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Electronic health record messaging during pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, patient electronic health record inbox message volume increased significantly in an ambulatory practice network in New England. The study compared pre-pandemic and pandemic levels to understand the impact of the outbreak on healthcare communication.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 12, 2021

University of South Carolina researcher to advance smart manufacturing with help from National Science Foundation

A new $3.8 million NSF EPSCoR RII Track-2 grant will enable the expansion of Future Factories Lab at the UofSC McNair Aerospace Center, investigating interactions between humans and automation in manufacturing facilities. The project aims to create a manufacturing resilience ecosystem with significant workforce development opportunities.

Preoperative chest CT improves assessment of postoperative mechanical ventilation

A single-center retrospective study found that preoperative thoracic CT findings can complement preoperative clinical risk factors to improve risk assessment for the need of postoperative mechanical ventilation. Bronchial wall thickening, pericardial effusion, and anteroposterior chest diameter were identified as independent predictors...

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeCase study·DateSep 2, 2021

Robotic scanner automates diagnostic imaging in the eye

Researchers at Duke University developed a robotic imaging tool that can automatically detect and scan patients' eyes for eye diseases, producing clear images in under 50 seconds. The system uses optical coherence tomography and is designed to be safe and accessible for optometrist offices, primary-care clinics, and emergency departments.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Toxic facility relocation depends on community pressure

New research from the University of Illinois explores how community characteristics impact the relocation of toxic-releasing facilities. The study found that facilities are more likely to move from communities with high population density, income, and education levels, while moving into those with lower socioeconomic status.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·DateJul 21, 2021

Residential proximity to oil and gas drilling linked to lower birthweights in newborns

A new study from Oregon State University found that infants born within 3 kilometers of oil and natural gas drilling facilities in Texas had slightly lower birthweights than those born before drilling began. After accounting for other potential factors, the study found a significant association between living near an active drilling si...

SourceOregon State University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateJul 21, 2021

Taking the brain out for a walk

A recent study by the Max Planck Institute for Human Development found that spending time outdoors positively affects brain structure and gray matter in the right dorsolateral-prefrontal cortex. This area is involved in planning, regulation of actions, and cognitive control. The results persist even when other factors are kept constant.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournalThe World Journal of Biological Psychiatry·DateJul 15, 2021

Factors associated with deaths in US ICE detention facilities

A study examining US ICE detention facility deaths from 2011 to 2018 found that inadequate healthcare, poor living conditions, and mental health issues were key factors contributing to these deaths. The study highlights the need for improved healthcare and living conditions in ICE facilities to prevent unnecessary deaths.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 7, 2021

Providing clean, safe and private toilet, menstrual hygiene management for the homeless: An audit

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that public toilets in Manhattan do not meet the needs of women experiencing homelessness, with limited access to resources and safety issues. The research highlights the need for improved menstrual hygiene management and accessibility in public facilities.

50 new genes for eye colour

A large-scale genetic study has identified 50 new genes associated with human eye color, significantly expanding the current understanding of this complex trait. These findings will help improve diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases such as pigmentary glaucoma and ocular albinism.

SourceKing's College London·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 11, 2021

Survey identifies factors in reducing clinical research coordinator turnover

A Vanderbilt University Medical Center survey identified strong collaborative relationships as a key factor in retaining clinical research coordinators. The study also found that compensation, career growth opportunities, and collegial relationships through hands-on involvement in clinical trials were significant predictors of retention.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateMar 5, 2021

Race in clinician documentation

Researchers analyzed medical records for racial bias in clinician documentation, finding evidence of disparities based on race and ethnicity. The study highlights the need for improved training and education to address racial biases in healthcare.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 11, 2021

Sweat, bleach and gym air quality

A new University of Colorado Boulder study found that exercising individuals emit up to five times more chemicals from their body than sedentary people, which combine with bleach cleaners to form unknown airborne chemicals. The team detected a specific reaction product, N-chloraldimines, in gym air, raising concerns about indoor air qu...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalIndoor Air·DateJan 5, 2021

'Meet people where they are:' local health departments key to hepatitis B vaccination

A West Virginia University study suggests that local health departments are crucial in getting the hepatitis B vaccine to those who need it most, particularly individuals at risk of contracting the virus. The study found that partnerships between health departments and local drug treatment programs significantly increased vaccine compl...

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateNov 17, 2020