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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 227


Page 227 of 486

Fewer than half of US adults exposed to court-ordered anti-smoking advertisements

A new study found that the tobacco industry's corrective statements reached only 40.6% of US adults and 50.5% of current smokers in 2018, highlighting the need for targeted advertising to reach key populations. The ads had lower exposure among certain ethnic and socioeconomic subgroups, including those with higher smoking rates.

An itch to scratch: NCATS, NIDCR scientists identify potential approach to chronic problem

Scientists at NCATS and NIDCR report a new strategy to alleviate chronic itch by blocking a receptor found on spinal cord neurons. They identified approximately 1,400 compounds worth examining more closely, with 15 showing promise in halting both human and mouse versions of the receptor.

SourceNIH/National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 12, 2019

How multicellular cyanobacteria transport molecules

Multicellular cyanobacteria have developed cell junctions that allow for the exchange of nutrients and messengers across cell boundaries. The channels are composed of a protein tube sealed with a plug at both ends, and have a five-armed protein structure similar to a camera aperture.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell·DateJul 12, 2019

Weyl fermions discovered in another class of materials

Researchers at Paul Scherrer Institute successfully prove existence of Weyl fermions in a paramagnetic material with slow magnetic fluctuations, expanding possibilities for spintronics and future electronics. This discovery could lead to more efficient transportation of information, potentially revolutionizing computer technology.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 12, 2019

Rice device channels heat into light

Researchers at Rice University have created a device that channels waste heat into light, enabling more efficient solar energy systems. The technology, which utilizes carbon nanotube films, aims to simplify the process of turning heat into electricity with high efficiency.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Photonics·DateJul 12, 2019

Thwack! Insects feel chronic pain after injury

Researchers have discovered genetic evidence of chronic pain in Drosophila fruit flies, which may lead to new treatments targeting the underlying cause. The study found that an injury can lead to long-lasting hypersensitivity to normally non-painful stimuli, similar to human patients' experiences with neuropathic pain.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 12, 2019

Rush unveils quality composite rank

Researchers at Rush University Medical Center have developed a new composite ranking system that aggregates data from five leading hospital rating systems into a single score. This system aims to provide consumers with a clear and easily understandable measure of hospital quality, helping them make informed decisions about their care.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Medical Quality·DateJul 12, 2019

A crystal clear step closer to commercial solar cells

Researchers at KAUST have developed a synthetic approach to generate homogeneous and defect-free crystals that could fast-track the commercialization of perovskite solar cells. The new single-crystal films exhibit lower defect density and higher charge-carrier diffusion lengths, leading to high-quality solar cells with a maximum power-...

House mouse shapes Toxoplasma gondii distribution

Research in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases reveals that house mice have dramatically shaped Toxoplasma gondii populations globally. The study found four main lineages of the parasite, one newly described, which differ between inland and coastal regions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 11, 2019

Mosquito surveillance uncovers new information about malaria transmission in Madagascar

A recent study published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases reveals that female Anopheles mosquitoes bite more often and have varied diets than previously assumed. The study also found that certain species of Anopheles mosquitoes, typically considered less important for malaria transmission, are infected with the Plasmodium parasite.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 11, 2019