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Science News Archive 2017 - Page 48


Page 48 of 461

Light green plants save nitrogen without sacrificing photosynthetic efficiency

Researchers found that reducing chlorophyll content in plant leaves can save significant amounts of nitrogen, which can be reinvested to improve light use efficiency and increase yield. This strategy has the potential to enhance photosynthetic efficiency without sacrificing carbon gain.

New oral anticoagulant drugs associated with lower kidney risks

Researchers found that non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants are associated with reduced risk of adverse kidney outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation. The study, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, showed that about 1 in 4 patients taking these medications experienced significant kidney functi...

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 20, 2017

Realistic rodent model of drug addiction

A new rat model of drug addiction, requiring daily puzzle-solving for cocaine reward, still produced substance use disorder symptoms. In contrast to traditional models, the rats relied on flexible problem-solving to maintain their addiction, contradicting the widely-held view that habit is necessary.

Borophene shines alone as 2-D plasmonic material

Researchers at Rice University have discovered that borophene, a two-dimensional boron material, can emit visible and near-infrared light by activating its plasmons. This property makes it a promising candidate for plasmonic and photonic devices such as biomolecule sensors, waveguides, nanoscale light harvesters, and nanoantennas.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 20, 2017

Righty blue whales sometimes act like lefties, study finds

Researchers found that individual blue whales prefer to roll to the right most of the time, but shift to left-side rolls in shallow water to hunt small prey. This study provides the first evidence of handedness in blue whales and highlights their adaptability when it comes to feeding behaviors.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 20, 2017

Many cancer survivors are living with PTSD

A recent study found that approximately one-fifth of cancer patients develop PTSD several months after diagnosis. Researchers emphasize the need for early identification and treatment to improve psychological well-being and quality of life.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateNov 20, 2017

Sleeve gastrectomy, common weight-loss surgery, lowers women's tolerance to alcohol

A study found that women who underwent sleeve gastrectomy may need to limit their alcohol consumption due to faster absorption rates. The surgery speeds up the transfer of alcohol into the bloodstream, leading to higher blood alcohol levels and increased risk of binge drinking and associated health issues.

Patient-centered medical home model improves chronic disease management

A patient-centered medical home model implemented in over 800 Veterans Health Administration primary care clinics showed significant improvements in chronic disease outcomes, including better blood pressure and cholesterol control for up to 1-5% of patients. The model, known as Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT), provided multidisciplin...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalHealth Services Research·DateNov 20, 2017

Protein intentionally terminates own synthesis by destabilizing synthesis machinery -- the ribosome

Researchers found that proteins with specific sequences can trigger the degradation of their own synthetic ribosomes, leading to aborted translation. However, living organisms also possess a mechanism to counteract this phenomenon, allowing for precise regulation of protein expression in response to environmental changes.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 20, 2017

Chimp females who leave home postpone parenthood

Female chimpanzees who leave their family and friends behind take longer to become mothers, around three years on average, due to social integration challenges. In contrast, those with supportive networks start reproducing earlier, raising questions about the factors influencing this behavior.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateNov 20, 2017

Glass microparticles enhance solar cells efficiency

Scientists from ITMO University devised a novel way to address issues with solar cells, including reduced light reflection and overheating. By incorporating glass microparticles into the top electrode, they improved solar cell efficiency by 20%, making it more attractive for industrial applications.

SourceITMO University·JournalOptics Letters·DateNov 20, 2017

Smoking study personalizes treatment

A new study at Vanderbilt University Medical Center uses a blood test to personalize treatment for smokers. The study found that patients who are 'normal' metabolizers of nicotine respond better to varenicline (Chantix), while those who are 'slow' metabolizers do as well with a nicotine patch.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateNov 20, 2017

Reusing waste energy with 2-D electron gas

Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a novel approach to improve thermoelectric material performance by harnessing high mobility two-dimensional electron gas. This enables efficient heat-to-electricity conversion, overcoming current limitations in industrial applications.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateNov 20, 2017

Social mobile gaming boosts rehabilitation for physically impaired patients

Researchers at Imperial College London designed a video game called Balloon Buddies to enable physically impaired patients to engage in rehabilitation through collaboration with healthy volunteers. The study found that this type of engagement boosts performance and increases motivation, leading to better physical outcomes.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·DateNov 19, 2017