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Science News for January 17, 2018


Default setting in electronic medical records 'nudged' emergency department physicians to limit opioid prescriptions to 10 tablets

A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that implementing a default option for lower opioid tablet quantities in electronic medical records increased compliance with prescribing guidelines, resulting in fewer prescriptions written for larger quantities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 17, 2018

Scientists shed light on a key molecular mechanism of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases

A study published in Immunity reveals that the immunomodulatory cytokine IL-23's pro-inflammatory activity critically depends on structural activation of the cytokine by its receptor, IL-23R. The findings provide new insights into autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn's disease.

Study: Patients benefit from one-on-one PT education before joint replacement

A study at Hospital for Special Surgery found that patients who received one-on-one physical therapy education and access to a web-based microsite prior to joint replacement surgery achieved physical therapy goals more quickly. This personalized approach improved their outcomes, including reduced hospital stay and increased confidence.

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateJan 17, 2018

Small but fast: A miniaturized origami-inspired robot combines micrometer precision with high speed

The milliDelta robot overcomes the miniaturization challenge of Delta robots, operating at millimeter scale with high speed and precision, making it suitable for micromanipulation tasks in manufacturing and medicine. Researchers demonstrated its potential as a hand tremor-cancelling device and explored its use in retinal microsurgeries.

Majority of US physicians say they're burned out or depressed

A recent Medscape report found that nearly two-thirds of US physicians experience burnout or depression, with higher rates reported by women and mid-career physicians. The majority of physicians cited their work as the cause of their feelings of depression, which can impact patient care and relationships.

SourceDKC·DateJan 17, 2018

Microwaves could be as bad for the environment as cars suggests new research

A new study by the University of Manchester reveals that microwaves emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide equivalent to 6.8 million cars annually in the EU. The research also found that microwaves consume substantial electricity, equivalent to three large gas power plants, and contributes to resource depletion and climate change.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJan 17, 2018

Uncovering decades of questionable investments

Researchers at University of Texas at Austin analyzed 40 years of stock prices, finding that high-beta stocks do not outperform those with low betas. Controlling for lottery-like characteristics, the seminal theory is empirically supported, revealing price pressure from investors as the main cause of the anomaly.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalJournal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis·DateJan 17, 2018

First surface-based estimation of the aerosol indirect effect over China

Ground-based measurements over southeastern China reveal significant aerosol indirect effects, but satellite studies have large uncertainties due to inherent limitations. The study provides a comprehensive investigation into the AIE and highlights the importance of using ground-based measurements for accurate quantification.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJan 17, 2018

Will there be enough public health workers when baby boomers retire?

Researchers estimate that nearly one quarter of the governmental public health workforce plans to leave or retire in coming years. While there are enough highly-educated students to meet this challenge, concerns remain about the sector's ability to compete with private sector for qualified candidates.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 17, 2018

How living systems compute solutions to problems

Research at the Santa Fe Institute shows that living systems use collective computation to make decisions, with individuals contributing their own opinions and preferences. The system can produce accurate distributions of power, even in complex environments like primate social groups.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 17, 2018

Study says some nursing homes gaming the system to improve their Medicare star ratings

A new study by Florida Atlantic University found that some nursing homes in California inflate their self-assessment reporting to improve their Medicare star ratings. The researchers identified key predictors of inflating ratings, including financial gain and lack of direct correlation with on-site inspection results.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateJan 17, 2018

A step toward ridding register receipts of BPA

A team of researchers has developed potentially safer polymers that could replace BPA in thermally printed receipts and labels, reducing environmental and health concerns. The new polymers, called BPAF-N-type, have similar properties to BPA and are suitable for various applications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateJan 17, 2018

The brain's creativity controls

A Harvard researcher found that specific brain network patterns are associated with creativity, including the default mode network for imagination and the salience network for information filtering. The study's predictive model showed accuracy in estimating creative potential based on brain scan data.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2018

Cutting the cord is easier said than done

A study by Bar-Ilan University researchers found that difficult relationships are common, especially within families and workplaces. The study, based on data from the University of California Network Study, reveals that social norms and institutional constraints often force people to retain challenging connections.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJan 17, 2018

When the dose doesn't make the poison

A new study finds that surgery patients taking opioids for extended periods are at higher risk of abuse and overdose, while the duration of treatment is a more potent predictor than dosage. Researchers analyzed over half a million records to quantify opioid misuse following surgery.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe BMJ·DateJan 17, 2018

Prebiotics in infant formula could improve learning and memory and alter brain chemistry

A study found that prebiotics in infant formula can enhance memory and exploratory behavior in piglets, suggesting a potential link between gut health and brain development. The researchers also discovered changes in volatile fatty acid concentrations and serotonin levels in the brains of pigs fed with prebiotic supplements.

