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Science News Archive September 2019 - Page 40


Page 40 of 43

Student body diversity goals & giving parents a say in where their child goes to school

A new study by Thanh Nguyen and Rakesh Vohra proposes a solution that balances parental choice with diversity goals, using school choice programs to assign students to their preferred schools. This approach aims to close the opportunity gap while allowing parents to have a say in where their child attends school.

Novel approach leads to potential sepsis prevention in burn patients

Researchers discovered a potential new treatment for preventing sepsis in burn patients by using the secretions of probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus gasseri to combat antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The study found that applying these secretions to the wound inhibited bacterial growth and prevented biofilm development.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateSep 3, 2019

Fragmenting ions and radiation sensitizers

Researchers investigated how radiation damages DNA in cancer cells treated with 5-fluorouracil, identifying new fragment ions and their formation thresholds. The study could lead to new ways of protecting normal tissues from radiation damage caused by radiotherapy.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateSep 3, 2019

Human flourishing in an age of gene editing

The book explores the social and ethical implications of gene editing on human germline cells, including its impact on relationships between parents and children, health, normalcy, and well-being. Leading thinkers weigh in on the potential risks and benefits of this revolutionary technology.

Research finds a new way to reduce food waste

Researchers found that 'humanizing' produce can change consumer attitudes toward fresh fruits and vegetables showing signs of age. Depicting imperfect-looking produce with human characteristics enhances its appeal, leading consumers to evaluate it more favorably.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateSep 3, 2019

PrEParing family planning clinics in Kenya to prevent new HIV infections

In a feasibility study, PrEP was successfully integrated into family planning clinics in Kenya, with 114 women out of 278 initiating PrEP experiencing no HIV infections. The study indicates that integration of screening for HIV risk and preventive treatment among young women in a family planning clinic setting is feasible.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 3, 2019

Fetching water increases risk of childhood death

A new study reveals that adults fetching water is associated with an increased risk of child death and children collecting water with increased odds of childhood diarrheal disease. Improving access to clean drinking water and sanitation reduces maternal and child health risks, including lower child mortality rates.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·DateSep 3, 2019

Poverty as disease trap

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease affecting 200 million people worldwide, can't be cured with current approaches due to poverty's role. Researchers found that mass drug administration programs fail to eradicate the disease, as treated individuals re-expose themselves to contamination.

SourceStanford University·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateSep 3, 2019

Affordable multiferroic material

Researchers developed a novel liquid process to fabricate an affordable multiferroic nanocomposite film, exhibiting a strong correlation between its electric and magnetic properties. This breakthrough enables the production of materials for various applications such as large-volume memory, spatial light modulators, and unique sensors.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateSep 3, 2019

UM physical therapy professor authors new guideline on treating runner's knee

Patellofemoral pain affects one in four of the general population every year, with women reporting PFP twice as often as men. Exercise therapy, particularly hip and knee strengthening treatments prescribed by a physical therapist, is found to be the most effective recovery approach for individuals with patellofemoral pain.

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy·DateSep 3, 2019

Finding an effective way to reduce pressure ulcers

A recent study by the University of Leeds found that high-tech air mattresses provide only minimal gains in preventing pressure ulcers compared to specialist foam mattresses. The study involved over 2000 patients and showed that the benefits were mostly limited to those who were completely immobile, confused, or had nutritional deficits.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateSep 3, 2019

Why fruit flies eat practically anything

Researchers at Kyoto University discovered that fruit flies can thrive on various diets due to their flexible response to carbohydrates. In contrast, genetic cousins of the fruit fly are 'nutritional specialists' and can only grow on specific plants. The study sheds light on how organisms adapt to different nutritional environments.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCell Reports·DateSep 3, 2019