Columbia University researchers have captured the most detailed images yet of a temperature-sensing molecule in its open, intermediate, and closed states. The findings will help us understand the mechanics of hot and cold sensation, which could accelerate the development of drugs for inflammatory skin disease, itch, and pain.
A new study led by Columbia University researchers found that people who smoke just a few cigarettes a day can still experience long-term lung damage. The study also showed that the rate of decline in lung function among light smokers is closer to that of heavy smokers than previously thought.
A recent WHO-led study in four countries found that over one-third of women experience physical and verbal abuse during childbirth, with younger, less educated women at highest risk. The study highlights the need for respectful maternity care and informed policies to address these inequalities.
A pilot study by Desert Research Institute found high levels of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) and butane at cannabis growing facilities in Nevada and California. These chemicals can contribute to ground-level ozone formation, posing health risks to workers and residents.
Researchers have developed custom-built microscopes called mesoSPIMs, which can image the minute detail of brain tissue down to individual neurons. These new microscopes provide new insights into brain and spinal cord organization, enabling researchers to investigate neuronal networks involved in cognition, pleasure, or drug addiction.
A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that socio-cultural values and beliefs around menstrual hygiene management are key to improving school environments for menstruating girls. The study identified gaps in research and provided recommendations for policy and practice changes.
A new study reveals that adults fetching water is associated with an increased risk of child death and children collecting water with increased odds of childhood diarrheal disease. Improving access to clean drinking water and sanitation reduces maternal and child health risks, including lower child mortality rates.
Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering developed a robotic cane that provides light-touch assistance in walking, improving stability and balance. The device, called CANINE, acts as a mobile assistant to track a person's gait and provide support, resulting in narrower strides and increased gait stability.
A study analyzing over 1300 measurements found the source of a 2017 radioactive cloud to be a civilian reprocessing plant, releasing large amounts of ruthenium-106. The incident caused no health risks for Europe's population.
A new national study led by Columbia University aims to understand barriers to minority group participation in genetic studies and support policies to create a more diverse genetic database. The four-year study will analyze diversity and inclusion practices at academic medical centers across the US.
An observational study found that patients whose surgeons were more often reported for unprofessional behavior experienced a greater risk of postoperative complications. The analysis included data from over 13,000 patients and suggested a potential link between surgeon behavior and patient outcomes.
A study found that indoor tanning addiction is associated with modified genes related to dopamine activity and depression symptoms, increasing the risk of skin cancer. The researchers collected saliva samples from 292 non-Hispanic white women and found a strong link between genetic mutations and tanning addiction.
Researchers found that only 35% of probiotic products were supported by clinical evidence, highlighting the need for clearer labeling. Products with fewer strains and lower cost were more likely to be backed by evidence, but consumers must still do their own legwork to find trustworthy products.
Researchers have developed a new class of molecular photoswitches that meet key requirements for molecular photocontrol. The switches can be controlled using visible light and have improved properties compared to previous designs.
A new method called cardiac functional MRI eliminates the need for injections or physical stress testing, providing a safer and more detailed way to diagnose heart disease. The technique uses oxygenation-sensitive MRI to measure how well the heart's blood vessels are working to deliver oxygen.
Research suggests that closed ICUs with primary ICU responsibility may lower hospital-acquired infection rates. Central line-associated blood stream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and ventilator-acquired pneumonia were reduced after the transition from open to closed ICU.
Researchers created a Job-Exposure Matrix (JEM) approach to estimate average plutonium exposure levels for early Sellafield workers. This method overcomes missing or deficient data limitations, enabling more accurate epidemiological studies of internal radiation risks.
Marko, a wireless movement-tracking system, transmits low-power radio-frequency signals to analyze reflections and associate them with specific individuals. The system traces movement patterns to provide insights into behavior and health, offering a new passive way to track functional health profiles of patients at home.
The article explores quality improvement in cardiovascular imaging, highlighting the importance of consistency in result reporting, patient safety, and efficient care delivery. Successful projects and strategies for teaching QI to medical trainees are also discussed.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that approximately 5 percent of adults living in households with children use e-cigarettes. This prevalence highlights the need for parental awareness and education to prevent youth exposure to e-cigarette products.
