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Science News Archive March 2020


Page 1 of 41

Wearable device lets patients with type 2 diabetes safely use affordable insulin option

A new study finds that a wearable device called V-Go can safely deliver regular human insulin (RHI) to patients with type 2 diabetes, achieving good blood sugar control. The study, which compared RHI to rapid acting insulin (RAI) analogs, showed improvements in hemoglobin A1c levels and met its primary endpoint of noninferiority.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 31, 2020

Reduced off-odor of plastic recyclates via separate collection of packaging waste

A study by Fraunhofer IVV, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, and University of Alicante found that separating packaging waste from household waste reduces off-odors in plastic recyclates. The researchers identified over 60 odor-causing substances and found that washing post-consumer LDPE shopping bags at 60 degrees reduced overall odors.

Virtual cell predicts how close tumor environment influences cancer metastasis

A virtual computational cell was built to predict cancer metastasis by analyzing the interaction of numerous molecules and signals within the tumor environment. The research found that hybrid cancer cells can be targeted using specific molecular signals and extracellular matrix proteins, offering new therapeutic strategies against cancer.

SourceInstituto Gulbenkian de Ciencia·JournalCancer Research·DateMar 31, 2020

Police officers' views before and after Ferguson counter accuracy of Ferguson effect

A longitudinal study found little support for the Ferguson Effect, a decrease in police morale and proactive policing. However, low job satisfaction and cynicism among officers were associated with reduced police activity. The study suggests addressing officers' attitudes is crucial for promoting community engagement and proactive poli...

SourceCrime and Justice Research Alliance·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateMar 31, 2020

Technology use by adults with type 1 diabetes lower among African-Americans, Hispanics

A recent study found that technology use by adults with type 1 diabetes is lower among African-American and Hispanic patients. The use of continuous glucose monitors (CGM) and continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) devices was significantly lower in these groups, highlighting racial disparities in access to healthcare.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 31, 2020

Infants introduced early to solid foods show gut bacteria changes that may portend future health risks

A study found that infants who started on solid foods at or before three months of age showed changes in gut bacteria and bacterial byproducts, which may predispose them to being overweight later in childhood. The researchers also found a delayed impact of early solid food introduction on short-chain fatty acid concentrations.

Organic soybean producers can be competitive using little or no tillage

A new study by Penn State researchers found that organic soybean producers using no-till and reduced-tillage production methods can achieve similar yields at competitive costs compared to traditional tillage-based production. This sustainable method reduces labor, fuel, and input costs while conserving soil health and water quality.

SourcePenn State·JournalRenewable Agriculture and Food Systems·DateMar 31, 2020

Unconscious food cravings may make bariatric surgery less effective for extreme obesity

Patients with superobesity are more prone to regain weight after bariatric surgery due to unconscious food cravings and attentional bias. Research found that pre-conscious and conscious attentional biases play a significant role in weight regain, suggesting that cognitive processes similar to addiction may be present in morbid obesity.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateMar 31, 2020

Ocular findings of patients with COVID-19

One-third of COVID-19 patients from Hubei, China, exhibited ocular findings, which occurred frequently in those with more severe physical conditions. The study highlights the importance of monitoring for ocular complications in high-risk patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMar 31, 2020

The architecture of a 'shape-shifting' norovirus

Researchers at the University of Leeds have discovered a dynamic shape-shifting mechanism in noroviruses, which may help explain their potent pathogenicity and inform vaccine development. The study's findings could lead to the creation of more effective vaccine candidates using virus-like particles (VLPs).

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 31, 2020

Environmental features attracting older adults to physical activity differ among neighbourhood types

A study in Finland found that environmental features such as nature destinations and walking-friendly infrastructure are crucial for older adults' physical activity. The research highlights the importance of considering specific neighborhood conditions when planning initiatives to promote older adults' health.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalJournal of Aging and Health·DateMar 31, 2020