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UrduToday, the Asia Research Institute (ARI) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) announced the launch of the Asian Peace Programme (APP), to initiate and support policy research that will work towards generating an enduring peace in Asia.
Month: June 2020
More than medicine: pain-relief drug delivers choices for mothers in labour
Choice and control are important factors for ensuring a positive childbirth experience, yet until recently, little was known about the impact of alternative administrations of fentanyl – one of the pain relief drugs used during labour– on both mother and baby.
An ethical eye on AI – new mathematical idea reins in AI bias towards making unethical and costly commercial choices
Researchers from the University of Warwick, Imperial College London, EPFL (Lausanne) and Sciteb Ltd have found a mathematical means of helping regulators and business manage and police Artificial Intelligence systems’ biases towards making unethical, and potentially very costly and damaging commercial choices – an ethical eye on AI.
Covid-19 Blood Clotting Cause Identified in Study
New findings led by Yale Cancer Center researchers and experts across several medical specialties at Yale identify a leading mechanism behind the pathophysiology of Covid-19 and pinpoint a biological marker for the mechanism that may aid in treating these patients.
Fireworks safety and your eyes during COVID-19
Tyler Hall, M.D., assistant professor with UAB Callahan Eye Hospital and the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, discusses eye safety while using fireworks during the July 4 holiday. Original post https://alertarticles.info
Veterinary expert available to discuss new swine flu strain
Dr. Phillip Gauger is an associate professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine at Iowa State University. Gauger is available for media interviews regarding the new strain of swine flu with potential to infect humans. Gauger’s areas of expertise…
Springer named director of UA Little Rock Emerging Analytics Center
Dr. Jan P. Springer, associate professor in the Department of Computer Science, has been named the new director of the George W. Donaghey Emerging Analytics Center at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.The Emerging Analytics Center (EAC) is a research center that is home to an energetic group of researchers, faculty, and students performing innovative research and development in technology, infrastructure, and applications for virtual and augmented realities, immersive visualization, interactive technologies, as well as cybersecurity and the Internet of Things.
UTEP Research Reveals More About Path Bacterial Pathogen Travels to Cause Tuberculosis
Jianjun Sun, Ph.D., associate professor in UTEP’s Department of Biological Sciences, led the research on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Sun’s lab has been investigating the mechanisms of Mtb pathogenesis for more than 10 years at UTEP with a specific focus on EsxA, which is a virulence factor essential for Mtb virulence and a preferred target for developing novel anti-TB drugs and vaccines.
New Tech Lets Marine Scientists Track Real-Time Health of Coral Reefs Around the World
MERMAID, an open-source tech platform for marine scientists, is for the first time launching an interactive map that provides an insider’s view of the ecosystem data collected from coral reefs by field scientists around the world.
Mathematical noodling leads to new insights into an old fusion problem
Scientists at PPPL have gained new insight into a common type of plasma hiccup that interferes with fusion reactions. These findings could help bring fusion energy closer to reality.
Number of Hospitalizations Can Be Important Clinical Indicator for Head, Neck Cancer Patients
Patients who were unexpectedly hospitalized for dehydration, fever or other ailments while undergoing radiation treatment for head and neck cancers were at a higher risk for less favorable outcomes, a new study from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center reports.
The Magnetic History of Ice
The Weizmann Institute’s Prof. Oded Aharonson found that ancient ice holds magnetic particles. The finding could shed greater light on the Earth’s magnetic field reversals, supplement magnetic field data from rocks and sediment, and identify field reversals on other bodies in our Solar System, such as Mars.
Rutgers Economist Available to Discuss Economic Impact of New Jersey’s Phase Two Re-Opening
Rutgers economist Bruce Mizrach is available to comment on a new Rutgers working paper that examines the economic impact of New Jersey’s phase two re-opening in big box retail, apparel, fast food, fast causal dinging, grocers and lodging. The researchers analyzed data…
Argonne to advance energy security and safety with funds from U.S.-Israel Energy Center
Researchers at Argonne will share advances in offshore drilling safety and technology in the Eastern Mediterranean with a new five-year grant from the U.S.-Israel Energy Center.
Brown School’s Race and Opportunity Lab recommends specific policing reforms
As the nation struggles with police violence, a new report from HomeGrown StL in the Race and Opportunity Lab at the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis recommends reforms to build an equitable, transparent and accountable public safety approach that will include lawsuit liability, a police misconduct database and federal funding mandates.
International law and armed conflict expert available to comment on Russian bounty payments
For stories on Russian bounty payments for American troops in Afghanistan–especially the credibility of the reports, the legality of such actions, and the multi-country history of bounties in foreign policy–contact Mary Ellen O’Connell, Robert and Marion Short Professor of Law…
Which Came First? An Experiment in Recreating Primordial Proteins Solves a Long-standing Riddle
How did the earliest proteins arise, given that the amino acids needed to make them are themselves produced by other proteins – enzymes? The Weizmann Institute’s Prof. Dan Tawfik and colleagues recreated primordial proteins to find the answer.
