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Science News Archive November 2020 - Page 30


Page 30 of 43

Scientists use bacteria as micro-3D printers

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a technique to guide bacterial colonies into creating highly customized three-dimensional objects made of nanocellulose. The objects show great potential for medical use, including supporting tissue regeneration and replacing damaged organs.

SourceAalto University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 10, 2020

New analysis finds lung cancer screening reduces rates of lung cancer-specific death

A meta-analysis of eight randomized clinical trials found that low-dose CT screening reduces lung cancer-caused death by 0.4%, translating to one preventable death per 250 at-risk adults. The study suggests the benefits may outweigh potential harms from overdiagnosis, aligning with US Preventive Services Task Force recommendations.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 10, 2020

Simultaneous kidney transplant plus weight loss surgery safe for obese patients

A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation shows that simultaneous robotic-assisted kidney transplant and weight loss surgery is safe for obese patients. The procedure resulted in a significant reduction in surgical complications and improved cardiac function, with all patients experiencing a substantial weight loss.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateNov 10, 2020

Tracking down the causes of heart attack

Studying arterial deposits, researchers found that activated immune cells accumulated on the interior arterial wall, causing damage to the arterial lining. This discovery suggests a misguided adaptive immune response is involved in heart attacks, holding promise for personalized treatments and prevention of clinical complications.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 10, 2020

Puzzled otters learn from each other

Researchers observed Asian short-clawed otters solving food puzzles twice, several months apart, with the otters solving it 69% faster on average. This suggests a capacity for long-term memory and provides evidence of 'social learning,' where one otter's solution is quickly adopted by its closest friends.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 10, 2020

Understanding declining teenage pregnancies in England

A recent study found that declining teenage pregnancy rates in England are related to local areas experiencing less youth unemployment, growing Black or South Asian teenage populations, and more educational attainment. The study also suggests that unaffordable housing and a lack of social housing contribute to lower conception rates.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalHealth & Place·DateNov 10, 2020

Two genes regulate social dominance

Scientists have identified two paralogous androgen receptor genes that control social status in African cichlid fish, shedding light on the molecular basis of social hierarchy. These findings suggest independent mechanisms for regulating coloration and behavior, providing a framework for studying human social dominance.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 10, 2020

Tackling teenage depression: Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System receive $4 million NIH grant to support search for biomarkers for severe depression

Researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Health System are searching for biomarkers to predict the duration and severity of depression in adolescents. The goal is to identify teens who need more significant help with their depression, potentially leading to new treatments.

Methods developed by biorobotics engineers help make hydropower plants more fish-friendly

Researchers in the FIThydro project developed new assessment methods and technologies to reduce negative ecological effects of hydropower plants. They also created a decision support system to help operators plan and assess hydropower plants, taking into account environmental policy requirements and international regulatory guidelines.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalSustainability·DateNov 10, 2020

New primary care tool to prescribe referrals for community health and social services

A new primary care tool, CommunityRx-H3, has been implemented to prescribe referrals for community health and social services. The study found that practice facilitators play a key role in implementing quality improvement initiatives, but face barriers such as limited time and lack of integration with the EMR system.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 10, 2020

The Lancet: Older adults are at greater risk of cardiovascular events than younger people, and benefit at least as much from cholesterol-lowering medications, two studies suggest

Two studies suggest that older adults aged 70 and over with elevated LDL cholesterol levels have the highest incidence of heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases. Cholesterol-lowering therapies, including statins, are as effective at reducing cardiovascular events in this age group as they are in younger people.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 10, 2020

Exoskeletons can reduce strain also in health care

A study found that exoskeleton vests can help nurses by reducing physical strain, but further development is needed to make them comfortable and safe. The technology has the potential to improve care work and alleviate musculoskeletal disorders.

SourceTampere University·JournalErgonomics in Design The Quarterly of Human Factors Applications·DateNov 10, 2020