Research modeling biology as interacting systems. Covers tumor-response prediction, engineered bacteria, living-matter physics, and behavior in model organisms.
A new study by Charité researchers reveals that the true cost of treating patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease exceeds reimbursement levels under the current German DRG system, highlighting the need for a more accurate cost recovery method.
Researchers from Montana State University and collaborators from Cornell and Johns Hopkins universities have made a breakthrough in understanding how bacteria's CRISPRs distinguish between self and non-self DNA. This discovery has significant implications for the development of novel technologies to treat genetic diseases.
A consultant cardiologist calls for a culture shift in British medicine to prioritize integrity and transparency, highlighting the case of Anjan Kumar Banerjee, who was awarded an MBE despite research fraud and financial misconduct. The doctor argues that the system is opaque and prone to manipulation.
Researchers suggest significant improvements in mesothelioma staging by incorporating tumor weight and volume into the current TNM system. This could lead to more accurate prognoses and personalized treatment plans for patients.
A lack of national standards and training programs for coroners and medical examiners in Canada has significant implications for accurate cause of death determination. Creating a similar body to the UK's would improve investigation outcomes and enhance public health.
A new portable medical tablet pc, UNI-Pad, has been developed by Conecson Co., Ltd. and UNIST, enabling the transmission of medical data from patients directly to health professionals. The device can take various vital signs and is planned for commercialization in diagnosis of additional conditions.
Researchers from Kumamoto University used a new analysis system to evaluate the effectiveness of antithrombotic drugs in preventing and curing diseases caused by blood clots. The T-TAS system was able to accurately measure blood clotting ability, enabling healthcare providers to make informed decisions about medication management.
Unqualified practitioners posing as doctors are widespread in India, particularly in rural areas. Trained quacks could alleviate the country's doctor shortage by providing basic care while referring complex cases to qualified doctors.
A three-year study aims to determine the effectiveness of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention in reducing cardiovascular disease risk factors. Participants will receive personalized counseling and monitoring, while others will receive standard occupational health care.
Expectant mothers treated at trauma centers experience better outcomes than those treated at non-trauma hospitals, with a 40% lower risk of preterm labor. The study also found decreased odds of premature birth, low birth weight, and meconium at delivery among neonates.
A long-term surveillance study shows chromoendoscopy is more effective than random biopsy or white-light colonoscopy in detecting dysplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. Chromoendoscopy identified precancerous lesions in 27 out of 208 examinations, while white-light examination detected them in only 11.
The new allocation system has boosted transplantation rates for black and Hispanic patients on waiting lists, reducing racial disparities. Younger adults have gained wider access to coveted organs, while older candidates have seen a decline in transplant rates.
Patients with COPD who received music therapy in conjunction with standard rehabilitation showed improved symptoms, psychological well-being, and quality of life. Music therapy incorporated breath control techniques, patient-preferred music, and visualizations to increase engagement and cope with chronic disease challenges.
Researchers assembled various models into a single equation to identify the variables controlling stripe formation. The integrated model predicts three main perturbations that can affect how stripes orient, including changes in production and parameter gradients.
Researchers at UMass Medical School and UMass Lowell are developing Flexware technology to estimate caloric intake of obese patients. The system will be pilot-tested in a clinical trial to increase accuracy and reduce patient bias.
An international team of researchers has established the cause of rare Fanconi Anemia: a de novo mutation in the RAD51 gene. The mutation leads to chromosome instability, bone marrow failure, leukemia, and solid tumors, resulting in a significantly reduced life expectancy.
The WATCHMAN device is more cost-effective than warfarin and NOACs for reducing strokes in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation, according to a study led by Dr. Reddy. The device achieved cost effectiveness relative to warfarin at seven years and NOACs at 16 years, generating annual cost savings thereafter.
A new system, TCRN, facilitates data and biospecimen sharing among cancer centers to speed up cancer research findings. This federated network uses advanced text processing technology to promote translational research across all cancer centers.
Academic medical centers that partner with community organizations to form accountable care organizations (ACOs) face various challenges, according to a recent study published in Academic Medicine. The authors report on the startup experience of Johns Hopkins Medicine Alliance for Patients (JMAP), an ACO formed after 22 months, and hig...
