Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 5, 2017


Generous health insurance plans encourage overtreatment, but may not improve health

A new study found that generous health insurance plans with low deductibles and copays can lead to unnecessary treatments for chronically ill patients. The study suggests that personalized medicine interventions, providing more information about treatment effectiveness, can reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes.

Older adults under-referred for mental health therapies

A large research study reveals that older people are not being referred for mental health support nearly as frequently as their younger counterparts. Despite this, studies have shown that older people may benefit the most from 'talk therapies', with over three-quarters of people around the age of 64 experiencing significant clinical im...

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalBritish Journal of General Practice·DateJun 5, 2017

Genetic cross-talk key to cell balance

Researchers at Stowers Institute for Medical Research discovered direct cross-regulatory feedback between Nanog and Hox genes, which regulate pluripotency and differentiation. This study provides important insight into tissue formation processes and holds relevance for regenerative medicine and cancer therapy.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2017

UCSF studies ambulance diversion by race, health care for released prisoners in journal issue

Researchers at UCSF found that black heart attack patients suffered higher mortality rates when ambulances were diverted due to hospital overcrowding. In contrast, better coordination between correctional and community health care systems can help reduce these disparities. A separate study also found that released prisoners who receive...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJun 5, 2017

Texas team debuts battery-less pacemaker

Researchers from Rice University and the Texas Heart Institute have developed a battery-less pacemaker that can be implanted directly into a patient's heart. The device harnesses energy wirelessly from radio frequency radiation transmitted by an external battery pack, reducing complications related to traditional lead-based pacemakers.

Police officers speak less respectfully to black residents than to white residents

A study analyzing police body camera footage found that officers consistently use less respectful language with black community members than with white community members. The racial disparities in language use remained even after controlling for other factors, highlighting the need for solutions to improve police-community relations.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2017

A stream of superfluid light

Scientists have observed room-temperature superfluidity in light, a phenomenon previously only seen at extremely low temperatures. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new photonic devices with reduced losses and enhanced performance.

SourcePolytechnique Montréal·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 5, 2017

CAR T-Cell therapy sends multiple myeloma into lasting remission

A new type of immunotherapy using CAR T cells targeting B-cell maturation protein (BCMA) has shown promising results in treating multiple myeloma, achieving a 100% objective response rate and 94% clinical remission. Most patients experienced mild side effects, with only one case of disease progression among those in complete response.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 5, 2017

Two-part system turns stem cells into whatever you want

A new two-part system turns embryonic or adult stem cells into the desired target cell type, reproducing flawlessly. The system uses a DNA plasmid that makes cells glow green when exposed to blue light, allowing researchers to track its removal and control gene expression.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 5, 2017

Injectable solution may provide weeks of glucose control

Researchers at Duke University have created a technology that fuses GLP1 with a heat-sensitive elastin-like polypeptide, providing glucose control up to three times longer than current treatments. The new biopolymer injection lasts more than two weeks in primates and has the potential to replace daily or weekly insulin shots.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 5, 2017

Increased number of female engineers in managerial roles brings unintended consequences

Research by M. Teresa Cardador found that women in managerial roles in engineering firms experience mixed identification with the profession, feeling they don't belong in technical roles. This can lead to stereotypes about women's suitability for technical work and increased work-life balance tensions.

Pictorial warning labels on tobacco products could help improve communication of risks to smokers

A recent study published in Tobacco Control found that pictorial warning labels (PWLs) with images convey similar risk information as text-only labels, holding smokers' attention more effectively. The researchers observed that congruent PWLs where the image and text express similar messages or themes may be an optimal design strategy.

Citizen scientists help infectious bacteria researchers

Researchers used citizen scientists wearing boot socks on walks to find that slightly less than half of the socks were positive for Campylobacter, a common cause of diarrheal disease. The study suggests seasonal patterns and links to environmental factors, which could lead to interventions to reduce disease risk.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJun 5, 2017

Study evaluates overall geriatric health during androgen deprivation therapy

A study published in Journal of Clinical Oncology found that patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy experience significant changes in physical function and skills of daily living. After treatment, most patients show improvement in overall geriatric health, with some even experiencing increases in daily function.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 5, 2017

A planet hotter than most stars

KELT-9b orbits a star more than twice as large and nearly twice as hot as our sun, causing its atmosphere to puff up like a balloon. The planet's day side is perpetually bombarded by stellar radiation, making it inhospitable for life.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature·DateJun 5, 2017

Memory loss and other cognitive decline linked to blood vessel disease in the brain

Researchers found strong association between cognitive decline and small blood vessel disease in the brain, with 61% of older adults having at least one component of the condition. The study, part of the Atahualpa Project, suggests that vascular neurology may be an important factor in stroke and neurological disorders in Latin America.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateJun 5, 2017

Attacking metastatic tumors in the brain

Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism behind treatment resistance in brain metastatic breast cancers, and a potential treatment strategy that may overcome this resistance. Targeting the Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 3 (HER3) protein has been shown to significantly slow tumor growth and improve survival.

SourceNational Foundation for Cancer Research·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 5, 2017

Evidence shows increased risk of ozone loss over the United States in summer

Researchers found that stratospheric ozone concentrations in the US are vulnerable to water vapor and temperature variations from storm systems, posing a risk to human health and crops. The study calls for increased meteorological and chemical observations to forecast short-term and long-term ozone loss.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2017

Study addresses misconceptions about electroconvulsive therapy

A new study has found that patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for psychiatric disorders have a positive experience, with 80% viewing the treatment as useful and 70% finding it more efficacious than drug therapy. The study aims to validate ECT as a less frightening option by improving its administration standards.

SourceWiley·JournalProgress in Neurology and Psychiatry·DateJun 5, 2017