Today's Science News and Current Events
Normalisation of 'plus-size' risks hidden danger of obesity, study finds
New research warns that the normalisation of 'plus-size' body shapes may be leading to an increasing number of people underestimating their weight - undermining efforts to tackle England's ever-growing obesity problem.
New research warns that the normalisation of 'plus-size' body shapes may be leading to an increasing number of people underestimating their weight - undermining efforts to tackle England's ever-growing obesity problem.
Broken shuttle may interfere with learning in major brain disorders
A broken shuttle protein may hinder learning in people with intellectual disability, schizophrenia, or autism.
A broken shuttle protein may hinder learning in people with intellectual disability, schizophrenia, or autism.
Self-assembled energetic coordination polymers based on multidentate pentazole cyclo-N5-
In this work, guanidine cation CN3H6+ and 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole C2H4N4 were crystallized into NaN5 and two novel energetic coordination polymers (CPs), (NaN5)5[(CH6N3)N5](N5)3- and (NaN5)2(C2H4N4) were prepared respectively via a self-assembly process.
In this work, guanidine cation CN3H6+ and 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole C2H4N4 were crystallized into NaN5 and two novel energetic coordination polymers (CPs), (NaN5)5[(CH6N3)N5](N5)3- and (NaN5)2(C2H4N4) were prepared respectively via a self-assembly process.
Miniature testing of drug pairs on tumour biopsies
Combinations of cancer drugs can be quickly and cheaply tested on tumour cells using a novel device developed by EMBL scientists.
Combinations of cancer drugs can be quickly and cheaply tested on tumour cells using a novel device developed by EMBL scientists.
Important step towards a computer model that predicts the outcome of eye diseases
Understanding how the retina transforms images into signals that the brain can interpret would not only result in insights into brain computations, but could also be useful for medicine.
Understanding how the retina transforms images into signals that the brain can interpret would not only result in insights into brain computations, but could also be useful for medicine.
Superconducting vortices quantize ordinary metal
Russian researchers together with their French colleagues discovered that a genuine feature of superconductors -- quantum Abrikosov vortices of supercurrent -- can also exist in an ordinary nonsuperconducting metal put into contact with a superconductor.
Russian researchers together with their French colleagues discovered that a genuine feature of superconductors -- quantum Abrikosov vortices of supercurrent -- can also exist in an ordinary nonsuperconducting metal put into contact with a superconductor.
Repurposing promising cancer drugs may lead to a new approach to treating TB
Promising experimental cancer chemotherapy drugs may help knock out another life-threatening disease: tuberculosis (TB).
Promising experimental cancer chemotherapy drugs may help knock out another life-threatening disease: tuberculosis (TB).
Digitalisation meets the Middle Ages
Smartphones and touchscreens could turn museum visits into a digital and multimedia experience.
Smartphones and touchscreens could turn museum visits into a digital and multimedia experience.
What causes the sound of a dripping tap -- and how do you stop it?
Scientists have solved the riddle behind one of the most recognisable, and annoying, household sounds: the dripping tap.
Scientists have solved the riddle behind one of the most recognisable, and annoying, household sounds: the dripping tap.
Blood test predicts spastic cerebral palsy
Researchers at Nemours and the University of Delaware have developed a blood test predictive of spastic cerebral palsy.
Researchers at Nemours and the University of Delaware have developed a blood test predictive of spastic cerebral palsy.
People with schizophrenia account for more than one in 10 suicide cases
A new CAMH and Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences study shows that people with schizophrenia account for more than one in 10 cases of suicide in Ontario, and that young people are disproportionately affected.
A new CAMH and Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences study shows that people with schizophrenia account for more than one in 10 cases of suicide in Ontario, and that young people are disproportionately affected.
Biorenewable, biodegradable plastic alternative synthesized by CSU chemists
Colorado State University polymer chemists have taken another step toward a future of high-performance, biorenewable, biodegradable plastics.
