Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 3, 2018


Crossing new frontiers in melanoma research

The article addresses provoking questions in melanoma immunotherapy, cancer systems biology, and medical oncology. Researchers focus on understanding pigmentation and pigmentary diseases through big data science, collaborative team science, and individualized medicine.

SourceWiley·JournalPigment Cell & Melanoma Research·DateOct 3, 2018

Opioid overdoses, depression linked

A new study finds that for every 1% increase in depression diagnoses, opioid overdose deaths rise by 25-35%. The researchers emphasize the need for doctors to screen for depression before prescribing opioids and for better access to mental health care.

SourcePurdue University·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·DateOct 3, 2018

Study: Nursing homes increasingly pushing patients into rehab at end-of-life

A new study reveals that nursing homes are increasingly providing high-intensity rehabilitation services to residents in the last days of life, which may be driven by a desire to maximize reimbursement rates. This trend has been linked to unnecessary and harmful interventions, potentially interfering with appropriate end-of-life care.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateOct 3, 2018

Stepping toward a smaller carbon footprint

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new MOF that can selectively react with hydrogen molecules over carbon dioxide, allowing for efficient removal of CO2 from the atmosphere. This breakthrough technology has the potential to reduce net CO2 emissions and create valuable chemicals and fuels.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalCatalysis Science & Technology·DateOct 3, 2018

Study shows how lixisenatide slows or prevents damage to the kidneys in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Researchers found that lixisenatide slowed the progression of kidney damage in patients with macro-albuminuria and type 2 diabetes. The study showed a statistically significant reduction in urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio and a borderline significant reduction in risk of incidence of macroalbuminuria.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateOct 3, 2018

ReFRAME drug repurposing collection yields hope for treating diseases that kill millions

Scientists at Calibr have built a massive library of existing small-molecule drugs called ReFRAME, which shows promise for treating major diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis. Preliminary testing has identified two additional compounds effective against Cryptosporidium spp., offering a potential therapy for severe diarrhea.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2018

Taking control of stress and menopause symptoms

A new study suggests that higher mindfulness may lower stress and the impact of menopause-related symptoms such as hot flashes in midlife women. The study, presented at The North American Menopause Society Annual Meeting, found a correlation between higher mindfulness and lower menopause symptom scores, as well as lower stress scores.

Reducing mutant Huntington disease protein can restore cognitive function in mice

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have discovered that reducing mutated Huntington disease protein can restore cognitive and psychiatric impairments in mice. This breakthrough offers new hope for preventative treatment, as approximately one in seven thousand people in Canada suffer from the debilitating disease.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 3, 2018

Even light drinking increases risk of death

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine found that consuming one to two drinks four or more times per week increases the risk of premature death by 20%, compared to drinking three times a week or less. This increased risk was consistent across age groups and outweighed potential benefits in cardiovascular health.

A grape constituent protects against cancer

Scientists at UNIGE discovered that resveratrol, a molecule in grape skin and seeds, can prevent lung cancer in mice treated with a nasal formulation. The study showed a 45% decrease in tumor load and a higher concentration of resveratrol in the lungs after nasal administration.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 3, 2018

Teen cannabis use is not without risk to cognitive development

A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that adolescent cannabis use is associated with impairments in learning, memory, attention, and decision-making, as well as lower academic performance. The research team followed a large sample of high school students over four years to investigate the complex relatio...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 3, 2018

Evolution: Genetics doesn't matter much in forming society

Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered that social behavior in eusocial species like sweat bees is more attributed to cooperative behavior than genetic similarity. This finding challenges previous theories and suggests that the benefit of grouping is a key factor in the evolution of cooperation, including among humans.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 3, 2018

Pregnancy disorders may lead to more hot flashes

A new study based on SWAN data suggests that women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes may experience a greater burden of hot flashes during the menopause transition. The study identified social factors such as education as influential in shaping pregnancy outcomes and hot flashes.

Hugs may help protect against conflict-related distress

Receiving hugs on days with interpersonal conflict was associated with smaller decreases in positive emotions and increased negative emotions. The effects of hugs may have lingered, as interviewees reported continued attenuation of negative mood the next day.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 3, 2018

Getting women in the mood for sex

Researchers discuss historical and current evidence-based approaches to stimulating female sexual desire, highlighting the role of dopamine and music in enhancing pleasure. The study aims to improve healthcare providers' understanding of women's sexual health, particularly those affected by hypoactive sexual desire disorder.

ALS drug may help treat prostate cancer

Researchers have discovered a potential treatment for prostate cancer using riluzole, a drug approved for ALS treatment. The study found that riluzole promotes the degradation of androgen receptors, which drives prostate cancer growth.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Prostate·DateOct 3, 2018

Who needs genetic testing for breast cancer?

