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Science News Archive July 2017 - Page 21


Page 21 of 37

The glass transition caught in the act

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis used a new experimental setup to measure the atomic properties of liquid materials, resolving some long-standing debates about the glass transition. The team found that fragility is related to atomic interactions and structural changes during the transition.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 17, 2017

Review article discusses potential role, benefits of non-rhizobia bacteria in root nodules of legume

A comprehensive review highlights the potential benefits of non-rhizobia bacteria in nitrogen-fixing nodules of legumes, including improved plant fitness under environmental stress. The study's findings may lead to new organic production practices and reduced pesticide use, promoting sustainable crop productivity.

SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·DateJul 17, 2017

Bacteria found in Alzheimer's brains

Researchers have discovered increased bacterial populations and specific bacteria differences in Alzheimer's brains compared to healthy brains. The findings suggest that bacterial infection and inflammation could play a role in the disease.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateJul 17, 2017

Artificial sweeteners linked to risk of weight gain, heart disease and other health issues

A systematic review of 37 studies found a link between artificial sweetener consumption and higher risks of weight gain, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. The evidence suggests that artificial sweeteners may have negative effects on metabolism and gut bacteria, although the evidence is conflicting.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 17, 2017

Unbalanced wind farm planning exacerbates fluctuations

A new study reveals that Europe's wind energy capacity is concentrated in the North Sea region, leading to extreme fluctuations. Cooperating countries can balance capacity across the continent to minimize these fluctuations. However, expanding solar energy capacity tenfold would be required to compensate for longer-term fluctuations.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 17, 2017

Prior dengue infection does not increase Zika disease severity

A recent study conducted in São Paulo, Brazil found that prior dengue infection does not intensify Zika disease severity. The research involved 65 individuals who contracted Zika virus during the 2016 epidemic, and analyzed their viral loads, finding no significant difference between those with prior dengue exposure and those without.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJul 14, 2017

Shh! Proven security for your secrets

Researchers from Kyoto University have demonstrated the strength of their 128-bit key Vector Stream Cipher, proving its provable security. The study highlights the cipher's low memory usage and structural simplicity, making it suitable for high-density data transmission applications like 5G networks and 4K television broadcasts.