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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 407


Page 407 of 486

Plasma protein may hold promise for wound scaffolds

A team of researchers from Germany has successfully developed a new method for creating wound-healing tissue scaffolds using plasma protein. The scaffold can be attached or detached from a surface and retains the properties of the protein, making it suitable for various biomedical applications such as blood coagulation and drug screening.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiofabrication·DateMar 4, 2019

Using sleep disorder to predict Parkinson's disease

A large multi-centre study of over 1,200 patients with REM sleep behaviour disorder found a high risk of Parkinson's disease progression and identified several strong predictors, including motor difficulties and mild cognitive impairment. The study's findings will improve clinical trial selection and therapy development.

SourceMcGill University·JournalBrain·DateMar 4, 2019

The random anti-laser

Researchers have developed a method to build an anti-laser based on random scattering, which can absorb light of a specific color and dissipate energy. The new approach has been confirmed by experiments in cooperation with the University of Nice and opens up possibilities for various scientific and engineering applications.

Cocoa may help curb fatigue typically associated with multiple sclerosis (MS)

Researchers found that high flavonoid cocoa powder improved fatigue in people with multiple sclerosis by reducing mental and physical fatigue. Participants who drank the high flavonoid version showed a moderate effect on fatigability and improvements in pain symptoms, while those drinking low flavonoid cocoa saw no significant benefits.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·DateMar 4, 2019

Researchers uncover new facets of HIV's 'arms race' with human defense system

A new study reveals the crucial role of a protein called Nef in allowing HIV to thrive within human cells despite the immune system's efforts to combat it. The research team showed that Nef antagonizes another protein called TIM, effectively reducing its power to protect human cells and making it easier for the HIV virus to release.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

Honey bee-inspired drug patches

Microfabricated surfaces with hair-like micropillars can entrap particles at five times the density of commercial patches, enabling higher drug contents and potential biomedical applications. The technology could also be used for industrial purposes, building on the unique properties of honey bee legs.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

New shapes of laser beam 'sneak' through opaque media

Researchers at Yale University have developed a technique to pre-treat laser beams, allowing them to penetrate opaque surfaces undisturbed. This breakthrough has potential applications for deep-tissue imaging and optogenetics, where light is used to probe and manipulate cells in living tissue.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 4, 2019

Putting the brake on our immune system's response

A novel mechanism discovered by researchers at the University of York and Queen Mary University London reveals that miR-132 controls how immune cells respond to infection. This tiny molecule acts as a 'handbrake' on the immune system, preventing over-reaction and promoting protective immunity.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMar 4, 2019

Study: Landlord disclosure of bedbugs cuts infestations, creates long-term savings

A new study by Iowa State University researchers suggests that requiring landlords to disclose recent bedbug infestations can lead to a reduction in infestations and lower costs for both landlords and tenants. This policy can create long-term savings for landlords and make life better for people affected by these pests.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

Plant traits and drought tolerance

A field experiment in California's 2017-2018 winter drought revealed a strong correlation between seedling root length and mortality. In contrast, easily measurable adult traits showed only weak correlations with seedling mortality, suggesting that traditional plant traits may not predict ecosystem responses to environmental stress.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

'Broken heart' syndrome may originate in the brain

A study found that brain regions involved in emotional processing and controlling the body's unconscious workings do not communicate as well in patients with Takotsubo syndrome, a condition known as 'broken heart' syndrome. This decrease in communication may contribute to the development of TTS, which is triggered by emotional stressors.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMar 4, 2019

How bacteria can help prevent coal ash spills

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a technique using bacteria to create biocement in coal ash ponds, making them stiffer and more difficult to spill. The resulting biocement can also trap potentially toxic metals in the coal ash, reducing environmental and public health concerns.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering·DateMar 4, 2019

Want to save the planet? Stop trying to be its friend

A new theory suggests that our relationship with the environment is like a social exchange, leading to the belief that eco-friendly behavior can cancel out harmful ones. Researchers argue that this mindset can lead to misguided quick fixes and that stricter legislation and immediate feedback on environmental impact are needed.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMar 4, 2019

Mapping past solar system dynamics

Scientists have recovered accurate values for precession frequencies of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, and Jupiter using lake sediment data from the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic epochs. The findings provide insights into climate variations driven by Solar System chaos and could constrain models of Solar System evolution.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

Are mosaic embryos the 'dark horse' of IVF?

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found that mosaic embryos can adapt to abnormalities and persist in development, resulting in positive IVF outcomes. Mosaic embryos, which contain both normal and abnormal cells, were previously considered non-ideal candidates for IVF transfer due to the risk of aneuploidy.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalGenome Research·DateMar 4, 2019

Let the sperm races begin

A new method has been developed using a microchip device that sorts sperm based on their swimming potential, allowing for faster and cheaper selection of viable sperm. This technology may improve IVF success rates, especially in women under 35 who have low chances of successful fertilization.

Researchers find potential new source of rare earth elements

A study published in the Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics found that organic acids produced by bacteria can extract six rare earth elements from synthetic phosphogypsum. This method could provide an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional methods, benefiting the US clean energy and electronics industries.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics·DateMar 4, 2019