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Science News Archive April 2018 - Page 25


Page 25 of 42

Germany: compensated cirrhosis substantially increases comorbidities and healthcare costs for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

A study analyzed outcomes and costs for German patients with NAFLD/NASH who developed compensated cirrhosis, finding significant increases in comorbidities, mortality, and healthcare costs. The study highlights the need for new treatment options to improve patient outcomes.

Brief exposure to tiny air pollution particles triggers childhood lung infections

A new study found that brief exposure to fine particulate matter PM2.5 is associated with the development of acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) in young children, leading to increased doctor visits and hospitalizations. The research suggests that air pollution may impair the body's ability to fight off infections or cause damage ...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 13, 2018

Brief exposure to tiny air pollution particles triggers childhood lung infections

Research found that acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) is associated with elevated levels of fine particulate matter PM2.5 in young children, even those as young as two months old. The study, involving over 100,000 patients, suggests that air pollution may impair the immune response and increase susceptibility to infections.

SourceIntermountain Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateApr 13, 2018

First global carbon dioxide maps produced by Chinese observation satellite

The Chinese observation satellite TanSat has produced its first global carbon dioxide maps, providing valuable data for future climate change research. The maps show a seasonal decrease in carbon dioxide concentration from spring to summer in the Northern Hemisphere and emission hotspots due to anthropogenic activity.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 13, 2018

Cytoplasmic streaming is involved in the transmission of signals within giant cells in Chara algae

Research by Lobachevsky University and Moscow State University found that cytoplasmic streaming is involved in the transmission of signals within giant cells of Chara algae. The study showed that signal molecules formed in illuminated areas propagated with the moving cytoplasm, affecting photosynthesis and enhancing fluorescence in oth...

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalFunctional Plant Biology·DateApr 13, 2018

For fewer cast-related ailments in dogs, researchers find taller casts a better fit

Researchers at Colorado State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital found that taller casts distribute pressure evenly over the leg, reducing pressure sores and soft tissue complications. The study suggests that veterinarians should fit dogs with longer casts to minimize secondary injuries and improve healing outcomes.

SourceMorris Animal Foundation·JournalAmerican Journal of Veterinary Research·DateApr 12, 2018

Student develops gaming technology for environmental scientific research

A PhD student at The University of Manchester has developed a new method and software for using computer game technology to simulate complex scientific and engineering applications. Using powerful graphics cards, he can run large-scale simulations over 100 times faster than conventional computers, reducing costs from hundreds of thousa...

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalComputer Physics Communications·DateApr 12, 2018

First real-world studies report glecaprevir/pibrentasvir to be effective and well tolerated in chronic HCV infection

Two real-world studies from Italy and Germany report high rates of viral suppression and favourable safety profiles for glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in patients with chronic HCV infection. The treatment was found to be effective across a range of different patient types, with over 98% achieving sustained virological response.

Tiny probe can see and take body temperatures

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a tiny fibre-optic probe that can measure temperature and see deep inside the body. The probe has potential to help study drug-induced hyperthermia and provide insights into other diseases, such as optimising thermal treatment for cancers.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalOptics Letters·DateApr 12, 2018

The neurons the power parenting

Researchers found that individual aspects of parenting, such as motor behaviors and motivation, are controlled by distinct pools of galanin neurons. This discovery sheds new light on why some people appear to be natural parents while others exhibit abusive behavior.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateApr 12, 2018

Screening for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis C-related cirrhosis achieving sustained virological response is likely to be cost effective

A Canadian study found that biannual ultrasound screening for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with hepatitis C-related liver cirrhosis after achieving a sustained virological response (SVR) to direct-acting antiviral agents is likely to be cost-effective. However, surveillance is unlikely to be cost-effective in patients wit...

Night owls have higher risk of dying sooner

A new study published in Chronobiology International found that night owls have a 10% higher risk of dying than morning larks. This is the first study to look at mortality risk and highlights the importance of allowing evening types greater flexibility in working hours.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalChronobiology International·DateApr 12, 2018

Children's gestures, and what they mean

The EcoGest project aims to understand how children's gestures are connected to communication, with a focus on iconic gestures that pertain to the forms, functions, and movements of objects. Researchers will record children aged 4-5 years old in various communicative situations to analyze their gesturing patterns.

Keeping an eye on the health of structures

Researchers used synthetic-aperture radar data from four satellites to analyze the Lake Urmia Causeway in Iran, finding accelerated deformation due to soil consolidation and human activity. They also developed a predictive model for future deformation, highlighting the potential of space-based monitoring for critical structures.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 12, 2018