Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive September 2017 - Page 12


Page 12 of 39

Premature births cost health plans $6 billion annually

A new study by the University of Utah and CDC estimates that employer-sponsored health plans spent $6 billion on premature infants in 2013. Infants born prematurely are at increased risk for developing lifelong physical, cognitive, and social challenges, with birth defects accounting for a substantial portion of expenses.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 21, 2017

Many YouTube videos glorify alcohol

A study analyzing 137 YouTube videos found that nearly all promote the 'fun' side of drinking, often featuring traditional advertisements or showcasing alcohol's social benefits. Researchers suggest parents help their kids develop media literacy to become more critical thinkers about alcohol ads.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·DateSep 21, 2017

An extraordinary cave animal found in Eastern Turkmenistan

A team of scientists has discovered a new species of cave-adapted animal in Eastern Turkmenistan, specifically in the Kaptarhana cave. The newly described genus and species, Turkmenocampa mirabilis, is a pale and eyeless insect-like creature that represents a unique adaptation to underground environments in Central Asia.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalSubterranean Biology·DateSep 21, 2017

New technique accurately digitizes transparent objects

A new imaging technique enables precise digitization of clear objects and their surroundings, useful for movie production, virtual reality, and material design. The method uses a robotic arm to record camera locations and combine photographs with CT scans, allowing for pixel-by-pixel comparison and accurate material properties analysis.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateSep 21, 2017

Broad swath of US deemed environmentally suitable for mosquitoes that transmit disease

According to a new study by CDC researchers, three-quarters of US counties are suitable for Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which transmit Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever viruses. The mosquito species thrive in regions with mild winters and high humidity, with the eastern and southern US being most at risk.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Medical Entomology·DateSep 21, 2017

Study reveals high rates of opioid prescriptions and excessive dosing in dialysis patients

A new analysis reveals that US dialysis patients are at high risk of early death, discontinuation of dialysis, and hospitalization due to excessive opioid use. The study found that more than 20% of dialysis patients received chronic opioid prescriptions, three times the rate in the general Medicare population.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 21, 2017

Why poison frogs don't poison themselves

Scientists discovered a small genetic mutation in poison frogs that prevents the toxin epibatidine from binding to their own receptors, rendering them resistant to its lethal effects. This finding has potential consequences for designing better pain relievers and fighting nicotine addiction, as the same receptor is also involved in the...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·DateSep 21, 2017

Researchers discover new cattle disease and prevent it from spreading

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new cattle disease called Facial Dysplasia Syndrome, which causes facial deformations and breathing problems in young calves. The disease is linked to a genetic mutation found in semen from one breeding bull, and its identification could help prevent further cases.

Dancing electrons lose the race

Physicists observe that electrons emitted from different initial states in a solid material arrive at the surface last, contrary to intuition. Theoretical models are revised to account for intra-atomic interactions, which affect electron motion and lead to a new understanding of photoemission.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalScience·DateSep 21, 2017