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Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 33


Page 33 of 41

Testing for hepatitis C virus remains low among baby boomers

A recent study found that only a small percentage of baby boomers have been tested for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, despite the availability of treatments. The study suggests that increased awareness and innovative strategies, such as state-mandated testing, are needed to improve HCV testing rates among this demographic.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMar 8, 2017

Vaginal progesterone may reduce newborn complications in some pregnancies

Treatment with vaginal progesterone significantly reduces the risk of preterm birth and related serious adverse outcomes in women pregnant with twins and have a short cervix. Women who received vaginal progesterone had a lower rate of preterm delivery and respiratory distress syndrome compared to those who did not.

SourceWiley·JournalUltrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 7, 2017

New study reveals the association between type 2 diabetes and the risk of death from cancer in East and South Asians

A new study published in Diabetologia found that having type 2 diabetes increases the risk of death from any form of cancer by 26%, even when controlling for other factors. The research also revealed statistically significant links between T2D and specific cancers, including liver, pancreas, breast, kidney, and endometrium.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateMar 7, 2017

New study finds price discounts may backfire when combined with large donations

A new study published in Marketing Science found that combining large price discounts with donations to charity can actually reduce sales, as consumers' self-image motivation outweighs their intrinsic motivation to support the charity. The study's authors suggest that marketers should proceed with caution when using these techniques.

Can combined exercise and nutritional intervention improve muscle mass and function?

A systematic review of 37 randomized controlled trials found that exercise had a positive impact on muscle mass and function in healthy older adults, while dietary supplementation showed less consistent benefits. The combined effect of exercise and nutrition intervention varied depending on the individual's baseline health status.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateMar 7, 2017

One step at a time

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing a hybrid exoskeleton that combines functional electrical stimulation (FES) with powered exoskeletons. The system will utilize wearable ultrasound sensors to measure muscle fatigue, allowing for real-time sensing and prediction of muscle function.

Chicago waterways -- still flowing after over 100 years

Researchers highlight the importance of blocking Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan and Great Lakes through the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. The canal system, built over 100 years ago, has protected the city's drinking water supply but also created entry points for invasive species.

A new tool for genetically engineering the oldest branch of life

A new study successfully uses CRISPR-Cas9 to modify the genome of Methanosarcina acetivorans, an archaeal species, for the first time. This breakthrough enables accelerated studies on these organisms, with implications for understanding global climate change and the global carbon cycle.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2017