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Science News Archive November 2015 - Page 24


Page 24 of 35

US stillbirth rates unchanged after move to discourage elective deliveries before 39 weeks

A study by NIH researchers found no increase in stillbirths after implementing a policy to delay elective deliveries before 39 weeks. The analysis of national infant birth and death statistics over several years showed that efforts to prevent elective deliveries were not linked to an increase in stillbirths on a national level.

Scientific research is conservative but could be accelerated, analysis finds

Researchers analyzed millions of articles and patents to find that scientific research is often conservative, with scientists prioritizing established knowledge over risk-taking. However, they identified more efficient approaches that could unleash innovation, including a focus on exploring new connections and taking greater risks.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2015

John Innes Centre scientists identify 3-D structure of enzyme critical to creation of anticancer compounds in plants

Scientists have identified the 3D structure of iridoid synthase, an enzyme crucial for producing anticancer and antimalarial compounds from plant natural products. The discovery provides insights into the biosynthesis process, shedding light on the unique mechanism used by this enzyme to generate core iridoid structures.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 9, 2015

Vanilla yogurt makes us feel happy, suggests research

A new study published in Food Research International found that eating vanilla yoghurt can make people feel happy due to the pleasant surprise of tasting a different flavor. Researchers discovered that yoghurts with lower fat content also elicit stronger positive emotional responses.

SourceElsevier·JournalFood Research International·DateNov 9, 2015

First-of-its-kind study of puberty timing in men

A first-of-its-kind study of puberty timing in men reveals a strong genetic correlation with females, showing that the same genetic factors influence both sexes. The study found five new genetic variants associated with puberty timing, some acting through known hormone pathways.

SourceEdelman, Orlando·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2015

Group therapy is an effective and cost-efficient way to promote cardiovascular health

A group-therapy intervention program achieves significant improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, exercise, weight, diet, and tobacco smoking. The program also encourages participants to adopt healthy habits and increase physical activity.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 9, 2015

Saying I do

A study by UC Santa Barbara demographer Shelly Lundberg and economist Robert Pollak finds that marriage rates have declined among those with lower education levels, while college-educated couples marry earlier and their marriages are more stable. High-income parents invest more time and resources in children, making long-term commitmen...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalThe Future of Children·DateNov 9, 2015

Study shows benefits of intensive blood pressure management

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 120 mmHg significantly reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in adults, especially those over 75. However, intensive treatment also increased the risk of hypotension, fainting, and acute kidney abnormalities.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 9, 2015

Temporary ambulance locations reduces response times and may save lives

Researchers found that ambulances deployed at temporary locations during peak traffic hours had a 2-minute shorter response time and lower mortality rates compared to permanent stations. The study, conducted in Shiraz, Iran, and replicated in Sweden, suggests that risk analysis and statistics-based deployment can improve emergency care.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Emergency Medicine·DateNov 9, 2015

A printable, flexible, lightweight temperature sensor

A University of Tokyo research group has developed a flexible, lightweight temperature sensor that responds rapidly to tiny thermal changes. The sensor is composed of graphite and a semicrystalline acrylate polymer and can measure body temperature with high accuracy without additional circuitry.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2015

How low to go for blood pressure? Lower target could affect millions of Americans

A new study suggests that lowering systolic blood pressure to 120 mmHg could benefit up to 16.8 million Americans, who meet specific eligibility criteria for intensive blood pressure management. The study found that this lower target could have a significant impact on reducing risk of heart failure, heart attack, and death.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 9, 2015

Complex grammar of the genomic language

A recent study from Karolinska Institutet shows that the human genome's 'grammar' is more complex than even intricate spoken languages. The findings contribute to understanding how genetic differences affect disease risk and pave the way for cracking the genetic code controlling gene expression.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateNov 9, 2015