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Correlation between particulate matter concentrations and COPD hospitalization rates in Massachusetts

Ganeshwaran et al. | Dec 30, 2024

Correlation between particulate matter concentrations and COPD hospitalization rates in Massachusetts
Image credit: The authors

Air pollution is thought to increase the prevalence of health conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Ganeshwaran and Ropiak investigate this relationship by determining whether there is a correlation between between one type of air pollution (fine particulate matter concentrations) and COPD hospitalization rates in Massachusetts.

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Country-level relationship of OTC medicine consumption and frequency of GP consultation

Hirai et al. | Dec 09, 2024

Country-level relationship of OTC medicine consumption and frequency of GP consultation

The discussion surrounding self-medication with non-prescription medicines has gained significance in healthcare and public health, particularly given the global increase in consumption of non-prescription drugs. This study aimed to examine the association between the frequency of general practitioner (GP) consultations and the proportion of economic resources spent on OTC medicine.

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Paralyzing effects of CO2 and hypothermia on Madagascar hissing and dubia cockroaches

Gapon et al. | Dec 08, 2024

Paralyzing effects of CO<sub>2</sub> and hypothermia on Madagascar hissing and dubia cockroaches
Image credit: Jesper Aggergaard

Here the authors sought to find a more ethical and efficient way to temporary paralyze a cockroach by comparing the results of two methods. By comparing immobilization through immersion in cold water and exposure to a 100 % CO2 environment, they found that cockroaches could be immobilized and recovered significantly faster when exposed to CO2.

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Assessing the association between developed surface area and land surface temperature of urban areas

Ustin et al. | Nov 11, 2024

Assessing the association between developed surface area and land surface temperature of urban areas
Image credit: The authors

Almost all urban areas face the challenge of urban heat islands, areas with substantially hotter land surface temperatures than the surrounding rural areas. These areas are associated with worse air and water
quality, increased power outages, and increased heat-related illnesses. To learn more about these areas, Ustin et al. analyze satellite images of Cleveland neighborhoods to find out if there is a correlation between surface area development and surface temperature.

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Near-infrared activation of environmentally-friendly gold and silver nanoparticles for unclogging arteries

Gill et al. | Sep 06, 2024

Near-infrared activation of environmentally-friendly gold and silver nanoparticles for unclogging arteries

Coronary artery disease, the leading cause of death worldwide, results from cholesterol build-up in coronary arteries, limiting blood and oxygen flow to the heart. This study investigated the use of gold and silver nanoparticles coated with aspirin and activated by near-infrared light to improve blood flow in a clogged artery model. The nanoparticles increased simulated blood flow rates, demonstrating potential as a less invasive and more targeted treatment for cardiovascular disease.

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