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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 38


Page 38 of 486

UK health service 'lagging behind' other high income countries

The UK National Health Service faces challenges in meeting growing demand while reducing costs. Key findings show that the NHS spent less on healthcare per person compared to other high-income countries and had lower numbers of healthcare professionals. However, it achieved better rates for certain health outcomes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateNov 27, 2019

Activation of opioid receptor uncovered

Scientists have discovered the binding mechanism of an important pain receptor, which could lead to the development of new active substances. The current study aimed to find alternatives to opioids used today, as they can be addictive and have life-threatening side effects.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 27, 2019

The molecule that can AUTAC bad proteins

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a molecule called AUTAC that can target specific intracellular components for degradation via autophagy. This process has been impaired in some cancers and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Down syndrome, making AUTAC a promising innovation for disease treatment.

SourceTohoku University·JournalMolecular Cell·DateNov 27, 2019

How do scars form? Fascia function as a repository of mobile scar tissue

Researchers found that fascia tissue is the origin of scars and contains specialized fibroblasts that pre-assemble to heal wounds. This discovery challenges traditional views of wound healing and opens up new biological concepts for scar-related diseases, potentially leading to novel therapeutic approaches.

Patient's place of residence matters when choosing cost-effective anticoagulation therapy

A Finnish study uses GIS data to compare the costs of warfarin and direct oral anticoagulant therapies, finding that DOACs are more cost-effective for patients living far from INR sample collection points or requiring frequent monitoring. The researchers developed a geospatial model to determine market areas and costs for each therapy.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalGeospatial health·DateNov 27, 2019

Oyster deaths: American slipper limpet is innocent

Researchers from Kiel University found that the invasive American slipper limpet is not the main cause of European oyster population decline in the North Sea. The study analyzed historical collections of both species and revealed that the decline began in the late 19th century, before the limpet's introduction.

SourceKiel University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 27, 2019

Seeing the world's smallest universal joints

Osaka University researchers use electron cryomicroscopy to solve the structure of the bacterial flagellum's 'universal joint,' a crucial component in transmitting rotary power. This breakthrough has important implications for developing new antibiotics and biomimetic self-propelled nanomachines.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2019

Barbequed clams on the menu for ancient Puerto Ricans

Scientists analyzed fossilized clam shells to reconstruct ancient cooking habits in Puerto Rico, finding that clams were cooked at temperatures between 100°C and 200°C. The results suggest that barbeque was a common method of cooking, unlike boiling, which may not have been widespread due to the lack of ceramic pottery technology.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 27, 2019

When your microbiome and your genome aren't a good combination

A recent study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases reveals a novel link between the gut microbiome and host genome in the pathology of rheumatoid arthritis. The research found that bacteria belonging to the genus Prevotella were abundant in the gut microbiota of Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateNov 27, 2019

First measures of Earth's ionosphere found with the largest atmospheric radar in the Antarctic

Researchers used a fine-resolution atmospheric radar to make the first measurements of Earth's ionosphere in the Antarctic region. The study provides valuable information about electron density, ion velocity, and temperature in the ionosphere, shedding light on atmospheric and ionospheric phenomena.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology·DateNov 27, 2019

Neonicotinoids: Despite EU moratorium, bees still at risk

Researchers detected imidacloprid residues in 48% of rape fields, posing a non-negligible risk to pollinating bees. Persistent use of neonicotinoids with certain crops threatens bee populations, highlighting the need for reinforcement of pesticide controls.

SourceCNRS·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateNov 27, 2019

Bad news for Nemo

A study found that clownfish in Kimbe Bay are unable to adapt genetically to habitat changes and renew their population. The quality of the anemone providing a home to the fish is crucial to its survival, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these marine species.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalEcology Letters·DateNov 27, 2019

COP25 special collection: Keep climate change impacts under control by making biodiversity a focus

A new study predicts that 80-83% of New Guinea's language areas will experience decreased plant species diversity by 2070 under a 2°Celsius warming scenario. The Science Advances Special Collection proposes climate-smart expansion of protected areas to account for biodiversity and cultural traditions.

Biodiversity and wind energy

Expert survey reveals conflict between renewable energy and bat protection, with most stakeholders agreeing that ecosystem sustainability is crucial. Possible solutions include accepting reduced wind turbine efficiency to compensate for shutdown times and prioritizing bat conservation over green electricity production.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateNov 27, 2019

Molière most likely did write his own plays

Researchers from CNRS disprove theory that Corneille wrote Molière's plays using authorship attribution techniques. Their study finds significant differences in writing habits and speech mannerism between Molière and other authors of the time.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 27, 2019

Head-to-head comparison finds three anti-seizure drugs equally effective for severe form of epilepsy

A new study reveals that levetiracetam, fosphenytoin, and valproate are equally safe and effective in treating patients with refractory status epilepticus, a life-threatening condition characterized by prolonged seizures. The three drugs stopped seizures and improved responsiveness in approximately half of the study participants.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 27, 2019