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Science News Archive April 2016 - Page 7


Page 7 of 39

Statins and colorectal cancer

A large case-control study found that statin use is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer, but the difference in risk between statin users and non-users was not significant. Increased serum cholesterol levels were also independently linked to decreased risk of colorectal cancer.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 26, 2016

The Lancet Oncology: Remaining in the EU is vital to maintaining the UK's global strength in cancer research and care, say leading oncologists

Leading UK oncologists argue that staying in the EU is crucial to maintaining the country's prominent role in cancer research and care. The authors point out the benefits of EU-wide cooperation, including improved standards of care, research, and patient rights, as well as strengthened collaboration with EU partners.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateApr 26, 2016

Immuno-psychiatry: When your body makes its own angel dust

Researchers found structural brain damage in the hippocampus, a key memory region, that correlates with memory performance and disease severity in patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. The autoimmune disorder can cause schizophrenia-like symptoms and long-term cognitive impairment if not treated promptly.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 26, 2016

Yoga may have health benefits for people with asthma

A new Cochrane Review suggests that yoga may have a beneficial effect on symptoms and quality of life in people with asthma. However, the effects on lung function and medication use are uncertain. Researchers found some moderate quality evidence that yoga exercise reduces the impact of asthma on people's quality of life.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateApr 26, 2016

Play as a field for research

The PLAYTrack project aims to investigate how play supports children's learning and skills. The project will develop new methods to examine the impact of play on human development, collaboration with industry partners and institutions.

How breast cancer cells slide to metastasis

Researchers found that breast cancer cells spread by sliding around other cells blocking their escape route out of the original tumor. The study identified molecular pathways that regulate cell-sliding behavior and showed that increased levels of E-cadherin can diminish this behavior.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateApr 26, 2016

What's missing from current methods for genetic screening of sperm donors?

A new study shows that current carrier screening methods are insufficient and can give prospective mothers a false sense of security. Whole genome studies are needed to ensure both mates don't carry recessive mutations in the same gene(s). DNA-based screening can detect many more disease-causing genetic variations

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateApr 26, 2016

Measuring happiness on social media

A study published in PLOS One found that people's feelings of long-term happiness and satisfaction with their lives remained steady over time, unaffected by external events. The researchers grouped Twitter users into satisfied and dissatisfied groups, finding differences in language use, activity patterns, and psychological processes.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 26, 2016