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Science News Archive March 2019 - Page 22


Page 22 of 43

Low-risk patients may benefit from less invasive transcatheter valve replacement

A new study suggests that minimally invasive transcatheter valve replacement is a safe and effective therapy for healthier patients at low surgical risk. Patients treated with TAVR had lower incidence of disabling stroke, bleeding complications, and atrial fibrillation, but slightly higher moderate aortic regurgitation.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 18, 2019

Evidence for ancient magnetic sense in humans

A recent study suggests humans possess an ancient magnetic sense, as their brains respond to changes in the Earth's magnetic field. The research used electroencephalography to record brain activity during magnetic field manipulations, revealing a decrease in alpha-band brain activity in some participants.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateMar 18, 2019

Seafood mislabeling rate less than 1 percent for products with MSC ecolabel vs. global average of 30 percent

A recent study found that more than 1400 Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) labeled products showed less than 1% species mislabeling rate, significantly lower than the global average of 30%. The study suggests that the MSC's ecolabeling and Chain of Custody program is an effective deterrent for deliberate species substitution and fraud.

SourceMarine Stewardship Council·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 18, 2019

Pure omega-3 prescription drug markedly reduces first, repeat and total CV events

A new study shows that a 4 gram dose of icosapent ethyl significantly reduces the occurrence of ischemic events, including heart attacks, strokes, and related deaths. The drug also prevents subsequent cardiovascular events and may be a cost-effective way to prevent CV complications in patients with elevated triglycerides.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 18, 2019

Virtual reality could improve your balance, study finds

A new study by Lund University found that virtual reality can help individuals with long-term dizziness shift their reliance from vision to other senses for better balance. The study showed differences in how men and women are affected by VR, with more women needing additional practice to master this skill.

SourceLund University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 18, 2019

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

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

In study, TAVR is superior to surgery for low-risk patients with aortic valve stenosis

In the multicenter clinical trial, TAVR showed superiority to open-heart surgery in low-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. One-year mortality rates were significantly lower with TAVR, with 42 deaths vs 68 in the surgical group. The study also found shorter hospital stays and fewer strokes for TAVR patients.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 16, 2019

What is the real link between bacterial vaginosis and HIV risk in women?

Researchers explore link between bacterial vaginosis and HIV transmission in women, highlighting importance of standardized diagnosis and testing. The study aims to standardize discussions around BV clinical and research findings, shedding light on the microbial make-up of the vagina and its impact on HIV acquisition.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalAIDS Research and Human Retroviruses·DateMar 15, 2019

Opioid prescribing across the United States

This analysis of US outpatient prescribing records reveals a two-to-three-fold variation in opioid prescribing metrics among states, with significant implications for policy and public health. Researchers suggest that this data can inform state-specific laws, policies, and interventions to address opioid-related problems.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 15, 2019