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Science News Archive October 2017 - Page 24


Page 24 of 43

Early palliative care provides no quality of life benefits for recently diagnosed MPM patients

A study published in the IASLC 18th World Conference on Lung Cancer found that early specialist palliative care for recently diagnosed malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) patients does not impact quality of life. Researchers concluded that there is no role for routine early referral to palliative care, regardless of symptoms.

Long nanotubes make strong fibers

Researchers at Rice University have advanced the art of making nanotube-based materials by characterizing and purifying long nanotube wires and films. The study found that longer nanotubes yield stronger and more conductive fibers, with an average tensile strength of 2.4 GPa and electrical conductivity of 8.5 megasiemens per meter.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 16, 2017

Sleep duration may affect the integrity of sperm DNA

A study of 796 male volunteers found that shorter or longer sleep durations were associated with lower High DNA Stainability in sperm. Volunteers sleeping 6.5 hours or less had 30% lower DNA stainability compared to those sleeping 7-7.5 hours.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateOct 16, 2017

Sales of sugar-sweetened drinks in Jamie's Italian restaurants fall by 11 percent after 10p levy

A study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that introducing a small levy of 10 pence per drink to the price of sugar-sweetened beverages sold in Jamie's Italian restaurants contributed to a significant decline in SSB sales, with a 9.3% decrease observed six months later. The study suggests that financial measures...

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateOct 16, 2017

New study finds nature is vital to beating climate change

A new study by The Nature Conservancy found that better land management practices can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 11.3 billion tonnes per year, equivalent to halting oil burning. Natural climate solutions could deliver 37% of the emissions reductions needed to hold global warming below 2 degrees Celsius by 2030.

SourceNature Conservancy·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 16, 2017

What's the next step for exon skipping therapies to treat duchenne muscular dystrophy?

A team of leading European clinicians and scientists presents a unique perspective on how to move forward in the development of exon skipping therapies for DMD. The authors discuss the main challenges and opportunities for these therapeutic agents going forward, including biomarkers in AON drug development and regulatory tools in the EU.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateOct 16, 2017

Treatment based On BRCA1 level does not increase survival of stage II/III NSCLC N+ resected patients

Researchers found that treating stage II and III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with chemotherapy based on their specific BRCA1 expression levels did not increase overall survival rates. However, BRCA1 expression levels were found to be prognostic, and individualized treatment could achieve different outcomes.

Cool your airfoils

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing advanced strategies to reduce the adverse effects of extremely high-temperatures on gas turbines. They are exploring applications for an anti-oxidation coating that can help cool airfoils and other hot-section components, enabling higher temperature operation for better efficie...

Portable 3-D scanner assesses patients with elephantiasis

A portable 3D scanner has been developed to measure swollen limbs in patients with elephantiasis, a parasitic disease causing major swelling and deformity of the legs. The device provides highly accurate results in just a fraction of the time required by traditional methods, making it easier to assess treatment effectiveness.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateOct 16, 2017

Worms reveal secrets of aging

A new molecular pathway controlling lifespan and healthspan has been identified in worms and mammals. Excess levels of proteins called Kruppel-like transcription factors (KLFs) can extend lifespan and improve blood vessel function, highlighting a potential target for age-related diseases.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 13, 2017