News on measuring and increasing the impact of research. Covers research-impact data, AI publishing workflows, open-access programs, and scholarly metrics.
Researchers discovered MIA-602's effectiveness against Doxorubicin-resistant acute myeloid leukemia (AML), demonstrating reduced cell viability and tumor volume. The study suggests MIA-602 as a potential alternative treatment approach for AML, potentially circumventing chemotherapy side effects.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that treating gum disease after a heart rhythm ablation procedure can lower oral inflammation and reduce the risk of AFib recurrence. Researchers found that an index measuring the severity of gum inflammation was associated with the return of AFib, highligh...
A new study has identified alpha-1-antichymotrypsin as a blood protein marker that can predict delayed recovery of concussion in children. The study found that children with low levels of alpha-1-antichymotrypsin were more likely to experience delayed recovery, highlighting the potential for early diagnosis and targeted treatment.
Researchers suggest swapping red meat for herring/sardines could prevent half a million to 750,000 deaths from diet-related disease in 2050. Adopting this type of diet would be especially helpful for low and middle-income countries where these fish are cheap and plentiful.
A new study found that a remote team focused on education and medication management can improve guideline-directed-medical-therapy adherence in patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients who received education simultaneously with medication management demonstrated a higher rate of medication uptake.
A digital health platform with one-on-one telehealth coaches significantly improves patient adherence to pre-surgical preparation and post-surgical recovery guidance. Patients who used the platform had shorter hospital stays and lower risk of readmission compared to those who didn't use it.
A study from Colorado State University explores how human activity is altering the atmospheric water cycle, leading to changes in precipitation distribution and cloud formation. The research uses science fiction narratives to imagine possible futures and spark conversations around water management policies.
Vaping additives, particularly vitamin E, can damage the lungs by inhibiting gas exchange and lung stability. The study used Langmuir films to simulate the expansion and compression of the pulmonary surfactant, observing how the additive changed its properties and monitored changes as more were added.
A scientific review found only 128 studies investigating inter-connected drivers across infectious disease spread, biodiversity loss and climate change. Researchers highlight the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to identify win-win-win solutions and avoid unintended consequences.
Scientists from Kessler Foundation received significant research grants to explore the social determinants of health among racial/ethnic groups during wheelchair breakdowns. The studies aim to understand the impact of transportation insecurity on individuals with chronic Spinal Cord Injury (SCI).
The TIER2 project is seeking consortia to establish a new Reproducibility Network (RN) in Widening participation countries. The selected consortia will receive 5,000 Euros each as seed money to support the kick-off meeting and promote reproducible research practices.
The prevalence of problem and at-risk gambling in Massachusetts has remained steady since casinos were introduced in 2015, according to a statewide survey. The research team attributes this to the state's robust problem gambling prevention programs, including GameSense and voluntary self-exclusion.
A new study by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center found that 21.9% of people with cancer participate in some form of clinical research, including treatment trials and biorepository studies. Enrollment in treatment trials was particularly high at National Cancer Institute-designated centers.
A recent study published in Annals of Neurology suggests that midlife stressful events may be a risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease in older ages. Researchers found associations between stress and higher levels of beta-amyloid protein, neuroinflammation, and brain atrophy, particularly in men.
A new study found that AI systems produce much less CO2e per page of text generated compared to human writers and illustrators. DALL-E2 emits approximately 2,500 times less CO2e than a human artist for illustration tasks. The authors suggest collaboration between AI and human efforts for the most beneficial outcome.
A new study found that shortening overnight operations at bars and taverns reduced homicides by 51% within the first month and by 40% annually. Reducing late-night alcohol sales also decreased all violent crimes by 23% annually in a Baltimore neighborhood.
A team of researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences has successfully developed a high-power, narrow-linewidth solid-state deep ultraviolet laser at 193 nm using LBO crystals. The generated DUV laser exhibits an average power of 60 mW and a linewidth of approximately 640 MHz, setting new benchmarks in efficiency values.
The journal features five original articles from Kennedy Krieger faculty members, providing actionable insights on caring for children with autism. The volume addresses a significant gap in resources for pediatric clinicians and researchers globally.
Research on South Georgia reveals that invasive species are colonizing newly exposed ground as glaciers retreat due to climate change. This process allows exotic plants and animals to rapidly adapt and spread across the island.
