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Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 40


Page 40 of 41

Autoimmune disease may be linked to heightened dementia risk

A large-scale study found a significant association between autoimmune diseases and increased risk of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's. People admitted to hospital for autoimmune diseases were 20% more likely to be readmitted for dementia compared to those with other conditions.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 1, 2017

Study identifies strategies to improve knee replacement outcomes in patients with obesity

Researchers identified key strategies to enhance total knee replacement outcomes for patients with obesity, including managing chronic conditions and nutritional deficiencies. Excess soft tissue during surgery can obstruct visibility, leading to difficulty achieving proper alignment and implant fixation.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateMar 1, 2017

Neither increased access to surgery nor reduced costs achieved in states that 'opt-out' of requiring physician supervision for anesthesia

A recent study published in Health Economics Review found that opting out of requiring physician supervision for anesthesia does not increase access to surgery or reduce costs. In fact, the study suggests that working without physician supervision may lead to higher costs related to inpatient surgical care.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·JournalHealth Economics Review·DateMar 1, 2017

How can we predict whose MS will worsen?

A preliminary study found that individuals with relapsing-remitting MS who experience fatigue and limited leg function are at higher risk of progressing to secondary progressive MS. The study suggests that tailored treatments may be more effective for these patients, providing valuable insights into predicting MS progression.

Benefits of physical activity may outweigh impact of obesity on cardiovascular disease

Research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that physical activity is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease regardless of age. For middle-aged and elderly people, the benefits of physical activity may outweigh the impact of overweight and obesity on cardiovascular disease.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateMar 1, 2017

The Lancet Psychiatry: Experts ask: Can cannabis be made safer?

The Lancet Psychiatry experts argue that cannabis use can be made safer through various strategies, including regulating potency, reducing tobacco use, and exploring the effects of CBD modification. The authors also highlight the need for more research on the harms posed by different levels of THC and CBD content.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateMar 1, 2017

New drug lead identified in fight against TB

Researchers at the University of Sydney have discovered a new compound that could translate into a new drug lead for tuberculosis. The compound, which is derived from soil bacteria compounds, has been shown to be effective against the bacterium causing TB in containment laboratory tests.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2017

Aging can be good for you (if you're a yeast)

Research in yeast reveals increased adaptability with age, benefiting growth on alternative food sources like galactose. This study challenges the notion of aging as an inevitable process, suggesting potential benefits and ancient mechanisms that may be conserved in more complex organisms.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalAging Cell·DateMar 1, 2017

Study examines pesticides' impact on wood frogs

A new study examines neonicotinoid pesticides' effect on wood frog development, finding slight delays that may not be detrimental. Additional studies are needed to investigate the indirect effects of these pesticides on amphibian populations.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateMar 1, 2017

Study: Physicians not prepared for male patients who perpetrate intimate partner violence

A study found that family medicine physicians are unprepared to intervene with male patients known to have perpetrated intimate partner violence (IPV). Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine and Public Health conducted interviews with primary care physicians who reported experiences with such cases. The findings highligh...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateMar 1, 2017

African elephants may be the shortest-sleeping mammals

Researchers tracked two African elephant matriarchs for 35 days and found they slept an average of 2 hours a day, with some periods lasting up to 46 hours without sleep. This unique sleep pattern raises questions about when elephants experience REM sleep.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2017

Racial gap in children's asthma linked to social inequality

A new study from Rice University found that African-American and poor children in Houston have a higher proportion of asthma due to social inequalities in their neighborhoods. Children living in poor neighborhoods, regardless of race, are more likely to develop asthma compared to those in middle-class or affluent areas.

SourceRice University·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateMar 1, 2017

Nanoinjection increases survival rate of cells

Physicists at Bielefeld University develop new nanoinjection method that increases survival rate of cells to 92%, surpassing traditional microinjection's 40% success rate. The technique enables precise delivery of fluorescent molecules into living cells, opening up new possibilities for cellular research and experimentation.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 1, 2017

The ultimate power nap

Researchers tracked elephant sleep using Fitbits and found they slept mostly in the early morning, with environmental conditions influencing timing. The study suggests elephants may not dream daily like humans do, but rather every few days.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2017

Magic cover crop carpet?

Researchers found that letting cover crops grow longer produces the best results in suppressing weeds while also retaining soil moisture. The optimal timing is crucial, as over-flattening can lead to unwanted seed production, while under-flattening may regrow the cover crop.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateMar 1, 2017