Colorado State University polymer chemists have taken another step toward a future of high-performance, biorenewable, biodegradable plastics.
Inhaled nitric oxide may reduce kidney complications from heart surgery
Administration of nitric oxide gas during and for 24 hours following heart surgery decreased the risk of patients developing acute and chronic kidney problems, a randomized, controlled trial conducted in China found.
Administration of nitric oxide gas during and for 24 hours following heart surgery decreased the risk of patients developing acute and chronic kidney problems, a randomized, controlled trial conducted in China found.
Research team discovers drug compound that stops cancer cells from spreading
New research, published in the journal Nature Communications, shows that it may be possible to freeze cancer cells and kill them where they stand.
New research, published in the journal Nature Communications, shows that it may be possible to freeze cancer cells and kill them where they stand.
Origin Quantum Company and LQCC have successfully simulated a 64-qubit circuit
Origin Quantum Company cooperates with the team of Prof. Guang-Can Guo from the CAS Key Laboratory of Quantum Information, USTC (LQCC).
Origin Quantum Company cooperates with the team of Prof. Guang-Can Guo from the CAS Key Laboratory of Quantum Information, USTC (LQCC).
Western-led research team uncovers lost images from the 19th century
Art curators will be able to recover images on daguerreotypes, the earliest form of photography that used silver plates, after a team of scientists led by Western University learned how to use light to see through degradation that has occurred over time.
Art curators will be able to recover images on daguerreotypes, the earliest form of photography that used silver plates, after a team of scientists led by Western University learned how to use light to see through degradation that has occurred over time.
Health insurance plans may be fueling opioid epidemic
Health care insurers including Medicare, Medicaid and major private insurers have not done enough to combat the opioid epidemic, suggests a study led by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Health care insurers including Medicare, Medicaid and major private insurers have not done enough to combat the opioid epidemic, suggests a study led by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
First step to lasting wheat health
Substantial reductions in a deadly root disease of wheat crops and corresponding increases in yields of grain and straw mark a significant advance in the continuing war to protect the staple cereal from the ravages of the take-all soil pathogen.
Substantial reductions in a deadly root disease of wheat crops and corresponding increases in yields of grain and straw mark a significant advance in the continuing war to protect the staple cereal from the ravages of the take-all soil pathogen.
Decellularized cartilage-based scaffold promotes bone regeneration at fracture site
To help prevent possible complications such as nonunion at large fracture sites, researchers have developed a cartilage matrix that mimics the early stages of repair and provides the essential structural and biological properties needed by bone-forming cells to divide and grow.
To help prevent possible complications such as nonunion at large fracture sites, researchers have developed a cartilage matrix that mimics the early stages of repair and provides the essential structural and biological properties needed by bone-forming cells to divide and grow.
Dynamic modeling helps predict the behaviors of gut microbes
A new study provides a platform for predicting how microbial gut communities work and represents a first step toward understanding how to manipulate the properties of the gut ecosystem.
A new study provides a platform for predicting how microbial gut communities work and represents a first step toward understanding how to manipulate the properties of the gut ecosystem.
Sex, drugs, and heart failure
Heart failure is almost as common in women as men, but its characteristics vary by sex.
Heart failure is almost as common in women as men, but its characteristics vary by sex.
UMBC researchers report novel method to quickly make therapeutic proteins from human blood
A new paper in Scientific Reports looks at how to extract cellular protein synthesis machinery from human blood, and, by adding recombinant DNA to the extract, to produce therapeutic proteins within two hours.
A new paper in Scientific Reports looks at how to extract cellular protein synthesis machinery from human blood, and, by adding recombinant DNA to the extract, to produce therapeutic proteins within two hours.
The photoelectric effect in stereo
In the photoelectric effect, a photon ejects an electron from a material.
In the photoelectric effect, a photon ejects an electron from a material.
How are chronic opioid use, 2016 presidential voting patterns associated?
