How do you improve mammogram accuracy? Add noise
Researchers have developed a method to calculate precisely the correct type and level of noise to add, improving detection of precancerous lesions and reducing false positives by up to 36%.
Systems Biology
Articles tagged with Systems Biology
Aviation-based team training may influence clinicians' safety behaviors
A study on aviation-based team training found that it can increase the use of checklists, self-reporting of patient safety incidents, and perceptions of empowerment among medical staff. The training also appears to change safety-related behaviors, particularly in high-risk areas like surgery.
The role of medical expert witnesses: the Goudge Inquiry
The Goudge Inquiry's analysis of pediatric forensic pathology highlights the importance of carefully controlling the use of expert witnesses. The report emphasizes the need for medical experts to provide fair, objective, and impartial testimony, regardless of their relationship with the court or party involved.
Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association
A study of over 1,000 physicians found widespread support for electronic health information exchange (HIE), with most believing it would improve quality of care and cut costs. However, many expressed concern about potential privacy breaches and were unwilling to pay monthly fees. Another study reported by JAMIA found that mental health...
A new kind of micro-mobility
Researchers at MIT have developed a novel method for moving tiny objects using magnetic fields, mimicking the motion of cilia in cells. The system could provide precise control over liquids and particles, enabling virtual microfluidics and potentially advancing biomedical screening and medical diagnostics.
Chances of surviving cardiac arrest at home or work unchanged in 30 years
A recent study by Michigan Medicine found that only 7.6% of cardiac arrest victims survive, with factors such as restored pulse and bystander CPR significantly improving survival rates. Experts emphasize the need for increased awareness and use of devices to shock the heart to change these dismal survival rates.
WPI garners $1 million award for system that could prevent firefighter injuries and deaths
The WPI Precision Personnel Location system will locate firefighters in three dimensions, monitor their vital signs, and provide an early warning of flashover risk. The new ESM System will deploy a temperature sensor mast to detect impending flashover.
UAB physician urges changes in diagnosis for sore throat in young adults
A UAB physician recommends re-thinking pharyngitis diagnoses in adolescents and young adults to consider Fusobacterium necrophorum, which may cause up to 10% of sore throats. The bacteria is associated with a rare but life-threatening complication called Lemierre syndrome, which can be fatal.
Image sharing demonstration and pilot network link to PHRs and enable 'meaningful use'
The Image Sharing Demonstration at RSNA 2009 showcases methods for sharing images, reports, and medical history to enhance patient care in radiology. The project aims to enable 'meaningful use' of electronic health records and improve interoperability between medical institutions.
Computerized order entry/decision support systems: Effective solution to managing imaging utilization
Computerized provider order entry/decision support systems offer an education-focused method of utilization management, tracking physician performance and comparing scores to peers. This approach has been shown to reduce imaging utilization by 2.75%, 1.2%, and 1.3% for CT, MRI, and ultrasound respectively.
Structured reporting software creates less complete and accurate radiology reports than free text
A new study published in Radiology found that using standardized words and phrases from a pull-down menu actually decreased the completeness and accuracy of radiology reports. Researchers tested two groups of residents on different reporting methods, finding that structured software resulted in less complete and accurate reports.
Doctors look after patients, but who is looking after doctors?
Emerging research highlights the link between poor doctor health and subpar patient care, with doctors often neglecting their own wellness. To address this issue, authors propose routinely measuring physician wellness as an indicator of healthcare system quality.
New paper describes connections between Circadian and metabolic systems
Researchers discovered a gene called ID2 that regulates output from the master circadian clock in the brain and helps generate rhythms in various biological processes. The study found that ID2 plays a key role in modulating both the Circadian and metabolic systems, with implications for understanding shift work's impact on health.
Study examines quality and duration of primary care visits
Primary care visits in the US increased in quality and duration between 1997 and 2005, with average visit times rising from 18 to 20.8 minutes. Researchers attribute this increase to the growing complexity of patient populations, rather than increased efficiency.
International survey of physicians in 11 countries reveals US lagging in access, quality, HIT use
The survey found that half of US doctors spend substantial time dealing with insurance restrictions on patient care, while only 46% use electronic medical records. Many US physicians also report patients having difficulty paying for medications and care, and that their practices do not have provisions for after-hours care.
