Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2016 - Page 19


Page 19 of 39

MD Anderson researchers propose new staging for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer

Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center proposed a new staging system for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, which better separates patients with different survival rates. The new groupings were proven to have greater predictive power than the current system, particularly in identifying stage III disease with a high risk of death.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 16, 2016

Testing the power of stem cell-derived heart muscle cells

A recent study published in the Journal of Cell Biology reveals that stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes have weaker contractile strength than their biological counterparts, which could explain shortcomings in clinical trials. The findings suggest that novel assays are needed to better understand the basic science behind stem cell therapy.

Salt and sodium intake remains high in China

A recent study in JAMA found that all provinces in China exceeded the recommended daily maximum intake of salt (5 g/d) and sodium (2 g/d), highlighting a persistent public health concern. The study suggests that total diet studies underestimate sodium consumption due to increased use of processed foods and seasonings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 16, 2016

Heart arrhythmia drug may fight plaque buildup in blood vessels

Researchers found that digoxin decreased levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides by 41% and 54%, respectively, in mice treated with high-dose digoxin. Digoxin also lowered LDL-cholesterol levels by 20%. The study suggests a potential link between the drug and reduced plaque buildup.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateFeb 16, 2016

Electronic health records can help catch undiagnosed cases of type 2 diabetes

Researchers developed a screening algorithm using electronic health records to identify people with undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes, uncovering previously unknown risk factors such as sexual and gender identity disorders and intestinal infections. The tool showed promise in detecting 400,000 potential cases nationally.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Biomedical Informatics·DateFeb 16, 2016

Mining a deep vein of data, researchers make key findings on IV device use

Researchers analyzed data from 10 Michigan hospitals to show significant variation in peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) use, with nearly one in four PICCs removed within five days. The study also found wide variation in complication rates, including serious and life-threatening events such as blood clots and infections.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2016

Necessity, the mother of participation

A Tel Aviv University study reveals that mothers' positive attitudes towards involving their children in everyday activities and feeling competent as parents significantly contribute to their children's successful participation. The research suggests that mothers should prioritize their own self-care and interests to promote their chil...

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·DateFeb 16, 2016

Cyber thieves making millions in profits

A study published in the journal Deviant Behavior estimates that cybercrime profits are in the hundreds of millions, with sellers making between $250,000 to $1 million per batch of 50 stolen cards. Buyers can earn up to $8 million by using the stolen cards, highlighting a lucrative global criminal enterprise.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalDeviant Behavior·DateFeb 16, 2016

Trouble sleeping associated with behavioral problems in children with autism

A recent study from the University of Missouri found a strong association between difficulty sleeping and behavioral problems in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The research, which surveyed parents of 81 children with ASD, revealed that sleep difficulties are highly related to daytime behavioral issues such as aggression,...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateFeb 16, 2016

What factors affect non-compliance with endocrine therapy among young women with breast cancer?

A new study found that more than half of young women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer did not believe endocrine therapy was essential. The study emphasizes the need for better education on the benefits of endocrine therapy and medication adherence among this age group.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology·DateFeb 16, 2016

Livestock donations to Zambian households yield higher income, improved diet

A University of Illinois study found that livestock donations to poor households in Zambia significantly increased people's incomes, boosting household budgets by up to 25% and enabling them to afford higher-nutrition foods like milk. The study also showed that recipients changed their diet to include more diverse food groups.

New test detects chlamydia in 30 minutes

The Atlas io system uses DNA probes with bespoke electrochemical tags to detect infectious diseases in less than 30 minutes. This technology has significant benefits over existing diagnostic tests, allowing for faster results and potentially reducing the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

Heart organizations support core quality measures, with reservations

The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association support the implementation of core quality measures, which aim to streamline data collection for physicians, payers, and patients. However, they express concerns about two conflicting blood pressure control measures that could confuse patients and providers.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 16, 2016

Advance could aid development of nanoscale biosensors

Researchers from Brown University have developed a technique that eliminates the need for highly specialized external light sources, enabling more versatile and compact devices. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of hand-held environmental sensors and biosensors that can perform complete blood workups from single drops.

SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 16, 2016

Discovery could lead to new treatment strategy against TB

Scientists have uncovered the 3D structure of an enzyme crucial for Mycobacterium tuberculosis survival. This discovery could lead to the development of new compounds targeting the ketol-acid reductoisomerase (KARI) enzyme, which is only present in bacteria and plants.

SourceWiley·JournalFEBS Journal·DateFeb 16, 2016