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Science News Archive January 2018 - Page 9


Page 9 of 37

Zebrafish study provides new insights into autism spectrum disorder research

Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that exposure to valproic acid, a migraine treatment, causes characteristics similar to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in zebrafish. The study validated zebrafish as a model for studying ASD and its causes, providing a faster and more efficient alternative to traditional rodent models.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNeurotoxicology and Teratology·DateJan 24, 2018

New research can put an end to allergic reactions

Researchers at Aarhus University have found a new mechanism by which an antibody can prevent allergic reactions, including those caused by birch pollen and insect venom. The antibody interferes with the binding of IgE molecules to immune cells, thereby eliminating allergic symptoms.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 24, 2018

A simple new approach to plastic solar cells

Researchers at Osaka University redesigned a polymer to improve its hole conductivity, enhancing solar power conversion performance. This design enables mass production through simple printing methods, potentially lowering costs and increasing adoption of plastic solar cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJan 24, 2018

ACA's Medicaid expansion associated with greater likelihood of patients receiving optimal care for serious surgical conditions

The study found that ACA's Medicaid expansion led to significant increases in insurance coverage and a greater likelihood of patients receiving timely and optimal care for five common surgical conditions. This improvement was particularly notable for patients with serious surgical conditions such as appendicitis or aortic aneurysm.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateJan 24, 2018

A new genome for regeneration research

The study provides a complete genome assembly of the planarian flatworm Schmidtea mediterranea, revealing novel giant repeat elements, new genes, and the absence of certain essential genes. The discovery has potential implications for understanding regeneration research and stem cell biology.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature·DateJan 24, 2018

Feelings determine from which side we embrace each other

Researchers studied over 2,500 hugs to understand how emotional context affects hug behavior. They found that emotional states influence the lateralization of hugs, with left-sided hugs more common in positive situations and right-sided hugs in negative contexts. Handedness and footedness also play a role in predicting hug direction.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalPsychological Research·DateJan 24, 2018

Vitamin D supplements could ease painful IBS symptoms

A new study from the University of Sheffield suggests that vitamin D supplements could help alleviate painful IBS symptoms. The research found a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in IBS patients, regardless of ethnicity, and showed that vitamin D supplements had the most benefit on quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJan 24, 2018

New sensor for measuring electric field strength

A new silicon-based sensor developed by TU Wien measures electric field strength without distortion, with potential applications in weather forecasting, industrial process control, and high-voltage power line safety. The sensor achieves impressive levels of precision, reliably measuring weak fields of less than 200 volts per meter.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Electronics·DateJan 24, 2018

Cloud seeding for snow: Does it work? Scientists report first quantifiable observations

Researchers conducted a comprehensive study on cloud seeding, tracing the transition of ice crystals into snowflakes and observing the effects of silver iodide on cloud seeding. The study provides direct, quantifiable observations for the first time, shedding light on the effectiveness of cloud seeding in increasing winter snowfall.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2018

Brain-scan guided emergency stroke treatment can save more lives

A new study by the Endovascular Therapy Following Imaging Evaluation for the Ischemic Stroke (DEFUSE 3) trial demonstrated that brain-scan guided emergency stroke treatment can be effective up to 16 hours after symptom onset. The treatment led to improved outcomes, including increased functional independence and survival rates.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 24, 2018

Ultralow power consumption for data recording

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a new phase change material, Cr2Ge2Te6, that achieves a significant reduction in power consumption for data recording in phase change memory (PCRAM). The material exhibits an inverse resistance change and combines low operation energy, high data retention, and fast operation speed.

SourceTohoku University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 24, 2018