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Science News for May 21, 2019


Scientists discover potential breakthrough in the understanding of tumor dormancy

Researchers at VCU Massey Cancer Center have made a significant discovery regarding tumor dormancy, a state of inactivity that allows cancer cells to evade detection and recurrence. By targeting senescent cells, they hope to develop novel therapeutics that can eliminate dormant tumor cells and prevent disease recurrence.

Positive aspects of masculinity helps improve boys' attitudes toward relationship violence

A pilot program focusing on positive expressions of masculinity improved middle school boys' attitudes toward relationship violence, reducing beliefs that coercion and violence are acceptable. The 'Reducing Sexism and Violence Program - Middle School Program' also taught empathy, healthy relationships and bystander intervention skills.

SourceRutgers University·JournalChildren and Youth Services Review·DateMay 21, 2019

The insulin under the influence of light

Scientists uncover how light influences insulin sensitivity and metabolic homeostasis, shedding light on the circadian rhythms' impact on diabetes. The study suggests that taking into account time of day can help patients better manage their treatment and reduce risks associated with daily insulin injections.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell Reports·DateMay 21, 2019

Exercise: Psych patients' new natural prescription

A new study suggests that physical exercise can alleviate patient symptoms of anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia, potentially reducing time spent in acute facilities. Practitioners are now considering exercise as a fundamental treatment option, alongside pharmacological interventions.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalGlobal Advances in Health and Medicine·DateMay 21, 2019

Penguins and their chicks' responses to local fish numbers informs marine conservation

Researchers studied African penguins' responses to changes in local fish abundance, finding that penguins' foraging behavior and chick body condition are directly linked to fish availability. The study suggests that penguins could be key indicators of local ecosystem health, informing fisheries management and conservation efforts.

SourceBritish Ecological Society·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateMay 21, 2019

Ammonium fertilized early life on earth

Researchers at Syracuse University and international team discover evidence of abundant ammonium in pre-GOE oceans, providing a nutrient-rich environment for early life. This finding sheds light on the critical importance of nitrogen and phosphorus in Earth's history.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 21, 2019

CBD reduces craving and anxiety in people with heroin use disorder

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that CBD significantly reduced craving and anxiety induced by drug cues in individuals with heroin use disorder. The study also revealed that CBD tended to reduce physiological measures of stress reactivity, such as increased heart rate and cortisol levels.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 21, 2019

Interventions with paclitaxel drug-coated balloons

The American Heart Association statement addresses the controversy surrounding paclitaxel-eluting stents and drug-coated balloons in peripheral interventions. Despite a 2018 meta-analysis suggesting increased mortality with paclitaxel exposure, individual sponsor-driven analyses have failed to replicate these findings.

SourcePCR·DateMay 21, 2019

Successful HIV effort prompts call for clinics to expand mental health services on site

A new study from UVA School of Medicine suggests that co-located mental health services improve HIV viral suppression rates among vulnerable populations, with a notable increase in older and white patients. The researchers are calling for more Ryan White HIV/AIDS clinics to expand their on-site mental health services.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateMay 21, 2019

Children of both young and old parents share risk for certain neurodevelopment disorders

A recent study found that younger parental age significantly increases the risk of ADHD and Tourette's, while older parental age is associated with Autism and obsessive-compulsive disorders. The research provides valuable insights into the complex relationships between parental age and offspring neuropsychiatric disorders.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMay 21, 2019

Novel index accurately predicts PCI success post procedure compared to standard measurement metrics

A novel non-hyperemic pressure ratio (NHPR) index, combined with fractional flow reserve (FFR), accurately predicts percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) success. The study found a significant linear correlation between NHPR and FFR, with a Pd/Pa value of <0.90 demonstrating excellent diagnostic performance against FFR.

Doctors can estimate patient adherence by simply asking about medication routine

Researchers found that doctors were as accurate in estimating patients' adherence as patients were in reporting their medication habits. Developing a medication routine or habit can lessen the risk of forgetting medication. The study aims to provide insights for doctors to effectively identify and address barriers to medication adherence.

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 21, 2019

River valleys helped shape current genetic landscape of Han Chinese

A recent study found that the three main river valleys in China contributed significantly to Han Chinese genetic diversity. The research used mitochondrial DNA and analyzed data from 21,668 unrelated Han Chinese samples, revealing patterns of genetic divergence among populations based on river valleys. These findings suggest that the m...

Want to eliminate workplace bias? Watch your rating system, study says

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that a six-point performance rating scale reduces the gender gap in ratings, with both sexes getting top rankings almost equally. Altering the ratings scale can limit the expression of pre-existing biases, such as stereotypes associating brilliant performance with men more than women.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMay 21, 2019

Stellar waltz with dramatic ending

Astronomers have discovered an unusual celestial object, likely the result of two white dwarfs merging and fusing heavier elements. The star's strong stellar wind and magnetic field accelerate its collapse into a neutron star, culminating in a massive supernova explosion.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateMay 21, 2019

How usable is virtual reality?

Researchers developed an automated process to detect user-friendliness issues in virtual environments. This technology allows for more frequent, cost-effective, and efficient testing of virtual reality applications, leading to improved user experience and reduced errors.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction·DateMay 21, 2019

What makes a place a home?

New research reveals that lionfish populations on mesophotic reefs are affected by prey abundance and water temperature. Higher densities of lionfish were found at sites with lower bottom temperatures, suggesting cold-water upwelling currents fuel the food chain in these areas.

SourceBermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateMay 21, 2019

Baby tiger sharks eat songbirds

A study published in Ecology found that baby tiger sharks eat a variety of terrestrial birds, including songbirds like sparrows and woodpeckers. The sharks' stomachs contained remains from 41 out of 105 juvenile sharks, revealing a diet that includes land-dwelling bird species.

SourceField Museum·JournalEcology·DateMay 21, 2019

First in human results show early bird device effective in early detection of internal bleeding

The Saranas Early Bird Bleed Monitoring System has been shown to detect bleeding events during endovascular procedures with a high degree of accuracy, reducing the risk of complications and mortality. The device was tested in 60 patients and detected bleeding in 63% of cases, with no device-related complications reported.

Re-designing hydrogenases

Researchers at EPFL have successfully synthesized a manganese-hydrogenase by incorporating a manganese complex into an iron-hydrogenase. The resulting semi-synthetic enzyme is active for the native reaction of iron-hydrogenase, marking a significant breakthrough in metalloenzyme design.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMay 21, 2019

Children with cancer wait an average of 6.5 years longer than adults to access new drugs

A recent study found that children with cancer wait an average of 6.5 years longer than adults to access new drugs. Researchers at Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center are advocating for improved pediatric trial timelines. The delay can lead to a lack of effective treatments for life-threatening diseases.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer·DateMay 21, 2019

Life in evolution's fast lane

Scientists discovered a lineage of budding yeasts that has lost dozens of genes involved in DNA repair and cell cycle processes. These gene losses result in the yeast's genomes changing rapidly, leading to unique biological characteristics.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 21, 2019

Space travel and your joints

A recent study found early signs of cartilage breakdown in mice exposed to microgravity for 30 days. The researchers theorize that the lack of gravity's biomechanical forces leads to joint unloading, causing cartilage degradation. This could have significant implications for future astronauts on long-term space missions.

Study supports effectiveness of new fast-acting antidepressant, esketamine nasal spray

A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry supports the effectiveness and safety of esketamine nasal spray for treating moderate to severe depression in people who have not responded to previous treatment. The study found significant improvements in depression symptoms within 24 hours of taking the medication.

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 21, 2019