Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for March 4, 2020


New platform for cancer diagnostics and drug testing

A new experimental platform for cancer diagnostics, prognoses, and testing cancer drugs has been developed by analyzing the extracellular matrix of tumor tissues. The platform uses protein fibers surrounding cells to predict disease risk and potential treatment efficacy in various patients with different types of cancers.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalBiomaterials·DateMar 4, 2020

Better planning could save millions in health care costs

A new study from Michigan State University and Rutgers University reveals that five to 10 minutes are added to each surgery due to unplanned supplies, resulting in nearly $28 million annually in unnecessary costs. Implementing standardized planning processes for medical supplies can significantly reduce these waste costs.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Operations Management·DateMar 4, 2020

Risks of later abortions on subsequent births

A study published in Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica found that women who had late abortions experienced a higher risk of extremely preterm birth. The research included over 418,000 first-time mothers and observed an increased risk of very low birthweight among those with late abortion(s) compared to early abortion(s).

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateMar 4, 2020

UCF study: Sea level rise impacts to Canaveral sea turtle nests will be substantial

A new study by UCF predicts that Canaveral National Seashore will experience the greatest impact from sea level rise and hurricanes, with a loss of about 1% of its loggerhead habitat by 2100. The study used a new method to calculate current and future sea turtle nesting areas, which can help the National Park Service manage resources.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalEcological Applications·DateMar 4, 2020

Bereaved individuals may face higher risk of dying from melanoma

Research published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that bereaved individuals have a 17% higher risk of dying from melanoma compared to non-bereaved persons. Those who had lost a partner were also 12% less likely to be diagnosed with melanoma, highlighting the importance of skin checks for early detection and improved survival.

SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateMar 4, 2020

Dental teams could play an important role in early diagnosis of Type 2 and pre-diabetes

A systematic review suggests that dental teams can play a vital role in identifying individuals at high risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. By using risk assessment tools and point-of-care blood testing, dental professionals can help detect early signs of the condition, potentially leading to better management and outcomes for patients.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCurrent Oral Health Reports·DateMar 4, 2020

Regenerative nerve interface enhances precision and durability of hand prostheses

A new regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI) technology has been developed to improve the control and precision of prosthetic hands for upper limb amputees. The RPNIs allowed participants to perform complex finger and thumb movements with high accuracy and worked for up to 300 days without requiring recalibration.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 4, 2020

Car congestion outweighs scooter scourge on city streets

A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that motor vehicles are the main cause of blocking access to other travelers on city streets, with a higher noncompliance rate (24.7%) compared to scooters and bikes (0.8%). The study suggests that cities should rethink their parking policies in response to the rise of technology-e...

SourceCornell University·JournalTransportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives·DateMar 4, 2020

Is it time to nationalize the drug industry?

Experts debate nationalizing the pharmaceutical sector to improve public health priorities, address extortionate pricing, and ensure patient access to new advanced drugs. Mariana Mazzucato and Henry Lishi Li propose a government-provided quality-assured medicine option that co-exists with private sector products.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 4, 2020

Workplace program to improve blood pressure control

A randomized clinical trial in 60 urban workplaces in China found that a wellness program with hypertension management component significantly improved blood pressure control among employees. The program reduced systolic blood pressure by 3.5 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by 2.5 mmHg compared to usual care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMar 4, 2020

Diabetes remission rates after 2 common weight-loss surgeries

Researchers examined associations between two common weight-loss surgeries and type 2 diabetes outcomes, finding improved glycemic control and weight loss after five years. The study included 9,700 adults who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, suggesting these procedures may help achieve diabetes remission.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMar 4, 2020

Breastfeeding and risks of allergies and asthma

A study of 1,177 mother-infant pairs found exclusive breastfeeding for the first 3 months linked with a lower risk of respiratory allergies and asthma. Breastfeeding duration was insufficient to reduce the risk if not accompanied by family history of asthma.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateMar 4, 2020

Household chemical use linked to child language delays

A new study published in Clinical Pediatrics found that young children from low-income homes whose mothers used toxic household chemicals frequently showed delays in language development and scored lower on cognitive tests. The researchers analyzed data from 190 families and found no link between neighborhood pollution, mold, or pestic...