An analysis of Medicare claims data suggests chronic opioid use in US counties corresponded with support for Republican Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election, with much of the correlation explained by socioeconomic factors.
An analysis of Medicare claims data suggests chronic opioid use in US counties corresponded with support for Republican Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election, with much of the correlation explained by socioeconomic factors.
Yellowstone's 'landscape of fear' not so scary after all
After wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park in the mid-1990s, some scientists thought the large predator reestablished a 'landscape of fear' that caused elk, the wolf's main prey, to avoid risky places where wolves killed them.
After wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park in the mid-1990s, some scientists thought the large predator reestablished a 'landscape of fear' that caused elk, the wolf's main prey, to avoid risky places where wolves killed them.
Rapid and efficient oil-water separation achieved by newly-developed particles
Recently, researchers from the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry have developed an emulsion interfacial polymerization approach to synthesize anisotropic Janus particles with controllable topological and chemical anisotropy.
Recently, researchers from the Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry have developed an emulsion interfacial polymerization approach to synthesize anisotropic Janus particles with controllable topological and chemical anisotropy.
'Stealth' material hides hot objects from infrared eyes
Infrared cameras are the heat-sensing eyes that help drones find their targets even in the dead of night or through heavy fog.
Infrared cameras are the heat-sensing eyes that help drones find their targets even in the dead of night or through heavy fog.
Collaborative model for post-disaster behavioral health recovery may serve as standard
Faculty in LSU Health New Orleans schools of Medicine and Public Health and colleagues report that a collaborative effort to build capacity to address behavioral health and promote community resilience after the 2016 Great Flood in Baton Rouge, LA successfully expanded local behavioral health services delivery capacity and that the model may be useful to other disaster-struck communities.
Faculty in LSU Health New Orleans schools of Medicine and Public Health and colleagues report that a collaborative effort to build capacity to address behavioral health and promote community resilience after the 2016 Great Flood in Baton Rouge, LA successfully expanded local behavioral health services delivery capacity and that the model may be useful to other disaster-struck communities.
New social services for the elderly in modern Russian non-state social work
A team of Lobachevsky University researchers led by Professor Zaretkhan Saralieva is exploring the potential of social services for the elderly by public and religious organizations of modern Russia.
A team of Lobachevsky University researchers led by Professor Zaretkhan Saralieva is exploring the potential of social services for the elderly by public and religious organizations of modern Russia.
Physical exercise improves the life quality of those living in care homes for the elderly
An exercise programme adapted to the capabilities of each person has shown how effective it is in improving the physical as well as mental health of elderly people who live in residential care homes.
An exercise programme adapted to the capabilities of each person has shown how effective it is in improving the physical as well as mental health of elderly people who live in residential care homes.
Challenging our understanding of how platelets are made
Correlative light-electron microscopy is being used to increase our knowledge of how platelets are made in the body and the results are challenging previously held understandings.
Correlative light-electron microscopy is being used to increase our knowledge of how platelets are made in the body and the results are challenging previously held understandings.
GA4GH streaming API htsget a bridge to the future for modern genomic data processing
In a paper in the journal Bioinformatics released on June 20, the Large Scale Genomics Work Stream announced six new implementations of its htsget protocol for streaming genomic without using file transfers.
In a paper in the journal Bioinformatics released on June 20, the Large Scale Genomics Work Stream announced six new implementations of its htsget protocol for streaming genomic without using file transfers.
Mosquito-borne diseases in Europe: Containment strategy depends on when the alarm sets off
New research based on the Italian experience with outbreaks of Chikungunya, a disease borne by the tiger mosquito, in 2007 and 2017, shows that different vector control strategies are needed, depending on the time when the first cases are notified, 'thus providing useful indications supporting urgent decision-making of public health authorities in response to emerging mosquito-borne epidemics', Bocconi University's Alessia Melegaro says.
