Articles tagged with Systems Biology
A pioneering neurosurgeon has successfully implanted an artificial vision system in eight blind patients, enabling them to drive cars and navigate their surroundings. The device, developed by the Dobelle Institute, stimulates the brain's visual cortex to create a semblance of sight.
A new series of articles explores the causes of medical errors, highlighting the limitations of relying solely on patient charts. Increasing the number of reviewers and requiring confidence in negligence can reduce rates of negligent events.
A new journal series aims to educate physicians about individual and systems factors contributing to medical errors. The series analyzes real-life cases, including a study of 17 errors that allowed one patient to receive an invasive procedure intended for another.
A large randomized controlled study of e-mail communication between physicians and patients found that messages from patients were appropriate and needed by doctors. Patients sent an average of 49 messages per 100 scheduled visits, but the sharp increase didn't lead to a corresponding drop in calls or no-shows.
The new Bethesda System aims to improve cervical cancer detection by providing more uniform, evidence-based care. Key changes include a new term for atypical cells at higher risk of precancer and clearer identification of benign cellular changes.
Freedman will develop general-purpose algorithms to track objects with varied properties using conventional cameras and MRIs. His work aims to improve surveillance and MRI technology, solving current problems such as object blocking and multi-property tracking.
A novel gene therapy approach has been successfully tested on a 33-year-old cystic fibrosis patient, using a patented DNA compaction technology. The treatment aims to deliver healthy genes into cells to produce normal proteins needed by patients with the disease.
A team of researchers has discovered that the medial superior temporal area (MST) acts as both a compass and biological global positioning system, providing mental maps to help understand location and movement. This finding helps explain why people with Alzheimer's disease struggle to navigate their environment.
A recent study found that subspecialists working outside their subspecialty cared for 25% of hospitalized patients, resulting in longer lengths of stay and higher mortality rates. Patients seen by these physicians had an average length of stay up to 18% longer than those cared for by general internists.
Researchers at Cardiff University have created a cost-effective, realistic surgical trainer using technology typically used in industry. The trainer will be used to perfect key-hole surgery techniques on artificial bodies before being used on real patients.
Scientists have developed a new mouse model that allows for selective elimination of genes in specific tissues, enabling studies on the role of PAX-3 in heart development and its connection to other systems such as the brain and spinal cord. This breakthrough technology facilitates research collaboration and opens up new avenues for un...
A new office at Emory University aims to strengthen public health infrastructure and capacity to address emerging infectious diseases and those caused by terrorism. The office, led by Dr. Ruth Berkelman, will coordinate with public health officers on a county and statewide level.
Clinicians and scholars unraveled the mystery of King Herod's death, concluding he died from chronic kidney disease likely complicated by Fournier's gangrene. The diagnosis was reached through a historical case study presented at the VA's Clinical Pathologic Conference.
Researchers at the University of Melbourne are developing crayfish-inspired robots that can navigate complex terrain and perform tasks with minimal brain power. The study aims to advance biomimetics, a field that harvests nature's best design ideas for robotics.
A recent study revealed that screening high-risk patients for diabetes may not be cost-effective, with a low yield and high cost. Additionally, a quality intervention to improve depression care was ineffective in real-world settings, highlighting the need for system changes to close care gaps.
The Louisa Gross Horwitz Prize recognizes the groundbreaking work of Dr. Avram Hershko and Dr. Alexander Varshavsky on the ubiquitin system, which regulates protein balance in cells. Their research has far-reaching implications for understanding cellular processes and diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders.
A new study suggests that smaller hospitals can perform heart bypass surgeries with similar outcomes to high-volume hospitals for low-risk patients. Moderate- and high-risk patients, however, should still seek major medical centers with high-bypass volumes to minimize mortality risk.
A new agency is proposed to enhance postmarketing surveillance and dissemination of information on adverse drug reactions. The current system relying on pharmaceutical companies' voluntary warnings may not be adequate, highlighting the need for a parallel agency to protect patients.
Healthcare experts analyze their responses to the 9/11 attacks, highlighting the importance of public first aid training and critical incident stress debriefing to prevent PTSD. Improved disaster management planning can save lives in future disasters.
Researchers will combine surgical robotic systems with telemedicine to train surgeons-in-training in complex, minimally invasive procedures. The proposed system will feature shared control of a single set of 'arms' and haptic feedback for immersive training.
A new study from Massachusetts General Hospital suggests that HMO gatekeeping policies may not be effective in reducing specialty visits. The study found a small increase in new specialty visits, but no change in overall rates of specialist visits.
