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Science News Archive December 2019 - Page 29


Page 29 of 36

Studying water quality with satellites and public data

A team from Colorado State University has created a novel dataset, AquaSat, by merging large public datasets of water quality observations with satellite imagery. This 'symphony of data' provides over 6 million water quality observations, unlocking powerful new applications in remote sensing of water quality. The study aims to improve ...

SourceColorado State University·JournalWater Resources Research·DateDec 4, 2019

How do world's smallest sea turtles become stranded in Cape Cod?

Researchers used computer simulations to investigate wind and water conditions that cause Kemp's ridley sea turtles to become stranded on beaches in Cape Cod. The study found that turtles are more likely to strand when water temperatures drop below 10.5°C and winds blow with high wind stress.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 4, 2019

Untangling the branches in the mammal tree of life

Researchers at Yale University unveil a new approach to reconstructing the evolutionary tree of life for mammals, revealing why some branches are weighed down with thousands of species while others hold just a few. The study provides comprehensive information about species diversity and relationships, past and present.

SourceYale University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 4, 2019

Incumbent CEOs working with new CFOs earn 10% more money

A recent study from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business found that incumbent CEOs working with newly hired CFOs (co-opted CFOs) take home an average of 10% more compensation. This is attributed to the CEO's power over the CFO, who may be pressured to manage earnings to meet or exceed financial analyst targets, ultimately driving...

SourceDuke University·JournalManagement Science·DateDec 4, 2019

Birds are shrinking as the climate warms

Over 40 years of data show that migratory birds have been getting smaller as the climate warms. The birds' body masses, leg bone lengths, and overall body sizes all decreased, while their wingspans increased, likely linked to rising temperatures.

SourceField Museum·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 4, 2019

Impact of lifestyle behaviors in early childhood on obesity

A study of 1,480 children found that limited TV time and low ultra-processed food consumption are associated with lower obesity risks. High physical activity, sleep duration, and plant-based food consumption also contribute to a reduced likelihood of developing overweight or obesity.

SourceWiley·JournalPediatric Obesity·DateDec 4, 2019

First giant planet around white dwarf found

Researchers using ESO's Very Large Telescope have discovered a giant planet orbiting a hot white dwarf star, stripping away its atmosphere to form a disc. The system's unique properties provide clues to the composition of exoplanet atmospheres and challenge our understanding of planetary systems' final fate.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019

Non-adiabatic dynamics of strongly driven diffusive Josephson junctions

A team of researchers from the University of Jyvaskyla and others have studied the out-of-equilibrium dynamical state induced by microwave photon absorption in diffusive Superconductor-Normal metal-Superconductor junctions. Strong anharmonicity of the current-phase relation arises under illumination, driven by non-adiabatic transitions.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateDec 4, 2019

Teens must 'get smart' about social media

A recent study found that platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are linked to disordered eating behaviors in young girls and boys. The research suggests that social media use is associated with a higher likelihood of disordered eating thoughts and behaviors, particularly among those who spend more time on these platforms.

SourceFlinders University·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateDec 4, 2019

Police killings of unarmed black Americans may have health impacts for nearby unborn black infants

A new study suggests that police killings of unarmed Black Americans during pregnancy can lead to smaller birth weights and shorter gestational ages in nearby unborn Black infants. This unique effect is thought to be driven by perceived injustice, discrimination, and fear related to the killings.

Being active reduces risk of prostate cancer

A large study published in International Journal of Epidemiology found that being more active reduces the risk of prostate cancer. Men with a specific DNA variation associated with increased physical activity had a 51% reduced risk, suggesting overall physical activity may play a larger role than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateDec 4, 2019

Reprogramming inner ear to regrow hair cells promising target for hearing loss treatments

Researchers discovered a way to reprogram mature inner ear cells to proliferate and regenerate hair-cell-like cells in adult mice. This breakthrough could lead to the development of treatments to restore hearing in people with hearing loss. The study provides hope for regrowing sensory hair cells and other important inner ear cell types.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2019

How plants harness 'bad' molecules for good ends

Researchers have identified a complex molecular interaction between reactive oxygen species and protein RITF1 that regulates root growth in the small flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana. This discovery could lead to more efficient crop development for different soil types, optimizing productivity.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019

Once-a-month oral contraceptive could improve patient adherence

Researchers developed a drug delivery system that expands in the stomach and releases levonorgestrel over one month, providing an alternative to daily pill schedules. The platform has the potential to improve adherence rates, especially in low-income countries where cultural and economic barriers hinder long-acting contraceptive use.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateDec 4, 2019

Does weight loss surgery affect colorectal cancer risk?

A study published in the International Journal of Cancer suggests that weight loss surgery may increase the risk of colon cancer. Patients who underwent such surgery had a higher risk of colon cancer compared to the general population, especially over time.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateDec 4, 2019