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Science News Archive December 2018 - Page 20


Page 20 of 33

Stop sterilizing your dust

A Northwestern University study reveals that triclosan in dust can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant infections. The researchers found higher abundances of genetic markers indicating resistance in dust with higher concentrations of triclosan, suggesting a link between the chemical and antibiotic resistance.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalmSystems·DateDec 11, 2018

Pregnant women, young children most likely to use bed nets to prevent malaria

A new study by Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs finds that pregnant women and young children in sub-Saharan Africa are the most likely family members to sleep under bed nets to prevent malaria. The study suggests that providing enough bed nets can reduce age and gender disparities in net use, but highlights concerns abou...

Pollen dispersal in traditional processing of buckwheat

Researchers examined pollen dispersal in traditional buckwheat processing, finding that pollen content reached over 70% during threshing and sieving stages. This study provides a scientific basis for identifying crop processing remains in archaeological sites and assessing human agricultural activities.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateDec 11, 2018

Study links frequent red meat consumption to high levels of chemical associated with heart disease

Researchers found that people who eat a diet rich in red meat have triple the TMAO levels of those who eat a diet rich in either white meat or mostly plant-based proteins. However, discontinuation of red meat eventually lowers these TMAO levels, suggesting a promising new strategy for individualizing diets and preventing heart disease.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateDec 11, 2018

Custom-made artificial mother-of-pearl

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a method to produce artificial mother-of-pearl with tailored properties, similar to natural mussels. The material's structure is composed of tiny plates stacked on top of each other and interconnected with mineral bridges, which can be adjusted to achieve desired physical properties.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 11, 2018

New understanding of mysterious 'hereditary swelling'

Researchers at Aarhus University have made a breakthrough in understanding hereditary angioedema by identifying cellular defects leading to the rare disease. The study reveals that genetic mutations cause intracellular retention of C1-inhibitor, resulting in patients producing only 10-20% of normal levels.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 11, 2018

Tenacious and flexible goal pursuit gets older people on the move

A recent study at the University of Jyväskylä found that older people who persistently strive for their goals but can adjust them to current circumstances tend to move more and participate in outdoor activities. This suggests that tenacity and flexibility are essential resources for maintaining autonomy and quality of life in old age.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalAging Clinical and Experimental Research·DateDec 11, 2018

Superhero science: Ant-Man and the Wasp

Researchers Max Mikel-Stites and Anne Staples investigated Ant-Man's microscale respiration, finding that superhero suits contain a combination of air pumps, compressors, and molecular filters to breathe while insect-sized. Their study could lead to new microfluidic technologies with potential consumer benefits.

Lithuanian scientists' approach to perovskite solar cells -- cheaper production and high efficiency

Researchers from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) and Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB) developed a novel approach to form selective contact layers in perovskite solar cells using self-assembling monolayers. This method achieves extremely low material consumption and high efficiency, outperforming traditional methods.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateDec 11, 2018

The source of stem cells points to two proteins

Researchers at Michigan State University have identified YAP1 and WWTR1 as crucial proteins in regulating the balance between pluripotent cells and placenta formation. This discovery sheds light on the natural process of creating embryonic stem cells, which could lead to advances in regenerative medicine and organoid technologies.