SourceOhio State University·JournalClinical Pediatrics·DateMar 4, 2020

Researchers gather interventions addressing 'word gap' into special edition of journal

A special edition of Early Childhood Research Quarterly presents 18 language-intervention research studies on the 'word gap,' which documents significant language disparities in young children. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions with parents, educators, and healthcare providers to address these gaps.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateMar 4, 2020

How loneliness affects end-of-life experiences

A study of over 2,800 Americans aged 50+ found that lonely individuals experience more burdensome symptoms at the end of life and receive more intense care. They are also more likely to die in nursing homes and use life support.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 4, 2020

Researchers identify breaking point of conducting material

Researchers at Penn State developed a new method to predict the temperature when plastics change from supple to brittle, which could accelerate the development of flexible electronics. The study found that a simple relationship between chemical structure and glass transition temperature can be used to predict embrittlement point.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2020

Young women with breast cancer may face financial hardship after diagnosis

A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that young women with breast cancer experience substantial financial difficulties after diagnosis, even if they have stable jobs and insurance coverage. The study highlights the need for better financial planning and awareness of the costs associated with cancer care.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Epidemiology·DateMar 4, 2020

Zigzag DNA

Researchers at Delft University of Technology have discovered a new loop structure in DNA, called the 'Z loop', which differs from traditional single loops and occurs more frequently. This discovery sheds light on how condensin proteins fold DNA into a zigzag structure through complex interactions.

Weight loss surgery may increase fracture risk

A study published in Journal of Internal Medicine found that weight loss surgery, especially gastric bypass, increases the long-term risk of bone fractures. The rate was highest among patients who underwent gastric bypass, with a 2.58-times higher fracture risk compared to non-surgical obesity care and other bariatric surgery methods.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateMar 4, 2020

Birds of a feather better not together

A new study of North American birds found that regional ecosystem stability over time depends on both the total number of species present in a locality and on the variation in species identities among localities. The researchers used 20 years of observational data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey to test this hypothesis.

A new model of vision

A new computer model developed by MIT cognitive scientists can quickly generate a detailed scene description from an image, similar to the brain's ability. The model, known as efficient inverse graphics (EIG), reverses the steps used in computer graphics programs to generate images, allowing it to infer underlying features of a scene. ...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 4, 2020

All optical control of exciton flow in a colloidal quantum well complex

Researchers from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, demonstrate a convenient way to control exciton flow between different colloidal quantum wells at room temperature through optical signals. They achieve continuous transition among three distinct exciton flow regimes with efficiencies of ~50%, ~90% and ~2%.

£500,000 NIHR grant for obesity treatment

A £500,000 NIHR grant will be used to investigate the effectiveness of NHS-funded obesity treatment programmes in the UK. The project, BE:COME, aims to determine which components of these programmes contribute to weight loss and identify the best combination for different groups of people.

Divorced parents may impact some teens' academics

A study found that adolescents with divorced parents have lower GPAs, especially those with more educated mothers. The researchers controlled for paternal education and income measures, revealing a stronger association between divorce and reduced GPA among teens with highly educated mothers.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 4, 2020

Rapid DNA test quickly identifies victims of mass casualty event

Researchers used Rapid DNA Identification to quickly identify 58 victims of the 2018 Camp Fire, a technique that can provide results within hours. This work represents the first use of Rapid DNA Identification in a mass casualty event and has since been utilized in another incident.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences·DateMar 4, 2020

New insights into evolution: Why genes appear to move around

Scientists at Uppsala University propose the SNAP Hypothesis to explain why genes move on chromosomes. This hypothesis suggests that tandem duplications of chromosome sections occur frequently, leading to changes in gene order over time. Random loss of unnecessary duplicated genes can result in rapid rearrangements of remaining genes.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateMar 4, 2020

Moviegoers contaminate nonsmoking movie theater with 'thirdhand' cigarette smoke

Research shows that concentrations of nicotine and smoking-related volatile organic compounds spike when moviegoers enter a non-smoking theater, equivalent to up to 10 cigarettes of secondhand smoke. The study highlights the need for regulation and warns of the health risks of thirdhand exposure, especially for infants and children.

