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Science News Archive August 2019 - Page 13


Page 13 of 38

Unprecedented therapy found effective for blood cancer patients with no treatment options

A clinical trial discovered that selinexor, a novel therapy, effectively knocked down bone marrow cancer in over a quarter of patients, including two who achieved complete remission. The treatment showed promise for patients resistant to multiple therapies and offered new hope for those with limited treatment options.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateAug 21, 2019

Fake news can lead to false memories

Researchers found that nearly half of respondents recalled rich details about fabricated news stories, especially those aligned with their political beliefs. The study suggests that fake news can plant entirely fabricated memories, even after explicit warnings, and that people may be more likely to act on these false memories.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 21, 2019

New study highlights sociodemographic disparities in oral cancer screening rates

A recent study by Brigham researchers found that sociodemographic factors, such as income and race, predict differences in oral cancer screening (OCS) rates. The results show that minority and low-income individuals are less likely to receive recommended OCS exams at dental visits, highlighting disparities in access to quality care.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 21, 2019

Physicists create world's smallest engine

Researchers have built the world's smallest engine, a single calcium ion, which uses random fluctuations to generate vibrations and store energy in discrete units. This tiny motor has potential applications in recycling waste heat and improving energy efficiency in future technologies.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 21, 2019

Omega-3 fats have little or no effect on type 2 diabetes

Researchers analyzed 83 randomized controlled trials involving 121,070 people with and without diabetes. They found that increasing long-chain omega-3 fats had little or no effect on likelihood of diabetes diagnosis or glucose metabolism. In contrast, higher doses of long-chain omega-3 may have negative effects on diabetes risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateAug 21, 2019

Thanks to a world record in tomography, synchrotron radiation can be used to watch how metal foam forms

Scientists have developed a new imaging method called tomoscopy using synchrotron radiation to observe the foaming of liquid metals in great detail. This technique allows for the analysis of dynamic processes with high temporal resolution, providing insights into material distribution and pore formation.

Breaking up is hard to do

Researchers discovered that electrons in copper oxide superconductors continue to pair up even above the critical temperature, reducing the energy gap. This finding constrains theories about high-temperature superconductivity and opens avenues for designing more precise materials.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2019

It's Fab! A hidden touch of antibody

Antibodies recognize viruses and cancer cells via Fab arms, but now researchers know the Fab portion also directly binds to Fc receptors. This discovery opens up a new strategy for developing therapeutic antibodies with enhanced binding properties.

SourceNagoya City University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 21, 2019

Obesity embargo alert for September 2019

Researchers found that frequent interruptions to sitting time with simple resistance activities lowered postprandial insulin responses and insulin:glucose in adults with overweight or obesity. An agent-based model also showed community diffusion strategies as key drivers of pediatric programs for childhood obesity prevention.

SourceThe Obesity Society·JournalObesity·DateAug 21, 2019

Hush, baby -- the dog is whimpering!

A new study reveals that dogs communicate distress more effectively than cats, and pet ownership is associated with increased emotional sensitivity to negative animal vocalizations. Dog whines are rated as sad as human baby cries, while cat meows sound sadder only to cat owners.

SourceAarhus University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 21, 2019

Spaceflight consistently affects the gut

A new Northwestern University study discovered that spaceflight consistently changes the abundance and diversity of gut bacteria in mice. Using a novel analytical tool called STARMAPS, researchers found that spaceflight causes a specific change on the microbiome, but ruled out radiation as the cause.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMicrobiome·DateAug 21, 2019

California's rooftop-solar boom leaves equity gap

A new study finds that California's rooftop-solar adoption is closely correlated with socioeconomic status and health indicators in disadvantaged communities. The study suggests that state programs must target these communities to improve access to clean energy, rather than relying on broad income classifications.

SourcePSE Healthy Energy·JournalEnergy Policy·DateAug 21, 2019

Is it autism? The line is getting increasingly blurry

A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that differences between people with autism and the general population are shrinking over time. The researchers believe that changes in diagnostic criteria, such as a shift from lack of interest in others to simply having fewer friends, are contributing to the apparent increase in prevalence

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateAug 21, 2019

Making it count

Round numbers can significantly increase people's sense of accomplishment when tracking progress towards goals, according to Washington State University research. Studies show that customers feel more accomplished when their progress is expressed in round numbers, particularly at intermediate targets.

SourceWashington State University·JournalMarketing Letters·DateAug 21, 2019