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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 59


Page 59 of 473

Major traumatic injury increases risk of mental health diagnoses, suicide

A large study found that people who experience major injuries requiring hospital admission are at substantially increased risk of being admitted for mental health disorders. The study also revealed a higher risk of suicide among these patients, with 70 suicides per 100,000 patients per year compared to the general population.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 12, 2018

Frail seniors going without desperately needed in-home healthcare, study finds

A new study reveals a massive shortage of home-based medical care for frail seniors, particularly in rural areas. The researchers found that only 2-4% of rural Medicare recipients received home-based medical care, highlighting the need for increased access to telemedicine and improved payments for in-home care providers.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateNov 12, 2018

Artificial intelligence to accelerate malaria research

A new study published by Insilico Medicine using artificial intelligence has identified potential FP2 blockers, which could lead to the development of new antimalarial drugs. The research provides insights into the properties of E64 approaches and their interaction with falcipain-2, a key target for malaria treatment.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 12, 2018

Concussion associated with suicide risk

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 17 studies involving over 700,000 patients with concussions or mild traumatic brain injury found a significant association between the two conditions and an increased risk of suicide. However, the absolute risk was small due to the low mortality rate among these patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateNov 12, 2018

Lack of exercise impacts mental health in Japanese expats

A study published in Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine found that regular exercise among Japanese expatriates can reduce time spent sitting down and improve mental health. Compared to non-exercisers, those who exercised regularly spent 135 minutes less time sitting and had a higher quality of life score.

SourceKobe University·JournalGerontology and Geriatric Medicine·DateNov 12, 2018

Exosomes 'swarm' to protect against bacteria inhaled through the nose

A research team from Massachusetts Eye and Ear discovered a new mechanism by which the immune system protects itself against bacteria inhaled through the nose. The 'exosome swarm' process involves tiny fluid-filled sacs that directly attack bacteria and shuttle protective antimicrobial proteins along the airway to protect other cells.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateNov 12, 2018

Montreal researchers explain how your muscles form

Researchers at the University of Montreal have discovered two proteins essential to the development of skeletal muscle. The study, published in Nature Communications, sheds light on the 'dance' of muscle cell movement and how cells fuse together to form a single large cell, leading to improved understanding of rare muscular diseases.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 12, 2018

Cancer stem cells get energy from protein, and it's proving to be their Achilles' heel

A recent study found that cancer stem cells rely on amino acids for energy, rather than glucose, and this difference makes them susceptible to targeting without harming healthy cells. Researchers have already shown promise with this approach in clinical trials against acute myeloid leukemia, with potential applications to other cancers.

How pneumococci challenge our immune system

Researchers found that pneumolysin can interact with a special receptor in immune cells, triggering an anti-inflammatory response. This allows the bacteria to hide from further attack and grow, eventually giving rise to pneumonia. The study's findings may lead to new strategies for tackling pneumococcal infections.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Microbiology·DateNov 12, 2018

Pregnant women favor urine testing for tobacco cessation; clinicians express concern

A new study found that pregnant women with Medicaid support urine testing to promote smoking cessation, but fear consequences such as clinician reaction and government involvement. Clinicians are concerned about the impact on patient relationships, but researchers call for consensual testing to improve public health outcomes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 12, 2018

How plants evolved to make ants their servants

Researchers found that plants developed ant-friendly traits long after ants started relying on them for food and habitat. Plants use ants to spread seeds and act as bodyguards, while ants benefit from rich nectar and shelter in hollow thorns.

SourceField Museum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2018