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Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 21


Page 21 of 44

Study finds natural variation in sex ratios at birth and sex ratio inflation in 12 countries

A new estimation method for assessing natural variations in the sex ratio at birth was developed by an international team of researchers. The study found regional baseline SRB imbalances and identified 12 countries with strong evidence of sex ratio inflation, leading to fewer female births than expected.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2019

PCORI Board approves $45 million to support research on opioid use disorders, cancer pain

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has approved $44.6 million to fund studies comparing the best ways to treat health conditions that impose high burdens on patients, caregivers, and the healthcare system. The newly approved awards focus on improving treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD), with a total of four aw...

At last, acknowledging royal women's political power

A recent study analyzing eight premodern states reveals that queen rulers and main wives exercised significant political power, including determining succession, governing policies, and influencing alliances. These women often wielded comparable power to their male counterparts, with agency extending beyond warfare.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateApr 16, 2019

Irregular schedules raise risk of injury for miners working long hours

Researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago found that injured miners who worked shifts longer than 9 hours tended to have irregular schedules or less than two years on the job. Long work shifts were associated with a 32% increased risk of injury resulting in death and a 73% increased risk of multiple worker injuries.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateApr 15, 2019

Historic logging site shows first human-caused bedrock erosion along an entire river

Researchers have found that logging practices can cause significant bedrock incision, eroding geology at a rate of up to 100 times the natural rate. The study, conducted on the Teanaway River in Washington state, shows that human activity has transformed the riverbank, creating new terraces and altering the landscape.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019

Rice advances the art of protein blacksmithing

Researchers develop a new method to create detailed structural models of proteins using force-driven simulations, reducing computational power requirements. The technique, inspired by metallurgy, allows for faster computation and more accurate results than existing approaches.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019

Dementia more preventable in Asia and Latin America

A new study found that nearly half of dementia cases in low- to middle-income countries, such as China and India, could be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors like education, hearing loss, and obesity. Improving childhood education and health outcomes throughout life may lead to significant reductions in dementia rates.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateApr 15, 2019

Low-calorie sweetener derived from lactose gets manufacturing boost from yeast

A new strain of yeast can produce tagatose in much larger quantities than traditional enzymatic manufacturing techniques, making it a cost-effective alternative to sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. The glycemic index of tagatose is lower than that of sucrose and fructose, carrying a lower risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

Need for social skills helped shape modern human face

A new review suggests that social communication played a significant role in shaping the modern human face. The study, led by University of York researchers, concludes that our faces evolved not only due to factors like diet and climate but also to facilitate nonverbal communication and establish large social networks.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateApr 15, 2019

Household pollution and air quality in India

Reducing household fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions in India could decrease mean annual ambient PM2.5 exposure by over 17%, averting premature mortality and meeting the national air quality standard for 103 additional districts. Complete mitigation of emissions from cooking alone would be necessary to achieve this goal.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019

For busy medical students, two-hour meditation study may be as beneficial as longer course

A Rutgers-led study found that a two-hour introductory mindfulness class can be just as effective as an eight-week immersive course in reducing stress and depression among medical students. The research suggests that even brief meditation practices can lead to improved mental well-being, making it accessible for time-crunched individuals.

SourceRutgers University·JournalMedical Science Educator·DateApr 15, 2019

Cometary surprise found inside meteorite

A team of researchers discovered a primitive class of meteorite containing a slice of carbon-rich material similar to extraterrestrial dust particles thought to have originated in comets near the outer edges of the Solar System. This finding provides insights into the Solar System's architecture and formation.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 15, 2019