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Science News Archive February 2018 - Page 14


Page 14 of 36

Rare find from the deep sea

Scientists from the University of Bonn and the US study a newly hatched dumbo octopus for the first time, revealing surprising similarities with adult animals. The rare find provides valuable insights into the extraordinary habitat of deep-sea dumbo octopuses.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 20, 2018

Designing microbial communities to help plants battle nutritional stress

A team of scientists has devised a general experimental scheme to identify and predict which small groups of bacterial species can help plants respond to phosphate starvation. The study demonstrates that the functional complexity of the root microbiome might be simplified by testing only a subset of all possible microbial combinations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 20, 2018

Can your cardiac device be hacked?

Cybersecurity risks exist in cardiac devices due to software integration and wireless communications, according to the American College of Cardiology's Electrophysiology Council. The potential consequences include device malfunction, battery depletion, and interruptions in life-saving therapies.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 20, 2018

Pillars of academic innovation

The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) recognizes and encourages inventors with life-saving and life-changing advances. The journal Technology and Innovation features research on pillars of academic innovation, including public policy, industry-university partnerships, and mentorship of innovators.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalJournal of Technology and Innovation·DateFeb 20, 2018

Oil-eating microbes are challenged in the Arctic

A new review assesses the microbial degradation potential in Arctic seas, highlighting six factors challenging oil-eating microbes, including low temperatures, sea ice, and nutrient-poor environments. The research reveals that these factors can slow down biodegradation and reduce the efficiency of microbial degradation.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateFeb 20, 2018

Open data help scientists to unravel Earth systems

Researchers at the University of Helsinki's BioGeoClimate Modelling Lab have developed a new model to predict soil moisture using airborne laser scanning data. The study reveals that fine-scale topography is essential for modeling water distribution, providing valuable insights into climate change impact and biodiversity assessments.

A trip to the mountains despite a heart condition?

High-altitude exposure affects cardiovascular systems differently for various individuals. Experts recommend maximum altitudes and caution when taking medications. Hiking can have a positive effect on disease progression and psychological well-being for those following guidelines.

SourceEurac Research·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateFeb 20, 2018

MicroRNA could help treat cancer and asthma

Researchers at Purdue University found that microRNA miR-223 can help control inflammatory disease by regulating the NF-kB pathway, which is critical in human bronchial epithelial cells. Supplementing this microRNA to epithelial cells may provide a new treatment option for asthma and cancer.

SourcePurdue University·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 20, 2018

Low-fat or low-carb? It's a draw, Stanford study finds

A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that cutting carbs or fats results in similar weight loss, with no association between individual biological factors and diet success. Participants followed either a low-fat or low-carb diet for one year, showing that the fundamental strategy for losing weight is to eat whole foods.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 20, 2018

Countries investing in well-being allocate resources to child and adolescent psychiatry

A new study by the Eurasian Child & Adolescent Mental Health Study network reveals a strong correlation between Human Development Index scores and the availability of mental health services. Countries with high HDI rankings have higher ratios of child and adolescent psychiatrists per population size, indicating better investment in chi...

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateFeb 20, 2018

Preventing the misdiagnosis of cellulitis

A new study finds that early consultation by a dermatologist can improve health-related outcomes and reduce costs associated with misdiagnosed pseudocellulitis. The researchers estimate that this intervention could prevent up to 256,000 hospitalization days and $210 million in net cost savings annually.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateFeb 20, 2018

Fancy a jellyfish chip?

Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have developed a new method to rapidly transform the soft body of jellyfish into a crunchy treat. The technique, which uses ethanol, produces crispy jellyfish chips that could be of potential gastronomic interest.