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Science News for April 22, 2019


Lessons from Hurricane Maria: Doctors offer tips to better prepare clinics for catastrophe

Radiation oncologists provide guidance on preparing for and responding to natural disasters, including creating emergency operations plans, providing patients with access to treatment plans via flash drives, and identifying alternative sources of power. The tips aim to minimize treatment delays during a disaster.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateApr 22, 2019

Catalyst renders nerve agents harmless

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a catalyst that efficiently decomposes nerve agents like sarin, eliminating their harmful effects. The multimodal approach used in the study identifies the active site of the catalyst and validates its effectiveness in real-life conditions.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateApr 22, 2019

Sand tiger sharks return to shipwrecks off N.C. coast

A new study reveals that female sand tiger sharks exhibit site fidelity to shipwrecks off the North Carolina coast, using them as rest stops or potential mates. The finding suggests that the wrecks are crucial habitats for this endangered shark species, which experienced significant population drops in the last century.

SourceDuke University·JournalEcology·DateApr 22, 2019

From coal to gas: How the shift can help stabilize climate change

A recent study by the National Institute for Environmental Studies suggests that transitioning from coal to natural gas can help stabilize climate change. The study found that natural gas power plants have smaller short- and long-term impacts than coal power plants, even when considering high methane leakage rates or uncertainty issues.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 22, 2019

Study suggests overdiagnosis of schizophrenia

A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice found that about half of patients referred to a specialized schizophrenia clinic were misdiagnosed with schizophrenia. Anxiety and hearing voices were common reasons for incorrect diagnoses, highlighting the importance of second opinions from psychiatry specialists.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Practice·DateApr 22, 2019

Diet, microbiome, and stress

Researchers found that a diet enriched with ω-3 PUFAs and vitamin A can normalize gut microbiome composition and hippocampal protein levels, leading to improved emotional and memory performance in stressed rats. The study also suggests long-term links between diet and cognitive function.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2019

Heterogeneous catalyst goes enzymatic

Researchers have developed an enzyme-like heterogeneous TiO2 photocatalyst with high catalytic activity for hydrogen production. The catalyst's unique enzymatic characteristics enable it to efficiently convert light energy into H2, rivaling the performance of expensive Pt-TiO2 photocatalysts.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 22, 2019

The kids are alright

Researchers found higher rates of adaptive evolution in genes involved in resource allocation, particularly in seeds and endosperm tissues. This suggests that conflicts among kin can lead to rapid evolution, supporting the idea of an evolutionary arms race within plant families.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2019

Study shows zoos and aquariums increase species knowledge index 800%

A study published in PNAS confirms that zoos and aquariums hold critical information about more than 98% of known species, including fertility and survival rates. By analyzing data from the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), researchers were able to fill large gaps in demographic knowledge for these species.

SourceSpecies360·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2019

Promise of liquid biopsy in cancer biomarker detection and prenatal screening

The article discusses the potential of liquid biopsy in cancer diagnosis, focusing on targeted disease diagnosis and detection of cancer biomarkers. Researchers have successfully detected specific genetic mutations using digital PCR, identifying promising biomarkers for various cancers, including melanoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateApr 22, 2019

Wakeup call: Pervasiveness of sexual harassment and its effect on female physics students

A survey of 471 undergraduate women physicists found that nearly three-quarters had experienced gender harassment, leading to diminished sense of belonging and imposter phenomenon. The study emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in physics departments to address sexual harassment and promote diversity and inclusion.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Physics Education Research·DateApr 22, 2019

Rurality, social identity is driving polarization in Iowa

A new Iowa State University study found that rurality, education, and race significantly predicted the change from Democrat to Republican in Iowa. White, rural voters without a college education were more likely to switch to Republican. The research counters the narrative that economic anxiety was the reason for this shift.

SourceIowa State University·JournalSociological Quarterly·DateApr 22, 2019

Preschool health program successful in instilling heart healthy habits

A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that a preschool health program significantly increased healthy habit awareness among children from an underserved community. The program resulted in a 2.2-fold higher score on overall knowledge, attitudes and habits towards a healthy lifestyle.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 22, 2019

Slime mold absorbs substances to memorize them

Researchers found that slime molds can store knowledge of salty environments through absorption, allowing for up to a month of retention. The study suggests that the substance itself supports the slime mold's memory, rather than just the environment.

SourceCNRS·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateApr 22, 2019

Defying the laws of physics? Columbia engineers demonstrate bubbles of sand

Researchers at Columbia University have discovered a new family of gravitational instabilities in granular particles, where lighter grains rise through heavier grains like 'fingers' and 'bubbles'. This phenomenon sheds light on geological processes and has potential applications in pharmaceutical production and carbon capture.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2019

Protecting damaged hearts with microRNAs

Researchers have identified two microRNA family members that can provide both immediate and long-term protection against heart damage. The therapy targets the miR-19a/b microRNAs, which regulate proliferation of cardiomyocytes and reduce inflammation, leading to improved heart function.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 22, 2019

A deep-learning model may help predict lung cancer survival and outcomes

A deep-learning model developed using serial image scans of tumors from patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) predicted treatment response and survival outcomes better than standard clinical parameters. The model's performance improved with the addition of each follow-up scan, predicting two-year survival with an accuracy of...

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateApr 22, 2019

Mount Sinai study: Intervention in preschool -- an opportunity to promote healthy lifestyle

A Mount Sinai study shows that preschool intervention can improve healthy lifestyle habits in young children, with 12% increase in knowledge and attitudes towards a healthy lifestyle. The intervention group also showed improved behaviors in physical activity, diet, and emotional management.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 22, 2019