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Science News Archive October 2017 - Page 33


Page 33 of 43

Global kids study: More trees, less disease

A University of Vermont-led study of 300,000 children in 35 nations reveals that those living near areas with greater tree cover are less likely to experience diarrheal disease. The research suggests that protecting watersheds can have a comparable effect to improved water sanitation.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 9, 2017

Genome architecture caught in motion

Researchers at The Wistar Institute discovered how the genome's three-dimensional architecture changes during the cell cycle. The study found that condensation and de-condensation occur gradually, with larger domains forming during mitosis.

SourceThe Wistar Institute·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateOct 9, 2017

Alzheimer's gene poses both risk -- and benefits

Researchers found that high-risk TREM2 variants can hobble the immune system's ability to protect against amyloid beta, but later in the disease, the absence of TREM2 protein protects the brain from damage. The study suggests targeting the TREM2 protein as a means of preventing or treating Alzheimer's may be complicated and that doctor...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2017

A 'turbo charge' for your brain?

Researcher Robert Reinhart found that synchronizing specific brain oscillations enhances executive function by improving communication between two key brain areas. Participants showed improved learning and decision-making skills, and effects could be quickly reversed.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2017

Risk factors for heart health linked to marital ups and downs -- at least for men

A study found that changes in marital relationship quality over time are associated with variations in cardiovascular risk factors for men. Improving relationships were linked to lower levels of 'bad' cholesterol and relatively lower weight, while deteriorating relationships were associated with worsening diastolic blood pressure.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateOct 9, 2017

Open-ocean wind farms

Researchers suggest open-ocean wind farms can sustain higher electricity generation rates than on-land wind farms due to kinetic energy reservoir access. Annual global energy demand could be met with commercial-scale open-ocean wind turbines spanning approximately 3 million square kilometers.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2017

How global warming is drying up the North American monsoon

A new study by Princeton University researchers reveals that the North American monsoon is facing a dramatic reduction in precipitation, with significant implications for regional water resources and hazards. The study corrects for sea surface temperature biases and suggests that the region's famous thunderstorms may become less common.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 9, 2017

HIV: The benefits of prophylaxis of tuberculosis are confirmed

Long-term follow-up confirms that isoniazid prophylaxis reduces both severe morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected individuals. The study provides evidence for the WHO recommendation of isoniazid preventive therapy in HIV-positive patients, even with early antiretroviral treatment.

SourceANRS·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateOct 9, 2017

Black carbon deposits on birds

Estimates of early industrial emissions of black carbon are inexact due to limited sampling before the mid-1950s. Researchers found regional black carbon concentrations peaked during the first decade of the 20th century and were linked to coal consumption, with concentrations becoming decoupled after 1960.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 9, 2017

JILA spinning method confirms the electron still seems round

Physicists at JILA have confirmed the leading results on electron roundness using a unique spinning molecule technique, measuring its symmetry to provide new insights into fundamental physics and potential fossils of ancient asymmetry. The method offers future potential for more sensitive searches and tests of natural constants.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 9, 2017

Trench Foot discovery paves way for new treatment

Researchers have discovered that patients with non-freezing cold injury, also known as 'trench foot,' have a significant reduction in nerve fibers within the skin. This damage causes chronic pain experienced by these patients. Understanding the root cause of the condition may lead to new treatments and improved prevention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalBrain·DateOct 9, 2017

Bacteria self-organize to build working sensors

Bacteria self-organize to form a golden shell around their colony using gold nanoparticles, creating a functional pressure sensor. The researchers controlled the size and shape of the device by altering the growth environment, demonstrating a proof-of-principle for fabricating structured materials.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateOct 9, 2017

Noncompliance thwarts comprehensive background check policy for private-party sales, study finds

A study found that Delaware's expansion of comprehensive background check policies to include private-party sales resulted in a 25% increase in handgun background checks and a 34% increase for long guns. In contrast, Washington and Colorado experienced no overall change in background checks despite enacting similar policies.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalInjury Prevention·DateOct 9, 2017