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Science News Archive June 2018 - Page 20


Page 20 of 40

Zoledronic acid has no effect on knee pain or bone marrow lesions in knee OA after two years

A two-year study found that zoledronic acid did not reduce knee pain or bone marrow lesion size in patients with osteoarthritis. However, it showed symptomatic benefit in those with milder disease. The study's results may suggest a potential role for zoledronic acid in relieving symptoms in patients with mild osteoarthritis.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 15, 2018

Protein analysis may reveal new cancer treatment targets

Researchers have used mass spectrometry to study proteins expressed by human cancer cells, identifying new potential therapeutic options for patients with exhausted clinical options. The advance allows for the quantitation of thousands of tumour proteins over several hours.

SourceWiley·JournalMolecular Oncology·DateJun 15, 2018

When can ads intensify unhealthy cravings?

Holistic thinking patterns can make consumers more susceptible to advertisements for unhealthy foods. In experiments, holistic thinkers showed increased cravings and desire to buy unhealthy food options when viewed with context. Researchers hope their findings can inform strategies to help countries battling obesity epidemics.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateJun 15, 2018

New method makes weather forecasts right as rain

Researchers from the University of Missouri developed a system that improves rainfall forecast accuracy by considering evaporation. This method uses dual-polarization radar to track raindrops and a model assessing atmospheric humidity, resulting in more accurate forecasts for locations 30 miles or more from National Weather Service radar.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Hydrology·DateJun 15, 2018

NSAIDs shown to have causal role in cardiovascular risk of patients with osteoarthritis

Research suggests that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) play a causal role in the cardiovascular risk of patients with osteoarthritis. A study found that over two-thirds of the increased cardiovascular risk associated with osteoarthritis is linked to NSAID use, particularly for congestive heart failure and ischemic heart ...

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 15, 2018

Study with implications for opioid crisis finds opioids raise risk of fracture nonunion

A new study from LSU Health Sciences Center found that opioids significantly increase the risk of fracture nonunion following acute and chronic administration. The researchers also suggest that certain medications, including Schedule II opioids and prescription NSAIDs, create a greater nonunion risk than non-opioid analgesics.

MXene's tour de force

Researchers at Drexel University have found MXene to be the strongest material of its kind, with a high elastic modulus. The material's durability and strength make it suitable for applications such as composite materials, protective coatings, and membranes.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 15, 2018

When muscles weaken with age

Researchers discover a causal relationship between inflammatory responses in aging nerves and degenerative aging processes. The team found that reducing macrophage activity improves nerve structure and function, increasing mobility and quality of life for those affected by age-related muscle weakness.

Loving the sweet enemy

Research found that foods high in both fats and carbohydrates stimulate the brain's reward system more strongly than other calorie sources. This intensified effect is consistent with game results, suggesting that our brains prefer these types of foods due to evolutionary pressures.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 15, 2018

To share or not to share?

Research suggests that children's tendency to share is linked to their social status in the classroom, with those having few interaction partners tending to be more generous. Higher levels of prenatal testosterone are associated with a 'masculinisation effect' leading to less sharing.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 15, 2018

Frequency of joint replacements halved in rheumatoid arthritis patients between 1997-2010

The frequency of joint replacements in rheumatoid arthritis patients decreased by 51.9% over the past decade, suggesting improved treatment strategies. Biological therapy was found to have a limited impact on this reduction, with no significant association with total hip replacement or knee replacement procedures.

SourceEuropean Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR)·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateJun 15, 2018

Non-coding DNA changes sex determination

Researchers have identified a critical non-coding DNA element regulating the Sox9 gene, crucial for male sex development. Deleting this enhancer results in sex reversal in mice, shedding light on the genetic mechanisms underlying sex determination and potentially improving diagnosis for patients with differences in sex development.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJun 14, 2018