Articles tagged with Systems Biology
A team of researchers from the USA, England, Australia, and Germany will collaborate on a three-year project to better understand the information processing in germinal centres of lymph nodes. The goal is to gain insights into antibody formation and develop targeted therapeutics for infections.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed a new wireless communication technique that sends magnetic signals through the human body, offering lower power consumption and improved security compared to existing Bluetooth technology. The technique shows promising results with path losses up to 10 million times lower than Bluetooth radios.
Physicians are dissatisfied with EHRs, citing redundant information and poor utility. The study suggests redesigning EHR documentation tools to prioritize assessment and plan sections.
Researchers have created two simple diagnostic tools to assess dehydration severity in children, using symptoms such as general appearance and tear presence. The tools showed high accuracy rates of 83% and 81% for severe dehydration, and could potentially replace existing systems in resource-constrained clinics.
Johns Hopkins researchers warn that hospital monopolies can drive up medical expenses, reduce patient choice, and threaten quality of care. The authors call for greater vigilance from the Federal Trade Commission to prevent the rise of 'too big to fail' hospital systems.
Researchers at University of Michigan Health System tested strategically placed sound acoustic panels in hallways around patient rooms, reducing noise by 3-4 decibels. The study found a significant impact on patient satisfaction and hospital scores, highlighting the importance of minimizing noise levels in healthcare environments.
Research suggests retinal changes can serve as measures of brain pathology in schizophrenia, predicting disease risk and progression. The findings may help guide future treatment adjustments.
Scientists have developed a robotic 'whisker' tactile sensor array that mimics animal navigation in dark environments. The array produces tomographic images by measuring fluid flow and has potential applications in navigation, tracking, and detection.
Researchers from Singapore developed an adjustable-focus endoscope that reduces colonoscopy discomfort by using a solid electrically-tunable lens system. The device is more compact and durable than existing high-magnification endoscopes, and could enable full-fledged optical zooming capabilities.
A new computer-based system provides rapid, real-time feedback during facial transplant surgery, potentially improving face-jaw-teeth alignment and reducing residual deformities. The CAPE platform uses CT scans to match donor anatomy with recipient anatomy, providing unprecedented visual data for surgeons.
Researchers from the University of Maryland have described a new definition of chaos that can be applied to a wide range of chaotic systems. Expansion entropy, a flexible type of entropy, is used to identify chaotic behavior in models that are forced by external inputs. This new definition has the potential to help advance computer mod...
A new study reveals that transfer times for stroke patients are significantly longer than expected driving times, with average differences ranging from 46 to 133 minutes. This highlights the need for improvements in emergency transport systems to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.
A team of engineers and doctors at Vanderbilt University has developed a surgical robot with steerable needles equipped with wrists that provide needlescopic tools with previously lacked dexterity. This innovation allows for precise resections, suturing, and access to areas such as the nose, throat, ears, and brain.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions will examine diver physiology during and after underwater activities. The study aims to develop Navy diving protocols to prolong endurance and make missions safer for divers.
A microfabricated device has been developed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of pro-drugs, enabling the separate culture of primary liver cells and cancer cells. The system simplifies the process by eliminating the need for pumping and tubing connections, providing a novel platform for studying drug metabolism and interactions.
Researchers developed a lightweight system to produce therapeutic nitric oxide from the air using an electric spark, overcoming size and cost limitations of existing equipment. The device shows promise for treating conditions like pulmonary hypertension, chronic lung diseases, and certain types of heart failure.
Scientists at UT Arlington and UNTHSC are building a prototype shunt flow monitoring system that can deliver on-demand and continuous readings of hydrocephalus. This could lead to better treatment, especially in infants and children who account for most shunt operations.
Researchers exploring strategies in biology to create different mechanical properties, such as draglines and pheromonal trails, reveal principles that inform new material designs. By understanding nanoconfinement and the role of mechanics in biological systems, scientists can speed up discovery and develop innovative materials.
A survey of physicians and advanced practice clinicians found that many report working while sick due to fear of letting colleagues down and staffing concerns. The study highlights the complex social and logistic factors driving this behavior and emphasizes the need for systems support to prioritize patient safety.
Researchers studied seahorse's unusual skeletal structure and found its square-tail design provides flexibility and strength, allowing for energy-efficient grasping mechanisms and crushing resistance. This discovery may inspire robotics applications in laparoscopic surgery, industrial systems, or search & rescue robots.
