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Science News for March 17, 2019


Scientists identify compounds in coffee which may inhibit prostate cancer

Scientists have identified two coffee compounds, kahweol acetate and cafestol, which inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells in cell culture and animal models. The study's findings suggest that these compounds may be used to treat drug-resistant prostate cancer, with further investigation needed.

SourceEuropean Association of Urology·JournalThe Prostate·DateMar 17, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Depression screening does not impact quality of life after heart attack

Researchers found that systematic depression screening after a heart attack did not impact patients' quality of life. Depression was identified in about 7% of screened patients, and interventions such as medication, phone-based psychotherapy sessions, or a combination both were shown to be effective in reducing depressive symptoms.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 17, 2019

Fast-acting agent shows promise in reversing effects of ticagrelor

Researchers developed PB2452, a monoclonal antibody fragment that reverses ticagrelor's antiplatelet effects within five minutes and sustains reversal for over 20 hours. The study found immediate and sustained reversal of ticagrelor's effects, with no serious adverse events or infusion reactions.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 17, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

TAVR outperforms surgery in younger, low risk patients with AS

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) significantly reduces the primary endpoint of death, stroke, and re-hospitalizations in patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis at low surgical risk. TAVR also shows lower rates of mortality, stroke, and repeat hospitalizations compared to surgery.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 17, 2019

World's oldest semen still viable

Scientists at University of Sydney have successfully used 50-year-old ram sperm to impregnate 34 Merino ewes, demonstrating the viability of long-term frozen storage. The resulting live birth rate was comparable to that of recently frozen semen.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·DateMar 17, 2019

Transcatheter valve replacement safe in those with unusual valve anatomy

A new study suggests that transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a safe and effective option for patients with bicuspid aortic valve stenosis, particularly those at intermediate or high risk for open heart surgery. While patients with a bicuspid valve had a higher risk of stroke after TAVR, the overall mortality rate was simi...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·DateMar 17, 2019
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Expansion of transposable elements offers clue to genetic paradox

A recent study reveals that transposable element insertions drive rapid phenotypic variation in plants, enabling them to adapt to novel environments. Researchers found that transposable elements are enriched in the gene promoter regions of a plant species with limited genetic variation, associated with changes in gene expression.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2019

New cardiac pump clinically superior, safer for patients

The final results of MOMENTUM 3 show that the HeartMate 3 left-ventricular assist device markedly reduced re-operation due to pump malfunctions, lowering risk of bleeding events and strokes. The study found significant reductions in pump-related thrombosis, strokes and mucosal bleeding compared to the previous generation of cardiac pumps.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 17, 2019

Study suggests painkillers taken during pregnancy not a cause of asthma in kids

A study of nearly 500,000 women found that taking paracetamol or other painkillers during pregnancy increases the risk of asthma in children, but the risk is similar when other types of painkillers are used. The research suggests that another factor linked to painkiller use and asthma risk may be chronic pain and stress.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateMar 17, 2019
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Low-risk patients benefit from minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Results from the PARTNER 3 trial demonstrate that low-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis can significantly benefit from minimally invasive TAVR, leading to shorter recovery times and lower complication rates. This groundbreaking procedure has the potential to transform treatment options for patients with heart disease.

SourceNorthwestern Memorial HealthCare·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 17, 2019

Prevention of alcohol use in older teens

A randomized trial of Smart Choices 4 Teens, an online family prevention program, found significant reductions in teen alcohol use and related problems. The program decreased drinking days, amount consumed, and parent-teen communication about social host laws.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateMar 17, 2019