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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 408


Page 408 of 486

'A gift from the city to itself'

Researchers from the University of Plymouth detail a blueprint for city marine parks to connect urban areas with their people and the reciprocal benefits of the marine environment. The study highlights the potential of these parks to contribute to community wellbeing, economic prosperity, and sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalMarine Policy·DateMar 4, 2019

Pumping iron could save your life

Researchers found that sarcopenia is significantly associated with poor response to cancer treatments, including PD-1 inhibitors. Increasing muscle mass prior to treatment may predict treatment effectiveness and improve long-term outcomes for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 4, 2019

In search of new 'sugar cleavers'

Scientists from two French teams have identified 79 new 'sugar cleavers' enzymes using bioinformatics methods, expanding the known families to over 200. These enzymes can serve as tools in domains like bioenergy, cosmetics, and nutrition.

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

Steroid use during cardiac bypass surgery did not reduce risk of severe kidney injury

A randomized controlled trial conducted across 18 countries found that steroid use during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery did not reduce the risk of acute kidney injury in patients at high risk of death. The study included 7286 patients and found no significant difference between those receiving steroids and those on placebo.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 4, 2019

A long view of California's climate

A recent study examines California's climate over a centuries-long time period, linking long-term wind patterns to future wildfire risks. The research provides a stronger foundation for evaluating regional natural hazards in the state.

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

Sonar disturbs blue whales feeding

A recent study reveals that sonar disturbs the feeding behavior of blue whales, especially in deep patches of krill. The researchers tracked the whales' movements using suction tags and found that they stop feeding when sonar signals are present, but often resume soon after.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMar 4, 2019

The case of the over-tilting exoplanets

Researchers propose that obliquity is a key factor in the formation of pairs of over-tilting exoplanets, leading to extreme seasons and weather patterns. The study could have significant implications for estimating the structure, climate, and habitability of these planets.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 4, 2019

Biodiversity crisis: Technological advances in agriculture are not a sufficient response

A study by the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) finds that technological advances in agriculture are not sufficient to address biodiversity loss, which is driven by population and economic growth. The research highlights the need for policies addressing these factors to mitigate biodiversity decline.

India's stubble burning air pollution causes USD 30 billion economic losses, health risks

A new study estimates that living in districts with intense crop residue burning increases the risk of acute respiratory infection three-fold among children. The study also found that crop burning causes an estimated USD 30 billion annual economic loss due to exposure to air pollution. Implementing targeted government initiatives can i...

SourceInternational Food Policy Research Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateMar 4, 2019

Should patients be considered consumers?

Patient-centered care has merged with the concept of patients as consumers, potentially causing harm. The consumer metaphor fails to account for health care's distinct characteristics, such as lack of information and time to select options. Instead, costs are driven by physician compensation and government failure to negotiate prices.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 4, 2019

Turning algae into fuel

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a rapid and efficient method to extract lipids from algae, making it a more viable alternative fuel source. The new process uses a specially-designed jet mixer that extracts the lipids with much less energy than current methods.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalChemical Engineering Science X·DateMar 4, 2019

Step right up for bigger 2D sheets

Researchers at Rice University have developed a theory explaining why monolayer crystal islands align on vicinal substrates, allowing for large-scale growth of 2D materials like graphene and h-BN. The 'digital filter' mechanism helps to overcome small indentations in the steps, enabling seamless merging of the crystals.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 4, 2019

Gut immune cells play by their own rules

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science discovered that gut immune cells operate under harsh conditions and use a more socialistic principle to select B cells with varying levels of antibody affinity. This unique process may lead to the development of more effective oral vaccines.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 4, 2019