Researchers at Temple University School of Medicine discovered that calcium uptake by mitochondria is essential for the heart to beat faster and harder during stress. The study found that during a heart attack, increased calcium uptake leads to cell death, but in normal conditions, it has little impact on metabolic function.
A new polymer-piezoelectric hybrid material has been designed to perform computations based on changes in the environment or movement, potentially responding to human vital signs. The material system is small and flexible, allowing it to be integrated into fabrics or shoes.
Researchers at Mount Sinai discovered that high levels of protein H2A.Z.2 promote abnormal growth in melanoma cells, making it a potential target for cancer treatment. The study's findings suggest that blocking this protein could effectively block tumor growth and kill melanoma cells.
Researchers developed a microfabricated device to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of drugs metabolized through the liver, simplifying the process and overcoming limitations of existing systems. The device enables separate culture of primary liver cells and cancer cells, allowing for analysis of metabolic conversion and toxic effects.
A Wayne State research team has developed a new anesthesia monitoring technology that uses real-time data analysis to predict patient responses to anesthesia. This system provides individualized and dynamic prediction of anesthesia depth and vital signs, allowing anesthesiologists to make more accurate decisions during surgery.
Researchers have successfully transplanted a circadian rhythm from cyanobacteria into bacteria, opening up new possibilities for precisely timed drug release and therapeutic applications. The genetically engineered bacteria can monitor gut microbiota and potentially influence metabolic functions.
A Johns Hopkins study analyzed Medicare claims to confirm a long-suspected link between lower rates of coordinated health care services and higher rates of unnecessary medical tests and procedures. Patients with more continuity in their medical care had a lower chance of having an overused procedure.
A study found that computerized clinical decision support systems failed to identify relevant appropriateness criteria for most orders, resulting in 63.3% and 66.5% inaccuracies. Despite providing feedback, improvements in appropriate imaging ordering were not immediately observed.
A three-year study shows significant improvements in quality and use of medical services relative to comparison practices. Medical home interventions that paid bonuses based on financial savings improved diabetes care, breast cancer screening, hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and primary care visits.
Mayo Clinic researchers identified 69 never events among 1.5 million invasive procedures, with 628 human factors contributing to the errors. Four to nine factors contributed to each event, including environmental, organizational, job and individual characteristics.
The rapidly emerging field of precision medicine is characterized by its use of genetic, biomarker, and psychosocial characteristics to tailor treatments for individual patients. While it holds great promise, precision medicine also raises concerns about the balance between patient needs and fiscal management.
A study found that hospice use was linked to fewer depressive symptoms in surviving spouses, with benefits lasting a year after death. The research team analyzed data from over 1,000 deceased patients and their surviving spouses, suggesting high-quality care can have a positive impact on caregivers as well.
Researchers have developed a prototype of a dynamic sonar system inspired by horseshoe bats, which could lead to more effective man-made sonar systems. The system uses principles similar to those used by bats to navigate and hunt in the dark.
A new study by Mount Sinai researchers found that large urban hospitals in densely populated regions of Washington DC, New York State, California, Maryland, and New Jersey have lower patient satisfaction scores due to demographic bias. The authors propose an adjustment formula to mitigate this bias, which, when applied to New York Stat...
Academic medical centers face pressure to transition from 'sickness' care to 'healthcare', emphasizing preventive and therapeutic services. AMCs must redesign delivery mechanisms, position themselves as tertiary hubs, or create new specialties like observation medicine to survive.
A new system using automated analysis of vital signs during emergency transport has been shown to accurately detect life-threatening bleeding in trauma patients, identifying them 75-80% of the time. This technology could save lives by providing faster care and enabling hospitals to be ready for immediate surgery.
A study published in Medical Care found that higher numbers of unique doctors on staff and increased patient appointments were associated with lower rates of blood pressure normalization. The researchers suggest that busier practices may lead to compromised care due to reduced time and attention for patients.
A study found that nondisclosure agreements in medical malpractice settlements are often used with little standardization or consistency, selectively binding patients and making them hard to justify on privacy grounds. The use of these agreements may be subject to review and could potentially restrict reporting to regulatory bodies.
Researchers at UW's BioRobotics Lab hacked a next-generation teleoperated robotic system to test its vulnerability to cyberattacks. The team found that the robot could be easily disrupted or derailed by common forms of cyberattacks, highlighting the need for additional security measures before deployment.
