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Science News Archive 2019 - Page 79


Page 79 of 486

How do you know it's perfect graphene?

Scientists at DOE/Ames National Laboratory have found a broad diffraction pattern in high-quality graphene samples, indicating defect-free and uniform layers of atoms. This discovery enables the reliable identification of structurally perfect graphene, a crucial step towards optimizing its properties for various applications.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review B·DateOct 30, 2019

NIH-funded study suggests acetaminophen in pregnancy linked to higher risk of ADHD, autism

A recent NIH-funded study suggests that exposure to acetaminophen during pregnancy may increase the risk of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. The study found that higher levels of acetaminophen exposure were associated with a significantly increased risk of both conditions.

Mayo scientists reverse fibrosis in preclinical studies

Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified a way to slow and reverse fibrosis by targeting a dopamine receptor, which blocks the growth of scar-forming cells. The approach reversed fibrotic processes in lung and liver models, offering a new treatment concept for fibrotic diseases.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 30, 2019

It takes more than a catchy headline for health awareness campaigns to inspire action

A study published in Lancet Oncology reveals that online popularity of health awareness campaigns does not always lead to increased interest in related health behaviors. Researchers analyzed Google Trends data for specific keywords associated with each campaign and found that only breast cancer-related searches were influenced by the P...

Will lithium-air batteries ever take flight?

Lithium-air batteries offer a maximum specific energy of 3,460 W h/kg, but scientists need to overcome obstacles such as unstable electrolytes and interference from air pollutants. The technology uses oxygen to oxidize a lithium-metal anode and could be powered by a plane's onboard air storage and filtration systems.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateOct 30, 2019

Preserved pollen tells the history of floodplains

Researchers have found that fossil pollen can be preserved in floodplain soils, allowing scientists to reconstruct past climate dynamics and land use patterns. The study used soil properties such as organic matter concentration and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio to predict pollen abundance, providing a new tool for climate reconstruction.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateOct 30, 2019

Predicting frailty, disability and death

A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that irregular fluctuations in daily motor activity can predict increased risk of frailty, disability, and mortality in older adults. The researchers analyzed data from 1,275 participants and found that random activity fluctuations were associated with a 31% increase in frailty risk, 15-25%...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 30, 2019

Quality and use of green spaces may determine their health benefits

Two studies by ISGlobal found that the quality of green spaces influences physical activity, social contacts and emotional well-being. The presence of green space was associated with a higher frequency of physical activity, more time spent performing health-related activities, and increased social contacts with neighbours.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateOct 30, 2019

Cannabis use disorder is declining among young adolescents and young adults

Research suggests that the prevalence of cannabis use disorder has decreased among frequent users between 2002-2016, with significant declines observed across all age groups. This decline may be attributed to changes in social attitudes and perceptions of risk associated with cannabis use, as well as increased legalization.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateOct 30, 2019

Opioid-related gifts from pharma companies linked to physician prescribing by specialty

A new study found that physicians who received gifts related to opioid medications were more likely to prescribe opioids the following year. The study also revealed significant variability in opioid prescribing across different medical specialties, with primary care physicians and psychiatrists being among those most likely to be in th...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 30, 2019

What makes the Earth's surface move?

A team of scientists found that two-thirds of the Earth's surface moves faster than the underlying mantle, with the surface dragging the interior. The study suggests that the balance of forces changes over geological time, especially for continents.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 30, 2019