Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2018 - Page 9


Page 9 of 44

Scientists discover new magnetic element

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a new ferromagnetic material, ruthenium (Ru), which is the fourth single element to exhibit unique magnetic properties at room temperature. This breakthrough could lead to improvements in sensors and devices in the computer memory and logic industry.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 25, 2018

New map shows many old-growth forests remain In Europe

A new study has mapped over 3.4 million acres of Europe's last wild forests, revealing that primary forests are widely distributed throughout the continent. The study highlights the importance of preserving these remaining fragments of primary forest, which provide exceptional ecological values and habitat for biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalDiversity and Distributions·DateMay 25, 2018

Goal conflict linked to psychological distress

Research at the University of Exeter and Edith Cowan University found that goal conflict and ambivalence are associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. The study involved over 200 young adults aged 18-35, who reported experiencing psychological distress due to conflicting goals.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMay 25, 2018

Aggression neurons identified

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered a previously unknown group of brain cells responsible for initiating and organizing aggressive behavior in mice. By stimulating or inhibiting these cells, the team was able to control aggression and even invert hierarchical status between dominant and submissive males.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 25, 2018

Storks on the wing

Researchers tracked a group of young storks as they migrated to Africa and Europe, finding that leader birds lead the way to thermals. The study reveals how flying skill affects wintering grounds, with flappy birds opting for shorter journeys.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateMay 24, 2018

Lack of paid sick leave increases poverty

Research finds that working adults without paid sick leave benefits are three times more likely to live below the poverty line. They also face higher rates of food insecurity and require more welfare services, with increased medical expenses and lack of preventive care contributing to these outcomes.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalSocial Work in Health Care·DateMay 24, 2018

Pediatric and law experts define abusive head trauma

A consensus statement from pediatric and law experts defines abusive head trauma (AHT) as a medical diagnosis, not a legal determination. Key findings include few infants with AHT having isolated injuries without retinal hemorrhages or other signs of abuse.

SourceNemours·JournalPediatric Radiology·DateMay 24, 2018

Towards a sensor you could swallow to detect gut-related woes, in real time

Researchers have developed an ingestible sensor that can detect disease-driving molecules in the gut, providing real-time data to doctors. The device, called Ingestible Micro-Bio-Electronic Device (IMBED), uses bacteria engineered to sense biomolecules, which activate when target molecules diffuse across a semipermeable membrane.

Cyclist/motorist crashes worse at stop/give way junctions

A QUT study found that cyclists are more seriously hurt in crashes with motor vehicles at intersections with 'Stop' or 'Give-way' signs than at intersections with traffic signals. The study, analyzing 13 years of Queensland police crash records, found drivers were most often at fault at these intersections.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalTransportation Research Record Journal of the Transportation Research Board·DateMay 24, 2018

Vast majority of poor, urban women don't use prenatal vitamins before pregnancy, study shows

A study of over 7,000 low-income urban mothers found that fewer than 5% started folic acid supplementation before pregnancy. Despite the high risk of neural tube defects, many women did not take prenatal vitamins preconception or during pregnancy. The research team also found that black and Hispanic mothers had lower plasma folate conc...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 24, 2018

Tau mutations may increase cancer risk

Researchers discovered that tau protein mutations can increase cancer risk by up to 3.72 times, highlighting a new association between neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. The study's findings suggest that clinicians should monitor patients with tau mutations for their cancer risk, in addition to attending to neurodegeneration.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateMay 24, 2018

Some veterans at higher risk of Zika complications

Researchers analyzed 736 ZIKV positive patients and found that older veterans with underlying health issues were more likely to be hospitalized. Patients presenting with neurological symptoms were also more likely to be hospitalized. This study helps providers evaluate and treat patients with ZIKV infection.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 24, 2018

Switching with molecules

Researchers have developed molecular nanoswitches that can switch between two states using an applied voltage, enabling the development of novel electro-optical devices. This breakthrough could replace silicon-based components with organic molecules, reducing component sizes in electronics.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 24, 2018

A system of check and balances in the blood

Researchers at the University of Vienna discovered a mechanism that regulates HSCs' delicate balance between activation and dormancy, ensuring proper blood cell production. The study found that a feedback loop involving two intracellular signalling pathways maintains this balance, preventing exhaustion and potential death.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMay 24, 2018