Researchers from Mount Sinai presented a first successful 3D printed trachea, as well as studies on increased mortality in black patients after esophageal cancer surgery and the potential benefits of surgical resection for myasthenia gravis. These findings highlight the importance of personalized medicine and access to specialized care.
The National Eye Institute is committing $20.7 million to five bold projects that will develop new technology to image cells of the eye in unprecedented detail. The goal is to restore vision by regenerating neurons and neural connections in the eye and visual system.
A Rochester team is designing an optical system to image responses of individual cells in the retina, aiming to accelerate vision restoration technologies. The team will collaborate with investigators exploring gene therapy, stem cell replacement, and genetic re-engineering to restore vision.
New models of medical education with minimal research focus could lead to a two-tiered system, decreasing the physician-scientist pipeline and diminishing patient care advancements. Experts argue that research exposure is crucial for all students, regardless of primary care or specialty pursuit.
A study found that doctors struggle with end-of-life conversations, particularly with patients from different ethnic backgrounds, due to cultural and language differences. The survey revealed that medical interpretation is a significant barrier, and the researchers recommend training physicians to address these issues.
The American College of Physicians recommends banning characterizing flavors and television advertising for e-cigarettes to reduce their appeal. Statins are found to be cost-effective for older patients, but even small increases in adverse effects could offset the benefits.
A study published in Medical Care found that nearly 22,400 individuals made healthcare visits within a year before attempting suicide, with 38% making a visit within a week. Racial and ethnic differences were noted, with Asian-Americans being the least likely to make any type of visit before an attempt.
A smartphone-based device developed by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers uses hologram technology to collect detailed microscopic images for digital analysis of cancer cells and tissues. The D3 system can detect cancer proteins with high accuracy, categorizing biopsy samples as high-risk or low-risk in under an hour.
RAVE empowers clinicians to write personalized decision support rules based on their experience with patients, enhancing patient care and safety. The tool's checks and balances ensure that rules meet specified criteria and are only accessible to the intended users.
A Yale University-led team has compiled sophisticated data on the signaling networks directing highly invasive cancer cells. They found that breast cancer cells prioritize certain cues in the presence of others and can switch their migration mode depending on what they see from the environment.
A new interoperability challenge has been discovered in health information exchange, highlighting the need for standardized facility identification. Researchers propose a rough draft system to capture, store, and manage information about facilities at all levels of the health system.
A new study published in BMC Systems Biology uses computational method corsoFBA to model cellular metabolism and discover how organisms adapt to changing environments. The researchers, led by Amina Qutub, aim to develop new treatments for diseases such as stroke and cancer.
Researchers found that a protein called senataxin plays a crucial role in moderating the inflammatory response to certain viral infections. This discovery may lead to new avenues for treating neurological diseases like ALS and ataxia, which are associated with persistent inflammation.
Researchers reprogrammed mature blood cells from patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to study the genetic origins of MDS. The study found a critical region on chromosome 7 associated with the disease, identifying candidate genes that may cause MDS.
A study by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that older runners (age 30 and older) are less likely to adapt their running style to barefoot shoes, putting them at increased risk of injury. Despite this, many experienced runners continue to use a heel-first strike pattern when running without shoes.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a novel method capable of mimicking Nature's ability to sort, capture, transport and release molecules. This technique sets the stage for continuous and efficient manipulation of a range of molecules relevant to human and environmental health.
Researchers found that mapping ICD-10 to ICD-9 is complex and challenging, with convoluted mappings and some codes not translating at all. A new web portal tool provides guidance on ambiguous translations, helping clinical researchers and analysts work with both old and new codes.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found a correlation between hospitals' Facebook ratings and their performance on a widely-used measure of quality care. Hospitals with higher Facebook ratings had lower readmission rates within 30 days after discharge.
Researchers have created a human heart-on-a-chip that models the structure and function of human heart tissue, enabling accurate testing of cardiovascular medications. The system successfully replicated the effects of four well-known drugs on heart cells.
The American Society of Hematology proposes a new role for hematologists in a rapidly changing US healthcare system. The 'systems-based' clinical hematologist model offers a sustainable approach to recruit and retain talent in the field.
A systematic review of studies on racial/ethnic variations in overuse of health care found that a substantial proportion (43%) suggests white patients receive excessive testing and treatment. Researchers emphasize the need for carefully designed interventions to minimize unintended consequences.