UM scientists create fruit fly model to help unravel genetics of human diabetes
Researchers at the University of Maryland have created a fruit fly model to study the genetics of human diabetes. The model uses genetic approaches to delete specific genes involved in insulin production, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels and symptoms similar to human Type 1 diabetes.
Study lays foundation for more patient access to medical records
Researchers found that patients are dissatisfied with the current system of receiving radiology test results, citing long delays and lack of detail. The study suggests that patients would prefer to have secure online access to their medical records, including detailed results, to improve their care experience.
Researchers develop innovative imaging system to study sudden cardiac arrest
A new optical system can simultaneously image electrical activity and metabolic properties in the heart, providing a platform for testing new treatments for arrhythmias. The system could lead to a better understanding of the relationship between metabolic disorders and heart rhythm disturbances.
Intelligent system to help autistic children recognize emotions
A new facial expression recognition system is being developed to help autistic children recognize emotions of surrounding people. The portable device uses boosting classifier and derivative-based filtering to locate the face region and classify emotional expressions.
Study links electronic health records to improved quality in primary care treatment
A study by RAND Corporation researchers found that multifunctional electronic health records improve the quality of care in community-based primary care practices. Practices using these records showed better care for diabetes and provided certain health screenings compared to those without.
University Hospitals Case Medical Center earns prestigious national award for excellence
The University Hospitals Case Medical Center has been awarded the 2009 Quality Leadership Award from the University HealthSystem Consortium, recognizing its excellence in delivering high-quality care. The award is given to teaching hospitals that demonstrate exceptional performance using six domains of care.
Less than half of medical students understand health care system
A nationwide survey found that less than half of graduating medical students in the US feel adequately prepared for healthcare systems and economics. Medical educators argue that stronger curricula can improve this situation and lead to better patient outcomes.
Electronic alerts about abnormal imaging test results do not always result in timely follow-up
A study found that despite electronic alert notifications, patients with abnormal imaging test results often do not receive timely follow-up care. This is particularly challenging due to the high volume of transitions between clinicians in outpatient care.
New recommendations can help health providers prepare for electronic record push
Healthcare organizations can benefit from a new framework of recommendations created by researchers to ensure safe and effective use of electronic health records. The guidelines, which cover key aspects such as hardware and software, content, user interface, personnel, work flow, organizational characteristics, state and federal rules,...
Piece from childhood virus may save soldiers' lives
A harmless shard from a childhood virus's shell may halt the complement response, a primordial part of the immune system that kills oxygen-deprived victims. This discovery could help save soldiers' lives and reduce brain damage caused by reperfusion injury.
Researchers identify key contributor to pre-eclampsia
A new study reveals that the absence of angiotensin II receptors in the uteri of pregnant women with preeclampsia contributes to the disease's progression. This finding brings researchers closer to understanding the condition and may lead to new treatments.
The secrets of the lowly ground beetle could lead to better tissue engineering
Researchers at Virginia Tech are analyzing insects to develop better artificial tissues and organs. They're studying the internal fluid flows of beetles, grasshoppers, and silk moths to gain insights into efficient respiratory and circulatory systems.
LLNL research reveals how blast waves may cause human brain injury even without direct head impacts
Researchers at LLNL used hydrodynamic simulations to show that nonlethal blasts can induce skull flexure and generate damaging loads in the brain. The study suggests that armor systems designed for impacts may not be optimal for blast wave protection, highlighting the need for improved helmet design.
New technology helps Parkinson's patients speak louder
Researchers developed a new technology using ambient sound to aid Parkinson's patients speaking louder and more clearly. The system, which plays background babble noise when the patient begins to speak, shows significant improvement in speech changes after eight weeks of training.
New Iowa State supercomputer, Cystorm, unleashes 28.16 trillion calculations per second
Cystorm is a Sun Microsystems machine with 3,200 computer processor cores, powering Iowa State University's research in materials science, power systems, and systems biology. The supercomputer achieves peak performance of 28.16 trillion calculations per second.
