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Science News Archive December 2019 - Page 13


Page 13 of 36

Asthma severity linked to microbiome of upper airway

Researchers found that children with mild to moderate asthma who experienced worsening symptoms had distinct bacterial groups in their upper airways, while those with well-controlled asthma had different bacteria. Altering the airway microbiome could potentially help patients with asthma.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 16, 2019

Study finds flirting among coworkers can reduce stress

A new study from Washington State University found that employees who experience friendly and light-hearted flirtation at work tend to feel better about themselves and have lower stress levels. The research suggests that overly restrictive policies on workplace sexual behavior may be missing the mark and could even make situations worse.

SourceWashington State University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateDec 16, 2019

Survey shows link between psychological safety and use of infection prevention practices

A survey of US acute care hospitals found that those with high psychological safety levels were more likely to adopt infection prevention practices requiring staff to speak up and challenge customs. This association suggests that creating a psychologically safe environment can enhance the effectiveness of infection control programs.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·DateDec 16, 2019

The uncertain role of natural gas in the transition to clean energy

A new MIT study examines the opposing roles of natural gas in the battle against climate change, as a bridge toward a lower-emissions future and a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. To meet greenhouse gas reduction targets over the coming decade, present methods of controlling methane leakage would have to improve by 30-90 percent.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateDec 16, 2019

Laser-based prototype probes cold atom dynamics

Researchers develop a new industrial laser system to study cold atom dynamics in space. By doubling the frequencies of widely used telecommunications lasers, their design enables accurate measurements of subtle variations in the Earth's gravitational field.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateDec 16, 2019

A new gene therapy strategy, courtesy of Mother Nature

Scientists have developed a new gene-therapy technique using exosomes to communicate with other cells, which has shown promising results in slowing tumor growth and prolonging survival in mice with gliomas. The technology relies on patented technology that prompts human cells to produce nanocarriers containing a drug.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateDec 16, 2019

All roads lead to migraine

A recent study published in Cephalalgia found that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and sildenafil both provoke migraine attacks in patients, with no differences in clinical characteristics. The study suggests that these drugs may act through a single molecular pathway, offering potential for new preventive therapeutics.

SourceInternational Headache Society·JournalCephalalgia·DateDec 16, 2019

Cold-flu interactions

Researchers analyzed respiratory illness cases and found competition between respiratory viruses may explain declining common cold infections during winter. This finding can help improve forecasting and understanding of circulation trends and infection risks.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2019

How minds make meaning

The mind composes meanings from separate words through a dynamic interaction between brain regions, using multi-modal cues. Humans and artificial intelligence systems differ in representing meaning, with humans using contextual knowledge and emotional cues.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateDec 16, 2019

Orca predation and salmon body size

A study by Jan Ohlberger and colleagues found that orca predation contributes to more rapid growth, earlier maturation, and a 9% decrease in Chinook salmon body size. The impact is particularly pronounced on larger, older fish, highlighting the need for reconciling marine mammal conservation with management of Chinook salmon populations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2019

Free tool simplifies cancer research

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a new tool that provides more reliable and precise results in identifying protein targets for cancer drugs. The tool uses a database of experimentally determined data to analyze the effects of different drugs on various types of cancer cells.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 16, 2019

Unveiling a new map that reveals the hidden personalities of jobs

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has created a data-driven 'vocation compass' that suggests different occupations tend to have distinct personality profiles. The research used Twitter data to group similar jobs together, revealing that software programmers and scientists are often open to exp...

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2019

Fish consumption and mercury exposure in pregnant women in coastal Florida

A study conducted by Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute found that pregnant women in coastal Florida have higher mercury concentrations in their hair due to fish consumption, particularly from the Indian River Lagoon. The study also highlighted the importance of education on safe seafood sources and spe...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateDec 16, 2019

Hydrogels control inflammation to help healing

Researchers have developed injectable hydrogels that can tune the body's inflammatory response, promoting or reducing inflammation as needed. The study found that positively charged hydrogels triggered stronger responses for wound-healing and cancer treatment, while negatively charged gels were better suited for drug delivery.

SourceRice University·JournalBiomaterials·DateDec 16, 2019

Spinning inequality

A study published in BMJ found that papers with male lead authors were up to 21% more likely to use positive framing in titles and abstracts, resulting in 13% more citations. This disparity affects not only research perception but also career advancement for female scientists.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 16, 2019

What happens to gold nanoparticles in cells?

Researchers found gold nanoparticles undergo significant transformations after a few weeks in cellular environments. They revealed mechanisms of detoxification and cell protection, also seen in the degradation of other nanomaterials.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 16, 2019