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Science News for June 1, 2018


Pilot study examines the effects of virtual reality on reducing anxiety and improving pregnancy rate of women having fertility treatment

A pilot study found that virtual reality sessions before sedation for IVF treatment reduce women's anxiety. The study also showed a slight improvement in biological pregnancy rates, but not clinical pregnancy rates at 12 weeks, with results comparable to those without VR sessions.

Phase I trial finds experimental drug safe in treating chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine have found that treatment with cirmtuzumab measurably inhibited the 'stemness' of CLL cells, allowing most patients to forego additional therapy for over eight months. The drug targets ROR1, a molecule exploited by cancer cells to promote tumor growth and spread.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJun 1, 2018

'Multiomics' and the newborn mouse heart

Researchers investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying myocardial regenerative ability in newborn mice, identifying fructose-induced glycolysis as a key factor for cardiac muscle cell proliferation. The study provided insights into the loss of regenerative capacity and potential new treatments for heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateJun 1, 2018

New in the Hastings Center Report, May-June 2018

The article discusses the ethical implications of genetic testing and the duty to warn family members of hereditary disease risks. Experts argue that patients have a moral obligation to share their genetic information with relatives, citing the principle of rescue as a framework for decision-making.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateJun 1, 2018

Irradiating chest lymph nodes in patients with early stage breast cancer improves survival without increasing side effects

Researchers found that irradiating chest lymph nodes in patients with early stage breast cancer improved overall survival by 2.4% compared to treating only the breast/thoracic wall. The study involved 4004 patients and showed no increase in non-breast cancer related mortality or serious complications.

The Lancet: A warning and an opportunity: The WHO Independent High-Level Commission on non-communicable diseases

The WHO Independent High-Level Commission on NCDs reports that the Sustainable Development Goal for reducing premature deaths from NCDs by a third by 2030 will not be met at current rates. The commission proposes six recommendations to address this issue, including increased political leadership, prioritization, and improved financing.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateJun 1, 2018

Breakthrough in controlling DNA-based robots

Researchers at Ohio State University have made a significant breakthrough in controlling DNA-based robots, reducing response time from several minutes to less than a second. This achievement represents the first direct real-time control of DNA-based molecular machines.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 1, 2018

New technology for enzyme design

Researchers at University of Würzburg develop new technology to redesign enzyme surfaces, increasing efficiency and selectivity in biochemical reactions. The modified enzymes can convert table sugar into a fructose polymer, with potential applications in medicine and the food industry.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalChemical Science·DateJun 1, 2018

Study shows nail treatments do not affect readings of patients' oxygen levels, despite widespread concern

A study published in the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care suggests that nail treatments do not impact digital pulse oximetry readings. Experimental results found no significant variation in blood oxygen saturation levels, even under different physiological conditions. The findings contradict widespread concern and...

Walking faster could make you live longer: research

Research from the University of Sydney found that walking at a brisk pace can reduce all-cause mortality by up to 24% and cardiovascular disease mortality by 21%, particularly among older adults. The study suggests that increasing walking speed may be a simple way to improve heart health and reduce premature mortality.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateJun 1, 2018

Mobile app for autism screening yields useful data

A Duke University study finds an iPhone app easy to use, liked by parents, and good at producing reliable scientific data. The app collects videos of young children's reactions while watching movies designed to elicit autism risk behaviors, which are then analyzed for emotional responses.

SourceDuke University·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateJun 1, 2018

AI for nanoparticles

Researchers at MIT have developed an AI-based method to design multilayered nanoparticles with desired properties, potentially speeding up the development of new materials. The technique uses computational neural networks to learn how a nanoparticle's structure affects its behavior, allowing for faster prediction and design.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 1, 2018

Psychiatric disorders shouldn't disqualify youth with severe obesity from weight loss surgery

According to a new study published in Pediatrics, adolescents with severe obesity should not be excluded from weight loss surgery due to pre-existing psychiatric disorders. The research found no association between pre-operative psychiatric diagnosis and post-surgical weight loss outcomes, suggesting that bariatric surgery can be equal...

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 1, 2018

Impacts from implementation of novel clinical pharmacist training program Changsha, China

The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University in Changsha, China has implemented a structured train-the-trainer program to train pharmacists in providing direct patient care. The program has resulted in comprehensive pharmaceutical care for all patients, demonstrating the positive impacts of this innovative training.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalFamily Medicine and Community Health·DateJun 1, 2018

Cautious prawns win battle for food

Research by University of Exeter scientists found that cautious rockpool prawns are better at controlling a limited resource than bolder counterparts. This may be due to their risk-averse strategy, which involves staying near a food source rather than exploring new areas and risking competition with stronger rivals.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJun 1, 2018

Wait for it: Serotonin and confidence at the root of patience in new study

A new study published in Nature Communications found that serotonin levels affect mice behavior when they believe there is a high probability of receiving a reward. When the reward timing was uncertain, serotonin stimulation increased mice's confidence in waiting for the reward, even if it took longer.