Research on containing and managing disease. Covers critical-illness theory, zoonotic disease, immunotherapy trials, and historical epidemics.
A study published in the American Journal of Infection Control found that fist-bumping transmits significantly fewer bacteria than handshaking or high-fiving. The research suggests that adopting the fist bump as a greeting could substantially reduce the transmission of infectious diseases between individuals.
A new study found that genetic variations, particularly imprinted genes, play a significant role in determining the age of puberty in girls. The research analyzed DNA data from over 180,000 women and identified six imprinted gene variants associated with earlier or later menstrual cycles.
A cross-disciplinary team proposes using gene drives to manage ecosystems, potentially combating malaria and other diseases. Gene drives can spread specified genetic alterations through targeted wild populations over many generations.
Researchers have successfully used computer models to locate and eliminate high numbers of tsetse flies in Senegal, resulting in a 99.6% reduction. The eradication effort aims to control the devastating disease that affects humans, livestock, and wildlife.
A new study reports a significant increase in carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) cases in community hospitals across the Southeastern US. The rise is attributed to factors such as increased antibiotic use, transmission between facilities, and inadequate laboratory detection protocols.
The new document highlights basic prevention strategies for adult patients, including avoiding intubation and minimizing sedation. For pediatric and neonatal patients, the guidance emphasizes regular oral care and elevating the head of the bed to reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Researchers found more than twice as much coral disease at dredging sites compared to control sites, highlighting a direct link between dredging and coral disease. Dredging impacts corals by reducing light for photosynthesis and interfering with feeding, leading to chronic stress and increased disease prevalence.
The US CDC is building scientific capacity to detect and respond to novel health threats, with a focus on resilience and preparedness. The organization supports global health programs, including those aimed at combating infectious diseases, strengthening health systems, and improving disaster response.
The OpT2mise trial found that insulin pumps result in better blood sugar control than multiple daily injections in people with type 2 diabetes. The study showed that patients using the pumps achieved a significantly greater reduction in average blood sugar levels and spent less time in hyperglycaemia.
Researchers found that patients treated with proton therapy had significantly higher disease-free survival rates (72% vs. 50%) compared to those receiving intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Tumor control also improved at the longest follow-up for proton therapy-treated patients (81% vs. 64%).
Half of US adults suffer from at least one chronic condition, with a quarter having two or more. The report highlights the need for coordinated action to reduce the chronic disease burden, including promoting health and healthy behaviors, effective prevention services, and stronger links between healthcare and community services.
Researchers adapt mathematical tool for geographic profiling to target infectious disease breeding sites, reducing search areas from 300km to just 10.7km. The new model has the potential to identify sources of TB, cholera, and Legionnaires' disease, offering a promising solution for public health control.
A susceptibility gene for type 1 diabetes has been found to regulate self-destruction of the cell's energy factory. Researchers discovered that this pathway could be targeted for prevention and control of type-1 diabetes and may extend to treatment of other metabolic-associated diseases.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) offers significant benefits for diabetes patients, including non-exclusion of pre-existing conditions and access to preventive services. The law also authorizes the creation of the National Diabetes Prevention Program, delivering evidence-based lifestyle change programs to prevent type 2 diabetes.
The new guidelines provide a roadmap for prioritizing and implementing strategies to prevent healthcare-associated MRSA transmission and infection. Key highlights include conducting an MRSA risk assessment, implementing an MRSA monitoring program, and ensuring compliance with hand hygiene and contact precautions.
A nationwide effort in Israel reduced CRE cases by improving infection control standards and using a coordinated intervention focused on long-term care facilities. The study found a direct correlation between hospitals with high infection control scores and lower CRE carriage risk, resulting in a 25% decrease in carrier prevalence.
Researchers at MGH and Ragon Institute identified how p21, a tumor suppressor protein, blocks HIV reverse transcription in CD4 T cells. This mechanism contributes to the natural control of HIV infection in elite controllers without drug treatment.
Researchers from Imperial College London have developed a method to distort the sex ratio of Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes, eradicating female populations that transmit malaria. The genetically modified mosquitoes produced 95% male offspring, eliminating entire wild-type populations in six generations.
Researchers found three diseases have failed to receive official recognition and funding, impacting human and animal health in developing nations. A multidisciplinary One Health approach could improve human and animal health and control these diseases.
