Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive June 2015 - Page 27


Page 27 of 36

Evolution is unpredictable and irreversible, Penn biologists show

Researchers found that genetic mutations accepted by evolution are contingent upon previous mutations, making predictions of long-term evolution challenging. The study also revealed that mutations become entrenched and increasingly difficult to revert over time, supporting the idea that evolution is unpredictable and irreversible.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2015

New microscope technique could speed identification of deadly bacteria

Researchers have developed a new microscope technique using holographic images and machine-learning software to identify bacterial species at the single bacterium level. The approach has shown high accuracy in distinguishing between pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria, promising to reduce treatment time and improve patient outcomes.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateJun 8, 2015

New composite material as CO2 sensor

Scientists have developed a new type of sensor using a composite material that interacts with CO2 molecules, changing its conductivity depending on the concentration. The sensor can measure CO2 concentrations over a wide range without requiring high temperatures or energy.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 8, 2015

The health effects of homophobia

A new study published in AIDS found that homophobia reduces the use of HIV prevention services and compromises health service quality among gay and bisexual men. Men living in homophobic countries are also at a heightened risk of disease, despite limited access to prevention services.

SourceYale University·JournalAIDS·DateJun 8, 2015

Antibiotic use can be cut dramatically for abdominal infections, major trial shows

Researchers have found that administering antibiotics for only four days is as effective as treatments spanning eight days for complicated abdominal infections. This breakthrough suggests that doctors can provide treatment that is both effective and conservative in its antibiotic use, reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 8, 2015

What do walnuts smell like?

Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have identified key volatile compounds in damaged walnuts that attract insect pests, threatening California's walnut harvests. The team has developed a blend of these aromatic compounds to control pests sustainably and reduce pesticide use.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalFood Research International·DateJun 8, 2015

Putting 2 and 2 together

The new cobalt-catalyzed [2π+2π] reaction overcomes limitations of other transition metal catalyzed methods, producing cyclobutane compounds with potentially beneficial properties. The research team used redox active bis(imino)pyridine ligands to pass electrons to and from the metal, leading to a detailed understanding of the mechanism.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 8, 2015

The shape of a perfect fire

A study by Adrian Bejan at Duke University reveals that the ideal fire shape is roughly as tall as it is wide, facilitating efficient air and heat flow. This design enables humans to migrate and spread across the globe, a direct prediction of the Constructal Law.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 8, 2015

Scientists identify new drug target to treat ALS

Researchers identified a cellular mechanism that can be targeted to treat ALS by increasing levels of protein hUPF1, which successfully protected against cell death in both genetic and sporadic versions of the disease. Treating this pathway may also have implications for frontotemporal dementia.

SourceGladstone Institutes·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2015

Injectable electronics

Researchers developed a method for fabricating nano-scale electronic scaffolds that can be injected via syringe, monitoring neural activity, stimulating tissues and promoting neuron regeneration. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the interface between electronics and biology.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 8, 2015

Important new research on early palliative care for advanced cancer patients published

A new research published in Journal of Clinical Oncology shows that early palliative care intervention results in significant cost reductions for patients with advanced cancer. The study found that an intervention within six days reduced costs by 14% and an intervention within two days led to a 24% reduction in hospital stay costs.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJun 8, 2015

Turning paper industry waste into chemicals

KU Leuven researchers create sustainable process to convert wood waste lignin into chemical building blocks for various products. The resulting chemicals can be used in paint, insulation foam, and several other applications.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJun 8, 2015

Constant weathering

Researchers found minimal variation in weathering rates of silicate rocks between glacial and interglacial periods, contradicting expectations. The study used a geochemical technique to analyze beryllium isotopes in marine sediments, revealing stable runoff and weathering fluxes into the oceans.

Modern housing reduces malaria risk

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 90 studies found residents of modern homes were 47% less likely to be infected with malaria than those living in traditional houses. Modern housing features, such as closed eaves, ceilings, screened doors and windows, can block mosquitoes from entering homes and prevent transmission of the disease.

Data scientists find connections between birth month and health

The study found a significant association between birth month and disease risk, with people born in May having the lowest risk of disease and those born in October having the highest. The researchers identified nine types of heart disease that correlated with seasonal effects, including atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateJun 8, 2015

Crossing a critical threshold in optical communications

Scientists from Lehigh University, Japan and Canada demonstrate the 'world's first fully functioning single crystal waveguide in glass' for all-optical data transmission. The breakthrough enables compact and multifunctional photonic integrated circuits with high density of components and opportunities for new technologies.

SourceLehigh University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 8, 2015