Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for June 13, 2018


Study finds music therapy brings effective pain relief for sickle cell patients

A new study from University Hospitals Connor Integrative Health Network reveals that improvisational music therapy can effectively manage acute pain and improve mood in adult patients with sickle cell disease. Music therapy, when actively engaged with a therapist, has a stronger impact on pain management than passive listening to music.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalJournal of Music Therapy·DateJun 13, 2018

Assimilation of FY-3 data at the Met Office

A new study presents a strategy for FY-3 microwave humidity sounders and radiation imager assimilation in the Met Office NWP model, significantly improving forecast error reduction. Operational monitoring allows rapid detection of data anomalies, which are fed back to China Meteorological Administration for investigation and remedy.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 13, 2018

Getting heart disease patients to exercise: Study says wearables could help but only if money is on the line

A clinical trial by University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine shows that combining wearable devices with financial incentives and personalized goal-setting increases physical activity levels in heart disease patients. The study found a significant increase in step counts, totaling about 100 miles more than the average patient in co...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateJun 13, 2018

New studies demonstrate infection control strategies for measles and mumps outbreaks

Recent outbreaks of measles and mumps have demonstrated the importance of integrated infection prevention response. Studies show that standard patient and visitor messaging, active surveillance, and timely initiation of precautions can effectively control outbreaks. Vaccination rates were also critical in stemming the outbreak, with a ...

SourceAssociation for Professionals in Infection Control·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateJun 13, 2018

Organics on Ceres may be more abundant than originally thought

Researchers found that up to 40-50% of the spectral signal on Ceres could be explained by organics, a much higher concentration than previously reported. The findings raise questions about the source of the material, with two competing possibilities: internal production or delivery by an impact from an organic-rich comet or asteroid.

SourceBrown University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJun 13, 2018

ALMA discovers trio of infant planets around newborn star

Using ALMA, two teams of astronomers have confirmed the presence of three infant planets around a young star, HD 163296. The planets are located at distances of approximately 12 billion and 21 billion kilometers from the star, and were identified using a novel technique that analyzes gas flow patterns within a protoplanetary disc.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 13, 2018

UI researchers explain ammonia distribution in Earth's upper atmosphere

A new study led by University of Iowa researchers explains how ammonia is distributed in the upper atmosphere, aligning with satellite measurements. The research answers a mystery of how ammonia is absorbed and released into the air during convection, resolving a discrepancy between satellite data and scientific understanding.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2018

Women's basic rights under threat from Trump gag rule, warn experts

Experts warn that a proposed Trump gag rule will limit federal funding for abortion counselling and provision, posing a threat to women's basic rights. The rule would prohibit clinics or programs receiving federal family planning funds from providing abortions, referring women to places that do, or counselling them on the option.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJun 13, 2018

Study unmasks scale of patient doctor divide

A recent study published in BMJ Open found that 7.6% of Britons reported experiencing preventable harm in primary care, with doctors often failing to take concerns seriously. The survey, conducted by University of Manchester researchers, highlights a significant divide between patient and clinician perspectives.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBMJ Open·DateJun 13, 2018

Antarctica ramps up sea level rise

A recent climate assessment reveals that Antarctica's ice sheet has been losing mass at an unprecedented rate, contributing to a threefold increase in global sea level rise. The continent's ice losses have risen from 53 billion tonnes per year in the 1990s to 159 billion tonnes per year since 2012.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature·DateJun 13, 2018

Why we make blood cells in our bones

Researchers at Harvard University have discovered that the 'blood stem cell niche' evolved to protect blood stem cells from ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight. This finding has significant implications for improving the safety of blood stem cell transplants, a procedure used to treat patients with blood diseases and cancers.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateJun 13, 2018

Satellites track vanishing Antarctic ice

Satellite monitoring reveals Antarctica's glaciers, ice shelves, and sea ice are changing due to climate warming, threatening sea levels with a potential increase of over 50 meters. The continent's ice sheet holds enough water to raise global seas by more than 50 metres.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature·DateJun 13, 2018

Narwhals' acoustic behavior described using audio tagging

Researchers recorded narwhals in East Greenland, capturing six hours of audio that revealed three types of sounds: clicks, buzzes, and calls. The study found that narwhals produce buzzes at greater depths than clicks, and that a particular fjord had high buzzing rates, suggesting a preferred feeding area.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 13, 2018

Dementia can be caused by hypertension

Researchers found that patients with high blood pressure are at higher risk of developing dementia and show early signs of brain damage on MRI scans. These changes can be detected before symptoms appear, allowing for earlier intervention to prevent further deterioration.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalCardiovascular Research·DateJun 13, 2018

First significant study on autism and homelessness

A significant study reveals autistic adults are over-represented among the homeless population, with 12.3% showing autistic traits. The researchers call for further investigation into the link between autism and homelessness to improve support.