Carnegie Mellon leads NSF initiative to develop modeling tools for disease and complex systems
A multidisciplinary team led by Carnegie Mellon University will develop revolutionary computational tools to advance science in fields like cancer treatment and aircraft safety. The researchers aim to improve understanding of pancreatic cancer and atrial fibrillation using Model Checking and Abstract Interpretation techniques.
Statewide program to improve emergency care for children
A statewide program aims to enhance pediatric emergency medical care in Illinois by supporting facilities in managing critically ill and injured children. The program, led by Loyola University Health System, focuses on preparing emergency medicine facilities to provide quality care for this vulnerable patient population.
Launch of the first standard graphical notation for biology
The Systems Biology Graphical Notation (SBGN) is a new visual language for graphically representing biological information, aiming to make complex models accurate, efficient, and easy to understand. Developed by researchers worldwide, SBGN will benefit systems biologists working on various biochemical processes.
Caltech scientists help launch the first standard graphical notation for biology
The Systems Biology Graphical Notation (SBGN) provides a standardized visual language for representing biological information, making it easier to exchange complex information. The new standard will benefit systems biologists working on various biochemical processes, including gene regulation, metabolism, and cellular signaling.
Health-care reform must respect patient autonomy
Physicians warn that mandated treatments in healthcare reform can misalign doctor-patient goals, leading to financial conflicts. The authors advocate for a 'shared decision-making' model that incorporates medical humanism to ensure patient autonomy and cultural values are respected.
Blood transfusion study: Less is more
A new study analyzing nearly 25,000 Medicare patients found that blood transfusions for hospitalized cardiac patients can be associated with increased risks of infection and death. The analysis also revealed substantial variation in transfusion practices among hospitals, highlighting the need for evidence-based guidelines.
Dartmouth gets $3 million from the National Science Foundation for IT research in health care
The Trustworthy Information Systems for Healthcare project aims to improve the security and effectiveness of information technology infrastructure in healthcare settings. Researchers will address fundamental challenges in information security, such as protecting clinical information while ensuring clinician access.
Risk of frailty in older women dependent on multisystem abnormalities
A study published in the Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences found that frailty in older adults is associated with a critical mass of abnormal physiological systems. The research suggests that prevention and treatment may be more effective if multiple systems are improved rather than just one, and highlights the importance of cons...
Hospital software improves patient satisfaction at discharge from hospital
New research shows that hospital software can improve patient satisfaction by increasing discharge preparedness and quality scores. Hospitalists using the software report improved communication with primary care physicians, resulting in better perceptions of the discharge process.
Systems biology recommended as a clinical approach to cancer
Researchers advocate for systems biology in cancer treatment, promising improved diagnostic tools and new drug targets. The approach integrates mathematical modeling, simulations, and experiments to understand complex cancer processes.
Health clinic conditions may be to blame for decrease in primary care physicians
A recent study by Loyola Medicine found that unfavorable work conditions contribute to low job satisfaction among primary care physicians. Adverse workflow environments are linked to burnout, stress, and a desire to leave the profession.
Electronic tracking system can help diabetes patient care
A new study in CMAJ found that an electronic tracking system improved diabetes care and clinical outcomes for patients, with 62% showing significant improvement compared to the control group. The study also showed greater patient satisfaction with their diabetes care.
New way to fix leaking mitral heart valves safe in initial testing
A new study reports a safe and effective nonsurgical technique for repairing leaking mitral valves, which could significantly reduce risks associated with surgical repair. The Percutaneous Transvenous Mitral Annuloplasty (PTMA) system improved mitral regurgitation in patients treated with the reversible implant.
Researchers develop new and efficient breast biopsy technique
Researchers have created a new breast biopsy technique using a mechanical arm to guide the needle, resulting in increased success rates and reduced procedure times. The system has shown promise for improving biopsy efficiency and accuracy, especially for radiologists of varying experience levels.
Bioengineers develop a microfabricated device to measure cellular forces during tissue development
Researchers have created a tiny micron-sized device that allows them to measure and manipulate cellular forces as cells reorganize into tissues. This discovery has significant implications for the study of tissue mechanics and its role in coordinating cell signaling, gene expression, and behavior.
