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Science News Archive May 2018


Page 1 of 44

Study gauges impact of dengue virus on Ethiopia

A recent study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that nearly a third of febrile patients in Northwest Ethiopia tested positive for dengue virus. The study identified key risk factors, including residence, occupation, and lack of mosquito net use, which can contribute to DENV infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 31, 2018

Psychologists: Women are not to blame for the wage gap

Psychologists at Rice University argue that organizations must provide training, support, and opportunities for growth to eliminate the wage gap. The researchers highlight myths regarding the gap and offer suggestions for its elimination, including removing barriers, providing equal growth opportunities, and promoting diversity.

SourceRice University·JournalIndustrial and Organizational Psychology·DateMay 31, 2018

From face recognition to phase recognition

Scientists have developed a neural network that can recognize features in x-ray absorption spectra sensitive to atomic arrangement at fine scales. This method helps reveal details of atomic-scale rearrangements during iron's phase transition, and could be applied to study nanoparticles, catalytic materials, and other materials.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 31, 2018

Aerial robot that can morph in flight

Researchers designed an aerial robot that can alter its profile during flight to reduce its wingspan and navigate through narrow passages. The Quad-Morphing robot has two rotating arms equipped with propellers, allowing it to fly like a helicopter and adopt different arm orientations to traverse tight spaces.

SourceCNRS·JournalSoft Robotics·DateMay 31, 2018

This is your brain detecting patterns

The brain processes pattern learning in a distinct way compared to probabilistic learning, with different parts of the brain being activated. Participants showed increased activity in the hippocampus and ventromedial prefrontal cortex when figuring out patterns, indicating a sense of reward and improved learning speed.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNeuron·DateMay 31, 2018

Conflicting guidance on opioid prescribing can jeopardize pain mgmt for patients with cancer

The article highlights conflicting guidance on opioid prescribing, potentially jeopardizing pain management for patients with cancer. Key areas of concern include CDC guideline recommendations that don't align with NCCN guidelines, and the lack of evidence for non-pharmacologic treatments to manage moderate to severe pain.

Massive analysis reveals ways to make food earth-friendly again

A meta-analysis of global food production cycles and their environmental impacts has identified data-supported opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of food production. The study found that some products have disproportionately high environmental impacts, while others may require trade-offs in certain mitigation strategies.

Federal home visiting program can be improved to better meet needs of families

The MIECHV program has established six benchmarks for organizations to demonstrate improvement, but research suggests only three constructs - preterm birth, breastfeeding, and well-child visits - are supported by evidence-based research. The review identifies 16 other non-mandated constructs that have evidence of home visiting improvin...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPublic Health Reports·DateMay 31, 2018

The secret to longevity is in the microbiome and the gut

A study from McGill University found that combining probiotics with an herbal supplement called Triphala increases fruit fly lifespan by 60%. The researchers observed reduced traits of aging, including insulin resistance, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The findings suggest a potential link between gut bacteria and human longevity.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 31, 2018

Most surgical residents want personal financial education offered during medical training

A study found that most surgical residents have high risk debt-to-asset and debt-to-income ratios, and many feel the need for personal financial education. The researchers suggest providing financial training through accessible platforms like podcasts or web-based tools to help residents manage their debt.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMay 31, 2018

McMaster professor seeks to stop the bleeding

Dr. Alfonso Iorio has been appointed the inaugural holder of the Bayer Chair for Clinical Epidemiology Research and Bleeding Disorders at McMaster University. He will focus primarily on inherited blood disorders such as hemophilia A, hemophilia B, and von Willebrand disease to optimize treatment strategies.