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Science News for August 12, 2019


Methane not released by wind on Mars, experts find

Researchers at Newcastle University have found that wind erosion is unlikely to be the primary cause of methane gas release on Mars. The team used high-resolution imagery and data to rule out wind erosion as a viable mechanism for producing detectable levels of methane in the Martian atmosphere.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 12, 2019

Sharp meets flat in tunable 2D material

Rice University scientists develop a unique two-dimensional material with sharp zigzag boundaries, showcasing promise for optoelectronics and advanced computing. The material's band gap can be tuned in a controllable way, opening up new avenues for research and potential applications.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 12, 2019

Better tests needed for urinary tract infections

A new study found that nearly half of patients with UTIs were not tested for the infection, leading to unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and increased risk of antibiotic resistance. The researchers argue that doctors need access to rapid diagnostics tests to accurately diagnose and treat UTIs.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateAug 12, 2019

A novel method to characterize genes with high-precision in single cells

Researchers have developed a novel method to precisely detect and characterize genes in individual cells, enabling selective enrichment of selected molecules. This approach, called BART-Seq, addresses the challenge of detecting low-abundance gene transcripts and has potential applications in disease diagnosis and precision gene-editing.

Northern tropical dry trend may just be normal variation: scientists

A new study published in PNAS reveals that the northern tropical dry trend may be a result of natural climate variability rather than human activities. The research team analyzed stalagmite records from southern Thailand and found millennial-scale decreases in regional rainfall, similar to other records from the northern tropics.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2019

Remove false teeth before general anesthetic, doctors warn

A 72-year-old man experienced considerable pain, bleeding, and swallowing difficulties after his dentures got stuck in his throat during surgery. Despite multiple hospital visits and surgeries, he eventually recovered without further complications. The case highlights the importance of removing false teeth before general anesthetic.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Case Reports·DateAug 12, 2019

Solutions for leading sleep woes

A new Australian study found that treating insomnia separately can significantly improve symptoms of both conditions. People with co-occurring insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea reported great improvement to their sleep and health after six months, with about 50% improvement in global insomnia severity.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSLEEP·DateAug 12, 2019

Excess body fat, particularly around the waist, is a major risk factor for premature death among Hispanics

Research published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that both general and abdominal obesity were strongly associated with mortality among Mexican adults. The study, which followed over 115,000 adults for up to 14 years, also found that waist-to-hip ratio was a major risk factor for premature death.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 12, 2019

Lupus antibody target identified

Human research published in JNeurosci identified a specific target of antibodies implicated in lupus' neuropsychiatric symptoms. Brain cytoplasmic RNAs are targeted by the immune system in people with lupus, hindering cellular signaling and leading to seizures and cognitive impairments.

Scent brings all the songbirds to the yard

Researchers from Lehigh University have found that songbirds prefer the scent of their own species over others, which could impact hybridization. The study, led by Amber Rice and Alex Van Huynh, used gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry to analyze natural oils produced by birds' uropygial glands.

SourceLehigh University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateAug 12, 2019

CSU team uncovers potential for Rift Valley fever virus transmission in Colorado livestock

A team at Colorado State University discovered that Culex tarsalis mosquitoes, a primary vector for West Nile virus, can transmit Rift Valley fever virus to livestock and humans in Colorado. The researchers found that these mosquitoes feed on both humans and livestock, making them a significant threat for potential outbreak.

SourceColorado State University·JournalTransboundary and Emerging Diseases·DateAug 12, 2019

Bacteria made to mimic cells, form communities

Researchers at Rice University have created a genetic circuit that allows bacteria to differentiate like stem cells, forming genetically distinct communities with complex behaviors. The discovery, called asymmetric plasmid partitioning, enables the creation of diverse populations of microbes that can exhibit non-native behaviors.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateAug 12, 2019

Estrogen improves Parkinson's disease symptoms

Research published in JNeurosci suggests that estrogen may protect movement neurons from Parkinson's disease, with brain-selective estrogen treatment reducing alpha-synuclein breakdown and severe symptoms in male mice. Female mice also showed less severe symptoms at a later age, indicating potential benefits of estrogen-based treatments.

