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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 386


Page 386 of 486

Floodplain forests under threat

A recent study found that groundwater extraction is harming floodplain forests in Europe by reducing tree growth and increasing drought sensitivity. The research suggests that adapting to climate change requires reducing groundwater extraction, not increasing it, to protect these critical ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalFrontiers in Forests and Global Change·DateMar 19, 2019

Speeding the development of fusion power to create unlimited energy on Earth

Physicist Jon Menard's study examines the potential of compact tokamaks with high-temperature superconducting magnets to produce fusion reactions. The findings suggest that lower aspect ratios could improve plasma stability and confinement, but also require new techniques to produce initial plasma current.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateMar 19, 2019

Restoring hearing loss

A team of researchers, including University of Utah engineers, are working on a new procedure to restore hearing loss using an implantable device that sends electrical impulses to the auditory nerve. The device has shown promise in improving sound resolution and compatibility with existing hearing aids.

Levitating objects with light

Researchers at Caltech have designed a way to levitate and propel macroscopic objects using specific nanoscale patterning on their surfaces. This technology has the potential to revolutionize space travel by powering spacecraft with light, potentially reaching nearby planets in 20 years.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 19, 2019

Meal kits and recipe tastings increase healthy food selections among food pantry clients

A new study from the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity found that meal kits and recipe tastings in a food pantry increased the selection of whole grains and leafy greens by three times. The study also showed a spillover effect, where clients selected additional healthier options when meal kits were available.

SourceUConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateMar 19, 2019

Hayabusa2 probes asteroid for secrets

The Hayabusa2 mission provides valuable insights into the composition and history of asteroid Ryugu, helping researchers understand the presence or absence of essential materials for life. The study reveals that Ryugu is a dry asteroid, which challenges current models of the early solar system.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2019

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Economic growth linked to reduction in stunting and thinness, but rise in overweight and obesity in Chinese children and adolescents

A study found that economic growth in China led to a decrease in stunting and thinness among children and adolescents, but a significant increase in overweight and obesity rates. The research suggests a need for policies promoting dietary diversity, physical activity, and health education.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateMar 19, 2019

Bright skies for plant-based jet fuels

Researchers at Joint BioEnergy Institute demonstrate that sustainable plant-based bio-jet fuels could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and be economically viable. The study found that optimizing the production process can lower the cost of biofuels to $2.50 per gallon, making them a viable alternative to conventional jet fuels.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 19, 2019

Drug used to control cholesterol found effective against cancer-associated cachexia

Researchers have discovered that atorvastatin, a drug typically used to control cholesterol, can also treat cachexia, a condition characterized by rapid weight loss and muscle atrophy. In mouse studies, treatment with atorvastatin attenuated adipose tissue remodeling, leading to rapid weight loss and muscle atrophy.

Healthy food prescriptions could save lives and money

A new study suggests that healthy food prescriptions for adults in Medicare and Medicaid could prevent millions of cardiovascular disease events and save billions of dollars in healthcare costs. The study found that programs incentivizing diet, particularly through fruit and vegetable purchases, could be highly cost-effective.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 19, 2019