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Science News Archive October 2018 - Page 38


Page 38 of 47

Artificial enzymes convert solar energy into hydrogen gas

Artificial enzymes convert solar energy into hydrogen gas using a new method developed by researchers at Uppsala University. The technique utilizes photosynthetic microorganisms with genetically inserted enzymes combined with synthetic compounds, enabling efficient production of renewable hydrogen gas from solar energy.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateOct 4, 2018

Diabetes may begin more than 20 years before diagnosis

A Japanese study found that increased fasting glucose, higher BMI, and impaired insulin sensitivity were detectable up to 10 years before the diagnosis of diabetes as well as prediabetes. The study suggests that elevated metabolic markers for diabetes may be detectable more than 20 years before its diagnosis.

The homing instinct of relocated snakes

Researchers tracked adders translocated from a development site in Essex and found that male snakes dispersed significantly more than resident ones. One male even returned to his original home after being released, highlighting the need for new conservation strategies.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalHerpetological Journal·DateOct 4, 2018

Living organisms find a critical balance

An interdisciplinary team of researchers at Arizona State University discovered that living organisms exist in a middle ground of criticality, balancing between robustness and adaptability. The study found that all 67 biological networks shared a special property: they existed in between two extremes, neither too stable nor unstable.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 4, 2018

Teachers' views on LGBQ students are changing

A new study published in Springer's journal Social Psychology of Education reveals that American teachers have become more acceptant of homosexuality in recent years. However, many still hold negative attitudes towards LGBQ students, with a significant portion of educators viewing them unfavorably.

SourceSpringer·JournalSocial Psychology of Education·DateOct 4, 2018

Clemson researcher warns of spread of homemade steroids

Homemade steroids have become a widespread issue, with online tools and cryptocurrency facilitating their rapid spread. Clemson researcher Bryan Denham's study examines the impact of these substances on public health, noting that purchasing black-market steroids is similar to buying other illicit substances.

SourceClemson University·JournalContemporary Drug Problems·DateOct 4, 2018

What you can't see can hurt you

Researchers from the University of Utah discovered that homeowners change their behavior when they can visualize air quality in their homes. By using portable air quality monitors and a smartphone app, participants were able to see real-time data on PM2.5 levels and adjust their daily habits accordingly. This study has the potential to...

Mayo researchers ID potential new treatment for one type of triple-negative breast cancer

Researchers have identified estradiol as a potential new treatment for triple-negative breast cancer with estrogen receptor beta expression, effectively inhibiting tumor growth in studies. Estradiol stimulates the expression of cystatins, which exhibit tumor-suppressing effects on neighboring and distant cancer cells.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2018

Teaching wild birds to sing a new tune

For the first time, researchers have shown that young wild sparrows can learn to sing a new tune by listening to experimental vocal tutors. The birds then pass on these new songs to subsequent generations, confirming the ability of wild birds to learn and adapt their songs through exposure to adult birds.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 4, 2018