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Science News Archive January 2018 - Page 29


Page 29 of 37

Patients who receive prescription opioids are more satisfied with care than other patients

Patients with musculoskeletal conditions who receive prescription opioids are more satisfied with their care than those without. However, they often experience increased pain and reduced health outcomes, highlighting the need for further investigation into the complex relationship between opioid use and patient satisfaction.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJan 9, 2018

New method stabilizes siRNAs without affecting gene silencing activity

Researchers have developed a new method to stabilize small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) by introducing phosphoramidate modifications, which enhances their stability and therapeutic potential. The study shows that the modified siRNAs maintain their gene silencing activity, making them suitable for various therapeutic applications.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNucleic Acid Therapeutics·DateJan 9, 2018

Younger patients constitute half of hospital-acquired pneumonia cases, most of which originate outside of the ICU, study finds

A new study reveals that younger patients account for half of hospital-acquired pneumonia cases, most of which occur outside the ICU. The research highlights gaps in pneumonia preventive measures as a contributing factor to the increased risk. Standardizing protocols for preventive care can help reduce rates of NV-HAP.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJan 9, 2018

HKBU and CUHK discovered that human-perceived temperature is rising faster than actual air temperature

Research found that human-perceived temperature (AP) increased 0.04oC per decade faster than actual air temperature (AT), with projected increases of up to 0.17oC per decade in low-latitude areas. AP is expected to continue rising, posing bigger threats to cities and communities, especially in tropical and sub-tropical regions.

SourceHong Kong Baptist University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 9, 2018

'Gyroscope' molecules form crystal that's both solid and full of motion

Researchers at UCLA have successfully formed a crystalline solid with moving parts, dubbed 'amphidynamic', which could have wide-ranging applications in technology and science. The creation of BODCA-MOF, a metallo-organic framework containing spherical molecules, demonstrates the potential for rapid motion inside a solid crystal.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2018

The road to recovery

A recent study by Clayton Lamb and colleagues found that higher road density in British Columbia leads to lower grizzly bear density, compromising the species' recovery. Closing roads can reduce the negative impact of roads on habitats, allowing bears to recolonize and recover.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateJan 9, 2018

Mass extinctions remove species but not ecological variety

A study by University of Chicago scientists found that mass extinctions removed species but retained ecological variety, whereas environmental changes lead to significant losses in functional diversity. The researchers analyzed two major mass extinctions and discovered a pattern of survival among functional groups.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 9, 2018

Sleeping for longer leads to a healthier diet

A King's College London study found that extending sleep hours by up to 1.5 hours per night resulted in a 10-gram reduction in reported free sugar intake. The researchers also noticed trends for reduced total carbohydrate intake among participants in the sleep extension group.

SourceKing's College London·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 9, 2018

Lyndra announces publication of feasibility study of oral once-weekly drug delivery system for HIV antiretroviral therapy in Nature Communications

A recent study published in Nature Communications presents a proof-of-concept for an oral, once-weekly drug delivery platform for HIV antiretroviral therapy. The platform demonstrates sustained oral delivery of potent anti-HIV therapies, offering a potential solution to non-adherence issues.

SourcePure Communications Inc.·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 9, 2018

Bad air quality along Utah's Wasatch Front causes more than 200 pneumonia cases each year

A study by University of Utah Health and Intermountain Healthcare found that bad air quality in the region causes more than 200 pneumonia cases each year, with older adults being particularly vulnerable. The research also estimates that improving air quality could save up to $1.6 million in healthcare costs annually.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateJan 9, 2018

Leading organizations in prenatal screening and diagnosis issue new consensus statement on genome se

The International Society for Prenatal Diagnosis, Perinatal Quality Foundation, and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine issued a joint position statement on the use of diagnostic genome-wide sequencing for fetal diagnosis. The consensus opinion emphasizes that routine use of genome-wide sequencing as a diagnostic test is not currently ...

SourceSociety for Maternal-Fetal Medicine·JournalPrenatal Diagnosis·DateJan 9, 2018

New biomarkers predict outcome of cancer immunotherapy

Researchers identified biomarkers in blood samples that predict response to immunotherapy, allowing for personalized treatment decisions. High-dimensional cell analysis and computer-aided pattern recognition enabled the detection of subtle immune responses and molecular patterns associated with therapy success.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 9, 2018

Heart health at risk for Latinas over worries about deportation

A recent study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that worry about deportations is associated with multiple cardiovascular health risk factors in Latinas. The study, which gathered data from 545 women enrolled in the CHAMACOS cohort, found that those who were more concerned had higher waist circumferences and blood pressure.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateJan 9, 2018

How good bacteria control your genes

Researchers at the Babraham Institute have discovered that good bacteria in the gut can control gene expression by producing short chain fatty acids, which increase crotonylations and affect gene activity. This process may help prevent cancer and fight infections, highlighting the importance of a healthy diet and gut bacteria.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 9, 2018

Sun, wind, and power trading

Renewable energy generation causes grid frequency fluctuations due to variable wind speeds and photovoltaic feed-in. Power trading appears more significant in grid frequency fluctuation than renewable feed-in, with small grids showing larger fluctuations.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 9, 2018

Artificial muscles power up with new gel-based robotics

Researchers at Shinshu University have designed a wearable robot that utilizes plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC) gel to provide assistance for individuals with weakened muscles and mobility issues. The system consists of mesh electrodes and applied voltage, enabling natural movement while decreasing muscular activity.

SourceShinshu University·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateJan 9, 2018