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Science News Archive December 2016 - Page 8


Page 8 of 32

Trends in extracorporeal life support -- ASAIO Journal presents latest worldwide registry data

The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry report finds that ECLS is becoming more widely available and frequently used globally. Adults with respiratory failure are the fastest-growing group of ECLS patients, while rates of survival to hospital discharge have improved for this age group. In contrast, newborns with re...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalASAIO Journal·DateDec 20, 2016

History of TBI linked to poor outcomes for those who are homeless, have mental illness

A study published in Journal of Psychiatric Research found that homeless adults with mental illness and a history of traumatic brain injury are more likely to experience adverse health conditions, increased use of emergency departments, and suicidal risk. The research highlights the need for specialized services such as clinical treatm...

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateDec 20, 2016

Stabilizing evolutionary forces keep ants strong

Researchers found evidence of stabilizing selection that maintains functional characteristics in ant populations. The study revealed significant genetic differences and limited gene flow among ant populations, suggesting that natural selection acts on important traits while less critical traits diversify over time.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 20, 2016

Bright future for energy devices

Researchers at Michigan Tech created a new way to synthesize sodium-embedded carbon nanowalls, which have two orders of magnitude higher conductivity than three-dimensional graphene. The material also retains high capacity after 5,000 charge/discharge cycles, making it ideal for supercapacitors and energy devices.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 20, 2016

First use of graphene to detect cancer cells

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have developed a graphene system that can differentiate between cancerous and normal brain cells, detecting hyperactivity in single interfaced cells. This technique uses Raman spectroscopy to pinpoint changes in atomic vibration energy, allowing for early cancer diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 19, 2016

Gut bacteria may hold key to treating autoimmune disease

Researchers discovered that replacing missing gut bacteria or restoring a key metabolite called inosine could help treat children with IPEX syndrome, an often fatal autoimmune disease. The study found that probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri and A2A receptor agonists inhibited T cell-mediated autoimmunity, extending the animals' life span.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateDec 19, 2016

Findings in tuberous sclerosis complex on the role of inflammation and epilepsy

Researchers have found that inflammation plays a role in the development of epilepsy in TSC patients and that targeting this process could be a potential therapy. Studies using a mouse model of TSC found increased levels of inflammatory molecules in brain tissue before seizure onset, which were reversed by anti-inflammatory compounds.

How to make health systems learning organizations

Johns Hopkins Medicine's model focuses on a patient-oriented purpose, aligning stakeholders toward common goals. By continuously studying its own performance, the health system can expand its ability to measure quality, safety, and other important variables.

SourceWiley·JournalLearning Health Systems·DateDec 19, 2016

Topical treatment activates immune system to clear precancerous skin lesions

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital discovered a combination of calcipotriol and fluorouracil can rapidly clear actinic keratosis lesions by activating the immune system, achieving an 88% reduction in facial lesions. The treatment's effectiveness was compared to standard treatments, which elicit unpleasant side effects.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 19, 2016

Alzheimer's advance: Early stage study in mice show new drugs restore memory loss and prolong life

A new class of drugs targeting a specific protein receptor has shown promising results in improving cognitive function and extending the life-span of terminally ill mice with neurodegeneration. The study provides hope for developing effective treatments to alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression in Alzheimer's patients.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 19, 2016

Irish surgeon identifies emerging area of medical science

Professor J. Calvin Coffey reclassified the mesentery as a single, continuous structure connecting the intestine to the abdomen, leading to potential advances in surgeries and disease diagnosis. Further study of mesenteric science could result in less invasive procedures, faster recovery times, and lower costs.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateDec 19, 2016

The deepwater horizon aftermath

Researchers analyzed 125 major petroleum hydrocarbons from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to determine their long-term environmental impact. They found that smaller, simpler compounds degrade faster, while larger ones persist longer, and that physical context plays a significant role in this process.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2016

New prehistoric bird species discovered

A new species of bird, Tingmiatornis arctica, has been discovered in the Canadian Arctic, dating back to approximately 90 million years ago. The fossil finds reveal a hyper-warm interval during the late Cretaceous period, with conditions allowing large birds to thrive.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 19, 2016