Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive November 2019 - Page 28


Page 28 of 41

Combining satellites, radar provides path for better forecasts

Researchers at Penn State combined geostationary satellites and traditional weather radar to create a system that produces the best forecasts for severe thunderstorms. The study found that assimilating satellite and radar data simultaneously leads to the most accurate predictions, with warning times increased by up to 40 minutes.

SourcePenn State·JournalMonthly Weather Review·DateNov 11, 2019

Degenerative eye condition (AMD) to affect 77 million Europeans by 2050

A degenerative eye condition called AMD is projected to affect 77 million Europeans by 2050, with the number of existing cases rising by 15% and new cases increasing by 75%. The estimated projections show that one in four older adults will have AMD, ranging from under 1 in 10 for those younger than 65 to over 27% of those over 75.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Ophthalmology·DateNov 11, 2019

Aging in good health: The inequalities are widening

Researchers found that life expectancy in Switzerland has increased, but the country's population who only attended compulsory schooling are living longer in poor health. The gap between men and women is also widening, with women experiencing a smaller increase in healthy years due to their higher life expectancy

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalInternational Journal of Public Health·DateNov 11, 2019

LSU Health research discovers potential new Rx target for AMD and Alzheimer's

Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine have discovered a new mechanism by which elovanoids may protect brain and retinal cells against neurodegenerative diseases. The study identifies elovanoids as a potential therapeutic approach for age-related macular degeneration and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2019

Each mouse is different

Researchers create algorithm to identify stable traits that capture mouse behavior, revealing unique individual characteristics and genetic basis. The method has potential to advance knowledge of mouse personality and its relation to mental health and disease.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 11, 2019

Gold mining critically impairs water quality in rivers across Peruvian biodiversity hotspot

Research reveals artisanal gold mining is altering water clarity and dynamics in the Madre de Dios River watershed, causing increased sediment levels that contain mercury and other contaminants. This has severe impacts on fish populations and other aquatic life, disrupting natural seasonal cycles and habitat of endangered species.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2019

Project to answer last wishes spreads successfully

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found a program that fulfils end-of-life wishes can ease bereavement by encouraging conversations about the patient's identity. The project, which costs around $5 per wish, has been successful at several hospital intensive care unit sites.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateNov 11, 2019

Men who receive home care from spouse more likely to feel burdensome than women

A new study by University of Michigan researchers found that men who receive caregiving from their spouses are more prone to feeling guilty and depressed due to negative spousal exchanges. In contrast, wives in caregiving relationships show less susceptibility to these effects, suggesting a difference in gender dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateNov 11, 2019

Salmonella -- how the body fights back

Scientists discovered that blood stem cells acquire energy from bone marrow support cells in response to salmonella infection, enabling them to produce millions of bacteria-fighting white blood cells. This discovery could lead to new approaches to treating people with salmonella and other bacterial illnesses.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2019

Forecasting dengue: Challenges and a way forward

A team of scientists has developed new ways to forecast dengue infections by combining disease and climate data. The project aimed to predict maximum weekly cases, the week of peak cases, and total season cases, but models still struggle to accurately predict epidemics.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2019

Study reveals how two strains of one bacterium combine to cause flesh-eating infection

A new study reveals that genetic variations in a single species of bacteria can amplify infection, making it more dangerous than either strain alone. The researchers discovered that when the two strains work together, one produces a toxin that breaks down muscle tissue and enables the other to infect organs.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 11, 2019