Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2017 - Page 443


Page 443 of 461

Explaining how 2-D materials break at the atomic level

Scientists observed atomic-level cracking in 2D MoS2, revealing dislocations at the crack tip that can't be explained by existing theories. The study suggests a new theory is needed to understand 2D material behavior.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 18, 2017

Molecule shows ability to thwart pathogens' genetic resistance to antibiotic

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a molecule that neutralizes bacteria's genetic resistance to antibiotics. The PPMO molecule restores the effectiveness of an ultra-broad-spectrum drug, meropenem, against three different genera of bacteria with NDM-1 enzyme.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·DateJan 18, 2017

UK's Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund announces latest grant awards

The UK Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund has awarded £9 million in grants to five promising research projects aimed at developing new treatments and diagnostic tools for pancreatic cancer. These projects focus on improving clinical trials, investigating innovative therapies, and understanding the genetic causes of chromosomal instability.

SourcePancreatic Cancer Research Fund·DateJan 18, 2017

New England's 1816 'Mackerel Year' and climate change today

Researchers investigate Tambora's effects on coastal fish and commercial fisheries in the Gulf of Maine, revealing parallels with current climate change phenomena. The study suggests that past extreme events can inform resilience strategies and that complex solutions require a multi-faceted approach.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 18, 2017

Harnessing the energy of fireworks for fuel

Researchers developed a method to produce a metal nanopowder fuel with high energy content, stable in air and igniting only when ignited. The resulting material has an energy density of at least 89 kilojoules/milliliter, significantly superior to hydrocarbons.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateJan 18, 2017

Healthy concession stand makeovers are a game changer

A study found that concession stands with healthier options saw a significant increase in sales and customer satisfaction. On average, 77% of students purchased healthier foods when available, while revenue also rose by 4%. This game-changing approach benefits both schools and students.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of School Health·DateJan 18, 2017

Three companies receive seed funds to develop medical devices for children

The Philadelphia Pediatric Medical Device Consortium awarded $50,000 grants to three companies developing innovative medical devices for children. These devices include a powered orthotic arm brace, a hand-operated rapid blood delivery system, and an ear reshaper designed to correct deformed ears in babies.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·DateJan 18, 2017

Technique reveals movements of immune cells as they hunt for tumors in Stanford-led study

A new imaging technique allows researchers to visualize and monitor the behavior of immune cells used to treat cancer patients. The technique reveals whether T cells have found a tumor, how many T cells have arrived, and whether they are alive. This breakthrough could improve our understanding of why immunotherapy doesn't always work.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 18, 2017

NIFA announces $1.85 million for potato breeding research

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture is investing $1.85 million in regional potato breeding research to create new, high-value varieties. The project aims to develop potatoes with improved yield, storability, consumer quality, and water efficiency, as well as high-throughput methods for rapid trait selection.

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateJan 18, 2017

Virtual renaissance

University Jena researchers have launched a project to create 3D representations of cultural objects from museums and collections, including historical globes and other unique artifacts. The goal is to make these treasures accessible to the public and enable scientific investigation through accurate replicas created via 3D printing.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·DateJan 18, 2017

New avenue for anti-depressant therapy discovered

Researchers identified a new molecule that alleviates anxiety and depressive behavior in rodents by inhibiting JNK protein. This discovery provides fresh insight into the brain's regulation of mood and indicates potential for new anti-depressant drug development.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 18, 2017

A big nano boost for solar cells

Researchers have developed a new nano-sized semiconductor that concentrates visible light energy, increasing the efficiency of solar cells. This breakthrough doubles current efficiencies to at least 40%, offering benefits in energy efficiency and design.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 18, 2017

How estrogen modulates fear learning

New research from Emory University School of Medicine found that estrogen modulates gene activity to protect against post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Women with low estrogen levels during certain stages of their menstrual cycle may be more susceptible to PTSD, while high estrogen levels offer protection.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJan 18, 2017

Gestational diabetes increases risk for postpartum depression

A large study published in Depression and Anxiety found that gestational diabetes increases the risk of postpartum depression (PPD) in first-time mothers. Women with a history of depression are more than 20 times more likely to experience PPD, highlighting the importance of considering these conditions together.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalDepression and Anxiety·DateJan 18, 2017

Blood-repellent materials: A new approach to medical implants

Researchers have grown a new type of titanium surface that repels blood, potentially reducing the risk of rejection and complications in medical implants. The 'superhemophobic' material is made by altering the surface chemistry of titanium, which normally attracts blood.

SourceColorado State University·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateJan 18, 2017

Intense industrial fishing

A new study suggests that China's success in sustaining large catches is due to reducing predatory fish populations, allowing preyed-upon species to increase. This approach can lead to increased harvests, but may also have negative impacts on biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 18, 2017

A quark like no other

A University of Iowa physicist is searching for the 'bottom quark', a subatomic particle expected to arise from a Higgs boson's decay. Evidence of this particle could confirm the existence of the Higgs boson, a theory about how the universe works.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·DateJan 18, 2017

Mars and Venus on the therapist's couch

A study by Katie Holloway and colleagues found that therapists identify significant gender differences in therapy, with men wanting a quick fix and women wanting to discuss their feelings. Researchers also surveyed the general public, revealing key differences in preferred therapies and coping strategies between men and women.

