Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Organoids reveal how to protect the brain against dementia and ALS following traumatic injury, according to USC Stem Cell study

A traumatic brain injury quadruples the risk of developing dementia and neurodegenerative diseases like ALS. USC scientists used lab-grown human brain structures called organoids to study TBI's effects. They identified a gene, KCNJ2, that helps protect nerve cells against injury.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCell Stem Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2024

First time moms with breech pregnancies experience reduced risk of complications if they plan cesarean rather than vaginal delivery - but have increased risk of uterus rupture in subsequent pregnancies

Researchers found that first-time mothers carrying a breech baby may experience reduced risks if they choose a planned cesarean delivery instead of attempting a vaginal birth. However, these women also have an elevated risk of experiencing uterine rupture during their next pregnancy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 3, 2024

Clear shift in arterial diseases in diabetes

Studies at the University of Gothenburg found a clear shift in arterial disease risks in diabetes, with decreases in central organ diseases like heart attack and stroke, but increases in peripheral vessel complications. Closer monitoring of long-term blood sugar levels can reduce peripheral arterial disease risk by 30-50%.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2024

Exploring the relationship between HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and the incidence of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis – findings from Denmark

A Danish study found that PrEP use was associated with a more than twofold increase in chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis diagnoses. The researchers suggest that changes in sexual risk-taking may lead people to seek PrEP rather than increased risks.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 28, 2024

‘Exhausted’ immune cells in healthy women could be target for breast cancer prevention

A study published in Nature Genetics reveals early cell changes in healthy carriers of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, suggesting a potential target for breast cancer prevention. The researchers created the world's largest catalogue of human breast cells, which may lead to the use of existing immunotherapy drugs as an early intervention.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 28, 2024

Exclusive breastfeeding duration and risk of childhood cancers

A large cohort study found that longer durations of exclusive breastfeeding were associated with a lower risk of childhood B-cell precursor-acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study's results suggest potential biologic mechanisms underlying this association and inform the need for further research on preemptive interventions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 26, 2024

Late surgical repair for preterm babies born with inguinal hernia shows better results compared to early repair, study finds

A randomized clinical trial has shown that delaying surgical repair of inguinal hernias in preterm infants until after discharge from the NICU reduces serious adverse events. The study found a high likelihood of hernia resolution with late repair, allowing for quicker hospital discharge.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 26, 2024

Using machine learning to save lives in the ER

A study published in Critical Care identified eight different trauma phenotypes associated with lower in-hospital mortality when treated with tranexamic acid. The researchers used a machine learning model to analyze data from over 50,000 patients and found subgroups of patients who received no benefit from treatment.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCritical Care·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2024

Better prostate cancer care for highly educated

A study published in International Journal of Cancer found that men with advanced degrees and higher incomes are more likely to receive comprehensive care for prostate cancer, including MRI scans and curative treatment. This leads to lower mortality rates from the disease compared to those with lower education and income.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2024

Adding ribociclib to hormone therapy reduces the risk of breast cancer recurrence

Adding ribociclib to hormone therapy improves invasive disease-free survival by 90.4% at three years, distant disease-free survival by 90.8%, and recurrence-free survival by 91.7%. The study found a 25% relative reduction in recurrence rate for patients with stage 2 or 3 HR-positive, HER2-negative early breast cancer.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 20, 2024

Rheumatic diseases associated with childbearing problems

Women with selected rheumatic diseases experience a higher prevalence of childlessness, while risks for pre-eclampsia, low birth weight, and preterm delivery are increased for many conditions. Men with rheumatic conditions also face a higher risk of childlessness, although the impact on fertility varies among different diseases.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalRheumatology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024

Choosing over the counter drugs for COVID 19? It’s complicated

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University suggest that selecting an OTC medication for mild COVID-19 symptoms should be based on the entire benefit-to-risk profile of the patient. They caution against using traditional NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen due to their similar but greater side effect profiles compared to aspirin.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 19, 2024

U.S. could cut cervical cancer cases & deaths by up to 20% if more patients got follow-up after screening, study suggests

