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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 337


Page 337 of 486

Lessons from Hurricane Maria: Doctors offer tips to better prepare clinics for catastrophe

Radiation oncologists provide guidance on preparing for and responding to natural disasters, including creating emergency operations plans, providing patients with access to treatment plans via flash drives, and identifying alternative sources of power. The tips aim to minimize treatment delays during a disaster.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateApr 22, 2019

Catalyst renders nerve agents harmless

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a catalyst that efficiently decomposes nerve agents like sarin, eliminating their harmful effects. The multimodal approach used in the study identifies the active site of the catalyst and validates its effectiveness in real-life conditions.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateApr 22, 2019

Sand tiger sharks return to shipwrecks off N.C. coast

A new study reveals that female sand tiger sharks exhibit site fidelity to shipwrecks off the North Carolina coast, using them as rest stops or potential mates. The finding suggests that the wrecks are crucial habitats for this endangered shark species, which experienced significant population drops in the last century.

SourceDuke University·JournalEcology·DateApr 22, 2019

From coal to gas: How the shift can help stabilize climate change

A recent study by the National Institute for Environmental Studies suggests that transitioning from coal to natural gas can help stabilize climate change. The study found that natural gas power plants have smaller short- and long-term impacts than coal power plants, even when considering high methane leakage rates or uncertainty issues.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 22, 2019

Study suggests overdiagnosis of schizophrenia

A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice found that about half of patients referred to a specialized schizophrenia clinic were misdiagnosed with schizophrenia. Anxiety and hearing voices were common reasons for incorrect diagnoses, highlighting the importance of second opinions from psychiatry specialists.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Practice·DateApr 22, 2019

Diet, microbiome, and stress

Researchers found that a diet enriched with ω-3 PUFAs and vitamin A can normalize gut microbiome composition and hippocampal protein levels, leading to improved emotional and memory performance in stressed rats. The study also suggests long-term links between diet and cognitive function.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2019

Heterogeneous catalyst goes enzymatic

Researchers have developed an enzyme-like heterogeneous TiO2 photocatalyst with high catalytic activity for hydrogen production. The catalyst's unique enzymatic characteristics enable it to efficiently convert light energy into H2, rivaling the performance of expensive Pt-TiO2 photocatalysts.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 22, 2019

The kids are alright

Researchers found higher rates of adaptive evolution in genes involved in resource allocation, particularly in seeds and endosperm tissues. This suggests that conflicts among kin can lead to rapid evolution, supporting the idea of an evolutionary arms race within plant families.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2019

Study shows zoos and aquariums increase species knowledge index 800%

A study published in PNAS confirms that zoos and aquariums hold critical information about more than 98% of known species, including fertility and survival rates. By analyzing data from the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), researchers were able to fill large gaps in demographic knowledge for these species.

SourceSpecies360·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2019

Promise of liquid biopsy in cancer biomarker detection and prenatal screening

The article discusses the potential of liquid biopsy in cancer diagnosis, focusing on targeted disease diagnosis and detection of cancer biomarkers. Researchers have successfully detected specific genetic mutations using digital PCR, identifying promising biomarkers for various cancers, including melanoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateApr 22, 2019

Wakeup call: Pervasiveness of sexual harassment and its effect on female physics students

A survey of 471 undergraduate women physicists found that nearly three-quarters had experienced gender harassment, leading to diminished sense of belonging and imposter phenomenon. The study emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in physics departments to address sexual harassment and promote diversity and inclusion.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Physics Education Research·DateApr 22, 2019