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Science News Archive September 2014 - Page 7


Page 7 of 34

Experts at LSTM use modelling approach to assess the effectiveness TB diagnostics

Experts at LSTM used a novel modelling approach to project the effects of new diagnostic methods and algorithms for TB in Tanzania. The integrated model compared the costs and effectiveness of different diagnostic options, identifying Xpert MTB/RIF as a cost-effective option with the potential to reduce the national burden of TB.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateSep 25, 2014

After watching disturbing video, CPAP usage soars

A pilot study using emotional videos has led to a significant increase in CPAP machine usage among patients with sleep apnea, with some users reporting up to 2 hours of additional therapy per night. The approach, which uses personalized videos to create a sense of urgency, resulted in sustained improvement after three months.

New EEG electrode set for fast and easy measurement of brain function abnormalities

A new, easy-to-use EEG electrode set was developed to quickly attach on patients, reducing electromagnetic interference and allowing rapid diagnosis of severe brain function abnormalities. The set consists of 16 hydrogel-coated electrodes placed on hair-free areas, making it suitable for emergency care and field conditions.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Methods·DateSep 24, 2014

Taking advantage of graphene defects

Researchers discovered graphene's ability to rectify electric current using artificial triangular holes, offering a new approach for security screening detectors. The study provides an analytical framework for estimating the ratchet effect, which could lead to terahertz radiation detection.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateSep 24, 2014

Good news for young patients with a leukemia subtype associated with a poor prognosis

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that adjusting treatment based on early response to chemotherapy significantly boosts the survival of young patients with a poor-prognosis leukemia subtype associated with the Philadelphia chromosome-like acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study included 344 children and adolesc...

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 24, 2014

NCI/FDA lung cancer workshop leads to the innovatively designed clinical trials

The NCI/FDA workshop resulted in the development of two innovative clinical trials, Lung-MAP and ALCHEMIST, which employ a 'Master Protocol' approach to improve patient outcomes. These trials aim to accelerate the development of targeted therapies for lung cancer by integrating multiple sub-studies based on genomic profiles.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateSep 24, 2014

A wriggly solution to a first-world problem

Australian researchers successfully treated 12 participants with celiac disease using hookworms, increasing gluten tolerance by a factor of 60. The study suggests a potential new treatment for inflammatory diseases, including asthma and Crohn's disease.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 24, 2014

Modest acute changes in cardiac biomarkers and electrocardiogram findings following thoracic radiation therapy

Researchers found modest acute changes in cardiac biomarkers and electrocardiogram findings following thoracic radiation therapy, but no clinically significant cardiac events. The study suggests that longer follow-up and increased dose range may reveal the impact of radiation on late RT-related toxicity.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateSep 24, 2014

Evolution of snake courtship and combat behavior

Researchers identified patterns in courtship and male-to-male combat behaviors across 70 snake species, revealing evolutionary relationships between behaviors. The study found that different clades developed unique behaviors, such as coiling without neck-raising and body-bridging, which replaced earlier toppling behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 24, 2014