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Science News for August 15, 2019


Sensory impairment and health expectancy in older adults

Research found that people with sensory impairments can expect fewer years of remaining life with limited physical function and ADLs. Those with both vision and hearing impairments had the greatest reduction in health expectancy, spending nearly one-third of their life with limitation in physical function.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateAug 15, 2019

Financial abuse of older adults by family members more common than scams by strangers

A new study by USC researchers identifies family members as the most common perpetrators of financial elder abuse, making up nearly 55% of reported cases. The study analyzed over 2,000 calls to a National Center on Elder Abuse resource line and found that family members were responsible for more than 42% of alleged abuses.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Applied Gerontology·DateAug 15, 2019

Trauma begets trauma: Bullying associated with increased suicide attempts among 12-to-15-year-olds

A global study found that bullying victimization is associated with a three-fold increased risk of suicide attempts among young adolescents. The study, which analyzed data from 48 countries, also found that the duration and frequency of bullying are key factors in predicting suicidal behavior.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateAug 15, 2019

Expression of M gene segment of influenza A virus determines host range

A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that the M gene segment of influenza A virus restricts growth and transmission in human hosts. Excess production of the M2 protein resulting from avian-derived M segments interferes with cellular functions, highlighting the critical role of M segment gene expression in host adaptation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 15, 2019

When human expertise improves the work of machines

Researchers develop a technique called dimensional stacking to improve data analysis for materials scientists. By organizing data based on physical and chemical properties, machines can gain insights into complex materials like ferroelectrics. This approach shows that human experience still has a role in the age of machine intelligence.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateAug 15, 2019

New tools help detect digital domestic abuse

Researchers at Cornell Tech developed a new clinical model to respond systematically to digital threats against victims of intimate partner violence. The model includes a technology assessment questionnaire, technograph diagram, and ISDi spyware scanning tool to help counselors pinpoint online abuse and protect victims' safety.

Major award for 2 Bernese medical projects

Researchers from Bern, Switzerland have been awarded major grants by the US Department of Defense to study new treatments for prostate cancer and develop methods to preserve severed limbs. The projects aim to identify factors driving metastasis and improve survival rates in prostate cancer patients.

More cancer cases among women with sleep apnea

A new study published in the European Respiratory Journal found that women with sleep apnea are at a higher risk of developing cancer. The research, based on registry data from over 20,000 adult patients, shows a possible link between intermittent hypoxia and increased cancer prevalence among women, but not men.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateAug 15, 2019

WPI biologist's discovery gives evolution clues and may affect drug interaction research

A WPI biologist has discovered that a key component in a worm's communication system can be repurposed to take on a different function, providing insights into the workings of evolution. This finding could have significant implications for drug interaction research, agricultural bio-engineering, and our understanding of genetic inherit...

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 15, 2019

Discovery of how cells override genetic changes

Scientists at Huntsman Cancer Institute have discovered a way for cells to override genetic changes, potentially leading to more effective pancreatic cancer treatment. The study found that introducing PTF1A into normal cells prevented the formation of cancer cells and even reversed early-stage cancer cells back to healthy pancreas cells.

SourceHuntsman Cancer Institute·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateAug 15, 2019

Predictive value of resting pd/pa for fractional flow reserve assessed with monorail pressure microcatheter in real-world practice

Resting Pd/Pa showed poor agreement with hyper-emic FFR, but specific thresholds (0.96 or greater for normal FFR and 0.82 or less for abnormal FFR) provided excellent sensitivity and specificity. These findings have implications for real-world practice in assessing coronary artery disease.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateAug 15, 2019

New contrast agent could make MRIs safer

Researchers at MGH develop a new, possibly safer contrast agent for MRI exams using a manganese-based compound that provides comparable tumor contrast enhancement to state-of-the-art gadolinium-based agents. The new agent is designed to be more quickly and thoroughly cleared from the body, reducing concerns about long-term safety.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalInvestigative Radiology·DateAug 15, 2019

