This week's research news roundup features a discovery that could have broad implications for cancer patients suffering from radiotherapy side effects; findings that suggest opioids and obesity are to blame for the rising mortality rate of white Americans; and new business filings that have exhibited strong growth in Colorado's second quarter.
Discovery could lead to fewer side effects, better results for cancer patients
New light has been shed on the mechanism behind radiation-induced bystander effect (RIBE), which can lead to side effects like hair loss and fatigue in cancer patients and make targeted cells resistant to radiation treatment. Ultimately, researchers hope it could lead to a RIBE-inhibiting medication taken prior to radiotherapy.
Opioids, obesity—not 'despair deaths'—raising mortality rates for whites
CU Boulder research has found that suicide and alcohol-related deaths are not to blame for increasing mortality rates among middle-aged whites, pointing to prescription painkillers and obesity instead. The results challenge recent reports suggesting economicall influenced "despair deaths" are on the rise among white Americans.
Colorado economic indicators continue strong growth in Q2
New business filings exhibited strong growth year-over-year in the second quarter of 2017, raising future employment expectations. The report, prepared by Leeds School of Business using data from the secretary of state’s business registry, looks at a variety of metrics both in Colorado and nationally.