Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive August 2019


Page 1 of 38

Dipeptidyl Peptidase 3 (DPP3) cause of acute myocardial depression

A novel disease mechanism links circulating DPP3 to cardiac and renal dysfunction, with sustained high DPP3 levels associated with reduced cardiac function, impaired kidney function, and increased mortality. The DPP3 biomarker has high potential utility in diagnosing organ dysfunction and predicting outcomes in cardiogenic shock patients.

Sourcesphingotec GmbH·JournalEuropean Journal of Heart Failure·DateAug 31, 2019

Rethinking our resilience to wildfire

A new paper by researchers at the University of Colorado Denver calls for a fundamental shift in how we approach wildfires, from basic recovery to transformation. The study highlights the need for communities to adopt more resilient strategies, such as reducing flammability and promoting prescribed burns.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalNature Sustainability·DateAug 30, 2019

AI uncovers new details about Old Master paintings

Researchers used a newly developed algorithm to study mixed x-ray images of the Ghent Altarpiece, separating features from the front and back of the painting's double-sided panels. The analysis improved our understanding of art masterpieces and provided new opportunities for art investigation, conservation, and presentation.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 30, 2019

Moving faster in a crowd

New research shows that particle transport in crowded cells can be faster than in non-crowded environments, especially when moving from densely crowded areas to less crowded ones. The study used microfluidics and tracer colloids to investigate the effects of non-uniformly distributed crowding molecules on particle movement.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 30, 2019

Defrosting surfaces in seconds

Researchers have developed a way to remove ice and frost from surfaces efficiently using less than 1% of the energy needed for traditional methods. The technique works by melting the interfacial layer directly, allowing the ice to slide off the surface.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 30, 2019

What if we paid countries to protect biodiversity?

A team of international researchers has developed a financial mechanism to support the protection of the world's natural heritage. The socio-ecological design option proved most efficient in incentivizing additional conservation action, particularly for countries lacking in global conservation goals.

SourceLund University·JournalConservation Letters·DateAug 30, 2019

Providing more testing choices does not increase colorectal cancer screening rates

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that providing patients with more testing choices, such as home fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), does not increase participation in colorectal cancer screening. However, framing choice did impact patient decision-making, leading to a decrease in colonoscopy rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 30, 2019

How to simulate softness

A team of engineers and psychologists at UC San Diego discovered clever tricks to design materials that replicate different levels of perceived softness. The findings provide fundamental insights into designing tactile materials and haptic interfaces that can recreate realistic touch sensations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 30, 2019

Common stomach bacteria is attracted to bleach

Researchers found that Helicobacter pylori is attracted to bleach, relying on a protein called TlpD to navigate to sites of inflammation in the stomach. This attraction enables the bacterium to turn the body's defenses against it and colonize inflamed tissue.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateAug 30, 2019

Many who die waiting for a kidney had multiple offers, new study finds

A new study found that nearly one-third of kidney transplant candidates die or are removed from the list without receiving a transplant, with many having had multiple organ offers declined. The research highlights concerns about the allocation system and suggests better communication between patients and transplant centers could improv...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 30, 2019