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Science News Archive June 2017 - Page 39


Page 39 of 40

A better dye job for roots -- in plants

A researcher at Salk Institute has discovered a fluorescent dye that reveals root growth is more influenced by auxin than thought, shedding light on the acidification theory and its role in plant growth. The study could inform faster-growing crop production or mitigate climate change effects.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2017

LIGO detects gravitational waves for third time

The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) has confirmed the third detection of gravitational waves, revealing a population of black holes that were previously unknown. The detected black holes have masses ranging from 21 to 49 times that of the sun, shedding light on the existence of heavy black hole pairs.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 1, 2017

Why antibiotics fail

UCSB biologists develop new antimicrobial susceptibility test that mimics conditions in the body, identifying effective treatments for diverse bacteria. The revised test has significant implications for public health, allowing physicians to choose alternative drugs immediately if a standard test fails.

Exposure to specific toxins and nutrients during late pregnancy & early life correlate w autism risk

A new study published in Nature Communications found that differences in toxin and nutrient uptake during critical developmental windows increase autism risk. Researchers analyzed baby teeth to identify associations between metal exposure and ASD severity, suggesting a potential pathway for interplay between genes and environment.

Locked movement in molecular motor and rotor

Researchers at University of Groningen create light-driven rotary motor with locked movement, where naphthalene rotor synchronizes with motor rotation. This breakthrough demonstrates synchronization of movement in artificial systems, a fundamental step towards molecular machine development.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalScience·DateJun 1, 2017

Breaking Newton's Law

A quantum particle oscillates back and forth when interacting with a gas of Cesium atoms at extremely low temperatures. This behavior challenges Newton's laws of motion, as the particle's motion is restricted to the direction of the tubes.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalScience·DateJun 1, 2017

How to block type 1 diabetes

A recent study has made a breakthrough in understanding the autoimmune process that leads to type 1 diabetes, finding a way to protect beta cells from destruction. By targeting the activation of B cells, researchers were able to prevent diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice.

SourceJackson Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJun 1, 2017

Unexpected mechanism behind chronic nerve pain

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have found that a small RNA molecule in sensory neurons regulates how touch is perceived, leading to increased pain sensitivity after nerve damage. The study's results suggest that microRNA-based drugs could be a promising treatment option for chronic nerve pain.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience·DateJun 1, 2017

Researchers flip the script on magnetocapacitance

A new phenomenon in spintronics was discovered by altering capacitance by manipulating spins in the opposite way from normal magnetocapacitance. This inverse effect allows for more parameter space to design devices, potentially useful in magnetic sensors for computer hard drives and random access memory chips.

SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 1, 2017

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: Despite substantial global reduction in diarrhoea deaths, half a million children still die from diseases each year

The Lancet Infectious Diseases study finds that diarrhoea is the fourth leading cause of death for children under 5, with 42% of deaths occurring in India and Nigeria. The researchers call for immediate and sustained actions to increase healthcare access and the use of oral rehydration solutions.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateJun 1, 2017

New teen drivers 3 times as likely to be involved in a deadly crash

According to a new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, teen drivers aged 16-17 are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash compared to adult drivers. The '100 Deadliest Days' period between Memorial Day and Labor Day sees an alarming spike in deadly crashes involving inexperienced teen drivers.

SourceAAA·DateJun 1, 2017

A mother's age doesn't matter

A recent study found that mothers' ages don't contribute to preterm births or low birth weights; rather, factors like fertility problems, stress, and unhealthy behaviors may play a role. This research suggests women shouldn't worry about their age when considering having children.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJun 1, 2017

Asthma intervention study points to care and cost benefits

Community pharmacist-led interventions have been shown to significantly improve asthma control in patients, with a 76% increase in achieving good control compared to standard care. The economic benefits of these interventions are also substantial, with estimated annual savings of €72 billion in the European Union.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalBMC Health Services Research·DateJun 1, 2017