Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Anonymous no more: combining genetics with genealogy to identify the dead in unmarked graves

A team of researchers combined genealogical information with genetic data from modern Quebecers to access the genetic profile of Quebec's historical population. The study successfully identified approximately 1.7 million individuals, but limitations in genetic coverage hindered full identification, leaving around 88% of men married bef...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateFeb 24, 2020

Global database for Karst spring discharges

The World Karst Spring hydrograph dataset (WoKaS) offers a comprehensive collection of over 400 karst spring discharge data, providing valuable insights into the world's fastest-flowing groundwater. This database supports trend analyses, impact studies, and model evaluations for sustainable water management.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScientific Data·DateFeb 21, 2020

Does tramadol increase hip fracture risk?

A UK patient database analysis found tramadol increases hip fracture risk by up to 1.5 new cases per 1000 person-years, compared to other pain medications. The study highlights the need for tramadol's fracture risk to be considered in clinical practice and treatment guidelines.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateFeb 5, 2020

Interdisciplinary study reveals new insights into the evolution of signed languages

Researchers identified five main European sign language lineages that dispersed globally from the late 18th century, tracing their evolution through a comprehensive database of manual alphabets and handshapes. The study provides new insights into the origins and spread of sign languages, highlighting unexpected connections between Aust...

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJan 14, 2020

Investigation: Problems in clinical trial reporting continue amid lax federal enforcement

A recent investigation by Science found that companies, universities, and institutions are often non-compliant with the requirement to report clinical trial results in a federal database. More than 55% of trials violated this law, yet regulatory agencies have failed to enforce penalties or actions against violators.

Cystic fibrosis carriers are at increased risk for cystic fibrosis-related conditions

Researchers found that people with one mutated copy of the cystic fibrosis gene, known as CF carriers, are at higher risk for various CF-related conditions, including pancreatitis and type 1 diabetes. The study's results suggest a substantial burden of illness from these conditions, impacting over 10 million Americans.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2020

A new way to measure long-term firm performance and shareholder value

A new tool called Long-term Investor Value Appropriation (LIVA) has been introduced to measure long-term firm performance and shareholder value. LIVA uses stock price data to calculate a backward-looking net present value over a given period, providing a more accurate reflection of underlying economic performance.

SourceINSEAD·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateDec 4, 2019

Online tool speeds response to elephant poaching by tracing ivory to source

A new online tool uses an interactive database of genetic information to help authorities quickly identify the origin of confiscated ivory from African elephants. The Loxodonta Localizer matches genetic sequences from poached ivory to those stored in the database, providing a faster and cheaper analysis than current approaches.

Rare diseases: Over 300 million patients affected worldwide

A recent study by Inserm US14 found that more than 300 million people worldwide are currently living with a rare disease, which represents around 4% of the world's population. The study analyzed data from the Orphanet database and estimated that this number could be higher due to many cases being unrecorded in healthcare systems.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalEuropean Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 24, 2019

Find FH® machine learning model flags individuals with FH for first time at national level

A new machine learning algorithm identified individuals with probable familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) for the first time at a national scale, reducing the number of people needed to be screened. The FIND FH model performed comparably well on diverse healthcare data and has been implemented in several US healthcare systems.

SourceFamily Heart Foundation·JournalThe Lancet Digital Health·DateOct 21, 2019

Predicting terror activity before it happens

A new predictive model can forecast a terror organization's future violence after just 10 attacks, allowing security forces to identify and neutralize the most destructive groups. The model, developed by Northwestern University researchers, uses data from publicly available sources like the Global Terror Database.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2019

Racial disparity in fatal officer-involved shootings

A study by researchers at the University of Maryland found that white officers were not more likely to shoot minority civilians than black or Hispanic officers. Violent crime rates where the shooting took place were the strongest factor in predicting the race of a person fatally shot by police.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 22, 2019