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Science News for January 9, 2017


Breakthrough in MS treatment

Ocrelizumab has been shown to significantly reduce new attacks in patients with relapsing MS, slow symptom progression in primary progressive MS, and decrease brain lesions. The drug also demonstrated lower rates of disability progression and fewer infusion-related reactions compared to placebo.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 9, 2017

CDC guidelines for HIV prevention regimen may not go far enough, study suggests

A new study from UCLA suggests modifying federal health guidelines to use a risk calculator that takes into account more factors, potentially increasing effectiveness of PrEP in preventing HIV transmission. The calculator uses real-world data and is expected to be useful for gay and bisexual men who have sex with men.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalSexually Transmitted Diseases·DateJan 9, 2017

Do weekend warriors reap any health benefits?

A recent study found that people who engage in physical activity on weekends have significantly lower all-cause mortality rates compared to those who are inactive. The research suggests that even short periods of moderate-intensity exercise can have health benefits, especially for individuals with busy weekday schedules. Experts recomm...

Common viruses prove dangerous in long-term care facility

A widespread outbreak of RSV and HMPV in a long-term dementia care ward infected 73% of patients, emphasizing the need for improved protocols to protect vulnerable residents. The facility has since implemented active screening, efficient separation, and partnered with a private laboratory for rapid respiratory viral testing.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJan 9, 2017

National Commission on Prevention Priorities releases new preventive services rankings

The National Commission on Prevention Priorities has released updated rankings for clinical preventive services, highlighting the most effective and cost-effective options. The top three services include immunizing children, tobacco-use screening, and alcohol misuse screening, with scores of 10 out of a possible 10.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 9, 2017

Children are more apt to confess misdeeds if they think parents will react positively

A new study from the University of Michigan found that older kids are more likely to view confessing as right, while younger children connect positive emotions to lying and negative emotions to confession. Parents can foster open communication by listening without anger, making it critical for teens grappling with adult issues.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateJan 9, 2017

How on Earth does geotagging work?

Computing science researchers at the University of Alberta have developed a technique to automate geotagging for news articles and other online documents. The model integrates two competing hypotheses: inheritance and near-location, achieving high accuracy in matching named entities to geographical locations.

Two years and multiple doctors often needed to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome

A study revealed that it takes two years or more for one-third of women with PCOS to receive a diagnosis, highlighting the need for improved education and support. The authors call for international guidelines and resources to improve diagnosis experience and health outcomes for women with PCOS.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJan 9, 2017

For chemicals, mega is out and bio is in

Researchers argue that waste methane can be turned into valuable chemicals through biomanufacturing, which could meet industry's needs and reduce environmental impact. By operating at smaller scales, biomanufacturing facilities can be closer to feedstocks and point of need, facilitating faster innovation.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateJan 9, 2017

Hidden seeds reveal Canary Islands history

Researchers from Linköping University and the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria analyzed prehistoric seeds to discover that barley was one of the main crops on the island of Gran Canaria over 1,000 years ago. The study suggests that the Canary Islands were colonized by tribes from northern Morocco nearly 2,000 years ago.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJan 9, 2017

Friend or foe? Each creates national unity, a mix creates divisions, study shows

A new study published in PNAS reveals that peace brings people together in Scandinavian countries, while groups band together against other groups for a united cause in conflict-ridden war zones. In countries with a mix of indigenous and immigrant populations, intergroup relations are more challenging, leading to ambivalent stereotypes...

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2017

Parents' physical activity associated with preschooler activity in underserved populations

Researchers found that increasing parental physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior correlates with increased physical activity behaviors in children. The study used movement monitors to objectively measure physical activity and found a significant association between parent and child behavior.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 9, 2017

New findings detail structure of immature Zika virus

The study reveals differences in protein arrangement between immature Zika and other flaviviruses, shedding light on the virus's role in infection and disease. Understanding the structure of the immature form could help develop effective antiviral treatments and vaccines for diseases like microcephaly.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 9, 2017

An ecological invasion mimics a drunken walk

A new mathematical model describes ecological invasions as a random walk, categorizing randomness into spatial, demographic, and temporal factors. The model replicates key properties observed in computer simulations, resolving an ongoing argument between ecologists and mathematicians.

SourcePenn State·JournalTheoretical Population Biology·DateJan 9, 2017

NIH to release findings on impact of parent physical activity, sedentary behavior on their preschool

A new NIH-funded study found that in underserved populations, parents' physical activity levels directly correlate with their preschoolers' activity levels. The research suggests interventions could focus on helping parents model an active lifestyle for their children to combat obesity. Low-income and ethnic minority families are dispr...

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 9, 2017

Hydropower in China impacts the flow of the Mekong River

The study reveals that Chinese hydropower operations have significantly altered the Mekong River's dry and wet season flows, affecting its ecological productivity. The changes in river flow have been particularly pronounced since 2014, with the Nuozhadu dam project having the largest impact on downstream Cambodia.

SourceAalto University·JournalJournal of Hydrology·DateJan 9, 2017

Catheter safeguards at hospitals reduce infections and save money, study shows

A recent study by Cedars-Sinai found that implementing rigorous catheter safeguards can significantly reduce bloodstream infections related to central venous catheters. The study, which analyzed data from 113 hospitals, showed a 57% reduction in infection rates while producing net savings of $1.85 million for each site over three years.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJan 9, 2017

How Spain achieved a remarkably high rate of deceased organ donation

The Spanish system has made organ donation a routine consideration when a patient dies, with professionals exploring patients' wishes regarding organ donation. The model's success lies in its coordination and organization, making it applicable to other countries with adaptations depending on the healthcare system and factors.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJan 9, 2017

Speeding up 19th century oil paintings

Lead acetate, combined with mastic resin and linseed oil, enabled artists to create quick-drying paint layers for the first time. This innovation allowed for faster production times, facilitating the development of modern styles in the 19th century.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 9, 2017

Most breastfed infants not receiving recommended vitamin D supplementation

A study found that only 55% of breastfed infants received the recommended daily vitamin D supplementation. Mothers preferred to supplement themselves, citing safety as their top concern. Higher doses of vitamin D could be incorporated into maternal supplementation routines to enrich breast milk and improve intakes in breastfed infants.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 9, 2017