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Science News for March 7, 2018


Some teachers don't talk to anyone about violent incidents

A nationwide study found that one in five teachers who experienced physical or verbal violence at their schools didn't report the incidents to school administrators. The study also showed that significant minorities of teachers who experienced violence also didn't tell their colleagues (14 percent) or family (24 percent).

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Psychology of Education·DateMar 7, 2018

Mapping a genetic risk

Researchers mapped gene expression levels to understand how mutations affect traits, finding non-linear relationships that aren't proportional to the level of mutation. This discovery helps improve prediction accuracy for diseases like cleft lip and palate.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 7, 2018

More realistic and accurate organs-on-chips

Researchers created a new type of microfluidic device using collagen-based membranes to mimic the growth of human intestinal cells. The results showed that colon cells grown on the collagen membrane were more viable and differentiated compared to those in other devices.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·DateMar 7, 2018

Virtual testing of parts could replace physical tests

A £1 million funded research project at Swansea University is developing virtual qualification for high-value manufacturing. This technology uses 3D X-ray imaging to create digital replicas of components, allowing for the assessment of performance and reduction of human error. The goal is to reduce testing time from weeks to hours.

Mental health treatment for victims of human trafficking -- Journal of Psychiatric Practice presents initial recommendations

A review in Journal of Psychiatric Practice recommends cognitive therapies as a favored approach to addressing trauma symptoms in human trafficking victims. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) shows promise in treating trauma-related distress, with potential benefits including reduced feelings of guilt and shame.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Practice·DateMar 7, 2018

Should doctors recommend acupuncture for pain?

Acupuncture may be a safe alternative to drugs for chronic pain, with moderate benefit shown in a review of 20,827 patients. However, critics argue that the evidence is insufficient and that it can be linked to better quality of life compared to usual care. Doctors should consider a more flexible approach to guideline development.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 7, 2018

Causes of death in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Rheumatoid arthritis patients have higher mortality rates due to complications from the disease and its treatment. Cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, including pneumonia, are major contributors to these deaths.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateMar 7, 2018

Mechanical harvesting of papayas might be a reality with computational technique

Brazilian researchers design a non-invasive system that identifies different stages of fruit ripening with an accuracy rate of 95%. The system uses algorithms and digital imaging to analyze the biochemical stage of fruit maturation, providing essential information for precise papaya harvesting.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·DateMar 7, 2018

Creating complex molecules in just a few steps

Researchers have developed a new process for creating complex molecules in just a few steps, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly. The method involves C-H activation, allowing for the transformation of a single C-H bond into a functional group, enabling easy combination of two different molecules.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 7, 2018

New study takes the guesswork out of selecting and seeding teams for 'March Madness'

A new study has developed an automated approach to select and seed teams for the NCAA March Madness basketball tournaments, providing an objective and unbiased starting point. The algorithm achieved high accuracy rates, matching 24 of 38 top teams in seeding and 89.6% being within two seeds of committee rankings.

Icelandic program seeks to eliminate HCV

The TraP Hep C program in Iceland uses a multidisciplinary approach to find and treat early HCV cases, prioritizing those who inject drugs. By the end of 2018, the program aims to complete active treatment for all known cases in the country.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateMar 7, 2018

Antiviral drug not beneficial for reducing mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B when added to existing preventatives, study shows

A phase III clinical trial in Thailand tested TDF therapy against standard preventative measures, finding no significant reduction in infant infection rates. The study suggests that adding TDF may have little effect on mother-to-child transmission rates already at low levels.

Animals shield their families from a harsh world

Researchers found that helping behavior can be more advantageous in unpredictable environments, where staying home to raise relatives can provide a survival advantage. This challenges the long-held theory of Haldane's rule, which explains why some animals prioritize their own reproduction over helping others.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateMar 7, 2018

Smart glass made better, and cheaper

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a new type of smart glass that is more transparent in its transparent state and more reflective in its reflective state. The panels, made from two sheets of plastic separated by a thin cavity, can switch between allowing light in and blocking it out with just the press of a button.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalOptics Express·DateMar 7, 2018

Weight loss surgery linked to an increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease

A new analysis found a link between weight loss surgery and an increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with patients having a nearly 2-times higher likelihood of developing IBD. The mechanism behind this association is unclear, but alterations in gut microbes and vitamin D/bile salt deficiencies may play a role.

