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Science News for January 7, 2020


From the mouths of babes: Lessons in humility

A pediatrician at Children's National Hospital wrote a 27-line poem inspired by her young patients' comments about vaccines. The poem, part of the 'Poetry and Medicine' series, aims to capture the optimism and resilience of children despite challenges. Dr. Sims hopes the poem will help build self-efficacy and resiliency in her patients.

Evolution on the vine: A history of tomato domestication in Latin America

A new study has confirmed the history of tomatoes from South America, from blueberry-sized wild tomatoes to large-fruited common tomatoes. Scientists have reconstructed a putative domestication history of tomato groups, focusing on the intermediate stage represented by SLC, which originated in Ecuador around 78 KYA.

Can the flu shot help fight cancer?

Researchers found that injecting influenza vaccines into tumors increases the immune system's response, changing cold tumors to hot ones. This triggers an immune-stimulating effect, reducing tumor growth and improving survival rates. The study suggests that flu shots could be repurposed as cancer treatments.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2020

Young adults using both e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes at significantly higher risk of stroke

A new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine reveals that young adults who use both e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes have a nearly three times higher risk of stroke compared to non-smokers. The study also found that switching from combustible to e-cigarettes does not reduce stroke risk, highlighting the need for fu...

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJan 7, 2020

Geographers find tipping point in deforestation

Geographers at University of Cincinnati found a tipping point in deforestation where forests disappear quickly after being cut in half. The study used satellite images to analyze landscape changes across the globe and discovered that nature abhors mixed landscapes, favoring homogeneous blocks over time.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJan 7, 2020

Cesarean delivery rates in China

The study found a significant increase in cesarean delivery rates in China between 2008 and 2018, with a total rise of 15%. This trend is attributed to various factors including improved maternal mortality care and increased accessibility to healthcare services.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJan 7, 2020

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Scientists identify and characterise eight more deaths from Borna disease virus and suggest more cases could be identified

Researchers found genetic signs of Borna disease virus in brain tissue from patients with unknown cause of encephalitis, indicating a potential link to severe and deadly cases. The study suggests clinicians should test for BoDV-1 more often in patients with rapidly evolving central or peripheral nervous system disorders.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJan 7, 2020

New method gives robust transistors

Scientists at Linköping University and SweGaN have developed a new method to fit together layers of semiconductors, resulting in high-breakdown thin GaN transistors. The transistors can withstand high voltages due to the gradual absorption of strain between layers.

SourceLinköping University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 7, 2020

Some surprisingly good news about anxiety

A new University of Toronto study reveals that seven in ten Canadians with a history of generalized anxiety disorder are free from the condition, with 40% achieving excellent mental health. Social support and spiritual coping also play significant roles in recovery.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·DateJan 7, 2020

Predictors of chronic migraine

A recent meta-analysis published in Cephalalgia highlights the predictors of chronic migraine, including depression, which increases the risk by 58%, and high-frequency attacks, which raises a permanent debate surrounding the diagnostic criteria. The study also found medication overuse to increase the odds of developing chronic migrain...

SourceInternational Headache Society·JournalCephalalgia·DateJan 7, 2020

Indeterminist physics for an open world

A UNIGE physicist proposes altering the mathematical language of classical physics to allow for indeterminism and randomness, resolving contradictions with quantum physics. This shift would enable a more intuitive approach to understanding the world, closer to our everyday experience.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 7, 2020

Grant aims to improve environmental education

A Virginia Tech professor is leading a study on STEM-based environmental education programs to determine how to promote positive learning outcomes for students. The research, funded by the National Science Foundation, will observe 500 single-day field trips and analyze their characteristics to identify factors linked to better outcomes.

New MS treatment trial compares stem cell transplantation to best available drugs

A clinical trial is testing an experimental stem cell treatment against the best available biologic therapies for severe forms of relapsing multiple sclerosis. The trial aims to determine whether autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is an effective and durable treatment option for people with severe relapsing MS w...

Air pollution in childhood linked to schizophrenia

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found that children exposed to high levels of air pollution during childhood are at a higher risk of developing schizophrenia. The study showed an increased risk of approximately 20% for every 10 μg/m3 increase in daily average air pollution.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJan 7, 2020