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Science News Archive November 2019 - Page 11


Page 11 of 41

Neighborhood matters for fentanyl-involved overdose deaths

A study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that fentanyl-involved overdose deaths are concentrated in resource-deprived neighborhoods. The research used census block group-level data to examine the local geographic distribution of drug overdoses, revealing a unique perspective on overdose locations.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 21, 2019

Predicting metastasis from primary tumor size

A new mathematical model predicts the presence of undetectable metastases based on primary tumor size, which is associated with a poorer prognosis. The model accurately reflects clinical study data for several cancer types, highlighting the potential dangers of delays in surgery for smaller tumors.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 21, 2019

New Alzheimer's risk gene discovered

A new study has identified a genetic variation in the Mucin 6 gene that may contribute to late-onset Alzheimer disease. The findings suggest a strong association between the genetic variant and the disease, implying a large effect size and opening up possibilities for future therapeutic targets.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of Neuropathology & Experimental Neurology·DateNov 21, 2019

Algorithm for preventing 'undesirable behavior' works in gender fairness and health tests

A new framework for designing machine learning algorithms helps prevent undesirable behavior, including biases in medical diagnoses and financial predictions. The approach shifts the burden from users to designers, making it easier to create 'well-behaved' algorithms without requiring extensive domain knowledge or complex data analysis.

Breaking (and restoring) graphene's symmetry in a twistable electronics device

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new way to control the properties of two-dimensional materials by adjusting the twist angle between them. By creating multiple moiré patterns in a graphene-boron nitride device, they were able to study the effects of coexisting moiré superlattices on a layer of graphene.

New research finds signal of decreased early post transplant survival in new heart transplant system

Researchers have identified a decrease in heart transplant survival rates following the implementation of a new donor allocation system in the US. The study found that patients receiving hearts are sicker than in previous systems, leading to an increase in post-transplant mortality.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalThe Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation·DateNov 21, 2019

Survey: Most teenagers in legalized states see marijuana marketing on social media

A study found that 94% of adolescents in California, Colorado, Nevada, and Washington reported exposure to marijuana marketing on social media. This exposure is linked to recent marijuana use by adolescents. The researchers suggest that current restrictions on social media content are not effective in preventing exposure.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateNov 21, 2019

Sugar delivered to Earth from space

Researchers found ribose and other essential sugars in meteorites, indicating an extraterrestrial origin. The discovery suggests that these sugars could have contributed to the formation of primordial RNA on Earth.

SourceTohoku University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2019

Deep learning to analyze neurological problems

A new study uses deep neural networks to accurately assess neurological disorders in rats and mice, identifying key features of motor impairments. This breakthrough technology has the potential to standardize diagnosis and monitoring of neurological disorders, enabling early interventions and improved patient outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 21, 2019

Bone breakthrough may lead to more durable airplane wings

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a way to strengthen bone structure using computer software, potentially treating osteoporosis and creating lightweight materials for the aerospace industry. The team found that horizontal rod-like struts play a crucial role in extending the fatigue life of bone.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2019

How to fight illegal cocoa farms in Ivory Coast

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that regular foot patrols in two forest reserves reduced illicit activity by over half between 2012 and 2016. The patrols led to the arrest of six poachers, destruction of hundreds of hectares of cocoa farms, and a significant decline in gunshots and snares used to capture game.

SourceOhio State University·JournalTropical Conservation Science·DateNov 21, 2019