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Science News Archive September 2018 - Page 2


Page 2 of 37

Child Mind Institute study: Wearables could inform selective mutism research, diagnosis, treatment

A new study by Child Mind Institute researchers found that specially-designed wearables can quantify child vocalization features affected by SM, providing standardized measurements for diagnosis and treatment. The technology has the potential to advance SM research and aid clinicians in determining treatment efficacy.

SourceThe Child Mind Institute·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateSep 28, 2018

Search for groundwater in the ocean

Scientists from GEOMAR and University of Malta are collaborating on a three-year project to develop a best practice guide for detecting, characterizing, and monitoring offshore aquifers. The goal is to assess the sustainability of using these aquifers as an alternative source of freshwater in coastal regions.

Moffitt researchers use new technique to identify a novel drug combination for NSCLC

Moffitt researchers used a new technique to identify a previously unknown mechanism of midostaurin in lung cancer. Combining functional proteomics with deep network analysis led to the discovery of TBK1, PDPK1, and AURKA as protein targets for midostaurin, resulting in a more effective combination therapy.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·DateSep 28, 2018

A role for Scn5a missplicing in cardiac arrhythmias in myotonic dystrophy

A study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals that reproducing Scn5a missplicing in mice with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) recapitulates cardiac function defects present in patients. The findings highlight a non-mutational mechanism contributing to arrhythmias and open possibilities for novel interventions.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateSep 28, 2018

Following the path of chemicals through the soil

Researchers used visible/near-infrared spectroscopy to predict breakthrough curves of dissolved chemicals in intact soil columns. The new technology estimated mass transport with a high degree of accuracy and has potential for cost-effective and efficient monitoring of dissolved chemical transport.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 27, 2018

New invasive bryozoan arrives in Alaskan waters

A new invasive species, Bugula neritina, has been detected in the Ketchikan region of Alaska, along with three other non-native species. The discovery highlights the importance of early detection and monitoring to control the spread of invasive species in Alaskan waters.

SourceSmithsonian·JournalBioInvasions Records·DateSep 27, 2018

How Sacred Ibis mummies provided the first test of evolution

The discovery of mummified Sacred Ibises in France after Napoleon's conquest of Egypt played a significant role in delaying the acceptance of evolutionary theory. The debate between Georges Cuvier and Jean-Baptiste Lamarck over these birds' classification highlighted the influence of charismatic personalities on scientific thought.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 27, 2018

When neglected children become adolescents

A new study on children from the Bucharest Early Intervention Project found that those who remained in institutions experienced cognitive problems, depression, anxiety, and disruptive behavior. In contrast, children placed with high-quality foster families showed improved outcomes, particularly at ages 12 and 16.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateSep 27, 2018

Shake, rattle, and roll to high efficiency photovoltaics

Researchers at Penn State discover unique properties of halide perovskites that enable efficient conversion of sunlight into electricity, guiding the development of next-generation solar cells. The study's findings provide insights into how to improve the performance and stability of these materials.

SourcePenn State·JournalChem·DateSep 27, 2018

Plasma thruster: New space debris removal technology

A new plasma thruster technology has been developed to remove space debris, decelerating it with a force imparted from the satellite. The system uses bi-directional ejection of plasma plumes, controlled by a magnetic field and gas injection, for efficient removal in three operational modes.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 27, 2018

Where are they?

A team of UCSB students, led by Philip Lubin, are searching for signs of alien life in Andromeda using a suite of telescopes and photonic technology. They aim to detect potential signals from civilizations using optical beams that could be visible across the universe.