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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 229


Page 229 of 486

An 'EpiPen' for spinal cord injuries

The approach demonstrated in mice enhances healing by reprogramming aggressive immune cells to work for the body, reducing inflammation and promoting regeneration. This technology could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients with spinal cord injury and inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 11, 2019

Bird with unusually long toes found fossilized in amber

Researchers have discovered a bird foot from 99 million years ago preserved in amber that had a hyper-elongated third toe, measuring 9.8 millimeters, which is 41 percent longer than its second toe and 20 percent longer than its lower leg bone. The bird, named Elektorornis chenguangi, likely used its toes to hook food out of tree trunks.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 11, 2019

Researchers survey immune molecules found inside mycetoma lesions

A recent study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases investigated the expression levels of two immune proteins, interleukin-17 and matrix metalloprotein-9, in mycetoma grains. The researchers found that these molecules are present in specific zones of the grains and correspond with disease duration and lesion size.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 11, 2019

Training trials

A study published in BMJ found that reduced training hours for medical residents did not compromise the quality of care delivered by new physicians. The analysis of 485,685 hospitalizations showed no significant differences in patient outcomes, including mortality and readmissions.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 11, 2019

Maternal obesity linked to childhood cancer

A new study from the University of Pittsburgh found a correlation between pre-pregnancy body-mass index (BMI) in mothers and subsequent cancer diagnosis in their offspring. Children born to severely obese mothers had a 57% higher risk of developing leukemia before age 5.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 10, 2019

Ped EM docs at risk for developing compassion fatigue, burnout, low compassion satisfaction

A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that pediatric emergency medicine physicians are at risk for developing compassion fatigue, burnout, and low compassion satisfaction. The researchers recommend improving interpersonal relationships, work environment, and self-care to enhance provider well-being and patient care.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJul 10, 2019

Giving nanowires a DNA-like twist

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory discovered a DNA-like twisted crystal structure created with germanium sulfide nanowires, resembling the organic DNA structure. The twist causes the wire to elongate and widen into a helical structure, with segments resembling helically stacked bricks.

Chemical makers oppose new tariffs

Chemical manufacturers in the US are opposing new tariffs proposed by the Trump administration on $300 billion worth of Chinese goods. The additional taxes could hurt US companies' competitiveness and pricing advantage over foreign firms that do not have to pay tariffs.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 10, 2019

Astronomers expand cosmic 'cheat sheet' in hunt for life

Researchers have created a new tool to understand exoplanet evolution, using Earth's biosignatures as a 'cheat sheet' to detect signs of life. By analyzing the colors produced by different organisms on Earth, scientists can now look beyond vegetation and detect surface biota dating back billions of years.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 10, 2019