Greater Boston unites to transform health care
The Greater Boston coalition, representing over 35 organizations, has been awarded a $200,000 planning grant to develop a plan of action to align efforts and create concrete systems change. The initiative aims to improve healthcare quality, reduce disparities, and provide models for national reform.
Cells are like robust computational systems, Carnegie Mellon-led team reports
Researchers identified backup genes with similar sequences that can replace failed master genes, explaining experimental results and highlighting the robustness of cells as computational devices. The study found that removing a master gene and its immediate backup has little effect, but removing both has significant consequences.
Vanderbilt researchers pioneer an advanced sepsis detection and management system
The new system detects sepsis in real-time, alerting doctors to potential cases. The team also plans to add an automated decision support system to guide physicians through sepsis treatment.
New chemistry techniques improve hybrid scanner performance
Researchers have developed a new fully integrated PET/MRI system that can provide whole-body images of rats and small animals. The system offers significant improvements in imaging capabilities, enabling increased understanding of disease characteristics and physiological processes.
Hybrid scanner brings molecular functioning to the forefront
Researchers at SNM's 56th Annual Meeting propose a novel approach to reconstructing data that could enable the development of a hybrid PET-MR system. The new method uses MR images as a geometrical reference to estimate attenuation and improve accuracy.
The FDA has approved ankle replacements, so why don't all insurance plans cover them?
Several insurance companies deny coverage for ankle replacements despite FDA approval, citing a flawed meta-analysis from earlier studies. Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Michael Pinzur questions the logic behind this decision, arguing that it undermines patient choice and access to reasonable treatment options.
Soap-sniffing technology encourages hand washing to reduce hospital-acquired infections, save money
A new system, called HyGreen, monitors health-care workers' hand hygiene by detecting sanitizer or soap fumes given off from their hands, reminding them to clean up disease-causing organisms. The technology aims to reduce hospital-acquired infections, which cost the US healthcare system over $30 billion annually.
Researchers develop light-treatment device to improve sleep quality in the elderly
A team at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a wearable device that delivers blue light directly to the eyes to improve sleep quality in older adults. The study found that exposure to blue light levels of 50 lux and 10 lux for 90 minutes suppressed nocturnal melatonin levels, indicating stimulation of the circadian system.
Studies shed light on collapse of coral reefs
Scientists have shed light on the collapse of coral reefs, revealing their genetic complexity and intricate symbiotic relationship with algae. The delicate communication process between the coral and algae is also being stressed by global change, leading to coral bleaching and collapse.
Physicians can lead health care reform through payment and delivery system reforms
Physicians can play a leading role in achieving comprehensive health care reform by working towards payment and delivery system reforms that achieve 1.5% annual savings, covering all Americans. Reforms include integrated systems of care, innovative payment models and performance measures to promote care coordination.
Physician practice interactions with health plans cost $31 billion a year
A national survey of physician practices found that physicians spend an average of three work weeks per year on administrative tasks required by health plans. This translates to a cost of $31 billion annually and 6.9% of all U.S. expenditures for physician and clinical services.
7-part series focuses on source of and solutions to health care crisis
The American Academy of Family Physicians highlights the US healthcare system's fragmentation as a major cause of the current crisis. Dr. Kurt Stange's seven-part series proposes solutions by focusing on primary care and integrative services to promote healing and efficiency.
Intriguing early results for device that reshapes enlarged, leaky heart valve
The CARILLON Mitral Contour System safely treats leaky mitral valves even in patients with moderate-to-severe heart failure. After treatment, patients experienced less shortness of breath and reported a better quality of life.
Meditate your way to better bladder health
A study published in the Journal of Urology found that cognitive therapy is an effective management strategy for urge incontinence, with patients experiencing a substantial improvement in symptoms. Cognitive therapy employs deep-breathing and guided-imagery exercises to train the brain to control the bladder without medication or surgery.
Electronic prescribing systems boost efficiency, may lead to improved quality of care
A new study found that electronic prescribing systems can significantly reduce order implementation and entry times, leading to lower personnel requirements and costs. While medication errors were not statistically significantly reduced, the system's efficiency gains translate to long-term cost savings.