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Science News Archive May 2017 - Page 16


Page 16 of 42

Photocatalyst makes hydrogen production 10 times more efficient

Researchers at Kobe University have developed a new photocatalyst that increases hydrogen production tenfold. By deliberately creating a lack of uniformity in size and arrangement of crystals, the team was able to spatially separate electrons and holes, preventing recombination and increasing conversion efficiency.

SourceKobe University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 18, 2017

There's more to attraction than what meets the eye

Research highlights the importance of non-visual factors like voice and scent in social perception, which can influence attractiveness. Studies have shown that people can accurately guess characteristics like gender, age, and body size from a voice or scent.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 18, 2017

Study compares different measures of body fat for predicting kidney function decline

A new study found that higher body fat was linked with increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease. Waist circumference and BMI were shown to provide similar information on risk as more direct measures of different types of body fat, indicating these simple measures may be reliable for assessing an individual's risk.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateMay 18, 2017

How the injured brain tells the body it's hurt

In a breakthrough study, Johns Hopkins researchers identified a new way that the brain communicates with the immune system, using vesicles and small fat-like molecules to send signals. This discovery may lead to the development of new treatments for brain injuries by targeting the inflammatory response.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Signaling·DateMay 18, 2017

New algorithm tracks neurons in bendy brain of freely crawling worm

Scientists developed an automated approach to track neurons in the brain of freely crawling worms, enabling researchers to correlate neural activity with specific movements and behaviors. The new algorithm, dubbed Neuron Registration Vector Encoding, improves upon previous methods by assigning a unique identity to each neuron it detects.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 18, 2017

Know thyself to understand others

A three-month contemplative training course improved participants' ability to identify and understand their own inner parts and those of others. The more negative inner parts identified, the better awareness of other people's frame of mind became.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Cognitive Enhancement·DateMay 18, 2017

The Charlie Sheen effect on HIV testing

A new study published in Prevention Science found that Charlie Sheen's HIV-positive disclosure on November 17, 2015, corresponded with record levels of HIV testing, including a near-doubling in at-home rapid test sales. The study also suggests that public health leaders should consider embracing big media data for decision-making.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalPrevention Science·DateMay 18, 2017

World's thinnest hologram paves path to new 3-D world

The RMIT team has developed a nano-hologram that is simple to make, can be seen without 3D goggles and is 1000 times thinner than a human hair. The discovery could transform industries such as medical diagnostics, education, data storage, defence and cyber security with the potential to display a wealth of data.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 18, 2017

FDA-approved drug helps treat rare immunologic disease, study finds

A Phase 3 clinical trial found that adding mepolizumab to standard treatment for eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) significantly improved remission rates, with 28% of participants achieving remission after one year. The disease was in remission at weeks 36 and 48 in 32% of participants who received mepolizumab.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 18, 2017

Deaths from Chagas disease under-reported

A new study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that Chagas disease significantly increases the risk of death, especially among those with cardiac complications. The study suggests that deaths from Chagas have been under-reported due to misdiagnosis and highlights the need for further research into new therapeutic options.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 18, 2017

Imaging from UK biobank participants shows that people with higher internal organ fat and thigh muscle fat spend more nights in hospital

A study published at European Congress on Obesity found that people with higher levels of visceral fat (internal fat around organs) and thigh muscle fat spend more nights in hospital. Visceral fat was significantly associated with healthcare burden, while thigh muscle fat infiltration had mixed results.

GIS -- a powerful tool to be used with caution

A recent study challenges GIS credibility in assessing shoreline erosion to archaeological sites, highlighting the need for more current imagery sources and semi-regular updates. The research suggests that while GIS can be useful in identifying areas at risk, its limitations due to volatile weather conditions must be acknowledged.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Archaeology·DateMay 18, 2017

Obesity is in the eye of the beholder

A Cornell University study found that white women are penalized for being overweight, while white men face penalties for both underweight and overweight status. In contrast, African Americans have become more accepting of larger bodies.

SourceCornell University·JournalSociological Science·DateMay 18, 2017

Antarctica 'greening' due to climate change

Scientists discovered a sharp increase in moss growth on Antarctica's Antarctic Peninsula, indicating major changes in ecosystems. The study found clear evidence of 'changepoints' over the past half century, suggesting that plants and soils will alter substantially even with modest further warming.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 18, 2017