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Science News Archive May 2015 - Page 19


Page 19 of 31

Mayo Clinic to study 10,000 patients for drug-gene safety

The Mayo Clinic is launching a study of 10,000 patients to examine the potential risks of drug reactions based on individual genome variations. Researchers will analyze DNA sequencing data from 69 genes influencing drug metabolism, aiming to identify 'early warning systems' for adverse reactions and ineffective treatments.

Nuclear modernization programs threaten to prolong the nuclear era

Experts warn that nuclear modernization programs can prolong the nuclear era, creating international instability and undermining national security. A balanced approach is needed to achieve a balance between modernization and disarmament, with the US, Russia, and China taking the lead.

SourceSAGE·JournalBulletin of the Atomic Scientists·DateMay 13, 2015

Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy achieves better overall survival than surgery for early lung cancer

A phase III randomized clinical trial suggests that Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) is equally effective to surgery in treating operable stage I non-small cell lung cancer patients, with better survival rates and lower toxicity. SABR appears to be a suitable alternative for elderly and comorbidity-prone patients.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateMay 13, 2015

X-linked gene mutations cause some cases of male infertility, Pitt study says

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that X-linked gene mutations can contribute to azoospermia and male infertility. Researchers identified a deletion in the TEX11 gene on the X chromosome as a potential cause, which can lead to meiotic arrest and prevent the development of viable sperm.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 13, 2015

Saving critical time diagnosing stroke patients with MRI by borrowing 'lean' principles

Two Washington-area hospitals used lean manufacturing principles to reduce door-to-needle times for stroke patients, from 93 to 55 minutes, by streamlining their processes and improving teamwork. The techniques, known as SMART, can be applied to other hospitals using CT scans, allowing more efficient use of MRI scans in acute stroke care.

New study on acupuncture to reduce pain and inflammation in children with acute appendicitis

A new study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that acupuncture significantly reduced pain and inflammation in pediatric patients with acute appendicitis. The treatment also showed a modest drop in white blood cell count, suggesting a biophysiological basis for its effectiveness.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateMay 13, 2015

New shortcut to solar cells

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a way to simplify the manufacture of solar cells by employing electrodes as catalysts to create black silicon. The new process enables the production of black silicon with high efficiency and reflects little light, allowing more sunlight to reach the active elements of solar cells.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 13, 2015

Climate change boosts a migratory insect pest

A study by University of Maryland researchers found that climate warming has made potato leafhoppers arrive an average of 10 days earlier and cause more severe infestations. The pests cause significant economic damage to farmers across the eastern US, with losses estimated in millions of dollars.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 13, 2015

Economic burden of cancer extends into survivorship

A new study found cancer survivors in the US experience significant annual economic burdens, with nonelderly colorectal and breast cancer survivors facing substantial excess medical expenditures and employment disability. Elderly survivors have lower but still notable economic burdens, highlighting varying impact by age group and cance...

Recreational drug use on weekends often morphs into daily use, BU study finds

A new study published in Annals of Family Medicine found that more than half of patients who report 'weekend-only' drug use expand their use to weekdays. Primary care clinicians should monitor these patients, as weekend-only users are less likely to increase frequency and severity of use compared to those with non-weekend-only use.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 13, 2015

How the tumor microenvironment contributes to drug-resistant neuroblastoma

Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles found that exosomic miRNAs released within the tumor environment affect resistance to chemotherapy in neuroblastoma. The exchange of specific microRNA called MiR155 between tumor cells and tumor-associated macrophages leads to increased telomerase activity and resistance to chemotherapy.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 13, 2015

Latin-American immigrants 'social climate' is more tolerant to intimate partner violence

Research reveals significant disparities in attitudes towards intimacy partner violence among Latin American immigrants and Spaniards. Latin Americans perceive situations as less severe and blame victims more. However, both groups show positive change after intervention programmes, suggesting equal effectiveness.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalPsychosocial Intervention·DateMay 13, 2015

Memory and the hippocampus

A new study by Douglas Mental Health University Institute researchers suggests that the shape of the hippocampus, not its size, is linked to improved memory function. The research, published in Human Brain Mapping, found that individuals with a broader hippocampus tend to perform better on memory tests than those with a smaller one.

SourceDouglas Mental Health University Institute·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateMay 13, 2015