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Science News for September 5, 2019


Medication adherence may affect risk of hospitalization and early death

A recent review found that individuals with good medication adherence have a lower risk of needing hospitalisation due to any cause (17% reduction) and long-term mortality risk (21% reduction). Medication non-adherence is associated with increased risks of adverse health outcomes in older populations.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateSep 5, 2019

Innovative technique for labeling and mapping inhibitory neurons reveals diverse tuning profile

Researchers at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience developed a strategy to label and map local inhibitory inputs onto cells. They found that inhibitory inputs may parallel or diverge from target neurons, revealing a diverse palette of inhibition. This discovery suggests complex functional connectivity in the visual cortex.

New research discovers the financial cost of trachoma surveys

Researchers analyzed costs of trachoma surveys in 11 countries from 2012 to 2018, finding a median survey cost of $8,298 USD. The studies also showed economies of scale from implementing surveys in a single year, with training and fieldwork accounting for major proportions of costs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 5, 2019

Vaping may harm fertility in young women

A recent study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society suggests that vaping may have negative effects on fertility in young women. The research found that exposure to e-cigarettes during pregnancy can delay implantation of a fertilized embryo, thereby reducing fertility. Additionally, the study discovered that female offsprin...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateSep 5, 2019

The future of mind control

Researchers propose mesh electronics as a foundation for brain-machine interfaces, enabling precise targeting of neural communication networks to treat neurological disorders. This technology could lead to improved therapeutic options, such as enhanced prosthetic control and cognitive enhancement.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 5, 2019

Modifiable risk factors contribute to gout

A study of 14,624 US adults found that four modifiable risk factors--body mass index, diet, alcohol consumption, and diuretic use--contribute to hyperuricemia. Promoting healthy diets and preventing obesity can help reduce the frequency of hyperuricemia and gout.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateSep 5, 2019

Research warns of the far-reaching consequences of measles epidemic and failure to vaccinate

Research suggests that infection with measles in unvaccinated children increases their risk of other severe infectious diseases in the 2-3 years following infection. Measles can cause immune-amnesia, erasing immunity to other diseases and exposing children to re-infection. Vaccination is crucial for preventing measles-related infections.

Eating mushrooms may help lower prostate cancer risk

A new study found an inverse relationship between mushroom consumption and the development of prostate cancer among middle-aged and elderly Japanese men. Regular mushroom intake was associated with an 8-17% lower risk of prostate cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateSep 5, 2019

Nanowires replace Newton's famous glass prism

Researchers have designed a nanowire spectrometer that can directly image single cells and analyze chemical fingerprints without the need for microscopes or bulky equipment. This breakthrough could lead to new generations of ultra-compact spectrometers with applications in biology, lab-on-a-chip systems, and smart wearables.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateSep 5, 2019

Obesity and psychosocial well-being among patients with cancer

A large cohort study found that obesity is consistently associated with a greater burden of symptoms and experiences of distress among patients with breast or prostate cancer. Among patients with colon cancer, significant symptoms and distress were observed regardless of weight, suggesting alternative factors at play.

SourceWiley·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateSep 5, 2019

Children and partners are key

Research by Tiziana Nazio explores how early family formation affects emotional and practical support in older age. The study found that women still bear the brunt of caregiving, but having a partner or child is crucial for receiving practical help. Family trajectories may shape networks, but they do not change the probability of recei...

SourceWZB Berlin Social Science Center·JournalEuropean Sociological Review·DateSep 5, 2019

Not just images

Researchers at Hebrew University have developed an MRI technique that can detect molecular changes in the brain, allowing for early disease diagnosis and treatment. This non-invasive method provides biological readouts of brain tissue, enabling doctors to compare scans over time and differentiate between healthy and diseased tissue.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 5, 2019

Diversity increases ecosystem stability

A study published in Global Change Biology found that forests with a diverse range of tree species are more productive and stable than monocultures. The research analyzed data from the Sardinilla experiment and concluded that mixtures of two and three tree species have significantly higher productivity, while those with five species ha...

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateSep 5, 2019

Study reveals links between extreme weather events and poor mental health

Research found that people experiencing storm and flood damage are about 50% more likely to experience poorer mental health, even when the damage is minor. The study suggests that climate change will increase the frequency and intensity of storms and floods in the UK, highlighting the need for mental health support.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateSep 5, 2019

New method for imaging biological molecules

Researchers have created a new method for imaging biological molecules in cells or tissue samples using DNA snippets, allowing for the study of molecule abundance and distribution. The 'DNA microscopy' approach enables rapid screening and analysis of specific molecules within larger materials.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2019

Research reveals new plan to maximize rideshare availability by routing empty cars

Researchers develop a model to control empty car flow in geographic locations to optimize system-wide functionality, directing cars to different locations instead of waiting at the same spot. The algorithm calculates availability of empty cars when requested and finds new passengers quickly at destinations.

