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Science News for March 20, 2019


Miscarriage from a man's perspective

Researchers found five common metaphors used by men to describe their partner's miscarriage, including 'lost gift' and 'chaotic movement'. These metaphors revealed societal expectations around masculinity and pregnancy. The study aims to encourage couples to co-cope with miscarriage through metaphorical expression.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalHealth Communication·DateMar 20, 2019

Moms of kids with eczema report sleep troubles

A study analyzing data from over 11,600 mother-child pairs found that having a child with eczema was associated with difficulty falling asleep, insufficient sleep, and increased daytime exhaustion for mothers. The severity of a child's eczema was linked to worse sleep outcomes for mothers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMar 20, 2019

UCLA researchers identify potential new combination treatment for pancreatic cancer

Researchers have identified a promising new therapeutic strategy using two types of drug inhibitors to treat pancreatic cancer. The approach combines chloroquine with an inhibitor of the replication stress response pathway, showing potential in reducing tumor growth and improving prognosis.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2019

New short-tailed whip scorpion species discovered in Amazon

A new species of Surazomus, a rare arachnid found in the Amazon, has been discovered with unique characteristics that provide insight into its mating habits. The species' male flagellum and female chelicerae anchor onto each other during copulation, offering clues about evolutionary changes within the genus.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 20, 2019

Older patients with Crohn's disease benefit from new medications

A study published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics found that older patients with Crohn's disease can be safely treated with combined immunosuppression. The research showed that remission rates were similar between older and younger patients, and there was no increase in side effects in older patients.

SourceWiley·JournalAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics·DateMar 20, 2019

Algae could prevent limb amputation

Researchers develop small capsules from brown algae that hold macrophages, increasing blood flow to damaged limbs. The treatment aims to reduce the need for amputations in people with CLI, a condition affecting up to 60,000 new cases per year in the UK.

SourceBritish Heart Foundation·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·DateMar 20, 2019

UCI engineers aim to pioneer tissue-engineering approach to TMJ disorders

Researchers at UCI are working on biological TMJ discs in the laboratory that will be suitable for implantation in humans. The new approach eschews synthetic materials and aims to reduce negative effects on quality of life. Successful trials have been conducted in large-animal models, showing complete functionality of the TMJ disc.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalTrends in Molecular Medicine·DateMar 20, 2019

Visualizing better cancer treatment

NYU researchers have engineered nanoscale protein micelles capable of delivering chemotherapeutic drugs and being tracked by MRI, combining diagnostic capability and drug delivery. This innovation reduces the need for surgical intervention and allows for non-invasive monitoring of therapeutic progress.

Surrey creates innovative lab test to develop easy-to-swallow medicine for children

The new in vitro method allows scientists to easily screen different compositions of the carrier liquid and concentration of particulates, reducing mouth residue and making swallowing easier. This innovative test is expected to help develop novel medicines that improve the lives of people with difficult swallowing capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalEuropean Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences·DateMar 20, 2019

Older immigrants living in US more satisfied with life than native-born counterparts

A study by Florida State University found that older immigrant populations in the US have higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction compared to native-born individuals. Hispanic immigrants exhibited the highest overall life satisfaction, likely due to cultural factors such as strong social support networks and spirituality.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of Aging and Health·DateMar 20, 2019

Exercise program provides multiple benefits to nursing home residents

A six-month exercise program improved balance and strength in nursing home residents, resulting in fewer falls and deaths compared to a control group. The intervention also showed a lower prevalence of frailty, suggesting potential long-term benefits for those who engage in individualized physical activity.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 20, 2019

Sniffing out Parkinson's disease

A team of researchers discovered the chemicals responsible for the distinctive smell of Parkinson's disease using a 'super smeller'. The finding could lead to an early diagnosis and monitoring of the condition. Hippuric acid, eicosane, and octadecanal were identified as biomarkers in sebum samples from patients with Parkinson's.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 20, 2019

Skin diseases are more common than we think

A recent study found that at least one skin abnormality affects 64.5% of the adult population, with men being more frequently affected than women. The prevalence of skin diseases increases with age and is associated with significant economic burdens.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology·DateMar 20, 2019

Solving the 'Catch 22' of rectal cancer

Researchers developed a non-invasive MRI methodology to determine if tumours have invaded lymph nodes prior to surgery. This innovation helps clinicians choose optimal treatment strategies and reduces overtreatment risks. By improving accuracy, SPI may also aid in selecting patients for pre-operative radiation and chemotherapy.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 20, 2019

Laser-targeted removal of prostate tumors works as well complete removal of prostate

Researchers from University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston developed a laser treatment that selectively destroys cancerous prostate tissue while preserving erectile and urinary functions. This technique is shown to be as effective as complete removal or radiation therapy with improved quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateMar 20, 2019

Transformation of VA to 'whole health' model featured in JACM special issue

The VA's 'whole health' model is a leading-edge effort to address social determinants of health and move from volume to value. The model features multimodal approaches in integrative health, including evidence-informed complementary and integrative approaches as part of a commitment to diminishing reliance on opioids.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateMar 20, 2019

Better water testing, safer produce

Researchers compared two water testing methods to ensure safe irrigation water for leafy greens, finding excellent results when samples were clean. However, discrepancies arose when environmental factors like sediments and salts were introduced, highlighting the need for a user-friendly guide to ensure consistent accuracy.

Generic advice doesn't help patients drop pounds

A new study from Duke University found that patients shed more weight when doctors give specific instructions, such as tailored behavioral goals and educational material, compared to generic advice. Patients who received empathetic care also lost more weight on average.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMar 20, 2019

Study examines how high altitude affects memory

A new study investigated the impact of high altitude exposure on short-term memory, identifying effects on spatial and verbal memory. The study found that high altitude exposure can lead to deficits in these aspects of cognition, affecting daily functioning.

SourceWiley·JournalBrain and Behavior·DateMar 20, 2019

North Africans were among the first to colonize the Canary Islands

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that people from North Africa were among the first to colonize the Canary Islands, arriving by 1000 CE. The researchers analyzed ancient mitochondrial genomes and identified lineages consistent with radiocarbon dating evidence, suggesting a complex and heterogeneous process of colonization.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 20, 2019

Disease burden in osteoarthritis is similar to rheumatoid arthritis

A new study reveals that osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have comparable impacts on patients when first visiting rheumatologists. Treatment significantly improves RA outcomes, whereas OA experiences a higher burden of disease, highlighting an urgent need for improved treatments.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateMar 20, 2019

New measurement method for radioactive methane

A new optical measurement method for radioactive methane has been developed by Juho Karhu, offering a cheaper and more agile alternative to accelerator mass spectrometry. The method uses spectroscopy to measure the absorption of materials at different wavelengths, enabling the detection of low levels of radioactive methane in various a...

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalOptics Letters·DateMar 20, 2019