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Science News Archive October 2016 - Page 35


Page 35 of 44

Adults with disabilities on Medicaid wait list most likely to have unmet service needs

A new study found that adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities on Illinois' Medicaid wait list are more likely to have unmet service needs, including preventive health care, dental services, and physical therapy. The survey of 230 caregivers identified disparities based on race, income, and health status.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities·DateOct 6, 2016

UA psychologist creates tool for measuring memory

A UA psychologist has developed a tabletop version of an interactive game that tests memory, which was later translated into an Android touchscreen-based battery of tests. The tool aims to measure memory in younger children and those with intellectual disabilities, addressing the lack of standardized tests in these populations.

Touchscreens may boost motor skills in toddlers

UK toddlers show increased fine motor control when using touchscreens from a young age, with actively scrolling screens correlating to improved skill development. The study found no link between touchscreen use and language development or walking abilities.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 6, 2016

Brain cell 'executioner' identified

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a protein called macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as the final execution step in parthanatos, a form of programmed brain cell death. MIF's ability has been linked to stroke but also may be involved in other neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience·DateOct 6, 2016

How plants grow new lateral roots

Researchers used 3D live imaging to study the formation process of lateral roots in plants, clarifying part of the mechanism that creates new meristematic tissue. This discovery could potentially be used to control plant growth by artificially altering root system architecture.

SourceKobe University·JournalDevelopment·DateOct 6, 2016

This flower smells like a bee under attack

Researchers found that Giant Ceropegia flowers mimic the scent of honeybees under attack to fool freeloading flies into pollinating them. The study reveals a complex reproductive strategy where plants use alarm pheromones to lure in insects.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 6, 2016

Vigilin, the lock keeper

Researchers have discovered vigilin, a 'lock keeper' protein in liver cells that regulates fat release and influences transport proteins. The study found a strong correlation between vigilin levels and fatty liver percentage.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2016

Holographic imaging and deep learning diagnose malaria

A new technique using computer 'deep learning' and light-based, holographic scans can spot malaria-infected cells from simple blood samples, offering fast and reliable diagnosis in resource-limited areas. The method was tested on hundreds of cells and accurately identified malaria 97 to 100 percent of the time.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 6, 2016

Can older adults with dementia continue to drive? More study is needed

Researchers found that current testing procedures are only 77% accurate in predicting driving safety for people with dementia, highlighting the need for better tools to assess their ability to drive safely. Healthcare professionals should work closely with older adults and caregivers to determine when it's time to stop driving.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 5, 2016

Certain healthy habits may shorten the time older adults spend disabled at end of life

Research found that healthy lifestyle habits like exercising, eating a healthy diet, and staying socially connected can potentially compress the period of disability in older adults before death. However, factors such as smoking, being inactive, and unhealthy diets were associated with longer periods of disability.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 5, 2016

Conservation decisions rely on balancing incentives with unpredictable variables

Researchers examine how large payments are necessary to induce landowners to accept conservation contracts, considering permanent and temporary options. The study reveals that permanent lump-sum payments need to be higher due to 'loss of option value,' while linking carbon payments to profits reduces uncertainty and hesitation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·DateOct 5, 2016

The Lancet: Policies and programs to support early child development a 'wise investment' as 250 million children at risk of not reaching their full potential

A study published in The Lancet highlights the importance of providing nurturing care and supporting parenting practices to help children reach their full potential. The analysis estimates that 250 million children are at risk of poor development due to extreme poverty and stunting, with significant costs for countries and individuals.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 5, 2016

Do proactive primary health-care programs preserve functioning for older adults?

A recent study found that personalized primary care programs can improve daily functioning in older adults, particularly those with higher levels of education. After six months, participants in the treatment groups experienced fewer problems compared to the control group, but further studies are needed to confirm these results.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 5, 2016

Hard-to-control asthma has distinct features, study shows

Children with hard-to-control asthma have distinct features that distinguish them from those with easy-to-control asthma. These include bronchodilator responsiveness, nasal inflammation, and allergy, which impact response to treatment. Early identification of key assessments may help personalize treatment approaches for these patients.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 5, 2016