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Science News Archive January 2018 - Page 16


Page 16 of 37

Older hospitalized adults are infrequently tested for influenza

A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older hospitalized adults are less likely to have provider-ordered influenza testing than younger patients. The study included 1422 adults with symptoms of acute respiratory illness or non-localizing fever and found that only 28% were tested for influenza.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJan 19, 2018

Factor that doubles the risk of death from breast cancer identified

A study published in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that patients with high intra-tumour heterogeneity of the oestrogen receptor are twice as likely to die from breast cancer over a span of 25 years. This risk holds true for Luminal A breast cancer subtype, which is generally considered to have a good prognosis.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 19, 2018

City lights setting traps for migrating birds

Researchers found that city lights in metropolitan areas like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia attract large densities of migratory birds, even from far away. This can lead to increased mortality risks from collisions with buildings, vehicles, and predators like domestic cats, as well as resource depletion.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEcology Letters·DateJan 19, 2018

Algorithm increases employment opportunities for refugees

A new algorithm developed by ETH Zurich and Stanford University aims to increase employment opportunities for refugees in Switzerland by up to 73%. By analyzing data on refugees' characteristics and labor market conditions, the algorithm provides a tailored recommendation for which canton each refugee is most likely to find work.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateJan 19, 2018

Artificial agent designs quantum experiments

Researchers from Innsbruck and Vienna teams used artificial intelligence to design new quantum experiments, leveraging a projective simulation model and reinforcement learning. The AI-agent performed tens of thousands of experiments, discovering novel structures that could be tested in the lab.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 19, 2018

Crystal clear

The KAUST team has developed a methodology for acquiring atomic-resolution images of beam-sensitive materials, such as metal organic frameworks, using transmission electron microscopy. This enables the precise alignment and determination of defocus values, reducing the procedure to a near-routine process.

Root discovery may lead to crops that need less fertilizer

Researchers have discovered a way for plants to acquire phosphorus more efficiently by suppressing secondary root growth in favor of primary root growth. This trait allows plants to explore a greater volume of soil and acquire more phosphorus, making it beneficial for farmers growing in nutrient-poor soils.

SourcePenn State·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateJan 18, 2018

Packing a genome, step-by-step

Researchers have solved a biological mystery by detailing the step-by-step process of genome folding, which involves coiling up long chromosome tangles and twisting them into spiral staircase structures. The study provides an efficient packing strategy that explains how cells can reliably bundle their chromosomes during cell division.

Researchers find post-fire logging harms spotted owls

Researchers have found that post-fire logging operations are responsible for declines in spotted owl territory occupancy, contradicting previous reports of large forest fires. The study suggests that preserving natural processes and reducing human disturbance can help protect this imperiled species.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNature Conservation·DateJan 18, 2018