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Proper data analysis might be among Hurricane Maria's casualties

A Penn State demographer warns that Hurricane Maria's destruction may have crippled Puerto Rico's ability to gather and analyze accurate data, hindering the island's recovery and response to future emergencies. The lack of proper data collection services and analysis may lead to inadequate allocation of resources, including money and aid.

SourcePenn State·JournalHealth Affairs·DateApr 2, 2018

Kidney dysfunction contributes to severe malaria

A new study finds that kidney dysfunction is a contributing factor to severe malaria cases caused by Plasmodium vivax parasites. Elevated creatinine levels were associated with increased disease severity and mortality, while certain immune molecules could predict outcome in patients.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 29, 2018

Young at wrong end of deprivation gap, finds study

A study by the University of Manchester found that relative deprivation increased among young adults aged 30-59 and infants aged 0-4, while the over-60s experienced a decrease. The researchers attribute this to government policies, education funding, and housing costs increasing relative to real wages.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 19, 2018

Lopsided ear function can lead to lopsided brain development

Researchers found that lopsided ear function can lead to asymmetric brain development, causing differences in motor behavior. They used mice with a genetic defect to demonstrate the link between inner ear function and brain asymmetry, which was also observed in humans with normal ear function.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 13, 2018

Stroke research: 32 hits

A new study has identified 22 new genetic risk factors for stroke, providing extensive insight into the biology and pathways leading to the disease. The results demonstrate shared genetic influences with multiple related vascular conditions, including blood pressure and coronary artery disease.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Genetics·DateMar 12, 2018

No progress seen in reducing antibiotics among outpatients

A new study found that antibiotic prescriptions continue to be prescribed at high rates in outpatient settings, contributing to drug-resistant infections and excess healthcare costs. The researchers analyzed data from Express Scripts Holding Co. and found no decline in overall antibiotic prescription rates over a three-year period.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateMar 8, 2018

Study in six countries identifies groups that are vulnerable to severe mental illness

A study of six countries found that young men, ethnic minorities, and people living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas are more likely to experience first-episode psychosis. The study also showed that environmental factors play a crucial role in the variation of incidence rates across urban and rural areas.

Leishmaniasis strain in Iraq outbreak identified

Researchers studied Leishmania species and strains in Iraq's hot border region, finding most cases match an Iranian strain. The study highlights the need for control programs to stop the spread of leishmaniasis, a disease that infects millions worldwide.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 1, 2018

Sea urchins erode rock reefs, excavate pits for themselves

Researchers found that sea urchins sculpt medium-grain sandstone rock 37 times quicker than granite, with excavation rates varying greatly by rock type. The study estimated that on medium-grain sandstone reefs, sea urchins might produce almost 200 tonnes of sediment per hectare per year.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 21, 2018

Designing microbial communities to help plants battle nutritional stress

A team of scientists has devised a general experimental scheme to identify and predict which small groups of bacterial species can help plants respond to phosphate starvation. The study demonstrates that the functional complexity of the root microbiome might be simplified by testing only a subset of all possible microbial combinations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 20, 2018

You might be paying too much for ads on Google, Bing

A new study from Binghamton University found that advertisers may be getting more clicks by placing ads in lower positions if they prioritize website quality, brand equity, and selling proposition over top spot ad placement. The model helps advertisers quantify expected clicks based on these factors.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateFeb 6, 2018

Do our mitochondria run at 50 degrees C?

Researchers discovered that mitochondria operate at temperatures up to 50°C, contradicting the long-held assumption of 37.5°C. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of cellular processes and energy production.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 25, 2018

C-sections linked to long-term risks and benefits

Research suggests that C-sections are associated with a decreased risk of urinary incontinence and pelvic prolapse, but an increased risk of asthma, obesity, and pregnancy complications. The study analyzed data from over 29 million participants and found mixed results on the long-term effects of C-sections.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJan 23, 2018

Algorithm improves integration of refugees

A new algorithm developed by Stanford researchers can help resettle refugees more effectively, improving their employment success and overall integration. The algorithm analyzes historical data on refugee resettlement and assigns placements that project a 40-70% increase in employment rates compared to actual outcomes.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateJan 18, 2018