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Science News Archive September 2018 - Page 30


Page 30 of 37

Family genetics vital for understanding autism progression

A new study finds that individuals with a disease-associated mutation can have vastly different symptoms due to the total amount of rare mutations in their genome. The researchers discovered a correlation between the number of mutations and cognitive development, IQ scores, and head size.

SourcePenn State·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateSep 7, 2018

Study examines pros and cons of hydropower

A new study reveals that hydropower relicensing often overlooks key issues, such as restoring natural river conditions without significant economic penalties. The research highlights opportunities to reduce negative impacts while considering the carbon-emissions cost of reduced hydropower.

SourceWiley·JournalRiver Research and Applications·DateSep 6, 2018

What Anglo Saxon teeth can tell us about modern health

Researchers from the University of Bradford analyzed Anglo Saxon children's milk teeth to identify modern children at risk for conditions like diabetes and heart disease. The study found that teeth provide a more reliable indicator of diet and health than bones, revealing biomarkers for stress in early life.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateSep 6, 2018

Rapid weight gain during infancy possible risk factor for later obesity in kids with autism

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that rapid weight gain during infancy may be a risk factor for later obesity in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mothers who experienced pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity were more likely to have a child with overweight or obesity at ages 2-5.

Could AI robots develop prejudice on their own?

Computer simulations show that autonomous machines can form prejudicial groups by copying each other's behavior, indicating a non-human phenomenon of discrimination. The findings suggest that AI developments could inadvertently perpetuate prejudice, highlighting the need for awareness and responsible AI design.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 6, 2018

Smoking linked to higher dementia risk

A nationwide health claims analysis from Korea found smoking increases dementia risk, while quitting reduces it by up to 32%. Long-term quitters had a 14% lower risk of dementia compared to continual smokers, while never smokers had an 18% reduced risk for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceWiley·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateSep 6, 2018

Predict the onset and course of Huntington's disease

A research team at Max Delbrück Center identified tiny huntingtin protein fibers that precede larger deposits in Huntington's disease, enabling prediction of disease onset months in advance. These findings hold promise for diagnosis and potential new treatments by testing pharmaceutical substances against the fibers' harmful activity.

Visceral leishmaniasis on the rise in Brazil, study finds

The incidence of visceral leishmaniasis increased by 52.9% in Brazil between 1990 and 2016, while the disability-adjusted life years increased by 83.6%. Regional variations were observed, with rates rising in the Northeast and Southeast but decreasing in the Northern states.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 6, 2018

Patient-friendly and accurate

Researchers developed an imaging signature to detect subclinical cardiac injury in lupus patients, revealing inflammation as the underlying pathophysiological mechanism. The new diagnostic method using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) improves detection and monitoring of heart involvement without radiation or contrast agents.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateSep 6, 2018

Why leaf-eating Asian monkeys do not have a sweet tooth

A genetic study reveals that Asian colobine monkeys have a poor sense of taste, particularly in regards to natural sugars. This is attributed to their diet consisting mainly of leaves, which are easily digestible and fibre-rich, rather than energy-rich fruits containing simple sugars.

SourceSpringer·JournalPrimates·DateSep 6, 2018

New €10 million Parkinson's study

A new €10 million Parkinson's study will implement an integrated care model designed specifically for people with Parkinson's disease across two health hubs in Bath, UK and Nijmegen, Netherlands. The project aims to bridge the gap between fragmented care providers and deliver proactive and integrated care to patients.

Gender identities disrupted -- and reinforced

The study analyzed the ways children's gender narratives reinforce or disrupt gender inequality, revealing two master narratives that emphasize differences between boys and girls. Alternative narratives, including incongruent and counternarrative types, challenged these dominant stories, with some children explicitly questioning and re...

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalChild Development·DateSep 6, 2018

Bird bacteria study reveals evolutionary arms race

A recent study has found that birds develop resistance to bacterial infections, which in turn leads to the evolution of more potent pathogens. This host-pathogen coevolution process plays a key role in shaping species' defenses and highlights the importance of understanding emerging infectious diseases.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 6, 2018

Single-dose drug can shorten flu symptoms by about a day, studies suggest

A new influenza drug, baloxavir marboxil, has been shown to significantly shorten the duration of flu symptoms in teens and adults, clearing virus more quickly than placebo. The drug's antiviral potency was found to be similar to that of a five-day course of oseltamivir, but with greater effectiveness and no significant side effects.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 6, 2018

Antibacterial polymers

Researchers have synthesized a phosphonium polymer that exhibits extraordinary antibacterial activity despite lacking hydrophobic alkyl chains. The polymer's hydrophilic nature and balanced display of positive charges played a crucial role in its effectiveness.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 6, 2018

Telehealth helps promote safe antibiotic prescribing practices in remote healthcare

A pilot project found that telehealth videoconferencing increased awareness of antibiotic stewardship principles and helped facilities implement more than two-thirds of recommendations. This study demonstrates how technology can provide access to expert knowledge and practices for smaller facilities.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateSep 6, 2018

Do you know why and how you forget passwords?

Researchers discovered that people tend to forget passwords less frequently when they are used more often, according to a Rutgers University-led study. The study's findings suggest that password systems could be designed to encourage users to log in regularly, improving password retention.