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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 463


Page 463 of 473

Cycling does not damage men's sexual or urinary functions

A new study published in The Journal of Urology found that cycling does not negatively impact men's sexual and urinary health. Contrary to previous studies, recreational and intense cycling were shown to have no detrimental effects on erectile function or prostate health.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateJan 11, 2018

Re-programming innate immune cells to fight tuberculosis

A team of Canadian researchers has discovered a way to re-program innate immune cells to kill tuberculosis. The innovative work aims to make vaccines more effective against TB and other infectious diseases like the flu. By targeting stem cells in the bone marrow, scientists were able to boost the killing efficiency of macrophages.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCell·DateJan 11, 2018

Experts raise concerns over raw meat diets for cats and dogs

A study published in Veterinary Record found that commercial raw meat diets (RMDs) are contaminated with zoonotic bacteria and parasites, which can be transmitted to humans. The research highlights the need for pet owners to be aware of these risks and take proper hygiene measures to minimize exposure.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalVeterinary Record·DateJan 11, 2018

Older adult-friendly emergency department staff help reduce hospital admissions

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults who received transitional care nurse (TCN) services at emergency departments had lower rates of hospital admissions compared to those who did not receive such services. The GEDI WISE program, which includes TCNs, helps patients transition to the...

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 11, 2018

Do less harm: E-cigarettes a safer option than smoking

A new study suggests that e-cigarettes can reduce premature deaths and life years lost compared to smoking, making them a promising alternative for smoking cessation. The authors argue that harm minimization is essential and that nicotine replacement therapies like gum or patches are more appealing but less effective.

SourceNew York University·JournalAnnual Review of Public Health·DateJan 11, 2018

Incorporating social media reviews can improve surveillance of restaurant health problems

A system tracking foodborne illness via online Yelp restaurant reviews helped identify 10 outbreaks of foodborne illness associated with NYC restaurants. The use of machine learning techniques improved the system's sensitivity and specificity, highlighting the potential for social media data in public health surveillance.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateJan 10, 2018

Fast radio burst source linked to 'extreme' environment

Astrophysicists have discovered that the only known repeating fast radio burst (FRB) source is in an extreme environment, with measurements suggesting it may be caused by a black hole or other extreme astrophysical circumstances. The new findings raise questions about whether FRBs are a product of their environment.

SourceCIFAR·JournalNature·DateJan 10, 2018

Factors affecting the success of grizzly bear translocations

The Journal of Wildlife Management study highlights the importance of timing and location in grizzly bear translocations. Researchers found that early spring releases in low-mortality-risk areas near rivers led to higher success rates, emphasizing the need for further scientific data collection and publication of translocation results.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateJan 10, 2018

Unexpected undulations in biological membranes

A new study reveals that biological membranes display dynamic properties and exhibit unexpected undulations when embedded in polymer networks. The authors propose a theory elucidating the dynamics of such membranes and identify a new intermediate wavelength regime of membrane undulations.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJan 10, 2018

The atomic dynamics of rare everlasting electric fields

Researchers at Duke University confirm theoretical model by blasting yttrium manganite sample with neutrons at 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The study reveals the atomic mechanisms behind the material's rare electromagnetic properties, which could lead to breakthroughs in computing and sensor technology.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2018

Acetaminophen use during pregnancy associated with elevated rate of language delay in girls

A recent study discovered a significant association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of language delay in girls. The research found that girls born to mothers who took more than six doses of acetaminophen were nearly six times more likely to experience language delays.

Earthquakes as a driver for the deep-ocean carbon cycle

Researchers used new dating methods to study dynamic sediment remobilisation processes triggered by seismic activity in the Japan Trench. The methods enabled precise analysis of organic matter in individual sediment layers, revealing key findings about the history of earthquakes and the carbon cycle in the deep ocean.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2018

The LEC -- now an efficient and bright device

Researchers have developed LECs that emit bright light with a high brightness of 2,000 cd/m2 and an electron-to-photon efficiency of 27.5 percent, surpassing existing technologies like fluorescent tubes and LEDs. This breakthrough enables efficient and practical operation of LEC components in various fields.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 10, 2018

Extremely bright and fast light emission

Researchers discovered that caesium lead halide nanocrystals emit light at room temperature after just one nanosecond, making them faster and brighter than other quantum dots. This is due to their unique excited energy state, which allows for immediate light emission, unlike traditional quantum dots that rely on a dark state.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJan 10, 2018

Large-scale study to pinpoint genes linked to obesity

A large-scale study published in Nature Genetics identified 13 genes associated with body mass index (BMI) and obesity. The study found that genetic variations in these genes can affect the function of the genes and their proteins, leading to weight gain or loss. The researchers hope that this discovery will lead to personalized treatm...

Could melatonin be the key to healthy aging?

Research suggests that melatonin treatments can improve sleep quality, physical health, and mental well-being in older adults. Melatonin deficiency is associated with decreased circadian system robustness and increased risks of age-related diseases.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateJan 10, 2018

Health Department IDs 10 outbreaks of foodborne illness using Yelp reviews since 2012

The NYC Health Department has identified 10 outbreaks of foodborne illness through a computer system developed with Columbia University, tracking keywords in Yelp reviews to detect incidents. The system helps identify approximately 1,500 complaints annually, improving outbreak detection and prevention.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateJan 10, 2018

Older adults with metabolic syndrome may be more resistant to depression treatments

Researchers found that individuals with Metabolic Syndrome were more likely to experience chronic and severe depression symptoms, requiring longer treatment response times. The study emphasizes the importance of healthcare providers closely monitoring older adults with Metabolic Syndrome when screening for and treating depression.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 10, 2018

Transitional care nurses in the geriatric emergency department reduce risk of inpatient admissions

A study conducted at Mount Sinai Hospital found that transitional care nurses can significantly reduce the risk of inpatient admissions for geriatric patients. The program, which includes assessments for cognitive function and caregiver strain, led to a 10% lower chance of hospitalization for those treated by a transitional care nurse.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 10, 2018

Webb Telescope's Houston highlights

The James Webb Space Telescope underwent critical cryogenic testing inside Chamber A at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, ensuring it will safely reach its orbit and perform its science mission. The telescope was subjected to a range of tests, including alignment checks and simulations of starlight detection.

Intoxicatingly light sensitive

Scientists at ETH Zurich have synthesised four variants of THC that can be altered with light, offering a potential tool for controlling and influencing CB1 receptors. These light-sensitive THC derivatives were tested in living cell cultures and found to activate and deactivate the receptors using specific wavelengths of light.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 10, 2018