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Science News Archive April 2020 - Page 4


Page 4 of 37

Algae in the oceans often steal genes from bacteria

A Rutgers co-authored study found that algae, responsible for producing 70% of oxygen and 45% of global primary production, acquire beneficial genes from bacteria. The study analyzed genomic data from 23 species of brown and golden-brown algae and discovered that gene stealing or acquisition varies substantially among different species.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 29, 2020

Learning from fish and flags to inform new propulsion strategies

A team of researchers has discovered a connection between resonance and nonlinearity in swimming performance, revealing potential new bio-inspired propulsion strategies. By understanding the passive dynamics at play when vehicles move through air or water, they aim to enhance performance while reducing energy consumption.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateApr 29, 2020

Training linked to stronger promotion chances for women in IT over work performance

A new study found that training plays a crucial role in promotions for women in the tech industry, bypassing traditional notions of work performance. Women are more likely to be promoted due to their participation in training programs, highlighting the importance of equal opportunities in overcoming biases.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalInformation Systems Research·DateApr 29, 2020

Drug reduces the risk of child sexual abuse

A new drug called degarelix, approved for prostate cancer treatment, has been shown to reduce the risk of men with pedophilic disorder committing child sexual abuse. The drug, administered every three months, dampens critical risk factors such as high sexual desire and attraction to children.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 29, 2020

A step closer to eradicating malaria

Strategies treating households near recent malaria cases with anti-malarial drugs and insecticides significantly reduce malaria in low-transmission settings. Researchers found that reactive focal mass drug administration (rfMDA) and reactive focal vector control (RAVC), used separately or together, can cut new cases by up to 75%.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 29, 2020

Breastfeeding helps prevent mothers from developing diabetes after childbirth

A study by Korean researchers found that breastfeeding lowers maternal postpartum diabetes incidence and improves metabolic health through serotonin production. The research showed sustained improvements in pancreatic beta cells lasting years after lactation cessation, reducing the risk of developing diabetes.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateApr 29, 2020

Making a 'strange' discovery

Physicists led by Rene Bellwied aim to understand the role of 'dark' matter in the universe's evolution. The team will analyze data from international experiments STAR and ALICE to study the transition from quark-gluon plasma to existing particles.

Stark disparities in COVID-19 hospitalization and death rates among New York

A new study has identified significant disparities in COVID-19 hospitalization and death rates across New York City's five boroughs, with the Bronx experiencing nearly twice as many deaths per 100,000 persons compared to Manhattan. The research highlights the need for targeted public health strategies to mitigate these disparities.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateApr 29, 2020

Physio support in COVID-19 recovery

The new guidelines aim to prevent complications of the respiratory system and muscle deconditioning, while also improving long-term physical function and recovery. Physiotherapists are essential in providing treatment and limiting ICU-acquired weakness.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Physiotherapy·DateApr 29, 2020

Risks of potentially inappropriate medications post-hospitalization for older adults

A recent study found that older adults who receive potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) after hospitalization are more likely to experience harmful drug reactions, emergency department visits, rehospitalizations, and death. Nearly half of patients prescribed PIMs experienced these adverse events within 30 days of discharge.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 29, 2020

Public does not grasp idea of 'futile treatment' for critically ill patients

A new UCLA study reveals that most laypersons misunderstand the concept of 'futile treatment,' a crucial discussion for families making end-of-life decisions. The research highlights the need for increased public engagement on this issue, particularly in resource-scarce healthcare systems like during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateApr 29, 2020

Nearly one-third of primary care providers do not view medication treatment for opioid use disorder as effective

A survey of U.S. primary care physicians found that nearly one-third do not view medication treatment for opioid use disorder as effective, despite strong research evidence and clinical guidelines emphasizing its life-saving benefits. The study also revealed low support for policies to remove prescription barriers and increase insuranc...

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 29, 2020

Researchers devise new model to track COVID-19's spread

Yale researchers developed a new approach to track COVID-19's spread by leveraging real-time population flow data, demonstrating its effectiveness in forecasting the outbreak and identifying high-risk areas. The model accurately predicted subsequent COVID-19 infections across China and corroborated official case counts.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateApr 29, 2020