SourceSAGE·JournalAutism·DateJun 13, 2018

Fat cell filling, ketogenic diet, and the history of biochemistry

Researchers investigated brown fat cells after whitening, finding they are more likely to die than white adipocytes. Whitened fat tissue also shows increased inflammation and macrophages. The ketogenic diet regulates metabolites but not brain levels, suggesting changes in plasma metabolism may not always cross the blood-brain barrier.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateJun 13, 2018

CVIA special issue on adult congenital heart disease

This special issue of CVIA journal presents major review articles and research findings on Adult Congenital Heart Disease, including pulmonary hypertension management, Ebstein anomaly surgery, and heart transplantation. Key topics include pregnancy in congenital heart disease and depression in adults with congenital heart disease.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateJun 13, 2018

Interest in tandem solar cells heats up

Recent improvements in perovskite alternatives are moving tandem devices closer to market with efficiencies similar to commercial silicon modules. Researchers have achieved lab device efficiencies up to 26.4 percent by tinkering with material composition and encapsulating cells in protective coatings.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 13, 2018

Monitoring molten steel by laser:

A new laser technology developed by Swansea University has won the Materials Science Venture Prize, allowing for real-time monitoring of molten metal furnaces without stopping production. This innovation saves steel plants up to £4.5 million a year and can be applied to various metals such as aluminium and copper.

Metabolic effects of antipsychotic medications in youths

A randomized clinical trial found that antipsychotic medications increased body fat and decreased insulin sensitivity in youths with disruptive behavior disorders. The study highlights the need for optimal monitoring of metabolic adverse effects in children and youngsters treated with these medications.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJun 13, 2018

Old Man River's unique chemical signature

Geologists analyzed 135 Mississippi River water samples, revealing that 75% of sulfate comes from pyrite mineral rusting, a process enhanced by human activities. This finding highlights the magnitude of human impact on natural chemical cycles and potential effects on ocean acidification.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 13, 2018

Mindfulness meditation and relaxation response have different effects on brain function

A recent study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that mindfulness meditation and relaxation response programs have unique effects on the brain. The mindfulness program improved self-compassion and rumination, while the relaxation response program strengthened coupling between neural regions associated with deliberate control.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateJun 13, 2018

Attacking bacteria with shark skin-inspired surfaces

Researchers have designed a coating infused with antimicrobial agents and mimicking the patterned diamond-like texture of shark skin. The coating effectively killed over 95% of E. coli and 80% of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria when exposed to UV light, making it a potential solution to combat hospital infections.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 13, 2018

Older melanoma patients may respond to anti-PD1 immunotherapy better than younger patients

A recent study published in Clinical Cancer Research found that older melanoma patients are more likely to respond to anti-PD1 immunotherapy compared to younger patients. Researchers analyzed data from 538 patients with melanoma treated with pembrolizumab and found a 13% decrease in progression rates for each decade of life.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJun 13, 2018

Periodontal cell sheet technique promotes bone and ligament formation on dental implant

Researchers used periodontal ligament-derived stem cells to create a cell sheet that promoted the formation of both cementum- and PDL-like tissue in dogs. This innovative work combines traditional dental implants with stem cell sheet technology, offering a promising solution for widespread dental health care issues.

Turning the tables on the cholera pathogen

Researchers have developed a probiotic intervention that suppresses Vibrio cholerae colonization in the intestinal tract and detects its presence through stool sampling. The approach leverages Lactococcus lactis to create an inhospitable environment for V. cholerae and incorporates synthetic gene circuits to sense secreted signals from...

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 13, 2018

Seeking new relationships with invasive species

A Dartmouth study explores alternative perspectives on invasive species through Anishnaabe traditions, highlighting the importance of respectful relationships and careful stewardship. The research reveals three key findings: indigenous communities view invasive species as natural migration or a form of cultural exchange, and traditiona...

SourceDartmouth College·JournalSustainability Science·DateJun 13, 2018

Grave consequences

A comprehensive study by the University of Konstanz found that female genital mutilation (FGM) increases the risk of developing mental illness, including post-traumatic stress disorder. The study also revealed changes in the body's reactions to stress, with increased cortisol levels affecting women who had undergone FGM.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalBMC Psychiatry·DateJun 13, 2018

Primary care providers say Michigan's Medicaid expansion helped patients' health and work

Primary care providers report that the Healthy Michigan Plan has helped patients manage their health, detect problems early, and improve their ability to work and live independently. The plan's coverage has also led to better adherence to prescribed medicines and improved emotional well-being among patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 13, 2018

New and improved way to find baby planets

A team of astronomers has developed a new technique to find young extrasolar planets by analyzing the motion of gas in protoplanetary disks. The method successfully confirmed the existence of two Jupiter-mass planets around star HD 163296, providing insight into planet formation and the process that shaped our own solar system.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 13, 2018