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Science News Archive May 2015 - Page 15


Page 15 of 31

Physical training helps women with polycystic ovary syndrome

A new study shows that physical resistance training significantly improves sexual function, desire, arousal, and lubrication in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Additionally, it decreases anxiety and depression, suggesting a useful intervention for these individuals.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateMay 18, 2015

Stereotactic body radiation therapy appears to help some patients with pancreatic cancer

Researchers found that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is safe and as effective as standard radiation treatment for certain patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer. SBRT delivers high doses of radiation in a short period, resulting in reduced pain and improved quality of life. The treatment also allowed some patient...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Surgical Oncology·DateMay 18, 2015

Missing molecule prevents puberty

Researchers discovered a genetic fault preventing SEMA3E from working correctly in two brothers with Kallman Syndrome, leading to the loss of nerve cells regulating sexual reproduction. The study demonstrates a powerful method for identifying genetic causes without relying on large statistical samples.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 18, 2015

Beyond the poppy: A new method of opium production

Researchers from Concordia University and UC Berkeley have developed a new method to produce alkaloids, including codeine and morphine, using engineered yeast. This breakthrough enables the synthesis of valuable pharmaceuticals, paving the way for the creation of new complex compounds with therapeutic effects.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 18, 2015

Sleep apnea linked to depression in men

Severe obstructive sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness are associated with an increased risk of depression in men. A large community-based study found that previously undiagnosed severe OSA and EDS were significantly linked to depression prevalence and incidence in a population of Australian men.

Discovery paves way for homebrewed drugs

A team of researchers has successfully engineered a yeast strain to produce morphine and potentially other drugs, including antibiotics and anti-cancer therapeutics. The breakthrough could significantly reduce the cost of drug discovery and manufacturing, but raises concerns about potential misuse and calls for urgent regulation.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 18, 2015

Pockmarks on the lake bed

Researchers have found four enormous craters on the lake bed, measuring 80-160 meters in diameter and up to 60 meters deep. The craters are filled with a suspension of water and sediment, indicating that they are linked to karst systems and possibly triggered by earthquakes.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 18, 2015

Plant dispersal insights may aid climate change predictions

Researchers compared plant taxa to climatic history and habitat information to provide new insights into plant dispersal patterns. The findings suggest that some plants escaped extinction by dispersing from Antarctica millions of years ago, improving the accuracy of climate change prediction models.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateMay 18, 2015

Seals threaten Scottish cod stock recovery

Research led at the University of Strathclyde suggests that predatory seals are a major obstacle to cod stock recovery in Scottish waters. The study found that grey seal predation has increased to compensate for declining fishing efforts, leading to losses of over 40% of the total stock.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMay 18, 2015