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Science News for August 2, 2019


Manufacture of light-activated proteins

A new strategy for designing light-sensitive proteins has been developed by researchers at Ruhr-Universität Bochum. They combined computer-aided and experimental methods to create a more targeted approach, enabling the manipulation of protein building blocks without impairing function.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalChemBioChem·DateAug 2, 2019

How common is sesame allergy?

A study of nearly 79,000 individuals found that approximately 0.8% of the US population has a sesame allergy. The survey responses indicated that sesame allergy is more common among children and individuals with other food allergies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 2, 2019

New research shows effectiveness of laws for protecting imperiled species, remaining gaps

Expert agencies play a critical role in assessing the impacts of proposed federal actions on threatened and endangered species. New research from Defenders of Wildlife shows that limiting or removing these services could have disastrous consequences, while suggesting areas where the consultation process can be made more efficient witho...

SourceDefenders of Wildlife·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 2, 2019

Researchers from the IDIBELL and the University of Barcelona describe a new treatment that could cope with 2 bone diseases

Researchers have described a new treatment that could cope with Heterotopic Ossification and Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva using a PI3-kinase inhibitor. The study shows promising results in preclinical models, potentially leading to improved treatment options for patients.

SourceIDIBELL-Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·DateAug 2, 2019

Nordic researchers: A quarter of the world's population at risk of developing tuberculosis

A new study from Nordic researchers estimates that approximately one in four people globally carry the tuberculosis bacterium, increasing the challenge of meeting the World Health Organization's target to eliminate TB by 2035. The study suggests that treating latent TB is crucial to prevent active disease and death from the infection.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateAug 2, 2019

Change the bias, change the behavior? Maybe not

A recent meta-analysis of research on implicit bias found that changing people's biases may not necessarily lead to changes in related behaviors. The study, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, reviewed 492 studies and found no evidence of a causal relationship between biased thinking and behavior.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 2, 2019

Agile untethered fully soft robots in liquid

Scientists at Huazhong University of Science & Technology have created a bio-inspired untethered fully soft robot in liquid that can actuate using environmental energy gradients. The robot achieves an impressive speed of 7 times higher than the best reported value for untethered soft robotic fish.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 2, 2019

Machine learning helps predict if storms will cause blackouts

A Finnish research team developed a machine learning approach to predict storm severity, using data from power outages and storm characteristics. The algorithm achieved promising results in predicting class 0 no-damage storms and class 3 damaging storms, with plans to refine the model for winter storms.

SourceAalto University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing·DateAug 2, 2019

Researchers create first-ever 'map' of global labor flow

Researchers at Indiana University created the first global map of labor flow in collaboration with LinkedIn, revealing skills and industries in high demand across the U.S. and globally. The study also identified growing industries such as pharmaceuticals and oil and gas, while others like retail and telecommunications are declining.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 2, 2019

Unexpected nut eating by gorillas

Western gorillas in Gabon have been observed cracking open nuts with their teeth, despite their lack of adaptations for hard object consumption. The study reveals that gorillas may be capable of more dietary breadth than previously thought, with implications for understanding human ancestors' diets based on tooth shape.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateAug 2, 2019

Study estimates frailty, prefrailty among older adults

A systematic review and meta-analysis estimated the rate of new cases of frailty and prefrailty among older adults, with a high risk of progressing to frailty. The study combined results from 46 observational studies involving nearly 121,000 non-frail adults from 28 countries.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 2, 2019

A new lens for life-searching space telescopes

University of Arizona researchers have developed a new lens technology that can collect more light and search for signs of life on 1,000 exoplanets. The Nautilus telescope array will be powerful enough to characterize planets from 1,000 light years away, providing valuable insights into the complexity of exo-earths.

Finding new knowledge in history -- evaluating seven decades of ex situ seed regeneration

Researchers at Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research analyzed historical phenotypic data from the Federal Ex situ Gene Bank to develop statistical models leveraging maximal information from available datasets. The study provides blueprint strategies for correlated dataset preparation, complementing passport inform...