A new report calls for increased research into 'limbic-predominant age-related TDP-43 encephalopathy,' or LATE, a degenerative brain disease that affects the elderly and mimics Alzheimer's. Researchers aim to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment through better understanding of the condition.
Patients with advanced HER2-negative breast cancer treated with continuous chemotherapy showed improved survival rates and maintained quality of life compared to intermittent scheduling. The study also found that treatment holidays had a negative impact on physical quality of life scores, with a clinically meaningful decline at 24 months.
A recent study by Georgetown University Medical Center found that only a quarter of PCORI-funded trials between 2015-2018 examined primary care, while specialty care received the majority funding. The study's authors argue that this is wasteful, as most healthcare is accessed within primary care settings.
Researchers developed a novel bioelectronic treatment that significantly reduces swelling and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients. The non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation treatment inhibits the production of cytokines, proteins that mediate inflammation.
A recent study found that nearly 18% of multiple sclerosis patients were misdiagnosed before receiving treatment at two major Los Angeles medical centers. The study revealed that many patients spent an average of four years being treated for MS before receiving a correct diagnosis.
Dr. Samuel Huang receives the Pfizer/ACMG Foundation Clinical Genetics Combined Residency Fellowship Award to enhance his clinical research training and expertise in biochemical genetics and therapeutics. He aims to improve patient care through translational genomics and policy changes.
Researchers have developed a novel brain map that tracks early brain atrophy in people with HIV, revealing a two-stage model of brain damage. The study suggests that the frontal lobe is affected early on, while the caudate/striatum area becomes more damaged as clinical symptoms appear.
A new study shows replacing flame retardant-free foam pit cubes can significantly lower gymnast exposures, with a 5.4-fold decrease observed. The switch also has implications for other recreational facilities with similar equipment.
A study found that men in Cote d'Ivoire are hesitant to seek HIV testing and treatment due to concerns about privacy and stigma. Men reported being deterred by the risk of disclosure, stigmatization, and inadequate healthcare services, despite some positive experiences with providers.
Researchers found that Dot had a typical-use failure rate of 5 percent and a perfect-use failure rate of 1 percent, comparable to other fertility awareness-based methods. The study also found no association between pregnancy and sociodemographic characteristics.
A new study finds that successful CPAP therapy requires personalized patterns of behavior and adaptations to physical, psychological, and cognitive factors. External assistance and advice can improve use, particularly in the home setting.
A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can convert harmless protein antigens into allergens, sensitizing immune cells to cause allergic airway disease. This effect is mediated by activated airway dendritic cells and may contribute to the development of asthma.
Researchers created a high-resolution map of the brain's immune system, showing that all microglia have the same core signature but adapt differently depending on their function. This discovery is significant for understanding brain diseases like multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's.
For patients with stable ischemic heart disease, aggressive risk factor modification and optimized medical management are crucial. Novel agents like ivabradine improve treatment options for symptom control in patients unresponsive to current treatments.
A new citizen science project, 'Science Scribbler - Virus Project', aims to train AI to identify virus particles by having people of all ages view screens and locate virus particles. This will help automate data segmentation processes, dramatically speeding up scientists' ability to understand research data in days rather than weeks.
The BMJ launches a 'give us a break' campaign calling for adequate rest breaks for doctors, addressing wellbeing and patient safety concerns. Nearly 36,000 junior doctors have reported working hour issues since 2016, highlighting the need for improved breaks.
A new study found that regular aspirin use after delivery erases the increased risk of stroke associated with a history of preeclampsia in women under 60. Women in this age group who took aspirin had the same stroke risk as those without a history of preeclampsia, whereas those who did not take aspirin had a 50% greater risk.
A study by the US Department of Veterans Affairs found that new appointment wait times have decreased at VA medical centers, making it easier for veterans to access healthcare services. The research compared primary care, dermatology, cardiology, and orthopedics appointments in 15 major metropolitan areas.
A new study found that swapping 30 minutes of sitting for any type of physical activity reduces the risk of early death by up to 35%. The researchers also discovered that short bursts of activity and taking regular movement breaks can have a significant health benefit.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that using a toilet stool can help people with constipation, bloating, and incomplete bowel movements. The study showed that 71% of participants experienced faster bowel movements and 90% reported less straining.
