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Science News Archive July 2019 - Page 15


Page 15 of 41

Genes linked to death from sepsis ID'd in mice

Scientists at WashU Medicine have found a set of genes that help cells survive exposure to cytokines, which can trigger a deadly cytokine storm. Targeting these genes may lead to new treatments for sepsis, a life-threatening condition that claims 15% of patients despite prompt medical care.

Machine-learning detection of neurodevelopmental disorders

A machine learning algorithm identified altered pupil diameter fluctuations in mouse models of autism spectrum disorders, allowing early detection of developmental disorders. The algorithm distinguished Rett syndrome patients from controls based on heart rate fluctuations, suggesting a potential biomarker for early detection.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2019

Evolutionary gene loss may help explain why only humans are prone to heart attacks

Researchers suggest a genetic mutation two to three million years ago led to a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease in all humans, while also setting up a further risk for red meat-eating humans. Human-like mice modified to lack the CMAH gene showed a significant increase in atherogenesis compared to control mice.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2019

Research in Regenerative Medicine proposes a quality control framework for umbilical cord blood-sourced allografts

A recent study proposes a quality control framework for umbilical cord blood-sourced allografts, outlining future safety and potency benchmarks. The study identifies a unique liaison among the UCB-sourced allograft, host mesenchymal stem cells, and their secreted exosomes that influences tissue regeneration in vivo.

SourceFuture Science Group·JournalRegenerative Medicine·DateJul 22, 2019

Heart disease biomarker linked to paleo diet

Researchers found that people on the Paleo diet had twice the amount of a key blood biomarker linked closely to heart disease. The study suggests that the diet's exclusion of whole grains may be to blame for elevated TMAO levels, which are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition·DateJul 22, 2019

Gun ownership linked to greater incidence of domestic homicides

A new study found that firearm ownership significantly increases the risk of intimate partner and family homicide, with a 13% increased incidence for each 10% increase in household gun ownership rates. The majority of domestic violence victims are women who are more likely to be killed if there is a gun in the household.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 22, 2019

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Rapidly spreading multidrug-resistant parasites render frontline malaria drug ineffective in southeast Asia

A multi-country randomized trial found that half of patients in Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam were not cured by first-line malaria treatment. The authors call for abandoning widely used drug combinations and adopting alternative treatments to prevent further development of multidrug-resistant malaria.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJul 22, 2019

Are american nurses prepared for a catastrophe? New study says perhaps not

A recent study found that American nursing programs provide inadequate instruction on handling catastrophic situations like nuclear events, pandemics, and water contamination crises. The study's results showed most students felt underprepared for emergency response, while professors believed they needed more training to teach care duri...

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalThe Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing·DateJul 22, 2019

Risk of neural tube defects higher for babies of women on HIV therapy with dolutegrav

Researchers found a 0.2% increased risk of neural tube defects among children born to mothers on HIV therapy containing dolutegravir since conception compared to those on other regimens. The study tracked birth outcomes in Botswana and suggested that starting dolutegravir around conception may pose a risk.

Miniaturized version of ribosome found in microsporidia

A research team led by Jonas Barandun has discovered a near-atomic model of the smallest known eukaryotic cytoplasmic ribosome found in microsporidia. The study reveals that microsporidian ribosomes have lost essential genes and expansion segments, allowing them to survive with a highly compacted genome.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateJul 22, 2019

More ED visits because of alcohol, 175% increase in 25- to 29-year-olds seeking care

A Canadian study reveals a dramatic increase in emergency department visits related to alcohol consumption among young adults. The research found that the number of ED visits for alcohol-related issues skyrocketed by 175% in people aged 25-29, with women being more likely to visit due to binge drinking. The study also highlights dispro...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 22, 2019

Racial disparity in fatal officer-involved shootings

A study by researchers at the University of Maryland found that white officers were not more likely to shoot minority civilians than black or Hispanic officers. Violent crime rates where the shooting took place were the strongest factor in predicting the race of a person fatally shot by police.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2019

Quantifying how the brain smells

Researchers found that molecular properties of odors do not hold predictive power when new odor pairs or shuffled properties are tested, highlighting the complexity of smell perception. The study suggests that the brain extracts different features from smells and that olfactory experience is highly subjective and context-dependent.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 22, 2019

Mortality rates of major league baseball players

Research analyzed mortality rates among 10,451 MLB players from 1906 to 2006, finding differences in death rates by position and career length. Longer playing careers were associated with lower cardiovascular-related deaths but increased cancer deaths.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 22, 2019

Serious falls are a health risk for adults under 65

A recent study by Yale researchers has identified middle-aged adults as a vulnerable population to serious falls due to medication use. Polypharmacy and the simultaneous use of benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, and prescription opioids increase fall risk.

SourceYale University·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateJul 22, 2019