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Science News Archive August 2018 - Page 13


Page 13 of 41

Fighting lung infection trumps wound healing

A recent study has found that the innate immune system responds more aggressively to lung infections than wound healing, leading to delayed wound recovery. This priority of responses, known as immune triage, highlights the complex interplay between different parts of the immune system and their impact on overall health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 23, 2018

Researchers outline risk factors for facial gangrene

Researchers have pinpointed risk factors for noma, a rare disease causing facial gangrene, in northwest Nigeria. Children who were fed pap daily were at higher risk, while those breastfed colostrum and had varied diets were less likely to contract the disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateAug 23, 2018

Care access not main driver of racial disparities in kidney disease

A study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that black and Hispanic veterans with chronic kidney disease are more likely to progress to advanced kidney disease despite equal access to nephrologist care. Genetic or environmental factors, such as APOL1 mutations, may be central to these disparities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 23, 2018

A world on fire

Wildfires in Africa, driven by agricultural practices, have intensified due to low humidity, high winds, and extreme temperatures. In contrast, South American fires, particularly in Chile, are exacerbated by a mega drought and flammable tree plantations.

Integrated analysis finds vulnerabilities to target in a high-risk pediatric tumor

Researchers identified vulnerabilities to target in a high-risk pediatric tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, through an integrated analysis of cellular origins and epigenetic changes. The study promotes precision medicine by prioritizing drug development and highlighting the importance of preclinical models in streamlining treatment strategies.

Computing catalysts

A collaboration between University of Pittsburgh and Lubrizol Corporation has revealed the molecular reaction mechanism of PIB polymer. The team found that a 'superacid' catalyst is required for initiation, which could lead to designing different catalysts and controlling the reaction.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalACS Catalysis·DateAug 23, 2018

New research proposes using local data in resolving malnutrition

A new study published in the Food and Nutrition Bulletin reveals that analyzing global data carries risks of missing local patterns and effects of health interventions. Researchers found varying rates of kwashiorkor across villages, with some areas experiencing extreme nutritional stress, highlighting the need for targeted interventions

SourceSAGE·JournalFood and Nutrition Bulletin·DateAug 23, 2018

UNC builds better particle tracking software using artificial intelligence

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has developed a new method of single-particle tracking based on machine learning, achieving higher accuracy and automation than current techniques. The technique is widely used in physical and life sciences to track individual particles such as viruses, cells, and drug-loaded nanoparticles.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Office of Research Communication·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2018

Algal blooms a threat to small lakes and ponds, too

A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found high levels of toxins in water near farm fields in rural Ohio, posing serious health risks to people, pets, and wildlife. The study highlights the need for judicious fertilizer use and measures to reduce animal waste contamination to control algal blooms.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 23, 2018

The world's cleanest water droplet

Scientists at TU Wien and Cornell University develop a novel method to create ultra-pure ice and apply it to titanium dioxide surfaces, revealing that smallest impurities are surprisingly significant. The study finds that two organic acids, acetic acid and formic acid, are the main culprits behind surface contamination.

Modifying the major model of a modern major mouse model

Scientists have created a more complete humanized mouse model by combining human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells with mesenchymal stem cells. This allows for more realistic testing of immunotherapies, leading to improved cancer treatment predictions. The new model enables researchers to compare the interaction of the immune sys...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalMolecular Carcinogenesis·DateAug 23, 2018

Study examines how nurses understand and deal with racism in healthcare

A new study explored how nurses understand and deal with racism in practice, finding mixed understandings and misunderstandings about its nature. The findings suggest an urgent need for interactive and sustained anti-racist education to address structural racism and promote culturally safe healthcare practices.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateAug 22, 2018

Study investigates shortcoming of ITQ systems for fisheries

A new paper warns of the shortcomings of Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) systems for fisheries, which can discourage development of equitable alternatives. ITQs regulate fisheries access by dividing up total catch limits among individual quota owners, leading to negative consequences for small-scale fisheries and marginalized groups.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2018

Bees need it colorful

Scientists discovered that bees' quality of life is highest in gardens and biodiverse forests, while lowest in plantations. The decline of biodiversity is linked to bee extinction due to the lack of sufficient food and resources.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 22, 2018

Water monitor

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new method to monitor water levels in underground aquifers using seismic noise. They were able to measure the water depth of an aquifer in California to within a centimeter, and estimated that half a cubic kilometer of water was pumped out during a drought. This technique has the poten...

SourceHarvard University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 22, 2018

A milestone for forecasting earthquake hazards

Researchers from Columbia University and USGS develop a physics-based model that replicates California's statistical seismic hazard model. This breakthrough marks a turning point in earthquake forecasting, providing accurate hazard estimates for engineers and regulators to make informed decisions on building codes and construction costs.

SourceColumbia University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 22, 2018