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Changing long-term opioid prescribing behavior
Notifying clinicians that one of their patients died of an overdose reduced the amount of opioids they prescribed for up to a year afterwards.
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Link between hydration and aging
Higher blood sodium in middle age was associated with increased mortality, chronic disease risk, and biological aging.
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Lab-grown eye cells form new neural connections
Eye cells that were grown from skin-derived stem cells could be collected from 3D cultures and coaxed to form new neural connections.
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October 22, 2019 Edition
Lower magnetic field broadens MRI applications
Scientists developed a high-performance, low magnetic-field MRI system that could be used for image-guided procedures and other new clinical applications in the future.
Emphasizing flavor boosts vegetable consumption
A study found that emphasizing the tasty aspects of healthy foods may do more to boost consumption than promoting their nutritional qualities.
Bleach inactivates infectious disease found in deer
Household bleach can decontaminate stainless steel surfaces infected with the prions that cause chronic wasting disease. The findings suggest a practical method for decontaminating equipment used for hunting and meat processing.
October 15, 2019 Edition
ALS-related mutations prevent RNA transport in nerves
Researchers discovered that ALS-related mutations prevent RNA transport from the nucleus to other areas of nerve cells. The results suggest an avenue to investigate new treatments for diseases linked to problems with this process.
Gut microbes affect harmful compound in red meat
Researchers identified an enzyme in gut bacteria that releases an inflammation-causing carbohydrate from meat. The findings suggest strategies to reduce the risk of certain diseases associated with eating red meat.
African American children may need different asthma treatments
Results from a study of African American children with poorly controlled asthma contrast with those seen in other populations in previous studies. The findings highlight the importance of including people of diverse ages and races.
October 1, 2019 Edition
Disrupting host protein blocks enterovirus infections in mice
Researchers found a host protein that enteroviruses, which cause many cases of the common cold as well as more serious diseases, need to replicate.
How cancer vesicles breach the blood-brain barrier
Small particles from cancer cells called extracellular vesicles cross the blood-brain barrier to make the brain more hospitable to metastatic tumors.
REM sleep may help the brain forget
Scientists identified neurons in mice that are involved in actively forgetting memories during dream sleep.
September 24, 2019 Edition
Two commonly used drugs for uveitis perform equally well
The drug methotrexate performed as well as the more expensive mycophenolate mofetil for treating uveitis, a form of eye inflammation. The findings provide new guidance for treatment.
Peanut allergy protection limited after oral immunotherapy
After people with peanut allergy received oral immunotherapy to induce tolerance to peanut, most who discontinued or had a reduced dose lost the therapy’s protective effects.
Extending preservation time for donated livers
A new preservation method protected human livers during cooling and kept them healthy for more than 24 hours.
September 17, 2019 Edition
Enzyme active in cancer also protects normal cells
Researchers found that the enzyme telomerase, which is active in most tumor cells, may also protect healthy adult cells from becoming cancerous.
Gene identified in people who need little sleep
Scientists identified a gene that causes people to naturally sleep less than six and a half hours each night without any apparent ill effects.
Emergency department closures impact treatment quality nearby
When emergency departments closed, people treated for a heart attack at nearby crowded hospitals had worse outcomes.
September 10, 2019 Edition
Air pollution associated with worsening emphysema
Common air pollutants were associated with increases in emphysema over a decade of follow-up. The results may help explain why some people who never smoked develop emphysema.
Brain cells underlying stuttering identified in mice
Gene mutations related to human stuttering also caused vocalization defects and a loss of brain cells called astrocytes in mice. The findings reveal insight into the neurological mechanisms.
How brown fat improves metabolism
Researchers gained key insights into brown fat’s effects on the body’s metabolism. The findings reveal targets for developing new treatments for obesity and diabetes.
August 27, 2019 Edition
High sugar intake worsens autoimmune disease in mice
In mouse models of autoimmune disorders, drinking sugary water worsened disease by activating inflammatory immune cells. The findings suggest a low-sugar diet may help prevent or treat autoimmune diseases.
Brain scans reveal marker for severe MS
Researchers found that dark rimmed spots on the brain may be a hallmark of more aggressive and disabling forms of multiple sclerosis. The findings suggest an avenue to explore for new disease treatments.
Enterovirus infection linked to acute flaccid myelitis
Evidence of infection with an enterovirus was found in about 80% of people with the rare but serious condition called acute flaccid myelitis.
August 13, 2019 Edition
Air pollution associated with increase in NICU admissions
Exposure to air pollution just before birth appeared to increase the odds that an infant would spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Aspirin use may be widespread despite new guidelines
A study suggests that millions of U.S. adults may take a daily aspirin for cardiovascular disease prevention without any clear benefit.
Compound reduces chronic itch in mice
Researchers identified a compound that can reduce itch in mice by blocking a receptor in the spinal cord. Future studies could lead to a drug for testing in people.
July 23, 2019 Edition
Tracking the spread of Parkinson's proteins from gut to brain
Results in mice suggest that finding a way to stop the spread of the protein thought to cause Parkinson's disease from the gut to the brain might help prevent the disease.
Calorie restriction may benefit healthy adults under 50
Restricting calories for two years led to weight loss and a substantial reduction in risk factors for heart disease and diabetes in healthy adults 50 or younger.
Bacteria enriched in marathon runners
Researchers found that marathon runners have more bacteria that metabolize lactate after finishing their race. The findings suggest strategies to enhance exercise ability.