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Science News Archive December 2016 - Page 29


Page 29 of 32

Researchers uncover protein-based 'cancer signature'

A research team at the University of Basel has discovered a cancer type-specific 'signature' based on ribosomal protein expression. This signature may serve as a prognostic marker for cancer and point towards new therapeutic opportunities, with a strong relationship found between the signature in breast cancer and relapse-free survival.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalGenome Biology·DateDec 5, 2016

Re-emergence of syphilis traced to pandemic strain cluster

A recent study reveals that syphilis has re-emerged globally, primarily caused by a pandemic strain cluster named SS14-Ω. This cluster exhibits high levels of antibiotic resistance, particularly to azithromycin, posing a significant public health concern. The researchers hope that their findings will contribute to a better understandin...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Microbiology·DateDec 5, 2016

Moffitt Cancer Center study shows improved response rates in myelodysplastic syndromes patients treated with lenalidomide and epoetin alpha

The phase 3 ECOG-ACRIN E2905 Intergroup Study found that lenalidomide plus epoetin alpha resulted in improved major erythroid response rates and a similar toxicity profile compared to lenalidomide alone. This combination therapy showed significant benefits for patients with lower-risk, erythropoietin-refractory MDS.

Biomarker may predict which formerly treated cancer patients will develop highly fatal form of leukemia

A study by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center found pre-leukemic mutations can predict the development of therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MNs), a leukemia with poor prognosis. Patients with these mutations are at higher risk, and detecting them earlier could help prevent or treat t-MNs.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateDec 3, 2016

Study estimates global cancer cases, deaths in 2015

The study estimates 17.5 million cancer cases and 8.7 million cancer-related deaths worldwide in 2015, with prostate cancer being the most common in men and breast cancer in women. The report also highlights an increase in cancer incidence due to aging and demographic changes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 3, 2016

Evaluation of scientific rigor in animal research

Researchers found that only 20% of applications and publications reported use of bias-reducing methods, but 86% of participants claimed to assign animals randomly to treatment groups. The study recommends more education and training for those involved in animal research to ensure scientific rigor.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 2, 2016

Lung function decline accelerates in menopausal women

A longitudinal population-based study found that menopausal women experience an accelerated decline in lung function, with declines in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second comparable to severe smoking. The study highlights the importance of maintaining respiratory health long after the menopausal transition.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 2, 2016

Turning off asthma attacks

Johns Hopkins researchers have identified a critical cellular switch that turns on the inflammatory immune response contributing to asthma attacks. By inhibiting this pathway, they may be able to prevent continued inflammation and long-term structural changes in the lungs.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 2, 2016

E-cigarettes effectively deliver nicotine

E-cigarettes are effective at delivering nicotine, particularly for experienced users. The study found that newer generation e-cigarettes outperform first-generation devices in terms of nicotine delivery. However, the efficacy of e-cigarettes also depends on individual behavior and vaping habits.

SourceR&D at British American Tobacco·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateDec 2, 2016

What makes your voice yours?

UCLA researchers Patricia Keating and Jody Kreiman analyzed recordings from 50 women to identify acoustic parameters distinguishing their voices. The study aims to understand which characteristics make a speaker's voice recognizable and how much change is perceptible to listeners.

New test identifies high-risk liver patients

A new test has identified a gene signature related to the immune response in liver tissue of patients with high-risk Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), a rare autoimmune condition. The test allows for early intervention with alternative treatments, increasing chances of success and potentially staving off the need for a liver transplant.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalEBioMedicine·DateDec 2, 2016

High-precision magnetic field sensing

Researchers developed a high-precision sensor to measure small variations in strong magnetic fields, enabling the detection of mechanical processes in the body. The technique has broad applications in medicine and biological research, including the development of new contrast agents for MRI.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 2, 2016

Saturated fat could be good for you

A Norwegian diet intervention study found similar health effects of diets high in carbohydrates or fats, with substantial improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors. The study suggests that the quality of food is more important than the quantity of fat or carbohydrates, and that most healthy people can tolerate a high intake of satur...

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateDec 2, 2016