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Science News for May 31, 2018


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.

Scientists use RFID chips to track biological samples

Scientists have developed a method to track biological samples using RFID chips, which can withstand extreme conditions and identify organoids grown from stem cells. This technology has the potential to advance drug testing and transplantation by providing real-time data on organoid health.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateMay 31, 2018

Political tension during the 2016 US Election cut many Thanksgiving dinners short

A study found that households with opposing political views spent significantly less time at the Thanksgiving table in 2016. Political tension exacerbated this effect, particularly for those exposed to high amounts of advertising. Overall, partisan differences cost Americans 73.6 million hours spent interacting during Thanksgiving.

The right squeeze for quantum computing

Scientists at Hokkaido University have developed a theoretical approach to quantum computing that uses light squeezing to dramatically reduce errors. This new method is ten billion times more tolerant of errors than current experimental methods, bringing us closer to developing ultra-accurate quantum computers.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMay 31, 2018

Firing up a new alloy

A new alloy is being developed through the testing of a sintering process in microgravity aboard the International Space Station. The investigation uses liquid phase sintering to study the degree of distortion caused by microgravity, with potential applications for space manufacturing and Earth-based industries.

For patients with prostate cancer, dysfunction due to treatment side effects results in increased emotional distress -- and vice versa

A new study found that men with prostate cancer who experience urinary, bowel, or sexual dysfunction after treatment are more likely to experience emotional distress, which can lead to worsening function. The researchers emphasize the need for greater investment in psychosocial care to mitigate treatment side effects and improve qualit...

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateMay 31, 2018

Hydropower in Cambodia could threaten food security of region

The construction of hydroelectric dams on the Mekong River poses significant risks to fish migration, livelihoods, and regional food security in Cambodia. The Tonle Sap Lake's unique hydrological system is strongly influenced by the Asian monsoon, which could be disrupted by changes in water levels and flows.

Lego-like chemical building blocks self-assemble into catalyst for hydrogen fuel cells

Researchers have designed a new material that uses self-assembly to create an efficient catalyst for hydrogen fuel cells. The catalyst is made from a combination of cobalt and ruthenium molecules that assemble themselves into the desired structure, allowing for large-scale production at a lower cost than current platinum-based catalysts.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateMay 31, 2018

The genome guardian turns to the dark side: Opportunity for drug discovery against cancer?

A research group has developed a new technique to study the behavior of p53 conformers, which are prone to forming amyloid aggregates that contribute to cancer development. The approach allows researchers to observe these conformers before they aggregate, providing potential tools for understanding and blocking their formation.

SourcePublicase International·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateMay 31, 2018

Dolphin algorithm could lead to better medical ultrasounds

Researchers have developed an algorithm inspired by dolphin echolocation, which can disentangle overlapping signals and provide more precise information on object shape. This breakthrough technology could improve medical ultrasound imaging and measure organ membrane thickness, among other applications.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateMay 31, 2018

More important for heart patients to be active than thin

A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study found that individuals with coronary heart disease who are physically active live longer, regardless of their weight. The study revealed that even slight physical activity is better than none at all, but sustained high-intensity exercise is crucial for reaping benefits.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateMay 31, 2018