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Science News Archive September 2015 - Page 29


Page 29 of 35

Out of the fire, into the light

A groundbreaking Australian pilot project, led by Martina McGrath, will provide a unique, non-clinical approach to care for suicidal persons. The Suicide Attempt Survivors Support Group will inject hope, connectedness, inclusion, and purpose into the lives of those struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Japanese paper art inspires new 3-D fabrication method

Researchers at Northwestern University and the University of Illinois have developed a new assembly method that uses strategic 'Kirigami cuts' to create complex 3D structures out of silicon and other materials. The technique enables the production of mostly closed 3D shapes with limited ability to achieve spatially extended devices.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2015

Thinking people are born fat or born thin is bad for your health

A recent study published in Health Education and Behavior found that individuals who believe their weight is determined by DNA tend to make unhealthy food choices and engage in less exercise as they age. This association was observed across both men and women, with the relationship differing by age.

SourceSAGE·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateSep 8, 2015

Fine particulate matter associated with slight increased mortality in Houston

Research from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found a slight increase in mortality risk associated with fine particulate matter in the air. The study analyzed PM2.5 components and found that ammonium, nitrate, sulfate, and vanadium were most strongly linked to increased mortality risk, especially during winter ...

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateSep 8, 2015

Keeping older muscles strong

Researchers at the University of Iowa have identified a protein that causes age-related muscle weakness and loss. They also discovered two natural compounds, found in apples and green tomatoes, which reduce this protein's activity and can restore muscle mass and strength.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 8, 2015

Ants on the march in non-native conifer forests

A species of ant, the northern hairy wood ant (Formica lugubris), is thriving in newly formed coniferous forests in the North York Moors National Park. The ant's population has expanded into these plantations, suggesting they provide a suitable habitat for this forest specialist species.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateSep 8, 2015

HIV self-testing (HIVST) found safe, acceptable, and accurate

A community-based prospective study in Blantyre, Malawi found that HIV self-testing (HIVST) was widely accepted and accurate, with 94.6% of participants reporting high satisfaction. The study also showed that HIVST led to a low incidence of partner violence and suicides, and agreed with repeat HTC results in 99.4% of cases.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 8, 2015

Estrogen, shrubbery, and the sex ratio of suburban frogs

A Yale study reveals that suburban ponds experience a gender revolution due to elevated levels of estrogen in shrubbery and lawn areas. The research shows that female frogs outnumber males, likely caused by endocrine disruption from phytoestrogens produced by plants commonly found in lawns.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2015

Molecular bodyguards for immature membrane proteins

Scientists at University of Basel have shown how chaperones stabilize immature bacterial membrane protein FhuA and guide it in the right folding direction, preventing misfolding. This discovery has significant implications for diseases caused by misfolded proteins like Alzheimer's and cystic fibrosis.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateSep 7, 2015

Nanoparticles -- small but unique

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new experimental approach called plasmonic nanospectroscopy to study individual nanoparticles. This method reveals significant differences in properties between seemingly identical particles, which could lead to improved hydrogen sensors for fuel cell cars.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 7, 2015

Mobile phone records may predict epidemics of mosquito-borne dengue virus

A new study uses mobile phone records to predict the geographical spread and timing of dengue epidemics, providing critical early warning to policymakers. The model accurately forecasts outbreaks in locations of recent epidemics and emerging trouble spots, enabling national control programs to plan in near real time.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2015