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Science News Archive April 2017 - Page 9


Page 9 of 37

Mayo research shows surgery adds years for kidney cancer patients

A recent study published in The Journal of Urology found that surgery to remove secondary tumor growths, called metastases, significantly improves survival rates for patients with late-stage kidney cancer. Patients who underwent surgery had a life expectancy of three to 12 years, compared to eight months and two years without surgery.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateApr 24, 2017

NASA's Cassini, Voyager missions suggest new picture of sun's interaction with galaxy

New data from NASA's Cassini mission, combined with measurements from Voyager spacecraft and IBEX, suggests that the sun's magnetic field creates a rounded heliosphere, rather than a comet-shaped structure. The study reveals that the heliosphere is nearly symmetrical, which could impact how cosmic rays reach the inner solar system.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 24, 2017

From abundant hydrocarbons to rare spin liquids

Researchers at Tohoku University and the University of Liverpool have successfully created quantum spin liquids from polyaromatic hydrocarbons using alkali metals. This achievement marks a significant step towards understanding exotic phenomena in materials science, with potential applications in superconductivity and quantum computing.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateApr 24, 2017

How fear of death affects human attitudes toward animal life

A study from the University of Arizona found that reminding people of their mortality increases their willingness to kill animals. The researchers used terror management theory, which suggests that humans use self-esteem as a buffer against fear of death. When participants received a self-esteem boost, the effect of the death prime was...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateApr 24, 2017

Chip-based nanoscopy: Microscopy in HD quality

Researchers at Bielefeld University and the University of Tromsø have developed a photonic chip that enables superresolution light microscopy with conventional microscopes. This breakthrough method produces images with a resolution of about 20 to 30 nanometres, ten times that of conventional light microscopy.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 24, 2017

New Canadian guideline: No screening for hepatitis C in adults not at increased risk

The Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends against routine screening for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) in low-risk adults due to lack of direct evidence on benefits and harms. The guideline aims to focus healthcare resources on individuals at elevated risk, where treatment is proven to be beneficial.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 24, 2017

Mystery of the missing mercury at the Great Salt Lake

Researchers found that the closure of Union Pacific railway culverts led to a 88% decrease in methylmercury levels in the lake's deep brine layer and sediments. However, waterfowl carcasses showed no significant change in mercury levels, indicating that the source of methylmercury in wetlands remains unknown.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 24, 2017

Chili peppers and marijuana calm the gut

Researchers discovered that capsaicin in chili peppers and anandamide in marijuana interact with the same receptor in the stomach, calming the immune system and reducing inflammation. The study holds promise for new therapies for diabetes and colitis, as well as understanding the relationship between the gut, brain, and immune system.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2017

Facing nightmare scenarios before discharge lifts confidence of parents of babies in NICU

A University at Buffalo study found that simulations of daily care and nightmare scenarios increased the confidence of parents of newborns in the NICU by nearly 30%. The Neonatal Home Environment Learning Program (HELP) used infant simulators to recreate real-life situations, allowing parents to rehearse and experience behaviors, conse...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalMCN The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing·DateApr 24, 2017

Motion sickness drug worsens motion perception

A study by Massachusetts Eye and Ear researchers found that oral promethazine temporarily worsened vestibular perception thresholds by 31 percent. This increase in thresholds could lead to poorer balance performance and a higher risk of falling.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalJournal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology·DateApr 24, 2017

New approach to improve detection of landfill-related pollution

A new laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) approach refines detection of mercury in landfill leachate, offering rapid results without generating hazardous chemicals. The technique's sensitivity is improved through a double-pulse setup, allowing for the detection of lower mercury concentrations.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateApr 24, 2017