Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive June 2017 - Page 34


Page 34 of 40

Difficulties diagnosing delirium in older adults after surgery

A recent study found that a significant number of older adults with delirium were not diagnosed by healthcare professionals. The researchers concluded that developing more objective screening tools could improve diagnosis accuracy. Understanding delirium is crucial to recognize and address the condition in older adults and caregivers.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 6, 2017

Looking to the future of organs-on-chip

Advances in lab-on-a-chip technology allow for more accurate analysis and translation of research to the clinic. Organ-on-a-chip (OOAC) technology has great potential in helping screen drugs in a more cost-effective manner, reducing failures and costs.

SourceFuture Science Group·JournalFuture Science OA·DateJun 6, 2017

Guts to glory?

Researchers have discovered a new complex of enzymes in herbivore gut fungi that can break down plant biomass into sugars, offering potential for sustainable fuels and chemicals. The unique structure of these enzymes, called cellulosomes, has the potential to be engineered for industrial use, reducing the need for current enzyme mixtures.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJun 6, 2017

Take a coffee or tea break to protect your liver

A new study found that frequent coffee consumption was significantly associated with lower odds of high liver stiffness values, independent of lifestyle traits. Herbal tea consumption also showed a significant association with lower liver stiffness values, even in small amounts.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateJun 6, 2017

Copaiba: Silver bullet or snake oil?

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University caution that copaiba's potential benefits for treating inflammatory arthritis are unproven due to limited evidence. Despite this, sales of the essential oil continue to increase, presenting clinical challenges.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Integrative Medicine·DateJun 6, 2017

Trauma centers with American College of Surgeons verification have fewer complications

A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that trauma centers verified by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma have lower complication rates for pediatric and elderly patients. The study analyzed data from the National Trauma Data Bank and found that patients treated at non-verified trau...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJun 6, 2017

Dogs help in breast carcinoma research

A University of Zurich study analyzed archived tissues from dog mammary tumors to understand breast carcinoma in both species. The researchers found that tumor cells reprogram healthy cells, promoting tumor growth, a mechanism also observed in human breast carcinoma.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateJun 6, 2017

New way to detect Palmer amaranth in contaminated seedlots

A new assay developed by University of Illinois researchers can identify Palmer amaranth DNA in mixed seed samples, overcoming slow and unreliable testing methods. The low-cost technique uses quantitative PCR to detect genetic variations unique to Palmer, enabling farmers to certify their product as Palmer-free.

New planet found to be hotter than most stars

KELT-9b, a Jupiter-like gas giant, has a 'year' of only 1.5 days and orbits an extremely hot star that radiates more ultraviolet radiation than our sun. The planet's atmosphere is constantly blasted with high levels of radiation, making it inhospitable to life.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateJun 6, 2017

Building a better blood-brain barrier model

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a new model to mimic the blood-brain barrier, using miniature spheroids that replicate key properties and functions. This innovative approach may advance neuroscience research and expedite the discovery of brain-penetrant drugs for treating diseases.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 6, 2017

Can you hear me now?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that the Lombard effect, a phenomenon where animals raise their voices to be heard over noise, occurs in just 30 milliseconds, making it a fundamental temporal reflex. This discovery sheds light on human speech control and reveals a shared auditory process among species.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2017

What makes a movement feel strenuous?

A study published in PLOS Biology found that duration, biomechanics, and force influence the subjective effort associated with arm movements, while movement amplitudes have no effect. The researchers also discovered a link between brain functions involved in decision-making and movement execution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 6, 2017

A star is born: Lesser-known brain cell takes center stage

Researchers at Salk Institute developed a new protocol to derive astrocytes from human stem cells, which could provide breakthroughs for treatments of stroke, Alzheimer's and psychiatric disorders. The method allows for faster and more effective production of astrocytes, enabling researchers to model neurological disorders in a dish.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateJun 6, 2017

Seeing inside coral

A new study uses a novel chemical technique to assess the impact of human activity on coral skeletons, revealing devastating effects of pollution and climate change. The research provides critical information for predicting future reef health and informs mitigation strategies for tropical islands facing similar challenges.

SourceAmerican University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·DateJun 6, 2017

Flu shot less effective for obese adults

Researchers found that vaccinated obese adults are twice as likely to develop influenza and flu-like illnesses compared to those of healthy weight. The study suggests that existing blood tests may provide misleading information for obese individuals.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateJun 6, 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.