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Science News Archive December 2019 - Page 26


Page 26 of 36

Infant morbidity decreases with incentive-based prenatal tobacco interventions

A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus reveals that incentive-based smoking cessation programs can significantly reduce infant morbidity and mortality. The Baby & Me Tobacco Free program provided financial incentives to pregnant women, resulting in a 24-28% reduction in preterm birth and neonatal ICU admiss...

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalPublic Health Nursing·DateDec 6, 2019

UM-led experiment closes critical gap in weather forecasting

A UM-led experiment has shown promise in improving subseasonal weather forecasting, providing critical lead time for natural hazards like heat waves and polar vortex. The SubX project aims to provide better subseasonal forecasts to the National Weather Service, using complex computer models and large data infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateDec 6, 2019

Breakthrough in battle against invasive plants

Researchers developed a global database to predict invasive plant populations, finding that species from disturbed environments are more likely to become invasive. The study suggests avoiding the export of these species, which can cause harm to people, industry, and wildlife worldwide.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2019

Hire more LGBTQ and disabled astronomers or risk falling behind, review finds

A new review analysis published in Nature Astronomy finds that increasing diversity among astronomers can lead to significant research discoveries and improved innovation. The study highlights progress in gender equity, with initiatives such as the Pleiades Awards leading to a culture change in Australian astronomy.

Researchers add order to polymer gels

Researchers have created a new polymer gel with an ordered structure, allowing for potential uses in chemical filters, sensors, and drug release. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in various fields by providing a more consistent material.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 6, 2019

A new view for glasses

Researchers at The University of Tokyo introduced a new physical model that predicts the dynamics of glassy materials based solely on their local degree of atomic structural order. This theory greatly improves our understanding of how glassy liquids become more viscous on cooling, with potential applications in manufacturing.

Reducing risk in AI and machine learning-based medical technology

The article highlights the need for regulators to prioritize continuous monitoring and risk assessment in managing AI/ML-based medical technology. The authors suggest that less emphasis should be placed on planning for future algorithm changes, and instead focus on developing new processes to identify and manage associated risks.

SourceINSEAD·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2019

New instrument extends LIGO's reach

The new instrument has helped scientists pick out dozens of gravitational wave signals, including one from a binary neutron star merger. This extended range has enabled LIGO to detect gravitational waves on an almost weekly basis, with the detectors now reaching distances of over 400 million light years.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 5, 2019

How much will we eat in the future?

Researchers at Göttingen University predict a significant increase in global calorie requirements by 2100, driven by rising Body Mass Index (BMI) and body height. This could lead to food shortages and exacerbate malnutrition among the poor if not addressed.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 5, 2019

Young people with IBD five times more likely to develop serious infections

A new study published in the UEG Journal found that young patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at a higher risk of developing severe viral infections. Clinically active IBD and immunomodulators used to treat the condition are identified as main drivers of infection, with thiopurines increasing the risk by six times.

SourceSAGE·JournalUnited European Gastroenterology Journal·DateDec 5, 2019

A momentous view on the birth of photoelectrons

Researchers at ETH Zurich have made a breakthrough in understanding the interaction between light and matter, revealing how linear momentum is transferred to electrons during ionisation. The study found that the timing of electron 'birth' affects momentum transfer, with additional delays induced by interactions with residual ions.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2019