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Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 19


Page 19 of 41

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement as effective as surgery in intermediate patients

The SURTAVI trial shows that TAVR is comparable to surgical aortic valve replacement for intermediate-risk patients, with similar all-cause mortality rates and better mean aortic valve gradient at two years. Near-term results also indicate improved outcomes for TAVR patients, including lower stroke rates and quicker hospital discharge.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 17, 2017

Osteoporosis drug found safe in long-term trial

A new study found denosumab safe for treating postmenopausal osteoporosis over an extended period. The monoclonal antibody showed no increased risk of adverse events after 6 years of treatment, confirming its excellent safety and tolerability profile.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateMar 17, 2017

Palliative care consults for advanced cancer patients reduces hospitalization and improves care

A new study led by researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital found that early referrals to palliative care reduced healthcare utilization and increased use of support services after discharge. The study also showed significant improvements in 30-day readmission rates, hospice referral, and chemotherapy receipt.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Oncology Practice·DateMar 17, 2017

What does that sentence say?

A new study reveals that adults who learned Spanish as a second language can understand subtle aspects of Spanish grammar not present in English. Researchers found that these adults were capable of learning and processing a new language in a way similar to native speaker language use.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMar 17, 2017

Can quantum theory explain why jokes are funny?

A new study suggests that a quantum theory approach may be able to account for the complexity of humor, proposing that our ability to perceive multiple meanings simultaneously makes puns and jokes funny. The research provides an exciting first step towards developing a formal quantum theory model of humor.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physics·DateMar 17, 2017

Penn researchers find patients' annual financial burden under Medicare Part D is 'too much too soon'

A new study by Penn researchers found that Medicare patients with chronic illnesses, such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, paid an average of $6,322 per year in out-of-pocket costs under Medicare Part D. The study proposes policy changes to cap annual out-of-pocket costs and spread them more evenly throughout the year.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateMar 17, 2017

Operation of ancient biological clock uncovered

Researchers at Utrecht University have uncovered the operation of the ancient biological clock in cyanobacteria, revealing a precision system comprising three protein components: KaiA, KaiB and KaiC. By slowing down time and applying cutting-edge techniques, the team identified the vital structures that govern the clock's daily rhythm.

SourceUtrecht University·JournalScience·DateMar 16, 2017

'Do no harm' vs. 'legitimate use of force'

A Canadian research team studied the ethics codes of the Canadian Medical Association and the Department of National Defence. They found that dual loyalty between medical and military professions can coexist with the principle of 'do no harm'. The researchers interviewed over 50 military health professionals, who face complex challenge...

A blood test for autism

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed an algorithm that accurately predicts whether a child is on the Autism spectrum of disorder based on levels of metabolites found in a blood sample. The algorithm, which uses big data techniques, correctly identified 96.1% of neurotypical participants and 97.6% of children with ASD.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 16, 2017

A multi-channel nano-optical device dramatically increases the parallel processing speed

Researchers have created a multi-channel nano-optical device that dramatically increases the parallel processing speed, allowing for faster data transfer between microprocessors. The device uses disordered arrangement of nano antennas to minimize redundancy and enable independent operation, resulting in a 40-fold increase in bandwidth.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 16, 2017