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Science News for October 13, 2016


Hopping around Johns Hopkins: Early mobilization program, PICU Up!, gets pediatrics patients moving

A Johns Hopkins pilot program proves safe and effective in reducing sedation and boosting early mobility for children in intensive care units. The PICU Up! Early Rehabilitation and Progressive Mobility Program includes activities such as sitting, standing, and walking, resulting in increased rates of physical therapy consultations and ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalPediatric Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 13, 2016

Germs in wastewater often become airborne

A new study reveals that household wastewater can release disease-causing pathogens into the air during irrigation, contaminating crops. On moderately windy days, up to 89% of these pathogens were released within half an hour of soil irrigation.

SourceSpringer·JournalAgronomy for Sustainable Development·DateOct 13, 2016

Coronary artery disease tests prompt patients toward healthier habits

Researchers found that CTA tests led to higher adoption of preventive measures and healthier lifestyle practices compared to exercise electrocardiography and stress tests. After 60 days, more people who underwent CTA tests started taking aspirin, statins, and beta-blockers, and eating healthier, with lower rates of obesity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 13, 2016

Many alcohol-related injuries occur at home

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing found that alcohol-related injuries occurred predominantly at home, accounting for 36.1% of cases. Men were more likely to be seen at emergency departments for at-home injuries compared to females.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Clinical Nursing·DateOct 13, 2016

UA uses big data to solve bus woes in Brazil

The University of Arizona's INSITE Center helps Fortaleza city planners use big data to understand bus delays and overcrowding. The team developed an online dashboard with real-time data on bus movements, passenger numbers, and weather conditions to inform decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·DateOct 13, 2016

A first glimpse into disc shedding in the human eye

A new imaging method has captured the daily disposal and regeneration of photoreceptor cells in a living human eye, revealing crucial insights into blinding diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. The study's findings have the potential to improve our understanding of vision and eye health.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateOct 13, 2016

Poor health literacy a public health issue

A recent study published in BMC Public Health found that people with higher levels of social connection have better health literacy. Researchers also discovered that volunteering and civic engagement are linked to improved health literacy. The study analyzed data from the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, highlighting the importan...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBMC Public Health·DateOct 13, 2016

New data from national violent death reporting system shed light on law enforcement officer deaths, their use of lethal force

A new study using NVDRS data reveals 21% of law enforcement officers were killed during ambushes, with 90% homicides committed with firearms. The study also found a disproportionate number of black victims were unarmed, and fatality rates among military veterans/active duty service members were 1.4 times greater than civilians.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateOct 13, 2016

In a first, brain computer interface helps paralyzed man feel again

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have successfully developed a brain-computer interface that allows a paralyzed man to feel sensations in his arms and fingers. The technology, which uses microstimulation of sensory cortex, enables the individual to distinguish pressure intensity and even identify objects through touch.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 13, 2016

Knowledge increases awareness of biodiversity despite firsthand experiences

A University of Illinois study found that visitors to Channel Islands National Park in California were more likely to assign value to areas with charismatic wildlife encounters, rather than actually biodiverse regions. The research suggests that knowledge plays a crucial role in shaping people's perceptions of biodiversity.

Going viral: Insights on Zika

Researchers at Michigan Technological University provide a detailed overview of Zika's history, transmission modes, and risks, including sexual transmission and miscarriage risks. The study also highlights the connection between dengue virus infection and Zika virus exacerbation.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateOct 13, 2016

A short jump from single-celled ancestors to animals

Researchers studied a single-celled amoeba called Capsaspora owczarzaki and found it uses the same protein-regulating tools as multicellular animals to control cell differentiation over time. This suggests that the single-celled ancestor of all animals likely possessed these systems and was more complex than previously thought.

SourceCell Press·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateOct 13, 2016

Mental health matters

A study led by UCSB researchers found that an innovative mental health program for sixth-graders increased students' knowledge of mental illness and decreased stigma associated with it. The program, Mental Health Matters, aims to educate young people about mental health before stigma sets in.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of School Health·DateOct 13, 2016

Consequences from Antarctica climate change

New research reveals how a single warming event in Antarctica may indicate future ecosystem changes, with cascading ecological consequences observed over the last 15 years. The study found that massive flooding caused by melting glaciers led to dramatic changes in the environment, including erosion of streams and lake levels rising.

SourcePortland State University·JournalBioScience·DateOct 13, 2016

Study examines what drives student involvement in racial justice movements

A new study from North Carolina State University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Michigan found that women college students are more active in racial justice movements. The research also showed that what drives Black students to engage is different from what drives Latino students. Key findings include: Black women we...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Diversity in Higher Education·DateOct 13, 2016

That jumping spider can hear you from across the room

Researchers discovered that jumping spiders can detect sounds at distances of over three meters, a finding that changes scientists' understanding of the world spiders live in. The spiders' hearing is most sensitive to frequencies associated with the wingbeats of parasitoid wasp enemies, prompting a startle response.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 13, 2016

Hormone identified that limits liver fibrosis

A Japanese research team has identified a hormone that limits liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. Administering growth hormone alleviated NASH conditions caused by adult growth hormone deficiency, and treatments were effective on model animals.

SourceKobe University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 13, 2016