New research based on the Italian experience with outbreaks of Chikungunya, a disease borne by the tiger mosquito, in 2007 and 2017, shows that different vector control strategies are needed, depending on the time when the first cases are notified, 'thus providing useful indications supporting urgent decision-making of public health authorities in response to emerging mosquito-borne epidemics', Bocconi University's Alessia Melegaro says.
What are insurance coverage policies for drug treatments for low back pain?
An analysis of prescription drug coverage policies for the treatment of low back pain suggests insurers could help to reduce opioid overuse by expanding access to opioid alternatives through coverage and reimbursement policies.
An analysis of prescription drug coverage policies for the treatment of low back pain suggests insurers could help to reduce opioid overuse by expanding access to opioid alternatives through coverage and reimbursement policies.
Scientists discover how antiviral gene works
It's been known for years that humans and other mammals possess an antiviral gene called RSAD2 that prevents a remarkable range of viruses from multiplying.
It's been known for years that humans and other mammals possess an antiviral gene called RSAD2 that prevents a remarkable range of viruses from multiplying.
Overdose risk quintuples with opioid and benzodiazepine use
In the first 90 days of concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use, the risk of opioid-related overdose increases five-fold compared to opioid-only use among Medicare recipients, according to a new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy.
In the first 90 days of concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use, the risk of opioid-related overdose increases five-fold compared to opioid-only use among Medicare recipients, according to a new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy.
Using tree-fall patterns to calculate tornado wind speed
Daniel M. Rhee, a PhD student at University of Illinois specializing in Structures in Civil Engineering, focuses his research on modeling tornadoes and near-surface wind speeds using tree-fall and damage patterns.
Daniel M. Rhee, a PhD student at University of Illinois specializing in Structures in Civil Engineering, focuses his research on modeling tornadoes and near-surface wind speeds using tree-fall and damage patterns.
Men tolerate stress incontinence years before seeking help
Men often tolerate stress urinary incontinence for more than two years before seeking medical help -- and one-third put up with it for more than five years, making it important for doctors to check for this problem, a new study from UT Southwestern researchers advises.
Men often tolerate stress urinary incontinence for more than two years before seeking medical help -- and one-third put up with it for more than five years, making it important for doctors to check for this problem, a new study from UT Southwestern researchers advises.
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Best Science Podcasts 2018
We have hand picked the best science podcasts for 2018. Sit back and enjoy new science podcasts updated daily from your favorite science news services and scientists.Now Playing: TED Radio Hour
The Person You Become
Over the course of our lives, we shed parts of our old selves, embrace new ones, and redefine who we are. This hour, TED speakers explore ideas about the experiences that shape the person we become. Guests include aerobatics pilot and public speaker Janine Shepherd, writers Roxane Gay and Taiye Selasi, activist Jackson Bird, and fashion executive Kaustav Dey.
The Person You Become
Over the course of our lives, we shed parts of our old selves, embrace new ones, and redefine who we are. This hour, TED speakers explore ideas about the experiences that shape the person we become. Guests include aerobatics pilot and public speaker Janine Shepherd, writers Roxane Gay and Taiye Selasi, activist Jackson Bird, and fashion executive Kaustav Dey.
Now Playing: Science for the People
#479 Garden of Marvels (Rebroadcast)
This week we're learning about botany and the colorful science of gardening. Author Ruth Kassinger joins us to discuss her book "A Garden of Marvels: How We Discovered that Flowers Have Sex, Leaves Eat Air, and Other Secrets of the Way Plants Work." And we'll speak to NASA researcher Gioia Massa about her work to solve the technical challenges of gardening in space.
#479 Garden of Marvels (Rebroadcast)
This week we're learning about botany and the colorful science of gardening. Author Ruth Kassinger joins us to discuss her book "A Garden of Marvels: How We Discovered that Flowers Have Sex, Leaves Eat Air, and Other Secrets of the Way Plants Work." And we'll speak to NASA researcher Gioia Massa about her work to solve the technical challenges of gardening in space.