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Science News Archive August 2016 - Page 3


Page 3 of 38

UAB biomarker outperforms current gold standard to detect brain shunt infections

Researchers at UAB found that the biomarker detected 14 of 15 bacterial infections in cerebrospinal fluid, outperforming the current diagnostic gold standard. The test showed excellent diagnostic capability with a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 86%. This breakthrough could improve patient care and reduce healthcare expenses by d...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJCI Insight·DateAug 30, 2016

Vegetation matters

A new study by UCSB researchers indicates that shifts in vegetation type resulting from warming and other factors may have an equal or greater effect on stream flows in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Vegetation change can lead to changes in water availability for urban, agricultural, and environmental needs.

Functional human tissue-engineered liver generated from stem and progenitor cells

A research team at Children's Hospital Los Angeles has successfully generated functional human tissue-engineered liver from adult stem and progenitor cells. The tissue-engineered liver exhibited normal structural components, including hepatocytes, bile ducts, and blood vessels, and demonstrated in vivo secretory function.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine·DateAug 30, 2016

The Lancet Oncology: Nationwide study sets benchmarks for 30-day mortality following chemotherapy for breast and lung cancer in England

A nationwide study in England has collected data on 30-day mortality for patients with breast and lung cancer treated with chemotherapy, identifying factors such as age, general well-being, and NHS trusts with higher-than-expected rates of mortality. The study aims to improve patient care and inform clinical decision-making.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateAug 30, 2016

Plastic surgery seeks to help women gain leadership positions and break through the 'plastic ceiling'

Women plastic surgeons face unique challenges in achieving leadership roles, including a 'confidence gap' and disproportionate family responsibilities. To overcome these obstacles, organizations must promote diversity and support women's career development through mentorship opportunities, equal pay, and institutional support.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateAug 30, 2016

Cancer: Molecularly shutting down cancer cachexia

Researchers have identified AMPK as the central enzyme in cancer cachexia, a condition that results in weight loss due to metabolic complications. A peptide was developed to selectively reactivate AMPK, which has been shown to prevent increased fat breakdown and promote 'healthy' adipose tissue.

Longer duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after stent placement improves outcomes for patients with peripheral arterial disease

A study published in JAMA Cardiology found that prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy reduces the risk of death, heart attack, or stroke in patients with peripheral arterial disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Concomitant PAD is associated with a 2-fold increased risk of ischemic events, but not bleeding.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateAug 30, 2016

New species of pterosaur discovered in Patagonia

Scientists have discovered a new species of pterosaur from the Early Jurassic period in Patagonia, Argentina. The 'Allkauren koi' species boasts an intermediate state in brain evolution, shedding light on the origin and adaptation of flying reptiles.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateAug 30, 2016

New research suggests specialized nutrition cost-effectively extends lives of malnourished hospitalized adults

A new study found that malnourished older adults who received a specialized nutrition supplement had an additional 8.5 months of estimated life expectancy compared to a placebo group. The analysis also showed that the treatment was cost-effective, costing only $524 for each year of life saved.

SourceMSL Group - New York·JournalApplied Health Economics and Health Policy·DateAug 30, 2016

Increased complications after 2011 Ohio abortion law

A study found that medication abortions in Ohio required more interventions, side effects, and higher costs after an outdated protocol was implemented. Women who had abortions post-law period were three times more likely to need additional interventions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 30, 2016

Planet Nine could spell doom for solar system

Research from the University of Warwick suggests that Planet Nine's existence could lead to the elimination of a giant planet and its ejection into interstellar space. The hypothetical planet's presence could cause a 'pinball' effect, hurling planets out of the solar system as the sun dies in around seven billion years.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 30, 2016