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Science News Archive December 2019 - Page 31


Page 31 of 36

Silverswords may be gone with the wind

A new study found that lower elevation Silversword plants are less drought-resistant than higher elevation plants, leading to increased mortality rates. The researchers suggest using suitable habitats for the plants in a changing climate rather than breeding them with drought-resistant genes.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalEcological Monographs·DateDec 4, 2019

Researchers develop method to improve skeleton of common chemicals

A research team at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology has developed a new method for constructing seven- and eight-membered carbocycles, overcoming previous difficulties due to instability. The process uses an internal redox reaction, allowing for the creation of medium-sized carbocycles with favorable formation rates.

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalChemical Communications·DateDec 4, 2019

Living at the edges

Transboundary protected landscapes near the US-Canada border provide vital habitat for lynx and connections with larger Canadian populations. Climate change and increased border security pose significant threats to species conservation.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEcological Applications·DateDec 4, 2019

Solving the mystery of carbon on ocean floor

Researchers at the University of Delaware have discovered a direct link between ancient carbon, graphite particles from hydrothermal vents, and seafloor sediments. This finding sheds new light on the dynamics of the marine carbon cycle, revealing that organic carbon can be converted to graphite at vents.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2019

Air pollution in Taiwan boosts risk of ischemic stroke

A study published in PLOS ONE found that long-term exposure to hydrocarbons in the air may be a risk factor for ischemic stroke development. The research analyzed data from Taiwan's National Health Institute Research Database and found significant associations between air pollution levels and increased risk of ischemic stroke.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 4, 2019

Adding copper strengthens 3D-printed titanium

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new titanium-copper alloy that can be 3D printed with exceptional properties. The alloy's fully equiaxed grain structure reduces the risk of cracking or distortion, making it suitable for high-performance applications in medical devices and aerospace.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature·DateDec 4, 2019

New cell models for ocular drug discovery

Researchers at the University of Eastern Finland have developed two new cell models that can mimic the blood-retinal barrier, a key regulator of drug delivery to the eye. The models, continuously growing retinal pigment epithelial cells, can be re-pigmented with melanin and studied for drug accumulation in greater detail.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 4, 2019

Hundreds of environmental health professionals in US report challenges, research needs

Environmental health professionals in US report challenges in six areas: drinking water quality, wastewater management, healthy homes, food safety, public health pests, and disaster risk reduction. The study emphasizes the need for professional training, expanded partnerships, and translational research to address these issues.

SourceBaylor University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateDec 4, 2019

Bullying others increases the risk of developing mental health problems and vice versa

A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health suggests there is a two-way relationship between bullying perpetration and internalizing problems among US youth. Bullying perpetration increased the risk of developing internalizing problems, while experiencing internalizing problems increased the probability of bullyi...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateDec 4, 2019

What's driving erosion worldwide?

Researchers employed satellite imagery and statistical models to identify the socio-economic causes of soil erosion globally. They found that national borders reveal areas with unnaturally high erosion rates, highlighting the 'country effect' as a major driver of soil loss.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Sustainability·DateDec 3, 2019

BU finds potentially harmful air contamination near new Bedford Harbor

A new Boston University School of Public Health study estimates the non-cancer health effects of breathing airborne PCBs around New Bedford Harbor, affecting thyroid hormones in people living close to the harbor. The levels of PCBs in the air are high enough to raise risks of diabetes, low birth weight, and impaired neurodevelopment.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateDec 3, 2019

MA physician assistant programs adopt first-in-nation partnership to prevent opioid abuse

In an effort to curb opioid misuse, Massachusetts physician assistant programs have adopted a cross-institutional partnership to ensure safe prescribing practices. The initiative aims to educate students on the prevention and management of prescription drug misuse, following a consensus-building process among nine PA programs.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Physician Assistant Education·DateDec 3, 2019