Cool adaptations to the cold
Researchers found that icefish have evolved transparent blood, increased energy production, and specialized proteins to protect against cold damage. These adaptations enable them to thrive in Antarctica's frigid waters.
Science News Archive 2019 - Page 418
Browse by Month - 2019
Page 418 of 486
Documenting and decoding the dynamics between work and pain
A special issue of WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation explores the dynamics between work and pain. The study found that presenteeism, repetitive work, and job stress are linked to chronic pain, with psychological symptoms intensifying physical ones.
New chimpanzee culture discovered
Researchers document a new 'behavioral realm' in Eastern chimpanzees of the Bili-Uéré region, characterized by novel tool use and expanded food processing technologies. This discovery sheds light on the likely incipient traditions of early hominin ancestors and highlights the importance of studying intact ape cultures.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalFolia Primatologica·DateFeb 25, 2019
New protein 'switch' could be key to controlling blood-poisoning and preventing death
Scientists at the University of British Columbia have discovered a new protein 'switch' that can stop the progression of sepsis, a life-threatening disease. This discovery could lead to new treatments for chronic and acute inflammatory diseases.
Predicting how forests in the western US will respond to changing climate
Researchers found that tree growth is constrained more by climate than competition for resources in harsh conditions, but not under mild conditions. The study provides important insights into how forest growth will respond to changing climate and could inform land management strategies.
Oxygen-tracking method could improve diabetes treatment
Researchers at MIT have developed a way to measure oxygen levels of pancreatic islet cells over long periods, enabling them to predict which implants will be most effective in treating diabetes. This breakthrough could lead to better designs for artificial pancreas systems.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019
Nitrogen-fixing trees 'eat' rocks, play pivotal role in forest health
Red alder trees have been found to tap nutrients from bedrock through their symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This process accelerates rock dissolution, releasing mineral nutrients that allow plants and trees to grow. The study highlights the importance of nitrogen-fixing trees in sustaining forest ecosystems.
SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019
Gradual demise of Angkor
Researchers found fire, forest disturbances, and soil erosion decreased in the 14th century, indicating a gradual decline in land-use intensity. The moat was covered with floating vegetation by the end of the 14th century, indicating it was no longer maintained.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019
Limits to water availability
A study by Joep Schyns et al. estimates limits to green water availability due to limited annual rainfall, affecting global food and production systems. The analysis reveals that green water scarcity is a significant concern, particularly in regions with low rainfall.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019
Money-savers focus attention -- and eyes -- on the prize
A new study from Duke University reveals that patient savers quickly choose the higher amount, screening out irrelevant factors, and making decisions with minimal analysis. The research aims to provide strategies for improving financial literacy and promoting savings.
High-powered fuel cell boosts electric-powered submersibles, drones
A team of engineers at Washington University in St. Louis developed a high-power fuel cell that operates at double the voltage of commercial fuel cells, powering unmanned underwater vehicles, drones, and eventually electric aircraft at significantly lower cost.
Fewer hospital programs address opioid abuse, Ohio University study finds
A recent Ohio University study found that American hospitals have seen a decline in opioid abuse treatment programs, despite the growing opioid epidemic. The study analyzed data from 3,365 acute-care hospitals and found that many hospitals dropped these programs between 2010 and 2015.
Spring migration is now earlier in European and North American birds
Birds have on average advanced their spring migration by a little over a week since the late 1950s, with some species arriving two weeks earlier than in the 1980s.
Childhood environments and mental health
A Danish study of 943,027 individuals found that growing up in areas with abundant vegetation was associated with a lower risk of developing psychiatric disorders. The findings suggest that incorporating natural environments into urban spaces can improve the mental health of urban residents.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019
Discovery of colon cancer pathway could lead to new targeted treatments
Researchers at UMass Amherst have discovered a novel therapeutic target, CYP monooxygenase pathway, that could prevent or treat colon cancer. The study found that certain fatty acid metabolites, such as epoxyoctadecenoic acids (EpOMEs), increase inflammation and tumor growth in the colon.
New study shows red raspberries may help with glucose control in people with pre-diabetes
A recent study published in Obesity found that consuming red raspberries can lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin responses in individuals at risk for diabetes. The researchers concluded that incorporating certain fruits like red raspberries into meals can have beneficial effects on glucose control.