A licence to parent?

Researcher Dr Frank Ainsworth reviews international studies on parental licensing, highlighting its potential flaws and limitations. He argues that the scheme could disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities and may not be effective in addressing child neglect.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalChildren Australia·DateAug 12, 2019

Do newly discovered mating habits of female Tasmanian devils help or hurt the species?

Researchers found that female Tasmanian devils can be polyandrous, having multiple male partners, which could increase genetic diversity but also pose challenges for captive breeding programs. The study's findings offer a glimmer of hope in the fight against devil facial tumor disease, which has devastated wild populations.

SourceMorris Animal Foundation·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateAug 12, 2019

Mapping the effects of drought on vulnerable populations

Climate change and drought are exacerbating malnutrition outcomes in children worldwide, with stunting affecting at least one-third of children in Africa and South Asia. A new study maps the effects of drought on child nutrition, identifying areas most vulnerable to climate shocks and factors influencing vulnerability.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2019

Supercapacitors turbocharged by laxatives

A team of scientists from the University of Bristol and MIT has designed a new class of highly efficient ionic liquid electrolytes that can improve supercapacitor performance. These detergent-like electrolytes can self-assemble into sandwich-like bilayer structures on electrode surfaces, leading to improved energy storage capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 12, 2019

Jurassic world of volcanoes found in central Australia

An international team has discovered a previously undescribed Jurassic volcanic landscape in central Australia, revealing around 100 ancient volcanoes and magma chambers. The research uses advanced subsurface imaging techniques to identify the volcanic craters and lava flows, challenging previous understanding of Earth's past processes.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalGondwana Research·DateAug 12, 2019

Rice, UTHealth search for clues to fight antibiotic resistance

Researchers at Rice University and UTHealth have discovered that vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) can develop resistance to daptomycin in more than one way. The study's findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, which could lead to the development of new treatment strategies or 'co-drugs' targetin...

SourceRice University·JournalAntimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·DateAug 12, 2019

The Lancet Infectious Diseases: First ever phase 1 trial of genital chlamydia vaccine finds it is safe and provokes immune response

A new chlamydia vaccine has shown promising early signs of effectiveness in a phase 1 clinical trial, provoking an immune response in all participants. The vaccine, CTH522, demonstrated improved performance with added liposomes, producing higher antibody levels and a more consistent cell-mediated immune response.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateAug 12, 2019

Magdeburg researchers refute theory of collective (non-)action

German experimental economists conducted the largest laboratory experiment in economic research to date, refuting the theory that individuals lack motivation to participate in public goods due to negligible impact. The study found that visibility of mutual benefits is crucial for collective action in large groups. Cooperative decision-...

SourceOtto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg·JournalEuropean Economic Review·DateAug 12, 2019

You're not so tough, h-BN

Researchers at Rice University have created a method to modify hexagonal-boron nitride (h-BN) by attaching carbon chains, making it easier to bond with polymers and other materials. This modification also makes the material more dispersible in organic solvents.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateAug 12, 2019

Glitch in neutron star reveals its hidden secrets

Scientists have studied the Vela Pulsar, a neutron star 1,000 light years away, to understand its behavior during a glitch. The team found that the star's spin increased before slowing down, providing a glimpse into its interior structure, which consists of three different components.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateAug 12, 2019

Monash University study finds way to disarm dangerous bacteria

Researchers at Monash University have discovered an antibiotic that can prevent the life-threatening diarrhea caused by C. difficile. The treatment strategy could also counter diseases caused by other similar bacteria, including anthrax. Studies show that cephamycins can reduce spore production of C. difficile and Bacillus cereus.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateAug 12, 2019