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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 37


Page 37 of 47

Dummies not to blame for common speech disorder in kids

Research published in Folia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica suggests that dummy use, breastfeeding, bottle use, and thumb sucking in early years do not cause or worsen phonological impairment, the most common type of speech disorder in children. The study found no significant association between sucking habits and speech delay.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalFolia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica·DateOct 7, 2018

How has children's body image changed over time?

The nationwide Chinese survey found that childhood overweight/obesity prevalence increased to 16.8% and children underestimated their weight status at the start of the study by 49%. Children with a higher body image had lower increases in BMI over time.

SourceWiley·JournalObesity·DateOct 5, 2018

Sink traps are surprising source of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in ICU

Researchers found antibiotic-resistant bacteria in sink traps of an Israeli hospital's intensive care unit. Implementing sink contamination prevention guidelines eliminated new infections and zeroed out infections altogether. The study highlights the importance of proper hygiene practices in preventing the spread of resistant bacteria.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateOct 5, 2018

Could bacteria fuel the future?

Researchers at the University of Delaware will study clostridium bacteria for biofuel production, aiming to create sustainable energy from renewable resources. The project seeks to demonstrate that using multiple complementary microorganisms can improve process yields and create valuable chemicals.

Nanopore technology with DNA computing easily detects microRNA patterns of lung cancer

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a simple technique to identify Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) earlier using nanopore technology and DNA computing. The method recognizes specific microRNA patterns associated with SCLC, enabling early detection without invasive cell biopsies.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateOct 5, 2018

The urban training intervention increases physical activity in COPD patients

A new approach for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been proposed, increasing physical activity levels by over 900 steps per day. The Urban Training intervention, developed by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, combines tailored components to address individual social and cultural factors.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateOct 5, 2018

Scientists get the drop on the cell's nucleus

Researchers have developed a novel strategy to measure material properties of the cell nucleus and its components using naturally occurring cellular dynamics. The study shows that human nucleoli behave like liquid droplets, which can influence disease progression, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

SourceNew York University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 5, 2018

Energy-insecure New Yorkers face multiple health risks

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that nearly one-third of Washington Heights residents experienced energy insecurity, leading to breathing problems, mental health issues, and poor sleep. Energy-insecure households were more likely to have children under 18 years of age and lower household income.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateOct 5, 2018

Health insurer policies may discourage use of non-opioid alternatives for lower back pain

A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that US public and private health insurance policies are inconsistent in covering non-drug treatments for lower back pain. Most plans lacked clear coverage terms for acupuncture, psychological counseling, and physical therapy, with only a few covering these alternatives.

Study finds standard treatment for common STD doesn't eliminate parasite in some women

A new study published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases found that a single dose of medication is not enough to eliminate trichomoniasis, a common curable STD causing serious birth complications and increasing HIV susceptibility. Researchers suggest multiple doses of treatment may be necessary for effective elimination of the parasite.

SourceTulane University·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateOct 5, 2018

How the brain learns during sleep

Researchers found that brain activity patterns during sleep can reveal which memories are stored and which forgotten. The brain reactivates memory traces during certain sleep phases, especially when gamma band activity from deep processing is reactivated during ripples in the hippocampus, leading to later recall of images.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 5, 2018

Typical mutations in children of radar soldiers

Researchers found that children of radar soldiers who were exposed to high doses of radiation had a higher rate of multisite de novo mutations and chromosomal alterations compared to offspring of non-radiation exposed parents. The results support the idea that accumulation of genotype damage by radiation can occur in the next generation.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 5, 2018

New details of HIV life cycle

A multi-institutional team has revealed new details about the HIV virus capsid structure and its role in the life cycle. Researchers found that a naturally occurring small molecule called IP6 plays an important part in both immature and mature phases of the HIV life cycle, making it a potential target for new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature·DateOct 5, 2018