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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 415


Page 415 of 473

Oil-eating microbes are challenged in the Arctic

A new review assesses the microbial degradation potential in Arctic seas, highlighting six factors challenging oil-eating microbes, including low temperatures, sea ice, and nutrient-poor environments. The research reveals that these factors can slow down biodegradation and reduce the efficiency of microbial degradation.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateFeb 20, 2018

Open data help scientists to unravel Earth systems

Researchers at the University of Helsinki's BioGeoClimate Modelling Lab have developed a new model to predict soil moisture using airborne laser scanning data. The study reveals that fine-scale topography is essential for modeling water distribution, providing valuable insights into climate change impact and biodiversity assessments.

A trip to the mountains despite a heart condition?

High-altitude exposure affects cardiovascular systems differently for various individuals. Experts recommend maximum altitudes and caution when taking medications. Hiking can have a positive effect on disease progression and psychological well-being for those following guidelines.

SourceEurac Research·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateFeb 20, 2018

MicroRNA could help treat cancer and asthma

Researchers at Purdue University found that microRNA miR-223 can help control inflammatory disease by regulating the NF-kB pathway, which is critical in human bronchial epithelial cells. Supplementing this microRNA to epithelial cells may provide a new treatment option for asthma and cancer.

SourcePurdue University·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 20, 2018

Low-fat or low-carb? It's a draw, Stanford study finds

A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that cutting carbs or fats results in similar weight loss, with no association between individual biological factors and diet success. Participants followed either a low-fat or low-carb diet for one year, showing that the fundamental strategy for losing weight is to eat whole foods.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 20, 2018

Countries investing in well-being allocate resources to child and adolescent psychiatry

A new study by the Eurasian Child & Adolescent Mental Health Study network reveals a strong correlation between Human Development Index scores and the availability of mental health services. Countries with high HDI rankings have higher ratios of child and adolescent psychiatrists per population size, indicating better investment in chi...

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 20, 2018

Preventing the misdiagnosis of cellulitis

A new study finds that early consultation by a dermatologist can improve health-related outcomes and reduce costs associated with misdiagnosed pseudocellulitis. The researchers estimate that this intervention could prevent up to 256,000 hospitalization days and $210 million in net cost savings annually.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateFeb 20, 2018

Fancy a jellyfish chip?

Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have developed a new method to rapidly transform the soft body of jellyfish into a crunchy treat. The technique, which uses ethanol, produces crispy jellyfish chips that could be of potential gastronomic interest.

How to get the most out of foreign investment

A study by HSE researchers found that foreign investments can have a positive effect only for companies with specific resource endowments. The presence of foreign property does not affect the performance of companies in general. Instead, dynamic capabilities play a key role in transforming foreign investment into added economic value.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalKnowledge Management Research & Practice·DateFeb 20, 2018

Latest palliative care findings on caregiver depression, LGBT partners, moral distress

A recent study on hospital palliative care reveals high rates of caregiver depression and significant moral distress among resident physicians. The research also explores the challenges faced by LGBT individuals who have lost a partner, including homophobia and additional legal and financial issues. Effective interventions, such as adv...

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2018

Medicine alone does not completely suppress testosterone levels among transgender women

A recent study published in Endocrine Practice found that only a quarter of transgender women could lower their testosterone levels within the female range using spironolactone and estrogen therapy. The researchers identified four groups with varying degrees of testosterone suppression, highlighting the need for further studies to unde...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEndocrine Practice·DateFeb 20, 2018

When proteins shake hands

Researchers from Jena University successfully created protein nanofibres with defined properties by combining two different proteins through a self-assembly process. The hybrid fibres can be used as components in biosensors, drug delivery particles, optical probes, or bone cements.

Social media as good a barometer of public health attitudes as traditional phone polling

Researchers found that analyzing Twitter conversations about Zika and other public health crises can provide accurate insights into community attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors. This method offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional phone-based polling, which can be slow and expensive.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJMIR Public Health and Surveillance·DateFeb 20, 2018

New VaxArray potency test kit for pandemic flu vaccines

The new test kit, developed with licensed monoclonal antibodies from the US FDA, offers a rapid and sensitive potency assay for dose-sparing and adjuvanted flu vaccines. This enables a faster vaccine response in severe outbreaks or pandemics, addressing the need for speed in combating deadly avian H7N9 viruses.

Researchers invent light-emitting nanoantennas

A research group from ITMO University combined a nanoantenna with a light source in a single nanoparticle, generating, enhancing and routing emission. The scientists discovered that the emission can be enhanced if its spectra match with Mie-resonant mode, making them efficient light sources at room temperature.

SourceITMO University·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 20, 2018