A new study suggests that removing barriers to cervical cancer screening, surveillance, and diagnostic procedures can save lives and reduce disparities. If every eligible person gets the full screening and follow-up tests recommended, up to 23% fewer people would be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 20% fewer would die from it.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 19, 2024

Inorganic nitrate can help protect patients against kidney damage caused during coronary angiographic procedures

A five-day course of inorganic nitrate significantly reduces contrast-induced nephropathy rates, improves three-month renal function, and lowers one-year major adverse cardiac events. The trial also shows improved kidney outcomes at three months compared to placebo.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 18, 2024

Less is more: Not placing a drain improves distal pancreatectomy outcomes

A study published in Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology found that not placing a drain during distal pancreatectomy surgery improves patient outcomes. The study, involving 282 patients across ten Dutch and two Italian hospitals, demonstrated a significant reduction in postoperative pancreatic leaks and overall morbidity.

SourceAmsterdam University Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 15, 2024

Wood condition, root constriction and improper pruning can be used as predictors of urban tree failure

A study in São Paulo's central area found that poor wood condition, sidewalk root constriction, and drastic pruning are major predictors of urban tree failure. The researchers propose guidelines for stakeholders to reduce the number of failures, which average 2,000 per year.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalUrban Forestry & Urban Greening·DateMar 13, 2024

Dangers of smell impairment highlighted in new research

A recent study conducted by the University of East Anglia found that over a third of people with smell disorders have experienced gas safety scares in the last five years. The research also showed that 32.2% of respondents had encountered safety concerns related to food, while 14.8% experienced gas incidents involving hurt individuals.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2024

Who military service members see as credible to discuss secure firearm storage for suicide prevention

A Rutgers Health study found that military service members view law enforcement officers, military service members, and veterans as the most credible sources to discuss secure firearm storage for suicide prevention. The study suggests that leveraging these sources can help increase secure storage among this population.

SourceRutgers University·JournalSuicide and Life-Threatening Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateMar 4, 2024

Most smokers in England wrongly believe vaping is at least as harmful as smoking

A study led by UCL researchers found that over half of English smokers believe vaping is equally or more harmful than smoking. The survey data showed a sharp increase in perceived harm from 2021, coinciding with rising youth vaping rates. Better communication about health risks is needed to help smokers make informed choices.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2024

Hurricanes and power grids: Eliminating large-scale outages with a new approach

A new study published in Nature Energy finds that protecting a small but critical set of power lines can prevent large-scale outages almost entirely. The method identifies the most critical lines and increases the system's resilience, reducing the risk of major power outages in regions or cities by up to 99%.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 1, 2024

Refrigerate lettuce to reduce risk of E. coli contamination, researchers say

A new study from the University of Illinois examines factors affecting E. coli contamination on five leafy greens, including romaine and spinach. Researchers found that refrigeration significantly reduces E. coli growth on lettuce, while kale and collards are less susceptible due to their natural antimicrobial properties.

Think smoking cannabis won’t damage your heart? Think again

A study by UC San Francisco researchers found that daily cannabis users had a 25% increased risk of heart attack and a 42% increased risk of stroke compared to non-users. The study also found significant cardiovascular risks associated with cannabis use, including coronary heart disease and the combination of heart attack and stroke.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateFeb 28, 2024

For Type II diabetes prevention, tap into AI

A novel AI-driven model developed by Maytal Saar-Tsechansky predicts which patients are most likely to benefit from preventive treatment for Type II diabetes. The model, trained on electronic health records of 89,191 prediabetic patients, improved both health and economic efficiency, enabling data-driven allocation of resources.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalManufacturing and Service Operations Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 28, 2024

New study finds high-dose inhaled nitric oxide decreases the risk of death among critically ill Black patients with COVID-19

A new study found that high-dose inhaled nitric oxide improves oxygenation and reduces mortality risk among critically ill Black patients with COVID-19. The treatment was more effective for Black patients, who have a suppressed nitric oxide system at baseline.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 28, 2024