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Science News Archive October 2017 - Page 7


Page 7 of 43

Outpatient antibiotics raise risk for acquiring C. difficile infection in the community

A new study confirms outpatient antibiotic use is a primary risk factor for acquiring C. difficile infection in the community, and recent emergency department visits may also pose a risk. The study found that patients with community-associated C. difficile infections were more likely to have prior health care visits and taken antibiotics.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateOct 26, 2017

UBC researcher prescribes specific exercise dosage for those with spinal cord injury

Researchers developed exercise recommendations for adults with spinal cord injuries, including moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise and strengthening exercises. The guidelines aim to improve fitness and reduce mortality rates among people with SCI, addressing leading causes of death such as cardiovascular disease and obesity.

How much does life weigh?

Researchers have created a novel cell scale that enables measuring the mass of living cells with high resolution and monitoring their weight changes over time. This allows tracking of fluctuations during the cell cycle, substance influence on cell mass, and viral infection effects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateOct 26, 2017

Bacteria have a sense of touch

Researchers discovered bacteria possess a 'sense of touch' enabling them to recognize surfaces and induce adhesive production in response to mechanical stimulation. This mechanism helps pathogens colonize host cells, making it crucial for understanding infectious diseases.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScience·DateOct 26, 2017

Hubble discovers 'wobbling galaxies'

Astronomers analyzed 10 galaxy clusters using Hubble data and found their brightest cluster galaxies wobble around the center of mass, inconsistent with current dark matter models. This result may indicate new physics is at work, requiring a reevaluation of fundamental physics to solve the mystery of dark matter.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 26, 2017

Researchers identify a test to target cancer drug

A new test targeting cancer drug effectiveness has been identified using protein HER3 levels, helping doctors tailor treatment for patients. The test shows that patients with high HER3 levels benefit from the drug, while those with low levels experience no effect, providing a more personalized approach to bowel cancer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 26, 2017

New way to treat cholesterol may be on the horizon

Researchers at Houston Methodist discovered a new pathway in cholesterol elimination, revealing that it is eliminated from the body in just two minutes, challenging the current 40-year model. This finding has significant implications for developing new drugs to lower cholesterol and improving cardiovascular health.

Climate change may slowly starve bamboo lemurs

A study published in Current Biology suggests that climate change may force bamboo lemurs to eat culm for longer periods, leading to potential starvation. The researchers analyzed the lemurs' feeding habits and found that a short dry season has been crucial to their survival in the past.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 26, 2017