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Science News Archive August 2019 - Page 10


Page 10 of 38

Can researchers engage safely with the food industry?

A study by researchers at the University of Queensland and University of Cambridge found high levels of agreement among scientists and research stakeholders on principles to prevent conflicts of interest with the food industry. However, there is ongoing debate about what constitutes acceptable interactions and funding arrangements.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 23, 2019

Researchers use machine learning to teach robots how to trek through unknown terrains

A team of Australian researchers has designed a reliable strategy for testing physical abilities of humanoid robots using machine learning methods and algorithms. The findings have promising implications in the broad use of humanoid robots in fields such as healthcare, education, disaster response, and entertainment.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateAug 23, 2019

New approaches to heal injured nerves

A team from Ruhr-University Bochum has deciphered a new mechanism that enables the regeneration of nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. By eliminating the inhibiting protein PTEN, researchers can partially restore regenerative capacity in nerve cells, but direct inhibition is not suitable due to cancer risks.

Exciting new vaccine targets killer disease TB

Researchers have developed a new type of vaccine targeting tuberculosis, providing substantial protection against the deadly disease. The early-stage vaccine was shown to be effective in pre-clinical laboratory settings and demonstrated its ability to stimulate the immune response in the lungs.

SourceCentenary Institute·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateAug 23, 2019

A new method for quantifying crystal semiconductor efficiency

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a new method to quantify the efficiency of crystal semiconductors, a crucial step towards creating more efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and solar cells. The method uses photoluminescence spectroscopy to detect the emitted light energy, providing a unique indicator of the crystal's quality.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAPL Materials·DateAug 23, 2019

Do single people suffer more?

Researchers found that men and women exhibited higher pain thresholds and lower sensory pain ratings when their partners were present. The study suggests that partner empathy can buffer affective distress during pain exposure, even without verbal or physical contact.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalScandinavian Journal of Pain·DateAug 23, 2019

K+ channel study could help develop drugs for life-threatening conditions

TTUHSC researchers engineer mutant channels to capture atomic resolution pictures of ion-bound configurations, providing evidence for the canonical model proposed by Nobel laureate Roderick Mackinnon. This discovery could lead to developing new drugs targeting K+ channels for treating life-threatening conditions.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 23, 2019

Who you see matters: Stroke patients benefit more from observing their own hand movements during therapy

Japanese scientists found that observing one's own hand movements in video-assisted therapy enhances brain activity and speeds up rehabilitation for stroke patients. This technique promotes brain plasticity, allowing the brain to rewire and regain movement and senses.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateAug 23, 2019

Caregivers of people with dementia are losing sleep

Caregivers of people with dementia experience significant sleep loss, estimated at 2.5-3.5 hours per week, affecting both their mental and physical health. Simple interventions such as morning sunlight, regular bedtime routines, and moderate exercise can improve caregivers' sleep quality.

SourceBaylor University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 23, 2019

Chemistry in motion

For the first time, researchers have visualized chemical processes in unprecedented detail using molecular electron microscopy. This breakthrough allows for the observation of discrete stages in chemical reactions, which could aid in the development of methods to synthesize chemicals with greater control and precision.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 23, 2019

Switching on the Atlantic heat pump

Researchers found that a dramatic increase in North Atlantic salinity caused the Arctic-Atlantic gateway to close, preventing ocean-sinking and kickstarting the modern circulation. The study suggests that changes in the Atlantic conveyor belt could dramatically alter Europe's climate in a future warm world.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2019

High diversity of harvestmen in Atlantic Rainforest and ancient geological events

The study found that ancient geological events, such as mountain range uplift and river formation, drove the emergence of new species of harvestmen in the southern portion of the Atlantic Rainforest. This discovery challenges the assumption that climate fluctuations are the primary cause of high biodiversity in this biome.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateAug 22, 2019