SourceBritish Psychological Society·DateJan 18, 2017

New data show heightened risk of birth defects with antidepressants

A new study from the University of Montreal found that antidepressants prescribed to pregnant women may increase the chance of having a baby with birth defects. The risk is significant enough to merit caution in their use, especially considering the marginal effectiveness of these medications.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalBMJ Open·DateJan 18, 2017

What humans and primates both know when it comes to numbers

A recent study published in Nature Communications found that humans and primates both have an ability to distinguish between large and small quantities of objects. The research showed that this bias is strongest in humans and correlates with increasing age and math education, suggesting a possible evolutionary basis for number perception.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 18, 2017

Comparing beach umbrella vs. SPF 100 sunscreen to protect beachgoers from sun

A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that neither a beach umbrella nor SPF 100 sunscreen alone prevented sunburn completely, with 78% of those under an umbrella and 25% of those using sunscreen developing sunburn. The study highlighted the importance of combining sun protection practices for optimal protection against UV rays.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateJan 18, 2017

Green Sahara's ancient rainfall regime revealed

Scientists have uncovered a continuous record of the Green Sahara period's rainfall patterns, revealing that the region was 10 times wetter than today. This discovery provides critical climate context for understanding human migration and lifestyle changes during this period.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 18, 2017

Soft robot helps the heart beat

Researchers developed a customizable soft robotic sleeve that fits around the heart and helps it beat, reducing the risk of clotting and improving cardiac function. The device may one day aid in cardiac rehabilitation and recovery, potentially restoring quality of life for patients with heart failure.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 18, 2017

Why baboon males resort to domestic violence

A new study found that male baboons resort to infanticide and feticide when faced with scarcity, reducing their waiting time to breed. Researchers observed a spike in infant deaths and lost pregnancies after new males arrived in troops, targeting pregnant females and nursing infants.

SourceDuke University·DateJan 18, 2017

Could better eye training help reduce concussion in women's soccer?

A study published in Medical Hypotheses found that female soccer players were more likely to close their eyes while heading the ball, increasing their risk of injury. Researchers suggest that vision training methods, such as improving eye discipline, may help mitigate concussion rates among women's soccer players.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalMedical Hypotheses·DateJan 18, 2017

Researchers discover greenhouse bypass for nitrogen

Researchers have discovered a pathway to produce nitrogen gas without microbial involvement, challenging long-held assumptions about nitrous oxide formation. This breakthrough could lead to practical applications for reducing excess nitrogen in the environment and mitigating eutrophication.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 18, 2017

Study finds new target for controlling cell division

A study has identified a new target for controlling cell division, which could lead to insights into diseases such as cancer. The research found that enzymes responsible for lipid synthesis are synthesized at higher efficiency when cells are ready to divide.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateJan 18, 2017

RIT engineer researches the impact of shear stress on cell circulation

Researchers at Rochester Institute of Technology study how cells respond to shear stress in blood vessels, aiming to understand biological mechanics and develop effective therapeutic strategies. The work could lead to breakthroughs in treating diseases like cancer metastasis and heart failure.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateJan 18, 2017

UC3M receives the HR Excellence in Research Award

The Universidad Carlos III de Madrid has been granted the HR Excellence in Research Award by the EU for its high-quality human resources policies for researchers. The institution has implemented a Human Resources Strategy for Researchers, which aligns with the European Charter and Code of Conduct for researchers.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateJan 18, 2017

What's behind the durian fruit's notorious stench

Scientists analyzed 20 durian chemical ingredients to find that two compounds can re-create the overall smell. The strongest odor compounds were fruity ethyl and oniony 1-(ethylsulfanyl)ethanethiol, which combined effectively resembled the fruit's entire set of odoriferous and fragrant compounds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 18, 2017

How the new Congress and Trump could affect science

The new Republican-led Congress and Trump's presidency may lead to changes in science policies, including energy and climate issues, research budgets, and trade. Expert predictions suggest rollback of programs and alterations in existing laws like the Toxic Substances Control Act.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 18, 2017

Glass's off-kilter harmonies

Researchers have discovered that localized vibrations in amorphous silicon dioxide contribute substantially to the material's thermal conductivity, contradicting previous assumptions. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient forms of everyday materials and even superconducting materials.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 18, 2017

Changes in blood-brain barrier, intestinal permeability found in individuals with autism

Researchers found an altered blood-brain barrier and increased intestinal permeability in individuals with autism, supporting the hypothesis that impaired barriers contribute to ASD. The study also revealed reduced expression of barrier-forming cellular components and higher expression of molecules increasing intestinal permeability in...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalMolecular Autism·DateJan 18, 2017

High-donor-volume hospitals recover more transplantable organs per donor

Research suggests that high-volume medical centers can recover significantly more organs from deceased donors than low-volume centers. On average, these hospitals have an organ yield rate of 0.4 higher than low-volume centers. This could lead to recovering an additional 3,000 vital organs yearly.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateJan 18, 2017

Faster recharging batteries possible after new insights

Researchers at the University of Bath have gained important insights to improve the performance of lithium batteries by adding charged metal atoms. This discovery could lead to faster charging batteries for portable electronics and electric vehicles, benefiting consumers and reducing carbon emissions.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 18, 2017

Protein involved in blood clotting stimulates liver repair

Researchers at Michigan State University found that liver injury activates blood clotting, which then stimulates liver repair using an experimental model of high-dosage acetaminophen. The study identified fibrinogen as a critical protein in this process.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateJan 18, 2017