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Science News Archive September 2019 - Page 37


Page 37 of 43

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

Can AI spot liars?

Researchers at USC Institute for Creative Technologies found that spontaneous facial expressions are often context-dependent and do not accurately reveal intentions. The study challenges the assumption that facial expressions can be used to predict feelings and actions.

School district secessions in the South have deepened racial segregation between school systems

A recent study by Kendra Taylor and her colleagues found that school district secessions in the South have increased racial segregation between school systems. The trend has led to more students being sorted into separate districts based on race, potentially harming educational opportunities for diverse student populations.

CU School of Medicine researcher makes key finding related to pre-mRNA splicing

A study led by CU School of Medicine researcher Rui Zhao sheds light on the mechanism of pre-mRNA splicing, a complex process that converts precursor mRNA into mature mRNA for protein production. The research proposes a unified model explaining three fundamental phenomena in pre-mRNA splicing without requiring different spliceosomes.

European whitefish is healthy to eat, but the nutritional quality varies among season

Researchers found that European whitefish muscle omega-3 fatty acid concentration declined by 60% from growing to spawning seasons. Local people traditionally fish for winter supplies during the main growing season when nutritional quality is optimal, reflecting an understanding of the fish's energy-demanding spawning process.

Livestock disease risk tied to herd management style

A new study reveals that livestock managed in a system where they are the sole source of an owner's livelihood are more likely to become infected with PPRV. Herds from pastoral villages had 3.8 times the risk of becoming infected compared to agropastoral villages.

SourcePenn State·JournalEpidemiology and Infection·DateSep 4, 2019

It's not aurora, it's STEVE

Scientists have confirmed that STEVE, a celestial phenomenon, has distinct differences from aurora. Its pinkish mauve color and 'picket fence' emissions set it apart. Researchers are now focused on understanding what causes STEVE and its potential impact on our infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 4, 2019

It is best not to fly to conferences

A study by Dr. Sebastian Jäckle found that conference attendees emit between 0.5-1.5 tons of CO2 per three-day meeting, with plane travel being the worst option. By choosing central venues and video transmission, emissions can be reduced by up to 85%.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalEuropean Political Science·DateSep 4, 2019

Hidden signals may hold key to mechanism of memory

Caleb Kemere and his team will investigate how sleep reorganizes information in the brain, aiming to identify critical time windows and neuronal activities involved in storing and stabilizing memories. The researchers hope to gain a better understanding of how sleep impacts lives, including its impact on memory consolidation.

Realistic robots get under Galápagos lizards' skin

Researchers found that immediate robot responses stimulated wild Galápagos lizards to react more quickly and often than delayed responses. This may help lizards assess their competitors' aggression levels and avoid injury. The study used realistic robots to simulate displays, providing new insights into lizard communication.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateSep 4, 2019

Natural ways of cooling cities

Cities with high rainfall can achieve cooler temperatures through targeted planting, while extremely dry regions benefit from increased wind circulation and shade. The study provides a preliminary classification of cities for urban heat island mitigation, highlighting the importance of regional climate characteristics.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateSep 4, 2019