Tiny airborne particles from wildfires have climate change implications

A recent study by Arizona State University researchers found that tarballs, tiny organic particles formed during wildfires, can significantly impact local and global climate. The team's analysis revealed that tarballs form through chemical and physical changes of organic aerosols within the first hours following smoke production.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2019

A molecular 'atlas' of animal development

A team from the University of Pennsylvania has created a comprehensive molecular map of every cell in a developing animal embryo, using single-cell genomics methods. The study provides insights into how cells specialize their function during development and could lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine and cellular engineering.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience·DateSep 5, 2019

Social networking sites affect nurses' performance

A study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing found that social networking site addiction negatively impacts nurses' performance and concentration. The authors suggest hospitals take steps to limit social media use and provide training to help nurses manage distractions.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateSep 5, 2019

Zika virus infects the adult human brain and causes memory deficits in animal models

Researchers found that Zika virus replicates in adult human brain tissue and impairs synapse function and memory in infected mice. The study showed that the virus causes a strong inflammatory response, leading to microglia activation and synapse damage, resulting in memory loss.

Updated Barrett's Guideline aims to improve patient outcomes

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has released an updated guideline on screening and surveillance of Barrett's esophagus, aiming to improve patient outcomes. The guideline addresses various endoscopic procedures and technologies used in screening and surveillance, including advanced imaging and sampling modalities.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateSep 5, 2019

Traditional and electronic cigarettes linked to poor sleep

A recent study of 1,664 college students found that traditional cigarette smokers and e-cigarette users experienced poorer sleep quality. E-cigarette users reported greater use of sleep medications than traditional cigarette users, highlighting the potential risks of e-cigarette use on sleep health.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateSep 5, 2019

New WHO autoantibody reference reagent will benefit SLE patients

A new WHO autoantibody reference reagent has been developed to align autoantibody analyses, improving diagnosis and treatment for patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) worldwide. The reference reagent was evaluated in an international study and showed significant improvements in differences between different anti-dsDNA assays.

SourceUppsala University·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateSep 5, 2019

Building water-efficient cities

A study led by the University of Arizona found that city design factors such as housing density, lot size, and vegetated land cover significantly impact residential water use. Researchers estimated models for annual and summer water use in four cities, including Austin, Phoenix, Portland, and Salt Lake City.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of the American Planning Association·DateSep 5, 2019

Ancient DNA from Central and South Asia reveals movement of people and language in Eurasia

A genome-wide analysis of ancient DNA from over 500 individuals sheds light on the complex genetic ancestry of South and Central Asia. The study documents genetic exchanges with European Steppe, Near East, and southeast Asia, revealing a population history that reflects similar genomic patterns to those in ancient Europe.

Coffee may protect against gallstones

A new study published in Journal of Internal Medicine found that coffee consumption is linked to a lower risk of developing symptomatic gallstones. Drinking more than six cups of coffee per day was associated with a 23% reduced risk, while one extra cup per day had a 3% lower risk.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateSep 5, 2019

Lessons in learning

A new Harvard study shows that students in 'active learning' classrooms learn more than they think, contradicting long-held beliefs about the effectiveness of traditional lectures. The study found that students felt like they learned more from lectures but actually scored higher on tests following active learning sessions.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2019

Researchers find alarming risk for people coming off chronic opioid prescriptions

Researchers discovered that patients coming off chronic opioid prescriptions were three times more likely to die of an overdose in the years that followed. This alarming outcome has raised concerns about the policy recommendations aimed at reducing opioid prescribing, highlighting the need for systems to protect patients.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 5, 2019

Migraines linked to higher risk of dementia

Research linking migraines to increased risk of dementia highlights the importance of early detection and prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease. Migraines were identified as a mid-life risk factor for dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, in a study of 679 community-dwelling adults aged 65 years and older.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateSep 5, 2019

Study links hearing aids to lower risk of dementia, depression and falls

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with newly diagnosed hearing loss who receive hearing aids have a lower risk of developing dementia, depression, and fall-related injuries compared to those who do not. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 115,000 Medicare beneficiaries, a...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 5, 2019

Same-sex male couples losing out on paid parental leave

A new study found that same-sex male couples are excluded from equal paid parental leave opportunities, with only four countries offering the same amount of leave. The research highlights the need for policymakers to address gender-restrictive language and provide inclusive policies for all parents, regardless of sex or partnership sta...

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalJournal of Social Policy·DateSep 5, 2019

Artificial intelligence approaches may improve diagnostics of kidney disease

Researchers used machine learning algorithms to classify kidney biopsy samples, achieving substantial agreement with pathologists' standard classifications. The methods may augment traditional diagnostics of kidney disease by automating and enhancing accuracy, potentially improving organ survival for transplant patients.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 5, 2019

New study confirms protective effect of diabetes drugs against kidney failure

A new meta-analysis found that SGLT2 inhibitors can reduce the risk of dialysis, transplantation, or death due to kidney disease by about 30% and also reduce the risk of acute kidney injury. The results are encouraging for people with diabetic kidney disease, offering a new treatment option to halt disease progression.

SourceGeorge Institute for Global Health·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateSep 5, 2019