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Science News Archive September 2017 - Page 33


Page 33 of 39

Helping cancer survivors return to work

A new analysis highlights the diversity of employer-related factors that can help or hinder cancer survivors' return to work. The study emphasizes the need for individualized approaches and effective communication between employers and survivors.

SourceWiley·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateSep 7, 2017

Smooth, manmade surfaces create a 'blind spot' for bats using echolocation

Researchers found that bats produce fewer calls, spend less time near vertical glass surfaces, and approach at a more acute angle, highlighting the 'blind spot' in their echolocation ability. The study's findings underscore the negative impact of human development on wildlife, particularly injured or dead bats often found near buildings.

HCV treatment found safe and effective in individuals with kidney disease

A new study finds that sofosbuvir-based direct-acting antiviral therapy is safe and effective in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The treatment improved kidney function in stage 3 patients after cure, suggesting a potential therapeutic option for CKD patients with HCV.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 7, 2017

Chemical hot spots

Researchers at Technical University of Munich used a scanning tunneling microscope to analyze the surface activity of catalysts. They found that defects on the surface create ideal conditions for catalysis by attracting but not holding onto hydrogen ions.

New facial recognition findings could help develop new treatments for conduct disorder

Researchers found that teenage girls and boys with severe antisocial behavior have difficulty recognizing facial expressions, particularly those showing negative emotions. The study suggests that boys with Conduct Disorder may need more comprehensive interventions than girls due to their unique challenges in emotion recognition.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateSep 7, 2017

Pressure to be perfect may increase suicide risk in some individuals

A recent analysis of published studies suggests that self-generated and socially based pressures to be perfect may contribute to suicidal thoughts and attempts. Thirteen perfectionism dimensions had positive relationships with suicidal thoughts, particularly the most pernicious form involving perceived external pressure.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Personality·DateSep 7, 2017

New method for producing malaria treatment at large scales

Scientists have successfully produced artemisinin, a key malaria treatment, in large quantities using genetically engineered moss. The process is simple, efficient, and cost-effective, offering a promising solution to the global shortage of artemisinin.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateSep 7, 2017

Want your question answered quickly? Use gestures as well as words

A study published in Springer's Psychonomic Bulletin & Review found that incorporating gestures into conversations leads to faster turn transition times and quicker responses. Gestures appear to provide a visual component that helps speakers convey additional information, enabling listeners to process and respond more efficiently.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateSep 7, 2017

Children exposed to chemicals in 9/11 'dust' show early signs of risk of heart disease

Children who lived near the World Trade Center on 9/11 are showing early signs of increased risk for future heart disease due to exposure to toxic chemicals. Blood tests revealed elevated levels of artery-hardening fats in their blood, linked to higher blood levels of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs).

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalEnvironment International·DateSep 7, 2017

Curious properties

Theoretical physicists analyze flocking behavior on curved surfaces, including a sphere and an hourglass-shaped figure called a catenoid. They found special sound modes that don't dissipate and flow around obstacles, with the sphere's bands centered on the equator.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalPhysical Review X·DateSep 7, 2017

Study: Biomarkers as predictive of sepsis as lengthy patient monitoring

A new study published in Scientific Reports found that measuring five key biomarkers in blood can quickly identify patients with sepsis, potentially saving lives. The researchers used machine learning models to determine the predictive power of using traditional vital sign data, biomarkers alone, or a combination of both.

A fair wage for global garment industry workers?

Research by Surrey's Centre for Environment and Sustainability found that Western European garment industry workers in BRIC countries are paid only around half the living wage. The study estimated that workers need to be paid an additional 35% to offset financial demands, such as income tax and social security contributions.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalThe International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment·DateSep 7, 2017

Liver cancer patients can start with lower dose of chemotherapy and live just as long

Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma can start with a lower dose of sorafenib without affecting overall survival, experiencing fewer side effects and lower treatment costs. The reduced dose approach allows patients to ramp up as they show tolerance, while the standard dose may require ramping down due to toxicities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 6, 2017

Art courses could help medical students become better clinical observers

Researchers found that art observation training significantly improved observational recognition skills among first-year medical students. The study also showed improvements in empathy and emotional recognition, as well as an increase in open-mindedness. Art training alone can help teach medical students to become better clinical obser...