Researchers developed a novel feature space to characterize human skin using spectral absorption characteristics of melanin, hemoglobin, and water. This approach reduces the cost of hyperspectral-based search and rescue systems by a factor of seven.
A study found that syringe service programs are scarce in rural and suburban areas, where rates of opioid addiction are on the rise. The programs, which exchange used needles for new ones, reduce the risk of HIV transmission and overdose. Despite their benefits, many SSPs struggle with recruitment, funding, and staffing issues.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 54 studies involving over 17,000 physicians found that nearly one-third screened positive for depression or depressive symptoms during residency. The overall pooled prevalence was 29%, with an increased prevalence in later calendar years.
Researchers presented landmark studies on newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, revealing key biological processes and disease mechanisms. Two combination therapy strategies showed high response rates in patients with difficult-to-treat myeloma.
A new study found that as country-level C-section rates increase up to 19%, maternal and neonatal mortality rates decline, while rates above 19% show no further improvement. The World Health Organization's recommended rate of 10-15% may be too low.
Research shows that higher C-section rates up to 19% can lead to lower maternal and neonatal mortality rates, while rates above 19% show no further improvement. This study suggests re-examining policy benchmarks for C-section rates on a country-wide level.
New tools, MEGENA and SuperExactTest, help genomics researchers study hierarchical organization patterns in complex networks and compare large sets of data. These tools were published in PLoS Computational Biology and Scientific Reports.
A new study found that openly sharing patient satisfaction metrics created a culture of empathy, communication, trust, and shared decision making between patients and providers at University of Utah Health Care. This led to improved patient outcomes and cultural change in healthcare.
Burnout among U.S. physicians has increased by 10% over three years, with nearly all specialties affected. The study highlights the need for healthcare organizations to improve practice environments, reduce clerical burden, and provide greater flexibility for doctors.
Kyungsuk Yum, a UTA researcher, is developing an injectable nanoscale device that continuously monitors blood glucose levels and transmits readings to a scanner. This innovation has the potential to transform diabetes management, providing a more accurate and pain-free alternative to current methods.
Army ants construct complex bridges from their own bodies to span gaps and create shortcuts in the floor of the tropical forests of Central America. These living bridges are made up of dozens of ants and can assemble and disassemble in a matter of seconds.
A city-wide coalition launched by NYC DOHMH and Mount Sinai resulted in a 40% increase in colorectal cancer screening rates over four years. Screening rates rose from 42% in 2003 to 62% in 2007, with significant reductions in disparities based on ethnicity.
PSA testing has declined dramatically in middle-aged men after a 2012 recommendation against routine screening, according to a new study. The biggest declines were seen in men ages 50-54 and 60-64 years old.
Recent genome engineering and gene editing breakthroughs will significantly impact biological system engineering, enabling more efficient production of drugs and other important products. Dr. Ryan Gill discusses the future directions and funding needs in the field.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that nearly one-third of knee and hip arthroplasty surgeries had excessive door openings, potentially defeating the safety effects of positive pressure systems. The researchers suggest planning better to prevent unnecessary door openings and exploring reasons behind frequent door opening.
Researchers discovered that a minority population of right bacteria can regulate a balanced environment in the intestines. They found that low-abundant bacterial species secreted molecules that dampened the immune response to the community, paving the way for predicting and preventing disease.
A new study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine found that commercial electronic health record opioid warning systems often fire off unnecessary alerts, compromising patient safety. The alert fatigue issue highlights the need to refine these systems to highlight only clinically significant alerts.
Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital found seven barriers to implementing an integrated family-based health promotion program for children and caregivers in Harlem, including knowledge gaps on social determinants of chronic diseases and cultural sensitivity. The study suggests actions to address these barriers could be effective in impr...
A study at Hospital for Special Surgery found that PROMIS is valid and reliable for assessing patient experience in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. The questionnaire showed moderate to strong correlations with established questionnaires, but poor correlations with some domains.
The University of Texas at Arlington has developed a sensing and therapeutic tool called the SMART bandage, which can monitor and cure wounds in real-time. This innovative technology will help doctors and healthcare workers better treat patients' complex wounds more quickly and effectively.
A team of researchers from SISSA investigated the mechanism behind biological tissues' resistance to external strain, discovering that cracks appear in multiple places rather than one. This study aims to create artificial materials with similar features for biomedical applications.
