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Science News Archive June 2017 - Page 36


Page 36 of 40

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

New drug shows durable efficacy across diverse pediatric and adult cancers

A new cancer medicine, larotrectinib, has demonstrated compelling evidence for treating a range of advanced cancers. The therapy, which targets TRK fusion proteins, resulted in responses in 76% of patients across 17 different types of cancer. After 12 months of treatment, 79% of responding patients remained progression-free.

SourceAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 4, 2017