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Science News Archive September 2018 - Page 20


Page 20 of 37

How a tetrahedral substance can be more symmetrical than a spherical atom: A new type of symmetry

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have demonstrated that special tetrahedron nanostructures composed of certain metals can exhibit a higher degree of symmetry than spherical atoms. This new type of symmetry may lead to unprecedented electrical and magnetic properties, enabling the creation of novel electronic materials.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 14, 2018

Scientific analysis shows probiotic use is associated with fewer antibiotic prescriptions

A systematic review found that healthy infants and children taking probiotics are 29% less likely to receive antibiotics. Probiotics may reduce antibiotic use by reducing the incidence and duration of infections, making them a potential tool for physicians as an alternative to antibiotics.

SourceInternational Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics·JournalEuropean Journal of Public Health·DateSep 14, 2018

Big data studies scrutinize links between fatty liver disease and how cells make energy

Two recent studies reveal that mitochondrial proteins are broken down more quickly in fatty liver cells, reducing their activity. Meanwhile, liver cells with fatty liver disease show signs of overworking, using triglycerides instead of glucose to make energy and increasing reactive oxygen byproducts, which can damage proteins.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateSep 14, 2018

Overall well-being of a population associated with less per capita medicare spending

A recent study found that counties with higher population well-being had lower Medicare spending per beneficiary, even after adjusting for household income and healthcare capacity. The researchers suggest that positive environmental and social conditions can lead to health-related benefits and reduced healthcare costs.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 14, 2018

How cells handle a sticky, toxic, but absolutely essential molecule

Researchers identify glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) as the protein responsible for delivering heme, a toxic yet essential molecule, to target proteins in cells. This discovery provides insights into how heme is transported and could contribute to understanding diseases such as anemias and asthma.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 14, 2018

Sniffing out sharks

A team of scientists from UC Santa Barbara and USGS used eDNA to detect the presence of white sharks in local waters, providing clues for lifeguards and helping monitor the species' recovery. The study's success could lead to real-time monitoring and better understanding of marine biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateSep 14, 2018

'Optical rocket' created with intense laser light

Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have successfully accelerated plasma electrons almost instantly to speeds close to the speed of light using intense laser light pulses. The new application, dubbed an 'optical rocket,' boasts a force nearly trillion-trillion times greater than what astronauts experience in space.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 14, 2018

Growing computers in petri dishes

A team of scientists from Lehigh University has successfully engineered a living neural network that can perform basic learning tasks. The project, supported by the National Science Foundation, aims to develop new ways to think about computer design and may influence brain-related research.

FRESH program combines basic science with social benefits for women at risk of HIV

The FRESH program has shown that young women in South Africa are more likely to be infected with HIV due to socioeconomic factors such as gender inequality and economic dependence. The program also identified biologic factors contributing to a higher risk of HIV infection, including hormonal levels and bacterial microbiome composition.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScience Immunology·DateSep 14, 2018

Sniffing out error in detection dog data

A new study confirms that three viable explanations exist for detection dogs collecting non-target scat, including natural behaviors of non-target species altering the genetic profile of target scat. This finding has important implications for conservation projects using scat-detection dogs to track animal populations.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 14, 2018