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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 41


Page 41 of 47

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