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Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 16


Page 16 of 41

When helium behaves like a black hole

Scientists found that entangled quantum information shared between two regions of a container is determined by surface area, not volume, in superfluid helium. This discovery points to deeper understanding of reality and may be a step toward a long-sought quantum theory of gravity.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 21, 2017

How the brain sees the world in 3-D

A study by Ohio State University researchers reveals that the brain combines 2-D and depth information when representing 3-D objects. The fMRI data showed that early visual areas focus on 2-D location, while later areas prioritize depth information, suggesting a gradual shift towards 3-D perception.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNeuroImage·DateMar 21, 2017

Non-invasive prostate cancer diagnosing, monitoring

Researchers at Washington State University developed a non-invasive filter-like device to isolate prostate cancer indicators from blood and urine, enabling doctors to track disease progression and treatment response. The technology uses biomarkers to capture tumor cells' genetic information, potentially predicting effective treatments.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Materials Science·DateMar 21, 2017

Study finds tube placement may not be necessary for treating upper GI bleeds

A recent study by researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina found that nasogastric tube placement in patients with typical upper GI bleeding had no impact on outcomes. The study's results suggest that this procedure may be unnecessary for millions of patients, reducing costs and discomfort associated with it.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateMar 20, 2017

Vitamin E, selenium supplements did not prevent dementia

A recent study published in JAMA Neurology found that vitamin E and selenium supplements did not prevent dementia in asymptomatic older men. The study involved over 7,500 participants who took the supplements for an average of five years, but showed no significant reduction in dementia incidence among the groups.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateMar 20, 2017

Enzyme helps bacteria defend themselves against oxidants secreted by immune system

Researchers identified biological substrates of bacterial enzyme Ohr, which enables bacteria to neutralize oxidizing substances released by the defense system of host organisms. The study's findings suggest that Ohr plays a central role in bacterial anti-oxidant defense and offer potential for novel therapeutic approaches.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 20, 2017

Healthy weight gain in infants

Research by Jillian Trabulsi and Julie Mennella investigates the effects of infant formula on infant weight gain. The study found that babies fed cow's milk formula gained weight faster than those fed hydrolyzed protein formula or breastfed, highlighting the importance of choosing a suitable formula for infants.

Temple-led team: Sex-based differences in utilization & outcomes for CDT in DVT patients

A Temple University Health System research team identified sex-based differences in the utilization and safety outcomes of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) for treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Female patients were less likely to receive CDT, while males experienced more bleeding complications, but with similar mortality rates.

SourceTemple University Health System·JournalVascular Medicine·DateMar 20, 2017

End-of-life planning talks often fail to communicate goals

A new study by Yale researchers found that over 40% of veteran-surrogate pairs lacked advanced care planning, leading to disagreements about end-of-life decisions. The study emphasizes the importance of facilitating discussions between patients and surrogates to ensure understanding of patient preferences.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 20, 2017

The incorporation into the body of metals from the River Deba sediments is simulated

A recent study by the University of the Basque Country found that not all metals in sediments directly affect human health, but only a fraction can be incorporated into the body. The researchers simulated metal release in the gastrointestinal tract and found that urban waste water contributes to bioaccessible metals.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalEcotoxicology and Environmental Safety·DateMar 20, 2017

Yale-led study: Wild chimpanzees have surprisingly long life spans

A 20-year demographic study of wild chimpanzees in Uganda's Kibale National Park revealed that favorable ecological conditions, including abundant food supplies and low predation risk, drive high life expectancy. The study establishes an average life expectancy of about 33 years, nearly twice as high as other chimpanzee communities.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateMar 20, 2017

New program improves hearing aid use for older adults

A new program developed by Kari Lane at the University of Missouri has shown significant improvement in hearing aid wear time among older adults. The program, called Hearing Aid Reintroduction (HEAR), uses a systematically gradual approach to support adjustment to hearing aids, increasing wear time from one hour to 10 hours over 30 days.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Phonetics & Audiology·DateMar 20, 2017

Tracing down linear ubiquitination

Researchers developed a novel technology to tackle the 'secret ubiquitin code' by enabling systematic analysis of linear ubiquitination targets. This breakthrough will improve understanding of linear ubiquitination's role in diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammatory conditions.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 20, 2017

New method predicts who will respond to lithium therapy

Scientists at the Salk Institute have developed a new method to predict which individuals with bipolar disorder will respond to lithium therapy. Using a system trained on electrical firing patterns of neurons from six patients, the method achieved 92% accuracy in classifying responders and nonresponders.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMar 20, 2017

Researchers gain insight into day-to-day lives of parents raising children with autism

A new study by Waisman Center researchers provides a detailed picture of the daily experiences of couples raising a child with ASD, revealing both challenges and strengths. Despite lower closeness to partners, parents of children with ASD reported no increase in negative interactions or feeling unsupported.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateMar 20, 2017