According to Dr. Holly Pederson, genetic testing can help identify patients at risk of breast cancer and reduce their chances of survival. The presentation highlights the importance of early screening and advances in cancer genetics, making it possible to save lives through preventive medications and surgical procedures.

What doesn't kill you

Researchers found that some frog species persist despite infection, attributed to eco-evolutionary rescue. This occurs when ecological and evolutionary mechanisms allow for host-pathogen coexistence, including immune adaptation and reduced transmission rates. The study provides a glimpse of hope for amphibian populations threatened by Bd.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcological Applications·DateOct 3, 2018

CU Anschutz scientists identify genetic causes of mitochondrial diseases

Researchers from the University of Colorado School of Medicine have identified previously unknown genetic causes of mitochondrial diseases, including cardiomyopathy and excess acid in blood. The study found that mutations in specific genes caused lethal conditions, and increasing a nutritional compound improved cell function.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 2018

Warmer springs can reduce summer plant productivity

A new study reveals that warmer springs in northern regions lead to reduced plant productivity in summer and autumn months. The team used satellite images to survey 41 million km2 of land and found that the early onset of spring does not continue into the summer, resulting in depleted water resources and reduced biomass.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature·DateOct 3, 2018

Kidney care conflicts of interest: Experts call for transparency on joint-venture dialysis clinics

Nephrologists and health policy experts advocate for greater transparency in joint-venture dialysis clinics to ensure patient referrals and clinical outcomes are not influenced by financial ties. The lack of disclosure poses a significant barrier to evidence-based research, depriving patients of critical information.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 3, 2018

Stem cells organize themselves into pseudo-embryos

Researchers have developed artificial pseudo-embryos from mouse stem cells that display characteristics of early embryonic development, including the formation of antero-posterior, dorso-ventral, and medio-lateral axes. These structures, called gastruloids, could complement animal embryos in studying mammalian embryonic development.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateOct 3, 2018

Wheat that pumps iron, naturally

Researchers successfully biofortified wheat to naturally increase its iron content, a process that could help address global iron deficiency. The breeding lines showed no significant decrease in grain yield, making it a promising solution for improving nutrition without compromising farmers' profits.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science·DateOct 3, 2018

Alternatives to pesticides -- Researchers suggest popular weeds

The study reveals that botanic soil amendments with popular weeds like black nightshade and jimsonweed can effectively control nematodes. Researchers report a significant reduction in female nematode populations when treated with weed extracts, making these natural alternatives a promising eco-friendly solution.

SourceExeley Inc.·JournalJournal of Nematology·DateOct 3, 2018

Low vitamin D linked to earlier death in Thai men

A new study found that low vitamin D levels are associated with a 77% higher risk of death in community-dwelling Thai older men. The risk is significant only in diabetic males, suggesting cardiovascular disease may be the link.

SourceWiley·JournalGeriatrics and Gerontology International·DateOct 3, 2018

Sexual harassment and assault linked to worse physical/mental health among midlife women

A new study by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine suggests that experiences of sexual harassment and sexual assault could have a significant impact on the physical and mental health of midlife women. Women who were younger or more financially stressed were more likely to be harassed, and both sexual harassme...

Tropical frogs found to coexist with deadly fungus

A study by University of Maryland researchers suggests that frog populations in El Copé developed the ability to tolerate chytrid fungus, enabling them to persist despite severe species losses. The findings, published in 2018, could mean good news for other hot spots of amphibian biodiversity hit hard by the chytrid fungus.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalEcological Applications·DateOct 3, 2018

Study sheds light on atypical periprosthetic femoral fractures

A study published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that 8.3% of patients with total hip replacements experienced atypical femoral fractures, a type of rare stress fracture. The researchers also discovered a strong association between bisphosphonate use and the risk of these fractures.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateOct 3, 2018

Recording device for cell history

ETH Zurich researchers have created a molecular recording system that writes transcriptional events into DNA, allowing permanent storage and later access. The CRISPR-Cas system records genetic information about pathogens infecting the cell, storing it in a specific stretch of DNA known as a CRISPR array.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateOct 3, 2018

New model of polarization sheds light on today's politics

A new model of polarization explains how voters strategically vote for parties to empower their preferred party, contributing to increased polarization. The model also highlights the impact of gerrymandering on polarization and suggests policy changes, such as increasing local party coordination, could help address the issue.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateOct 3, 2018

Articles examine aspects of sexual assault, harassment

Two studies investigate the impact of workplace sexual harassment and assault on blood pressure, mood, anxiety, and sleep among midlife women. The research found that sexual harassment is linked to higher hypertension rates and poor sleep, while assault is associated with depression, anxiety, and clinically significant elevations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 3, 2018