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Science News Archive July 2015 - Page 3


Page 3 of 34

Depressive ruminations and the idling brain

A recent study by Dr. J. Paul Hamilton and colleagues reveals that depressive ruminations are linked to the subgenual prefrontal cortex and default mode network, suggesting a functional integration of these brain regions that supports rumination in depression. This understanding may provide new insights into the treatment of depression.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 30, 2015

The Lancet: From Hiroshima and Nagasaki to Fukushima -- Series highlights long-term psychological impact of nuclear disasters

A three-part series in The Lancet highlights the enduring radiological and psychological impact of nuclear disasters, including elevated rates of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Researchers emphasize the need for improved communication about health risks and adequate medical support for vulnerable populations.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 30, 2015

When surgeons listen to their preferred music, their stitches are better and faster

A study by the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that listening to surgeons' preferred music reduces repair completion time by 7% while maintaining improved wound closure quality. The effect is more pronounced for senior residents, with a 10% reduction in time and an overall improvement in work quality.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalAesthetic Plastic Surgery·DateJul 30, 2015

Seniors get mental health drugs at twice the rate of other adults, see psychiatrists less

A new study by Michigan Medicine reveals that seniors receive prescriptions for mental health medications at more than twice the rate of younger adults. However, they are much less likely to be getting their mental health care from a psychiatrist, raising concerns about potential interactions with other medications.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 29, 2015

Blocking a gene reduces fat

Researchers at the University of Montreal successfully block apoC-III gene expression, demonstrating significant decreases in triglyceride levels. This breakthrough could lead to precise interventions for severe hypertriglyceridemia, reducing cardiovascular risks.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 29, 2015

Type 1 diabetes patients have lower blood levels of 4 proteins that protect against immune attack

Researchers found that type 1 diabetes patients have significantly lower levels of four proteins (IL8, IL-1Ra, MCP-1, and MIP-1β) that help protect against immune attack. These findings suggest a potential protein cocktail that could aid in disease diagnosis and management, as well as new therapeutic strategies.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 29, 2015

New pig model will provide insights into early detection, new treatments of cancers

Researchers have created a genetically engineered pig model that allows them to induce the development of human-like tumors, reflecting gene pathways and mutations most often observed in human cancer. The 'oncopig' model holds great promise for early detection and treatment of cancers such as pancreatic, liver, lung, and bladder cancers.

York scientists unlock secrets of stars through aluminium

Researchers at the University of York have revealed a new understanding of nucleosynthesis in stars, providing insight into massive star evolution and the origins of the Solar System. By studying radioactive aluminium production, scientists can now better understand gamma radiation maps of the galaxy and simulate star behavior.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 29, 2015

Yarn from slaughterhouse waste

A new method for producing high-quality yarn from gelatine has been developed by Philipp Stössel and his team. The process involves spinning the protein-rich material into fine fibers that can be woven into textiles with improved insulation and water resistance compared to traditional wool-based fabrics.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateJul 29, 2015

Stressed out plants send animal-like signals

Researchers have discovered that plants bind GABA in a similar way to animals, resulting in electrical signals that regulate plant growth when exposed to stressful environments. This finding opens up new possibilities for breeding more stress resilient crops to fight food insecurity.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2015

Alcohol laws have a preventive effect on young men

A study of over 5,700 young Swiss men found that stricter alcohol laws, such as minimum legal drinking age and advertising restrictions, lead to lower rates of hazardous drinking. However, these measures had limited impact on individuals with a high risk of substance abuse due to their personality or antisocial behavior.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalAddiction·DateJul 29, 2015

Antibiotics increase risk of hearing loss in patients with deadly bacterial infections

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found that aminoglycoside antibiotics increase susceptibility to hearing impairment due to inflammation from bacterial infections. The study suggests that targeted alternatives are needed to treat life-threatening infections without sacrificing patients' ability to hear.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 29, 2015

Prostate cancer is 5 different diseases

Researchers have identified five distinct types of prostate cancer with unique genetic fingerprints, which could help doctors predict the aggressiveness of tumors and choose the best course of treatment. This breakthrough discovery has important implications for how prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated in the future.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalEBioMedicine·DateJul 29, 2015

Milkweed, monarchs, men, and madness

Researchers from UC Davis and University of Guam studied monarch butterflies on Guam to understand their migration patterns and impact of pesticides. The study found that the lack of pesticide use on the island has led to an increase in milkweed population, which is essential for the monarchs' survival.