A long-term observational study found that people with type 1 diabetes who have developed kidney complications can slow the progression of their complications by improving control of their glycemic levels over the long term. Those who lowered their HbA1C levels demonstrated a significantly lower risk of end-stage renal disease after a ...
A two-year study found that using alcohol-impregnated caps reduced central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) by 68%, with 80% of infections related to inadequate hub cleaning. This simple intervention saved over $1 million in hospital costs, making it an easy addition to infection prevention strategies.
A new tool called pVAAST combines linkage analysis with case control association to identify disease-causing mutations in families, increasing the power to find gene variations that cause disease. By sequencing family genomes, researchers can pinpoint the gene responsible for a particular illness.
Researchers found that ultraviolet environmental disinfection (UVD) significantly reduced healthcare-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms and Clostridium difficile. The study analyzed 52 months of hospital-acquired MDROs plus C. difficile before and during UVD use, resulting in a 20 percent decrease in superbugs.
A recent survey found that 60% of adults support health warnings similar to those on cigarette packets, while 70% favor banning sugary drinks in schools or limiting sugar content.
A new study published by The Endocrine Society found that couples with high cholesterol levels took longer to conceive a child. The study examined the rate of pregnancies among 501 heterosexual couples trying to conceive and found that those with high cholesterol levels had significantly lower fecundity rates.
Leading scientists from ASH, AHA, and CDC convene a joint panel to discuss a global project improving treatment and control of hypertension worldwide. The project aims to standardize hypertension treatment globally, making it possible for other audiences to improve blood pressure control in their communities.
Researchers studied CA-MRSA transmission and survival on commonly touched items, revealing the bacteria's ability to survive on porous objects like towels. The findings suggest these surfaces are important in spreading the virulent bacteria.
Researchers used anonymized mobile records to identify geographical 'hotspots' of malaria and design targeted plans for its elimination. The study combined population movement data with information about diagnosed cases, climate, and topography.
Researchers at Kansas State University have identified a new gene expression mechanism in the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus. The discovery provides a potential avenue for developing new antiviral strategies.
Researchers developed a single-cell genomics technique to study malaria parasites, allowing for comprehensive understanding of multiple genotype infections (MGI's) and their impact on disease progression. The findings could inform disease control interventions and reduce rates of infection and mortality.
The guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for prioritizing and implementing strategies to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs), which are the most common and costly HAI in the US. Implementing these strategies can help prevent up to 60% of SSIs, reducing healthcare expenditures by at least $3.5 billion annually.
A GW researcher advocates for a sustainable approach to controlling soil-transmitted helminths (STH), proposing the use of biogas technology to provide sanitation, parasite control, and energy supply. This grassroots solution offers cost-effectiveness and community-driven development in underdeveloped areas.
Excessive phosphate consumption stimulates the production of FGF23, leading to negative effects on the cardiovascular system, including high blood pressure and vascular calcification. The study provides new insights into the connection between renal disease, FGF23 levels, and cardiovascular disease.
A study found that sending comprehensive weekly reports to hospital leadership significantly reduced carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii transmission rates. The rate decreased from 5.13 per 10,000 patient days to 1.93 in just two years.
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have successfully sequenced the genetic code of the tsetse fly, a major breakthrough in disease control. The genetic information will enable researchers to develop alternative strategies to control sleeping sickness, a fatal disease that kills over 250,000 people each year.
A team of international researchers, including LSTM scientists, has sequenced the genome of the tsetse fly, a key vector for African trypanosomiasis. The study provides valuable insights into tsetse biology and may lead to more effective control strategies, ultimately reducing the human cost and economic losses due to the disease.
A recent measles outbreak in the US highlights the need for physicians to be familiar with the deadly disease, particularly in return travelers with fever and rash. The author emphasizes the importance of measles vaccination and vigilance in healthcare facilities to prevent further spread.
Researchers have gained new understanding of how brain cells are formed and controlled by a key molecule miR-9, which is linked to brain development and function. This study could help explain what happens when cell production goes out of control in diseases like cancer.
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America publishes expert guidelines to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) in acute care hospitals. The strategies include protocols for proper catheter insertion and management, education among healthcare professionals, and surveillance programs to record progress.
A team of scientists at UCL and King's College London has developed a technique to restore function to paralyzed muscles using light-activated neurons created from stem cells. The method involves transplanting these motor neurons into injured nerve branches, which can be controlled by adjusting blue light pulses.
