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Science News Archive October 2019 - Page 41


Page 41 of 47

Long-term mental health benefits of gender-affirming surgery for transgender individuals

A new study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry found that gender-affirming surgery significantly reduces mental health treatment use among transgender individuals with gender incongruence. The study, which analyzed over 2,500 individuals, showed a 8% reduction in mental health treatment odds for every year since receiving ...

SourceAmerican Psychiatric Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 4, 2019

Combustion behavior of aromatics may provide keys to enhancing heavy oil extraction

Researchers at Kazan University's In-Situ Combustion Lab have studied the combustion behavior of aromatic compounds and their impact on heavy oil extraction. The study found that certain aromatic compounds can promote high-temperature oxidation and inhibit low-temperature oxidation, leading to more efficient extraction methods.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry·DateOct 3, 2019

Golden ratio observed in human skulls

A recent study published in The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery found that human skull dimensions follow the Golden Ratio. However, less related species such as dogs and monkeys diverged from this ratio, suggesting unique evolutionary patterns.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Craniofacial Surgery·DateOct 3, 2019

Heart failure and the obesity paradox

Researchers found that overweight individuals had the lowest mortality risk among those with established heart failure, contrary to previous expectations. The 'obesity paradox' suggests that obese patients may tolerate disease-modifying and prognostic medications better than non-obese patients.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalHeart·DateOct 3, 2019

Sentinels in the mouth

Researchers found special sensory cells in the gums that detect irritants and bacteria, triggering an immune response to control oral microbiome. The discovery could lead to personalized dental treatments against gum disease.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 2019

Scientists predict the areas of the brain to stimulate transitions between different brain states

Researchers developed a method to characterize brain states and simulate brain activity, enabling prediction of stimulation effects on brain state transitions. The study found that systematic external stimulation can awaken the brain in sleep states and may enhance recovery from psychiatric diseases.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2019

Exposure to air pollution increases violent crime rates, study finds

A new study by Colorado State University researchers found a strong link between short-term exposure to air pollution and aggressive behavior, including aggravated assaults and other violent crimes across the continental United States. The results showed a 1.4% increase in violent crimes for every 10 microgram-per-cubic-meter increase ...

SourceColorado State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateOct 3, 2019

Response rate to albumin-bound paclitaxel plus gemcitabine plus cisplatin treatment among patients with advanced pancreatic cancer: A phase 1b/2 pilot clinical trial

A phase 1b/2 clinical trial found that adding cisplatin to a standard-of-care regimen resulted in 71% tumor shrinkage and increased survival beyond one year. The treatment showed encouraging results, with 64% of patients alive after one year and 40% alive after two years.

The phenological index

Researchers have developed a new quantitative measure of phenological status called the 'phenological index' to improve scoring of developmental stage in herbarium specimens. This approach allows for more accurate predictions of ecosystem responses to climate change.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateOct 3, 2019

First maps of areas suitable for spotted lanternfly's establishment in US and world

Maps identifying suitable areas for the spotted lanternfly's establishment in the US and world have been published by Agricultural Research Service scientists. The insect has already spread to several countries and is predicted to become established in most of New England, mid-Atlantic states, and Pacific coastal states.

SourceUS Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Research Service·JournalJournal of Economic Entomology·DateOct 3, 2019

How the influenza virus achieves efficient viral RNA replication

New insights into the influenza virus polymerase have revealed that its subunits co-evolve to guarantee proper levels of dimerization and optimal inter-subunit cooperation. This finding has significant implications for the development of novel antiviral drugs targeting viral RNA replication.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 3, 2019

High lead levels during pregnancy linked to child obesity, NIH-funded study suggests

A recent NIH-funded study reveals that children born to mothers with high blood lead levels are more likely to be overweight or obese. Folate intake after giving birth may help reduce this risk. The study analyzed data from the Boston Birth Cohort and found a significant association between maternal lead exposure and childhood obesity.

New method to purify cell types to high purity

Researchers at the Hubrecht Institute have created a new method called GateID that allows for the purification of cell types to high purity without using antibodies or genetic reporters. This enables the detailed study of individual cell types, such as stem cells and tumor cells, which are crucial for understanding their properties and...

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalCell·DateOct 3, 2019