Researchers developed a smartphone cognitive testing app that detects early signs of FTD in gene carriers before symptoms appear. The app was found to be comparable to gold-standard methods and may enable greater participation in clinical trials.
A new study has found that replacing sugar with artificial and natural sweeteners in foods does not make people hungrier, but may help reduce blood sugar levels. The trial involved 53 adult men and women with overweight or obesity and found no differences in appetite or endocrine responses compared to sugar.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a new method for analyzing walking and gait using free software and cellphone videos. This approach is more accessible and quicker than current state-of-the-art methods, enabling clinicians to assess patients' walking abilities more conveniently.
Kessler Foundation has received two grants to improve cognitive assessment for traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) patients and pilot-test a nationwide personal assistance services survey. The grants will support innovative research, including a hands-free eye-tracker-based cognitive assessment and a survey to assess the impact of perso...
A new telerehabilitation program has shown promising results in improving lower extremity recovery post-stroke. Participants experienced improvements in mobility and strength, as well as gained self-management skills to empower themselves and maintain their achievements.
For the first time, astronomers have measured the speed of fast-moving jets in space, crucial to star formation and the distribution of elements needed for life. The jets of matter, expelled by stars deemed 'cosmic cannibals', were found to travel at over one-third of the speed of light.
A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that neighborhoods with more adversity have up to twice the increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The research highlights the complex interplay between social and environmental factors on health outcomes.
A new study aims to understand how family dogs influence children's physical activity levels, with researchers exploring ways to promote healthy habits in young people. The study found that about 20% of daily physical activity comes from time spent with the dog.
Researchers have introduced a refined method for analyzing brain signals, providing a more detailed understanding of the brain's complex activity. This enhancement enables scientists to better understand how brain activity correlates with different tasks and behaviors.
Researchers assessed the feasibility of dual PD-L1/CTLA-4 checkpoint inhibition in Stage II or III hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. Eight patients received upfront durvalumab and tremelimumab prior to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, showing mixed responses and limited benefit.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem introduced a non-invasive technique for evaluating chickpea water status, offering farmers a powerful tool to fine-tune irrigation schedules. The method amplifies both crop yields and water efficiency, resonating with global food security efforts.
A new study presents a novel surgical technique for treating Moebius syndrome, a rare condition that prevents smiling and affects social engagement. The technique involves utilizing the ipsilateral facial nerve to power gracilis free functional muscle transfer in select patients with residual facial nerve activity.
Australian researchers have helped develop new global anaemia guidelines that could change the diagnosis and treatment of the condition for millions of people. The revised guidelines provide a clear set of haemoglobin thresholds that can be uniformly used to diagnose and treat anaemia, reducing unnecessary costs and pain.
Researchers found that nontraditional stroke risk factors like migraines are as important as traditional risk factors like high blood pressure for adults younger than ages 35-45. The association between stroke and nontraditional stroke risk factors was stronger in adults younger than 35 years old.
Dr. Chana Sacks is the new Editor-in-Chief of NEJM Evidence, focusing on providing high-quality, practice-changing evidence for medical professionals. The journal aims to change how medical professionals think about generating evidence while making clinical learning engaging and fun.
A recent Johns Hopkins Children's Center study reveals a significant negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth minority mental health. The research found increased rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among adolescents in racial and ethnic minorities, with Black females showing a 90.2% increase in suicidal thoughts.
Claire Célérier, a finance professor at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management, has received the 2024 IEF/SCOR Foundation for Science Best Young Researcher Award. Her research explores how finance can benefit households and addresses topics such as innovation, diversity, and inclusion.
A department-wide EHR optimization project led to improved productivity by addressing workflow problems and creating new policies. The study demonstrates the importance of ongoing collaboration between EHR users and IT colleagues to enhance user experience and inform technology upgrades.
Researchers present findings on immunotherapy approaches, a potential biomarker for neuroendocrine carcinomas, and improved treatments for pancreatic cancer and melanoma. A UCLA team identified UCHL1 as a molecular indicator and therapeutic target for aggressive neuroendocrine cancers.
A Simon Fraser University professor has led a team in developing a comprehensive roadmap for next-generation printable sensor technologies. These technologies could enable everyday objects and environments to acquire sensing capabilities, paving the way for advancements in sustainability and quality of life.
A new study by Penn researchers finds that healthcare algorithms can have a nuanced impact on racial and ethnic disparities, sometimes reducing disparities but also affecting other outcomes. The research team identified strategies to mitigate disparities, including adding non-race variables and using diverse data sets.
