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Science News Archive February 2019 - Page 19


Page 19 of 40

Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and therapeutic targets in stable ischemic heart disease

Chronic stable angina affects approximately 10 million Americans, primarily older adults and women. Common comorbidities like diabetes are associated with poorer outcomes in this subgroup. The study highlights the growing prevalence of recurring ischemia, its socioeconomic burden, and therapeutic targets for management.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateFeb 16, 2019

Is quantum computing scalable?

Quantum computing aims to break cryptography and speed up database search, but scaling is a significant challenge. Researcher Debbie Leung discusses the ingredients required for accurate quantum computing operations and recent progress with error-correcting codes.

SourceCIFAR·DateFeb 16, 2019

Drug combination may become new standard treatment for advanced kidney cancer

A phase 3 clinical trial found that a combination of two drugs, including an immunotherapy agent, significantly improved progression-free survival and response rates compared to a standard treatment. The results suggest that the new treatment may become a new standard for first-line treatment for patients with metastatic kidney cancer.

SourceDana-Farber Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 16, 2019

How to feed the world by 2050? Recent breakthrough boosts plant growth by 40 percent

A recent breakthrough in plant growth has increased crop yields by 40% by creating a shortcut for a glitch that plagues most food crops. This technology, part of the Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE) project, aims to improve photosynthesis and boost worldwide food productivity.

Tiny fibers create unseen plastic pollution

Synthetic fibers from polyester and nylon release microplastics into the environment, contaminating plants and animals in oceans. Biosynthetic fibers, derived from natural proteins, can replace synthetic fibers and provide recyclable and biodegradable alternatives.

The scientific tooth fairies of San Francisco

Research by Thomas Boyce, a CIFAR Fellow, shows that children from lower socio-economic backgrounds have higher levels of cortisol in their saliva and more cavity-causing bacteria around their gums. His study aims to understand why some children struggle and how all can thrive, as explored in his new book The Orchid and the Dandelion.

SourceCIFAR·DateFeb 15, 2019

Spare 10 minutes to make science leap forward

A new citizen science project, 'Science Scribbler - Virus Project', aims to train AI to identify virus particles by having people of all ages view screens and locate virus particles. This will help automate data segmentation processes, dramatically speeding up scientists' ability to understand research data in days rather than weeks.

Scholar to talk about household water insecurity

Sera Young, a Northwestern University anthropologist, has developed the first scale to measure household water insecurity, a universal need bounded by disciplinary and geographic silos. The 12-question HWISE Scale will transform how we understand the prevalence, causes, and consequences of water insecurity on maternal and child health.

The friendly extortioner takes it all

Scientists found that a strategy called 'extortion' is unbeatable, as it alternates between cooperation and egoism to force opponents to cooperate. This tactic can lead to significant gains for the 'extortioner', even when competing against cooperative players.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 15, 2019

Getting behind the wheel on opioids: could be a road to tragedy

A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that driving while on prescription opioids significantly increases the risk of fatal motor vehicle crashes. The study analyzed data from over 18,000 fatal car crashes and found that drivers who tested positive for prescription opioids were more likely to be involved in fatal crashes.

Researchers find genetic vulnerability to menthol cigarette use

Researchers identified a genetic variant associated with an increased preference for menthol cigarettes, specifically in African-American smokers. The MRGPRX4 gene variant is five to eight times more frequent among menthol cigarette users, suggesting a potential underlying factor for the higher use of these products among this population.

Happy as a pig in muck?

A study published in PLoS ONE found that the type of pen a pig is shown in significantly affects how it is perceived by consumers. Straw bedding is rated as more natural and animal-friendly than concrete floors. The results suggest that even happy or sad expressions do not change perceptions of well-being.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 15, 2019

Push-up capacity linked with lower incidence of cardiovascular disease events among men

A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that middle-aged men who completed more than 40 push-ups had a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular disease outcomes over 10 years. The study's findings suggest that push-up capacity could be an easy, cost-effective method to assess cardiovascular disease risk.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateFeb 15, 2019

Live better with attainable goals

A study of over 970 participants found that perceiving personal goals as attainable is crucial for later cognitive and affective well-being. Life goals also hold predictive power for specific domains, such as social relationships and health.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalEuropean Journal of Personality·DateFeb 15, 2019

What rising seas mean for local economies

A new study found that high-tide flooding is already impacting businesses' experiences and profits, with downtown Annapolis losing 3,000 visits in 2017 due to flooding. Rising seas are expected to increase flooding days by 2035, affecting 170 coastal communities.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 15, 2019

Elk avoid beetle-killed forest areas

New research finds elk in Wyoming's Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest avoid beetle-killed areas during summer months. Elk strongly avoid these areas due to the need to expend significant amounts of energy to walk over downed logs and cool themselves.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalJournal of Wildlife Management·DateFeb 15, 2019