SourceWiley·JournalAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics·DateMar 7, 2018

Study points to potential misuse/abuse of ADHD drugs

A study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology suggests that methylphenidate, an ADHD medication, may be subject to misuse and/or abuse. The study found inconsistent patterns of use among adult users, particularly those aged 25-49 years.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateMar 7, 2018

Older adult falls lead to substantial medical costs

Falls among older adults are a significant contributor to healthcare costs, with nonfatal falls resulting in $28.9 billion Medicare payments and fatal falls costing $754 million. Preventive strategies can help reduce these costs and improve health outcomes.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 7, 2018

What influences older adults' preferences for care?

Researchers found that family support is a key influencer of care preferences in older adults with advanced illnesses, but also discovered that individuals often lack a clear understanding of their own preferences. The study emphasizes the importance of considering these factors when providing person-centered care.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 7, 2018

Warm showers and ball exercises may help women during childbirth

A new study found that warm showers and perineal exercises with a ball during childbirth can significantly lessen pain, anxiety, and stress. The interventions were shown to increase well-being hormones and are considered safe, low-cost practices that can be used as an adjuvant to medications.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Nursing Practice·DateMar 7, 2018

CHOP urologist and colleagues address unmet global burden of surgical disease in India

A team of experts from around the world collaborated to develop a program to treat bladder exstrophy in children, resulting in improved patient outcomes and long-term sustainability. The program, which includes rigorous patient follow-up and training of local surgeons, has transformed care for children born with this complex disorder.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMar 7, 2018

Renowned cardiologist says new blood pressure guidelines not good for all

A leading cardiologist has criticized the new hypertension guidelines, which he says could lead to more harm than benefit for certain individuals. The guidelines recommend intensive treatment for patients at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, but Dr. Robert Phillips argues that those with lower risk may face unnecessary harm.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMar 7, 2018

Why people experience seasonal skin changes

A new study reveals that seasonal skin changes are caused by climatic and humidity fluctuations, which affect the skin's barrier function. The research suggests that individuals should protect their skin with emollients in winter and sunscreen in summer to manage skin disorders such as eczema.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateMar 7, 2018

Slow-release hydrogel aids immunotherapy for cancer

A new slow-release hydrogel has been developed to aid immunotherapy for cancer, providing a continuous dose of immunotherapy drugs to activate the immune system. The hydrogel, called STINGel, was tested in lab cultures and in vivo trials, showing promise in killing cancer cells and preventing further implantation of cancer cells.

SourceRice University·JournalBiomaterials·DateMar 7, 2018

Direct observation of topology hidden inside materials

A joint research group has successfully observed topology hidden inside materials using soft X-rays. This achievement enables the direct determination of material topology without relying on surface appearance, which is expected to lead to the discovery of more diverse topological electronic phases.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 7, 2018

Adult chimpanzees play more than adult lowland gorillas in captivity

A study published in PLOS ONE found that adult chimpanzees exhibit more frequent and longer play sessions compared to adult lowland gorillas in captivity. This suggests a difference in their level of social cohesion, with chimpanzees living in highly cohesive groups and gorillas having lower levels of social affiliation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 7, 2018

Diamond discovery under pressure

Researchers have discovered a diamond containing the fourth most abundant mineral in Earth, calcuim silicate perovskite, at the surface. This finding suggests that oceanic crust is recycled into the lower mantle, with potential implications for our understanding of Earth's core.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature·DateMar 7, 2018

US cancer treatment guidelines 'often based on weak evidence'

A recent study published in The BMJ questioned the underlying evidence for current US cancer treatment guidelines. Researchers found that these guidelines often rely on low-quality or no evidence at all. The study highlights concerns about the justification of costly and toxic cancer drugs based on weak evidence.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 7, 2018