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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 61


Page 61 of 486

Drug dust

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a promising new tool called MagLev that can identify smaller concentrations of drug powders than any other device. The technology separates substances based on density and can handle far more substances than current quick-test options.

SourceHarvard University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 12, 2019

Widespread misinterpretation of gene expression data

Researchers found a technical bias in RNA-seq data, leading to false results and misinterpretation of biological functions. The study highlights the importance of proper statistical handling to filter out false calls and preserve genuine findings.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 12, 2019

The thrust of the problem

A team of researchers from UC Riverside has determined a new geometric model for the Main Himalayan Thrust fault, allowing officials to better prepare for future earthquakes. The study found that the fault is still accumulating stress and may have increased the likelihood of another big earthquake nearby.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 12, 2019

Beware probiotics in ICU patients

A study found that probiotics can cause bloodstream infections in ICU patients, with 1.1% of cases linked to Lactobacillus bacteria. Genetic analysis revealed a mutation that made the bacteria resistant to antibiotics, highlighting the need for caution when using probiotics in critically ill patients.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Medicine·DateNov 12, 2019

Gender quotas in business -- how do Europeans feel?

A recent study published in Comparative European Politics found that EU attitudes on gender quotas in management boards are divided, with stronger support in countries like Cyprus and Portugal. The study revealed a paradoxical relationship between support for the quota and actual gender equality in each country.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalComparative European Politics·DateNov 12, 2019

What future do emperor penguins face?

A team of scientists predicts that emperor penguin colonies will decline drastically due to global warming, with 5-6°C temperature increase leading to near-total collapse. Climate models show that sea ice melting will deprive the birds of habitat and food sources, threatening their survival.

SourceCNRS·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 12, 2019

Scientists crack rabies virus weaponry

Researchers have discovered a way to stop the rabies virus from shutting down the immune system, solving a long-standing scientific puzzle. The breakthrough involves disabling the binding of viral proteins to host cells' STAT1 protein, paving the way for new oral vaccines.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 12, 2019

Songbirds sing species-specific songs

Researchers found that gene activity in brain regions called song nuclei is associated with species-specific patterns of singing in songbirds. The study identified a signaling molecule called BDNF as a mediator of changes in trans-regulated genes, which disrupted the structures of learned songs in adult zebra finches.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 12, 2019

Engineers help with water under the bridge and other tough environmental decisions

Civil engineers create a sustainability-based optimization algorithm to help policymakers make informed decisions on projects like bridges, school roofs and waterfront developments. The algorithm considers the costs of a project over its lifetime and externalized costs, providing a more comprehensive view.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Science and Technology·DateNov 12, 2019

Superconducting wind turbine chalks up first test success

A team of researchers has successfully tested a superconducting rotor on an active wind turbine, demonstrating the compatibility of this technology with operational environments. The achievement marks a significant step towards wider adoption of superconducting generator technology in wind turbines.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSuperconductor Science and Technology·DateNov 12, 2019

Listening to music while driving reduces cardiac stress

A study by Brazilian researchers found that listening to instrumental music attenuates cardiac stress while driving, increasing parasympathetic nervous system activity and reducing sympathetic nervous system activation. This can contribute to the creation of cardiovascular preventative measures for situations of acute stress.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalComplementary Therapies in Medicine·DateNov 12, 2019

Last Arctic ice refuge is disappearing

New research reveals the last remaining Arctic ice refuge is disappearing due to increased ocean currents and atmospheric winds, with the oldest ice declining twice as fast as the rest. The Last Ice Area will soon be gone, threatening wildlife survival and potentially leading to the loss of species.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 12, 2019