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Science News Archive February 2017 - Page 21


Page 21 of 37

Sugar, salt, and fat taxes could save billions in health care costs

A new study suggests that implementing taxes on unhealthy foods like sugar, salt, and saturated fats could save Australia $3.4 billion in healthcare costs over the lifetime of its population. The study found that combining these taxes with subsidies on fruits and vegetables would lead to significant health gains and cost savings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 14, 2017

A nanofiber matrix for healing

A new nanofiber-on-microfiber matrix enables the scalable expansion of human pluripotent stem cells, resulting in high-quality cells with robust growth. The innovative system allows for easy exchange of nutrients and reduces stress on the cells, making it suitable for large-scale production.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBiomaterials·DateFeb 14, 2017

Don't kill the messenger RNA

Researchers at Salk Institute use mRNA therapy to deliver instructions for clotting protein, achieving normal clotting and minimal immune response in mice. The therapy shows potential as a cost-effective and safer alternative to existing treatments for hemophilia B and other genetic diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2017

Mind the (osteoporosis treatment) gap!

A new review identifies four main themes addressing gaps in osteoporosis care, including public awareness, reimbursement, and epidemiology. The authors stress the need for increased implementation of systematic approaches to prevent secondary fractures and improved management of patients with medicines negatively affecting bone health.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateFeb 14, 2017

A new contrast agent for MRI

Researchers have developed new iron oxide nanoparticles with zwitterion coating that can produce similar MRI contrast to gadolinium-based agents without the risk of adverse effects. The particles are water-soluble, compact and biocompatible, making them a potential safer substitute for current contrast agents.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2017

Radiation therapy continues to be gold standard to palliate painful bone metastases

The updated clinical guideline from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) underscores the safety and effectiveness of palliative radiation therapy (RT) for treating painful bone metastases. The guideline recommends optimal RT dosing schedules, including options for re-treatment, to provide pain relief, with a single 8-Gy ...

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateFeb 14, 2017

Lipid nanoparticles for gene therapy

Lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have shown increased effectiveness in delivering nucleic acids, with advantages including protection against degradation and boost to transfection process. Researchers are exploring their application in treating various diseases, including degenerative disorders of the retina, infectious diseases, and cancer.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics·DateFeb 14, 2017

American College of Physicians issues guideline for treating nonradicular low back pain

The American College of Physicians issues a guideline for treating nonradicular low back pain, recommending non-drug therapies such as superficial heat, massage, and acupuncture. For chronic low back pain, the ACP suggests exercise, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, and mindfulness-based stress reduction as initial treatment options.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 13, 2017

What are the financial barriers to adherence to treatment in neurology?

A new study found that financial barriers significantly impact medication adherence in neurology patients, with the majority of nonadherence cases attributed to costs. The study suggests that tailored strategies are needed to identify and address these issues, particularly among cognitively- and socioeconomically vulnerable populations.

SourceDove Medical Press·JournalClinicoEconomics and Outcomes Research·DateFeb 13, 2017

Accelerated chlorophyll reaction in microdroplets to reveal secret of photosynthesis

Researchers found that chlorophyll demetallation reacts a thousand times faster in microdroplets without enzymes, suggesting a new mechanism for photosynthesis control. This discovery could lead to better understanding of photosynthesis and contribute to more efficient photosynthesis research.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalQuarterly Reviews of Biophysics·DateFeb 13, 2017

Testosterone therapy provides protection against cardiovascular disease in men with low testosterone

A new study found that long-term testosterone therapy improves vigor and vitality, while reducing the risk of death due to cardiovascular disease in men with hypogonadism. The research suggests that testosterone therapy is an effective approach for secondary prevention in hypogonadal men with a history of cardiovascular events.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics·DateFeb 13, 2017

Are drones disturbing marine mammals?

Researchers have found that drone noise does not travel far into the water, posing little threat to marine mammals. The study suggests that UAVs can be used safely in marine environments with proper permits and guidelines.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateFeb 13, 2017