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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 377


Page 377 of 473

Making intricate images with bacterial communities

Researchers from Stanford University have developed a technique called biofilm lithography to create intricate designs with bacterial communities. The method involves shining blue light on bacteria that secrete a sticky protein, resulting in sharp images of patterns such as polka dots and circuits.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2018

Deeper insight into viral infections

A new bioinformatics analysis method has been developed to study viral infections, revealing over 500 different proteins and peptides, including 200 previously unknown to science. This discovery improves the identification of translation events and opens up new possibilities to understand the effects of viral infections on the organism.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 19, 2018

Historians to climate researchers: Let's talk

A Princeton University historian team analyzed four case studies to understand how societies coped with natural stresses, revealing socioeconomic factors often played a more significant role than environmental changes. Historians' nuanced interpretation adds context to past events, helping policymakers prepare for global climate change.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2018

How allergens trigger asthma attacks

A team of scientists has identified a human protein called interleukin-33 (IL-33) that reacts to various environmental allergens, including mold, pollen, and cockroaches. This discovery establishes a direct link between genetics and the environment, and offers new potential targets for treatment of allergic diseases.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 19, 2018

Certain antidepressants more effective in treating youth anxiety disorder, analysis shows

A meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials found that SSRIs were more effective in treating youth anxiety disorder than SNRIs. Patients started to see improvements from medication around two weeks, with the most significant improvement occurring in the fourth week of treatment.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 19, 2018

Young at wrong end of deprivation gap, finds study

A study by the University of Manchester found that relative deprivation increased among young adults aged 30-59 and infants aged 0-4, while the over-60s experienced a decrease. The researchers attribute this to government policies, education funding, and housing costs increasing relative to real wages.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 19, 2018

Cosmologists create largest simulation of galaxy formation, break their own record

Researchers from multiple institutions developed the largest-ever hydrological simulation of galaxy formation, expanding on their 2015 'Illustris' simulation. The new model includes a more precise accounting for magnetic fields and improves understanding of black hole physics, shedding light on star formation limits.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 19, 2018

Modified biomaterials self-assemble on temperature cues

Biomaterials with precisely ordered structures could be used for various biomedical applications due to their precise control of self-assembly. The hybrid approach allows researchers to expand the chemical diversity of protein-based materials by combining different alphabets, such as amino acids and lipids.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 19, 2018

A third of young adults have ridden with an impaired driver, NIH analysis suggests

A third of recent high school graduates have ridden in a motor vehicle with a substance-impaired driver, according to a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health. The study found that 23% of young adults had ridden with marijuana-impaired drivers, while 20% had ridden with alcohol-impaired drivers.

Smithsonian reports first evidence of live-traded dogs for Maya ceremonies

Researchers analyzed animal remains from Ceibal, Guatemala, and found that dogs, turkeys, and cats were raised for ceremonial purposes, with dogs being traded across the landscape. The study sheds light on the role of animals in Maya civilization and challenges previous assumptions about their management.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2018

At first blush, you look happy -- or sad, or angry

A groundbreaking study found that people can correctly identify others' feelings up to 75% of the time by analyzing subtle changes in blood flow color around the nose, eyebrows, cheeks, or chin. Computer algorithms developed from the research accurately recognize human emotion via face color with up to 90% accuracy.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2018