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Science News Archive January 2018 - Page 10


Page 10 of 37

Physicists have learned to change the wavelength of Tamm plasmons

Researchers from Siberian Federal University and L. V. Kirensky Institute of Physics predicted the structure to control Tamm plasmon wavelength using external fields or heating. They achieved a hybrid Tamm plasmon by incorporating a liquid crystal layer in a multilayer mirror, enabling color change through heating or electrification.

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalJournal of the Optical Society of America B·DateJan 24, 2018

Coyotes and red foxes may coexist within urban landscapes

Researchers found that coyotes preferred natural areas with high proportions of open space, while red foxes selected moderately developed areas. This spatial partitioning may promote coexistence between the two species in urban landscapes. The study's findings have implications for wildlife management in human-dominated environments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 24, 2018

Decoding the axolotl genome

Researchers have sequenced the axolotl genome, the largest genome ever to be decoded, to study molecular basis of regrowing limbs and other forms of regeneration. The analysis discovered several genes that are expressed in regenerating limb tissue and revealed key roles for PAX3 and PAX7 genes in muscle and neural development.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJan 24, 2018

Discount distortions

A new study finds that the 340B Drug Pricing Program, aimed at boosting resources for hospitals treating low-income patients, has not delivered on its promise. Instead, participating hospitals have administered more lucrative drugs and treated more Medicare patients in certain specialties, but failed to invest profits in safety net cli...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 24, 2018

Wisdom at the end of life

Researchers studied hospice patients' perceptions of wisdom, finding it to be a continuous recalibration between accepting illness and wanting to grow and change. Participants emphasized the importance of acceptance, gratitude, and positivity in their final days.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalInternational Psychogeriatrics·DateJan 24, 2018

Changes to nursing home quality ratings system caused consumers to choose better providers

A study by University of Colorado researchers found that changes to the nursing home quality ratings system led consumers to choose better providers. The simplified five-star system used on Nursing Home Compare motivated consumers to select higher-rated nursing homes, while low-rated facilities with limited options struggled.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Economics·DateJan 24, 2018

Four in 10 cardiomyopathies -- a major cause of sudden death in young people -- are genetic

A European Society of Cardiology study found that four in ten cardiomyopathies in young people are genetic. Family screening is crucial to detect the disease in apparently healthy relatives and prevent early death. The study also highlights the need for earlier diagnosis and better diagnostic tests, including genetic testing.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateJan 24, 2018

Unexpected helpers in wound healing

Peripheral nerve cells change their identity and distribute factors that support wound closure, reconstitution of the dermis, and chronic wound healing. Researchers found reprogrammed nerve cells in human skin wounds, which may lead to an effective treatment for chronic wounds.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 24, 2018

Predator control can have unintended consequences

Research found that dingo removal decreased abundance of small mammals, while fox removal increased ground-dwelling and arboreal mammal populations. The study also revealed interactions between predators and their effects on cat populations.

SourceWiley·JournalMammal Review·DateJan 24, 2018

How smelly is your rubbish?

Scientists at the University of Córdoba have devised a new system to analyse the smell generated during composting using NIR spectroscopy and chemometrics. The method provides a fast and economical means of evaluating odour emission rates, potentially mitigating the odorous impact of composting.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateJan 24, 2018

Social media use linked to lack of sleep in students

A study published in Acta Paediatrica found that Canadian students aged 11-20 who used social media for at least one hour per day were more likely to get too little sleep. The study suggests that prolonged screen time on electronic devices can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to sleep deprivation.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateJan 24, 2018

Is your sandwich bad for the environment?

Researchers at the University of Manchester found that sandwiches with pork, cheese, or prawns have the highest carbon emissions, while homemade sandwiches can reduce emissions by a half. The study suggests extending sell-by dates and reducing ingredients like cheese and meat to minimize waste.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalSustainable Production and Consumption·DateJan 24, 2018

Viral gene therapy could improve results from breast reconstruction after cancer treatment

A new viral gene therapy delivers extra copies of the SOD2 and CTGF genes to protect healthy tissues from damage caused by radiotherapy. The treatment has shown promising results in preventing tissue damage and scarring in rats treated with radiotherapy, potentially improving breast reconstruction outcomes for women with breast cancer.

SourceInstitute of Cancer Research·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 24, 2018