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Science News Archive 2018 - Page 408


Page 408 of 473

How cities heat up

Researchers at MIT have discovered that cities with grid-like street patterns tend to accumulate more heat than those with chaotic patterns, leading to increased urban heat islands and health risks. The study provides new insights into the impact of city design on heat buildup, offering potential solutions for urban planners.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 23, 2018

Children's learning is not affected by repeated sick days with fever and infections

A register-based study covering 598,553 Danish children found that recurring less serious severe infections do not affect children's cognitive development or ability to complete primary and lower secondary school. In contrast, severe infections with hospitalisations were associated with a lower chance of completing 9th grade.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal·DateFeb 23, 2018

Why are there so many types of lizards?

An ASU study has shed light on the biodiversity of anole lizard family trees by comparing their genomes with those of other animals. The research found that genes involved in interbrain development, color vision, and hormones may contribute to species boundaries.

SourceArizona State University·JournalGenome Biology and Evolution·DateFeb 23, 2018

New link between gut bacteria and obesity

Researchers at Lund University found that certain amino acids in blood are connected to obesity and gut microbiome composition. The study analyzed 674 participants and identified metabolites linked to BMI, including glutamate and BCAA, which interact with intestinal bacteria.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateFeb 23, 2018

US hospitals testing experimental therapies to prevent two common bacterial infections

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is supporting clinical trials testing monoclonal antibodies as preventive therapies for antibiotic-resistant infections. The trials aim to prevent pneumonia caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, two bacteria posing a significant threat to human health.

How does GEOS-5-based planetary boundary layer height and humidity vary across China?

Research found that GEOS-5-assimilated planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) and relative humidity (RH) vary significantly across China's four regions, with Tibetan Plateau having the highest PBLH values and South China the lowest RH. Seasonal variations also played a crucial role in shaping these patterns.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2018

Crop-saving soil tests now at farmers' fingertips

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a new method for soil pathogen analysis that is portable, fast and inexpensive. This breakthrough technology allows farmers to detect disease-causing pathogens in their soil quickly and make informed decisions about treatments or management changes before planting.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateFeb 23, 2018

Proxima Centauri's no good, very bad day

A team of astronomers discovered a massive stellar flare from Proxima Centauri, which raises questions about the habitability of its exoplanetary neighbor, Proxima b. The flare, detected by ALMA, was 10 times brighter than our Sun's largest flares and could have sterilized the surface of Proxima b.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateFeb 23, 2018