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Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 25


Page 25 of 44

VA health care successfully reduces 'rush to treatment' rates for low-risk prostate cancer

A study by NYU Langone Health and the VA found that increasing numbers of veterans with non-aggressive prostate cancer are opting for watchful waiting or active surveillance. This shift towards more conservative treatment reflects a reversal in decades-long overtreatment, bringing care more in line with best practice guidelines.

How can we help children with brain injuries transition back to school?

Children with brain injuries face significant challenges transitioning to school, including educator lack of understanding and catching up on missed work. Leading researchers highlight the need for effective supports to improve academic achievement and reduce economic and social disadvantage.

SourceIOS Press·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateMay 15, 2018

Peatland contributions to UK water security

Scientists from the University of Leeds developed a global index identifying peatland-fed water as a significant source of drinking water in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The study estimates that peatlands support the equivalent of 71.4 million people globally, with most of these areas being in the British Isles.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMay 15, 2018

Key enzyme for production of second-generation ethanol discovered in Brazilian Amazon

Researchers from Brazil's National Energy & Materials Research Center (CNPEM) have discovered a key enzyme that can boost the efficiency of sugarcane bagasse saccharification, a crucial step in producing second-generation ethanol. The enzyme, produced by microorganisms living in Lake Poraquê in the Amazon, shows high glucose tolerance ...

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Proteins and Proteomics·DateMay 15, 2018

Worm-eating mice reveal how evolution works on islands

A team of scientists found four separate species of mice evolved from one common ancestor on Mindoro Island, which is the smallest known island to support this type of evolution. The discovery provides valuable insights into how mammals can diversify in small areas and has implications for conservation planning.

SourceField Museum·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateMay 15, 2018

Changes in e-cigarette use among US adults

A national survey found an increase in US adults who have ever used e-cigarettes, with a decrease in reported current use between 2014 and 2016. Electronic cigarettes were marketed for smoking cessation and as an alternative to conventional cigarettes.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 15, 2018

Malaria detectable in olfactory cocktail

Researchers at ETH Zurich have identified volatile biomarkers that can detect malaria in people with no external symptoms. The study found that changes in human odours are characteristic of both acute and asymptomatic malaria infections, allowing for nearly 100% detection rate even at low pathogen quantities.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 15, 2018

Entangled atoms shine in unison

Scientists at the University of Innsbruck have successfully demonstrated fully-controlled free-space quantum interference of single photons emitted by a pair of effectively-separated entangled atoms. This breakthrough opens up new possibilities for building quantum computers and measuring physical properties with unprecedented precision.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 15, 2018

Large gender imbalance in funding given for cancer research

A study published in BMJ Open reveals a large gender imbalance in cancer research funding, with male researchers receiving far greater funding than their female equivalents. The analysis of public and philanthropic funding data showed that men received 1.3 times more grants and £38% higher average grant values than women.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateMay 14, 2018