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Science News Archive December 2017 - Page 31


Page 31 of 33

Traumatic stress and genetic risk of bipolar disorder found to increase suicide attempts

A recent study found that genetic susceptibility to bipolar disorder increases the risk for suicide attempt, but only among those who have experienced traumatic stress such as bullying, sexual abuse, and domestic violence. The research highlights the importance of environmental stressors in developing suicide attempts in individuals at...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateDec 4, 2017

Microscope using UV instead of visible light emerging as diagnostic tool

A new microscope technology using ultraviolet light enables fast and accurate imaging of fresh tissue samples, revolutionizing pathology and medical research. This approach eliminates the need for time-consuming slide preparation and preserving tissue, making it an essential tool for improving patient care and research nationwide.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateDec 4, 2017

Preemies' dads more stressed than moms after NICU

A Northwestern University study reveals that fathers of premature babies exhibit higher stress levels after being discharged from the hospital compared to their mothers. The cortisol levels in fathers' saliva increased steadily over 14 days at home, while those of mothers remained stable.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing·DateDec 4, 2017

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Dec. 2017

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a precision de-icing technology that uses high-resolution modeling to identify areas most vulnerable to drivers during hazardous weather conditions. The team also discovered a function of certain microbes that produces a new derivative of vitamin B12, which could enhance the e...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 4, 2017

New test provides accurate measure of DNA damage from chemical compounds

A new biomarker test developed by researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center can predict, with up to 90 percent certainty, which chemical compounds can cause DNA damage that could lead to cancer. The test, called TGx-DDI, is based on genes that are actively transcribed in a cell and can identify stress due to DNA damage.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2017

Right-handed or left-handed?

A study published on Scientific Reports reveals that hand preference is already defined at the 18th week of gestation. Foetal kinematics analysis predicts manual dominance with an accuracy of 89-100% in boys and girls, which may lead to early recognition of pathologies like depression, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders.

Multicultural awareness boosts teaching competency, but is an uneven resource among future teachers

A study by NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that multicultural awareness is crucial for promoting positive outcomes in the classroom. Multicultural awareness varies significantly among future teachers based on their race or ethnicity and prior experience working with students of color. The resear...

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Teacher Education·DateDec 4, 2017

Tanners who use sprays and lotions less prone to get tattoos and piercings than sunbathers

A Baylor University study reveals that frequent tanners are more likely to engage in risky appearance-related behaviors, including tattoos and piercings, compared to infrequent tanners. The research suggests that excessive tanning may be a sign of body image concerns, making it essential to address social and appearance pressures.

SourceBaylor University·JournalFamily and Consumer Sciences Research Journal·DateDec 4, 2017

Neurons have the right shape for deep learning

A study published in eLife reveals that certain mammalian neurons have shapes and electrical properties well-suited for deep learning. The algorithm simulates how these neurons collaborate to achieve deep learning, offering a more biologically realistic approach.

SourceCIFAR·DateDec 4, 2017

How the UK smoking ban increased wellbeing

A study by Lancaster University found that the UK public smoking ban had a statistically significant positive impact on the well-being of married individuals, especially married women with dependent children. The researchers also discovered increases in happiness among men who quit smoking and those who never smoked.

SourceLancaster University·JournalScottish Journal of Political Economy·DateDec 4, 2017

How do doctors make decisions when managing care for critically & terminally ill patients?

A recent study examined the intubation decision-making process of 73 hospital-based doctors from three academic medical centers. The researchers found that mental models of doctors who deviated from patient preferences focused on reversibility, inferred consent, and comfort levels. This variation highlights the need for well-structured...

Worm genomes reveal a link between ourselves and our distant relatives

Researchers decoded two worm genomes and found genetic similarities with vertebrates, including humans. They share genes involved in multicellularity and head development with deuterostomes, despite being distantly related. This discovery highlights the dynamic nature of animal genome evolution and our connection to ancient ancestors.

PET identifies which prostate cancer patients can benefit from salvage radiation treatment

A study by Australian researchers demonstrates that PSMA PET scans can identify prostate cancer patients who would benefit from salvage radiation treatment. The study shows an overall treatment response of 72 percent, with men having negative or fossa-confined PSMA having the highest treatment response to SRT.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateDec 4, 2017

Flying laboratory reveals crucial tropical forest conservation targets in Borneo

A new study using remote sensing and satellite mapping has identified 40% of northern Malaysian Borneo's carbon stocks in unprotected forests. The Carnegie Airborne Observatory mapped carbon stocks, guiding conservation efforts and suggesting that doubling carbon stocks could be achieved by allowing previously logged forests to regener...

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalBiological Conservation·DateDec 4, 2017

Durotomy: A common complication of spinal surgery -- and an important factor in some malpractice cases

A study published in Spine Journal found that durotomy cases involving late detection and severe injury are more likely to result in a verdict in favor of the patient. The researchers identified 48 malpractice cases where incidental durotomy during spinal surgery led to litigation, with most resulting in a ruling in favor of the surgeon.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalSpine·DateDec 4, 2017

IU, Regenstrief study finds surrogate decision makers experience psychological distress

A new IU, Regenstrief study explores predictors and frequency of surrogate decision-maker distress, finding that emotional support is crucial for effective decisions and better psychological outcomes. Surrogate anxiety and depression were found to be prevalent among family members making medical decisions for hospitalized older adults.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 4, 2017

Bronze Age artifacts used meteoric iron

Recent research reveals that all Bronze Age iron artifacts were made from meteoric iron, a rare and valuable source of the metal. This finding challenges previous theories on the origins of bronze and provides new insights into ancient metalworking practices.

SourceCNRS·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateDec 4, 2017