Research modeling biology as interacting systems. Covers tumor-response prediction, engineered bacteria, living-matter physics, and behavior in model organisms.
A SISSA study shows that passive visual experience plays a key role in maturing the brain's 'complex' neurons involved in vision. This discovery has important implications for understanding cerebral development and could lead to new clinical and technological applications.
A Mount Sinai research team has identified the scaffolding protein histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) as essential for proper skin development and barrier formation. Mice lacking HDAC3 in the epidermis fail to develop a functional skin barrier, leading to dehydration and death shortly after birth.
A new pediatric-specific scoring system, pMeNTS, is presented to help surgeons prioritize non-emergency operations during the pandemic. The tool evaluates medical necessity, time-sensitivity, and COVID-19 factors to determine a higher priority for procedures.
Researchers developed a novel clinical decision support system to predict individual trauma patient outcome based on historical data and real-world evidence. The system uses an evidential reasoning rule to process clinical signs and symptoms, identifying patients at risk of adverse events such as ICU admission or in-hospital death.
Scientists discovered biological markers in teeth of children who later developed ALS, shedding light on the disease's early stages and potential preventive strategies. The study found abnormal metal uptake patterns, suggesting a link between environmental factors and disease onset.
The HEROS study will examine the rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 symptom development among children with allergic conditions versus those without. The study aims to fill knowledge gaps on how the novel coronavirus affects young populations.
Researchers developed an AI model using CT scans and clinical data to diagnose COVID-19, achieving higher sensitivity than radiologists. The algorithm can rapidly detect the virus, isolate patients, and prevent its spread during pandemics.
Researchers used chest X-rays to identify patients at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. A unique scoring system evaluated lung patterns, predicting outcomes and guiding treatment for high-risk patients.
A compact sensor system using modified carbon nanotubes detects high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in exhaled air, indicating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other respiratory issues. The device's sensitivity is shown to detect biomarkers for specific diseases, including lung cancer and asthma.
Researchers at Texas A&M University developed a minimally invasive biosensor system to monitor urate levels, which can help patients with gout manage their symptoms better. The technology uses benzoporphyrins and is designed for personal management of gout, potentially reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes.
The NUS team created a soft and thin sensor that monitors bladder volume continuously, while an actuator equipped with a shape memory alloy spring clears the bladder. The device can effectively empty between 70 to 100 per cent of the bladder, comparable to current intermittent catheterisation treatment.
Researchers attribute unique human cooperation to cultivating a shared social identity among group members, enabled by reflective self-consciousness. This fosters feelings of obligation toward cultural kin, sustaining cooperative behavior within the group.
Researchers developed an AI system that analyzes linguistic patterns to predict a youth's risk for committing acts of school violence. The system matches the clinical judgements and accuracy of psychiatrists 94 percent of the time, demonstrating its potential to help address youth violence at schools.
A RIKEN research team developed a new 3D staining technique that can visualize whole organs and bodies. The technique allows for detailed anatomical analysis and whole-organ comparisons between species at the cellular level.
Researchers at Temple University Health System discover a protein called B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) produced in sepsis, which lowers blood pressure. Inhibition of JNK and BNP activity reverses cardiovascular damage and improves survival rates in mice with sepsis.
Assistant Professor Michael Murdoch will create a computational model of human color perception in AR systems, funded by a five-year NSF CAREER grant. The project aims to enhance AR visual quality for fields like education, medicine, and transportation.
A rural health care system has developed a preparedness response plan that expands use of telehealth and streamlines systemwide staff communication. The plan includes a rapid expansion of telehealth, prioritizing nonessential staff work-from-home, conserving PPE, and postponing elective procedures.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine repurposed hospital staff badges to monitor patient mobility, revealing that ambulation is crucial for recovery. The device accurately predicts readmission rates and discharge plans, encouraging clinicians to provide targeted feedback.
Researchers propose that the evolution of large paranasal sinuses in cave bears led to a trade-off between sinus development and skull strength. This compromise may have limited their ability to adapt to changing environments and ultimately contributed to their extinction.
A COVID-19 palliative care plan has been developed as an essential tool to provide care during the pandemic. The plan focuses on 8 critical elements: stockpiling medications and supplies, training staff, optimizing space, refining systems, alleviating separation effects, promoting critical conversations, focusing on marginalized popula...
