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Science News Archive March 2018 - Page 9


Page 9 of 41

Vampire bat immunity and infection risk respond to livestock rearing

Research reveals that vampire bats in areas with high livestock abundance have different immune profiles, investing more in adaptive immunity to fight infections. The study's findings also suggest a higher risk of virus transmission to humans through cross-species contact, highlighting the importance of sustainable farming practices.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateMar 26, 2018

Neural fingerprints of altruism

Research elucidates the neural basis of complex altruistic behavior, discovering two brain circuits that govern moral decisions in war veterans. The study used CT scans and an altruistic decision task to map brain damage and behavior, finding correlations between specific brain areas and punishment or donation behaviors.

Antibody removes Alzheimer's plaques, in mice

Researchers at WashU Medicine have developed an antibody that targets APOE protein, leading to the removal of amyloid plaques from mouse brains. This breakthrough could potentially halt brain damage triggered by plaques in early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMar 26, 2018

Study links climate policy, carbon emissions from permafrost

A new study published in PNAS suggests that controlling greenhouse gas emissions could substantially reduce the consequences of permafrost thawing, but failing to do so would result in significant carbon releases. The research found that even with low emission scenarios, permafrost loss and soil carbon changes are still substantial.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2018

Lightweight metal foam blocks blastwave, debris from high-explosive rounds

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new material, stainless steel composite metal foam (CMF), that offers much more protection than existing armor materials while lowering the weight remarkably. The CMF can block blast pressure and fragmentation from high-explosive incendiary rounds with minimal weight loss.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of the Korean Society for Advanced Composite Structures·DateMar 26, 2018

Food production under plant-based and animal-based diets

A study by Ron Milo and colleagues reveals that plant-based diets offer a significant reduction in food loss and an increase in food production. Replacing animal-based products with plant-based alternatives could produce up to 20-fold more protein per acre, enough to feed approximately 350 million additional people.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 26, 2018

Associations between longitudinal beverage intakes and adolescent caries

Research reveals strong connections between longitudinal beverage intakes and adolescent caries experience, with higher sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and lower fluoride intakes leading to increased caries risk. The study emphasizes the importance of adjusting for preventive factors such as brushing frequency in future studies.

Diagnosing breast cancer using red light

The new instrument increases the sensitivity of optical mammography by up to 1000-fold, allowing for earlier detection of breast cancer. This advancement offers a safer and more gentle alternative to traditional X-ray imaging, which is often limited by patient age, weight, or other factors.

SourceOptica·DateMar 23, 2018

Older adults who have slower walking speeds may have increased risk for dementia

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with slower walking speeds may be at increased risk for developing dementia. The research examined data from nearly 4,000 participants and discovered a strong link between slower walking speed and higher risk of dementia.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 23, 2018

Helping older adults discontinue using sedatives

A pilot study found that an educational brochure and support from healthcare personnel helped 64% of hospitalized older adults stop taking sedatives. Participants reported no significant change in sleep problems after stopping sedatives, highlighting the potential benefits of reducing polypharmacy.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 23, 2018

Opioid prescribing patterns of oral and maxillofacial surgeons: A nationwide survey

A nationwide survey found that oral and maxillofacial surgeons prescribed more opioids after hydrocodone-containing products were rescheduled in 2014. The study also showed a significant reduction in phone calls requesting refill authorizations after switching to more potent pain medications.

Dental oral craniofacial tissue regeneration consortia: A new paradigm

The National Institutes of Health (NIDCR) established the DOCTRC Program to develop resources and strategies for regenerating dental, oral, and craniofacial tissues. Two national resource centers were established: The Michigan-Pittsburgh-Wyss Resource Center and the Center for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Tissue and Organ Regeneration.

For patients with drug-resistant infections, infectious diseases experts may be lifesaving

A study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases found that patients with drug-resistant infections who received consultation from ID specialists had a 50% lower 30-day mortality rate. ID consultation was also associated with reduced mortality and hospital readmissions for certain types of resistant bacteria.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateMar 23, 2018

Is knee pain linked to depression?

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that knee pain is associated with an increased risk of depression in older adults. The research team developed a new screening tool based on questions about knee pain at night, which may help identify individuals at risk for developing depressive symptoms.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 23, 2018