Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2019 - Page 12


Page 12 of 40

How to freeze heat conduction

Physicists have discovered a new effect, known as Kondo-like phonon scattering, which explains the low thermal conductivity of certain materials. This discovery paves the way for creating excellent thermal insulators that conduct electricity, enabling the conversion of waste heat into electrical energy.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 21, 2019

Unnecessary testing for UTIs cut by nearly half

A new study at WashU Medicine finds that making a simple electronic system change can reduce bacterial culture tests ordered without compromising patient care. The change encourages doctors to first look for signs of UTIs before testing urine for bacteria, resulting in a nearly half reduction in unnecessary tests.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 21, 2019

Righty or lefty, as you like

Researchers developed a new iridium catalyst for the selective synthesis of chiral lactams, which are key building blocks in pharmaceutical agents. The catalyst achieves high selectivity by inducing hydrogen bonding between substrate and catalyst, leading to the production of desired compounds with minimal waste.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Catalysis·DateFeb 21, 2019

Smartphones help UB researcher better understand the nature of depression and anxiety

A University at Buffalo psychologist conducted a study using smartphones to measure symptoms in real-time, revealing that some emotions linger and predict later symptoms. The research could provide treatment benefits for patients struggling with anxiety and depression by identifying specific risk factors and suggesting strategies.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateFeb 21, 2019

Height gap with parents, not genetics, determines onset of puberty -- Ben-Gurion U. study

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that a child's height gap with their parents is a key predictor of when they will begin puberty. The study suggests that genetics do not play a major role in determining the age of puberty, but rather an individual's growth needs and body response to those needs.

Addressing a lack of regulatory standards in clinical artificial intelligence

The lack of regulatory standards in clinical artificial intelligence poses concerns about safety and efficacy, according to a recent study. The authors propose five standards to guide evaluation and regulation of clinical predictive analytics, emphasizing the importance of established clinical standards and clinician agency.

Current tools have low accuracy for predicting delayed ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

A study published in Critical Care Explorations found that both CT angiography and transcranial Doppler have limited accuracy in detecting cerebral vasospasm and predicting delayed cerebral ischemia in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. The tests showed conflicting results, with CT angiography being highly sensitive but lacking spe...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalCritical Care Explorations·DateFeb 21, 2019

Study looks at seasonal and geographic trends in syphilis

Researchers analyzed temporal and demographic patterns in gestational syphilis and mother-to-child-transmission of syphilis in a Brazilian region. They found no annual endemic period, but increased cases during February and a failure in the notification system.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 21, 2019

Consuming garlic and onions may lower colorectal cancer risk

Consuming garlic and onions has been shown to lower the risk of colorectal cancer in a Chinese study involving 833 patients. Adults who ate high amounts of allium vegetables had an 79% lower chance of developing the disease compared to those who consumed low amounts.

SourceWiley·JournalAsia-Pacific Journal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 21, 2019

PET scans show biomarkers could spare some breast cancer patients from chemotherapy

A new study using PET scans has identified a biomarker that predicts which women with HER2-positive breast cancer may benefit from standalone HER2-targeted agents without chemotherapy. Researchers found that patients with low sugar levels on PET scans at two weeks after treatment had the potential to be spared chemotherapy, indicating ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 21, 2019

How news coverage of terrorism may shape support for anti-Muslim policies

A new study suggests that news coverage of terrorist attacks can significantly impact emotional responses and support for anti-Muslim policies in Western countries. News articles featuring a high number of offenders elicit both fear of terror and anger towards the government, leading to increased support for immigration bans.

SourceWiley·JournalPolitical Psychology·DateFeb 21, 2019

Recent drought may provide a glimpse of the future for birds in the Sierra Nevada

Researchers found that many bird species responded positively to the climate conditions associated with the drought, potentially offsetting negative habitat impacts. The study's results suggest that birds may be more resilient to temperature increases than previously thought, but also highlights the need for further research on their r...

SourcePoint Blue Conservation Science·JournalEcological Applications·DateFeb 21, 2019

Study examines indoor exposure to air pollution

A recent study found that short-term wood burning in small-scale room heaters and sauna stoves significantly increased residents' daily exposure to particulate air pollution. The study highlights the importance of natural ventilation in reducing indoor levels of hazardous particles.

SourceWiley·JournalIndoor Air·DateFeb 21, 2019

The dollar store diet: Study shows discount produce matches quality of traditional chains

A new UNLV study finds that the quality of fruits and vegetables at dollar stores is comparable to traditional grocery store produce. The research team championed channel blurring, which benefits budget-conscious shoppers by increasing access to healthy, affordable food options.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 21, 2019