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High-performance data processing technology through a new database partitioning method

DGIST developed a graph-based database partitioning method called GPT technology, which shows more than 4 times faster query performance on average compared to Spark SQL. The technology can be applied to various areas requiring fast join processing techniques and eliminates expensive network communication among machines.

New research addresses incidence of atrial fibrillation after aortic valve replacement

Researchers found that approximately 50 percent of hospitalizations for both TAVI and surgical aortic valve replacement were associated with the development of new atrial fibrillation. Hospitalizations with new atrial fibrillation had higher odds of in-hospital stroke and in-hospital death compared to those without, highlighting the ne...

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJun 3, 2019

Study analyzes mortality risks among pro athletes

A study analyzing mortality risks among pro athletes found elevated risks of death from cardiac and neurodegenerative diseases in football players compared to baseball players. The research, published in JAMA Network Open, suggests the existence of sport-specific disease mechanisms that mandate further investigation.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 24, 2019

Harmonization of resting-state functional MRI data across multiple imaging sites

Researchers developed an effective harmonization method to reduce site-related differences in resting-state fMRI data, reducing bias by 29% and improving signal-to-noise ratios by 40%. This allows for the development of practical brain-circuit-based biomarkers of psychiatric disorders regardless of imaging site.

A comprehensive look at cow's milk

Scientists have developed a centralized database of all known bovine milk compounds, including over 2,300 previously unknown metabolites. The comprehensive analysis was made possible by combining targeted chemical analyses and digital text-mining tools.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateApr 17, 2019

Google searches reveal popular bird species

Google searches have identified popular North American bird species, with large birds and those visiting feeders drawing more attention. The study found that owls were the subject of public curiosity, while conservationists can use this information to focus efforts on lesser-known species.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019

New weapon to combat counterfeit goods: use your smartphone to check for fake merchandise

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a 100% effective labelling system that uses a unique chemical fingerprint to identify genuine products. The system, which can be checked using a phone app, has been tested with a 100% success rate and has the potential to revolutionize the fight against counterfeit goods.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 21, 2019

Is quantum computing scalable?

Quantum computing aims to break cryptography and speed up database search, but scaling is a significant challenge. Researcher Debbie Leung discusses the ingredients required for accurate quantum computing operations and recent progress with error-correcting codes.

SourceCIFAR·DateFeb 16, 2019

New study shows physician-targeted marketing is associated with increase in opioid overdose deaths

A new study found that increased marketing of opioid products to physicians is associated with higher opioid prescribing rates and elevated overdose deaths in the US. The research suggests that even low-value payments or subtle marketing tactics can influence physician prescribing patterns, leading to more overdose deaths.

Phat on potential, lipidomics is gaining weight

A new generation of chemists and biochemists is advancing lipid research with the help of a newly established database. The LIPID MAPS database, developed by UC San Diego researchers, provides a gold standard classification system for lipids, enabling better study and diagnosis of acute and chronic conditions such as diabetes and cancer.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalScience Signaling·DateJan 10, 2019

Golf is most common among older male surgeons

The study found that at least 4% of doctors play golf, with male doctors and surgical specialists spending the most time on the course. Male doctors between 61-70 were most likely to play golf, while female doctors aged 31-35 were least likely.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 10, 2018

New algorithm provides a more detailed look at urban heat islands

A new algorithm developed by Yale Ph.D. student TC Chakraborty creates a more comprehensive and consistent estimate of urban heat islands worldwide. The Global Surface UHI Explorer map uses urban agglomerations instead of administrative city boundaries, providing surface UHI intensity estimates for over 10,000 urban clusters.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation·DateDec 7, 2018

Assessing India's health with a single question

A study by researchers from UNIGE and Calcutta examines the reliability of a self-assessment question for evaluating health status in middle-income countries. The team found that the simple question provided a sound understanding of India's population health, with better variance captured compared to Switzerland.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalBMJ Global Health·DateDec 5, 2018

Sharing benefits of digitized DNA

A proposed change to the Nagoya Protocol could require users of genetic data to pay fees to donor countries, potentially hindering innovation and public health. Proponents argue it will conserve biodiversity, while opponents claim it discourages research and development.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 28, 2018

Flood of genome data hinders efforts to ID bacteria

A recent study published in Genome Biology found that the rapid growth of genomic databases is affecting the accuracy of bacterial species identification. The research, led by Rice University scientist Todd Treangen, reveals that the imbalance in database coverage hinders the ability to quickly identify pathogens.

SourceRice University·JournalGenome Biology·DateOct 30, 2018

Forest carbon stocks have been overestimated for 50 years

Researchers at CIRAD found an incoherence in a conversion factor for calculating basic wood density, leading to potential errors in estimating forest carbon stocks. The corrected formula will improve the accuracy of forest carbon assessments and understanding of forests' role in climate regulation.

SourceCirad·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateOct 16, 2018