A new tool for identifying frail patients has been successfully implemented in a large health system setting, reducing surgical risks. The Risk Analysis Index (RAI) uses clinical and patient-reported factors to generate a score representing each patient's level of frailty, enabling swift stratification and improved outcomes.
A new study identifies Plexin-B2 as a key protein in wound healing and neural repair following spinal cord injury. The finding could aid the development of therapies targeting axon guidance pathways for more effective treatment of SCI patients.
Researchers developed a multi-organ-on-a-chip to test how new drugs affect vital organs, demonstrating its effectiveness in screening FDA-recalled drugs. The system showed that 3D organoids could demonstrate toxicity at human-relevant doses, while commonly used drugs remained viable.
The DIASyM research cluster will use state-of-the-art mass spectrometry to analyze blood parameters of patients with heart failure and compare them to healthy individuals. This will help identify biomarkers and understand the interactions between biological processes, leading to new approaches for diagnosis, therapy, and prevention.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have developed an AI model that can accurately determine the type of lower back pain by analyzing clinical notes in electronic medical records. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatment options, reduced opioid prescriptions, and more accurate billing and therapy recommendations.
A new disease classification system for obesity is proposed by researchers, replacing the current BMI-based diagnosis. The ABCD system has four domains: pathophysiology, body mass index classification, complications, and complication severity. This new framework aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of obesity as a chronic disease.
Scientists have created two-layered nanofibers consisting of an ordered row of alternating peptides and determined what drives their self-assembly. The discovery has potential biomedical applications due to the ability to tailor peptide structures.
A study found that paying for low-value vitamin D tests was stopped in Ontario, leading to a nearly 93% drop in testing. In contrast, US patients covered by Veterans Health benefits or commercial insurance saw only an 14% reduction after Choosing Wisely guidelines were issued.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology designed a new master controller that combines two gripping types to reduce finger fatigue and improve precision in robotic surgery. The combined grip method yielded better performance in experiments, with fewer failures and faster movements.
A new study reveals chronic kidney disease is a leading cause of death globally, resulting in an estimated 1.23 million deaths in 2017. The disease's impact varies widely across countries, with some nations experiencing rates nearly 15 times higher than others.
A study analyzing 9,295 patients in four Indiana hospital systems found that those with multiple ED visits, heroin use, and Medicaid or uninsured status were more likely to have future emergency department encounters. Consolidating patient information can improve risk assessment and treatment opportunities for at-risk patients.
Mobile devices have been found to be both reliable and accurate for making clinical decisions about administering IV thrombolysis in patients with acute stroke. This allows for increased neuroradiologist availability and the potential use of reperfusion therapies in resource-limited countries.
A new study found that a behavioral therapy-assisted smartphone app delivered via telemedicine was an effective treatment for symptoms of binge eating disorders. Patients who received the app-based treatment reported significant reductions in binge days and achieved higher remission rates compared to those receiving standard care.
A 20-year study found that insured US adults faced worsening access to healthcare due to cost constraints, with increases in unmet needs for physician visits and services. Meanwhile, some preventive services showed improvements, such as increased guideline-recommended cholesterol tests and flu shots.
A recent study highlights breakthroughs in understanding the association of specific genes with disorders, driving medical innovation and personalized health. Researchers emphasize the need for joint efforts between industry and academia to establish comprehensive inventories of genotype-phenotype relationships.
A new Dartmouth study found that pharmaceutical companies' promotional access to US primary care practices is substantial, especially in smaller practices and those without academic affiliation. The researchers also discovered a pattern of higher promotional activity in the Southern region of the country.
A RAND Corporation analysis suggests that Medicare overpays surgeons for postoperative care, with only a small share of the care provided. Adjusting payments could reduce reimbursements by 28% and result in increased payments to primary care providers.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) releases a new vision for a better US healthcare system, emphasizing universal coverage, reduced barriers to care, and value-based payment systems. The plan aims to improve health outcomes, reduce costs, and promote patient-centered care.
The American College of Physicians releases a series of policy papers recommending systemic reforms to achieve better healthcare for all. The recommendations address coverage and cost of care, healthcare payment and delivery systems, barriers to care, and social determinants of health.
Researchers have developed novel nanocomposites of DNA, silica particles, and carbon nanotubes that can be tailored to various applications. These composites enable the creation of environments suitable for human stem cells to settle down and develop further.
A study published in The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery found that virtual physical therapy after knee replacement surgery is safe and effective, with similar outcomes to traditional in-person PT. Virtual PT also resulted in lower healthcare costs, with patients completing more exercises and having fewer hospital readmissions.
