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Science News for July 24, 2019


Box-sized sensor brings portable, noninvasive fluid monitoring to the bedside

A portable, noninvasive fluid monitoring device has been developed using nuclear magnetic resonance technology, providing accurate measurements of leg fluid buildup in patients with end-stage kidney disease. The device's portability and ease-of-use could enable clinicians to track fluid buildup at the bedside, improving patient care.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 24, 2019

'Terminators' on the sun trigger plasma tsunamis and the start of new solar cycles

Researchers have identified 'terminator' events that mark the end of sunspot cycles, potentially triggering plasma tsunamis and the start of new solar cycles. The study provides insight into the mysterious timing of sunspot cycles, which are crucial for predicting solar storms that can disrupt Earth's upper atmosphere.

A new framework to study congenital heart defects

A new study published in Nature reveals the full spectrum of cells involved in congenital heart defect formation, identifying key cell types and their functions. The research uses single-cell RNA sequencing to uncover the molecular drivers of different cell types, shedding light on genetic mutations and disease mechanisms.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalNature·DateJul 24, 2019

Waist size is a forgotten factor in defining obesity

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that women with normal weight but high waist circumference were 31% more likely to die from cardiovascular disease and obesity-related cancer. Waist size is a forgotten factor in defining obesity, and its inclusion could lead to better risk evaluation and intervention programs.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 24, 2019

Hydration sensor could improve dialysis

Researchers at MIT have developed a portable sensor that can accurately measure patients' hydration levels using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry. The device has the potential to improve dialysis treatment for patients with kidney disease and could also benefit people with congestive heart failure, athletes, and elderly ind...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 24, 2019

High blood pressure treatment and nursing home residents

Research suggests that intensive high blood pressure treatment in nursing home residents with dementia does not provide significant benefits, and may even lead to increased hospitalization rates. The study's findings recommend reducing medication doses or discontinuing use in residents with dementia, aligning with their goals of care.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 24, 2019

Medical imaging rates during pregnancy

Researchers examined medical imaging practices among nearly 3.5 million pregnant women in the US and Canada between 1996 and 2016, revealing declining trends in some procedures. The study found that imaging rates decreased over time, with a notable drop in conventional x-rays, angiography, and fluoroscopy.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 24, 2019

How nature builds hydrogen-producing enzymes

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and University of Oxford reveal the mechanism behind activating hydrogenases, complex enzymes that produce hydrogen efficiently. The discovery sheds light on the process of introducing a chemical cofactor into the enzyme's active center.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 24, 2019

Reach out and touch someone

Researchers have created a prosthetic arm called the LUKE Arm, which can mimic human hand sensations, allowing amputees to pick up objects with greater precision. The arm uses a system of mathematical calculations and modeling to send biologically realistic signals to the brain, enabling users to feel touch, texture, and pressure.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 24, 2019

Developing technologies that run on light

Researchers at Stanford University have designed a photon diode that can only flow in one direction, enabling faster solutions to scientific, mathematical and economic problems. The device uses nanostructures and metasurfaces to manipulate light and break time-reversal symmetry.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2019

Outcompeting cancer

Researchers at Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown discovered a cell-competition mechanism called fitness fingerprints that allows cancer cells to disguise themselves as healthy cells. By blocking this mechanism, they found that tumour growth can be slowed down, but not eliminated.

A peek at the birth of the universe

Researchers examine SKA-MPG telescope prototype for its ability to investigate cosmic background radiation with ultra precision. The study provides new insights into the origin of the Universe and explores potential applications in gravitational wave detection and dark energy research.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 24, 2019

Multiple concurrent central lines increases risk for bloodstream infection

A new study published in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology found that using the number of central lines as a denominator decreased Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) rates by 25%. The presence of multiple concurrent central lines may indicate severity of illness, posing a risk for bloodstream infections.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJul 24, 2019

Unlocking therapies for hard-to-treat lung cancers

A new study published in Science Advances reveals that a cellular switch called CREB plays a key role in directing tumor growth in non-small-cell lung cancer. Researchers found that blocking this switch could have therapeutic benefits for patients with this deadly type of cancer.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 24, 2019

How climate change disrupts relationships

A study by University of Würzburg scientists found that climate change accelerates the flowering of pasque flowers, outpacing the emergence of solitary bees, which rely on these plants for food. This disruption can lead to reduced seed production and reproductive success in plants, while negatively affecting bee populations.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 24, 2019

