A study suggests that small changes to US kidney allocation policies can help alleviate geographic disparities in transplantation. Implementing local sharing strategies like the Statewide Sharing variance adopted by Tennessee and Florida has been shown to significantly reduce disparities, while other states saw increased disparities.
A new study published by Drexel University found significant differences in self-reported driving behaviors and perceptions of driving ability among autistic adults compared to non-autistic adults. Adults with autism reported driving less frequently, restricting their behaviors, and experiencing more traffic violations.
A recent study challenges the idea that individuals with episodic amnesia are unable to understand time, revealing they retain temporal consciousness and can order events on a timeline. This discovery opens up new questions about memory and its relationship to human understanding of time.
A longitudinal study of 22 MS patients found significant declines in cognitive function, including processing speed and memory, over an 18-year period. The study provides valuable insights into the natural evolution of cognitive changes in MS.
A 15-year study found that HIV-positive individuals with high CD4 cell counts had no excess risk of ischemic stroke compared to HIV-negative subjects. This suggests that maintaining immune function may protect against ischemic stroke.
A study found that when couples disagree on stroke recovery, the caregiving spouse experiences depression and emotional distress. The discrepancy in perceptions between survivors and spousal caregivers is key to predicting depression in spousal caregivers.
A University of Colorado Denver study found that increased bicycle use leads to reduced collisions between cyclists and motorists, attributed to the 'safety in numbers effect'. The study focused on Boulder, Colorado, where high bicycling rates resulted in lower crash rates.
The foundation has committed nearly $49 million to support the careers of 77 physician-scientists across the US since 2000. The Clinical Investigator Award program aims to address the shortage of physicians capable of translating scientific discovery into new cancer breakthroughs.
Early exposure to ultraviolet radiation from indoor tanning increases the risk of basal cell carcinomas in young people. Researchers found that teens and young adults who use indoor tanning devices are more likely to develop BCC, especially on the torso.
A team of investigators at Children's Hospital Los Angeles is award $4 million to create a high-resolution, four-dimensional map of alveolar development in humans and mice. The LungMAP project will provide unprecedented insights into the formation of the gas exchange surface in the human lung.
Case Western Reserve scientists pinpoint the channeling of cell's energy flow in moving metal ions using advanced imaging technologies. This finding has the potential to inform future research on treating diseases such as Parkinson's, chronic liver disease, and heart disease.
A study analyzing 563,281 hemodialysis patients found significant racial and ethnic differences in hospitalization rates. Younger black patients, older black patients, and older Hispanic patients had increased hospitalization rates compared to whites of similar ages, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Researchers used optogenetics to manipulate activity in a particular brain circuit, linking it to increased social interaction and decreased interest in strangers. The findings may shed light on psychiatric disorders marked by impaired social interaction, such as autism and schizophrenia.
A UCSF study found that families with an autistic child are one-third less likely to have more children. The study analyzed California state health records and found that reproductive stoppage, or the decision not to have more children due to a genetic disorder, is a real phenomenon.
Research by the American Psychological Association found that early elementary school start times were associated with lower standardized test scores and poor attendance in schools serving more economically advantaged children. In contrast, later start times showed no significant impact on academic performance in disadvantaged schools.
A new study published in JAMA Neurology found no significant difference in overall disability between military personnel with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) from blast and non-blast causes. Both groups suffered moderate to severe disabilities, as well as similar rates of depression, PTSD, and cognitive impairment.
Researchers at Penn University's Center for Environmental Toxicology will study asbestos exposure pathways and develop methods for bioremediation. The study aims to identify factors that increase the risk of mesothelioma and determine if genetic or environmental factors play a role.
Research by UCSF scientists reveals two gene variants associated with longer telomeres also increase the risk of developing gliomas. Despite being carried by a majority of people, these genetic variants may promote overall health due to their protective effect on cells from aging.
The Endocrine Society recognizes the achievements of early career investigators and provides training opportunities for underrepresented minority students through its Early Investigators Awards and Future Leaders Advancing Research in Endocrinology (FLARE) Internship Program.
A new 5-question clinical tool, VIO-SCAN, can help clinicians screen for risk of violence in military veterans by considering financial stability, combat experience, alcohol misuse, and PTSD plus anger. The study highlights the need to focus on non-PTSD factors beyond just PTSD when understanding violence in veterans.