A large-scale study found that giving erythromycin to newborns within the first two weeks of life increases their risk of developing pyloric stenosis. The researchers used data from over 14,000 babies born between 1993 and 1999.
A new benefit-based copay system calculates individualized copays based on clinical benefits and risk groups, aiming to increase adherence and reduce financial barriers. The approach could lead to lower copays for sickest patients and make prescription drug coverage more accessible.
A study of 2170 Ontario respondents found that healthcare expenditures were related more to self-reported health status than income. The results suggest that the utilization of physicians' services in Ontario is based on need rather than income. The findings contradict common assumptions about healthcare financing.
Research confirms that nicotine reduces peak blood alcohol concentrations, leading to increased consumption of alcohol to achieve intoxication. This interaction can result in adverse effects on the liver, heart, and brain.
A new study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill found that 27.5% of active, licensed North Carolina physicians graduated from UNC, while others trained in foreign medical schools, particularly from India and more likely to practice in rural areas.
A claims-based measurement system shows widespread underuse of necessary care among elderly Medicare beneficiaries, even among relatively well-insured populations. Underuse is more common among African Americans, residents of poverty areas, and those living in areas with a shortage of healthcare professionals.
Researchers at Clemson University have developed a new laser imaging system that provides more detailed views of breast tissue than traditional mammograms. The system uses 16 laser points to detect growths not visible on regular mammograms and predict tumor malignancy with high accuracy.
A Yale study found that older persons with acute illnesses prefer hospital care over home care, even if the outcomes are equally good. Home care is a viable option only if it provides the same level of care as the hospital.
Researchers at Penn School of Medicine have developed a prototype of an integrated database that can instantly retrieve and store digital breast images from mammography facilities across the country. The project aims to improve detecting and diagnosing women with breast cancer in a more controlled and cost-effective manner.
A study using cognitive task analysis aims to develop more effective computer systems in healthcare by understanding human decision-making processes. The analysis focuses on skills, strategies, and problems of physicians dealing with complex decision situations.
The NIH conference aims to develop a framework for independent research on medical implants retrieved after surgery or at autopsy. The conference seeks to address the challenges and opportunities in collecting and analyzing data on implant performance, with a focus on improving public understanding and policy-making.
The NIH conference aims to develop a framework for independent research on medical implants retrieved after surgery or at autopsy. It will address patient, healthcare provider, and societal expectations, as well as legal, ethical, and economic barriers to implant retrieval and reporting.
A University of Pittsburgh-led study found that two computer-based decision support systems significantly improved clinicians' ability to arrive at correct diagnoses, especially for medical students. The systems provided accurate and useful information to relatively inexperienced clinicians.
A recent University of Iowa Health Care study calls into question the reliability of a classification system used to evaluate treatment outcomes in children with Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease. The Stulberg Classification System, developed in 1981, predicts long-term patient outcomes but has poor reliability among surgeons.
A PricewaterhouseCoopers study suggests that consumerism, e-commerce, and genetic mapping will transform the US healthcare system. The report highlights potential disruptions, including increased competition for capital investments and a shift towards preventive care through genomics.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a mathematical algorithm that can precisely control blood-sugar levels in people with Type I diabetes using an implantable insulin pump. The chip-based system predicts insulin needs based on glucose sensor data, reducing peak glucose levels by 44% and overshoot by 80%.
A new data classification scheme based on human perception is being incorporated into a hand-held chemical sensor system. This method, called VERI, can group real-world objects seen near each other by superimposing an invisible dumbbell shape, allowing for quick and accurate identifications.
Researchers investigate e-mail usage between doctors and patients, aiming to improve patient-physician communication and satisfaction. The three-year study will examine the effects on efficiency, phone calls, visits, and overall organization.
Despite electronic information retrieval systems, physicians often rely on colleagues, outdated textbooks, and non-relevant scientific journals due to time-consuming searches and limited relevance. Researchers advocate for better systems and further research to improve physician access to high-quality online medical information.
A new virtual tape measure (VTM) prototype enhances microsurgical precision by providing accurate measurements in real-time, overcoming the limitations of traditional operating microscopes. The VTM uses stereo-video images and computer graphics to enable surgeons to make precise calculations throughout operations.
The Great Lakes Geriatric Interdisciplinary Team Training project brings together health care workers and their patients into teams to identify physical, social and economic needs. The goal is to provide high quality health care while controlling costs by keeping patients at home longer or helping them follow medical care better.