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Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 16


Page 16 of 42

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

Why are gels elastic?

A team of scientists discovered that the elasticity of gels arises from the packing of clusters of particles in the gels. The researchers used graph theory to identify the boundaries between these clusters, which act as rigid units within the gel, determining its elastic modulus.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 20, 2019

Studies: Benralizumab not effective reducing exacerbations in moderate to very severe COPD

A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that benralizumab, an asthma drug, was ineffective in reducing exacerbations in patients with moderate to very severe COPD. The study involved over 3,000 patients and showed no significant decrease in COPD exacerbation rates among those receiving benralizumab.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 20, 2019

Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets and sea level rise

Researchers used structured expert judgment to estimate probability distributions for future sea level rise, yielding long upper tails and a small but meaningful chance of exceeding 2m by 2100. The results suggest coastal communities should consider the possibility of 21st-century SLR in excess of 2m when developing adaptation strategies.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2019

AJTMH tipsheet for May 2019

A California study reveals chronic Q fever cases may be more common than previously believed, with a higher case fatality rate than national averages. Meanwhile, a mass treatment campaign in Bolivia has effectively eliminated human fascioliasis, a parasitic worm disease once prevalent in up to 25% of the population.

SourceBurness·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateMay 20, 2019