COVID-19: Study Shows Virus Can Infect Heart Cells in Lab Dish
A new study shows that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 (coronavirus), can infect heart cells in a lab dish, indicating it may be possible for heart cells in COVID-19 patients to be directly infected by the virus. The discovery, published today in the journal Cell Reports Medicine, was made using heart muscle cells that were produced by stem cell technology.
China’s law is ‘final nail in the coffin’ for Hong Kong
China passed a law this week on national security for Hong Kong, which is expected to further limit the city’s autonomy and could be used to crack down on those engaging in “secession, subversion against the central Chinese government, terrorism,…
The Impact Factor of AACC’s Clinical Chemistry Journal Increases to 7.292
AACC, a global scientific and medical professional organization dedicated to better health through laboratory medicine, is pleased to announce that the impact factor of its journal, Clinical Chemistry, has risen to 7.292 in the 2019 Clarivate Analytics Journal Citation Reports. This impact factor places Clinical Chemistry in the top 4.2% of 12,838 ranked academic journals and speaks to the significant influence of the science it publishes on laboratory medicine and patient care.
Researchers Discover a Novel Potassium Channel Activator Which Acts as a Potential Anticonvulsant
Corresponding Authors: Paul A. Slesinger, PhD, Lillian and Henry M. Stratton Professor of Neuroscience, Director, Center for Neurotechnology & Behavior, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York (lead) Avner Schlessinger, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Associate…
Researchers study state’s firearm risk-protection orders
Since the law was enacted in 2016, 237 petitions have been filed out of concern for an individual’s risk of inflicting self-harm and/or harm to others.
How Hospitality Industry Should Address Discrimination
After the worldwide protests that erupted over the killing of George Floyd, it is hard for me to imagine any person, company, or institution, continuing to discount the role that racism plays in our society. People all over are demanding an end to racial discrimination that is embedded in our social systems. In hospitality, emerging research has shined light on the perception of discrimination among industry workers, but personally, it comes as no surprise to me.
Cover your nose—Why proper mask wear and adjustment for breathing comfort is important amid COVID-19
During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, you’ve probably noticed countless people in public spaces wearing face coverings in a way that leaves their noses uncovered.
Sneaky salmonella finds a backdoor into plants
Researchers have discovered that bacteria such as salmonella and E.coli have a backdoor to capitalize on our reliance on leafy greens for a healthy diet. Wild strains of salmonella are delivering foodborne illnesses by circumventing a plant’s immune defense system to get into the leaves of lettuce.
AACI Welcomes University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center and Cancer Center at Brown University to Membership Roster
This month the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) welcomed University of Puerto Rico Comprehensive Cancer Center (UPRCCC) and Cancer Center at Brown University, bringing the association’s total number of members to 102.
Universal Gut Microbiome-Derived Signature Predicts Cirrhosis
UC San Diego School of Medicine researchers report that stool microbiomes of NAFLD patients are distinct enough to potentially be used to accurately predict which persons with NAFLD are at greatest risk for having cirrhosis.
COVID-19 Causes ‘Hyperactivity’ in Blood-Clotting Cells
Changes in blood platelets triggered by COVID-19 could contribute to the onset of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious complications in some patients who have the disease, according to University of Utah Health scientists. The researchers found that inflammatory proteins produced during infection significantly alter the function of platelets, making them “hyperactive” and more prone to form dangerous and potentially deadly blood clots.
Researchers look for answers as to why western bumblebees are declining
A University of Wyoming researcher and her Ph.D. student have spent the last three years studying the decline of the Western bumblebee.
Saint Louis University and Access Academies Partner to Propel At-Risk Youth to Academic, Career Success
Access Academies, a leading local nonprofit that propels at-risk students from middle school to college and career success, and Saint Louis University will join forces in an innovative partnership aimed at expanding educational opportunities for hundreds of students across St. Louis.
Sorenson Impact Center names impact investor Geoff Davis CEO
Geoff Davis will take on the new role of CEO for the Sorenson Impact Center at the David Eccles School of Business at the University of Utah. He begins his new position on July 13, 2020.
Light drinking may protect brain function
Light to moderate drinking may preserve brain function in older age, according to a new study from the University of Georgia.
Story Tips From Johns Hopkins Experts on COVID-19
It seems there will never be enough “thank you’s” for the incredible doctors, nurses, technicians and support staff members who are working around the clock to help patients who have the dangerous coronavirus disease. The dedication, determination and spirit enable Johns Hopkins to deliver the promise of medicine.
For Cardiac Rehab Patients, In-Home Portable Air Cleaners Lower Fine-Particle Pollutant Exposure
Using an in-home portable air cleaner (PAC) can significantly reduce exposure to fine-particle air pollutants – a major risk factor for cardiovascular events in people with pre-existing heart disease, reports a pilot study in the July issue of Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention. The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer.
Residents of some cities unwilling to comply with COVID-19 prevention behaviors
Several U.S. cities may be at increased risk of surges in COVID-19 cases as they reopen their economies because their residents are unwilling to follow practices that reduce the spread of the disease, according to Penn State College of Medicine researchers.
Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth keep praying, but quit church as they reach adulthood
Many churches are unwelcoming to sexual minorities, which may lead lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans to retreat from religiton. This study investigates the trajectories of religion change for sexual minorities and other emerging adults, using two longitudinal data sources to…
Face Mask Construction, Materials Matter for Containing Coughing, Sneezing Droplets
While the use of face masks in public has been widely recommended by health officials during the current COVID-19 pandemic, there are relatively few specific guidelines pertaining to mask materials and designs. A study in Physics of Fluids looks to better understand which types are best for controlling respiratory droplets that could contain viruses. The team experimented with different choices in material and design to determine how well face masks block droplets as they exit the mouth.
Countries Group into Clusters as COVID-19 Outbreak Spreads
Mathematicians based in Australia and China have developed a method to analyze the large amount of data accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The technique, described in the journal Chaos, can identify anomalous countries — those that are more successful than expected at responding to the pandemic and those that are particularly unsuccessful. The investigators analyzed the data with a variation of a statistical technique known as a cluster analysis.
Spider Silk Can Create Lenses Useful for Biological Imaging
Spider silk is useful for a variety of biomedical applications: It exhibits mechanical properties superior to synthetic fibers for tissue engineering, and it is not toxic or harmful to living cells. One unexpected application for spider silk is its use in the creation of biocompatible lenses for biological imaging applications. Researchers describe the feasibility of creating lenses capitalizing on the properties of natural spider silk material in the Journal of Applied Physics.
Respiratory Droplet Motion, Evaporation and Spread of COVID-19-Type Pandemics
It is well established the COVID-19 virus is transmitted via respiratory droplets. Consequently, much research targets better understanding droplet motion and evaporation. In Physics of Fluids, researchers developed a mathematical model for the early phases of a COVID-19-like pandemic using the aerodynamics and evaporation characteristics of respiratory droplets. The researchers modeled the pandemic dynamics with a reaction mechanism and then compared the droplet cloud ejected by an infected person versus one by a healthy person.
Seeing is Believing: Effectiveness of Facemasks
Using flow visualization of emulated coughs and sneezes, researchers assessed the efficacy of facemasks in obstructing droplets. Loosely folded facemasks and bandana-style coverings provide minimal stopping-capability for the smallest aerosolized respiratory droplets. Well-fitted homemade masks with multiple layers of quilting fabric, and off-the-shelf cone style masks, proved to be the most effective in reducing droplet dispersal. Importantly, uncovered coughs were able to travel noticeably farther than the currently recommended 6-foot distancing guideline. Without a mask, droplets traveled more than 8 feet.
WHAT TO WEAR TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and nearly 20 Americans die from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, every day. As more Americans prepare to head outdoors for the 4th of July holiday, dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology have an important reminder: dress to protect yourself from the sun. In addition to seeking shade and applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing goes a long way in protecting you from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can increase your risk of skin cancer. However, not all clothing is created equal when it comes to sun protection, say dermatologists. Some garments provide better UV protection than others.
Nearly half of US youth have been stalked/harassed by partners
A new, first-of-its-kind Boston University School of Public Health (BUSPH) study finds that 48% of 12-18-year-olds who have been in a relationship have been stalked or harassed by a partner, and 42% have stalked or harassed a partner.
Using your phone’s microphone to track possible COVID-19 exposure
Signals sent and received from cell phone microphones and speakers could help warn people when they have been near someone who has contracted COVID-19, researchers say.
In a new paper, researchers described a system that would generate random, anonymous IDs for each phone, automatically send ultrasonic signals between microphones and speakers of phones within a certain radius, and use the information exchanged through this acoustic channel for contact tracing.
Older adults share fewer memories as they age
By the time people reach a certain age, they’ve accumulated enough life experience to have plenty of stories to tell about life “back in their day.”
Chicago Cubs player Jason Heyward supports COVID-19 response for UChicago Medicine healthcare workers and South Side community
Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward is donating $100,000 to University of Chicago Medicine to help alleviate hardships experienced by frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and expand contact tracing efforts on Chicago’s South Side.
Raw milk may do more harm than good
Raw or unpasteurized cows’ milk from U.S. retail stores can hold a huge amount of antimicrobial-resistant genes if left at room temperature, according to a new study from researchers at the University of California, Davis.
The price of taking a stance: How corporate sociopolitical activism impacts bottom line
As the political climate in the United States becomes increasingly charged, some businesses are looking to have their voices heard on controversial issues.
Mayo Clinic experts to help guide Delta Air Lines COVID-19 safety measures
Delta Air Lines and Mayo Clinic, a global leader in serious and complex medical care, are deepening their relationship to provide additional safety and COVID-19 infection control measures for customers and employees. The collaboration is another significant step in Delta’s efforts to build upon its foundation of care and cleanliness, known as the Delta CareStandard, to mitigate the risk of transmitting COVID-19 during travel.
Blood test at COVID-19 diagnosis can predict disease severity
In addition to its predictive value, the discovery could lead to new treatments to prevent deadly cytokine storms. It also may help explain why diabetes contributes to worse outcomes in patients with COVID-19.