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Science News Archive May 2017 - Page 32


Page 32 of 42

Chemically tailored graphene

Scientists have developed a method to precisely control graphene's electronic transport properties using in-situ Raman spectroscopy. This technique allows for the creation of tailored graphene-based materials with controlled function, enabling their utilization in the semiconductor industry.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2017

Garden-enhanced intervention improved BMI and nutrition knowledge of California students

A new study found that a garden-enhanced intervention improved BMI and nutrition knowledge among upper elementary students in California. The Shaping Healthy Choices Program showed significant improvements in nutrition knowledge and vegetable identification, but not in fruit and vegetable intake or parenting practices. However, body me...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMay 8, 2017

Secondhand smoke ups heart disease in unique group of female nonsmokers -- Amish women

Researchers found that Amish women exposed to secondhand smoke had a greater risk for cardiovascular disease, while men exposed to secondhand smoke tended to have a higher body mass index (BMI). The study, conducted in a Pennsylvania Amish community, used a novel method to track exposure and avoided recall bias. Small amounts of second...

Underlying molecular mechanism of bipolar disorder revealed

A recent study has identified the molecular mechanism behind lithium's effectiveness in treating bipolar disorder, providing a clear path to developing new diagnostic tests and therapies. The research, led by Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, utilized human induced pluripotent stem cells to map lithium's response path...

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2017

Copays don't reduce use of Medicare home health care, study shows

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that imposing copays on Medicare home health care does not reduce its usage, despite increased out-of-pocket costs for seniors. The researchers analyzed data from over 290,000 seniors and found no significant difference in home care usage between plans with and without copays.

SourceBrown University·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017

Geographic disparities in life expectancy among US counties

A study found large geographic disparities in life expectancy among US counties, with a 20.1 year gap between the lowest and highest life expectancies. Life expectancy increased overall, but masked massive variation at the county level, with some areas experiencing much larger increases than others.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017

Why some images trigger seizures

Researchers have identified a link between certain static images and gamma oscillations that occur when viewing black and white bar patterns, which can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. By adjusting image parameters, such as contrast and bar width, these images can be reduced to minimize the risk of seizures.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 8, 2017

Rice U. unveils dual-channel biological function generator

Researchers develop biofunction generator and bioscilloscope to analyze and manipulate two biological circuits simultaneously, enabling precise control over gene expression and protein production. The technology, based on mathematical modeling and optogenetics, offers new insights into complex synthetic biological systems.

SourceRice University·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateMay 8, 2017

Paris 1.5°C target may be smashed by 2026

A positive phase of the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation could accelerate global warming, potentially pushing temperatures above 1.5°C as early as 2026. According to new research, this natural climate driver would likely produce a sharp acceleration in global warming over the next decade.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 8, 2017

Poor environmental quality linked to elevated cancer rates

A new study reveals an association between cumulative exposure to harmful environmental factors and cancer incidence across the United States. Counties with poor environmental quality demonstrated a higher incidence of cancer cases, with prostate and breast cancer showing strong links.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMay 8, 2017

Reversing pest resistance to biotech cotton: The secret is in the mix

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that interbreeding genetically engineered cotton with non-Bt cotton can delay and even reverse evolution of resistance by pests. This novel strategy involves planting a mix of Bt and non-Bt seeds, which generates a random mixture of plants within fields.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2017

Fabrication technology in the fourth dimension

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a construction principle for controlling the deformation of 4D printed objects, which can support weight and change shape in response to external stimuli. The technology has potential applications in aerospace, medical devices, and more.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 8, 2017

Narrative journaling may help heart health post-divorce

A study of 109 separated or divorced individuals suggests that narrative expressive writing can lower heart rate and increase heart rate variability, both indicators of good cardiovascular health. By creating a structured story around their feelings, participants were able to process emotions in a more physiologically adaptive way.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017

Caution: Energy drinks put individuals with genetic heart condition at risk

A new study published in the International Journal of Cardiology has found that energy drinks can trigger serious cardiac events, including arrhythmias and cardiac arrest, in individuals with congenital long QT syndrome. The researchers warn young patients with this genetic condition to exercise caution when consuming energy drinks.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateMay 8, 2017

Low oxygen reverses mitochondrial disease in mice

Researchers found that breathing low-oxygen air reversed brain damage caused by mitochondrial defects in mice. The study suggests that hypoxia therapy may be a potential treatment for mitochondrial diseases, including Leigh syndrome. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and develop a practical regimen.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2017

Trump's actions on sexual orientation/gender identity data collection send ominous message

The Trump administration's decision to remove sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) questions from national aging surveys and omit these categories from disability surveys may hinder the collection and use of SOGI data. This could set back years of progress in identifying and addressing LGBT health disparities.