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Science News Archive March 2015 - Page 35


Page 35 of 38

UC Davis scientists describe novel drug mechanism that fights brain cancer

Researchers at UC Davis have discovered a molecule that interferes with the internal regulation of cancer cells, causing them to self-destruct. This mechanism was found to be effective against glioma cells, which are responsible for a usually fatal type of brain cancer, and could be applicable to other highly aggressive cancers.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalMolecular Pharmacology·DateMar 3, 2015

Bans don't help smokers quit

A Concordia University study found no significant change in home smoking habits after a Quebec ban. The presence of non-smokers and social networks were key factors in influencing quitting behavior, rather than the law itself.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateMar 3, 2015

Air pollution linked to slower cognitive development in children

A recent study published in PLOS Medicine found that higher levels of traffic-related air pollution at schools are linked to slower cognitive development in 7- to 10-year-old children. The researchers measured three cognitive outcomes and found a significant decrease in cognitive development among children attending highly polluted sch...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 3, 2015

How much overdetection is acceptable in cancer screening?

A UK survey found that people's willingness to accept overdetection in cancer screening varies greatly, depending on the level of benefit and perceived harms. The study revealed that up to 14% would accept overdetection in the entire population, with median acceptability ranging from 113 to 150 cases.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 3, 2015

Family-based interpersonal psychotherapy for depressed preadolescents

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that Family Based Interpersonal Psychotherapy (FB-IPT) is more effective than child-centered therapy (CCT) in treating preadolescent children with depression. Preadolescents with depressive symptoms are at increased risk of experien...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 3, 2015

Creative genius driven by distraction

New Northwestern University research suggests that real-world creativity may be associated with a reduced ability to filter 'irrelevant' sensory information. This 'leaky' sensory gating allows individuals to integrate ideas outside of focus, leading to creative achievements.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateMar 3, 2015

Gold standard management of the diabetic cat

The ISFM Consensus Guidelines on the Practical Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Cats provide evidence-based advice for veterinary teams. Key findings include the importance of weight control, using appropriate diets, and insulin therapy, as well as close monitoring of blood glucose concentrations.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·DateMar 3, 2015

University of Houston researchers discover new material to produce clean energy

Researchers at the University of Houston have created a new thermoelectric material that generates electric power from waste heat, offering higher efficiency and output power than existing materials. The material has a peak power factor of 55 and a figure of merit of 1.4, making it commercially viable for applications such as car exhau...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 3, 2015

When age matters

A 55,000-year-old human skull found in Israel provides key evidence that humans and Neanderthals coexisted in the region. The combined dating methods confirm the age of the skull, which is now believed to be from around 55,000 years ago.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateMar 3, 2015

Study shows who benefits most from statins

Research suggests statin therapy provides greatest benefit to patients with highest genetic risk of heart attack. Genetic analysis assesses heart attack risk independently of traditional factors, identifying those at higher baseline risk who reap greater benefits from therapy. The study's findings have implications for precision medici...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 3, 2015

Stress markers in the unemployed linked to poor health

Research from UCL's ESRC International Centre for Lifecourse Studies found direct biological effects of stress during unemployment contribute to higher levels of inflammatory markers, predicting atherosclerosis and heart disease. Unemployed men and women had higher levels than employed counterparts, with stronger effects in Scotland.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 3, 2015

Penn study: OTC medications and supplements are most common causes of drug-induced liver failure

A new Penn study reveals that over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements are the leading causes of drug-induced liver failure, not prescription drugs. The research analyzed data from an integrated healthcare system in Northern California and found that acetaminophen and herbal supplements were responsible for nearly half of a...

In a heartbeat

A new theoretical model proposes that heart muscle cells don't necessarily beat as a single entity, but rather as a bundle of contractile units. The alignment of these bundles is predicted to depend on the elasticity of the extracellular matrix and can affect the beating strength of the cell.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 3, 2015

Highly sensitive detection of malaria parasites

Researchers developed ultra-sensitive detection methods for malaria parasites, detecting 58% of infections in human blood samples at low concentrations. The new assays surpass current standards, identifying 16% more cases and reducing false negatives.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 3, 2015