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Science News for August 5, 2019


Is it safe to use an electric fan for cooling?

New research from the University of Sydney suggests that electric fans can be beneficial in hot, humid conditions but detrimental in dry conditions. The study calls into question current guidelines recommending fan use only when temperature rises above 35 degrees Celsius.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 5, 2019

Young teens of color more likely to avoid peers with mental illness

Research reveals that students identifying as black or Latino are more likely to socially distance themselves from peers with a mental illness, indicating persistent mental illness stigma. Targeted anti-stigma interventions may benefit boys of color and Latina girls, who exhibit higher levels of discomfort around mental illness.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Journal of Orthopsychiatry·DateAug 5, 2019

Polyoxometalate-based coordination frameworks for CH4 generation in photoreduction of CO2

Researchers have developed polyoxometalate-based coordination frameworks that selectively reduce CO2 to methane with high photocatalytic activity. The integration of polyoxometalates and metalloporphyrin coordination frameworks enhances the reduction efficiency, allowing for the efficient conversion of CO2 to a valuable hydrocarbon fuel.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 5, 2019

Dry feed for superfood producers

Researchers investigated how insects, such as crickets and locusts, respond to different dry feed variants containing cornstarch, protein-rich cowpea leaves and vitamin-enriched carrot powder. The study found immense species-specific differences in metabolism and digestion between the two insect species.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAnimal Feed Science and Technology·DateAug 5, 2019

Biomarkers confirm higher incidence of thyroid cancer among World Trade Center responders

A method developed by Brazilian and US researchers confirms a three-fold increase in thyroid cancer incidence among WTC responders compared to the general population. The four-biomarker panel distinguishes between malignant and benign tumors with no false positive results, enabling early detection and treatment.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateAug 5, 2019

Twelve centuries of European summer droughts

A study of 12 centuries of European summer droughts reveals that recent changes in drought patterns are not unprecedented. The research team found that climate models exaggerate temperature-driven drought risk in northern Europe, while underestimating excessive precipitation and flood risks.

SourceStockholm University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 5, 2019

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine: Electric fans not safe for relieving the heat when temperatures are high and humidity is low

Research from the University of Sydney found that electric fans lowered core temperature and cardiovascular strain in hot, humid conditions, but were detrimental in very hot, dry conditions. The study highlights the limitations of using heat index values to recommend fan use during heat waves.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 5, 2019

Fertilizer feast and famine

A UC Davis study highlights the need for a coordinated international policy to address the global nitrogen problem. The research suggests that applying fertilizers more precisely, removing pollution from the environment, and empowering consumers to think about sustainable food options can help alleviate the issue.

Solid fuel use in northern China

A study in northern China suggests replacing solid fuels with electricity or natural gas can substantially reduce air pollution emissions and wintertime indoor particulate matter concentrations. Successful replacement of 60% or more households could lead to significant health benefits, lowering PM levels from 209 μg/m3 to 125 μg/m3.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2019

Paper trail leads to heart valve discoveries

Researchers create paper-based structures that mimic aortic valves, allowing them to study how calcifying diseases slow or stop hearts from functioning. The device helps understand the chemical transactions in heart disease and may eventually lead to non-invasive medication.

SourceRice University·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateAug 5, 2019

Overweight, obesity in children across Europe

A comprehensive review of 103 studies involving nearly 478,000 European children aged 2-13 found that nearly 20% were obese and over 15% were overweight. The study highlights the urgent need for effective prevention strategies to address childhood obesity in Europe.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateAug 5, 2019

BU researchers use amazon reviews and AI to predict product recalls

A new study uses AI to predict food product recalls from Amazon reviews with 74-percent accuracy, identifying thousands of potentially unsafe products. The researchers trained an existing AI called BERT on customer reviews to identify recalled foods and found terms associated with FDA recalls in 20,000 other reviews.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateAug 5, 2019

Symphony of genes

A recent study in Nature Ecology and Evolution found that gene arrangements in the genome have played a key role in animal evolution. The researchers discovered that genes present together in several species are also active in the same cells, highlighting a new perspective on investigating cell type identities.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 5, 2019

Rice lab produces simple fluorescent surfactants

Researchers at Rice University have developed a set of eight fluorescent surfactants that can capture images of single nanotubes or cells using fluorescent microscopy. These compounds show promise for use in medicine, manufacturing, water purification and biomedical applications.

SourceRice University·JournalPure and Applied Chemistry·DateAug 5, 2019

Accelerating development of STT-MRAM

Researchers at Tohoku University have successfully observed the microscopic chemical bonding state of ultrathin MgO using AR-HAXPES. This breakthrough could lead to improved MgO quality and accelerated development of STT-MRAM, a non-volatile memory with high-performance and low power consumption.

SourceTohoku University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 5, 2019

The front line of environmental violence

A University of Queensland study found that environmental defenders are being killed at an alarming rate due to conflict over natural resources. The research highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability from corporations and governments in protecting these defenders.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Sustainability·DateAug 5, 2019

Missing link in algal photosynthesis found, offers opportunity to improve crop yields

Researchers from Louisiana State University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the process of photosynthesis, shedding light on a long-standing puzzle. The study reveals three transport proteins that facilitate the movement of bicarbonate into the compartment where Rubisco resides, a crucial step in carbon dioxide fixation. This b...

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2019

MSI detection via liquid biopsy shows high concordance with results from tissue samples

A liquid biopsy assay demonstrated high accuracy in detecting microsatellite instability (MSI) status in cancer patients, with an overall accuracy of 98.4%. The study showed that the assay could identify MSI-high tumors and predict clinical outcomes, offering potential benefits for personalized treatment planning.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateAug 5, 2019

Deciphering pancreatic cancer's invade and evade tactics

Two known gene mutations, KRAS and TP53, induce pathways that enhance pancreatic cancer's ability to invade tissues and evade the immune system. Mutations in these genes are closely linked to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, a type of pancreatic cancer with a low five-year survival rate.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2019