India's integrated child development program increases educational attainment
The study found that men aged 15-54 years and women aged 15-49 years exposed to the ICDS program during their first three years of life completed 0.1-0.3 more grades of schooling than those not exposed. This significant long-term benefit highlights the importance of early-life interventions in improving educational outcomes.
SourceCenter for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy·JournalEconomic Development and Cultural Change·DateFeb 25, 2019
Plants' drought alert system has unlikely evolutionary origin: underwater algae
Researchers discovered that plants' built-in drought detection system has an unlikely origin: freshwater-dwelling streptophyte algae. This signaling pathway, which triggers plants' drought defenses, has remained virtually unchanged for hundreds of millions of years and exists across most plant lineages.
SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019
An educational program designed to lessen the risk of falls in children
A pioneering educational programme aims to reduce the risk of falls in children by teaching safe and protective techniques, simulating falls in PE classes. The programme responds to WHO demands and has been shown effective in schools, with interest from universities worldwide.
SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateFeb 25, 2019
Non-native pest-controlling wasp identified in Canada prior to formal approval
A non-native species of wasp, the samurai wasp, has been identified in British Columbia, Canada, prior to formal approval for its introduction. The wasp is a natural parasitoid of the brown marmorated stink bug, a globally spreading agricultural pest native to Asia.
Is the most effective weight-loss strategy really that hard?
A new study published in Obesity found that successful weight losers spent an average of just 14.6 minutes per day on dietary self-monitoring, confirming the reality of its effectiveness rather than the perceived time-consuming nature. The most predictive factor was logging in three or more times a day with consistency.
It's all in the twist: Physicists stack 2D materials at angles to trap particles
Researchers create a unique platform to study quantum optical physics on the nanoscale by stacking 2D materials at angles to trap particles. The team successfully traps hundreds of excitons using a moiré pattern, which can be controlled by a twist, enabling precise manipulation and interaction with individual excitons.
A single dose of a PD-1 inhibitor before surgery predicts outcomes in melanoma patients
Researchers found that a single dose of PD-1 inhibitor before surgery can lead to complete remission and cancer-free follow-up for more than two years. Immune responses from this therapy can peak within seven days, allowing for earlier guidance on the most effective treatment approach.
Bacteria walk (a bit) like we do
Scientists have developed a microscopy method that directly observes bacterial filaments, revealing a new mechanism by which bacteria interact with surfaces. The study shows that type IV pili movements are coordinated through sequential control of pilus extension and retraction, enabling efficient movement across surfaces.
'Star Wars' characters' costumes reflect shift from power to romance
A study examines how costume changes in Star Wars female leads Padmé and Leia parallel shifts in their positions of power and romantic relationships. The researchers argue that these changes contribute to the objectification of women through costume design, highlighting the importance of considering the portrayal of women in media.
Cognitive functioning and childhood affluence
Research suggests that childhood affluence may hinder cognitive development in adulthood, as those with the most advantageous conditions experience stronger cognitive decline over time. This study analyzed data from 24,066 individuals and found a paradoxical relationship between socioeconomic status and cognitive aging.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019
Migrants face a trade-off between status and fertility
Researchers found that evacuees who returned to their homes after initial evacuation had more children, while those who stayed in western Finland had fewer. Those who intermarried with the host population increased their social status, but were less likely to have children.
CO2 emissions in developed economies fall due to decreasing fossil fuel and energy use
Research led by University of East Anglia finds that policies supporting renewable energy and energy efficiency are helping reduce CO2 emissions in 18 developed economies. The study suggests that these efforts need to be expanded and enhanced to limit climate change.
Physicists from ITMO University experimentally investigated new class of resonators
Researchers discovered a novel mechanism for high-quality optical resonators by exploiting the mutual destructive interference of two low-quality optical states. This allows for secure light trapping in various materials at small scales, enabling the creation of compact devices like sensors and filters.
You probably don't have a penicillin allergy
Researchers debunked a common misconception that millions of people have an antibiotic allergy. Studies show that only 10% of reported allergies are true, and many lose their allergy over time.
