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Science News Archive February 2018 - Page 33


Page 33 of 36

Columbia engineers win $4.7 million DARPA grant to revolutionize augmented reality glasses

A team of Columbia engineers, led by Michal Lipson, has developed a groundbreaking AR glass design that enables high-resolution projection and detection with no moving parts. The technology leverages recent work on engineered optical materials (EnMats) and silicon nitride integrated photonics to provide an ultrahigh-resolution see-thro...

Patients with kidney disease with heart defibrillators at greater risk of hospitalization

A study by Kaiser Permanente and University of Washington found that patients with chronic kidney disease who receive implantable cardioverter defibrillators experience a significantly increased risk of subsequent hospitalization. The use of ICDs was associated with a 49% increased risk of hospitalization for heart failure and a 25% in...

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2018

Invasive species source pools

The study analyzed nearly 46,000 records of alien species from 1500-2005, finding that a substantial proportion of newly recorded species had not been previously reported elsewhere. This suggests that access to new potential alien species has increased over time, contributing to the global rise in emerging alien species.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Drinking hot tea associated with a 5-fold increased risk for esophageal cancer

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that consuming hot tea at high temperatures is associated with a significant increase in the risk of esophageal cancer. The research, which followed over 450,000 participants for nine years, suggests that abstaining from hot tea may be beneficial for individuals who drink al...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2018

Trains, planes, automobiles and heart disease

A review published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests that environmental noise, including traffic noise, may contribute to the development of heart disease. The study proposes that noise induces a stress response, leading to vascular damage and increased risk of hypertension and diabetes.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateFeb 5, 2018

Studies reveal looming shortage of rheumatologists

The US rheumatology workforce is projected to face a shortage due to an aging population, retiring baby boomer rheumatologists, and changing practice trends. By 2030, the supply of rheumatologists is expected to fall short of demand, with some regions facing a particularly severe maldistribution.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateFeb 5, 2018

Assessment of Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Flint

A study examined the relationship between free chlorine concentrations and the 2014-2015 Legionnaires' disease (LD) outbreak in Flint, Michigan. The results indicate that decreasing concentrations of free chlorine in the water were associated with increased risk of developing LD, with a 80% increase per 1 mg/L decrease.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Adding crizotinib to radiation therapy may help preserve hearing in patients with NF2

Researchers found that crizotinib enhances radiosensitivity of tumors and inhibits growth of cultured tumor cells from NF2 patients. A novel mouse model mimicking NF2-associated hearing loss was also created to study the molecular pathway contributing to tumor progression and radiation-induced hearing loss.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Dim light may make us dumber

Researchers found that dim light exposure led to significant reductions in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and dendritic spines, impairing learning and memory performance. Bright light exposure, on the other hand, showed improvement in spatial task performance, with full recovery after a break.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalHippocampus·DateFeb 5, 2018

BU: Police shootings reflect structural racism

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found a strong association between structural racism and racial disparities in fatal police shootings at the state level. States with higher levels of residential segregation had higher rates of unarmed black victims killed by police, even controlling for arrest rates.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the National Medical Association·DateFeb 5, 2018

A good life for all within the planet's means

A study by the University of Leeds found that no country satisfies basic human needs while using resources sustainably. The research analyzed 151 countries and their resource use and well-being achievements, revealing that only wealthy nations like the US and UK meet basic needs without exceeding global environmental limits.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Sustainability·DateFeb 5, 2018

Reversing severe bone loss

A possible treatment for Hajdu-Cheney syndrome has been identified, which may also help with age-related osteoporosis. Researchers found that a medication called DAPT blocks osteoclast formation, reversing bone loss in mice with the disease.

SourceTohoku University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateFeb 5, 2018

Toddler formulas and milks -- not recommended by health experts -- mislead with health claims

A new study by NYU College of Global Public Health researchers finds that misleading labeling on toddler drinks lacks oversight, leading to confusion among parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics and World Health Organization do not recommend these products, but manufacturers make health claims that are not supported by evidence.

SourceNew York University·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2018

Drugs sold in India pose a global threat to antibiotic resistance control

A new study reveals that millions of unapproved antibiotics are sold in India each year, posing a significant threat to global antibiotic resistance control. Multinational pharmaceutical companies manufacture dozens of unapproved formulations, contributing to the country's high rates of antimicrobial resistance.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateFeb 5, 2018

Classification of tropical forests

Researchers used phylogenetic analysis to classify tropical forests into two major regions: an American-African combined region and an Indo-Pacific region. The study also identified a dry region encompassing areas in America, Africa, India, and Madagascar, as well as a subtropical region with parts of America and Asia.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

New alien species invasions still rising globally

A new study reveals that up to 16% of Earth's species could qualify as potential alien species, posing significant challenges to biosecurity efforts. The research found that the number of newly emerging alien species continues to rise, with insects and molluscs being the groups most affected.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Nearly one in three pugs has an abnormal gait

A Swedish study found that nearly one-third of pugs have abnormal gait, associated with breathing problems, incontinence, and neurological disorders. The prevalence of gait abnormalities was higher than previously thought, suggesting a more significant health issue.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalVeterinary Record·DateFeb 5, 2018