Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2018 - Page 250


Page 250 of 473

Focusing on next 10 years could lead to better use of recommendations for cancer screening

A recent study found that asking individuals to set up a long-term screening schedule can increase adherence to evidence-based guidelines for cancer screening. In the study, 62.6% of participants made decisions reflecting USPSTF's recommendations when asked to choose a screening schedule for the next 10 years.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 20, 2018

People who feel threatened by vegetarianism more likely to care less about animals

A study found that individuals who perceive vegetarianism as a threat to their way of life tend to exclude certain animal categories from their moral circle. Human supremacy beliefs and perceived vegetarianism threat both predicted the exclusion of fewer animals, with stronger human supremacy beliefs leading to broader exclusions.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology·DateJun 20, 2018

Surgery in space

Current understanding of human physiology and surgery in space is crucial for future astronauts. The review highlights novel pathologies that could arise from prolonged weightlessness and exposure to cosmic radiation, emphasizing the need for specialized training and medical preparedness.

SourceWiley·JournalBJS·DateJun 20, 2018

Collaboration yields discovery of 12-sided silica cages

A team of researchers at Cornell University has discovered 10-nanometer, individual, self-assembled dodecahedral structures that could have significant applications in mesoscale material assembly and medical diagnostics. The discovery was made using a combination of machine learning algorithms and cryogenic electron microscopy.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateJun 20, 2018

Non-dairy drinks can be dangerous for infants

A study published in Acta Paediatrica found that non-dairy drinks can lead to malnutrition, height and weight impairment, anaemia, and other health problems in infants. The alternative beverages, commonly based on almonds, chestnuts, rice, and soya, were consumed by 34 children who suffered medical complications between 2005 and 2015.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateJun 20, 2018

How physics explains the evolution of social organization

A scientist at Duke University outlines how the constructal law of evolution in nature predicts the natural evolution of social organizations into larger and more complex communities. By applying this principle, Bejan shows why humans naturally organize themselves into societies with hierarchical systems to access finite resources.

SourceDuke University·JournalInternational Journal of Energy Research·DateJun 20, 2018

Birds have time-honored traditions, too

A new study finds that swamp sparrows create time-honored song traditions by faithfully copying the most popular songs, with some lasting hundreds of years. The birds' cultural conformity generates extremely stable traditions in their bird song, rivaling those of humans.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 20, 2018

Heated dilemmas

A multidisciplinary team at UC Santa Barbara found that immediate responses to disasters like wildfires and floods can have unintended consequences. By prioritizing long-term planning and adaptation strategies, decisionmakers can mitigate the risks of climate change-mediated disasters.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJun 20, 2018

Do bats adapt to gates at abandoned mines?

A new study found that most gates installed at abandoned mine entrances do not impede bat usage, with species adapting over time. Factors like elevation, portal area, and bat agility influenced bat behavior around gates.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateJun 20, 2018

Can older adults safely donate kidneys?

A recent study published in Clinical Transplantation found that carefully-selected older adults over 60 years old pose minimal risks for living kidney donation. The research suggests that accepting more older donors can expand the donor pool, making a previously perceived high-risk group accessible.

SourceWiley·JournalClinical Transplantation·DateJun 20, 2018

Workplace health clinics can lower health care spending

A study by the RAND Corporation found that opening onsite health clinics in schools can lower healthcare costs by 15% and decrease teacher absenteeism. The clinics provided comprehensive primary care to teachers and their families, resulting in lower hospital admission rates and prescription costs.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJun 20, 2018

Quantum step forward in protecting communications from hackers

Researchers at the University of York have developed a quantum-based method to distribute secure information along communication lines, potentially preventing serious security breaches. By using a detector-independent design, they reduced vulnerabilities in current systems and enabled secure information exchange across the internet.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 20, 2018

Rethinking recycling

Scientists are developing new recycling technologies to break down plastics into reusable materials. Current methods use mechanical processes that partially degrade polymers, reducing product quality. Researchers are exploring alternative approaches, including chemical reactions and biological enzymes to speed up the process.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 20, 2018

In mice, stem cells seem to work in fighting obesity! What about stem cells in humans?

A systematic review of animal studies found that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) have a positive effect on obesity treatment in terms of body weight and related comorbidities. However, the authors caution that further well-designed human studies are needed to confirm these findings and understand the mechanism of action.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Stem Cell Research & Therapy·DateJun 20, 2018

Electron sandwich doubles thermoelectric performance

A new study published in Nature Communications has more than doubled the ability of a material to convert heat into electricity, a significant step towards reducing wasted fossil fuel. By significantly narrowing the space through which spread electrons move, researchers improved thermoelectric energy conversion rates.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 20, 2018