Elucidation of molecular-targeted drug resistance mechanism by lung cancer cells
Researchers found that lung cancer cells acquire resistance to molecular-targeted drugs by transforming epithelial characteristics into mesenchymal ones, leading to reduced miR-200c expression. Sequential treatment with an HDAC inhibitor and a next generation molecular-targeted drug overcomes this resistance, offering new potential for...
Faced with choice overload, Indian farmers say, 'I'll have what he's having'
The proliferation of genetically modified seeds in India has led to 'choice overload,' where farmers struggle to make decisions due to a vast array of options. Farmers prioritize community expectations and social status over yield, driven by the desire to be successful and modern.
Migrating blue whales rely on memory more than environmental cues to find prey
Researchers found that blue whales align their migration timing with historical averages of krill production, rather than responding to current prey patches. This suggests that blue whales rely on memory to locate stable, high-quality foraging sites, which could make adaptation to climate change more difficult.
SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019
Penn team eradicates Hepatitis C in patients after heart transplants from infected donors
Researchers at Penn Medicine have successfully cured nine patients of Hepatitis C after receiving heart transplants from deceased donors who were infected with the disease. The study suggests that using HCV-infected organs may be a viable option for patients awaiting a heart transplant.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateFeb 25, 2019
Salisbury Award launched by National Foundation for Cancer Research
The National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) has launched the Salisbury Award, a new program aimed at supporting translational cancer research. The award will provide funding and resources to researchers with early-stage projects deemed to have the best combination of novel and impactful technology.
High CO2 levels can destabilize marine layer clouds
A new study suggests that high CO2 levels above 1,200 ppm could lead to the loss of low-level clouds, resulting in a 8-Kelvin temperature increase globally. The researchers used a small-scale model to simulate cloud instability and found that once the clouds vanish, they do not reappear until CO2 levels drop significantly.
Health literacy can promote older people's health
A new study published in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research found that high health literacy can be a resource in old age, leading to better physical functioning, fewer illnesses, and improved health ratings. The study also highlighted the importance of evaluating media health information's reliability.
SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalAging Clinical and Experimental Research·DateFeb 25, 2019
Key differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic RNA silencing Argonaute enzyme unveiled
The study reveals that only one amino acid residue plays a critical role in cleavage function for prokaryotic Ago, whereas its counterpart in eukaryotes has multiple roles. The discovery sheds light on how the cleavage functions evolve from prokaryotes to eukaryotes.
SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019
Face it -- our faces don't always reveal our true emotions
Researchers challenge decades-old research on emotional intelligence, finding that context is crucial for reading emotions. Study participants accurately identified characters' emotions from background and interactions, not just facial expressions.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019
A gene involved in ADHD could be related to addictive substance use
A study of 2,700 patients with ADHD found that variations in the LPHN3 gene increased the risk of nicotine dependence by 40%. The findings suggest a link between ADHD and addictive substance use, highlighting the need for new genetic tools to prevent addictive behaviors in people with ADHD.
Brain cells involved in insomnia identified
Researchers have identified specific brain cell types, areas and biological processes linked to the genetic risk of insomnia, a major step towards understanding its mechanisms. The study found that over 100 genes contribute to insomnia, with some influencing the functionality of axons and specific cell types in the frontal cortex.
New targets for ischemic drugs found
Researchers investigate opioid receptors' effect on cardioprotection against coronary disease and find that certain subtypes have a special role in adapting to oxygen lack. The study suggests new targets for developing ischemia prevention drugs, with promising results.
SourceAKSON Russian Science Communication Association·JournalPhysiological Research·DateFeb 25, 2019
Insects hijack reproductive genes of grape vines to create own living space on plant
Scientists at The University of Toledo found that insects manipulate grape vines' reproductive programs to create a leaf gall, providing a protected space for the parasite. This discovery opens possibilities for protecting wine and raisin production from agricultural pests.
Estrogen made by neurons important to making memories
Neurons in both males and females produce estrogen, which is essential for synaptic plasticity and memory. Research shows that mice lacking estrogen have impaired spatial reference memory and recognition memory.
Live long and prosper: Mongooses enjoy lifelong benefits of 'silver spoon effect'
A new study shows that banded mongoose pups who receive consistent care in their first three months of life have a life-long advantage, including increased fitness and reproductive success. This 'silver spoon effect' is particularly beneficial for female pups, with more care leading to higher reproductive success.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateFeb 25, 2019
Ancient rocks provide clues to Earth's early history
Researchers have discovered evidence of significant ocean oxygenation before the Great Oxidation Event (GOE), which occurred around 2.5 billion years ago. This finding challenges previous understanding of oxygen accumulation, suggesting it may have extended over large regions of the ocean and even reached the sea floor.
