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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 441


Page 441 of 486

A better eyeshot of the makeup of ancient meteorites

Researchers have visualized meteorite components at unprecedented resolution using atomic force microscopy-based infrared spectroscopy. This breakthrough enables the analysis of organic matter distributions and associations with minerals in carbonaceous chondrites, crucial for understanding the formation of life and Solar System history.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2019

Immunotherapy drug used as 1st-line therapy for Merkel cell carcinoma improved survival

Pembrolizumab, a new immunotherapy drug, shows lasting tumor control and improved overall survival in advanced Merkel cell carcinoma patients. The study reports generally manageable side effects and supports the use of immunotherapy as an effective treatment option for this aggressive form of skin cancer.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateFeb 7, 2019

Finding chemicals inside a cell

Researchers at Xiamen University have created a device that enables the direct detection and mapping of chemicals inside biological cells. This breakthrough technique, called near-field desorption postionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (NDPI-TOFMS), overcomes challenges in high-resolution imaging and provides undistorted chemi...

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 7, 2019

Keeping things moving

A team of researchers has developed a strategy to produce renewable lubricant base oils from non-food biomass and fatty acids, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional lubricants. The new method uses catalysis to synthesize the base-oils with tunable properties, making them suitable for a wide r...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 7, 2019

Blood leukocytes mirror insufficient sleep

A study by the University of Helsinki found that insufficient sleep is associated with changes in DNA methylation in gene regulatory elements related to the nervous system development pathway. This indicates a potential link between chronic sleep deprivation and long-term health risks.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 7, 2019

Big data approach shown to be effective for evaluating autism treatments

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have successfully applied their big data-based approach to evaluating possible treatments for autism. The findings have the potential to accelerate the development of successful medical interventions by analyzing correlations between metabolite concentrations and adaptive behavior.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalFrontiers in Cellular Neuroscience·DateFeb 7, 2019

Landslides triggered by Hurricane Maria

A new study published in GSA Today reveals that Hurricane Maria triggered more than 40,000 landslides in at least three-fourths of Puerto Rico's municipalities. The study assesses the factors contributing to these extreme events and aims to enhance landslide susceptibility analyses and risk management efforts.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGSA Today·DateFeb 7, 2019

Scientists discover new type of magnet

Researchers at New York University have discovered a new type of magnet that exhibits unique properties, including sudden transitions and strong coupling with electric currents. This discovery has the potential to enhance data storage technologies and improve performance bottlenecks.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2019

Research details sticky situations at the nanoscale

Researchers detail sticky situations at the nanoscale, finding that miniscule differences in surface roughness can cause significant changes in adhesion. Their theory predicts an increase in interface toughness as roughness increases, with potential applications in micro-electro-mechanical systems and nanoscale patterning.

SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 7, 2019

Do fish recognize themselves in the mirror?

Researchers tested cleaner wrasse for self-awareness using a mirror test, finding that fish respond to their reflection and attempt to remove marks. The study raises questions about how to assess animal intelligence and challenges previous assumptions about self-awareness in non-human animals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateFeb 7, 2019