Research modeling biology as interacting systems. Covers tumor-response prediction, engineered bacteria, living-matter physics, and behavior in model organisms.
A University of Michigan Health System study found that high-skilled surgeons had significantly fewer post-surgery complications and shorter operations. The study used video ratings data of 20 bariatric surgeons' operating skills to predict patient outcomes, with low skill surgeons experiencing higher complication rates.
A RAND Corporation study finds that physician job satisfaction is driven by quality patient care, with electronic health records being a significant source of stress. Physicians report frustration with systems that hinder face-to-face interactions and accuracy of medical records.
The MGPO Quality Incentive Program, funded by redirected physician earnings, offers modest financial incentives for achieving quality improvement targets. The program achieved consistent use of electronic medical records and improved communication with patients.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created a biological imaging system that can track blood flow in the lab and clinic using a webcam and laser pointer. The new system is significantly cheaper than existing equipment and has potential applications for imaging changes in tissues, including those outside the lab.
A new study uses a computer-based decision support system to deliver personalized evidence-based recommendations for pediatricians, increasing the likelihood of accurate ADHD diagnoses. The system, CHICA, also prompts physicians to screen for anxiety and depression.
A multidisciplinary team at UT Arlington is developing a smart rehabilitation system that can adapt and personalize therapy programs based on a patient's needs. The iRehab system uses multisensory data to produce the best possible rehabilitation program guidelines for patients, improving treatment effectiveness.
Researchers at Harvard University developed a programmable DNA glue that directs tiny gel bricks to self-assemble into complex structures. The method could help solve tissue engineering challenges by creating injectable components that self-assemble into biocompatible scaffolds.
A Johns Hopkins study reveals that only 245 robotic surgery complications were reported to the FDA out of 1 million procedures since 2000. The researchers found that many incidents went unreported, and a standardized reporting system is needed to improve safety.
A pilot study by UC Davis researchers found that glucose monitoring systems with an autocorrect feature can produce more accurate blood glucose measurements, improving insulin dosing and glucose control for burn patients. This technology can help reduce mortality and morbidity in these patients.
A transparent disk using a saltwater gel and ionic conductor produces sounds across the entire audible spectrum, demonstrating capabilities of ionic conductors. This technology has potential applications in biomedical devices, fast-moving robotics, and adaptive optics.
A team of scientists has discovered a mechanism by which beneficial bacteria reside and thrive in the gastrointestinal tract. By understanding how these microbes colonize, they may be able to correct abnormal changes in bacterial communities linked to disorders like obesity and inflammatory bowel disease.
A new image-guided surgical system uses steerable needles to penetrate the brain and remove blood clots with minimal damage. The system has shown promising results in removing up to 92% of simulated blood clots, offering a new treatment option for patients with life-threatening hemorrhages.
Scientists have developed lab-born human tissue structures to study and treat tumor growth, offering a more accurate alternative to animal testing. The new method uses biochemistry and cell types to replicate human conditions, paving the way for personalized medicine.
A recent study by UK and Canadian researchers found that reducing patient drug co-payments can lead to improved hypertension control and treatment adherence in countries without universal healthcare. The authors suggest minimizing medication co-payments as a way to improve outcomes for high blood pressure patients worldwide.
Researchers create a method to convert conventional microscopes into high-resolution imaging systems that outperform standard microscopes. The new system combines the field-of-view advantage of a 2X lens with the resolution advantage of a 20X lens, producing images with 100 times more information.
Researchers created a new technique for creating biomolecular gradients using semiconductor materials, allowing scientists to monitor molecular behavior and interactions. The technique creates surface characteristics that enable monitoring of other aspects of molecular interaction.
A recent study suggests that forced-air patient warming systems may affect airflow in operating rooms, potentially increasing exposure to bacteria and other contaminants during surgery. Conductive warming systems, on the other hand, do not disrupt ventilation airflows over the surgical site.
A survey of US physicians found that they generally agree on quality initiatives to reduce costs but express less enthusiasm for payment model changes. Most believed trial lawyers and patients have a significant role in reducing costs, while practicing physicians reported having limited responsibility. Physicians were enthusiastic abou...
A new low-cost method of in-vitro fertilization developed at the University of Colorado Boulder showed successful human clinical trials in Belgium, suggesting infertility care may be universally accessible. The simplified laboratory system, estimated to cost between $250, performed roughly the same as conventional IVF programs.
A scientist is working to bolster the body's natural antioxidant system to interrupt a vicious cycle of inflammation and free radicals that cause vision loss in diabetes. The goal is to use a selenium supplement to improve the thioredoxin system, which helps neutralize excess free radicals.
