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Science News Archive September 2018 - Page 4


Page 4 of 37

People can die from giving up the fight

Researchers describe five stages of give-up-itis, a condition characterized by progressive psychological decline and apathy, leading to potentially life-threatening consequences. The condition is triggered by severe trauma and affects the anterior cingulate circuit, governing motivation and goal-directed behavior.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalMedical Hypotheses·DateSep 27, 2018

True burden of stillbirths in Europe vastly underestimated

A study of 2.5 million babies in 19 European countries found that around one-third of stillbirths occur before 28 weeks of pregnancy but are not officially recognized, with significant gaps in knowledge of the burden of stillbirth. Improvements in reporting and policy can help acknowledge the loss of these parents' children.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 27, 2018

Putting noise to work

Researchers have demonstrated that noise can induce coherence resonance in nonlinear systems, allowing for the detection of weak signals without a reference signal. The results show promise for developing passive lock-in amplifiers with reduced integration times and operating range.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 27, 2018

One hundred percent success

The University of Freiburg has been granted two Clusters of Excellence, CIBSS and livMatS, with funding of up to 100 million euros over seven years. The clusters will focus on biological signalling studies and bioinspired materials research.

PCB pollution threatens to wipe out killer whales

A new study published in the journal Science reveals that killer whale populations are severely affected by PCBs, with over half of studied populations showing significant declines. The research predicts that these populations may disappear within 30-50 years if current levels of pollution persist.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScience·DateSep 27, 2018

Educating the next generation of medical professionals with machine learning is essential

A new course at Boston University School of Medicine aims to educate students and trainees on machine learning concepts, preparing them for the growing data science revolution in healthcare. The authors emphasize the need for embedding ML curriculum into medical education to enhance clinical decision-making and management.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateSep 27, 2018

Why a 'cuckoo in the nest' can go undetected

Some species are unable to recognize genetic differences between their own offspring and those of intruders, leading to acceptance. Genetic features associated with recognition may have died out due to the disadvantage of being different, making it impossible for parents to reject parasitic offspring.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 27, 2018

Decoding multiple frames from a single, scattered exposure

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new technique to reconstruct sequence of diffuse images from one long photographic exposure. By using a coded aperture, they can extract individual frames from a single, scattered exposure, overcoming limitations such as motion and constant scattering medium.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 27, 2018

Fecal microbiota transplantation helps restore beneficial bacteria in cancer patients

Researchers found that autologous fecal microbiota transplantation (auto-FMT) restored beneficial gut bacteria to near baseline levels within days, mitigating the effects of intense antibiotic treatment. This approach may prove a simple way to quickly restore a healthy microbiome following intensive antimicrobial therapy.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 26, 2018

Researchers add surprising finds to the fossil record

Researchers discovered a new fossil that shows large angiosperm trees grew in North America by the Turonian age, dating back nearly 15 million years earlier than previously thought. This find provides more detail to our understanding of the landscape during this period and sheds light on the evolution of flowering plants.

SourceAdelphi University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 26, 2018

Wearable defibrillator lowers sudden cardiac death, but only when you wear it

A UCSF-led study found that wearable cardioverter defibrillators lower mortality among patients who wear them consistently, but do not significantly reduce sudden cardiac death. The devices were more effective in reducing overall mortality, with a 35.5% lower risk of death compared to those who did not wear the device.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 26, 2018

Spheres can make concrete leaner, greener

Researchers create spheres that can be made at low cost and promise to mitigate the energy-intensive techniques now used to make cement. The spheres are suitable for various applications, including bone-tissue engineering, insulation, ceramic, and composite materials.

SourceRice University·JournalLangmuir·DateSep 26, 2018

New protocol for measuring background levels of drugs in crime labs

Scientists at NIST and Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division developed a protocol to measure background drug levels, which can affect test results. The study found detectable amounts of 13 substances, including fentanyl, on various surfaces, highlighting the need for regular cleaning and increased sensitivity in labs.

Is student debt keeping Americans away from marriage?

Research shows that modern couples are delaying marriage to focus on paying off student loans and saving. The study highlights how attitudes towards marriage, living together, and debt have changed over two generations, suggesting that debt is becoming a barrier to marriage.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Family and Economic Issues·DateSep 26, 2018