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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 114


Page 114 of 486

Early humans evolved in ecosystems unlike any found today

Researchers found that ancient plant and animal communities differed significantly from today's, with a greater diversity of megaherbivores and non-ruminant species. The study suggests that environmental changes driven by grassland expansion and arid climate pulses may have influenced human evolution.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2019

Violence linked to social isolation, hypervigilance and chronic health problems

Exposure to violence negatively impacts physical and psychosocial health in urban adults. Social isolation and loneliness are associated with limited physical activity, poor nutrition, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Chronic hypervigilance also linked to increased blood pressure, memory impairment, and anxiety disorders.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 7, 2019

The benefits of updating agricultural drainage infrastructure

A new study from Iowa State University highlights the need to update agricultural drainage infrastructure, which can benefit crop production and the environment. The research recommends installing higher capacity pipes and implementing long-term conservation practices, such as denitrification wetlands, bioreactors, and saturated buffers.

SourceIowa State University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateOct 7, 2019

Young infants with fever may be more likely to develop infections

Researchers found that young infants with fevers are more likely to develop serious bacterial infections. Infants under eight weeks old have a doubled risk of developing such infections. Parents are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention if their child develops a fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Emergency Medicine·DateOct 7, 2019

The story of thalidomide continues

A recent study reveals that thalidomide causes developmental abnormalities by inducing the breakdown of two types of p63 proteins, leading to limb defects and ear damage. The findings may contribute to the re-emergence of safe, non-teratogenic thalidomide-derived drugs as cancer and inflammatory disease treatments.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateOct 7, 2019

Costs of natural disasters are increasing at the high end

The economic cost of natural disasters has increased disproportionately for major events like hurricanes and tornadoes, while lesser events have seen less growth. Climate change is driving these increases, with the top 1% of damages estimated to rise by $26 million annually.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2019

New silk materials can wrinkle into detailed patterns, then unwrinkle to be 'reprinted'

Researchers at Tufts University have developed silk materials that can form highly detailed patterns in a matter of seconds, which can be erased and reformed using vapor, enabling reversible printing and thermal regulation. The technology has potential applications in optical electronic devices, biomedical materials, and smart textiles.

SourceTufts University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2019

Predicting terror activity before it happens

A new predictive model can forecast a terror organization's future violence after just 10 attacks, allowing security forces to identify and neutralize the most destructive groups. The model, developed by Northwestern University researchers, uses data from publicly available sources like the Global Terror Database.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2019

SUTD physicists unlock the mystery of thermionic emission in graphene

Researchers from SUTD discovered a new theory that describes thermionic emission in graphene, improving the accuracy of models used to design devices. The new approach overcomes limitations of existing Dirac cone approximation, enabling universal descriptions of graphene-based devices across different temperatures and energy regimes.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateOct 7, 2019

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, October 2019

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have demonstrated that metal foam can enhance the evaporation process in thermal conversion systems, enabling the development of compact heating, ventilation and refrigeration units. The small-scale evaporator proved metal foam is well-suited for compact systems.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 7, 2019

The last mammoths died on a remote island

A team of researchers found that the last woolly mammoths on Wrangel Island survived for another 7,000 years without significant changes in their diet or environment. However, when they finally died out, it was due to extreme weather events and potentially human activity.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalQuaternary Science Reviews·DateOct 7, 2019

Another casualty of climate change? Recreational fishing

New research from North Carolina State University and Oregon State University predicts a decline in recreational fishing participation due to climate change, with temperature extremes having the greatest impact. The study forecasts a 2.6% decline by 2080 under stringent mitigation efforts, but warns of a 15% drop if no action is taken.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·DateOct 7, 2019