Scientists identify glymphatic system as a potentially powerful tool for treating neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease. The system is responsible for removing waste from the brain, and its dysfunction may contribute to these conditions.
Patients with Type 2 diabetes who start on three medications at diagnosis have better glucose control with lower hemoglobin A1c levels and fewer hypoglycemic events compared to conventional therapy. The triple-therapy regimen also promotes weight loss and preserves beta cell function.
A study by MassGeneral Hospital for Children found that pediatric practices can effectively implement a smoking cessation program for parents, reaching nearly half of smoking parents. The program, CEASE, was trained in 20 practices and resulted in significant increases in tobacco control assistance and physician referrals.
A study by the American College of Emergency Physicians found that electronic medical records (EDIS) can improve healthcare quality, but also present significant safety threats. The authors recommend seven key improvements to mitigate these risks and ensure safer EDIS implementation.
The new SPECT/MR system offers exceptional molecular imaging capabilities, reducing patient exposure to ionizing radiation and offering customized multifunctional imaging. It has the potential to diversify options for clinicians and biomedical investigators, with possible human trials in the near future.
Researchers have found that visually impaired individuals and those with uncorrected refractive error are more likely to experience diminished balance when their eyes are closed. The study suggests that vision plays a crucial role in calibrating the vestibular system, which helps maintain physical balance.
Using proper child safety restraint systems decreases mortality and serious injury rates in motor vehicle crashes. Booster seats minimize abdominal injuries, and rear-facing seats should be used until at least 2 years old or 20 pounds.
The HERCULES Center at Emory University will investigate the impact of environmental exposures on human health. The center, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, aims to promote a holistic understanding of the human exposome and its effects on complex disorders such as autism, asthma, and Alzheimer's disease.
A new set of guidelines aims to cut medication errors with anticoagulants, which account for nearly 7% of hospital errors. The guidelines recommend a multidisciplinary team approach, patient education, and standardized dosing protocols to reduce errors by up to 78%.
Researchers found that pro-factor D, a protein secreted by fat cells in the knee joint, is linked to rheumatoid arthritis. The discovery could lead to new gene therapies to eliminate the protein and prevent disease progression.
A new review of malpractice claims suggests efforts needed to reduce errors leading to claims. The largest payouts were for diagnosis-related events, which showed twice the odds of a catastrophic payout compared to equipment- or product-related errors.
The Mayo Clinic has created an institution-wide electronic warning system to identify patients at risk of premature death due to prolonged QT intervals. The system alerts physicians when a patient's ECG shows an abnormal heart rhythm, and has been shown to reduce mortality rates by nearly four times.
Researchers developed a portable tracking system to monitor pitchers' scapulo-humeral rhythm, detecting subtle changes in joint movement. The study found that 23% of pitchers showed persistent deterioration in the scapulo-humeral rhythm, highlighting the need for targeted strengthening exercises and physical therapy.
While computer-based decision support systems can help reduce testing costs by 9%, they are unlikely to overcome the root causes of unnecessary medical testing and cultural issues within the healthcare system.
A new study found that patients with surgical complications generate higher profit margins for hospitals than those without complications. For privately insured patients, this translates to a 330% higher margin, while Medicare patients see a 190% increase.
Researchers developed a website to recruit potential subjects for a clinical pain trial, offering multiple methods for attracting and interacting with participants. The site contains prescreening questionnaires, informational videos, and allows study coordinators to view accrued applicant information.
Scientists use AwakeSPECT to study Alzheimer's, dementia, and Parkinson's disease by acquiring functional images of conscious mouse brains. The system, developed at Jefferson Lab, tracks movement and removes motion artifacts, providing detailed brain chemistry changes.
The Office of Naval Research has launched a collaborative initiative to use synthetic cells to help Sailors and Marines execute their missions. Researchers are developing genetically programmed cells that can detect chemicals and respond to signals, enabling the creation of 'smart' hybrid biological-robotic systems.
A team of researchers has developed a verification method to detect software bugs in surgical robots, ensuring their safety and effectiveness. The method, based on theorem-proving techniques, identified a critical flaw in the control algorithm for a robot assisting skull-base surgery, allowing the development of a new safe algorithm.
The new system uses micro-robotics to provide surgeons with a better view of bladder tumors, allowing for more accurate diagnoses and easier tumor removal. The device can operate in challenging environments and has been shown to have sub-millimeter precision.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine identified significant problems with laboratory test naming conventions, leading to increased medical costs and delayed diagnosis. Researchers propose using search engine-like technologies to guide clinicians towards the most appropriate tests, improving patient safety and outcomes.
