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Science News Archive March 2015 - Page 9


Page 9 of 38

For most children with HIV and low immune cell count, cells rebound after treatment

A new study published in the journal AIDS found that for most children with HIV and low immune cell counts, cells rebound after treatment. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,700 children infected with HIV before or during birth and found that 86% of children achieved normal CD4+ counts within one year of treatment.

ASHG and ESHG issue position statement on non-invasive prenatal screening

The American Society of Human Genetics and the European Society of Human Genetics issued a joint position statement on non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), exploring its promise and drawbacks. NIPT has improved accuracy and safety in prenatal screening, but raises concerns about over-expansion and loss of ultrasound data.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 25, 2015

Team discovers link between lifestyles of indigenous communities & gut microbial ecologies

A team of researchers has discovered a strong association between the lifestyles of indigenous communities and their gut microbial ecologies. The study found that hunter-gatherers in South America and Africa have similar gut microbiota profiles, while urban-industrialists have distinct profiles, suggesting a link between lifestyle and ...

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 25, 2015

MDC researchers greatly increase precision of new genome editing tool

Researchers at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine have discovered a method to increase the efficiency of precise genetic modifications using the CRISPR-Cas9 technique. By inhibiting a key enzyme, they achieved an eightfold increase in precision, paving the way for more accurate gene editing applications.

Ebola more deadly for young children

New research reveals that Ebola progresses quickly and is fatal for young children, with a lower chance of survival compared to adults. The study found that nearly 90% of children under one year old and around 80% of children aged one to four years who are infected have died.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 25, 2015

Hospitals and physicians should improve communication for better patient care

A study by University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus highlights the need for better communication between hospital clinicians and primary-care physicians to prevent missed test results and hospital readmissions. The researchers found that establishing accountability for pending tests and home health care via formal service agreeme...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 25, 2015

CeBIT: Panoramas for your tablet

Researchers at Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have developed a tablet app called Ultra-HD-Zoom that allows users to navigate and zoom into high-resolution panoramic images. The technology uses ultra-high-definition cameras to capture 360-degree views, making it ideal for live events coverage.

Complex genetic ancestry of Americans uncovered

Researchers analyzed DNA samples from 64 populations in Europe, Africa, and the Americas to uncover the genetic fingerprints of the slave trade and colonization. The study found that Americans have a complex genetic profile, with varying proportions of African and European ancestry.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 24, 2015

CV organizations issue recommendations for minimally invasive valve treatments for children, adults

Expert consensus paper provides guidance on transcatheter pulmonic valve replacement for patients with congenital heart disease. The recommendations stress the importance of a heart team collaborating on treatment decisions, and institutions must meet specific requirements to perform these procedures.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalCatheterization and Cardiovascular Interventions·DateMar 24, 2015

Legally high? Teenagers and prescription drug abuse

A new study found that teenagers who struggle with anxiety and feel pressure to be popular are at a higher risk of abusing prescription drugs. The researchers recruited teens in shopping malls across the US and asked them about their substance use, finding a strong link between psychological states and prescription drug abuse.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateMar 24, 2015

Squeeze to remove heat: Elastocaloric materials enable more efficient, 'green' cooling

Researchers have discovered elastocaloric materials that can change temperature in response to mechanical stress, enabling more efficient solid-state refrigeration. These materials could lead to environmentally-friendly replacements for traditional cooling technologies, with potential applications in household refrigerators, air condit...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 24, 2015

New study indicates laparoscopic hysterectomy with morcellation may be safer than abdominal procedure

A new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found that laparoscopic hysterectomy with morcellation is associated with fewer postoperative complications and improved quality of life compared to abdominal surgery. The study used decision-tree analysis to compare outcomes according to the probability of compli...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 24, 2015

Manganese speeds up honey bees

A study by Washington University in St. Louis found that low levels of manganese increased dopamine levels in honey bee brains, speeding up their behavior, while high doses caused toxicity. The findings suggest that honey bees may serve as early warning indicators for environmental toxins.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalBiology Letters·DateMar 24, 2015

A cancer research breakthrough

A breakthrough discovery by Queen's University researcher Madhuri Koti has identified biomarkers that can predict the success of chemotherapy in ovarian cancer patients. This finding holds promise for improving treatment options and increasing patient survival rates.

SourceQueen's University·JournalBritish Journal of Cancer·DateMar 24, 2015