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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 57


Page 57 of 473

Novel mechanism of immune activation in HIV-exposed, seronegative people who inject drugs

Researchers at The Wistar Institute found that the S100A14 protein is expressed at higher levels in these individuals than control donors, activating natural killer cells to defend against HIV. This discovery may lead to novel approaches for prevention of HIV infection by manipulating host immune defense.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalJAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes·DateNov 13, 2018

ID specialist input improves outcomes for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy

The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has released new guidelines for outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT), emphasizing the importance of review by an infectious diseases specialist before starting treatment. Regular monitoring and blood tests are also recommended to ensure patient safety.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateNov 13, 2018

Doubly-excited electrons reach new energy states

Physicists have characterised higher energy levels reached by electrons in resonance with positronium ions, a complex three-particle system. The new model provides guidance for experimentalists to observe these resonant structures, potentially leading to breakthroughs in atomic and nuclear physics.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateNov 13, 2018

Pain can be a self-fulfilling prophecy

A new brain imaging study found that when subjects expect more heat, brain regions involved in threat and fear are more activated, leading to increased pain perception. The study also showed that positive expectations can have the opposite effects, suggesting a potential link between negative expectations and chronic pain.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateNov 13, 2018

Penn Study shows regular behavioral counseling leads to clinically significant weight loss

A new Penn Medicine study found that intensive behavioral therapy (IBT) is effective in achieving clinically significant weight loss in adults with obesity, with participants losing an average of 6.1% of their initial body weight at one year. The study also showed improvements in blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors.

UH Physicist Zhifeng Ren receives Humboldt Prize

Physicist Zhifeng Ren, director of the Texas Center for Superconductivity at the University of Houston, has received a research award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation to collaborate with German researchers. He will focus on new fabrication techniques and thermoelectric materials to improve clean energy conversion.

Probiotics increase bone volume in healthy mice

A study published in Immunity found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supplementation increased bone formation in female mice by stimulating the growth of butyrate-producing gut bacteria. This activation led to the expansion of regulatory T cells, which secrete a protein called Wnt10b, critical for bone development.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateNov 13, 2018

Emotional intelligence: A new criterion for hiring?

Researchers at UNIGE and UNIBE developed an emotional intelligence test to measure skills in work environments. The test, called the Geneva Emotional Competence Test (GECO), evaluates understanding emotions, recognizing emotions, regulating one's own emotions, and managing other people's emotions.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateNov 13, 2018

Carbon emissions will start to dictate stock prices

A new study by University of Waterloo researchers finds that high carbon emissions can lead to stock price depreciation and asset devaluation. Companies in emission-intensive sectors may experience fundamental devaluations in their stocks within 10 years, due to stricter environmental regulations and climate change risks.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Sustainable Finance & Investment·DateNov 13, 2018

Carbon goes with the flow

A recent study by Michigan State University found that floods significantly transport large amounts of organic carbon through ecosystems, contrary to the traditional view of the carbon cycle as vertical. The research analyzed over 1,000 watersheds across the US and found that wetlands play a crucial role in storing and releasing carbon.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 13, 2018

Blocking 'secondary cataracts'

Researchers are exploring ways to prevent secondary cataracts, a condition that occurs when scar tissue forms in the eye after surgery. Melinda Duncan's team has made several discoveries, including molecules critical for forming PCO scar tissue, and is working on a drug to block this potentially blinding condition.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateNov 13, 2018

Pressure helps to make better Li-ion batteries

Scientists have discovered a new strategy to enhance the conductivity of lithium titanium oxide (LTO) anode materials for Li-ion batteries. By applying high pressure, LTO can transform into an amorphous phase that displays better conductivity. The findings provide insight into the relationship between structure and conducting properties.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 13, 2018