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Science News for January 8, 2014


New device can reduce sleep apnea episodes by 70 percent, Pitt-UPMC study shows

A new device called Inspire Upper Airway Stimulation (UAS) therapy has been shown to significantly reduce obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) episodes by approximately 70 percent in patients. The device targets the muscle tone of the throat, leading to improved control of breathing and reduced daytime fatigue.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 8, 2014

Medicine protects against strokes

A large Danish study found that anticoagulant medicine significantly reduces the risk of serious brain damage or death due to a stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study, which followed over 11,000 patients, also showed that mortality within 30 days is lower for those receiving treatment.

SourceAarhus University·JournalStroke·DateJan 8, 2014

Newly discovered celestial object defies categories

A newly discovered celestial object, ROXs 42Bb, located nine times the mass of Jupiter and 30 times further away from its star than Jupiter, defies easy categorization as a planet or brown dwarf. This finding blurs the distinction between planets and brown dwarfs, prompting researchers to re-examine formation theories.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 8, 2014

First shark genome decoded

Researchers have sequenced and analyzed the elephant shark genome, comparing it with human and other vertebrate genomes. The study found that sharks lack certain types of immune cells and exhibit robust immune defences despite this, and also revealed why cartilage prevails in their skeleton over bone.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2014

The Lancet research series

The Lancet research series aims to increase value and reduce waste in biomedical research by setting clear priorities, improving research design and conduct, and enhancing regulation and management. The series proposes metrics for stakeholders to monitor the implementation of recommendations.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 8, 2014

Neolithic mural may depict ancient eruption

Scientists analyzed volcanic rock samples from Turkey's Hasan Dagi volcano and found ages that overlap with the estimated time of a Çatalhöyük Neolithic site mural. The mural is believed to depict an explosive eruption of the volcano, which closely matches the dated timeline.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Researchers grapple with UK's nuclear legacy

A £8 million project at the University of Leeds is developing new technologies to handle different types of spent fuels, packaging and storing waste, and dealing with nuclear sludges. The research consortium brings together academics, industry experts, and government advisors to tackle Britain's nuclear legacy.

Older firefighters may be more resilient to working in heat

A recent study found that older firefighters who are chronically exposed to heat stress on the job may be able to tolerate more challenging work environments before feeling affected by the heat. This increased heat resilience could enable them to perform tasks without stopping due to thermal strain, thereby reducing the risk of injurie...

SourceAmerican Industrial Hygiene Association·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene·DateJan 8, 2014

Study finds that information is as important as medication in reducing migraine pain

A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that patients' expectations, whether positive, negative, or neutral, significantly influence the effects of both medications and placebos on migraine pain. The researchers discovered that a positive message and powerful medication are essential for effective clinical care.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 8, 2014

Columbia Engineering wins $3 million ARPA-E grant to raise efficiency, lower cost of power grid

A research team led by Ken Shepard has won a $3 million grant from the US Energy Department's ARPA-E program to develop next-generation power conversion devices. The goal is to lower costs and improve energy efficiency in power electronics, enabling applications like data centers, electric vehicles, and photovoltaics.

Marine bacteria to fight tough infections

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have identified marine bacteria that can effectively inhibit the ability of staphylococci to form toxins and camouflage proteins. These compounds, known as antivirulence therapy, may offer a new solution for treating resistant bacterial infections.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Elephant shark genome decoded

Researchers have sequenced the elephant shark genome, providing new insights into bone formation and adaptive immunity. The study reveals a family of genes essential for bone development and identifies a lack of immune cells in sharks, despite robust immune responses.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2014

Does the body's immune response to viral vector delivery systems affect the safety or efficacy of gene therapy?

A recent study published in Human Gene Therapy evaluated the immune response to viral vector delivery systems and their impact on gene therapy's safety and efficacy. The researchers found that the systemic and local immune reactions induced by AAV-based gene therapy did not affect the safety of gene therapy or expression of the replace...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHuman Gene Therapy·DateJan 8, 2014

AML score that combines genetic and epigenetic changes might help guide therapy

Researchers at Ohio State University discovered a seven-gene panel associated with DNA methylation that can identify patients with the best or poorest outcomes in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment. Patients with low scores, indicating few highly expressed genes, had better complete-remission rates and longer survival rates.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJan 8, 2014

Researchers propose alternative way to allocate science funding

Researchers propose an alternative way to allocate science funding by distributing funds collectively among the scientific community. This approach could save time, money, and encourage innovation, while also allowing for more flexible funding and potentially changing publication practices.

SourceEMBO·JournalEMBO Reports·DateJan 8, 2014

New study finds upper-airway electronic stimulation effective for obstructive sleep apnea

Researchers found that mild electronic stimulation therapy to the upper airway during sleep is effective in reducing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by restoring muscle tone and preventing tongue collapse. The study's results showed significant improvements in symptoms, quality of life, and daytime sleepiness.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 8, 2014

Bed bugs grow faster in groups

A recent study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology found that bed bug nymphs develop 2.2 days faster when living in groups than as solitary individuals. This significant difference suggests that social interaction plays a key role in accelerating bed bug development.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateJan 8, 2014

Stopping tumors in their path

Researchers from McGill University have identified two transcription factors controlling the expression of genes involved in GBM tumourigenesis. Impairing these proteins could significantly reduce the ability of brain tumour-initiating cells to give rise to brain tumors.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2014

Seniors moving to HCBS face more hospital risk

A new study found that seniors transitioning from nursing homes to home and community-based care (HCBS) face a 40% greater risk of preventable hospitalizations. The practice resulted in more hospitalizations among seniors dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare due to inadequate medical support services in community settings.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 8, 2014

Controlling blood sugar levels in critically ill children could save NHS £12 million per year

A major UK-wide study found that controlling blood sugar levels in critically ill children can reduce hospital stay length and save the NHS around £12 million a year. Tight glycaemic control resulted in an average length of hospital stay 13.5 days less for children who had not undergone heart surgery.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 8, 2014

Study shows women continue to outlive men as numbers of centenarians on the rise

A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that centenarian numbers increased by 72.3% in Ontario over 15 years, with women making up 85.3% of centenarians. The majority lived independently or received publicly funded home care, highlighting the need for tailored health and social care.

SourceWomen's College Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 8, 2014

Emperor Penguins breeding on ice shelves

Researchers found that penguin colonies moved from sea ice to thicker floating ice shelves due to changing environmental conditions. This surprising adaptation may help the species survive, but more research is needed to understand its extent and implications for other penguin populations.

SourceBritish Antarctic Survey·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014

Mental disorders in mid-life and older adulthood more prevalent than previously reported

A new study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health reveals substantial discrepancies among mid-life and late-life adults in reporting past mental health disorders compared to physical disorders. The study found that lifetime estimates of mental disorders ascertained by retrospective versus cumulative evaluations were sign...

Simple test can indicate cervical cancer

A new plasma thermogram test has been developed by researchers at the University of Louisville, indicating the presence or absence of cervical cancer. The test measures unique protein signatures in blood plasma, providing a non-invasive alternative to traditional Pap smear screening.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 8, 2014