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Science News Archive April 2018


Page 1 of 42

Axon guidance gene influences reward system

A study found that individuals with a DCC gene mutation had reduced connectivity between brain regions involved in reward processing, leading to less impulsive behavior and lower cigarette smoking. The researchers also observed decreased volume in the striatum, a brain region critical for motivation and pleasure.

Seniors more likely to visit emergency department after home care visit from nurse

A recent study published in CMAJ found that patients who received home care visits from nurses were more likely to visit the emergency department during the evening on the same day. The likelihood of this occurrence was greater among people with non-urgent issues and those who had not been admitted to hospital.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 30, 2018

New materials for sustainable, low-cost batteries

ETH Zurich scientists have discovered two new materials that could advance the development of aluminum batteries: a corrosion-resistant titanium nitride material and a flexible polypyrene material for the positive electrode. These advancements aim to improve the energy storage capacity, cost-effectiveness, and scalability of sustainabl...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 30, 2018

Workplace flexibility bias not just a mother's problem

A new study reveals that workplace flexibility bias, which assumes employees with family responsibilities are less devoted to their jobs, negatively impacts all workers, including men without children. Employees who feel penalized for taking time off experience lower work satisfaction and are more likely to leave their jobs.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalSociological Perspectives·DateApr 30, 2018

Farming fish saves land

A recent study found that farming fish can help feed the future global population while substantially reducing land use impacts of meat production. Replacing terrestrial livestock production with aquaculture could spare up to 747 million land hectares globally, an area twice the size of India.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2018

Following bats to predict Ebola

Researchers have created a modeling framework that considers ecological dimensions driving bat migration patterns to forecast Ebola outbreaks. The tool analyzes spatially distributed random fluctuations of environmental parameters to understand how they impact bat migrations.

Study identifies ways smaller hospitals can effectively reduce antibiotic overuse

A study found that using a centralized infectious disease support program decreased overall antibiotic use and the overuse of broad-spectrum drugs in smaller hospitals. Program 3, which included a pharmacy-based initiative and expert consultation via hotline, saw a significant reduction in antibiotic use compared to baseline data.

SourceIntermountain Medical Center·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateApr 30, 2018

How to make solar hydrogen year round

A new dynamic model proposes a seasonal control strategy with ceria particles to buffer the effect of solar radiation variation, enabling continuous hydrogen production. The system can store and release heat as needed, maximizing solar energy utilization and potentially increasing efficiency.

Genomic analysis unravels complexities of the most common form of lymphoma and enables personalized treatment

A study by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Broad Institute identified five genetic subtypes of diffuse large B cell lymphoma, which can help predict individual patient outcomes and guide personalized treatment. The analysis revealed clear links between specific genetic signatures and how patients respond to standard treatment.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNature Medicine·DateApr 30, 2018