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Science News Archive July 2016 - Page 3


Page 3 of 36

Scientists warn about health of English bulldog

The English bulldog's extreme physical changes, achieved through human-directed selection, have led to significant loss of genetic diversity, particularly in immune response genes. This reduced diversity makes it challenging to improve the breed's health from within its existing gene pool.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalCanine Genetics and Epidemiology·DateJul 28, 2016

Sex and death insights from a mutant roundworm

Researchers at Georgia Tech discovered a genetic mutation in C. elegans that led to prioritization of adult survival over reproduction, revealing insights into life history trade-offs and their regulation. The study's findings have implications for understanding human genetics, particularly the NURF-1 gene involved in reproduction.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 28, 2016

Sampling method used for new breast cancer tests may lead to underestimation of risk

Researchers at University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute found that tumor sampling techniques used with new breast cancer tests may lead to underestimation of risk. The study suggests that refining the sampling process is crucial to ensure accurate treatment plans for patients with more aggressive tumors.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 28, 2016

Even mild vision impairment has influence on quality of life

Research reveals a significant association between visual health and social determinants of general health, including education, socio-economic status, and ethnicity. The study found that even mild vision impairment can have a substantial impact on daily life, increasing the risk of unemployment and mental health issues.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateJul 28, 2016

Should crime victims call the police?

A nationwide study of over 18,000 crime victims found that reporting initial experiences to police reduces the likelihood of future victimization. The researchers suggest increased awareness and services for victims after reporting contribute to this effect.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 28, 2016

Insurance, distance to care can be barriers to breast reconstruction

A study found that women with Medicaid or Medicare had lower odds of receiving breast reconstruction compared to those with private insurance. Distance to the nearest plastic surgeon also predicted lower rates of reconstruction. The researchers highlight additional barriers to access beyond socioeconomic class, age, and race.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateJul 28, 2016

The Lancet Psychiatry: Locked door policy in mental health hospitals is no better than open doors at preventing patient suicide or unauthorized absence, says study

A new 15-year study of 145000 patient cases found that locked wards do not reduce the risk of suicide attempts or unauthorized absence from hospital. In contrast, patients treated on open wards are less likely to attempt suicide and have a lower likelihood of absconding.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateJul 28, 2016

Discovery of a novel gene for hereditary colon cancer

Scientists have identified a rare genetic alteration in the MSH3 gene that is associated with a new form of hereditary colon cancer. The discovery has significant implications for diagnosis and treatment, as it offers a clear diagnosis for some cases of polyposis and allows for targeted surveillance and prevention.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 28, 2016

Social media linked to more satisfaction with breast cancer treatment decisions

A study from Michigan Medicine found that women who engaged on social media after a breast cancer diagnosis expressed more deliberation about their treatment decision and more satisfaction with the path they chose. However, the researchers also identified significant barriers to social media use among certain groups of patients.

Vortex laser offers hope for Moore's Law

A new light-based communication tool can carry data in a swift, circular motion, potentially solving an approaching data bottleneck. The optics advancement could become a central component of next generation computers designed to handle society's growing demand for information sharing.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalScience·DateJul 28, 2016

ACMG releases updated position statement on noninvasive prenatal screening for detection of fetal aneuploidy

The American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics has released an updated position statement on noninvasive prenatal screening for detection of fetal aneuploidy. The guidelines provide recommendations for obstetric care providers and patients regarding the use of noninvasive prenatal screening (NIPS) in prenatal practice.

SourceAmerican College of Medical Genetics and Genomics·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateJul 28, 2016

Discovery of new Hepatitis C virus mechanism

Researchers at Osaka University identified a new drug target by inhibiting the SPP enzyme, reducing HCV particle production and improving pathological liver conditions. The discovery also revealed a protein quality control mechanism that could be useful for treating other diseases.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 2016

Voice control in orangutan gives clues to early human speech

A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that orangutans have the potential capacity to control their voices, which could have led to the evolution of human speech. The research found that an adolescent orangutan named Rocky was able to copy the pitch and tone of sounds made by researchers, mimicking vowel-like calls.

SourceDurham University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 27, 2016

Combining Ipilimumab with local treatments improved survival for patients with melanoma

A retrospective clinical study found that patients with melanoma who received both ipilimumab and local peripheral treatments had significantly prolonged overall survival compared to those who received only ipilimumab. The median overall survival for these patients was 93 weeks, compared to 42 weeks for those receiving only ipilimumab.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Immunology Research·DateJul 27, 2016