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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 55


Page 55 of 486

Ketogenic diet helps tame flu virus

A new study from Yale University finds that a ketogenic diet can enhance the body's natural response to influenza by activating gamma delta T cells, which produce mucus in lung cell linings. The research suggests that the way the body burns fat may fuel the immune system's ability to fight flu infection.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Immunology·DateNov 15, 2019

How nematodes outsmart the defenses of pests

Researchers found that nematodes from infested areas are resistant to benzoxazinoids, a defense substance stored in maize roots. This resistance allows the nematodes to become immune to self-defense mechanisms used by the pests, enabling them to continue controlling pest populations effectively.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2019

Volcanoes under pressure

Scientists from Technical University of Munich found that the plug dome's permeability drops significantly as stone alteration increases, leading to an imminent eruption. This discovery enables more reliable prediction of volcanic eruptions, with reduced outgassing being a key indicator of an impending event.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 15, 2019

Lichens are way younger than scientists thought

Lichens are now known to have evolved millions of years after complex plants, contradicting the long-held theory that they were among the first organisms to colonize land. This new understanding sheds light on the early evolution of ecosystems and the role of lichens in shaping the environment.

SourceField Museum·JournalGeobiology·DateNov 15, 2019

Life experience critical for managing Type 2 diabetes

A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that age affects the well-being of newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes patients. Younger individuals experience higher diabetes-related and psychological stress. Older adults tend to have less psychological stress and better self-care, blood sugar control, and medication adherence.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Behavioral Medicine·DateNov 15, 2019

How to build a chloroplast

A team of researchers from Japan and the UK has identified a crucial communication route in developing chloroplasts, the energy factories of plant cells. The newly characterized protein GUN1 regulates tetrapyrrole biosynthesis, controlling the cell's production of heme.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2019

Design flaw could open Bluetooth devices to hacking

New research from Ohio State University finds a fundamental flaw in Bluetooth Low Energy devices' communication with mobile apps, leaving them vulnerable to fingerprinting attacks and unauthorized access. The study identified over 5,800 Bluetooth devices, with 94.6% of them able to be 'fingerprinted' and 7.4% vulnerable to hacking.

MicroRNA comprehensively analyzed

Researchers from MIPT explored microRNA interactions with mRNA in two human cell lines, finding that microRNA does not strongly regulate all genes and its regulation potential does not directly depend on its expression level. The study also identified differences between microRNA interactions in the two cell lines.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateNov 14, 2019

Bottlebrushes rise up to control coatings

Researchers at Rice University developed bottlebrush copolymers to refine surface coatings, making them more waterproof or conductive. The polymers' migration to top and bottom of thin films can effectively decouple properties of bulk coating from exposed surfaces.

SourceRice University·JournalMacromolecules·DateNov 14, 2019

Typhoons and marine eutrophication are probably the missing source of organic nitrogen in ecosystems

Researchers found that typhoons and eutrophic surface sea waters may be significant sources of dissolved organic nitrogen (ON) in wet deposition. Approximately one-third of total ON wet deposition was attributed to the co-occurrence of intense events like typhoons and strong rainfall.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateNov 14, 2019

Study dissects attitudes on short-term vacation rentals

A new study conducted at the University of Georgia found that feelings of neighborhood pride and interactions with tourists influence residents' attitudes towards short-term vacation rentals. The study, which surveyed residents in Savannah, Georgia, suggests that well-designed regulations can foster support for these types of rentals.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Travel Research·DateNov 14, 2019