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Science News Archive April 2019 - Page 7


Page 7 of 44

Gestational diabetes in India and Sweden

A new study from Lund University found that Indian women are younger and leaner when developing gestational diabetes compared to Swedish women. The researchers identified a gene linked to increased risk in Swedish women but protective effects in Indian women.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Internal Medicine·DateApr 26, 2019

A personality test for ads

Researchers used digital footprints to determine personality traits and matched them with images, finding that extroverts preferred simple images featuring people, while open-minded individuals favored cool colors. The study showed that personalized ads could increase consumer interest and purchase intentions.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateApr 26, 2019

Large genome-wide association study is first to focus on both child and adult asthma

A recent genome-wide association study found that childhood-onset asthma is associated with nearly three times as many genes as adult-onset asthma. The study identified 61 independent asthma-related genes, with most being specific to childhood onset. The findings suggest different mechanisms cause the inception of asthma in childhood c...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateApr 26, 2019

Creativity is not just for the young, study finds

A new study reveals that Nobel Prize winners in economics exhibit two distinct life cycles of creativity. Conceptual innovators tend to peak in their mid-20s, while experimental innovators reach their creative peak in their mid-50s. This research suggests that the type of approach taken by an individual plays a significant role in dete...

SourceOhio State University·JournalDe Economist·DateApr 26, 2019

New in the Hastings Center Report: Federal right-to-try, the gamification of science, & more

The federal right-to-try law has been criticized for undermining the FDA's role in monitoring drug safety and efficacy, potentially creating a loophole for pharmaceutical companies to sell unapproved drugs. In contrast, citizen science and gamification are changing the way research is conducted, with nonprofessional volunteers contribu...

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateApr 25, 2019

Alcohol relapse rate among liver transplant recipients identical regardless of sobriety period

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that liver transplant recipients with alcoholic hepatitis have a comparable alcohol relapse rate regardless of their sobriety period. The study's outcomes support waiving the six-month sobriety requirement for selected patients, promoting equal access to lifesaving transplants.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Intensive Care Medicine·DateApr 25, 2019

Developing a model critical in creating better devices

A new computational model developed by Preeya Achari predicts the behavior of water on the surface of hexagonal boron nitride, a compound used in cosmetic products. The model provides more control over devices made with this material and water, leading to improved performance.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalComputational Materials Science·DateApr 25, 2019

Exercise activates memory neural networks in older adults

A new University of Maryland study reveals that acute exercise increases activation in the hippocampus and other key brain regions associated with memory. This finding suggests that single sessions of exercise can promote adaptations and improve network integrity, potentially reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·DateApr 25, 2019

Bacteria uses viral weapon against other bacteria

Researchers discovered that certain bacteria use viruses to identify and kill rival bacteria for resources. The discovery has implications for synthetic biology and medicine, where understanding bacterial competition could lead to breakthroughs in treating infectious diseases.

SourcePenn State·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 25, 2019

Early, hormone-driven breast cancer is less likely to recur if treated with radiotherapy

Women with early, low-risk hormone-driven breast cancer who receive radiotherapy after surgery have a significantly lower risk of recurrence and improved disease-free survival compared to those without radiotherapy. The study found that whole breast irradiation is effective in reducing in-breast recurrences and improving overall survival.

Caffeine gives solar cells an energy boost

Scientists have discovered that caffeine can improve the performance and thermal stability of perovskite solar cells, increasing their efficiency from 17% to over 20%. The unique molecular structure of caffeine allows it to interact with perovskite precursors, giving this technology an edge on the market.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateApr 25, 2019

Using DNA templates to harness the sun's energy

A team of researchers at Arizona State University has made significant progress in optimizing artificial photosynthesis systems that mimic the first stage of photosynthesis. They have developed a way to use DNA to self-assemble structures that capture and transfer energy over long distances with high efficiency.

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 25, 2019