Researchers found no significant impact on liquor store sales or employment despite concerns from owners. The study also tracked the opening and closing of stores, finding a slight increase in independent liquor stores but no change in grocery store numbers.
Primary care physicians struggle to balance harms and benefits of lung cancer screening in patients with multiple health issues, often relying on clinical judgment. Ultimately, the decision rests with the patient, who makes their own choice despite physician advice.
A new measure called “outdoor days” describes the number of days per year that outdoor temperatures are neither too hot nor too cold for people to go about normal outdoor activities. This measure reveals significant global disparities, with the North gaining more outdoor days and the South losing them due to rising temperatures.
Scientists have found that climate change is altering the timing of plant and soil processes in the Alps, leading to disruptions in nutrient cycling and potentially threatening biodiversity. The high mountains are warming at a faster rate than surrounding areas, resulting in reduced snow cover and changes in vegetation patterns.
Researchers developed a novel machine learning-based depth estimation technique for satellite-derived bathymetry, improving accuracy in coastal regions with unique characteristics. The model demonstrated generalizability and potential for enhancements through incorporation of additional seabed spatial data.
A new study published in Thyroid found that individuals with low-risk differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) in the US experience lower mortality rates compared to the general population. The most common causes of death were malignancies and cardiovascular disease.
A new study found that women with a history of adverse pregnancy complications can reduce their risk of developing heart disease by maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors. The research, presented at the American Heart Association's 2024 meeting, used data from the UK Biobank to evaluate the association between Life's Essential 8 score...
A new study found significant reductions in total symptom score and faster return to physical activity among concussed adolescents and young adults treated with branched chain amino acid supplementation. The study's findings provide important preliminary data for a larger trial of BCAA therapy.
Research reveals that FoxO6 upregulates ApoC3, leading to increased lipid accumulation and liver damage in aged rats on a high-fat diet. The study suggests that targeting this pathway may offer therapeutic strategies against hepatic steatosis.
NeXT Personal assay detects up to ~1,800 somatic variants specific to the patient's tumor with a detection threshold of 1.67 PPM and 99.9% specificity. The assay showed linearity over a range of 0.8 to 300,000 PPM.
Researchers found that young breast cancer patients who received a low-dose radiotherapy boost had a lower risk of local recurrence after 10 years, with only 4.4% experiencing recurrence. In contrast, high-dose boosts resulted in fewer recurrences but also more severe fibrosis and cosmetic issues.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine research team found a cell surface protein that senses odors and chemicals may be responsible for the long-known difference in blood pressure between females and males. The study, published in Science Advances, used data from mice and humans to investigate the link between an odor sensor and blood pressure.
Research suggests that early-life tobacco exposure significantly increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in adulthood, particularly for individuals with a high genetic risk. Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and smoking habits may modify this risk, emphasizing the importance of healthy lifestyle choices.
Researchers at Lehigh University found that low- to mid-level flooding events are the most vulnerable to cyber attacks, which can overwhelm the system and cause a flood downstream. The study developed a mathematical framework to identify vulnerabilities in stormwater systems, allowing municipalities to assess their risks.
A new study found that making draught alcohol-free beer more widely available in pubs and bars can lead to a five per cent reduction in sales of alcoholic drinks, equivalent to 51 pints per week. This change increases the options available to customers without restricting their choice.
Researchers propose combining osimertinib with gefitinib to increase progression-free survival rates in EGFR-mutant lung cancer patients. A comprehensive PC approach could dramatically boost PFS for 80% of patients, eliminating harm and improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs by harnessing AI in metamaterials research, leading to faster device development and more precise data analysis. This convergence of AI and metaphotonics has the potential to transform various domains, including diagnosis, environmental monitoring, and security.
Recent medications for Type 2 diabetes and weight loss have positive effects on cardiovascular and kidney health but are not always prescribed or accessible to those who need them. The studies highlight the need to address barriers to access and equity, particularly among Black adults with severe obesity.
Preliminary research suggests that short-term heat exposure can lead to increased inflammation and impaired immune function, making individuals more susceptible to infections. Adults older than 60 and those with existing cardiovascular disease are particularly at risk.
A research team at Lehigh University has received a three-year, $2 million grant from the Department of Energy to develop an alternative concrete binder using low-temperature calcined clays. The goal is to produce a material with properties similar to Ordinary Portland Cement but without greenhouse gas emissions.