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Science News Archive July 2017 - Page 29


Page 29 of 37

Microbe study highlights Greenland ice sheet toxicity

A Danish-led study found that microbes in Greenland's ice sheet can resist and degrade globally-emitted pollutants like mercury, lead, and PAHs. The research highlights the need for more attention to the release of anthropogenic contaminants as climate change melts the ice sheets.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJul 10, 2017

Rural physicians report significant barriers in treating opioid use disorder

A national survey of rural physicians found significant barriers to prescribing buprenorphine for opioid use disorder, including time constraints and lack of mental health support services. The study calls for tailored strategies to address these barriers and support physicians in providing Buprenorphine Maintenance Treatment.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 10, 2017

How do you build a metal nanoparticle?

A novel theory explains how metal nanoparticles form, revealing a balance between bond strength and ligand binding. This understanding enables the creation of more efficient and sustainable nanoparticle production processes for applications like biolabeling and targeted drug delivery.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 10, 2017

Two large studies link higher coffee consumption to reduced risk for death

Two large studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggest that higher coffee consumption is associated with a lower risk for death, particularly among whites and non-white populations. The studies found that moderate to high coffee intake was linked to reduced mortality rates for diseases such as digestive tract disorders and ...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 10, 2017

Bringing bacteria's defense into focus

Researchers at Cornell University and Harvard Medical School have observed the bacterial defense mechanism against invaders, revealing how CRISPR sites store molecular memories of invaders. The study provides structural data to improve CRISPR operations' efficiency and accuracy.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell·DateJul 10, 2017

Houston team one step closer to growing capillaries

Researchers from Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine have demonstrated a key step in generating implantable tissues with functioning capillaries. They used human endothelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells to initiate tubulogenesis, crucial for blood-transporting capillary formation.

SourceRice University·JournalBiomaterials Science·DateJul 10, 2017

Nature-inspired material uses liquid reinforcement

Scientists at Rice University have developed a new material that combines flexibility and stiffness by infusing it with tiny pockets of liquid gallium. The composite exhibits higher energy absorption characteristics than traditional materials, making it suitable for applications such as shock absorbers and biomimetic structures.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateJul 10, 2017

Insured patients have limited access to behavioral health care

Research reveals that insured patients struggle to secure appointments with psychiatrists, highlighting the challenges of accessing behavioral health care. The study estimates that a patient may need to call seven to ten psychiatrists to find an available appointment, underscoring the need for improved access to mental health services.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 10, 2017

Farm work may improve veterans' mental health

A recent study found that care farming significantly improved veterans' mental well-being by increasing life satisfaction in three participants and optimism about future life satisfaction in two. The program also reduced perceived loneliness in two participants.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Humanistic Counseling·DateJul 10, 2017

Working the (immune) system

Aging individuals with implants face unique challenges due to immunosenescence and delayed immune responses. The study investigates the impact of aging on macrophage activity and white blood cell function, seeking ways to optimize implant success and minimize negative effects.

Is teacher burnout contagious?

A new study by Michigan State University education scholars found that burnout among early-career teachers is contagious, with a stronger link to school-wide culture than close colleagues' burnout. The researchers analyzed survey data from over 400 teachers and found that schools can play a significant role in reducing teacher burnout.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalTeaching and Teacher Education·DateJul 10, 2017

New Berkeley lab algorithms extract biological structure from limited data

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory develop Multi-Tiered Iterative Phasing (M-TIP) algorithm to determine molecular structure from sparse and noisy single-particle diffraction data. This approach reduces the amount of required information, enabling the extraction of more features from limited experiments.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2017

Sleep, Alzheimer's link explained

A study found that disrupting one night of sleep in healthy adults causes an increase in amyloid beta, a brain protein associated with Alzheimer's disease. A week of poor sleep also leads to an increase in tau protein, which has been linked to brain damage in Alzheimer's and other neurological diseases.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalBrain·DateJul 10, 2017

Cosmic 'dust factory' reveals clues to how stars are born

Scientists at Cardiff University have discovered new molecules, including formylium and sulphur monoxide, within the remnants of Supernova 1987A. This suggests that supernovae can create clouds of molecules and dust at extremely cold temperatures, similar to those in stellar nurseries where stars are born.

SourceCardiff University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 10, 2017

Malaria drug protects fetuses from Zika infection

Researchers at WashU Medicine found that hydroxychloroquine effectively blocks viral transmission to the fetus, protecting it from Zika infection. The study used mouse models to demonstrate that suppressing autophagy promotes Zika virus survival and infection in the placenta.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 10, 2017

Decoding ants' coat of many odors

Researchers have characterized the function of ant receptors that identify odorant blends, revealing a more complex system than previously thought. This breakthrough may lead to new insights into ant social structure and communication, as well as effective methods for controlling insect populations.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2017