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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 212


Page 212 of 486

Hydration sensor could improve dialysis

Researchers at MIT have developed a portable sensor that can accurately measure patients' hydration levels using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry. The device has the potential to improve dialysis treatment for patients with kidney disease and could also benefit people with congestive heart failure, athletes, and elderly ind...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 24, 2019

High blood pressure treatment and nursing home residents

Research suggests that intensive high blood pressure treatment in nursing home residents with dementia does not provide significant benefits, and may even lead to increased hospitalization rates. The study's findings recommend reducing medication doses or discontinuing use in residents with dementia, aligning with their goals of care.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 24, 2019

Medical imaging rates during pregnancy

Researchers examined medical imaging practices among nearly 3.5 million pregnant women in the US and Canada between 1996 and 2016, revealing declining trends in some procedures. The study found that imaging rates decreased over time, with a notable drop in conventional x-rays, angiography, and fluoroscopy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 24, 2019

How nature builds hydrogen-producing enzymes

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and University of Oxford reveal the mechanism behind activating hydrogenases, complex enzymes that produce hydrogen efficiently. The discovery sheds light on the process of introducing a chemical cofactor into the enzyme's active center.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 2019

Reach out and touch someone

Researchers have created a prosthetic arm called the LUKE Arm, which can mimic human hand sensations, allowing amputees to pick up objects with greater precision. The arm uses a system of mathematical calculations and modeling to send biologically realistic signals to the brain, enabling users to feel touch, texture, and pressure.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 24, 2019

Developing technologies that run on light

Researchers at Stanford University have designed a photon diode that can only flow in one direction, enabling faster solutions to scientific, mathematical and economic problems. The device uses nanostructures and metasurfaces to manipulate light and break time-reversal symmetry.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2019

Outcompeting cancer

Researchers at Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown discovered a cell-competition mechanism called fitness fingerprints that allows cancer cells to disguise themselves as healthy cells. By blocking this mechanism, they found that tumour growth can be slowed down, but not eliminated.

A peek at the birth of the universe

Researchers examine SKA-MPG telescope prototype for its ability to investigate cosmic background radiation with ultra precision. The study provides new insights into the origin of the Universe and explores potential applications in gravitational wave detection and dark energy research.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 24, 2019

Multiple concurrent central lines increases risk for bloodstream infection

A new study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that using the number of central lines as a denominator decreased Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) rates by 25%. The presence of multiple concurrent central lines may indicate severity of illness, posing a risk for bloodstream infections.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJul 24, 2019

Unlocking therapies for hard-to-treat lung cancers

A new study published in Science Advances reveals that a cellular switch called CREB plays a key role in directing tumor growth in non-small-cell lung cancer. Researchers found that blocking this switch could have therapeutic benefits for patients with this deadly type of cancer.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 24, 2019

How climate change disrupts relationships

A study by University of Würzburg scientists found that climate change accelerates the flowering of pasque flowers, outpacing the emergence of solitary bees, which rely on these plants for food. This disruption can lead to reduced seed production and reproductive success in plants, while negatively affecting bee populations.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 24, 2019

Screen time no child's play

A University of Queensland study found that some young children are spending an average of 50 minutes per day on screens, exceeding the national guideline of zero screen time in children under two. The guidelines aim to provide a healthy start for children and limit screen time to promote development and growth.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateJul 24, 2019

High blood sugar increases pancreatic cancer rate

A nationwide study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that high blood sugar levels significantly increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. The study suggests that early detection of hyperglycemia and lifestyle modifications to improve glucose profiles may help lower this risk.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 24, 2019

Clues on how soils may respond to climate change found

Researchers found drastic drops in organic material preserved in core samples from the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum event, suggesting soils emitted atmospheric carbon dioxide. The findings could mean global climate models overestimate terrestrial ecosystems' ability to mitigate future warming.

SourcePenn State·JournalPaleoceanography and Paleoclimatology·DateJul 24, 2019

Dangers of the blame game

A study found that when people are informed about a victim's past moral transgressions, they are less likely to take action against the company. This phenomenon can lead to irrational victim blaming, harming individuals, groups, and society. The study aims to increase awareness among consumers and empower them to make rational decisions.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateJul 24, 2019