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Science News for July 12, 2019


Dartmouth study examines association between care management and outcomes in Medicare ACOs

A new study from The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice found that care management and coordination activities in Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) were not associated with improved outcomes or lower spending for patients with complex medical and social needs. Researchers analyzed data from over 1....

SourceThe Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 12, 2019

Tightening the tumor-targeting abilities of checkpoint blockade immunotherapy

Scientists have developed a novel nanoparticle formulation targeting PD-L1 with high specificity, allowing for improved infiltration of T cells into tumors and increased sensitivity to checkpoint blockade. This approach achieved an 80% mouse survival rate over 70 days, outperforming traditional antibody therapies.

Improving care quality for hospitalized socially at-risk patients

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing highlights the challenges faced by nurses in caring for hospitalized patients with social risk factors. The research suggests that prioritization of medical needs and lack of organizational supports can deter nurses from addressing social concerns, leading to unmet needs...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Clinical Nursing·DateJul 12, 2019

HIV: Reprogramming cells to control infection

Researchers at the Institut Pasteur successfully reprogrammed immune cells from individuals who naturally control HIV infection, granting them enhanced antiviral potency. This breakthrough could lead to novel treatments and potential cure options for those living with HIV, as previously described in a study published in Nature Metabolism.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalNature Metabolism·DateJul 12, 2019

#BeatEngland, beat sunburn

A new type of UV detection sticker has been shown to effectively remind people to reapply sunscreen during outdoor events. The study found that 80% of participants with the stickers reapplied sunscreen within a day, compared to 68% in the control group. The stickers were well-received by fans and may help reduce sunburn cases in Queens...

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateJul 12, 2019

Researchers reveal mechanisms for regulating temperature sensitivity of soil organic matter decomposition in alpine grasslands

A recent study found that lower microbial abundance and aggregate protection are coexisting mechanisms underlying lower Q10 in subsoil, while substrate quality and mineral protection play less role. Microbial communities regulate depth-associated variations in Q10 in the active carbon pool, whereas aggregate protection controls it in t...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 12, 2019

Fewer than half of US adults exposed to court-ordered anti-smoking advertisements

A new study found that the tobacco industry's corrective statements reached only 40.6% of US adults and 50.5% of current smokers in 2018, highlighting the need for targeted advertising to reach key populations. The ads had lower exposure among certain ethnic and socioeconomic subgroups, including those with higher smoking rates.

An itch to scratch: NCATS, NIDCR scientists identify potential approach to chronic problem

Scientists at NCATS and NIDCR report a new strategy to alleviate chronic itch by blocking a receptor found on spinal cord neurons. They identified approximately 1,400 compounds worth examining more closely, with 15 showing promise in halting both human and mouse versions of the receptor.

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 12, 2019

How multicellular cyanobacteria transport molecules

Multicellular cyanobacteria have developed cell junctions that allow for the exchange of nutrients and messengers across cell boundaries. The channels are composed of a protein tube sealed with a plug at both ends, and have a five-armed protein structure similar to a camera aperture.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell·DateJul 12, 2019

Weyl fermions discovered in another class of materials

Researchers at Paul Scherrer Institute successfully prove existence of Weyl fermions in a paramagnetic material with slow magnetic fluctuations, expanding possibilities for spintronics and future electronics. This discovery could lead to more efficient transportation of information, potentially revolutionizing computer technology.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 12, 2019

Rice device channels heat into light

Researchers at Rice University have created a device that channels waste heat into light, enabling more efficient solar energy systems. The technology, which utilizes carbon nanotube films, aims to simplify the process of turning heat into electricity with high efficiency.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Photonics·DateJul 12, 2019

Thwack! Insects feel chronic pain after injury

Researchers have discovered genetic evidence of chronic pain in Drosophila fruit flies, which may lead to new treatments targeting the underlying cause. The study found that an injury can lead to long-lasting hypersensitivity to normally non-painful stimuli, similar to human patients' experiences with neuropathic pain.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 12, 2019

Rush unveils quality composite rank

Researchers at Rush University Medical Center have developed a new composite ranking system that aggregates data from five leading hospital rating systems into a single score. This system aims to provide consumers with a clear and easily understandable measure of hospital quality, helping them make informed decisions about their care.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Quality·DateJul 12, 2019