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Science News Archive March 2015 - Page 21


Page 21 of 38

Universal public drug plan could save money for Canada

A new study published in Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests that implementing a universal public drug plan could reduce Canada's spending on prescription drugs by $7.3 billion per year, while employers and unions could save an additional $8.2 billion. This cost savings is attributed to economies of scale in price negotiation...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 16, 2015

Losing weight substantially reduces atrial fibrillation

A study by the American College of Cardiology found that obese patients with atrial fibrillation who lost at least 10% of their body weight were six times more likely to achieve long-term freedom from the condition. Sustained weight loss was also associated with significant beneficial structural changes in the heart and improved other ...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 16, 2015

New remote control for molecular motors

Physicists remotely control magnetic molecules spinning like tops using circularly polarised magnetic field changes. Theoretical findings by Iosif Davidovich Tokman and Vera Il'nichna Pozdnyakova may lead to designing rotating magnetic molecule rotors for powering molecular motors.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateMar 16, 2015

Thinking of your life as a novel

Middle-aged adults who show sustained concern for others are more likely to construe their lives as stories of personal redemption. Redemption narratives sustain hope that sacrifices today may produce future dividends, helping generative adults persevere in promoting the well-being of future generations.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 16, 2015

A new method for making perovskite solar cells

A new method for making perovskite solar cells has been developed by researchers at Brown University, which involves a room-temperature solvent bath to create perovskite crystals. The technique produces high-quality crystalline films with precise control over thickness across large areas.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMar 16, 2015

A more tolerant America?

A recent study by SDSU psychology professor Jean M. Twenge found that Americans are increasingly tolerant of people with different views and lifestyles, including those who identify as LGBTQ+, atheists, and have differing political beliefs. The study, which analyzed data from the General Social Survey, also found a decrease in toleranc...

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalSocial Forces·DateMar 16, 2015

Insulin pumps need greater safety review

The American Diabetes Association and European Association for the Study of Diabetes call for a comprehensive safety overhaul of insulin pumps, including greater access to data from manufacturers and funding for independent clinical trials. This is crucial for healthcare teams to educate patients on preventing errors with these devices.

SourceAmerican Diabetes Association·JournalDiabetes Care·DateMar 16, 2015

Spherical nucleic acids set stage for new paradigm in drug development

Researchers have developed spherical nucleic acids that can selectively trigger the immune response, potentially treating a range of diseases including psoriasis, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, lymphoma, bladder cancer, and prostate cancer. SNAs are nontoxic, potent, and efficiently deliver nucleic acids into cells via the endosome.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 16, 2015

Omics methods: Towards a better prediction of the effects of substances at very low doses

Scientists use advanced omics technologies to analyze the effects of substances on human cells, revealing potential health risks at very low concentrations. The study identifies changes in protein patterns and metabolism at non-toxic levels, which could inform the development of new risk assessment methods.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMar 16, 2015

Jailbreaking yeast could amp up wine's health benefits, reduce morning-after headaches

University of Illinois scientists have engineered a 'jailbreaking' yeast that increases wine's health benefits and reduces toxic byproducts. The new technology allows for precise metabolic engineering, enabling the addition of bioactive compounds from other foods and improving malolactic fermentation.

Investigators find window of vulnerability for STIs to infect female reproductive tract

A study published in Nature Reviews Immunology reveals a 'window of vulnerability' for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) to infect the female reproductive tract. The researchers found that hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle create an optimal environment for implantation, which also increases susceptibility to STIs.

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalNature Reviews Immunology·DateMar 16, 2015

Switch off the lights for bats

Researchers found that bat activity was lower in street-lit areas than dark locations with similar habitat. Only Leisler's bat showed a positive association with street lighting, highlighting the need to reconsider urban planning strategies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMar 15, 2015

Police not prepared for death investigations

Research by Queensland University of Technology highlights the difficulties faced by police during death investigations, including emotional re-traumatization of bereaved families. Junior officers are often tasked with gathering evidence while comforting family members, leading to concerns about their preparation and cultural competence.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPolicing & Society·DateMar 15, 2015