scenarios. The goal is to ensure the military's trauma system remains intact between conflicts, building on the successful Joint Trauma Theater System.
A new electronic facial measurement scale called eFace was created to compare with the Sunnybrook Facial Grading System (FGS) for patients with facial paralysis. The study found that both scales showed similar reliability in measuring facial function.
A clinical score called DiaRem can predict the likelihood of bariatric surgery curing type 2 diabetes in patients. The study found that patients with lower DiaRem scores were more likely to experience complete remission or prolonged partial remission after surgery.
A new algorithm designed for End-Stage Liver Disease (ESLD) accurately predicted death in 96% of patients and determined which patients would benefit from intensive care unit treatment. The algorithm combines pre-morbid liver function and Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure grade to make predictions.
Researchers found that removing Dnmt1 during OPC differentiation led to inefficient myelin formation and neurological deterioration in mice. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of myelin disorders and potentially develop treatments.
The Pincus Family Foundation Urban Health Fellowship will provide junior healthcare professionals with tools to implement community-driven health programs. Fellows will earn a Master's degree in Urban Bioethics and be offered Temple Faculty positions.
The Institute for In Vitro Sciences (IIVS) hosted a unique 2.5-day workshop on in vitro exposure systems and dosimetry assessment tools for inhaled tobacco products. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the issues involving aerosol exposure to cells and tissues in culture.
A new biotherapy has been developed to stimulate the creation of new lymphatic vessels in the heart, reducing oedema and inflammation. This innovative approach has shown significant promise in improving cardiac function following a myocardial infarction.
A team of researchers at MIT found that spinning particles, even when separated by tens of times their size, will ultimately migrate toward each other due to long-range interactions. The phenomenon was observed in a liquid medium with inert particles and has potential applications in biological systems and synthetic materials.
A multi-site clinical trial is assessing the safety and effectiveness of bariatric arterial embolization in treating patients with morbid obesity. The procedure targets ghrelin, reducing hunger sensation and promoting weight loss.
A new study found that two common treatments for post-operative atrial fibrillation, rhythm control and rate control, are equally safe and effective. The study, conducted by the Cardiothoracic Surgical Trials Network, showed that both strategies were associated with low rates of complications and no difference in hospital days.
Eindhoven and Mexican researchers confirm Christiaan Huygens' hypothesis that two pendulum clocks oscillate in synchrony, with implications for understanding biological rhythms and human epilepsy. They also discovered that pendulum clocks move more slowly over time, making them unreliable timekeepers.
Mount Sinai researchers found that testing service and time of collection significantly influenced results, with some test providers flagging more abnormal readings than others. The study highlights the importance of accurate lab test results in medical decision-making.
Scientists have developed a mini-model of human body to test tumor responses to drugs and predict metastasis, aiming to pinpoint best treatment. The 'metastasis-on-a-chip' system has potential for advancing cancer investigation and drug discovery.
Researchers have developed a low-cost prototype using Xbox Kinect sensors to assess respiratory function, providing more accurate measurements than traditional spirometry methods. The system enables physicians to measure and assess how a chest wall moves, which could help identify numerous respiratory problems.
A new breast cancer staging system, Neo-Bioscore, incorporates HER2 status to provide more precise prognostic stratification of all breast cancer subtypes. The system improves prognosis and identifies patients in greatest need of additional therapy.
A new experimental platform is providing new insights into the complex problem of coral decline. The 'coral on a chip' system allows scientists to examine living coral polyps in the lab under controlled conditions.
The global population has more than doubled since 1960, with over 20% of people aged 60+ in developed countries by 2030. Healthcare systems must adapt to cope with the impact of ageing populations, including reducing hospital beds and reallocating budgets.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new class of miniature biological robots powered by muscle cells genetically engineered to respond to light. The breakthrough allows for non-invasive control over the bots' motion, paving the way for applications in diagnostics, medicine and sensing.
A new study from Mount Sinai found that light exposure therapy can decrease depressive symptoms among cancer survivors. Participants who received bright white light therapy showed improvement, while those with dim red light therapy experienced no change.
Researchers have identified a new therapeutic target for multiple myeloma, targeting CDK4 and ARK5 proteins. The compound ON123300 showed potent cytotoxicity against myeloma cells while sparing normal peripheral blood cells.
The report emphasizes that patient harm is preventable with a systems-based approach, empowering patients and staff to take ownership of safety. The reports also suggest the need for standardized incident reporting methods and effective training to improve patient safety.
The Ambulatory Diagnostic and Treatment Center (ADTC) Outpatient Clinic at Boston University School of Medicine emphasizes education alongside patient care, offering complex diagnoses and literature review opportunities. This model aims to reduce costs and readmissions by concentrating health care efforts on unstable patients.
A novel Critical Care Resuscitation Unit at the University of Maryland Medical Center significantly speeds access to specialized care, cutting transfer time in half. The unit has decreased wait times and increased transfers, leading to better patient outcomes.