A recent study by Temple researchers found that a protein isolated from bacterial biofilms, known as curli, can effectively relieve intestinal inflammation in animals. The results suggest that curli could be a novel immunotherapy for inflammatory bowel disease, offering a new treatment option for patients.
Researchers used data analysis to identify three distinct subtypes of patients with type 2 diabetes, each associated with different clinical characteristics and genetic variants. The study suggests a novel approach that can be applied to virtually any disease, potentially leading to more effective diagnosis and treatment.
A brain imaging study found that certain facial patches prefer both faces and bodies to process an individual. This suggests the brain combines facial and body information to represent a whole person. The findings have relevance for understanding human social processing.
Researchers discovered a molecular mechanism that triggers early flowering in thale cress under cool temperatures, allowing for accurate prediction and future modification of plant flowering behavior. This study provides insights into the impact of climate change on plant ecology and has potential applications for crop breeding.
The Penn State College of Medicine has implemented a new curriculum that focuses on patient navigation, shifting from a physician-centric to a patient-centric model. First-year medical students learn about the health care system and gain hands-on experience as patient navigators.
A recent study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that hospital-physician integration leads to higher prices for outpatient care, increasing health care spending by $75 per patient annually, without affecting the use of healthcare services.
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine have found a new component of the interferon system that enhances the body's innate immune defenses while attacking a protein relied on by many viruses. This dual mechanism could lead to effective antiviral drugs and may explain improved survival rates in genetically engineered mice.
A digital health application facilitated early detection and treatment of COPD exacerbation symptoms, with patient adherence exceeding 90% and response times to worsening COPD symptoms in less than 11 hours. The app uses a symptom score system to generate alerts and provide evidence-based treatment recommendations.
A study at Mount Sinai found that inhibiting a family of epigenetic brain proteins, known as BETs, can induce an autism-like syndrome in mice. This links environmental factors to gene transcription and may provide insights into the disease's pathology.
Researchers developed a simple tool to predict an individual's five-year risk of requiring mechanical ventilation. The scoring system uses factors such as age, gender, diabetes, and hospitalization history to estimate the probability of needing life support.
Researchers have developed a new noninvasive light-based imaging technology that can see inside the living brain, providing a tool to study how diseases change brain tissue over time. The method doubles the image depth range, enabling examination of acute and chronic morphological or functional vascular changes in the deep brain.
The New Jersey Innovation Institute will work with thousands of medical practices to implement a value-based care system, compensating caregivers for keeping patients well through ongoing disease management. The program aims to reduce hospital readmissions and improve health outcomes for patients with complex conditions such as diabete...
Research found that physician care has the largest impact on overall pediatric patient satisfaction in outpatient specialty care, while nursing care was valued as most important in inpatient settings. Personal concern and ease of scheduling were also key factors in primary care.
Intermountain Healthcare implemented a blood ordering and tracking system, reducing blood transfusions by 30% and infections by 50%, saving $2.5 million over two years. The program also decreased the need for dual-unit blood orders, a common practice that suppressed recipients' immune systems.
Scientists developed a new method to analyze air pressure data from thousands of measurements, revealing key gateways for teleconnections between climate changes. The East Pacific, Indonesia, and tropical Atlantic are most important regions, where air masses play a crucial role in transmitting perturbations.
A recent study by Henry Ford Hospital found that over half of transplant nurses in the US suffer from emotional exhaustion and low personal accomplishment. The researchers suggest that organizations must create environments that nurture both patients and caregivers to prevent burnout.
A new CRISPR-Cpf1 system offers a simpler approach to genome engineering with precise DNA cutting capabilities. The system, discovered by Feng Zhang and his colleagues, has potential to advance genetic engineering and cancer research.
Professor Michael Frakes will examine the relationship between medical malpractice laws and health care outcomes using a unique data set from the Military Health System. The four-year study aims to identify the impact of liability pressure on practice patterns, medical costs and patient outcomes.
Researchers at Temple University School of Medicine have identified a protein that opens the door to cell death, causing severe power failures in mitochondria. Blocking this protein with a small molecule inhibitor could aid in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.
The Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) has launched an online patient application portal called the UDN Gateway. The new system streamlines the application process and allows patients to be matched with top diagnostic teams and advanced diagnostic tools, aiming to improve diagnosis and care for those with undiagnosed diseases.