A new method for estimating health data accuracy combines HIS data with probability surveys to provide a more accurate assessment of an intervention's coverage. This allows for better planning and management of health systems and policies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Half of ambulances targeted in Syrian conflict sustained serious damage, with 49% severely damaged or withdrawn from service. Cluster bombs and barrel bombs were frequently used by Syrian government and Russian forces.
A new study found that routine Hepatitis C testing in correctional facilities identified nearly 35% more cases than targeted testing, which could lead to the cure of many cases and prevention of liver disease. Researchers recommend implementing routine testing for all incarcerated individuals upon arrival to address the national strate...
A team of neurologists at Georgetown University Medical Center found that inhibiting the USP13 protein eliminates Lewy bodies and stops their buildup in mouse models of Parkinson's disease. The study suggests targeting USP13 as a therapeutic target for treating Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Julie Pfeiffer's groundbreaking research has redefined how we think about life-threatening viral infections, discovering new ways bacteria affect virus infection. Her work shows antibiotics can have antiviral effects, driving research into new treatments for viruses.
Four Jefferson Lab-affiliated scientists have been elected as Fellow of the American Physical Society, a prestigious honor recognizing their significant contributions to nuclear physics. Cynthia Keppel's fellowship honors her broad impact in fundamental nuclear science and applications of nuclear technology.
Researchers have developed a new method to rank hotels more accurately, providing insights on areas that matter most to customers. The study found that facilities and staff are key factors in maximizing revenue for hotels.
A study of over 8,000 older women found that frequent back pain was associated with a 24% increased risk of death. Disability measured after back pain helped explain this association, suggesting that better management of back pain could prevent disability and improve life expectancy.
Research suggests that adolescents with a particular variant of an opioid receptor gene may be more vulnerable to substance abuse due to altered reward processing. The G-allele carriers showed a muted response in the prefrontal cortex, leading to an increased risk for future substance use problems.
Researchers found that neonatal birthweights increase in direct proportion with the number of births in at least 30 percent of cases. Large for gestational age (LGA) weight infants are at risk for complications and recurrence, according to a new study published in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics.
Researchers are studying how variations in federally qualified health centers impact efficiency and patient health outcomes. They aim to develop models to better understand the strengths and challenges facing Montana's healthcare system, with a focus on pregnancy-related health outcomes and disparities.
Boston Medical Center reduced unnecessary diagnostic testing and increased postoperative order sets after implementing electronic medical record-based interventions. The study demonstrates the impact of deploying multiple interventions simultaneously within the electronic medical record on delivering high-value care.
A first-of-its-kind study found that a fertility app called Dot is as effective as other modern methods for avoiding unplanned pregnancies. The app provided women with information about their fertility status each day of their menstrual cycle, resulting in a typical-use failure rate of 3.5%.
Researchers found large differences in brain regions among individuals with schizophrenia, making it difficult to diagnose based on symptoms. The study highlights the need for individualized treatments and brain 'fingerprints' to improve patient outcomes.
A study analyzing 112 records from 30 physical therapy sites found that exercise content and amount varied widely among total knee replacement patients. Evidence-based PT interventions may be insufficient in clinical practice, leading to reduced post-acute PT services due to new reimbursement models.
A study published in PNAS identifies two distinct brain networks involved in the perception of free will: the anterior cingulate cortex for volition and the precuneus cortex for agency. These findings suggest that damage to these regions can lead to impaired motivation and sensation of ownership over movements.
Researchers deployed machine learning methods to predict facility risk scores and detect potential violations under the Clean Water Act. The approach predicted catching two to seven times as many infractions as current approaches, with limitations including algorithmic bias and strategic behavior by facilities.
Scientists introduce a new model of causality that moves away from a temporally linear relationship between cause and effect. This new approach defines causality independently from time and allows for mutual or two-way causation.
Researchers identify medial prefrontal cortex as key player in perceptual memory, allowing for stable perception of environment despite intermittent blinks. This finding has implications for understanding interaction between perception and memory, and may also shed light on confidence in one's own perception.
A Special Focus Issue on Integrative Oncology investigates complementary and integrative medicine in multiple age groups, nations, and special populations. Research articles and commentaries discuss the options and effectiveness of nutritional strategies, aromatherapy, massage, and self-care toolkits for cancer patients.