Third-hand smoke is no joke, can convey hazardous chemicals

A new study from Yale University reveals that third-hand smoke can travel into indoor spaces through human contact, exposing non-smokers to hazardous chemicals. The research found that even in well-ventilated areas like movie theaters, people can carry and release third-hand smoke contaminants, posing health risks.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 4, 2020

Robot uses artificial intelligence and imaging to draw blood

The Rutgers team's robotic device combines AI, near-infrared, and ultrasound imaging to accurately pinpoint blood vessels, outperforming human healthcare professionals in complex tasks. The device reduces injuries and improves procedure efficiency, enabling healthcare professionals to focus on other critical aspects of medical care.

SourceRutgers University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateMar 4, 2020

Teaming basic scientists with clinicians may improve medical education retention

Pairing clinician and basic science educators can help improve retention of information in medical school curriculum design. This integration, starting from the initial stages, facilitates the transfer of knowledge to clinical settings. By shadowing clinicians, basic scientists can better understand how to communicate information with ...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAJP Advances in Physiology Education·DateMar 4, 2020

Robots on the march to walking like humans

Researchers at the University of Manchester developed a robot that uses perceptual control theory to balance and move efficiently. The study found that robots programmed with this theory performed better than those using standard algorithms, demonstrating potential for more lifelike machines.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Intelligent & Robotic Systems·DateMar 4, 2020

A small step for atoms, a giant leap for microelectronics

Scientists at Rice University successfully grew atom-thick sheets of hexagonal boron nitride, a wide band gap semiconductor, to create perfectly ordered crystals for use in integrated circuits. The breakthrough enables the development of 2D layers with millions of transistors, potentially overcoming limitations in miniaturization.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·DateMar 4, 2020

New material could turn clothing into a health monitor

Researchers have developed a new material that can be woven into fabric to detect slight changes in body temperature, serving as an early warning system for injury or illness. The material, capable of maintaining a pliable disordered structure, can alert someone monitoring the change to potential need for intervention.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateMar 4, 2020

New measure for excessive buying problems

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a new measure for excessive buying problems, the Excessive Buying Rating Scale (EBRS), to assess severity and predict predictors of problematic buying. Strong beliefs about the benefits of buying were significant predictors, while gender and age also played a role.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJournal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders·DateMar 4, 2020

Lung diseases linked to higher rheumatoid arthritis risk

A recent study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are associated with a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Women with asthma were 53% more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while those with COPD were 89% more likely.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateMar 4, 2020

High-tech contact lenses correct color blindness

Scientists have created ultra-thin optical devices known as metasurfaces integrated into off-the-shelf contact lenses to correct deuteranomaly, a form of red-green color blindness. The new customizable contact lens can restore lost color contrast and improve color perception up to a factor of 10.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateMar 4, 2020

Reducing problem behaviors for children with autism

A University of Missouri researcher has created a new approach to reducing problem behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder. The flexible intervention technique emphasizes momentary check-ins, allowing parents and caregivers more flexibility to implement the strategy. This can help minimize self-inflicted harm and social sti...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalCurrent Developmental Disorders Reports·DateMar 4, 2020

Testing with combined biopsy method improves prostate cancer diagnosis in NIH study

A new testing method combining systematic biopsy with MRI-targeted biopsy leads to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment outcomes for prostate cancer patients. The study found that combined biopsy provided more accurate diagnoses than MRI-targeted biopsies alone, reducing the risk of overtreatment and undertreatment.

SourceNIH/National Cancer Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 4, 2020

Study examines potential link between partner bereavement and skin cancer

A recent study funded by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology found a potential link between partner bereavement and skin cancer. Researchers discovered that individuals who experienced the loss of a partner had a decreased risk of being diagnosed with melanoma, but an increased risk of dying after diagnosis.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateMar 4, 2020

Sensitivity to low flow

A new method helps scientists determine how vulnerable rivers are to drought conditions by analyzing streamflow data, identifying faster and slower components of runoff and their impact on river sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·DateMar 4, 2020