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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 385


Page 385 of 473

Helpful B cells lend a hand to developing neurons

B cells play a key role in helping neurons develop by stimulating axon myelination, suggesting a potential link between B cell dysfunction and neurodevelopmental disorders. The study found that specific B cell antibodies promote oligodendrocyte proliferation and neuron myelination.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMar 13, 2018

Feeding wildlife can influence migration, spread of disease

Human-provided food resources can alter animal migration patterns and increase disease transmission, as they allow some animals to forego migration and form resident populations. This can lead to a longer parasite transmission season and support more virulent parasites, posing risks to public health and conservation.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMar 13, 2018

Why economic growth does not necessarily contribute to human happiness

A new study reveals that economic growth in developed countries may not improve human happiness, but rather erodes free goods and creates social problems. The Negative Endogenous Growth Model suggests that economic systems can produce wealth from the erosion of free goods, leading to unhappiness and excessive consumption.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateMar 13, 2018

Bone marrow edema in lower spine is common in young athletes

Young recreational and elite athletes often accumulate excess fluid in bone marrow around joint connecting spine to pelvis. Magnetic resonance imaging detects this excess fluid in healthy individuals, raising debate about diagnostic thresholds for axial spondyloarthropathy.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateMar 13, 2018

Team training can reduce patient mortality by 13 percent

A new review paper by Eduardo Salas of Rice University found that team training can significantly improve health care outcomes, including reducing patient mortality by 13 percent. The research highlights the importance of incorporating considerations such as on-the-job skill building and simulations into team training.

SourceRice University·JournalGroup & Organization Management·DateMar 13, 2018

Pterosaurs went out with a bang, not a whimper

Researchers discovered six new species of pterosaurs with remarkable diversity in size and shape, contradicting previous studies that suggested a decline before the mass extinction. The fossils date to just over 66 million years ago, revealing that these flying reptiles dominated the skies until their extinction.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 13, 2018

Smartphone-assisted neuroendoscopy

A new smartphone-endoscope device allows surgeons to perform intricate neurosurgical procedures with improved efficiency, reduced scarring, and shorter recovery times. The device's high-definition image provides a clear view of the surgical site, while its portability and affordability make it an attractive option for underserved areas.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateMar 13, 2018

Scientists create hybrid nanomaterials in fight against cancer and bacteria

Researchers have created BN/Ag hybrid nanomaterials that demonstrate effectiveness as catalysts, antibacterial agents, and drug delivery systems for treating oncological diseases. The hybrids show high potential for cancer therapy and water disinfection, offering a new approach to combatting these threats.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalBeilstein Journal of Nanotechnology·DateMar 13, 2018

Lopsided ear function can lead to lopsided brain development

Researchers found that lopsided ear function can lead to asymmetric brain development, causing differences in motor behavior. They used mice with a genetic defect to demonstrate the link between inner ear function and brain asymmetry, which was also observed in humans with normal ear function.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 13, 2018

Thyroid gene variation may increase risk for Alzheimer's disease in African-Americans

Researchers found that African Americans with a common genetic variation are 30% more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease dementia. In contrast, European Americans without the polymorphism are not at increased risk. Further studies are needed to understand why this correlation only appears in African-Americans.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 13, 2018

IUPUI field-data study finds no evidence of racial bias in predictive policing

The study, led by George Mohler, found no statistically significant difference in arrest rates by ethnic group between predictive policing and standard patrol practices. The researchers also discovered that arrests were higher in algorithmically-selected areas but remained unchanged when adjusted for crime rates.