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Science News Archive August 2018 - Page 19


Page 19 of 41

DNA analysis of 6,500-year-old human remains in Israel points to origin of ancient culture

A study of 22 skeletons found in Israel's Peqi'in Cave reveals a significant ancestry from northerners, similar to those living in Iran and Turkey, contributing to the development of the Chalcolithic culture. The findings suggest that waves of migration played a key role in shaping the unique culture of the region.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 20, 2018

Natural disasters widen racial wealth gap

Research from Rice University and the University of Pittsburgh finds that damage from natural disasters and FEMA aid increases wealth inequality between races in the US. Whites accumulate more wealth after disasters, while residents of color accumulate less, leading to an increase in racial wealth gaps.

SourceRice University·JournalSocial Problems·DateAug 20, 2018

Future filters

Researchers at UCSB have identified a nuanced way to influence surface hydrophobicity, which affects how water interacts with solid surfaces. By varying the patterning of hydrophobic groups, they found that it can produce large effects on water dynamics, making it useful for designing more efficient membranes.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2018

#MeToo and the medical profession

The medical profession is plagued by bullying, harassment, and discrimination, which can negatively affect health and career pathways. Implementing measures of professionalism in review processes and creating safe reporting mechanisms are crucial steps towards addressing unprofessional behavior.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateAug 20, 2018

Researchers turn tracking codes into 'clouds' to authenticate genuine 3-D printed parts

A team at NYU Tandon School of Engineering has developed a method to convert QR codes into complex features hidden within 3D printed parts. The researchers found that this innovation can effectively authenticate genuine parts and prevent counterfeiting, particularly in high-risk sectors such as biomedical and aerospace.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·DateAug 20, 2018

In teen friendships, misery does love company

A new study suggests that teen friendships are strengthened by similarities in anxiety and depression levels, with dissimilar teens more likely to drift apart. The research found no evidence that individual internalizing symptoms predict friendship dissolution, even at extreme or clinical levels.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Research on Adolescence·DateAug 20, 2018

No partitions between desks may be 'healthier' for office workers

Research published in Occupational & Environmental Medicine found that open bench configurations led to higher levels of physical activity and lower stress outside the office. The study, which analyzed data from over 200 government workers, suggests that an open plan design may be a healthier alternative to cubicles or private offices.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateAug 20, 2018

A paper battery powered by bacteria

Researchers have developed a new type of battery made from paper and fueled by bacteria, which could overcome challenges of limited resources and commercial batteries. The paper-based bio-battery has shown to be effective in powering small devices like LEDs and calculators, with potential for improvement through further research.

Mechanism behind orchid beauty revealed

Researchers at Tohoku University have identified the retrotransposon insertion in a floral homeotic gene responsible for greenish orchid mutations. This discovery paves the way for genetic modification of orchids to produce more flowers.

SourceTohoku University·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateAug 19, 2018

As body mass index increases, blood pressure may as well

A large-scale study found a positive association between body mass index and blood pressure, with a mean increase of 0.8-1.7 mm Hg per unit increase in BMI. The study's findings have implications for China's high blood pressure crisis and suggest the need for earlier and more frequent use of antihypertensive drugs.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 17, 2018

Automated detection of focal epileptic seizures in a sentinel area of the human brain

A team of researchers at University of Alabama at Birmingham has identified a sentinel area of the brain that may give an early warning before clinical seizure manifestations appear. An algorithm was also developed to automatically detect this early warning, allowing for neurostimulation of the sentinel area to potentially block seizures.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalEpilepsy Research·DateAug 17, 2018