Researchers discover 'chromosome scanner' that protects against cancer
A new study from the University of Copenhagen has identified a key mechanism behind the repair of human DNA damage, which can lead to cancer. The researchers have discovered a protein called BARD1 that acts like a 'scanner' to launch the flawless DNA repair system.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateFeb 25, 2019
Mothers with children taken into out-of-home care at risk of poor prenatal care in next pregnancies
A Canadian study found that mothers whose first child was taken into out-of-home care were more likely to have inadequate or no prenatal care during subsequent pregnancies. These women are also more likely to face barriers such as substance use disorders and poverty, highlighting the need for accessible and nonjudgmental prenatal care.
SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 25, 2019
£7 million funding to grant XMaS wish
The XMaS facility will receive a £7.2million upgrade to enhance its capabilities for studying materials' atomic and microscopic structures. This will support research into various fields, including energy storage, climate change, and healthcare.
Rapid normalization of changing weather
A study using Twitter data found that people tweet more about unusual temperatures, but comment less when those temperatures recur. The study suggests that major warming from climate change may not be perceived as remarkable due to a rapidly adjusting normal baseline.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 25, 2019
Study finds ultrasound can assess bone health, increase early screening for osteoporosis
Researchers found ultrasound of the calcaneus to be equal to DXA data in assessing bone health, paving the way for widespread use of low-cost screenings for populations at risk. The findings support preventive lifestyle changes as the best approach to improving bone health and reducing osteoporosis risk.
SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateFeb 25, 2019
Over half of home health care clinicians say they lack adequate information from hospitals
A survey of Colorado home health care clinicians found that 60% lacked adequate information from hospitals to guide patient treatment. The study highlights major gaps in communication between hospital and home health staff, which can result in medication errors and other serious consequences.
SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateFeb 25, 2019
Life's transitions easier with a sense of a well-rounded ending, new study shows
A new study by NYU researchers found that having a well-rounded ending marks a positive transition from one stage of life to the next. This means feeling closure and completing all loose ends, leading to less regret and happier future entries.
Entangling photons of different colors
Researchers created quantum-correlated pairs made up of one visible and one near-infrared photon, combining the best of both worlds. This breakthrough promises to boost light-based circuits' ability to securely transmit information over long distances.
New research casts doubt on cause of Angkor's collapse
Researchers have long debated the causes of Angkor's demise, but new evidence suggests that land use declined gradually over 100 years before the supposed collapse. The study shows that forest disturbance and soil erosion decreased, and the moat was eventually covered in floating vegetation, indicating a lack of maintenance.
Long working hours linked to heightened depression risk in women
Research found that long working hours, particularly 55+ hours a week and/or weekends, are associated with increased depressive symptoms in women. Women in male-dominated occupations often work longer hours, while those in low-paid service sector jobs tend to work weekends, both linked to depression.
New NASA mission could find more than 1,000 planets
The study predicts that WFIRST will find about 100 of those not-yet-discovered planets could have the same or lower mass as Earth. The telescope will map the Milky Way and other galaxies 100 times faster than Hubble Space Telescope, scanning a small piece of the universe with high resolution.
Lack of diversity in cell lines prevents minorities from accessing 'precision medicine'
A new study found that many commercial cell lines used for laboratory studies are mislabeled as minority ancestry, leading to a lack of diversity and hindering the development of precision medicine for underrepresented populations. Researchers call for more diverse biospecimens to be used in scientific investigations.
Unprecedented biological changes in the global ocean
A new computer model reveals accelerating biological changes in the global ocean, which can redistribute ocean communities and species worldwide. The model predicts these changes one year in advance, enabling identification of regions overlooked by current field observation programs.
Graphite offers up new quantum surprise
The researchers observed an unusual quantum Hall effect in bulk graphite, which is typically only possible in two-dimensional systems. The material behaves differently depending on whether it contains odd or even number of graphene layers, with surprising results persisting for hundreds of layers thick.