The world's first all-Si laser

Researchers have successfully created an all-silicon laser based on silicon nanocrystals, which achieves high optical gains and demonstrates reliable lasing characteristics. The development of this technology paves the way for electrically pumped all-Si lasers.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateJan 17, 2018

Building blocks to create metamaterials

Researchers at Caltech and ETH Zürich created a systematic design method for metamaterials using quantum mechanics. They can engineer materials to manipulate incoming waves, such as bending light or reflecting sound waves. This breakthrough could lead to widespread use of metamaterials in various applications.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 17, 2018

Whole-population testing for breast and ovarian cancer gene mutations is cost effective

Researchers found that population testing for multiple cancer genes is the most cost-effective strategy, preventing many more ovarian and breast cancers than current screening methods. This approach could save thousands of lives by reducing risk factors through enhanced screening, medical prevention, or risk-reducing surgery.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 17, 2018

Siberian chemists have improved hydrogen sensors

Scientists from Siberian Federal University and Nikolaev Institute of Inorganic Chemistry create active layers in hydrogen detectors using metal phthalocyanines and palladium membranes. This increases the sensor's sensitivity, enabling detection of hazardous gases and aiding in disease diagnosis. The researchers plan to further improve...

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateJan 17, 2018

Why don't turtles still have tail spikes?

A study covering 300 million years of evolutionary history found that only a few extinct animals developed tail weaponized features. The researchers identified four essential traits: large body size, armor, herbivory, and thoracic stiffness. These conditions are rarely seen in living animals, explaining the rarity of modern tail weaponry.

Nearly 25 percent of chronic ischemic heart disease patients dead or hospitalized in 6 months

A European Society of Cardiology study found that nearly a quarter of patients with chronic ischaemic cardiovascular disease are dead or hospitalised within six months. The study identified factors such as older age, history of peripheral revascularisation and chronic kidney disease as strongly associated with high risk.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateJan 17, 2018

Alzheimer's disease: Neuronal loss very limited

A recent study published in Scientific Reports challenges the scientific consensus on Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that neuronal loss is relatively limited. The research found minor declines in synaptic markers in patients' prefrontal cortices, which had little impact on cognitive skills.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 17, 2018

How massive can neutron stars be?

Astrophysicists have determined that the maximum mass of neutron stars cannot exceed 2.16 solar masses through a combination of theoretical and observational research. The result was achieved by applying universal relations to data on gravitational-wave signals and electromagnetic radiation from merging neutron star events.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 17, 2018

Mammogram rates increase after ACA eliminates co-payments

After the Affordable Care Act eliminated cost sharing for screening mammograms, mammogram rates increased six percentage points among older women, according to a Brown University study. The study found that eliminating copayments led to an increase in their use and was concentrated among women with more education.

SourceBrown University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 17, 2018

Gorilla Glass debuts in car windshields

Chemically toughened glass is being explored for use in car windshields, providing strength and durability while reducing weight and cost. This new material has potential applications in wearable electronic devices, hurricane-resistant windows, and pharmaceutical vials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 17, 2018

Lifespan of fuel cells maximized using small amount of metals

KAIST researchers have developed a new technique to improve the chemical stability of electrode materials in solid oxide fuel cells. By employing a small amount of metals, they can extend the lifespan of these energy technology devices. This innovation has the potential to improve the long-term performance and durability of fuel cells.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJan 17, 2018

Solving problems that matter

A Lehigh team, backed by the Canadian government and philanthropic foundations, is developing test strips for women's health issues in rural Africa. The project aims to quickly diagnose urinary tract infections and prevent premature labor, low birth weight, or spontaneous abortion.