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Science News Archive September 2017


Page 1 of 39

Black children less likely to see doctor for eczema despite being more severely affected

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that black children with eczema are 30% less likely to see a doctor for treatment compared to white children. Despite having more severe disease, minority children experience lower healthcare utilization rates due to various barriers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateSep 29, 2017

New med-tech zinc sensor developed

A new zinc sensor has been developed by researchers at the University of Adelaide, enabling real-time detection and measurement of zinc levels in cells. The sensor's innovative design allows for continuous or repeated measurements within a single biological sample, opening up new possibilities for diagnostic tools.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalACS Omega·DateSep 29, 2017

Who's judging you based on brand choices?

A study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that individuals with a flexible mindset are less inclined to make assumptions about someone's character based on brand choice. In contrast, those with a fixed mindset tend to believe that behavior is consistent over time and across situations.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateSep 29, 2017

New study changes our view on flying insects

Researchers at Lund University have discovered an optimal speed for certain insects when they fly, consuming the least amount of energy. Flying slowly or fast requires the most effort, with a moderate speed of 2-3 meters per second being the most energy-efficient.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateSep 29, 2017

Magnetic electrodes increase solar cell efficiency

Researchers at CIC nanoGUNE developed a photovoltaic device using magnetic materials as electrodes, increasing efficiency by 14%. The device produces alternating current directly, eliminating the need for transformers. Further improvements are being pursued to build more efficient solar modules.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalScience·DateSep 29, 2017

Algae with light switch

Researchers discovered that Chlamydomonas algae can control its adhesion to surfaces using blue light, a phenomenon that could improve the efficiency of biofuels production. By understanding this mechanism, scientists hope to develop algae strains with modified photoreceptors that don't form biofilms on glass walls.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 29, 2017

Why do we fall asleep when bored?

A new study published in Nature Communications finds that the nucleus accumbens, associated with motivation and pleasure, can produce sleep. This discovery may explain why people tend to fall asleep in boring situations, as it suggests a strong ability of this brain region to induce sleep.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 2017

New functions of hippocampus unveiled

Researchers have discovered that low-frequency activities in the hippocampus drive brain-wide functional connectivity in the cerebral cortex, enhancing sensory responses and learning. This breakthrough suggests the hippocampus is a key region in the brain, with potential therapeutic implications for Alzheimer's disease.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2017

Genes that separate humans from fruit flies found

Researchers have identified proteins that control cell complexity in animals, revealing a key difference between humans and simpler organisms like fruit flies and sea urchins. The study found that specific genes interact with chromatin to regulate cellular processes, contributing to the increased complexity of mammals.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 29, 2017

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities exposed with new DNA sequencing approach

Researchers have developed a new method to detect and identify the many species involved in these ecologically vital communities, revealing one of the highest levels of species richness recorded to date. The study found that the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities were dominated by a small number of very common fungi.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateSep 29, 2017

CU Anschutz: Law enforcement and gun retailers are resources for safe gun storage

A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that law enforcement agencies and gun retailers are willing to offer voluntary, temporary storage of guns to prevent suicide. Most people, including health providers, may not know what safe outside-the-home storage is available and what their options are.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 29, 2017

Risk of transmission of livestock-associated MRSA to non-farm dwellers is negligible

A study on swine farm volunteers found that levels of MRSA in nasal passages became virtually undetectable after two hours of exposure. Airborne transmission was the primary route of infection, not direct physical contact with animals. The risk of transmission to non-farm dwellers is considered negligible due to this decline.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 29, 2017

Confronted with bacteria, infected cells die so others can live, Penn study finds

In a new study, researchers led by Igor E. Brodsky identified a mechanism that allows host cells to overcome the strategies used by pathogens like Yersinia bacteria to evade the immune system. By understanding this 'back-up alarm' system, scientists may be able to develop new therapies to target tumor cells and promote their demise.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateSep 29, 2017

Antarctica: Return of the Weddell polynya supports Kiel climate model

The Weddell Sea has formed a large ice-free area, supporting the Kiel climate model. This natural phenomenon plays a crucial role in sea ice formation and deep water circulation. Scientists closely monitor its occurrence to improve climate models and differentiate between natural variability and human-induced changes.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalCurrent Climate Change Reports·DateSep 29, 2017

Achieving National HIV/AIDS Strategy targets would save lives, be cost effective

A Massachusetts General Hospital analysis shows that achieving the treatment targets of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy by 2020 would prevent hundreds of thousands of new infections and deaths. Meeting NHAS goals would also demonstrate excellent value, with a cost-effectiveness ratio of $68,900 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY).

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateSep 28, 2017