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Science News Archive May 2014 - Page 4


Page 4 of 31

Flame retardant exposure linked to lower IQs -- study

A new study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found a significant link between prenatal exposure to flame retardants and lower IQs in five-year-old children. The researchers discovered that elevated levels of PBDE concentrations were associated with a 4.5 IQ decrement, comparable to environmental lead exposure.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 28, 2014

T cell repertoire changes predictive of anti-CTLA-4 cancer immunotherapy outcome revealed

A study using Sequenta's LymphoSIGHT platform reveals that patients with longer survival have lower numbers of T cell clones that decrease in frequency after treatment. This association holds for both prostate cancer and melanoma patients, suggesting that immune repertoire sequencing could predict clinical benefit of immunotherapies.

SourceSequenta Inc.·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 28, 2014

Mount Sinai researchers lead committee to define the clinical course of multiple sclerosis

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital have re-examined multiple sclerosis (MS) clinical course descriptions to provide a framework for both clinical research and ongoing clinical care. The proposed 2013 revisions include improved clinical descriptive terminology, MRI imaging, and analysis of fluid biomarkers.

Large muskies lured by the moon

Researchers analyzed angler catch records for evidence of a lunar cycle's effect on muskie behavior. They found that muskellunge are caught consistently more around the full and new moon phases, with anglers catching 5% more fish during peak lunar days.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 28, 2014

PTSD treatment cost-effective when patients given choice

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that letting patients choose their PTSD treatment can lead to significant cost savings and a higher quality of life. The study showed that patients who were allowed to select their own treatment spent an average of $1,622 less per year compared to those who were assig...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateMay 28, 2014

Artificial lung the size of a sugar cube

Researchers have created an innovative 3D test system that allows them to simulate human body functions, enabling the development of more effective cancer treatments. The artificial lung model, no bigger than a sugar cube, can be used to analyze treatment resistance and metastasis formation, potentially leading to personalized medicine.

Demographic of heroin users change in past 50 years

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry analyzed heroin use patterns from 1970 to 2014, revealing significant changes in demographics. The findings indicate that heroin users are becoming increasingly young, urban, and from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, reflecting broader societal trends.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 28, 2014

Brazilian researchers find human menstrual blood-derived cells 'feed' embryonic stem cells

Researchers have found that human menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal cells can replace animal-derived feeder systems in human embryonic stem cell culture, supporting their growth in an undifferentiated stage. This breakthrough could provide a new means of culturing ESCs for clinical purposes without potential xenocontamination.

Diesel bus alternative

Researchers analyzed the cost-effectiveness of electric school buses that discharge their batteries into the electrical grid when not in use. Over 14 years, a V2G-capable electric bus fleet could save an estimated $38 million compared to diesel buses.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalApplied Energy·DateMay 28, 2014

Vocal fry hurts women in the labor market

A study by University of Miami researcher Casey Klofstad found that vocal fry is perceived negatively, particularly in labor market contexts, affecting women's hiring prospects. Women who use vocal fry are seen as less attractive, competent, educated, trustworthy, and ultimately less hirable than those with normal speech.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 28, 2014

Suspect strep throat? Re-check negative rapid test results with lab culture

A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that nearly seven million Americans seek medical attention for sore throats each year, with one in 10 cases being strep throat. The researchers concluded that performing a laboratory culture can help doctors and patients avoid both under-treatment and over-treatment of sore throats.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateMay 28, 2014