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Science News for January 4, 2019


BU's service-learning initiative to teach hands-only CPR to high school students is successful

The PumpStart program demonstrates effectiveness in teaching high school students life-saving skills and providing medical students with public health education opportunities. High school students showed significant improvements in CPR technique and confidence, while medical students gained higher confidence levels in teaching and ment...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Education·DateJan 4, 2019

How common are food allergies?

A nationally representative survey of over 40,000 US adults found that at least 1 in 10 have a food allergy and nearly 1 in 5 report having one. Shellfish and milk were the most common food allergens.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 4, 2019

Factors associated with visit-to-visit variability of blood pressure in hypertensive patients at a Primary Health Care Service, Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia

Research found a significant relationship between antihypertensive drug use and visit-to-visit variability (VVV) of blood pressure in primary health care services. VVV can be used as an additional factor to control blood pressure management.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalFamily Medicine and Community Health·DateJan 4, 2019

Fungi cause brain infection and impair memory in mice

Researchers found that Candida albicans can cross the blood-brain barrier, triggering an inflammatory response and forming granuloma-type structures, leading to temporary memory impairments in mice. The findings also suggest a possible link between fungal infections and chronic neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 4, 2019

Relationship between glycemic control and family support among people with type 2 diabetes mellitus seen in a rich kinship network in Southwest Nigeria

A study published in Family Medicine and Community Health found that family support plays a significant role in motivating individuals with type 2 diabetes to improve their self-management behaviors and glycemic control. The research highlights the importance of motivation in managing chronic diseases like diabetes.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalFamily Medicine and Community Health·DateJan 4, 2019

Recurrent miscarriage linked to faulty sperm

A study of 50 men with partners who experienced recurrent miscarriages found higher levels of DNA damage in their sperm compared to healthy control groups. The researchers suggest that oxidative stress triggered by reactive oxygen species may contribute to the risk of miscarriage, and are investigating potential treatments.

SourceImperial College London·JournalClinical Chemistry·DateJan 4, 2019

What does 'dead' mean?

A new special report explores the definition of death, including the controversy over brain death and its implications for organ transplantation. Leading experts discuss areas of ongoing debate, such as whether brain-dead organ donors are truly dead.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateJan 4, 2019

Predictors of successfully quitting smoking among smokers registered at the quit smoking clinic at a public hospital in northeastern Malaysia

A Malaysian study found that 42.6% of smokers who attended a quit clinic successfully quit, with daily cigarette count and previous attempts as key predictors. The study suggests these factors should be considered in interventions for smokers trying to quit.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalFamily Medicine and Community Health·DateJan 4, 2019