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Science News for August 8, 2019


Teens feel pressured to get pregnant

A new study found that nearly one in eight female adolescents between ages 14 and 19 experienced reproductive coercion, a form of abuse where a woman is pressured to become pregnant against her wishes. The study also highlights the need for clinicians to understand how to spot relationship abuse in younger patients.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateAug 8, 2019

Pairing prediction and production in AI-informed robotic flow synthesis

Researchers present an integrated strategy for computer-augmented chemical synthesis, successfully yielding 15 different medicinally related small molecules. Their AI-informed, robotically controlled platform has the potential to greatly improve the synthesis of complex molecules, reducing manual labor and increasing scalability.

Researchers discover oldest fossil forest in Asia

Researchers have uncovered the oldest fossil forest in Asia, spanning 250,000 square meters and featuring lycopsid trees with branchless trunks. The discovery provides insights into the early evolution of plants and their adaptability to coastal environments.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 8, 2019

Persistent plume

Scientists studied a massive wildfire smoke plume that lasted for nearly nine months, providing an ideal opportunity to test climate models. The findings show that black carbon was key to the plume's rapid rise and persistence, challenging previous nuclear winter studies.

New perovskite material shows early promise as an alternative to silicon

Researchers at OIST have discovered a new configuration of the inorganic perovskite material CsPbI3, which efficiently creates electricity and has been stabilized in a way that competes with industry-leading materials. The material's conversion efficiency was increased from 15% to 18% after treatment with choline iodide.

The world's smallest stent

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method for producing highly detailed structures measuring less than 100 micrometres, enabling the creation of the world's smallest stent with shape-memory properties. The stent has shown promising initial findings and could potentially open the door to minimally invasive surgery.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateAug 8, 2019

Is giant cell arteritis associated with race?

A recent study by Anna M. Gruener et al., published in JAMA Ophthalmology, investigated the association between giant cell arteritis and race. The researchers found a significant association between the disorder and certain ethnic groups, with increased risk observed in African Americans, Hispanics, and individuals of mixed ancestry.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateAug 8, 2019

Moffitt researchers identify subtypes of squamous cell lung cancer

Moffitt researchers identified three subtypes of squamous cell lung cancer (SCC) with distinct genetic, chromosomal, and protein alterations. The inflamed subtype is characterized by immune cell infiltration and higher PD-1 levels, while the redox subtype has altered oxidation-reduction signaling pathways. These subtypes did not correl...

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 8, 2019

Analysis and detoxification in one step

A Thai research team has created a novel approach for simultaneously detecting and detoxifying harmful phenol compounds in one step. The innovative technique leverages natural enzymatic reactions to convert toxic chemicals into luciferin, a bioluminescent compound produced by fireflies.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 8, 2019

Lassa virus' soft spot revealed

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology identified the molecular properties of antibodies that neutralize Lassa virus. By understanding these properties, they can create a map for rational vaccine design, aiming to develop effective treatments or vaccines against this deadly disease.

Reevaluating the impacts of smoke plumes aloft, based on the 2017 Pacific Northwest wildfires

Researchers compared observations with model simulations, revealing gaps in smoke plume rise and duration modeling. The study found that solar heating warmed air within the plume, causing it to self-loft to nearly 23 kilometers, but observed smoke lifetime was 40% shorter than calculated models due to photochemical loss of organic carbon.

Migration can promote or inhibit cooperation between individuals

A new analysis suggests that migration can promote cooperation among individuals by creating heterogeneous patterns in their spatial distribution. This allows populations to thrive despite the threat of exploitation, as defectors avoid cooperators or form communities with public goods.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 8, 2019

88% decline of big freshwater animals

The study found a significant decline in global freshwater megafauna populations, with large fish species like sturgeons and salmonids facing the highest threats. Conservation efforts have shown some success, but monitoring and protection remain inadequate for many species.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateAug 8, 2019

These sharks use unique molecules to glow green

Researchers have identified a previously unknown family of small-molecule metabolites responsible for the bright green color in sharks' skin, which may also aid in identifying other sharks and fighting microbial infections. The discovery opens new questions about the potential functions of biofluorescence in shark biology.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateAug 8, 2019

Two-in-one contrast agent for medical imaging

A Belgian team developed a two-in-one contrast agent for medical imaging, combining MRI and photoacoustic imaging techniques. The bimodal probe enhances sensitivity while minimizing risks for patients.

SourceWiley·JournalEuropean Journal of Inorganic Chemistry·DateAug 8, 2019

Fluoride may diminish kidney and liver function in adolescents, study suggests

A recent study published by Mount Sinai researchers found that fluoride exposure may contribute to complex changes in kidney and liver function among youth in the US. The findings suggest that adolescents with poorer kidney or liver function may absorb more fluoride, highlighting potential health concerns.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalEnvironment International·DateAug 8, 2019

Fighting child diarrhea

A simple, electricity-independent device has been proven effective in reducing child diarrhea rates by up to 23% in developing countries. The Aquatabs Flo technology uses precise chlorine dosing to purify water without compromising taste, offering a promising solution to control the second-leading cause of death for children globally.

SourceStanford University·JournalThe Lancet Global Health·DateAug 8, 2019

Control theory: Mother nature is an engineer

A University of Arizona research team discovered complex biochemical circuits in cells that follow control theory principles, controlling growth in response to nutrient availability. The study found that the TOR and PKA pathways work together like a thermostat, with one pathway speeding up response and the other maintaining stability.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 8, 2019

The reasons behind aerosol pollution over the eastern slope of the Tibetan Plateau

A combination of local emissions, transport from outside the region, and terrain-driven circulation contribute to high aerosol loading over the eastern slope of the Tibetan Plateau. The study highlights the need for understanding aerosol transport processes and physical mechanisms to mitigate environmental risks.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateAug 8, 2019

Decoding touch

A study at Harvard Medical School's Blavatnik Institute has identified molecular aberrations causing heightened touch sensitivity in autism and points to a possible treatment. The research, conducted in mice, shows that an experimental compound mitigated abnormal touch sensitivity while improving body mass and alleviating anxiety.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateAug 8, 2019

Leaping larvae! How do they do that without legs?

Researchers at Duke University discovered that gall midge larvae use a hydrostatic legless jumping mechanism, which allows them to launch themselves through the air with incredible speed and efficiency. This remarkable behavior is made possible by sticky patches of skin on the larva's body, similar to those found on geckos' feet.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 8, 2019

Study finds changes in mindset key to helping college students exercise more

Researchers surveyed 135 college students and found that viewing exercise as a stress outlet can significantly increase their willingness to exercise. The most important factor in sustaining this habit was behavioral confidence, including visualization of future performance and external sources of encouragement.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateAug 8, 2019

Reducing exposure to opioids after cesarean delivery

Researchers at Kaiser Permanente discovered that allowing women to eat and move sooner after surgery improves recovery, reduces opioid exposure, and enhances breastfeeding experiences. The study's Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program led to a significant decrease in opioid use without increased pain or hospital stay.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateAug 8, 2019

Does cable news shape your views?

A new MIT study finds that partisan news coverage has a bigger impact on viewers without strong media preferences, while those with strong preferences may be less influenced. The study suggests that certain types of political media affect different populations in varying manners.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateAug 8, 2019

How maggots leap without legs

Researchers discovered that Asphondylia maggots use microscopic hairs to latch onto surfaces, forming a temporary leg to launch themselves into the air. This unique mechanism allows them to catapult themselves up to 121mm in just a few seconds, saving energy compared to crawling.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateAug 8, 2019