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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 53


Page 53 of 461

Parent-supplied photos allow pediatric dermatology diagnoses with no office visit in most cases

A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that high-quality photographs taken by parents with their smartphones can accurately diagnose pediatric skin conditions without an office visit. The results showed a 83% agreement between photograph-based and in-person diagnoses, paving the way for improved access to care through telemedicine.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateNov 15, 2017

Floating droplets

MIT scientists have explained why a droplet of liquid can 'levitate' on a bath's surface under certain conditions. By maintaining a temperature difference, the air cushion between the droplet and the bath is strengthened, preventing it from sinking and allowing it to levitate.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateNov 15, 2017

Cell-based therapy for type 1 diabetes?

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have successfully reversed type 1 diabetes in a mouse model by infusing pre-treated blood stem cells. The treated cells curbed the autoimmune reaction and reversed hyperglycemia in diabetic mice, with almost all mice cured of diabetes in the short term and one third maintaining normal blood sug...

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 15, 2017

Genome of wheat ancestor sequenced

The genome of a wild ancestor of bread wheat, Aegilops tauschii, has been sequenced by an international team of scientists. The findings will enable researchers to discover new genes improving wheat quality and resistance to diseases. This breakthrough technology can be applied to other plant genomes.

A delicate crossing: Controller developed to open the blood-brain barrier with precision

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a system to temporarily loosen the blood-brain barrier using microbubbles, allowing for real-time monitoring and controlled delivery of drugs to the brain. The approach offers improved safety and efficacy control for human clinical trials underway in Canada.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2017

New guidelines issued for diagnosis and care of LAM, a rare lung disease

The American Thoracic Society and Japanese Respiratory Society have published new clinical practice guidelines for lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), a rare lung disease affecting women of child-bearing age. The guidelines recommend a diagnostic approach that includes transbronchial lung biopsy before surgical lung biopsy, as well as earl...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateNov 15, 2017

Has the Mental Health Act had its day?

Experts argue that a non-discriminatory legal framework governing involuntary treatment could replace unjust discrimination against people with mental ill health. Critics, however, worry that changing the law without proper resourced services could lead to reduced rates of compulsion and decreased care for vulnerable individuals.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 15, 2017

Study urges global-change researchers to embrace variability

A new review article argues that incorporating natural variability into experiments can provide more accurate insights into the effects of climate change on corals and other reef organisms. Studies found that varying factors such as temperature and pH can affect the physiology and response to future changes, warranting further research.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalCurrent Climate Change Reports·DateNov 15, 2017

'Left-handed' fish and asymmetrical brains

Biologists have found that cichlid fish with a distinct preference for one side of their bodies exhibit corresponding asymmetry in brain structure and gene expression. The study reveals a functional relationship between brain shape and behavioral laterality, suggesting an evolutionary link to handedness in humans.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateNov 15, 2017

Intentional teaching makes the biggest impact on early childhood outcomes

Research suggests that high-quality preschool teaching practices, particularly those focused on intentional teaching and scaffolding, have the largest effect on young children's academic and social skills. Effective curricula, teacher-child ratio, and professional development also play a significant role in shaping outcomes.

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalChild Development Perspectives·DateNov 15, 2017

Stopping the dengue threat

A QUT study has identified social factors such as overseas arrivals, rainwater tanks, and economic status as potential dengue risk factors. The study suggests increasing surveillance and monitoring of travellers arriving in Australia to control the importation and transmission of dengue virus.

How to keep cows happy

A Brazilian study reveals that minor changes to corrals, such as removing splash colors and water puddles, can significantly reduce the stress levels of cattle. The implementation of good handling practices, including calm handlers and reduced noise levels, also led to improved behavior and cortisol release.

SourceSpringer·JournalTropical Animal Health and Production·DateNov 15, 2017

Spinning cylinders to recreate nature's patterns

Researchers at Institute for Basic Science developed a method to create dynamic tubular structures by exploiting centripetal force of rotating fluids, enabling self-assembly of particles under non-equilibrium conditions. This breakthrough could lead to creation of various shapes of microcomposites useful in photonics applications.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 15, 2017

The rhetorical signature of Donald J. Trump

Kathleen Hall Jamieson and Doron Taussig analyze Trump's rhetoric, finding it both disrupted political norms and created challenges for governing. Trump's signature traits include spontaneity, accountability dodging, and demonization, which have led to concerns about his mental acuity and speculation about invoking the 25th Amendment.

Filling intercropping info gap

Researchers developed mathematical equations to calculate crop yields and optimize fertilizer use for sorghum-peanut intercropping. The study aims to improve profits and food production in West Africa, where millions of farmers face food security challenges.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateNov 15, 2017

Targeting cancer without destroying healthy T-cells

Researchers have discovered a method to target cancerous T-cells while sparing healthy ones, which are essential to the immune system. This breakthrough could lead to new therapeutic approaches for rare and aggressive T-cell lymphoma, which has been difficult to treat without damaging healthy T-cells.

SourceCardiff University·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 15, 2017

Aging tests yield varying results

Researchers compared 11 measures of aging, including blood and chromosome tests, and found that none consistently predicted physical or cognitive changes. Telomere length and epigenetic clocks showed some promise but were less clearly linked to physiological outcomes.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateNov 15, 2017

Wine 'legs' and minibot motors (video)

Researchers Lidong Zhang and colleagues developed a new method for propelling tiny motors using the Marangoni effect, eliminating expensive catalysts. The droplets rotate rapidly on water, propelled hundreds of centimeters without pollution, with added electromagnetic generator converting kinetic energy to electrical energy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalLangmuir·DateNov 15, 2017