Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive September 2017 - Page 22


Page 22 of 39

Treatment of overweight: Is metabolically healthy obesity a worthwhile initial goal?

Researchers found that a weight loss of more than 10% can lead to a significant reduction in disease risk for individuals with metabolically unhealthy obesity. This intermediate goal can serve as a low-hanging fruit, providing documented protection against obesity-related metabolic diseases, and improving patient motivation through doc...

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateSep 14, 2017

The return of the comet-like exoplanet

Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet, GJ 436b, with a huge gas cloud resembling a comet's tail, caused by intense stellar irradiation. The planet's atmosphere loses hydrogen due to the star's radiation, forming a massive cloud that absorbs UV radiation.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateSep 14, 2017

Microbial mass movements

The study highlights how human activities like tourism, trade, and agriculture impact microbial populations worldwide. Researchers warn of potential extinction risks for some microbes due to increased competition and spreading of antibiotic resistance genes.

SourceScience in Public·JournalScience·DateSep 14, 2017

Impaired sleep may have serious health consequences for kidney disease patients

A study found that individuals with chronic kidney disease who experienced high sleep fragmentation were at elevated risk of developing kidney failure. Higher sleep fragmentation and shorter sleep duration were also linked to steeper declines in kidney function over time. Subjectively measured daytime sleepiness was associated with an ...

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 14, 2017

People of color exposed to more pollution from cars, trucks, power plants over 10 years

A new nationwide study found that people of color were consistently exposed to more air pollution than whites, with a relative gap that persisted across the decade. The study estimated that if non-white populations had breathed lower NO2 levels, it would have prevented an estimated 5,000 premature deaths from heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateSep 14, 2017

Shifting attitudes on pre-planned death raises new questions for clinicians

Clinicians must consider alternative modes of responding to challenges posed by pre-planned deaths, where decisionally capable individuals choose the time, place, and manner of their death. The concept raises questions about dignity, care, and terminology surrounding physician-assisted suicide and patient-initiated, self-conducted deaths.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Practice·DateSep 14, 2017

Corrosion in real time

Researchers used the Surface Forces Apparatus to investigate crevice and pitting corrosion in confined spaces. They observed intense local corrosion resulting in sudden pit formation, highlighting the complexity of the process and its dependence on electric potential difference.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 14, 2017

Young binge drinkers show altered brain activity

Researchers found distinctive changes in brain activity of young binge-drinking college students, which may indicate early signs of brain damage. The study suggests that bingeing has tangible effects on the young brain, comparable with those seen in chronic alcoholics.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateSep 14, 2017

'Handedness' in scale-eating fish: Nature and nurture

A study by Nagoya University researchers reveals that behavioral laterality in scale-eating fish is acquired through experience, with juveniles initially attacking both sides before favoring a dominant side. The stronger side's kinetic advantages support the theory that lateralized behavior is naturally determined.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 14, 2017

Hydrogen power moves a step closer

Scientists are developing methods to create renewable fuel from water using quantum technology, marking a significant step forward in the pursuit of sustainable energy. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission revealed intense downpours within Hurricane Jose's powerful convective storms.

SourceLancaster University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 14, 2017

Electric eels leap to deliver painful, Taser-like jolt

Researchers have found that electric eels use a clever trick to deliver an intense shock: they leap from the water to target threatening animals above water. This behavior prevents their electrical discharges from weakening as they dissipate through the water, making it a more effective way to deter predators.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 14, 2017

Toward ending an environmental nightmare

A team of Stanford researchers is using satellite data to track and identify brick kilns in South Asia, which are a major source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative aims to raise public awareness and incentivize kiln owners to switch to cleaner technologies.

Study: Most people newly recommended to take statins are from disadvantaged backgrounds, less likely to have health insurance and take medications as prescribed

A new study found that most people newly recommended to take cholesterol-lowering medication under new American guidelines are from disadvantaged populations. These groups are less likely to have health insurance and receive recommended medications, highlighting access gaps in the healthcare system.