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Science News Archive December 2019 - Page 10


Page 10 of 36

A self-healing sweat sensor (video)

Researchers have developed a self-healing sweat sensor that can withstand vigorous exercise and quickly repair itself if damaged. The device, in the form of a headband, accurately tracks electrolyte concentrations in sweat, providing valuable insights into a person's health.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 18, 2019

SMU develops efficient methods to simulate how electromagnetic waves interact with devices

Researchers at Southern Methodist University have developed a more efficient algorithm to simulate the interaction of electromagnetic waves with devices, reducing simulation time from days to hours. This breakthrough has significant implications for various scientific fields, including biology, astronomy, and military applications.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics·DateDec 18, 2019

Scientists find way to supercharge protein production

Researchers at WashU Medicine have developed a method to supercharge protein production up to a thousandfold, which could significantly increase the production of protein-based drugs, vaccines, and biomaterials. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce costs and improve efficiency in various industries.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2019

Engaging with the arts linked to longer life

A study of over 6,000 UK adults aged 50+ found that regular engagement with the arts was associated with a lower risk of death. The more frequently people participated in arts activities, the greater the protective effect, with those attending arts events once or twice a year having a 14% lower risk of dying.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 18, 2019

Australian desalination plant attracts fish

A large desalination plant in Sydney, Australia, has been found to attract certain species of fish, increasing their abundance at the discharge site. The researchers suggest that turbulence caused by high-pressure release of salty solution may be responsible for this effect.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 18, 2019

Immune to influence

Researchers from the University of Konstanz conducted an experimental study on how vaccination arguments propagate in online chains. The study found that existing vaccination beliefs are resilient to radicalization and do not become more extreme even when exposed to opposing views. This has significant implications for public health, h...

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalVaccine·DateDec 18, 2019

Fluorescence spectroscopy helps to evaluate meat quality

Scientists developed a new method to evaluate meat quality using fluorescence spectroscopy, which is precise in classifying meat into standard quality categories. The method detects specific compounds that emit light of a specific frequency range, agreeing with the assumption that connective and adipose tissue make meat more tender.

SourceSechenov University·JournalJournal of Biophotonics·DateDec 18, 2019

Different mutations in a single gene can wreak many types of havoc in brain cells

A study found that different mutations in a single gene can cause various problems in brain cells. Researchers discovered that even healthy proteins may interfere with mutant proteins' actions, leading to irregular neuronal firing. The findings emphasize the importance of understanding each mutation for personalized medicine.

Teen overdoses from anxiety drug rising

A national study found a significant rise in teens taking and overdosing on benzodiazepines, commonly prescribed anxiety medications. The rate of exposure among adolescents increased by 54% between 2000 and 2015, with nearly half of all reported exposures documented as intentional abuse or misuse.

SourceRutgers University·JournalClinical Toxicology·DateDec 17, 2019

How cells get moving

A research team has identified essential proteins for archaeal motility and its structure, revealing a complex protein complex that enables archaella to swim. The discovery provides insights into the unique mechanism of archaeal movement, distinct from bacterial flagellum-based locomotion.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Microbiology·DateDec 17, 2019

Taking an X-ray of an atomic bond

Researchers have developed a new technique to study electron behavior in atomic bonds using resonant x-ray reflectivity. This method allows for the measurement of individual elements' contributions to their shared bond, providing insights into the degree of covalent and ionic bonding.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 17, 2019

How immune cells switch to attack mode

Macrophages change their metabolism drastically after coming into contact with bacteria, triggering an inflammatory response. This process involves the activation of Toll-like receptors, which leads to histone acetylation and changes in gene expression.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalImmunity·DateDec 17, 2019