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Science News for October 1, 2019


NIH researchers develop MRI with lower magnetic field for cardiac and lung imaging condition

Researchers at NIH and Siemens developed a low-magnetic-field MRI system that improves image quality of lungs and other internal structures, making medical imaging more affordable and accessible. The new system also reduces the risk of heating and allows for safer procedures for patients with pacemakers or defibrillators.

Stem cell treatments for shoulder and elbow injuries flourish, but so far there's little evidence they work

Researchers warn that stem cell therapies for shoulder and elbow injuries have far outpaced supporting scientific data, with many treatments still unproven. The clinical data for these treatments are currently limited, and a greater understanding of optimal formulations and dosing schedules is needed to determine their effectiveness.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery·DateOct 1, 2019

Discovered new regulation for infant growth

Researchers at the University of Bergen identified new genetic signals regulating infant growth, which may help combat growth-related diseases like obesity and malnutrition. The study found that different BMI-signals exist for children and adults, with varying genetic influences during childhood.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 1, 2019

2,000 atoms in two places at once

Researchers at the University of Vienna and University of Basel successfully create a quantum superposition in hot, complex molecules composed of nearly 2,000 atoms. The experiment sets new constraints on alternative theories to quantum mechanics, demonstrating the robustness of quantum mechanics on a macroscopic scale.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 1, 2019

New in Ethics & Human Research, September-October 2019

Emerging norms in engaged translational genomics research raise substantial ethical concerns. Simplified Spanish-language consent materials require cultural congruence, while participant benefits in HIV prevention research highlight potential direct and indirect benefits for stigmatized populations.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalEthics & Human Research·DateOct 1, 2019

Handling traumatic grief reactions in children and adolescents post-9/11

A new study found that traumatic grief reactions in youth post-9/11 warrant separate clinical attention. The study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, identified a distinct bereavement-related disorder that captures maladaptive reactions after 9/11.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 1, 2019

Acute psychotic illness triggered by Brexit Referendum

A middle-aged man experienced a brief episode of acute psychosis after the 2016 Brexit Referendum, highlighting the potential impact of political events on mental health. The case highlights the importance of identifying early warning signs and providing prompt treatment to ensure quick recovery.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Case Reports·DateOct 1, 2019

The future of bone healing

Researchers at UTA are developing a groundbreaking treatment to accelerate the healing of cranial injuries using live 3D printing and regenerative antioxidant materials. The approach has the potential to shorten healing time and make treatment more accessible for patients.

Food insecurity in young adults raises risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma

A recent study by UCSF researchers found that young adults with food insecurity are more likely to develop disorders associated with obesity and obstructive airway diseases like asthma. Chronic stress from food insecurity can lead to inflammation, insulin resistance and increased risk of mental health issues.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 1, 2019

The science of mindfulness -- What do we really know and where do we go?

A special issue of Current Opinions in Psychology maps the state of mindfulness research, exploring its historical foundations, clinical applications, and social implications. The study reveals that mindfulness can be learned and applied uniquely across different contexts, with mobile apps emerging as a promising platform for deliverin...

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalCurrent Opinion in Psychology·DateOct 1, 2019

Step forward in falling research

University of Queensland researchers studied human responses to unexpected changes in environment, like falling into a hole. They found that humans use different strategies to stabilize themselves based on the drop height and utilized distal lower-limb joints such as the ankle for energy absorption at low drop heights.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalInterface·DateOct 1, 2019

ATS/IDSA publishes clinical guideline on community acquired pneumonia

The new guideline offers evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and treating community-acquired pneumonia in adults, with a focus on outpatient settings. It suggests using amoxicillin as first-line empiric therapy, while also recommending more microscopic studies of respiratory tract samples to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateOct 1, 2019

Fatal flaws in UK Government's price of a life

A UK government-used VPF valuation undervalues human life due to insufficient sample size and invalid interpretation methods. An alternative method called J-value offers an accurate assessment by balancing safety spend against extended life expectancy, valuing a life at £8.59 million.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalMeasurement·DateOct 1, 2019

No evidence that power posing works

Iowa State University researcher Marcus Credé found nearly all power posing studies were poorly designed and failed to compare power poses to normal poses. Only four studies met the criteria, showing that feelings of power diminished when compared to neutral pose.

SourceIowa State University·JournalMeta-Psychology·DateOct 1, 2019

Bacteria bullets target toxic algae

Researchers at the University of Delaware have invented a bacteria-based application to prevent or mitigate harmful algal blooms, specifically targeting dinoflagellates responsible for red tides. The algicide, embedded in gel beads, is environmentally neutral and can be deployed in coastal waters as needed.

Stopping the spread of cancer

Biomedical engineer Tara Deans receives $1.5 million grant to develop alternative platelets that can help stop tumor cells from spreading in the bloodstream. Her lab will engineer platelets with proteins that kill cancer cells, inspired by her friend's diagnosis with blood cancer.