Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive 2019 - Page 47


Page 47 of 486

Breaking (and restoring) graphene's symmetry in a twistable electronics device

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new way to control the properties of two-dimensional materials by adjusting the twist angle between them. By creating multiple moiré patterns in a graphene-boron nitride device, they were able to study the effects of coexisting moiré superlattices on a layer of graphene.

New research finds signal of decreased early post transplant survival in new heart transplant system

Researchers have identified a decrease in heart transplant survival rates following the implementation of a new donor allocation system in the US. The study found that patients receiving hearts are sicker than in previous systems, leading to an increase in post-transplant mortality.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalThe Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation·DateNov 21, 2019

Survey: Most teenagers in legalized states see marijuana marketing on social media

A study found that 94% of adolescents in California, Colorado, Nevada, and Washington reported exposure to marijuana marketing on social media. This exposure is linked to recent marijuana use by adolescents. The researchers suggest that current restrictions on social media content are not effective in preventing exposure.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateNov 21, 2019

Sugar delivered to Earth from space

Researchers found ribose and other essential sugars in meteorites, indicating an extraterrestrial origin. The discovery suggests that these sugars could have contributed to the formation of primordial RNA on Earth.

SourceTohoku University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2019

Deep learning to analyze neurological problems

A new study uses deep neural networks to accurately assess neurological disorders in rats and mice, identifying key features of motor impairments. This breakthrough technology has the potential to standardize diagnosis and monitoring of neurological disorders, enabling early interventions and improved patient outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 21, 2019

Bone breakthrough may lead to more durable airplane wings

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a way to strengthen bone structure using computer software, potentially treating osteoporosis and creating lightweight materials for the aerospace industry. The team found that horizontal rod-like struts play a crucial role in extending the fatigue life of bone.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 21, 2019

How to fight illegal cocoa farms in Ivory Coast

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that regular foot patrols in two forest reserves reduced illicit activity by over half between 2012 and 2016. The patrols led to the arrest of six poachers, destruction of hundreds of hectares of cocoa farms, and a significant decline in gunshots and snares used to capture game.

SourceOhio State University·JournalTropical Conservation Science·DateNov 21, 2019

UT mathematician develops model to control spread of aquatic invasive species

A mathematical model has been developed to predict how invasive species spread in rivers and how to control their movement using optimal water flow rates. The study, published in Mathematics, uses a partial differential equation model to illustrate how adjusting the water flow rate can prevent invasive populations from expanding upstream.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalMathematics·DateNov 21, 2019

Eastern equine encephalitis virus poses emergent threat, say NIAID officials

Eastern equine encephalitis virus is a deadly mosquito-borne illness that has existed for centuries, with a particularly deadly year in the US in 2019. Current research efforts focus on developing vaccines and treatments, but challenges include limited funding and difficulties in reaching target populations.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 21, 2019

Not so selfish after all--Key role of transposable elements in mammalian evolution

A study published in Nucleic Acids Research reveals that transposable elements have been co-opted by hosts to provide useful functions, such as encoding part of a host protein. The research found tens of thousands of potentially co-opted TE sequences, which are more conserved across species and suggest a key role in mammalian evolution.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateNov 20, 2019

Machine learning microscope adapts lighting to improve diagnosis

A Duke University microscope prototype uses machine learning to optimize lighting settings for diagnosing malaria, achieving 90% accuracy in identifying infected red blood cells. The adapted lighting system highlights the parasite in bright spots, significantly improving diagnosis times and accuracy compared to traditional methods.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateNov 20, 2019

Survey finds 1 in 3 patients needed more information on cancer treatment side effects

A nationwide survey of over 400 US adults with cancer found that nearly all patients felt confident in their treatment decisions but had gaps in knowledge about potential side effects. The study highlights the need for more informed patient counseling and coordination between oncology disciplines to manage treatment-related side effects.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalJournal of Oncology Practice·DateNov 20, 2019