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Science News Archive March 2017 - Page 34


Page 34 of 41

Towards mastering terahertz waves?

Researchers have developed a technique to control terahertz waves using graphene, enabling potential applications in telecommunications and medical imaging. This discovery could lead to faster data transfer speeds and improved security in communications, as well as non-invasive detection of biological molecules for medical diagnosis.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 7, 2017

Computer simulations first step toward designing more efficient amine chemical scrubbers

Researchers from North Carolina State University developed a series of computer models that can predict the CO2 absorption properties of amine solutions based on their chemical structure. The models utilize machine-learning techniques and have been found to reliably discriminate between amines with high absorption properties and those ...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMolecular Informatics·DateMar 7, 2017

Earth is bombarded at random

Researchers refuted the theory that asteroids hit Earth every 26 million years, as previously suggested by US researchers. Instead, they found that impact craters formed over a wide range of ages and were not clustered in time.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 7, 2017

Study tests the 'three-hit' theory of autism

A recent study found that a combination of genetic predisposition, early stress, and male sex increases the risk of social avoidance in individuals with autism. The researchers tested this theory using mice and found evidence supporting the idea that these three factors build on each other to produce the social avoidance characteristic...

SourceRockefeller University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2017

Fruit flies halt reproduction during infection

Researchers found that fruit fly infections trigger a reduction in egg-laying activity and affect the octopaminergic signalling pathway. The study reveals a protective mechanism allowing fruit flies to regulate their offspring's impact on the environment during bacterial infection.

SourceeLife·DateMar 7, 2017

Researchers map clonorchiasis risk across China

Researchers created high-resolution risk maps for clonorchiasis in China, highlighting provinces with the highest risk of infection and important predictors. The study found that elevation, distance to freshwater bodies, and land cover type were associated with infection risk, informing targeted control activities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 7, 2017

First public data released by hyper suprime-cam Subaru Strategic Program

The Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program has released its first public dataset, containing almost 100 million galaxies and stars. This dataset will enable scientists to explore the nature of dark matter and dark energy, as well as study the formation and evolution of galaxies.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·DateMar 7, 2017

Are mind-body therapies effective in autism?

Researchers found mindfulness therapy to be effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and rumination in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Nei Yang Gong therapy also showed positive effects on self-control in children with ASD. The review of 16 studies highlights the potential for mind-body therapies in treating ASD symptoms.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateMar 7, 2017

'Black swan' events strike animal populations

A new analysis found drastic changes in animal populations occur in about 4% of cases, most commonly in birds, with extreme events driven by parasites, climate and predators. Developing management plans to withstand sudden swings could help buffer against black swan disasters and prevent extinctions.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2017

Detailed chemical structure of P22 virus resolved

Scientists have completed a model of the P22 virus's chemical structure with unprecedented detail, revealing the building blocks of proteins and their interactions. This breakthrough allows for more information about biochemistry and provides detailed annotations for future experiments.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2017

Economic models behind EU-Canada free trade agreement questioned

The EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is predicted to result in significant GDP gains but may also lead to net losses in terms of employment, personal incomes, and GDP. CETA's impact on workers would be substantial, with average annual earnings foregone of €1,776 in Canada and between €316 and €1,331 in the EU.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalInternational Journal of Political Economy·DateMar 7, 2017

Evidence lacking to support 'lead diet'

A University at Buffalo researcher says there is insufficient evidence to support dietary recommendations for children with elevated blood lead levels. The CDC's guidelines suggest eating iron-rich foods, calcium, and vitamin C, but the author argues that this approach lacks scientific backing.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMar 7, 2017