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Science News Archive February 2015 - Page 10


Page 10 of 31

Editorial issues a call to action for end-of-life care of older adults in nursing homes

The editorial highlights the need for bold action to improve end-of-life care in nursing homes, focusing on symptom control, advance care planning, and high-quality palliative care. Nursing home providers are urged to prioritize training staff in these areas to ensure better support for patients and their families near the end of life.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateFeb 19, 2015

Out of Africa: Did humans migrate quickly and all-at-once or in phases based on weather?

Researchers suggest that human dispersal into southern Asia via Arabia was linked to changing climate and environmental conditions, with increased rainfall supporting populations. The Al Sibetah alluvial fan sequence provides a unique record of landscape change in southeast Arabia, revealing multiple humid episodes during glacial periods.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateFeb 19, 2015

Evolving a bigger brain with human DNA

Researchers found a key difference in human and chimpanzee DNA that boosts brain size in mouse embryos. This discovery sheds light on the genetic basis of human brain evolution and may help explain why humans have unique capabilities compared to chimps.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 19, 2015

Joslin researchers find drugs are effective for diabetic macular edema in new trial

A clinical trial found that all three anti-VEGF drugs were effective in improving vision and preventing vision loss in patients with diabetic macular edema. Aflibercept showed more significant visual gains in patients with worse vision at the start of the trial, providing robust data for clinicians to guide treatment decisions.

SourceJoslin Diabetes Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 19, 2015

New nanogel for drug delivery

A new type of self-healing hydrogel has been developed by MIT chemical engineers that can carry one or two drugs at a time. The gel consists of a mesh network made of nanoparticles and polymers that can be injected through a syringe and released over several days, targeting specific tissues and allowing for long-term drug delivery.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2015

Combination of imaging methods improves diagnostics

Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München developed an approach to quantify gadolinium-based contrast agents in tissue using MALDI-MS imaging, correlating it with MRI images. This combination improves diagnostic value by detecting tissue-related kinetics of contrast agents used in myocardial infarction models.

Cattle damage to riverbanks can be undone

A study published in Springer's Environmental Management journal found that removing grazing cattle from a wildlife refuge in Oregon has led to significant rehabilitation of the natural environment. The removal of cattle has resulted in an increase in woody riparian vegetation, reduction in erosion, and improved water quality.

SourceSpringer·JournalEnvironmental Management·DateFeb 19, 2015

Statins may not lower Parkinson's risk

A recent study suggests that statins may not protect against Parkinson's disease, despite previous reports of a potential link. The research found no evidence that statin use lowered the risk of PD, and may even increase it over time.

SourcePenn State·JournalMovement Disorders·DateFeb 19, 2015

Gene may help reduce GM contamination

Researchers at the University of Guelph identified a gene that can make certain plants self-pollinate, reducing the risk of genetically modified crop contamination. The discovery could also benefit perfume-makers by allowing for more control over fragrance production.

SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalBMC Biology·DateFeb 19, 2015

Smarter multicore chips

Researchers at MIT developed a system that cleverly distributes data around multicore chips' memory banks, improving execution times by 18 percent on average while increasing energy efficiency. In simulations involving a 64-core chip, the system increased computational speeds by 46 percent while reducing power consumption by 36 percent.

Sickness and health between men and women

A study by Washington State University researchers found that women are more impacted by illness than men, unless multiple symptoms are present. Women with specific personality types, such as high agreeableness or low conscientiousness, may experience less impact from mental illness due to their social networks and coping mechanisms.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·DateFeb 19, 2015

Why are kidney patients starting dialysis sooner?

A recent study found that patients with advanced kidney disease have been initiating dialysis progressively earlier over time. Despite no measurable differences in patient sickness or reasons for dialysis, the trend suggests a shift towards embracing higher levels of kidney function as acceptable for dialysis initiation.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateFeb 19, 2015

New NIST tools to help boost wireless channel frequencies and capacity

Researchers at NIST are developing measurement tools for channels that could offer more than 1,000 times the bandwidth of today's cell phone systems. The tools will enable the development of innovative millimeter-wave wireless technologies and support the expected increases in demand for wireless capacity.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques·DateFeb 19, 2015

Hydrogel baits offer novel way to manage invasive ants

Researchers found that hydrogels saturated with thiamethoxam dissolved in sugar water reduced the Argentine ant population by 94% in two weeks. The use of hydrogel baits offers an inexpensive, easy-to-apply alternative to traditional pesticides, reducing environmental costs and selectively targeting invasive ants.

SourcePurdue University·JournalEntomologia Experimentalis et Applicata·DateFeb 18, 2015

Development of personalized cellular therapy for brain cancer

A preclinical study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found engineered T cells to be both safe and effective at controlling tumor growth in mice with glioblastoma. The CAR T cells target a mutation in the epidermal growth factor receptor protein called EGFRvIII, found on about 30% of glioblastoma patients' tumor cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2015