A new study suggests revising the definition of kidney disease progression used in clinical trials could shorten trial length and encourage more trials. This revised definition, based on a decline in estimated kidney function, carries higher risks for end-stage renal disease and mortality but is common enough to facilitate testing.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have found that mucins play a major role in failing lung function in cystic fibrosis patients. The study reveals that diluting the concentration of mucins in CF mucus may be key to improving treatments.
Researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that the unexpected death of a loved one can trigger a range of psychiatric disorders in people with no history of mental illness. The study, which analyzed data from over 27,000 participants, showed that losing a loved one suddenly raised the risk of major depr...
Regular positive interactions with family and friends can help older adults maintain good health, but negative social interactions present health risks. Studies found that social networks are associated with more involvement in leisure activities, leading to better health outcomes.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health found a link between autism and two biological pathways in mice with Mohawk-like hairstyles. The study suggests that reversing these effects could lead to potential treatments for the disease.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have found a new target for treating chronic pain by targeting the enzyme PIP5K1C. By reducing the level of this enzyme, they showed that the levels of a crucial lipid called PIP2 in pain-sensing neurons is also lessened, thus decreasing pain.
Researchers found that 69% of healthy Americans are infected with one or more of 109 HPV strains, most of which appear harmless. The study highlights the complexities of the HPV viral biome and the need for broader diagnostic tests to accurately assess infection status.
A study published in PNAS suggests that Kawasaki disease may be caused by airborne aerosols from northeast China, possibly related to the fungus Candida. The findings indicate a strong link between wind patterns and disease outbreaks in Japan, with Candida species identified as the dominant airborne fungus.
A recent study published in Human Reproduction found that men with male infertility are more likely to die sooner than those with normal semen quality, with a doubling of mortality risk. The study examined data from over 12,000 men aged 20-50 and found an inverse relationship between semen quality and mortality rate.
A study found that people enrolled in methadone treatment programs are receptive to HCV education and treatment. The research suggests that these facilities can provide sustained HCV treatment by linking care to substance abuse treatment, leading to improved adherence.
A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people trust strangers more often due to a sense of moral obligation rather than expectation of reward. Researchers conducted six experiments involving 645 university students, showing that even those with low expectations of others tend to trust total strangers.
A new study found that while e-cigarette awareness has increased significantly among smokers, their perceived safety is decreasing. The researchers discovered no association between e-cigarette awareness and smoking cessation attempts, suggesting that adult smokers have not yet accepted e-cigarettes as a quit-smoking aid.
A new kidney allocation policy is expected to improve patient and transplant survival rates, with median organ survival increasing by 2.8%, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. The policy prioritizes highly sensitized patients while potentially reducing access for older candidates.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that inhibiting a protein family helps mice survive radiation exposure. The study suggests a possible treatment for people unintentionally exposed to large amounts of radiation. The technique protected intestinal cells from damage, reducing side effects like diarrhea and nausea.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new model of heart tissue carrying an inherited cardiovascular disease, a major step forward for personalized medicine. The study used patient-derived cardiac cells and 'organs-on-chips' technology to create a functional human heart tissue that can be replicated in the laboratory.
A partnership between psychologists and physicians can produce a comprehensive, integrated personal care plan that includes attention to mental and medical disorders. The collaboration can help improve diagnosis, address substance abuse issues, and incorporate health behavior change, leading to better primary health care outcomes.
A new machine perfusion system has been developed to increase the supply and quality of donor organs for liver transplantation. The system preserves metabolic function, preconditioning the liver before transplantation. Key findings include improved organ viability and reduced tissue damage.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that adults with a parent who abused alcohol are 85% more likely to attempt suicide. Having divorced parents also increases the risk of suicide attempts by 14%. However, combining divorce and parental alcohol abuse does not increase suicide risk.
The study found that older mice infused with young mouse plasma demonstrated improved learning and memory abilities, as well as increased production of substances essential for hippocampal function. This suggests that the brain may be able to recover from age-related impairments through the infusion of youth-given blood.
A researcher is working on procedures to identify female menstrual blood and vaginal material at crime scenes, while also identifying male fluids. This study aims to differentiate between seminal fluid and semen to prove the occurrence of sexual intercourse in cases of false accusation or prosecution.
