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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 260


Page 260 of 473

Study unmasks scale of patient doctor divide

A recent study published in BMJ Open found that 7.6% of Britons reported experiencing preventable harm in primary care, with doctors often failing to take concerns seriously. The survey, conducted by University of Manchester researchers, highlights a significant divide between patient and clinician perspectives.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBMJ Open·DateJun 13, 2018

Antarctica ramps up sea level rise

A recent climate assessment reveals that Antarctica's ice sheet has been losing mass at an unprecedented rate, contributing to a threefold increase in global sea level rise. The continent's ice losses have risen from 53 billion tonnes per year in the 1990s to 159 billion tonnes per year since 2012.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature·DateJun 13, 2018

Why we make blood cells in our bones

Researchers at Harvard University have discovered that the 'blood stem cell niche' evolved to protect blood stem cells from ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight. This finding has significant implications for improving the safety of blood stem cell transplants, a procedure used to treat patients with blood diseases and cancers.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateJun 13, 2018

Satellites track vanishing Antarctic ice

Satellite monitoring reveals Antarctica's glaciers, ice shelves, and sea ice are changing due to climate warming, threatening sea levels with a potential increase of over 50 meters. The continent's ice sheet holds enough water to raise global seas by more than 50 metres.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature·DateJun 13, 2018

Narwhals' acoustic behavior described using audio tagging

Researchers recorded narwhals in East Greenland, capturing six hours of audio that revealed three types of sounds: clicks, buzzes, and calls. The study found that narwhals produce buzzes at greater depths than clicks, and that a particular fjord had high buzzing rates, suggesting a preferred feeding area.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 13, 2018

Dementia can be caused by hypertension

Researchers found that patients with high blood pressure are at higher risk of developing dementia and show early signs of brain damage on MRI scans. These changes can be detected before symptoms appear, allowing for earlier intervention to prevent further deterioration.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalCardiovascular Research·DateJun 13, 2018

First significant study on autism and homelessness

A significant study reveals autistic adults are over-represented among the homeless population, with 12.3% showing autistic traits. The researchers call for further investigation into the link between autism and homelessness to improve support.

SourceSAGE·JournalAutism·DateJun 13, 2018

Fat cell filling, ketogenic diet, and the history of biochemistry

Researchers investigated brown fat cells after whitening, finding they are more likely to die than white adipocytes. Whitened fat tissue also shows increased inflammation and macrophages. The ketogenic diet regulates metabolites but not brain levels, suggesting changes in plasma metabolism may not always cross the blood-brain barrier.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateJun 13, 2018

CVIA special issue on adult congenital heart disease

This special issue of CVIA journal presents major review articles and research findings on Adult Congenital Heart Disease, including pulmonary hypertension management, Ebstein anomaly surgery, and heart transplantation. Key topics include pregnancy in congenital heart disease and depression in adults with congenital heart disease.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateJun 13, 2018

Interest in tandem solar cells heats up

Recent improvements in perovskite alternatives are moving tandem devices closer to market with efficiencies similar to commercial silicon modules. Researchers have achieved lab device efficiencies up to 26.4 percent by tinkering with material composition and encapsulating cells in protective coatings.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 13, 2018

Monitoring molten steel by laser:

A new laser technology developed by Swansea University has won the Materials Science Venture Prize, allowing for real-time monitoring of molten metal furnaces without stopping production. This innovation saves steel plants up to £4.5 million a year and can be applied to various metals such as aluminium and copper.

Metabolic effects of antipsychotic medications in youths

A randomized clinical trial found that antipsychotic medications increased body fat and decreased insulin sensitivity in youths with disruptive behavior disorders. The study highlights the need for optimal monitoring of metabolic adverse effects in children and youngsters treated with these medications.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJun 13, 2018

Old Man River's unique chemical signature

Geologists analyzed 135 Mississippi River water samples, revealing that 75% of sulfate comes from pyrite mineral rusting, a process enhanced by human activities. This finding highlights the magnitude of human impact on natural chemical cycles and potential effects on ocean acidification.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 13, 2018

Mindfulness meditation and relaxation response have different effects on brain function

A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that mindfulness meditation and relaxation response programs have unique effects on the brain. The mindfulness program improved self-compassion and rumination, while the relaxation response program strengthened coupling between neural regions associated with deliberate control.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateJun 13, 2018

Attacking bacteria with shark skin-inspired surfaces

Researchers have designed a coating infused with antimicrobial agents and mimicking the patterned diamond-like texture of shark skin. The coating effectively killed over 95% of E. coli and 80% of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria when exposed to UV light, making it a potential solution to combat hospital infections.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 13, 2018

Older melanoma patients may respond to anti-PD1 immunotherapy better than younger patients

A recent study published in Clinical Cancer Research found that older melanoma patients are more likely to respond to anti-PD1 immunotherapy compared to younger patients. Researchers analyzed data from 538 patients with melanoma treated with pembrolizumab and found a 13% decrease in progression rates for each decade of life.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJun 13, 2018

Periodontal cell sheet technique promotes bone and ligament formation on dental implant

Researchers used periodontal ligament-derived stem cells to create a cell sheet that promoted the formation of both cementum- and PDL-like tissue in dogs. This innovative work combines traditional dental implants with stem cell sheet technology, offering a promising solution for widespread dental health care issues.

Turning the tables on the cholera pathogen

Researchers have developed a probiotic intervention that suppresses Vibrio cholerae colonization in the intestinal tract and detects its presence through stool sampling. The approach leverages Lactococcus lactis to create an inhospitable environment for V. cholerae and incorporates synthetic gene circuits to sense secreted signals from...

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 13, 2018

Seeking new relationships with invasive species

A Dartmouth study explores alternative perspectives on invasive species through Anishnaabe traditions, highlighting the importance of respectful relationships and careful stewardship. The research reveals three key findings: indigenous communities view invasive species as natural migration or a form of cultural exchange, and traditiona...

SourceDartmouth College·JournalSustainability Science·DateJun 13, 2018

Grave consequences

A comprehensive study by the University of Konstanz found that female genital mutilation (FGM) increases the risk of developing mental illness, including post-traumatic stress disorder. The study also revealed changes in the body's reactions to stress, with increased cortisol levels affecting women who had undergone FGM.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateJun 13, 2018