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Adolescent sexual and reproductive health priorities identified

A study led by Michelle Hindin identified research priorities for adolescent sexual and reproductive health in low- and middle-income countries. The top-ranking research questions suggest that definitions of problems and interventions need improvement, with a shift towards scaling up existing interventions and developing new ones.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateJan 24, 2013

CardioScape: European Society of Cardiology & European Union to recommend transnational funding strategies for cardiovascular disease research

The European Commission awards the ESC nearly €500,000 to survey European CVD research funding landscape and identify gaps in funding. The CardioScape project will provide intelligence on where cardiovascular research funding is provided and make recommendations for future transnational research strategies.

Saving lives could start at shift change: A simple way to improve hospital handoff conversations

A study led by the University of Michigan found that doctors tend to spend excessive time on early cases and rush at the end of the list, leading to miscommunication and preventable medical errors. Researchers suggest prioritizing handoff conversations for the sickest patients first to improve patient care and reduce errors.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 12, 2012

A protein’s role in helping cells repair DNA damage

Researchers found that TFIIB halts general transcription when DNA damage occurs, enabling cells to prioritize repair and support p53's tumor-suppressing functions. This process allows p53 to bypass the need for TFIIB phosphorylation, activating its target genes vital for DNA damage response.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 1, 2012

Gene suppression can reduce cold-induced sweetening in potatoes

Cold-induced sweetening in potatoes causes unwanted flavor changes and dark colors. Researchers found that suppressing invertase enzyme activity can enable cold storage without compromising chip or plant appearance. The study provides proof of concept for the importance of invertase in cold-induced sweetening.

US edition of bmj.com launched

The BMJ Group has launched a dedicated US edition of bmj.com, prioritizing clinical and journalistic content relevant to US physicians and researchers. The site now features a homepage with direct-relevance articles and channels prioritizing content of interest to US readers.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 2, 2012

Researchers identify key genes and prototype predictive test for schizophrenia

A research team identified a comprehensive group of genes linked to schizophrenia and developed a prototype predictive test that can accurately assess an individual's risk of developing the disease. The test was able to predict schizophrenia risk in about two-thirds of cases, providing guidance for early intervention and treatment.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 15, 2012

ASBMR responds to NEJM's study on biphosphonates

The American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) emphasizes the need for further research to improve treatment guidelines for osteoporosis patients taking bisphosphonates. The organization suggests that more research is necessary to determine the optimal length of therapy, as current recommendations may not be suitable for al...

SourceBurness·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateMay 9, 2012

Many countries still lack a health research strategy

Countries with limited health research capacity are mainly small islands and politically isolated nations, according to international experts. Establishing national health research strategies is crucial for public health systems to function and thrive.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 24, 2012

Strengthening the bond between policy and science

A new research agenda has been developed to strengthen the relationship between science and policy, addressing key questions on scientific advice to governments. The final set of 40 questions includes topics such as designing scientific advisory systems and ensuring early identification of policy issues requiring scientific input.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 9, 2012

Head for the cloud

Researchers identified six essential security aspects for cloud computing: confidentiality, integrity, availability, utility, authenticity, and possession. Users prioritize these elements based on personal needs, weighing pros and cons to reach a compromise.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Communication Networks and Distributed Systems·DateMar 5, 2012

Causes of death in older people in Latin America, India and China

Chronic diseases, particularly stroke, are the leading causes of death among older adults in Latin America, India, and China. Education has been shown to have a significant impact on mortality rates, suggesting that efforts to ensure universal access to education could lead to substantial health benefits for generations to come.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 28, 2012

New tuberculosis research movement needed

The TB Research Movement aims to create a framework for concrete actions to harmonize and synergize TB research efforts globally. The movement is creating a framework for more research and innovation, particularly for the poor and vulnerable populations burdened by TB.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 29, 2011

Evidence-based medicine in health-care reform

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 promotes a national comparative outcomes research project agenda to optimize evidence-based medicine. High-quality associations will identify research topics for pragmatic clinical trials, while systematic reviews of clinical trials provide optimal evidence-based medicine.

SourceAmerican Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateOct 19, 2011

Scientists develop new potato lines to wage war on wireworms

Researchers have developed new potato lines with genetic resistance to wireworms, a major pest that can cause significant damage to crops. The resistant clones outperformed insecticide-treated potatoes in field trials, suggesting that natural compounds like glycoalkaloids may be protecting the plants.