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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
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Nutritional status in adolescent girls

This study examines the prevalence of malnutrition among adolescent girls aged 16-19 in India and its association with socio-economic factors. The research aims to evaluate the progress of nutritional programs targeting adolescents, a critical age group for future health outcomes.

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

A new hope in treating neurodegenerative disease

A research team has identified the early neuropathology mechanism of structural characteristics of polyglutamine toxic protein on neurodegenerative brain disorders. The coiled-coil structure causes rapid deformation of neurons and leads to diseases like Huntington's chorea and spino-cerebellar ataxias.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 4, 2019

Where will the world's next Zika, West Nile or Dengue virus come from?

Scientists have identified regions with high diversity of potential wildlife hosts for flaviviruses, including primates and birds. The study's model predicts hundreds of previously unobserved host species, which can help with disease detection and surveillance efforts.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 4, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Gut microbiome in digestive health: a new frontier in research

This special issue of Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology delves into the relationship between the gut microbiome and specific digestive diseases. Key findings include the role of the microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease, functional gastrointestinal diseases, colorectal cancer prevention, and pancreatic disease.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Our bodies may cure themselves of diabetes in the future

Scientists at the University of Bergen found that glucagon-producing cells in the pancreas can change identity and adapt to produce insulin for damaged or missing cells. This discovery may lead to new treatments where the body produces its own insulin with minimal assistance.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJan 4, 2019

Engineers create an inhalable form of messenger RNA

Researchers at MIT have developed an inhalable form of messenger RNA that can be delivered directly to the lungs, showing promise for treating various lung diseases. The aerosol-formulated mRNA was found to induce lung cells in mice to produce a target protein, paving the way for potential treatments.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 4, 2019

Eating your veggies, even in space

Researchers at NTNU are developing self-contained planters to allow astronauts to grow food in space. The goal is to provide fresh produce for long-duration missions like those to Mars and beyond. By growing plants directly in water with dissolved nutrients, fertilization and irrigation can be controlled precisely.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalLife·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
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Essential amino acid in humans, methionine, controls cell growth programs

A recent study elucidates how methionine controls cell growth programs by setting into motion a metabolic program for cell proliferation. Methionine activates key nodes in metabolism that produce critical substrates and co-factors fueling the production of amino acids and nucleotides, critical for growth.

SourceNational Centre for Biological Sciences·JournalMolecular Biology of the Cell·DateJan 4, 2019

Stopping cancer from recruiting immune system double agents

Researchers discover a potential therapy that can disrupt the recruitment of myeloid cells by cancerous tumors, boosting the function of disease-fighting M1 type of myeloid cells. This approach shows great promise in reducing tumor growth and promoting a microenvironment where T cells can attack cancer.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·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
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Adolescents who self-harm more likely to commit violent crime

Research from Duke University found that young people who self-harm and commit violent crime have a history of childhood maltreatment and lower self-control. Programs aimed at preventing childhood maltreatment or improving self-control among self-harmers could help prevent violent crime.

SourceDuke University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateJan 4, 2019

Revised Brazilian forest code may lead to increased legal deforestation in Amazon

A new clause in Brazil's Forest Code could result in the loss of protection for up to 15 million hectares of tropical rainforest in the Amazon. This would compromise efforts to regularize legal reserves and lead to huge losses of biodiversity, water supply, and greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 4, 2019
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Excitons pave the way to more efficient electronics

Researchers from EPFL's Laboratory of Nanoscale Electronics and Structures have found a way to control some of the properties of excitons, changing their polarization and generating light. This discovery can lead to a new generation of electronic devices with reduced energy loss and heat dissipation.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Photonics·DateJan 4, 2019

Comprehensive AIDS prevention programs in prisons: A review study

The study reviewed comprehensive AIDS prevention programs in prisons, which have been shown to increase prisoners' awareness of AIDS and reduce HIV transmission. These programs also promote the use of condoms, improve healthcare access, and decrease the risk of disease transmission.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalFamily Medicine and Community Health·DateJan 4, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

The long memory of the Pacific Ocean

Researchers found that the deep Pacific Ocean lags behind in terms of temperature and is still adjusting to the Little Ice Age. The ocean's long memory indicates that it 'remembers' past climate conditions hundreds of years ago.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalScience·DateJan 4, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Holocaust survivors had higher rates of chronic conditions, lower rates of death

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that Holocaust survivors had higher rates of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Researchers suggest that unique characteristics of resilience among survivors and better health literacy may be contributing factors to their lower mortality rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·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
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Plant hedges to combat near-road pollution exposure

A study found that roadsides with only hedges were the most effective at reducing pollution exposure, cutting black carbon and ultrafine particles. The researchers suggest planting denser hedges or a combination of trees with hedges in open-road environments to improve air quality.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateJan 4, 2019