A young boy with a fatal genetic disease has made a remarkable recovery thanks to a collaborative effort between physicians and immunologists from around the world. The team combined exceptional clinical care, genetic diagnosis, and a novel immunotherapeutic drug to bring the child into full remission.
The Mount Sinai Diversity Innovation Hub has been named among the Top 50 Leaders in Digital Health for 2020, recognizing its efforts to improve healthcare through technology. The hub aims to diversify the pipeline for career paths in healthcare innovation and technology.
Researchers have developed a minimally invasive procedure to treat chronic Achilles tendon disorder, reducing pain and recovery time. The percutaneous Zadek osteotomy (ZO) technique has shown significant improvement in functional outcomes and faster recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that adults with type 2 diabetes who were newly prescribed SGLT2 inhibitors had a lower rate of gout compared to those prescribed GLP1 agonists. This suggests that SGLT2 inhibitors may be effective in reducing the risk of gout among patients with type 2 diabetes.
Researchers developed an automated glucagon delivery system to treat post-bariatric hypoglycemia, reducing the risk of unpredictable low blood sugar levels. The closed-loop system, comprising a CGM and glucagon pump, provides patients with a safe and reliable treatment option.
Researchers discovered a way to encode specific physical properties in materials by utilizing their 'memory' of past stresses. This approach allows for the creation of auxetic materials with enhanced mechanical properties, such as improved energy absorption and fracture resistance.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have developed a new gene editing tool called INTEGRATE, which uses cryo-electron microscopy to capture high-resolution images of the complex in action. The tool appears to work by targeting DNA for accurate insertion of genetic payloads without introducing DNA breaks.
The PROBOSCIS project aims to develop a new generation of bioinspired robot manipulators capable of adapting to uncertain environments and performing various real-world grasping tasks. By studying the anatomy and movements of elephants' proboscis, researchers will create a soft robotic system with advanced tactile sensing capabilities.
A new photoacoustic microscopy system developed by researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) can image blood vessels with high resolution and speed. This system enables real-time monitoring of blood flow, which is significant for diagnosing and treating stroke and cardiovascular diseases.
Scientists have developed an innovative method of growing cassava in the air using aeroponics, allowing for real-time observation of root development and identification of genes that regulate growth. This breakthrough could lead to increased yields, improved sustainability, and accelerated plant growth.
Biomedical engineers at Duke University have created a system that allows real-time observations of individual cells in the colon of a living mouse. This breakthrough enables researchers to study the digestive system's microbiome, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer, as well as explore potential treatments for gastrointestinal...
CMAJ's new editor-in-chief, Andreas Laupacis, outlines three priorities for the journal: publishing research relevant to Canadian physicians, expanding nonresearch sections, and increasing patient involvement. He plans to visit universities and healthcare professionals across Canada to gather ideas on improving healthcare.
Dr. Mone Zaidi has been recognized as an AAAS Fellow for his groundbreaking research on pituitary-metabolic circuits and their impact on body fat, bone mass, and energy metabolism. His work holds strong clinical potential for treating osteoporosis.
A specialized system of ducts transports bile and enzymes from the liver and pancreas to the intestine. The study revealed a multi-step process for duct formation, with key genes controlling the development of these ducts.
The UK National Health Service faces challenges in meeting growing demand while reducing costs. Key findings show that the NHS spent less on healthcare per person compared to other high-income countries and had lower numbers of healthcare professionals. However, it achieved better rates for certain health outcomes.
Molecular Systems Biology has appointed systems biologist M. Madan Babu as its new Chief Editor, strengthening the journal's position in the field of systems biology. The appointment aims to encourage interdisciplinary research and bridge silos between fields.
The introduction of electronic patient records in a Saudi Arabian hospital led to changes in the division of labor between physicians and nursing staff. As a result, staff had to improvise their actions to ensure continued patient safety, often requiring complex renegotiations to re-establish professional boundaries.
Researchers have identified a decrease in heart transplant survival rates following the implementation of a new donor allocation system in the US. The study found that patients receiving hearts are sicker than in previous systems, leading to an increase in post-transplant mortality.
Mount Sinai researchers used MGNA to identify key regulators of the Parkinson's molecular network, including STMN2. The study found that reduction of STMN2 led to upregulation of genes associated with the disease and disrupted motor function control in mice.