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Science News for November 30, 2015


First outcomes report from novel heart surgery registry shows excellent results for TAVR

The report analyzed outcomes of 26,414 TAVR procedures performed from 2012-2014 and found low risk for mortality, myocardial infarction, kidney injury, and neurologic complications. The most common complications were vascular and bleeding requiring transfusion, with a decrease in vascular complications over time.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 30, 2015

A fine kettle of fish

A new study reveals that fluctuating food supplies and competition can alter survival of adult fish and cause populations to fluctuate in abundance. The research found strong interactions between the amount of food and the survival rate as well as the number of fish, with more fish leading to less survival due to competing for limited ...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcology Letters·DateNov 30, 2015

Female hormone supplements with estrogen and progestin linked to breast cancer risk

Postmenopausal African American women who use female hormone supplements containing estrogen and progestin are at a 50% increased risk of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. The study found greater increases in risk for recent and long-term users, highlighting the importance of limiting combination therapy.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 30, 2015

Asserting the freedom of navigation: Does the US go too far?

A new article by Amitai Etzioni argues that US freedom of navigation operations (FONAs) can be overly aggressive and escalate into dangerous clashes with nations. FONAs operate on a limited budget and are often used as a fallback option after diplomatic efforts fail.

SourceSAGE·JournalArmed Forces & Society·DateNov 30, 2015

Critically ill patients at long-term risk for bone fracture

A new study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that critically ill patients experience significant bone loss, increasing their risk of fragility fractures. The researchers suggest that anti-resorptive therapies may be necessary to prevent bone loss in these patients.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 30, 2015

Our epigenome is influenced by our habitat and lifestyle

Researchers found that moving from forest to urban habitats affects epigenetic patterns of the immune response, while historical lifestyles impact development and physical characteristics. These findings suggest a significant influence of environment on epigenetics and potential risks for autoimmune diseases.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2015

The future of cities

Cities are facing bigger challenges than ever before, including rural-urban migration, optimizing housing conditions, health and education. Digital technology has the potential to overcome many of these challenges, but concerns remain around privacy and cybersecurity.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalAsia-Pacific Biotech News·DateNov 30, 2015

Discovery of an embryonic switch for cancer stem cell generation

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine discovered a specific group of proteins decrease, triggering changes in the cancer microenvironment and accelerating growth of therapy-resistant CSCs. A targeted monoclonal antibody treatment effectively impaired CSC regeneration and made them easier to target with existing therapies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2015

Robot adds new twist to NIST antenna measurements and calibrations

The NIST robot, CROMMA, measures antenna properties with high precision and configurability, enabling faster and more accurate measurements of antennas for advanced communications, remote sensing, and imaging systems. The system uses near-field scanning technology to determine antenna gain, polarization, and pattern at long distances.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation·DateNov 30, 2015

Liquid foam: Plastic, elastic and fluid

French physicists develop a novel understanding of foam flow in a wedge-shaped channel, identifying connections between plastic events and deformation rates. This study has implications for further research on liquid foam properties and their impact on mechanical energy absorption.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateNov 30, 2015

Drug-resistant bacteria carried by nursing home patients focus of study

Researchers identified highly resistant bacteria in 23 of 500 acute care hospital admissions from nursing homes, with a feeding tube associated with gastrointestinal carriage. This study emphasizes the importance of hospital and nursing home infection control measures to prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateNov 30, 2015

Latino youth who feel discriminated against are more depressed, less likely to help others

Recent studies found that Latino immigrant youth who reported feeling discriminated against had more depressive symptoms and were less likely to perform altruistic behaviors six months and a year after experiencing discrimination. The study suggests that discrimination can lead to mental health issues and decreased social engagement.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateNov 30, 2015

Red clover genome to help restore sustainable farming

The red clover genome provides a valuable tool for improving the beneficial traits of this important forage crop, including its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and provide protein-rich livestock feed. The genome assembly will pave the way towards genomics-assisted breeding methods for forage legumes.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 30, 2015

Dead-easy test to tackle parasites

A new test, xWORM, uses the xCELLigence E-Plate to measure parasite motility, reducing time-consuming microscope checks and costs, offering a promising solution for treating parasitic worm diseases. The technology has potential applications in global health, particularly in tropical regions where such parasites infect millions of peopl...

SourceJames Cook University·JournalInternational Journal for Parasitology·DateNov 30, 2015

DNA repair factor linked to breast cancer may also play a role in Alzheimer's disease

Research suggests that low levels of BRCA1 protein in the brain may contribute to dementia. The study found that adding amyloid beta to neurons lowers levels of BRCA1, increasing DNA damage and cognitive decline. Further research is needed to determine whether BRCA1 may be a potential therapeutic target for treating dementia.

Tiny octopods catalyze bright ideas

Researchers at Rice University have created nanoparticles that can function as both catalysts and plasmonic sensors. These tiny octopods, composed of gold and palladium, enhance chemical reactions while retaining their optical properties. This breakthrough may lead to more efficient industrial processes and sun-driven chemical reactions.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 30, 2015

Giant waste bins

Scientists have unraveled the abilities of multinucleated giant cells, which help the body deal with bulky items that obstruct physiological processes. The treatment for systemic amyloidosis has been found to be effective due to the complement system's role in marking and destroying protein deposits.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 30, 2015

Method of postoperative pain relief may influence recovery from total knee replacement surgery

A new study found that periarticular injections reduced postoperative hospital stay and number of inpatient physical therapy sessions after total knee replacement surgery. Patients who received these injections recovered quicker due to maintaining control over the quadriceps muscles, allowing for faster walking independently.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateNov 30, 2015

New in the Hastings Center Report

The November-December issue of the Hastings Center Report explores the ethics of neural devices, including deep brain stimulation and brain-computer interfaces. The issue also examines the use of e-cigarettes in health care organizations, where controversy surrounds their safety and effectiveness.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateNov 30, 2015