Default 90-day statin prescriptions reduce pharmacy visits and close care gaps

With a simple click, doctors can potentially save lives and reduce heart attack and stroke risks for thousands of patients by helping them have their statins on hand. Researchers “nudged” doctors toward this through a default change in the electronic health record that made prescribing a 90-day supply of the medication the default option instead of actively choosing a 30-day supply.

How increasing antibody-to-antigen ratio enhances immune cell activation

Antibodies are best known for their ability to latch onto and neutralize bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. But these immune proteins can do more than that: They also activate other components of the immune system, which then go to work to clear an infection. A new study from Scripps Research explores the factors that influence how effectively antibodies engage specific immune cells.

Contingent responsive parenting can shape brains of sensitive babies and support emotional regulation

Sensitive parental interactions during the first year of life may directly affect the structure of babies’ brains and prevent future emotional difficulties, according to a new study conducted by Dr. Tahli Frenkel of the Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology at Reichman University, in collaboration with the University of California, Davis. The findings are published in the journal Developmental Psychology.