Screen time no child's play

A University of Queensland study found that some young children are spending an average of 50 minutes per day on screens, exceeding the national guideline of zero screen time in children under two. The guidelines aim to provide a healthy start for children and limit screen time to promote development and growth.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalThe Medical Journal of Australia·DateJul 24, 2019

High blood sugar increases pancreatic cancer rate

A nationwide study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that high blood sugar levels significantly increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. The study suggests that early detection of hyperglycemia and lifestyle modifications to improve glucose profiles may help lower this risk.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 24, 2019

Clues on how soils may respond to climate change found

Researchers found drastic drops in organic material preserved in core samples from the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum event, suggesting soils emitted atmospheric carbon dioxide. The findings could mean global climate models overestimate terrestrial ecosystems' ability to mitigate future warming.

SourcePenn State·JournalPaleoceanography and Paleoclimatology·DateJul 24, 2019

Dangers of the blame game

A study found that when people are informed about a victim's past moral transgressions, they are less likely to take action against the company. This phenomenon can lead to irrational victim blaming, harming individuals, groups, and society. The study aims to increase awareness among consumers and empower them to make rational decisions.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateJul 24, 2019

Private equity-backed acquisitions of dermatology practices

A recent study observed a surge in private equity-backed acquisitions of dermatology practices in the United States, resulting in substantial financial returns for investors. The findings highlight the growing trend of consolidation in the healthcare sector, particularly in specialized fields like dermatology.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateJul 24, 2019

Found: Fastest eclipsing binary, a valuable target for gravitational wave studies

The discovery of ZTF J1539+5027 is the fastest known eclipsing white dwarf binary, with an orbit period of only 6.91 minutes, making it a valuable target for gravitational wave studies. The system is expected to be one of the strongest sources of gravitational waves detectable by LISA, the future space-based gravitational wave detector.

An apple carries about 100 million bacteria -- good luck washing them off

A new study found that organic apples contain a more diverse range of beneficial bacteria, which could contribute to improved gut health. In contrast, conventional apples were found to have higher levels of pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia-Shigella. The researchers also discovered that the bacteria in organic apples were more c...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJul 24, 2019

Family experience influences diabetes risk, management for African-Americans

Research reveals that African American families' cultural acceptance of larger body size and optimistic bias can limit their perceived risk for Type 2 diabetes. The study found that open communication within families and with medical professionals is essential for effective management of the disease. Parents who openly discuss their di...

SourceIowa State University·JournalGlobal Qualitative Nursing Research·DateJul 24, 2019

Could α-Klotho be a potential biomarker of stress?

A study published in the Journal of Investigative Medicine found an association between stress and increased serum levels of α-Klotho (αKl). The researchers suggest that elevated sαKl levels may predict stressed conditions, making it a potential biomarker for stress.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of Investigative Medicine·DateJul 24, 2019

Pilot study of 5-hour molecular test accurately distinguishes malignant and benign breast tumors

A novel laboratory test developed at Johns Hopkins Medicine can accurately detect malignant and benign breast tumors in a mere 5 hours, significantly reducing the wait time for diagnosis. The test exploits epigenetic alterations and has the potential to dramatically reduce wait times and improve survival rates in resource-poor settings.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateJul 24, 2019

Is your favorite brand authentic?

A recent study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that information about a company's founder's motivation has a powerful effect on whether consumers deem a brand authentic. In two experiments, participants rated products as more authentic and of higher quality when they were presented with stories about the founder's...

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateJul 24, 2019

Volcanoes shaped the climate before humankind

A series of large volcanic eruptions between 1808 and 1835 significantly altered the global climate, causing droughts in Africa and increased precipitation in Europe. The study's findings have implications for defining a pre-industrial climate and setting climate targets.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 24, 2019

Genes underscore five psychiatric disorders

A collaborative research project analyzing over 400,000 individuals identified several sets of genes marked across all five psychiatric disorders. These genes play a role in the same biological pathway or are active in the same tissue type, increasing risk for multiple disorders.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateJul 24, 2019

Skoltech scientists developed a novel method to fine-tune the properties of carbon nanotubes

Scientists from Skoltech developed a novel method to fine-tune the optoelectrical properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes by applying an aerosolized dopant solution. The new approach enables uniform, controllable and easily reproducible aerosol doping, breaking new ground for flexible and transparent electronics.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJul 24, 2019