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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 214


Page 214 of 486

Slower walking speed may predict future mobility problems

A new study found that slower walking speeds are associated with a higher risk of developing mobility disabilities. Researchers measured participants' walking abilities and followed up with them over eight years to track the development of mobility issues. The findings suggest that simple walking speed assessments in healthcare provide...

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 23, 2019

Mount Sinai researchers develop novel vaccine that induces antibodies that contribute to protection

Mount Sinai researchers have developed a novel vaccine consisting of DNA and recombinant proteins, which was tested in monkeys and induced antibodies similar to those associated with protection from HIV. The vaccine targets the V1V2 loop of the gp120 envelope protein and showed strong protective effects against HIV infection.

Obstructive sleep apnea may be one reason depression treatment doesn't work

Researchers found clinically relevant disease in 14% of patients with major depressive disorder, insomnia and suicidal thoughts. Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea may improve symptoms of depression, suggesting comprehensive screening for the sleep problem should be included for treatment-resistant depression.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·DateJul 23, 2019

Water solutions without a grain of salt

A solar steam generation system has been developed to produce clean water from salty ocean water with almost 100 per cent salt removal, providing a solution to water shortages in regional areas. The technology uses photothermal materials and the power of the sun, achieving efficient and continuous clean water production.

SourceMonash University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJul 23, 2019

Scientists use phone movement to predict personality types

Researchers analyzed physical activity features to identify patterns associated with different personality traits, including extraversion, openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism. The study found that consistent movements on weekday evenings were linked to introverted tendencies, while extroverts displayed more rand...

How to restore a coral reef

A new paper outlines concrete guidelines for restoring coral populations by maximizing genetic diversity, allowing them to adapt to local conditions and thrive. The guidelines, developed by a consortium of experts, provide a definitive plan for collecting, raising, and replanting corals in locations similar to their original environment.

SourcePenn State·JournalEcological Applications·DateJul 23, 2019

Climate changes faster than animals adapt

A recent study published in Nature Communications found that animals' responses to climate change are insufficient to cope with rising temperatures. The analysis of over 10,000 studies suggests that even common and abundant species struggle to adjust their traits in time.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 23, 2019

When the pigeon and the letter do not travel together

Researchers at the University of Vienna successfully implemented a counterfactual communication protocol, where information travels from Bob to Alice while photons travel in the opposite direction. This innovation resolves two major drawbacks of previous implementations and contradicts a crucial premise of communication theory.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·Journalnpj Quantum Information·DateJul 23, 2019

Towards a light driven molecular assembler

A team of Kiel University chemists built the first artificial molecular assembler, which uses light as the energy source. The system combines selective binding, accurate positioning, and active release of the product, solving the 'sticky fingers' problem.

SourceKiel University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateJul 23, 2019

People are more likely to try drugs for the first time during the summer

A recent study found that over 34% of recent LSD initiates first used the drug in the summer, while 30% of marijuana, ecstasy, and cocaine use began during this time. The researchers suggest that having extra recreational time during the summer and the growing popularity of outdoor activities may contribute to these findings.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 23, 2019

Many Dallas-Fort Worth area faults have the potential to host earthquakes, new study finds

A comprehensive map of over 250 faults has identified the Fort Worth Basin as highly susceptible to seismic activity, with many small faults potentially capable of triggering earthquakes. The study recommends increased regulation and monitoring of wastewater injection to minimize the risk of induced seismicity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateJul 23, 2019

How do brains remember decisions?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used mice to study decision-based memories, finding that they are stored in the prefrontal cortex. The study revealed that neurons in this region fire at a higher rate when making decisions, and that this rate slows down over time. This knowledge can help develop models of decision-making and poten...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateJul 23, 2019

Air pollution in US is associated with mortality and lower life expectancy

A study found that current fine particulate matter pollution in the US is associated with an estimated 15,612 female deaths and 14,757 male deaths, resulting in a loss of national life expectancy by 0.15 years for women and 0.13 years for men. Lowering PM2.5 pollution could benefit the entire US population and reduce health inequalities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 23, 2019

Putting the brakes on lateral root development

New research from Washington University in St. Louis identifies a critical regulator of lateral root production, showing how auxin and cytokinin hormones interact to control root growth. The study reveals that the transporter TOB1 can limit auxin's root-promoting capabilities, promoting a slow but steady approach to root development.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateJul 23, 2019

Researchers study effect of Mediterranean diet on pregnancy outcomes

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that a Mediterranean-style diet during pregnancy may reduce weight gain and the risk of gestational diabetes, but has no overall impact on adverse maternal and offspring outcomes. The diet's high intake of nuts, olive oil, fruits, and vegetables was associated with these benefits.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 23, 2019