A neuroscientist at Virginia Tech is researching how the brain develops collateral blood vessels to restore oxygen and nutrients after a stroke. Her study aims to understand the brain's natural network of collateral vessels and develop new treatments to improve blood flow and limit tissue damage.
A University at Buffalo study found that IBS patients' health perceptions are more closely tied to non-biomedical factors such as social relationships and fatigue than the severity of their gastrointestinal symptoms. The study, which included 234 IBS patients, suggests that addressing these underlying issues could lead to improved clin...
University of Notre Dame biologists Nicole Achee and Neil Lobo are leading a five-year project to develop spatial repellent products for mosquito control, aiming to prevent malaria and dengue fever. The grant will generate data on the effectiveness of this new paradigm in mosquito control.
Researchers have found that warmer temperatures push malaria to higher elevations in highland regions of Ethiopia and Colombia, with significant consequences for densely populated areas. Climate change is expected to result in a substantial increase in malaria cases globally unless disease monitoring and control efforts are strengthened.
A new study suggests that a high-calorie diet rich in carbohydrates and fat may help slow the progression of motor neuron disease (ALS). Patients who were mildly obese lived longer than those who lost weight as ALS progressed. The diets improved survival rates, with fewer adverse events and deaths from respiratory failure.
Research from Columbia University School of Nursing and WHO found that one in five US hospitals don't make hand sanitizer available everywhere needed, missing a critical opportunity to prevent health care-associated infections. Only half of facilities have set aside funds for hand hygiene training.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that over half of the population in countries endemic for malaria continues to live in areas of moderate to intense transmission, with infection rates over 10%. Despite progress made between 2000-2010, the number of people living in high-risk areas fell only by 16%.
Researchers at the University of Kent have discovered a new strategy for controlling brown rot disease, a major problem for the UK's stone fruit producers. Biological control agents derived from UK cherries and plums show promise in preventing the disease in controlled conditions.
A study found that well-child visits are associated with a higher risk of flu-like illnesses in children and family members within two weeks of the visit. The research estimated that this increased risk translates to over 700,000 potentially avoidable illnesses each year.
A West Virginia outpatient oncology clinic experienced a rare outbreak of Tsukamurella bloodstream infections in 2011-2012, attributed to improper handling of intravenous saline. The outbreak led to changes in infection control practices, including the use of pre-packaged manufactured saline flushes.
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has issued guidelines for safety in the gastrointestinal endoscopy unit, focusing on infection control and procedure protocols. The guidelines aim to standardize safety efforts within GI endoscopy units, following changes in Ambulatory Surgical Center Conditions for Coverage.
A new study found that adults with low education levels live longer if they feel in control of their lives. Conversely, those who feel little control are three times as likely to die. Researchers believe innate and external factors contribute to perceived control.
A nationwide survey of 1,534 hospital ICUs found uneven compliance with infection prevention policies, with only 27-68% reporting policies for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). The use of checklists and ventilator bundles was reported by most hospitals, but clinician adherence rates were low, ranging from 6-71%.
A study at UT Southwestern Medical Center found elevated levels of DDT metabolite DDE in patients with Alzheimer's, suggesting a link between DDT exposure and the disease. The study suggests that early biomarkers could help predict Alzheimer's development due to DDT exposure.
A study by Loyola Medicine neuropsychologist Christopher Randolph challenges the widely-held theory that retired NFL players suffer from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Despite high rates of Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, the study found little conclusive evidence to support CTE as a distinct disease.
Research found significantly higher levels of infectious pathogens in water from faucet taps with aerators compared to deeper in the plumbing system. Contaminated water threatens immunocompromised patients with increased infection risk.
New guidance from SHEA recommends practices to prevent transmission of pathogens, including adopting a 'bare below the elbows' approach and laundering apparel after daily use. The guidance aims to close knowledge gaps in infection prevention related to HCP attire.
Researchers at IRCM, in collaboration with McGill University, reveal the importance of DNA architecture in controlling gene activity, especially during embryonic development. This discovery could significantly impact genetic disease diagnosis and treatment.
A new study of 93,000 postmenopausal American women found that those with the highest amounts of sedentary time had a 12% increase in all-cause premature mortality compared to their most active peers. Regular exercise and daily movement can help counteract these declines.
Researchers have designed compounds called quinine dimers that work against sensitive and resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite causing severe malaria. These compounds bind to and block resistance-conferring proteins, resensitizing parasites to chloroquine and killing them.