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Science News Archive August 2019 - Page 12


Page 12 of 38

Yale researchers detect unreported Zika outbreak

Researchers detected a large unreported Zika outbreak in Cuba during 2017, using virus genomics and travel patterns to identify the outbreak. The study suggests that effective mosquito control campaigns can delay outbreaks, emphasizing the need for alternative detection methods when local case reporting is limited.

SourceYale University·JournalCell·DateAug 22, 2019

Quantum gravity's tangled time

Researchers have successfully described what happens when a massive object is placed in a quantum superposition state near clocks, defying classical descriptions. This discovery reveals that quantum time order can arise, leading to new physical effects and potential applications for quantum technologies.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2019

'100-year' floods will happen every 1 to 30 years, according to new flood maps

Researchers at Princeton University have created new maps that predict coastal flooding for every county on the Eastern and Gulf Coasts. The study finds that 100-year floods could become annual occurrences in Northern coastal towns, primarily due to sea level rise. In more southern latitudes, storms are expected to increase in strength...

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 22, 2019

Genetic diversity couldn't save Darwin's finches

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati discovered that six out of eight extinct Galapagos finch populations had higher genetic diversity than their surviving counterparts. This finding suggests that genetic diversity may not be a reliable predictor of extinction risk for mobile species like finches.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalConservation Genetics·DateAug 22, 2019

Heavy drinking and HIV don't mix

Researchers found that heavy alcohol consumption is associated with altered immune function among people living with HIV, leading to higher levels of biomarkers linked to mortality. The study highlights the potential harms of heavy drinking on people with HIV and emphasizes the need for further research.

New report finds 100% juice helps improve children's diet quality

A new report by pediatrician Dr. Robert D. Murray supports the inclusion of 100% juice in a healthy diet, citing positive attributes such as retaining key nutrients and bioactives. The study also found that consuming both whole fruit and juice is essential for meeting daily-recommended fruit servings and improving overall diet quality.

SourceKellen Communications - NY·JournalJournal of the American College of Nutrition·DateAug 22, 2019

Early life on Earth limited by enzyme

A study proposes that the nitrogenase enzyme, essential for photosynthesis, blocked its own activity at 2% atmospheric oxygen levels, stabilizing oxygen levels for nearly two billion years. This negative feedback loop prevented further oxygen production and explains why oxygen levels rose to today's levels.

Systemic failures in public health system led to deaths in elderly patients

A leading public health expert warns of systemic failures in the public health system that led to the deaths of 17 elderly patients. The expert draws parallels with two major incidents in the mid-1980s, highlighting the need for strengthened public health and better links between the NHS and local government.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateAug 22, 2019

CRISPR-responsive hydrogel system offers programmable approach to smart biomaterials

Researchers developed a CRISPR-responsive hydrogel system that can be programmed to release compounds, nanoparticles, or live cells in response to specific DNA targets. The system's sensitivity and versatility make it suitable for various biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, bio-electronics, and biosensing.

The case for managed retreat

Managed retreat can achieve societal goals like community revitalization, equity, and sustainability. However, barriers include financial constraints and psychological issues, which must be addressed through strategic planning and social programs. Implementing equitable relocation policies is crucial to ensure the most vulnerable house...

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·DateAug 22, 2019

Super-powered immune cells

Researchers are conducting a phase 1 clinical trial using CAR-T cells, which have been shown to attack and kill cancers. The goal is to learn more about how these super-powered immune cells interact with solid tumors to develop effective treatments for various types of cancer.

Shocking rate of plant extinctions in South Africa

According to a study published in Current Biology, 79 plants have been confirmed extinct from South Africa's three biodiversity hotspots since 1700, representing 45.4% of all known plant extinctions from 10 world hotspots. The main drivers for these extinctions are agriculture, urbanisation, and invasive species.

SourceStellenbosch University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 22, 2019

Lower levels of dietary vitamins and antioxidants are linked to frailty in older adults

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin found that lower levels of specific vitamins and antioxidants are consistently associated with frailty in older adults. The study also suggests that micronutrient insufficiencies may act as an easily modified marker for frailty, offering new potential treatments.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalJournal of the American Medical Directors Association·DateAug 22, 2019