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Science News for April 15, 2016


Mayo clinic: Long-term benefits to the liver-kidney transplant

A new study from Mayo Clinic found that patients with high and low levels of donor-specific alloantibodies who received simultaneous liver-kidney transplants showed a lower incidence of cellular and antibody-mediated rejection, chronic injury to the kidney, and better overall kidney function compared to those who received a kidney tran...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalKidney International·DateApr 15, 2016

'Wrong' scale used to evaluate results of brain surgery

Researchers at the University of Helsinki found that the modified Rankin Scale is poorly suited to evaluating neurosurgical treatment results. A one-year follow-up study revealed that 24% of patients with no complications showed decreased function on the scale, while 28% with complications received identical or better scores.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalWorld Neurosurgery·DateApr 15, 2016

Why education doesn't bring women equal pay

A global study reveals that despite closing the education gap with men, women still face significant barriers to accessing quality jobs and government representation. Women have reached 91% of men's education levels but only 70% of their employment rate and 25% of political representation.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of African Development·DateApr 15, 2016

Fish-eyed lens cuts through the dark

University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers developed a biologically inspired artificial eye that can see in the dark using a lobster-inspired fish-eye design. The system improves image-taking through lenses rather than sensor components, resulting in fourfold sensitivity improvement.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2016

New guidance on preventing sudden cardiac death in athletes published

The American College of Cardiology published a consensus statement recommending pre-participation screenings for college athletes and establishing emergency action plans for responding to sudden cardiac arrests. The plan should include training responders, emergency communications systems, and protocols for automated external defibrill...

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 15, 2016

Generation of tailored magnetic materials

Scientists at Université de Genève successfully manipulate the magnetic properties of LaNiO3 and LaMnO3 oxides to create tailored materials. By controlling the interactions between these materials, they can now develop artificial structures with specific magnetic properties.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 2016

Additional benefits of type 2 diabetes treatment found for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients

A study found that acute exenatide administration enhances glucose uptake and reduces insulin resistance in the liver and adipose tissue of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This treatment also improves glucose control in the liver and fatty cells, offering promising benefits for individuals with this condition.

New scientific evidence of sexual transmission of the Zika virus

Researchers from Inserm and Aix-Marseille University have confirmed that the ZIKA virus can be transmitted sexually. Genetic analysis showed a 100% correlation between the virus forms present in a man who contracted the virus in Brazil and a woman who had never traveled to an epidemic area but had sexual relations with him.

A better nutritional facts panel

A new study suggests that improving the nutritional facts panel on food packages could lead to better consumer choices and reduced obesity rates. The research found that adding key nutrients and using a traffic light system improved consumers' ability to make informed decisions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalFood Policy·DateApr 15, 2016

UC Davis study says logos make a group seem real

A UC Davis study found that group symbols like logos and flags create the impression of a unified, effective, and cohesive group, even among diverse members. However, this can come at the cost of appearing less inclusive and warm. The research suggests using symbols strategically to achieve desired impressions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 15, 2016

The genetic evolution of Zika virus

A recent study analyzing 40 Zika virus strains identifies significant changes in amino acid and nucleotide sequences, diverging between Asian and African lineages. The data suggests the strains evolved from a common ancestor, with human isolates more closely related to the French Polynesia/2013 strain.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateApr 15, 2016