Best of both worlds: Asteroids and massive mergers

University of Arizona researchers are using the Catalina Sky Survey's near-Earth object telescopes to find optical counterparts to gravitational waves triggered by massive mergers. The team found several supernovae and a near-Earth object during their ongoing campaign, which began in April.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 15, 2019

Care less with helmet

Researchers found that wearing a bike helmet decreases the 'Frontal Midline Theta Power' in brain activity, indicating reduced cognitive control during risk decision-making. This suggests that wearing a helmet can influence behavior through subtle suggestions on a subconscious level.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalPsychophysiology·DateAug 15, 2019

Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications (CVIA) vol 4, issue 2 publishes

The latest issue of Cardiovascular Innovations and Applications features a wide range of papers on various cardiovascular topics. These include studies on selective coronary angiography following cardiac arrest and systemic vasculitis as an underestimated cause of malignant hypertension. The journal also covers reviews on epicardial co...

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateAug 15, 2019

Discovery could pave the way for disease-resistant rice crops

Researchers have identified a specific rice immune receptor that can trigger immune reactions in response to multiple fungal proteins, paving the way for disease-resistant rice crops. Gene-editing technologies could be used to precisely insert genes into rice plants, overcoming issues with linkage drag and enhancing disease resistance.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateAug 15, 2019

Immune cells drive gallstone formation

Researchers discover that sticky meshworks of DNA and proteins extruded by neutrophils act as the glue that binds together calcium and cholesterol crystals during gallstone formation. Inhibiting NETs reduces gallstone growth in mice, offering new strategies for treating gallstone disease.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateAug 15, 2019

How buildings can cut 80% of their carbon emissions by 2050

Researchers suggest that reaching an 80% reduction in building CO2 emissions by 2050 requires highly energy-efficient technologies, new operational approaches, and electrification of fossil fuel-based systems. The study identifies two promising avenues for reducing emissions: energy-saving retrofits and smart software optimization.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateAug 15, 2019

Data assimilation method offers improved hurricane forecasting

A new approach developed at Penn State's Center for Advanced Data Assimilation and Predictability Techniques can accurately forecast the intensity and trajectory of Hurricane Harvey. The method uses data from the GOES-16 satellite and Penn State's all-sky radiance technique, which more accurately models hurricanes.

SourcePenn State·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateAug 15, 2019

New BioIVT research examines potential link between HIV integrase inhibitor drugs and neural tube defects during pregnancy

Researchers found that HIV integrase inhibitor dolutegravir is not a clinical inhibitor of folate transport pathways, reducing concerns about its impact on maternal and fetal health. The study's results suggest that these drugs may be safer for pregnant women than previously thought.

SourceRana Healthcare Solutions LLC·JournalDrug Metabolism and Disposition·DateAug 15, 2019

The relationship between mean platelet volume and in-hospital mortality in geriatric patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention

Geriatric patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction who undergo primary percutaneous coronary intervention have higher in-hospital mortality rates if they have a high mean platelet volume. This is also associated with higher Gensini scores, creatinine concentrations, and lower HDL cholesterol levels.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateAug 15, 2019

New pain organ discovered in the skin

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new sensory organ in the skin that detects painful mechanical damage, such as pricks and pressure. This discovery changes our understanding of the cellular mechanisms of physical sensation and may be significant in the understanding of chronic pain.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·DateAug 15, 2019

Age-related illness risk for people living with HIV

A recent study found that people living with HIV have a significantly elevated risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and coughs, heart disease, pregnancy mortality and sepsis, anemia, and bone fractures. The review combined data from 20 observational studies to examine 55 different illnesses.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateAug 15, 2019

Does opioid maintenance treatment during pregnancy harm newborns?

A new study found no harm to newborns from opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) during pregnancy compared with no treatment. The growth parameters of newborns were similar in the OMT and comparison groups, supporting the prescription of OMT drugs to pregnant women with opioid use disorders.

SourceWiley·JournalPharmacology Research & Perspectives·DateAug 15, 2019