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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 7


Page 7 of 47

New guidelines on best practices for videoconferencing-based telemental health

The American Psychiatric Association and the American Telemedicine Association have released new best practices for videoconferencing-based mental health services, covering topics such as emergency situations, technical considerations, and patient selection. These guidelines aim to enhance the delivery of effective and safe telemental ...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTelemedicine and e-Health·DateOct 29, 2018

Anti-cancer virus fits tumor receptor like a 'key in a lock'

Scientists have discovered how the Seneca Valley Virus interacts with tumor receptors, allowing it to selectively target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. The study provides detailed images of the virus and its receptor, enabling researchers to design improved cancer therapies.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2018

Oral curcumin shows no benefit in reducing inflammation following vascular surgery

A recent study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found that oral curcumin did not reduce inflammation or improve outcomes in patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. In fact, the study showed an increased risk of post-surgical kidney damage in patients taking curcumin.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateOct 29, 2018

Tobacco smoking pre-dated European contact in Pacific Northwest

Researchers found biomarkers of nicotine in 1,200-year-old stone pipes from the Columbia River Basin, challenging the idea that bearberry was the main ritual smoke plant. The discovery establishes a history of ritual tobacco use in the interior Pacific Northwest, informing education and smoking abatement programs.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2018

Study: Coal power plant regulations neglect a crucial pollutant

A study by Rice University researchers found that Texas would be healthier with stronger limits on sulfur dioxide emissions from coal plants. The study analyzed 13 coal plants and concluded that particulate matter is the deadliest air pollutant, causing respiratory diseases, heart attacks, and strokes.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the Air & Waste Management Association·DateOct 29, 2018

Scientists neutralize reactive nitrogen molecules to enhance cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have found a way to inhibit T-cell activation by targeting nitration of an amino acid in cancer cells. This approach could enhance cancer immunotherapy by identifying activity-based markers and designing approaches that shut down specific mechanisms inhibiting T-cell activation.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2018

Interior Northwest Indians used tobacco long before European contact

Researchers at Washington State University have uncovered evidence of ancient tobacco smoking in the interior Pacific Northwest dating back over 1,200 years. The study's findings challenge long-held views on the region's pre-contact smoking practices and highlight the sophistication of indigenous cultures in managing plants and animals.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2018

Truck driver pain and discomfort can be alleviated

A Canadian study found that truck drivers experience high rates of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort, with factors including organizational safety climate, job satisfaction, and physical fitness contributing to the issue. The study identified potential solutions, such as holistic programs addressing multiple risk factors, and encoura...

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·DateOct 29, 2018

Australia's changing relationship with alcohol

A recent study by La Trobe University found that Australians are re-evaluating their relationship with alcohol, with younger adults being key drivers of change. The research revealed that 30% of Aussies have reduced their drink intake and 6% have quit drinking altogether.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalAlcohol and Alcoholism·DateOct 28, 2018

I will drink to that

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology identify PP2A B55δ as a major regulator of alcohol fermentation by yeast. Understanding this molecular pathway could lead to ways to chemically enhance production of fermented beverages like sake.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 26, 2018

Getting the most out of atmospheric data analysis

A team of researchers has developed a mutual information approach to interpreting atmospheric data collected over an 18-year period, finding strong correlations between new-particle formation and water content, sulfuric acid concentration, temperature, and relative humidity.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateOct 26, 2018

When it comes to respiratory effects of wood smoke, sex matters

A recent study found that wood smoke exposure results in higher inflammatory markers for male subjects and lower inflammatory markers for female subjects. The researchers suggest that sex-specific effects may be missed when lumping data together, emphasizing the need to consider sex-specific responses when studying environmental pollut...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 26, 2018

Humans help robots learn tasks

Researchers at Stanford University have created two frameworks, RoboTurk and SURREAL, that enable humans to teach robots basic skills more efficiently. The systems allow people to direct robot arms to perform tasks like picking up objects in real-time using a smartphone and browser.