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Science News Archive December 2017 - Page 12


Page 12 of 33

Exposure to larger air particles linked to increased risk of asthma in children

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University found that exposure to coarse particulate matter increases the risk of asthma and hospitalizations in children. For each microgram/cubic meter increase in coarse particulate matter, asthma diagnosis increased by 1.3 percent, emergency room visits for asthma by 3.3 percent, and hospitalizations by...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 15, 2017

Coarse particulate matter may increase asthma risk

New research found that coarse particulate matter increases the risk of asthma diagnosis, ER visits for asthma, and hospitalizations in children. The study analyzed records of over 7 million children in Medicaid and found a strong association between PM10-2.5 exposure and asthma-related outcomes.

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

Many women report not feeling completely informed about breast cancer treatment options

A recent study found that the majority of women with breast cancer report not feeling completely informed about their treatment options. The study suggests that patients often prioritize making a quick decision over thoroughly researching their options. To address this issue, researchers recommend providing consistent, reliable informa...

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateDec 15, 2017

Could a new app help cure loneliness?

Researchers from Lancaster University are developing an app to tackle social isolation and loneliness in older adults. The app will provide users with information on local social opportunities and real-time data on factors that discourage outdoor activity, such as weather and daylight levels.

BIDMC researchers use artificial intelligence to identify bacteria quickly and accurately

Researchers at BIDMC used AI to develop an automated microscope system that can quickly and accurately identify images of bacteria, reducing the reliance on human clinical microbiologists. The system achieved nearly 95% accuracy in identifying three types of bacteria, paving the way for a future diagnostic platform.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateDec 15, 2017

Study prompts new ideas on cancers' origins

Researchers found that mature cells can revert to a stem cell-like state, carrying accumulated mutations that predispose them to developing into precancerous lesions. This new understanding could lead to the development of treatments targeting mature cells, potentially preventing cancer recurrence.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateDec 15, 2017

Error-free into the quantum computer age

Researchers developed trapped-ion quantum error correction protocols to detect and correct processing errors, enabling the creation of larger quantum computers. The study suggests that today's quantum computer prototypes can meet specific criteria with current ion-trap technologies.

SourceSwansea University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 15, 2017

Heavy-petroleum fuels raising vanadium emissions

Human emissions of vanadium have spiked since the start of the 21st century due to heavy oil use, surpassing natural sources combined. The health risks of airborne vanadium particles are not well documented but may impair respiratory functions and exacerbate conditions like asthma.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2017

Insight into how infants learn to walk

Researchers at Lancaster University found that 10-week-old babies who practiced 'reflex walking' showed a stronger brain response when watching humans walk compared to those who didn't. The study suggests that experience can refine the perception of biological motion in early infancy.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateDec 14, 2017

Clearing the air

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have made a breakthrough in understanding the Criegee intermediate, a key chemical able to break down sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. The research improves models for atmospheric chemistry and validates a major theory for predicting chemical reactivity.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2017

Finding a lethal parasite's vulnerabilities

A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania has discovered a molecule that can suppress the lethal form of infection in a mouse model of Strongyloides stercoralis. By using this molecule, they were able to prevent the formation of larvae that trigger a persistent cycle of infection in the host.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2017

Suicidal thoughts rapidly reduced with ketamine, finds study

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that ketamine was significantly more effective than a sedative in reducing suicidal thoughts in depressed patients, with improvements occurring within hours. The treatment showed promise as a rapidly acting treatment for reducing suicidal thoughts in patients with depression.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateDec 14, 2017

MIT scientists prove tailgating doesn't get you there faster

Researchers from MIT's CSAIL team show that keeping an equal distance between cars reduces traffic jams, enabling drivers to reach their destinations almost twice as quickly. The approach, known as bilateral control, could be achieved through software and hardware updates, without requiring extensive infrastructure changes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·DateDec 14, 2017