A meta-analysis by American Psychological Association found women rated as highly as men in leadership effectiveness, contradicting long-held stereotypes. The study also discovered that women are viewed more favorably when holding senior management positions, highlighting a shift towards greater gender equality in the workplace.
Douglas Kondziolka received the 2014 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for his extensive research and clinical work in stroke-related cell transplantation. He is principal investigator on several neurotransplantation clinical trials, including a trial evaluating bone marrow-derived neuroprogenitor cells for implantation.
A study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that sell-side analysts tend to compare companies in the same category but with expensive stock prices. This can lead to undervalued companies being perceived as good buys compared to high-valuation peers. The research also shows a greater tendency to choose hig...
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a new CRISPR-based RNA-guided nuclease technology that significantly reduces off-target gene mutations. By doubling the length of DNA recognized for cleavage, the new platform improves genome editing precision and fidelity.
A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that students who felt threatened by their teachers' messages about failing performed worse on exams than those who did not. The researchers suggest that teachers should consider using more positive and supportive messages to motivate students.
A study of 429 crimes committed by 143 offenders with serious mental disorders found that only 7.5% were directly related to symptoms of mental illness. Most offenders who committed crimes with mental illness symptoms also had unrelated crimes for other reasons, such as poverty or substance abuse.
A study of US military personnel with blast plus impact concussive TBI found that those with the injury experienced high levels of overall disability and a significantly increased risk of post-traumatic stress disorders. The study also highlights the importance of considering the long-term effects of such injuries in military populations.
New research explores the causes of distracted driving among teens, highlighting the role of brain immaturity, technology, and peer influence. Practical recommendations include extended driver training and behavioral change programs to reduce crashes.
Researchers at Stanford University have developed a technique to study the genetic activity of individual cells during embryonic development. By analyzing the genes active in lung cells at different stages, they revealed how specific cell types are formed and gained insights into the mechanisms of alveolar cell differentiation.
A new study by LA BioMed Research found that a calcium score can predict heart disease risk among adults with minimal or no known risk factors. Adults with low to moderate calcium scores were more likely to die from heart disease than those with no calcified plaque buildup.
The American Association of Anatomists announced its 2014 award winners, including Jeffrey Laitman for his work in human anatomy education and Drew Noden for his scientific achievements. The winners will receive medals, plaques, and honorariums, as well as opportunities to present lectures at the 2014 Annual Meeting at Experimental Bio...
Researchers will assess daily tasks like buying tickets and making food using the internet's Actual Reality platform. The goal is to broaden assessment scope for people with MS, making it more accessible and relevant.
A new single-tablet regimen of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir has proven highly effective in treating patients with HCV genotype 1, with cure rates ranging from 94% to 99%. The therapy shows promise for both first-time and previously treated patients, offering a simpler and more tolerable option than current treatments.
The National Institutes of Health has awarded Mount Sinai a $26 million contract to support pandemic preparedness and advance the understanding of flu biology. Researchers will conduct animal surveillance studies, analyze virus-host interactions, and develop new vaccines.
Atrasentan has been shown to lower albuminuria by 36% without major side effects in patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease. The drug also lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, suggesting a potential benefit for patients at high risk of serious medical problems.
A study by Lynn Butler and colleagues found that cytomegalovirus infection inhibits erythropoietin production, leading to lower red blood cell counts. The researchers suggest targeting CMV as a potential treatment for anemia in patients with kidney disease.
Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School found that fruit flies can emit light when treated with a synthetic luciferin analog. This discovery expands the scope of bioluminescence imaging and opens new avenues for non-invasive studying of biological processes.
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation and Society for Science & the Public announced winners of the Science, Play and Research Kit (SPARK) Competition. A microfluidics 'lab on a chip' prototype developed by Manu Prakash and George Korir took first prize, while Robijanto Soetedjo's toy set that explores electrical signals won second pri...
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have identified a specific RSV-encoded non-structural protein (NS2) as the genetic trigger for severe lung infections in infants. The discovery could lead to new diagnostic tools and treatments, reducing hospitalizations caused by RSV infection.
A study found that poor quality of life in African Americans with chronic kidney disease is associated with increased risks of disease progression and heart problems. The research suggests that improving quality of life may help protect patients' health, highlighting the need for better management of kidney disease-related health issues.