A new roadmap for robotics aims to maximize progress in the next decade. Robots have the potential to bring manufacturing jobs back to the US, improve logistics and reduce delivery costs, and make first responders safer.
A new report from The Hastings Center highlights the need to integrate undocumented immigrants into the US healthcare system, as they lack insurance and are ineligible for most federal programs. The report recommends addressing this issue in immigration reform proposals to improve population health, particularly among children and Hisp...
Physician experts suggest adopting a 'user-led' innovation strategy, which prioritizes clinician and patient input, to rapidly address healthcare issues. This approach involves clinicians identifying problems, developing solutions, and testing them on a small scale before scaling up with feedback from patients.
Researchers from U of T and SickKids Research Institute have successfully mapped the genome of the Ophiostoma ulmi fungus that causes Dutch Elm Disease, a devastating elm tree disease. The findings aim to help scientists develop strategies to prevent the fungus from destroying elm trees.
A large nationwide study found that female doctors' patients do not use health-care services more frequently than those treated by male doctors, contradicting previous investigations. The study suggests focusing on factors like smoking and diet to influence health-care utilization and mortality.
The March 2013 issue of Genetics journal highlights several key findings, including a study on oocyte-expressed genes that support early cloned embryo development and the role of cytoskeletal proteins in controlling clone quality. Additionally, research on self-incompatibility genes in Arabidopsis thaliana reveals the structural and fu...
Researchers at UT Arlington are developing individualized rehabilitation software systems that use remote monitoring of people with rheumatoid arthritis to increase compliance and proper physical therapy. The system collects physiological and cognitive data while engaging patients in interactive game-like structured activities.
People of high socioeconomic status are more likely to receive appointment offers and prioritized access to primary care, even in a single-payer universal health insurance system. Researchers found that physicians' offices discriminate against those with low socioeconomic status, despite equal reimbursement for each patient.
A new system using Kinect technology and Azure connectivity can replace expensive telemedicine systems, reducing hospital-acquired infections and patient transport costs. The system uses low-bandwidth connections and can be used in areas with unreliable internet, making it a powerful tool for remote communities.
Researchers developed a system to artificially simulate natural complex interactions between proteins that regulate genes, allowing for precise control over gene activation. This breakthrough enables scientists to better understand human gene regulation and develop new gene-based therapies.
Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have discovered a sirtuin protein that can reverse age-related degeneration in mice by rejuvenating aged blood stem cells. The study provides new hope for targeted treatments for age-related diseases and opens up possibilities for a 'molecular fountain of youth'.
Researchers found that patients' severity of illness is not always strongly associated with their likelihood of being admitted to the ICU. Electronic health records can calculate which patient has the highest risk of death, providing a powerful tool to efficiently use scarce and costly health resources.
A new study by UAlberta researcher Trish Reay suggests that Primary Care Networks can thrive with strong leadership, redefined workspaces, and creative discord. The PCN model allows physicians to practice medicine in a team-based approach, improving patient care and doctor satisfaction.
Researchers found that patients view physicians who use decision aids as less capable and may assign them responsibility for negative health outcomes when using CDSSs. To mitigate this, healthcare providers can incorporate decision aids to engage patients and facilitate understanding of diagnoses.
A new study by De Montfort University reveals worrying inconsistencies in how NHS hospital trusts in England define and report surgical site infections. The findings suggest that published rates do not accurately reflect the true scale of surgical infections, highlighting the need for improved data collection and reporting systems.
Researchers developed an imaging system enclosed in a capsule about the size of a multivitamin pill that creates detailed, microscopic images of the esophageal wall. The system has several advantages over traditional endoscopy and reveals subsurface structures not easily seen with endoscopy.
Researchers developed a system using depth-sensing cameras and algorithms to recognize hand gestures as commands for medical image manipulation. The system reduced false positives from 20.8% to 2.3% and achieved a mean accuracy of 93%, improving surgery efficiency and reducing infection risk.
Scientists at the University of Manchester have developed a camera that takes powerful three-dimensional colour X-ray images, enabling rapid detection of contraband, corrosion, and cancer. The technology uses hyperspectral imaging to identify chemicals and compounds within large objects, reducing scanning time by minutes.
A study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that physicians spend an average of 11% of their career waiting for malpractice claim resolution. Neurosurgeons face the longest delays, with open claims lasting nearly 27% of their careers.