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Science News Archive 2015 - Page 68


Page 68 of 402

Simple mathematical formula models lithium-ion battery aging

A team of Penn State researchers has created a simple mathematical formula to predict the most influential factors in lithium-ion battery aging. The formula takes into account state of charge, charging/discharging frequency, operating temperature, and current to estimate battery degradation.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateOct 30, 2015

Key findings to develop a vaccine against Toxoplasma

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered a new role for p62 in the immune response to Toxoplasma gondii, paving the way for the development of an inactivated vaccine. The study found that p62 plays a crucial role in activating killer T cells in infected cells stimulated by interferon-γ.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 29, 2015

Gut bacteria could be blamed for obesity and diabetes

Research suggests that gut bacteria can ferment dietary fiber, producing short-chain fatty acids that contribute to liver lipids and potentially lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. In individuals with compromised TLR5 function, overconsumption of fiber may exacerbate this process.

SourcePenn State·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 29, 2015

Pregnancy antibiotics no cause for concern

A comprehensive review of 135,000 pregnancies found that two most commonly prescribed macrolides have no adverse effects on child's physical development. The study used data from Quebec Pregnancy Cohort and failed to find any meaningful association between macrolide use and major congenital malformations.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety·DateOct 29, 2015

UTMB study finds obese pregnant women who lose weight save money, have healthier newborns

A recent UTMB study found that severely obese pregnant women who maintained or lost weight during pregnancy had lower healthcare costs and healthier infant outcomes. The study compared 82 obese mothers with 85 healthy-weight mothers, finding that infants of obese mothers who lost weight were less likely to experience complications.

Using superlatives in the media for cancer drugs

A study published in JAMA Oncology found that superlatives like 'breakthrough' and 'miracle' were used to describe unapproved cancer drugs, often without clinical data. Targeted therapy was the most commonly referenced class of drugs, with immunologic checkpoint inhibitors also being frequently described as 'game-changers'.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 29, 2015

Exercise could give margin of safety to women who want to delay preventive mastectomy

Regular physical activity can help women at high risk of breast cancer delay drastic measures by reducing estrogen-sensitive breast tissue. Women who engage in 30-60 minutes of aerobic exercise per day for five days a week may experience a 10% drop in estrogen-sensitive breast tissue over 100 minutes of exercise.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalBreast Cancer Research and Treatment·DateOct 29, 2015

What's done in the lab applies in the field, econ study shows

A new report by Daniel Herbst and Alexandre Mas found that lab-based estimates of the spillover effect, how one worker's productivity impacts another's, are similar to field results. The study analyzed more than 30 lab and field studies across various occupations and continents, suggesting that insights from lab experiments can be gene...

Improving risk-cost-benefit analysis

Baruch Fischhoff reviews four types of analysis to guide policymakers' decisions: estimating risks, deciding on worst-case scenarios, achieving maximum benefits with minimal risk, and weighing risks and benefits. He proposes making the analysis process more transparent and relevant to increase trust.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2015