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Science News Archive April 2018 - Page 9


Page 9 of 42

AWI researchers measure a record concentration of microplastic in Arctic sea ice

Researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute found higher amounts of microplastic in arctic sea ice, with concentrations up to 12,000 particles per litre. The unique composition and layering of plastic particles suggest sources such as the Pacific Ocean's garbage patch and intensified shipping and fishing activities.

Attacks on healthcare in Syria are likely undercounted

Researchers found more than 200 attacks on healthcare in Syria in 2016, resulting in 112 health worker and 185 patient deaths. A new mobile reporting tool improved data collection accuracy, highlighting the need for consistent methods to quantify these attacks.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 24, 2018

Novel pathway identified in development of acute myeloid leukemia with poor prognosis

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has a poor five-year survival rate of less than 20%. Researchers at the National University of Singapore identified a novel molecular pathway involving circadian clock gene SHARP1, which causes AML growth. Removing or reducing SHARP1 levels can stop leukemic cell growth.

Exposure to domestic violence costs US government $55 billion each year

A groundbreaking study by Case Western Reserve University estimates that exposure to domestic violence carries significant long-term consequences for children and society. The research found that the average cost to the national economy over a child's lifetime is nearly $50,000, including increased medical costs, violent crimes, and pr...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Family Violence·DateApr 24, 2018

Children are as fit as endurance athletes

Researchers found that children's muscles are more fatigue-resistant and recover faster than those of untrained adults and even well-trained endurance athletes. This discovery may lead to better understanding of how our bodies change from childhood to adulthood and inform the development of athletic potential in children.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateApr 24, 2018

Changes in breast tissue increase cancer risk for older women

Researchers identified age-related differences in breast tissue that contribute to increased risk of developing breast cancer in older women. The study found that accumulation of multipotent progenitor cells leads to defective luminal cells, which may be related to the increased susceptibility to breast cancer with age.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 24, 2018

How colorectal cancer cells spread to the liver

Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute discovered that PKC zeta deficiency promotes liver metastasis through the inactivation of enzyme ADAR2, leading to increased secretion of miR-200s. Treatment with a compound inhibiting miR-200s reduced liver metastasis in mice with colorectal cancer.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 24, 2018

Effect of a home-based exercise program with wearable activity monitor, telephone coaching on walking endurance for peripheral artery disease

A randomized clinical trial of 200 patients with PAD found that a home-based exercise program with a wearable activity monitor and telephone coaching did not improve walking endurance. The results suggest that traditional in-person exercise programs may be more effective in improving walking ability for this patient population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 24, 2018

Opioid prescribing at veterans hospitals varies widely in treating chronic pain

A recent study found that Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities have varying care practices for military veterans with chronic pain, leading to inconsistent rates of long-term opioid therapy. Facilities with a wider range of non-opioid treatment options had lower rates of opioid use among veterans.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateApr 24, 2018

High immune function tied to stunted growth

A University of Oregon-led project found that high immune function during childhood is associated with significant growth reduction. Chronic exposure to parasitic worms was linked to reduced stature and lower-leg growth, highlighting the metabolic cost of a robust immune system.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2018

Study shows newspaper op-eds change minds

A study by Yale University researchers found that newspaper op-eds have a lasting impact on people's views, regardless of their political affiliation or initial stance. The study, which included experiments with the general public and elites, showed that op-eds can change minds on policy issues for a cost-effective estimated $0.50 to $...

SourceYale University·JournalQuarterly Journal of Political Science·DateApr 24, 2018