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Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 42


Page 42 of 44

Flaw found in water treatment method

A recent study from Johns Hopkins University reveals a flaw in the water treatment process that can create toxic transformation products, including 2-butene-1,4-dial. This compound has been linked to negative effects on human cells and may be responsible for toxicity in cigarette smoke and car exhaust.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2018

Understanding fear of guilt key in better treating OCD

A new study at University of Waterloo found that fear of guilt evokes feelings of doubt in decision-making, leading to indecisiveness and repetition in OCD patients. The study's results suggest that addressing this specific factor could improve treatment outcomes for individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders·DateMay 2, 2018

Organic printing inks may restore sight to blind people

Researchers have developed a tiny, simple photoactive film that converts light impulses into electrical signals, stimulating neurons and potentially restoring sight to blind people. The technology uses cheap and widely-available organic pigments and has been successfully tested in experiments with non-functioning retinas.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 2, 2018

Researchers discover connection between circadian rhythm and aggression

A study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen has confirmed a connection between the circadian rhythm and aggression in Alzheimer's patients. The team identified a circuit linking the brain's circadian clock to an aggression centre, suggesting a potential target for pharmacological intervention. This discovery may lead to new ...

It all comes down to roughness

The study shows that using rough particles can significantly reduce the amount of material needed to achieve sudden solidification in suspensions. This could lead to improved cement flow characteristics and potential applications in everyday materials like bullet-proof vests.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2018

New leads on treating dementia and Alzheimer's

A recent study sheds light on the role of inflammation in dementia and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that inflammation is a major cause rather than just a consequence. The research found that many genes linked to dementia regulate susceptibility and response to inflammatory damage.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateMay 2, 2018

Protecting campus free speech, even when it challenges beliefs

A Cornell University study suggests that understanding biases is key to resolving conflicts over free speech, as psychological science has shown many types of bias can prevent opposing sides from accepting each other's arguments. The researchers argue that college experiences should involve challenging beliefs, even when uncomfortable.

SourceCornell University·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateMay 2, 2018

Why Antarctic snow melts even in winter

Researchers found that Antarctic glaciers can experience surface melting during the winter months due to warm winds. The Larsen C ice sheet shows large meltwater lakes forming, which may affect ice-shelf stability and contribute to sea-level rise if ponds cause ice shelves to break up.

SourceSwansea University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 2, 2018

Scientists discover balance of thermal energy and low climate stress drive coral species diversity

Scientists have identified thermal energy and low climate stress as key drivers of coral species diversity in the Indian Ocean. The study, published in the Journal of Biogeography, found that optimal levels of warm water and reduced stress support high species richness, while extreme temperatures kill many species.

SourceWildlife Conservation Society·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateMay 1, 2018

Dielectric metamaterial is dynamically tuned by light

The new technology can control electromagnetic waves in many different ways by adjusting the size and angle of tiny silicon cylinders within a grid structure. This allows for subwavelength control, faster reconfiguration, and potentially improved security scanners and visual displays.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 1, 2018

Sweating the small stuff

Researchers developed a new membrane with nanoscale pores that allows for controlled sweat stimulant release, mitigating issues with direct dermal contact and sweat dilution. The technology has the potential to improve wearable biosensing devices for measuring small samples of sweat.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateMay 1, 2018

Vitamin D improves weight gain and brain development in malnourished children

A study led by Queen Mary University of London found that high-dose vitamin D supplements significantly boosted weight gain in malnourished children. Vitamin D supplementation also resulted in substantial reductions in delayed motor development and language development, with potential implications for the management of severe acute mal...

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 1, 2018

Traffic-related pollution linked to risk of asthma in children

A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that children living close to major roadways had nearly three times the odds of pediatric asthma compared to those who lived farther away. The researchers also discovered a stronger link between lifetime pollution and asthma among school-age girls.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateMay 1, 2018

Most academic institutions unprepared to meet new HHS clinical trial reporting regulations

A recent study found that many academic institutions in the US are unprepared to comply with stricter requirements for clinical trial registration and reporting. The institutions face challenges in allocating staff time and resources to meet these new regulations. As a result, some organizations have not implemented policies to punish ...

New study finds pureed pork supports infant growth

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that introducing pureed pork as a complementary food to formula-fed infants can support early growth and development. The research suggests that meat-based diets may be beneficial for linear growth, with no increased risk of overweight at 12 months of age.

SourceWeber Shandwick Chicago·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 1, 2018

Virus inhibits immune response of caterpillars and plants

A new study reveals that a polydnavirus suppresses the defense mechanisms of both caterpillar hosts and plant hosts, allowing parasitic wasps to thrive. The virus reduces glucose oxidase in caterpillars' saliva, triggering lower enzyme activity and defense-gene expression in plants.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 1, 2018