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Science News Archive December 2019 - Page 27


Page 27 of 36

Ecology: Wildfire may benefit forest bats

A study in Scientific Reports found that wildfire severity can increase bat diversity and richness, while pyrodiversity enhances occupancy rates for certain species. The authors suggest that bats may be resilient to increasing wildfires, which could impact conservation strategies.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 5, 2019

Wind and water

Research finds that torrential rains are more severe after a hurricane has weakened to a tropical storm. This counterintuitive finding highlights the importance of considering weakening storms in disaster preparedness plans.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateDec 5, 2019

Three types of cells help the brain tell day from night

Researchers at Salk Institute discover intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) in humans, which respond to blue light and help establish healthy day-night cycles. The study's findings may lead to 'smart' lights that prevent depression, foster sleep, and maintain circadian rhythms.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateDec 5, 2019

Chronic disease prevention could ease opioid crisis

A study from the University of Georgia found that over 90% of opioid-related hospitalizations are among patients with two or more chronic diseases, highlighting the association between chronic disease and opioid misuse. Researchers argue that prioritizing chronic disease prevention could alleviate the opioid epidemic.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateDec 5, 2019

More than a watchdog

New research shows that nerve cells in the gut regulate gut immunity, maintain homeostasis, and provide active protection against infection. Gut neurons activate pain-sensing neurons to release neurochemicals slowing M cell differentiation and boosting SFB microbes, which guard against Salmonella invasion.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·DateDec 5, 2019

Next generation of CAR-T cells possible

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a new approach to programming CAR-T cells that can prolong their activity and increase their effectiveness against human cancer cells. The technique uses ATAC-Seq to understand what happens when T cells become exhausted, and modifying CAR-T cells to restore balance in...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalNature·DateDec 5, 2019

Anti-hepatitis medicine surprises

A new study found that an existing antiviral treatment is effective against both the hepatitis C virus and potentially fatal complications such as reduced liver functioning and cirrhosis. The treatment also improves cognitive function, with patients experiencing improved reaction times.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Viral Hepatitis·DateDec 5, 2019

Preterm birth linked to increased rates of diabetes in children and young adults, with certain effects stronger in females

New research reveals a significant association between preterm birth and an increased risk of developing type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children and young adults. Women born preterm are particularly at higher risk, with a 30% increase in type 2 diabetes risk and a 60% increase in type 1 diabetes risk compared to their male counterparts.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalDiabetologia·DateDec 5, 2019

Rats exchange information about danger in a reciprocal fashion

In a groundbreaking study, researchers found that rats can transfer information about danger to each other in both directions, influencing their responses to threats. The study suggests that this reciprocal exchange of information could enhance the detection of danger within groups, similar to cross-species eavesdropping.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 5, 2019

Obesity surgery improves the heart

A study presented at EuroEcho 2019 found that bariatric surgery significantly improved subclinical heart function, reversing abnormal heart structure and function in obese individuals. The surgery also led to improvements in type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia, resulting in a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

Gulf Coast corals face catastrophe

A new study by Rice University researchers warns that coral reefs in the Gulf of Mexico are on the brink of collapse due to rising temperatures and ocean acidification. The study found that even reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet the Paris Agreement's targets may not be enough to preserve the reefs.

SourceRice University·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateDec 5, 2019

Cancer treatment for patients with HIV

A study found that cancer treatments in HIV patients were linked to decreased immune system health (lower CD4 counts) and higher mortality rates. Nearly 200 patients with both conditions were analyzed, providing valuable insights into the effects of cancer treatment on individuals with HIV.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateDec 5, 2019