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Science News for April 7, 2019


Global atlas of kidney health release on April 12 at World Congress of Nephrology

A new global study, Global Kidney Health Atlas (GKHA), is released on April 12 at the World Congress of Nephrology, detailing country and region breakdowns of global kidney health. The study highlights disparities in treatment access due to social, economic, and political factors, resulting in over 2 million deaths annually worldwide.

SourceTania Ewing and Associates·DateApr 7, 2019

Air temperatures in the Arctic are driving system change

A new study combines physical and biological climate indicators to show that Arctic air temperatures are driving major changes in the region's systems. The research highlights the interconnectedness of various components, including sea ice, permafrost, and ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateApr 7, 2019

Food additive may influence how well flu vaccines work

A study found that a common food additive, tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), can hinder the immune system's ability to fight off flu viruses, making vaccines less effective. In mice exposed to tBHQ, CD4 and CD8 T cells showed reduced functionality, leading to increased inflammation and mucus production in the lungs.

SourceMichigan State University·DateApr 7, 2019

Real cost of heart attacks and strokes: Double the direct medical expense

Research published by the European Society of Cardiology found that victims of heart attack and stroke who return to work are 25% less productive in their first year back. The study estimated direct medical costs of acute coronary syndrome as €1,547-€18,642 and stroke costs as €5,575-€31,274.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology·DateApr 7, 2019
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Gum bacteria implicated in Alzheimer's and other diseases

Researchers found evidence of gum bacteria in brain samples from people with Alzheimer's disease, suggesting a link between the two conditions. A study using mice showed that the bacterium can migrate from the mouth to the brain, and an experimental drug is currently being tested for its potential to treat Alzheimer's.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 7, 2019

Spying on cells' eating habits could aid cancer diagnosis

Scientists developed a new imaging technology to visualize what cells eat, such as glucose, which could aid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases like cancer. The technique uses chemical probes that light up when they attach to specific molecules consumed by cells.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 7, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Sunscreen use could lead to better blood vessel health

Researchers found that sunscreen and sweat on the skin can protect blood vessel function from UVR exposure, preserving nitric oxide levels. This protective effect may benefit individuals who spend extended periods outdoors, reducing the risk of skin vascular dysfunction.

SourceAmerican Physiological Society·DateApr 7, 2019

Identifying a key player in gut defense development

A joint team from Hokkaido University and Keio University has identified a key player in the gut defense mechanism of infants, a protein called Sox8. This discovery could help understand how infants develop their own intestinal immune systems after weaning.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 7, 2019
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Exercise during pregnancy protects offspring from obesity

A new study found that offspring born to mice exercising during pregnancy had increased levels of proteins associated with brown adipose tissue and higher body temperatures, indicating improved thermogenic function. This led to reduced weight gain on a high-fat diet and fewer symptoms of metabolic diseases in later life.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 7, 2019

Experimental drug shows promise for opioid withdrawal symptoms

Rapastinel, an antidepressant-turned-opioid-reversal-drug, has shown promising results in reducing withdrawal signs in rats, potentially leading to a new treatment option for opioid dependence. The drug binds to the same receptor as ketamine but with a milder effect, offering a safer alternative to existing treatments.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 7, 2019

Common virus linked to faster disease progression in cystic fibrosis

A new study has found that cystic fibrosis patients who have a common virus may experience faster disease progression. Cytomegalovirus infection was the most important factor linked to disease progression, with patients having the virus referred for lung transplants at a much younger age and dying ten years earlier on average.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateApr 7, 2019