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Results show benefits in using acute kidney injury criteria in the diagnosis of cirrhosis

A recent study found that using acute kidney injury (AKIN) criteria in hospitalized cirrhotic patients can predict outcomes and improve diagnosis. The AKIN criteria is more sensitive than current definitions, considering a ≥50% increase in serum creatinine within 48 hours as renal failure. This may lead to better management of health s...

Young asthmatics are leaving emergency rooms missing critical documentation

A study published in American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that a written action plan attached to the drug prescription improves asthma control in preschool-aged children. The provision of the plan significantly improved patient adherence to prescribed medications and physicians' recommendations.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateMar 25, 2011

Research finds open-source software is actually more secure for health care IT

Research by the University of Warwick's Institute for Digital Healthcare and UCL Medical School finds that open-source software can provide higher security and quality through public disclosure and community review. This contradicts the common misconception that open-source software is inherently riskier due to its transparency.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateMar 8, 2011

Jefferson study shows physician's empathy directly associated with positive clinical outcomes

A landmark study by Thomas Jefferson University researchers found a direct association between physicians' empathy and their patients' positive clinical outcomes. The study, published in Academic Medicine, suggests that empathic engagement in patient care contributes to better treatment adherence and more desirable clinical results.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateMar 7, 2011

Clouds amplify ecological light pollution

Research by physicists and ecologists found that overcast skies are up to three times brighter than clear nights, amplifying ecological light pollution in urban ecosystems. The study highlights the need to consider cloud cover when assessing biological impact of light pollution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 2, 2011

How to leave your body

Researchers can manipulate the brain's perception of its own body, allowing for new prosthetic limbs and virtual reality experiences. This technology has significant implications for fields like medicine, psychology, and robotics.

New study alters long-held beliefs about shingles

A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that shingles recurrences are more common than previously thought, occurring in over 5% of patients within eight years. Patients experiencing prolonged pain after the initial episode were more likely to face a recurrence.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateFeb 1, 2011

RIC study suggests researchers are entering a new era of advances in brain research

Advances in recording technology and data analysis are set to revolutionize brain research, enabling better understanding of the brain's functional principles. Researchers at RIC have found that the number of simultaneously recorded single neurons has grown exponentially since the 1950s, doubling approximately every seven years.

SourceEdelman Public Relations, New York·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJan 26, 2011

Coronary imaging enhances ability to identify plaques likely to cause future heart disease

A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reveals that most untreated plaques causing unexpected heart attacks have large plaque burdens or small lumen areas, making them detectable by grayscale IVUS. The use of combination imaging modalities improves the ability to predict future adverse events.

SourceCardiovascular Research Foundation·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 19, 2011

Enhanced early childhood education pays long-term dividends in better health

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that intensive early education programs for low-income children can bring improved health and healthier behaviors in early adulthood. The randomized control trial, which enrolled 111 infants from the 1970s to age 21, showed significant benefits in health measure...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 14, 2011