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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 450


Page 450 of 473

Want a healthier population? Spend less on health care and more on social services

A Canadian study found that increased social spending was associated with improved health outcomes, while increased healthcare spending had no similar effect. The researchers suggest that reallocating funds from healthcare to social services could lead to significant improvements in life expectancy and mortality rates.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 22, 2018

Researchers reveal new insights into how your brain keeps its balance

An interdisciplinary team of scientists discovered that ATM and ATR regulate each other's levels in the brain to maintain a balance between excitation and inhibition. Regular brain activity also changes the levels of these proteins, creating a dynamic 'conversation' that helps keep the appropriate E/I balance.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2018

Optical nanoscope allows imaging of quantum dots

Physicists at the University of Basel developed an optical nanoscope that can image individual atoms and quantum dots with unprecedented resolution. The technique, which works with two-energy level systems, overcomes the wave nature of light limitations, releasing no heat in the process.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 22, 2018

Feedback enhances brainwave control of a novel hand-exoskeleton

A novel hand-exoskeleton has been developed to help physically impaired individuals, and researchers have found that brainwave control can be improved with feedback. The device uses EEG headsets to measure brainwaves and provide motor control through a combination of user-driven brain-machine interface and proprioception-based feedback.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateJan 22, 2018

Developing the VTX-1 liquid biopsy system: Fast and label-free enrichment of circulating tumor cells

The VTX-1 Liquid Biopsy System is a commercial, automated instrument that isolates clinically relevant CTC populations directly from whole blood. It achieves high recovery rates of spiked breast and lung cancer cell lines, with purities as low as <100 white blood cells per mL of processed blood.

How cells are able to turn

Researchers have demonstrated that cells navigate using molecular force from within, enabling them to turn and potentially leading to the development of new drugs. This discovery was made possible by the study of integrins, which are essential for cell interactions.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2018

Study examines differences in hip fracture rates among nursing homes

A nationally representative study found considerable variation in US nursing home hip fracture rates among facilities. The majority of the variation remained unexplained by measured characteristics, but psychotropic medication prescribing and staffing requirements emerged as plausible targets for initiatives to reduce hip fractures.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 22, 2018

Researchers find latent HIV reservoirs inherently resistant to elimination by CD8+ T-cells

A recent study found that latent HIV reservoirs exhibit inherent resistance to CD8+ T-cells, making it challenging to eliminate the virus. Researchers at George Washington University used their most powerful combinations against these cells, but were unable to kill the virus, which remained present at high levels.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 22, 2018

Inverse-design approach leads to metadevices

The Northwestern University team developed highly efficient metadevices at millimeter-wave frequencies using inverse design principles and 3D printing. This approach starts with a function and asks what structure is needed to achieve the desired result, producing unexpected outcomes like broad bandwidth functionality.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 22, 2018

Study reveals perceived gender bias against women is dominant factor in college major choice

A new study published in the American Educational Research Journal found that perceived gender bias is the most predictive attribute of whether a female chooses a college major. The study suggests that college administrators should examine the environments in different majors to increase female representation. Additionally, women are m...

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateJan 22, 2018

Genes contribute to biological motion perception and its covariation with autistic traits

A study has linked individual variation in biological motion perception to genetic factors, revealing a common genetic basis for heritable aspects of BM perception and autistic traits. Genetic influences account for up to 50% of individual variation in local kinematics processing, while environmental factors shape global configuration ...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2018

The ins and outs of Area 25

Neuroscientists have created a detailed map of the connections in the subgenual cingulate area 25 (A25) of non-human primates. The research reveals strong links between A25 and brain areas involved in emotional regulation, stress response, and memory formation.

A better HIV test

A new test developed by Stanford chemists combines the convenience of spitting in a cup with the reliability of blood tests to detect HIV infections earlier. The test was shown to correctly diagnose 22 people and demonstrate improved sensitivity compared to existing saliva tests.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2018

New fuel cell technology runs on solid carbon

Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory have developed a new fuel cell technology powered by solid carbon, which can utilize three times as much carbon as earlier designs. The innovation enables lower temperatures and higher power densities, making it potentially more efficient than conventional hydrogen fuel cells.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 22, 2018

Discrepancies between satellite and global model estimates of land water storage

Research found discrepancies between satellite and global model estimates of land water storage in 186 river basins worldwide. GRACE satellites measured changes in water storage, which differed from simulations made by seven commonly used models. The study highlights the need for improved regional assessments to ensure accurate water a...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 22, 2018