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Science News Archive December 2019 - Page 2


Page 2 of 36

A fragile balance

Researchers found that changes in deep-water circulation occurred around 7,000 years ago, influencing CO2 levels in the atmosphere. This discovery highlights the importance of studying past climate change and suggests future climate change could lead to increased CO2 release from Southern Ocean.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019

Diet has rapid effects on sperm quality

A new study by researchers at Linköping University found that a diet rich in sugar can rapidly affect sperm motility and quality. After two weeks of consumption, the sperm motility of all participants became normal, suggesting a close link between diet and fertility.

SourceLinköping University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 27, 2019

Evolution: Revelatory relationship

A new study supports the idea that hydrogen played a crucial role in the emergence of eukaryotes, the first nucleated cells. The research suggests that the Lokiarchaeota, an enigmatic group of microorganisms, use hydrogen for metabolism, providing evidence for the 'hydrogen hypothesis' of eukaryote evolution.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Microbiology·DateDec 27, 2019

Transcendental Meditation prevents abnormal enlargement of the heart, reduces chronic heart failure

A randomized controlled study found that Transcendental Meditation prevents abnormal enlargement of the heart and reduces chronic heart failure in African Americans. The study tested 85 hypertensive participants who practiced TM or received health education controls, with significant reductions in cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.

SourceMaharishi International University·JournalEthnicity & Disease·DateDec 26, 2019

Proton therapy lowers risk of side effects in cancer compared to traditional radiation

Researchers found proton therapy significantly lowers the risk of severe side effects such as hospitalization, while maintaining similar cure rates and effectiveness compared to traditional photon radiation. The study suggests proton therapy offers a way to reduce serious side effects without sacrificing treatment efficacy.

Paving the way for spintronic RAMs: A deeper look into a powerful spin phenomenon

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a novel strategy to exploit spin-related phenomena in topological materials, achieving a giant unidirectional spin Hall magnetoresistance ratio of over 1%. This breakthrough could lead to the development of spintronics and outperform current storage devices with improved power cons...

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateDec 26, 2019

High BMI may improve cancer survival

Researchers found that patients with high body mass index (BMI) responded better to atezolizumab, a common immunotherapy treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This unexpected result may lead to further investigation into the potential link between BMI and inflammation in cancer treatment outcomes.

SourceFlinders University·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 26, 2019

Seeing the new Star Wars? Be careful what you wish for

A new study found that people who went into the movie with low expectations actually had lower overall enjoyment, contrary to those who expected less but were pleasantly surprised. Researchers surveyed 441 participants before and after seeing The Last Jedi and found that negative bias can drag down even positive reactions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Media Psychology Theories Methods and Applications·DateDec 26, 2019

How can groups apologize sincerely? It's going to cost them

A study by Kobe University found that group apologies perceived as more genuine when costly to the organization, similar to individual apologies. The research used fMRI brain scans and participant ratings to determine that costly apologies activated key brain regions associated with cognitive empathy and intention processing.

SourceKobe University·JournalSocial Neuroscience·DateDec 25, 2019

Intermittent fasting: live 'fast,' live longer?

A review article published in The New England Journal of Medicine suggests that intermittent fasting can improve blood sugar regulation, increase resistance to stress, and suppress inflammation. Studies have shown that this adaptation may trigger a slower metabolic process, which can lead to weight loss and reduced belly fat.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 25, 2019

Why isn't there a vaccine for staph?

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that T cells play a critical role in protecting against staph infections. The study suggests activating untapped immune cells and immunizing infants before birth to block toxin effects. This new approach shows promise for developing an effective staph vaccine.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 24, 2019

Preoperative levels of heart proteins may help predict death or cardiac complications in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery

A cohort study found that preoperative N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) concentrations were independently associated with vascular death or myocardial injury at 30 days after surgery. Preoperative NT-proBNP thresholds improved discrimination and risk stratification for patients undergoing noncardiac surgery.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateDec 24, 2019