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Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 4


Page 4 of 44

A simple solution to a complex problem

A team of scientists at the University of Freiburg has discovered a transport protein in mycobacteria responsible for absorbing L-arabinofuranose, a crucial nutrient. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new antibiotics and treatments for diseases like tuberculosis.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateApr 29, 2019

Demand growing for CV specialists trained to treat heart disease in cancer patients

The number of cardiologists trained in cardio-oncology is not meeting the growing needs of cancer survivors, who are aging and developing co-morbid cardiovascular disease. Limited training programs and resources are emerging to address this need, highlighting the importance of collaboration between cardiologists and oncologists.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateApr 29, 2019

Suicide rates spike nationally among youth after '13 Reasons Why' release

A recent study found a significant increase in youth suicide deaths following the release of '13 Reasons Why,' highlighting the need for responsible reporting on suicide. The series' portrayal of suicidal behavior has been criticized for potentially promoting simplistic explanations and glorifying the decedent.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateApr 29, 2019

Release of '13 Reasons Why' associated with increase in youth suicide rates

A NIH-supported study found that the release of "13 Reasons Why" was associated with a significant increase in US youth suicide rates, particularly among young males. The show's portrayal of suicide was linked to an estimated 195 additional suicide deaths between April and December 2017.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateApr 29, 2019

Are coffee farms for the birds? Yes and no

Research reveals coffee plantations host nearly as many bird species as forests, with shaded areas providing double the number of forest specialist birds. However, overall bird populations decline, highlighting the need for large primary forest reserves for conservation.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2019

The last chance for Madagascar's biodiversity

A team of scientists has identified five priority measures for Madagascar's new government to prevent species and habitats being lost forever. Investing in protected areas and local community tenure over natural resources are key strategies to address the country's biodiversity crisis.

SourceBangor University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateApr 29, 2019

Surgery shown to improve walking for children with cerebral palsy

A new surgical procedure has been shown to improve movement and quality of life for children with cerebral palsy. The selective dorsal rhizotomy procedure involves cutting sensory nerves to relieve stiffness and pain. The study provided convincing evidence that the procedure helps children, with no significant health risks identified.

Food packaging claims mislead consumers with ideas of health

Research reveals that front-of-pack food claims on breakfast cereals can be uncorrelated with actual nutritional quality, yet still influence consumers' perceptions of taste, healthiness, and fattening consequences. The study identifies four distinct types of claims and their effects on consumer choices.

SourceINSEAD·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateApr 29, 2019

Systematic review shows risk of a child developing overweight or obesity is more than trebled by maternal obesity prior to pregnancy

A systematic review by Newcastle University researchers found that maternal obesity prior to pregnancy increases the risk of childhood obesity by over three times. The study also identified higher risks for children born to mothers with overweight BMI, emphasizing the need for early interventions focused on weight management.

Fleming's method in miniature

Researchers at ETH Zurich develop a new technique, nanoFleming, to rapidly test for antibiotic activity in microorganisms. The method has identified 11 novel peptides with improved efficacy or resistance-bypassing properties.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateApr 29, 2019

Attitudes toward physician-assisted death among adults with elevated level of biomarker associated with Alzheimer's disease

Cognitively normal adults with elevated levels of amyloid-β exhibited mixed attitudes toward physician-assisted death, reflecting complex emotions and values surrounding end-of-life care. The study highlights the need for nuanced discussions about dying wishes and advance care planning in this vulnerable population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 29, 2019

House hunting is a struggle for mixed-race families

A new study by Brigham Young University researchers found that mixed-race couples with children are more likely to move to racially diverse neighborhoods, but often settle for less affluent areas. These couples face challenges in finding neighborhoods that balance affordability with diversity and access to quality education.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalDemography·DateApr 29, 2019

Magma is the key to the moon's makeup

Researchers at Yale University and Japan offer an explanation for the moon's composition, suggesting that magma played a key role in its formation. The new model suggests that 80% of the moon is made up of proto-Earth materials, contradicting previous theories that suggested the impactor was responsible.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 29, 2019

Partitioning of porous materials

Scientists have developed a fast and versatile two-in-one synthetic strategy to partition pores in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), resulting in highly efficient adsorbents. The new pore-space-partitioned MOF shows better gas uptakes than unpartitioned materials, particularly for ammonia uptake with high packing density.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 29, 2019

What makes memories stronger?

Studies in rats reveal that highly demanding and rewarding experiences result in stronger memories due to replay processes in the hippocampus. This finding provides new insights into memory consolidation, which could lead to treatments that strengthen memories and better understand memory decline in diseases like dementia.