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Science News Archive November 2015 - Page 12


Page 12 of 35

Plant and food-based compounds may be key to future cancer prevention

A broad-spectrum approach to cancer treatment and prevention is being developed by researchers, focusing on low-toxicity agents from plants and foods that target multiple pathways involved in cancer development. The approach aims to improve upon current targeted therapies and reduce costs associated with toxicity and treatment duration.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalSeminars in Cancer Biology·DateNov 18, 2015

Without prescription coverage, some cancer patients do without even low-cost drugs

A University of Colorado Cancer Center study shows that breast cancer patients without prescription drug coverage are less likely to start and continue hormonal therapy due to high costs. Women from lower-income households were particularly affected, highlighting the need for affordable prescription coverage.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateNov 18, 2015

Young whites usually more optimistic than minority peers about likelihood of living to 35

A new study finds that young whites are significantly more optimistic about their chances of living to 35 compared to minority peers. The study controlled for various risk factors and found that foreign-born Mexicans were the most pessimistic about their future survival, even after accounting for socioeconomic status.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateNov 18, 2015

The Lancet: Breastfeeding babies protected against HIV infection from their HIV-positive mothers with 12 months of liquid antiretroviral drug treatment

A study found that providing babies with up to 12 months of liquid formula HIV drugs while breastfeeding with their HIV-positive mothers is highly effective in protecting them from infection. The study showed that rates of HIV infection fell to 0.2% when the drug was taken, and that adherence remained a key factor for success.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 18, 2015

Brazilian Artur Avila wins TWAS-Lenovo Prize

Artur Avila, a renowned Brazilian mathematician, has won the TWAS-Lenovo Science Prize for his groundbreaking work on dynamical systems and chaos theory. His research has helped resolve major mathematical quandaries and brought global awareness of Brazilian mathematics.

SourceTWAS·DateNov 18, 2015

New options for treating autism

The research demonstrates that increasing oxytocin levels can improve social interactions in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Additionally, the study reveals a link between oxytocin and anandamide production, which may lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating ASD.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2015

When did the Andes mountains form?

The Andes mountain chain was formed 14 million years ago, according to new research from the University of Bristol. The study used a novel method based on cosmic rays to determine the age of large boulders in the western margin of the Andes.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 18, 2015

Why do children develop cancer?

A recent study found that 8.5% of children with cancer have genetic mutations increasing their risk, highlighting the need for improved counseling and family testing. The study's author, Dr. John M. Maris, emphasizes the importance of understanding how other genes interact with these mutations to cause cancer in children.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 18, 2015

A 'Council of Psychological Science Advisors' tackles pressing policy issues

A special section in Perspectives on Psychological Science provides policy memos to the President from a 'Council of Psychological Science Advisors', offering recommendations on obesity, consumer debt, terrorism, and climate change. The section features articles translating scientific findings into federal policy improvements.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateNov 18, 2015

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: New gene that makes common bacteria resistant to last-line antibiotic found in animals and patients in China

Researchers found a new gene, mcr-1, that enables bacteria to resist polymyxins, the last line of defence against infections. The gene is widespread in E coli and K pneumoniae strains from pigs and patients in south China, suggesting its potential to spread rapidly into human pathogens.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateNov 18, 2015

Use your loaf to save British wildlife

A new farming scheme has been found to support 20% more species of butterflies while producing the same amount of crops as conventional farms. Farmers who sign up to the non-organic Fair to Nature growing protocol gain a premium price for their crops, in return for setting aside and actively managing wildlife habitat.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateNov 18, 2015

An easy pill to swallow

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara have developed an insulin pill using novel drug delivery technology that shows early promise as a form of diabetes therapy. The pill's oral delivery system could circumvent the discomfort associated with injections, leading to improved patient compliance and potentially more effective treatment.