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Science News for January 18, 2016


Regular exercise critical for heart health, longevity

The study emphasizes that even moderate amounts of physical activity can significantly reduce cardiovascular disease mortality risk. The council found no upper limit to exercise-induced health benefits, suggesting all levels of moderate and vigorous intensity exercise result in reduced mortality compared to physical inactivity.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateJan 18, 2016

It's a 3-D printer, but not as we know it

Researchers developed a novel method to print composite materials using ultrasonic waves, enabling the creation of complex fibrous architectures. The technology can be easily integrated into existing 3D printers, offering tailored material properties and potential applications in smart materials.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateJan 18, 2016

ACP and CDC issue advice for prescribing antibiotics

The American College of Physicians (ACP) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued advice for prescribing antibiotics for acute respiratory tract infections in adults. Inappropriate antibiotic use contributes to antibiotic-resistant infections, posing a public health threat. Guidelines recommend symptomatic therapy fo...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJan 18, 2016

Cardiac arrests in high-rise buildings: Low survival rates above 3rd floor

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that residents of high-rise buildings living on lower floors had better survival rates from cardiac arrests. Notably, survival was negligible for people living above the 16th floor. The researchers suggest several solutions to improve time to patient contact and increa...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 18, 2016

Team develops wireless, dissolvable sensors to monitor brain

A team of neurosurgeons and engineers has developed wireless brain sensors that monitor intracranial pressure and temperature, dissolving over time without the need for surgery. These devices have potential to monitor patients with traumatic brain injuries and could be used to track activity in other organ systems throughout the body.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateJan 18, 2016

Laws of nature predict cancer evolution

A new study uses natural laws to predict how cancers evolve over time, potentially leading to personalized treatment. The research suggests that doctors could use mathematical formulas to anticipate a cancer's growth and development, enabling them to choose the most effective treatments.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 18, 2016

Scientists take steps to make weak TB drugs strong again

Researchers found that fluoroquinolones interact with an enzyme in TB germs, but not as strongly as thought. They discovered a new way to make the drugs more potent by targeting broken DNA within the gyrase complex. This could lead to improved treatments for multidrug-resistant TB and other bacterial infections.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2016

Scientists find new gene fault behind ovarian cancer

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women carrying an inherited BRIP1 gene fault are over three times more likely to develop ovarian cancer. The research also showed that these women tend to be diagnosed with aggressive cancers at a later age and have a higher risk of dying from the disease.

SourceCancer Research UK·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 18, 2016

New study gives squirrels plenty of food for thought

A new study by the University of Exeter found that grey squirrels solve problems in the search for food through persistence and choosing effective behaviors. The research showed increased experience, higher persistence, and behavioral selectivity are directly related to improved problem-solving efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJan 18, 2016

Recipe for muon pair creation, in theory

A Japanese physicist has developed new ways to create muonium atoms through particle collisions, offering advancements in detection and applications in proton size measurements. The second method using a positively charged muon colliding with a muonic hydrogen atom shows the most promise for future experiments.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJan 18, 2016

Easier diagnosis for fungal infection of the lungs

A new clinical imaging method has been developed to tackle one of the main killers of patients with weakened immune systems. The method uses a combination of PET and MRI imaging to identify invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnosis.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2016

Scientists discover blueprint of body's heat sensor

Researchers have discovered the structure of TRPV2, a protein linked to pain and heat perception, which could lead to new treatments for chronic pain. The study found that TRPV2 has an in-between state where it becomes desensitized to repeated stimuli, suggesting a potential way to alleviate chronic pain.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 18, 2016

Mapping out cell conversion

Researchers developed an algorithm called Mogrify that predicts the unique set of cellular factors required for converting one human cell type to another. This breakthrough has significant implications for regenerative medicine and lays the groundwork for further research into cell reprogramming.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature Genetics·DateJan 18, 2016

Blood cells in action

Researchers demonstrate that fast molecules in the vicinity make blood cell membranes wriggle, but cells also become active when they have enough reaction time. The study reveals a balance between thermal fluctuations and internal forces causing the cells to change shape.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 18, 2016

New research from MSK highlights fertility concerns of young adult and adolescent cancer survivors

A new study from MSK highlights the fertility concerns of young adult and adolescent cancer survivors, with nearly half reporting uncertainty about their reproductive health. The researchers emphasize the need for more comprehensive fertility-related information and support services in survivorship care.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology·DateJan 18, 2016

Georgetown professors: Congress made 'scientific judgment for which it is distinctly unqualified'

Two Georgetown professors argue that a section of the FY 2016 Consolidated Appropriations Act undermines science and women's health by requiring private insurers to follow outdated scientific guidance for breast cancer screening coverage. This action strikes at the credibility of the US Preventive Services Task Force and may discourage...