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Science News Archive September 2019 - Page 36


Page 36 of 43

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