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Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 11


Page 11 of 44

Short bursts of intense exercise are a HIIT, even with less active people

Researchers found that inactive individuals who tried HIIT for the first time enjoyed it just as much as traditional exercise, and 79% of participants completed HIIT outside of the lab. This study suggests that short bursts of intense exercise may be a viable time-efficient option for those with busy lives.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateMay 24, 2018

Telemedicine helps improve participation in clinical trials

Researchers at Nemours Children's Health System developed a novel video-based informed consent process to improve participants' understanding and retention of trial information. The study found that caregivers of children who watched the video presentation retained more information about the study design five months later.

Don't force women to risk death, injury by having a baby

Researchers at Queensland University of Technology suggest that morality should be removed from the equation when it comes to abortion laws, recognizing pregnancy as a risk for any woman. They argue that women should have the legal right to reject this risk and that criminal sanctions against abortion are unjustified.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateMay 24, 2018

What the asteroid that wiped out dinosaurs meant for birds

Researchers analyzed plant fossil record and evolutionary relationships to conclude that global forest collapse led to the survival of only a few ancestral bird lineages. These early survivors adapted to life on the ground, laying the foundation for the diverse range of modern bird species.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 24, 2018

The changing shape of DNA

New research from the University of East Anglia shows that DNA's shape can be manipulated using various triggers including copper, oxygen, and a substance similar to Vitamin C. This discovery has potential applications in nanotechnology and DNA-based computing.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateMay 24, 2018

Reconstructing Zika's spread

A new study reveals that Zika virus was introduced to Mexico earlier than previously thought, with evidence of two annual outbreaks across multiple regions. The research also highlights the need for better data collection to track future epidemics of mosquito-borne diseases.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateMay 24, 2018

Giant clams tell the story of past typhoons

Researchers at Hokkaido University have created a precise method to determine past typhoon occurrences from giant clam shells, which could help predict future cyclone activity. The team found that the shell's microstructure and chemical composition reveal data about typhoons occurring before written records were available.

The big clean-up after stress

Researchers from the University of Würzburg have discovered a new role for stress granules in the formation and elimination of these structures. The study found that ZFAND1 protein is necessary for normal clearance of stress granules, which can lead to neurodegenerative diseases like ALS and FTD if not properly eliminated.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalMolecular Cell·DateMay 24, 2018

Bringing biology and mathematics together

The NSF-Simons Center for Mathematical and Statistical Analysis of Biology at Harvard University will focus on three fundamental questions: molecular networks, sophisticated structures, and organisms' adaptability. The center aims to integrate mathematical, statistical, and engineering approaches with biology.

Matter-antimatter asymmetry may interfere with the detection of neutrinos

Physicists have discovered an interesting asymmetry in the production of charm mesons and their antimatter counterparts, which could affect the detection of neutrinos. The researchers propose that unfavoured quark fragmentation may explain this phenomenon, potentially leading to a high percentage of D+ and D- meson asymmetry.

Long-term study shows crop rotation decreases greenhouse gas emissions

Crop rotation has been shown to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by up to 35% compared to continuous corn or soybean. Rotating crops also increases yield benefits of over 20%, with tillage not affecting emissions. The study highlights the importance of crop diversification and soil management in reducing environmental impact.

Asthma management: Allocating duties

Asthma management is complicated by heterogeneity and variability, making it difficult to implement optimal strategies. The role of physicians in managing asthma complexity is particularly challenging, requiring knowledge, dedication, and experience.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Respiratory Medicine Reviews·DateMay 23, 2018

Tuberculosis: Pharmacists develop new substance to counteract antimicrobial resistance

Researchers at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg found a way to increase the effectiveness of common TB antibiotics while reducing resistance. The new compound blocks the bacteria's pumping mechanism, improving drug efficacy. Tuberculosis is a major global health threat, with 490,000 cases of multi-resistant TB reported in 2016.

Men take shortcuts, while women follow well-known routes

A study published in Springer's journal Memory & Cognition found that men tend to take shortcuts and navigate more efficiently than women in known environments. Women, on the other hand, follow learned routes and are more likely to wander, leading to slower navigation times.

SourceSpringer·JournalMemory & Cognition·DateMay 23, 2018

Cultivating cannabis

State agricultural organizations and researchers are working to improve cannabis cultivation through biological means of pest control and sequencing the cannabis genome. This effort aims to increase the crop's value by providing better growing conditions and fertilizers, ultimately reducing the demand for trained scientists.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 23, 2018