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Science News Archive February 2019 - Page 17


Page 17 of 40

Dose of vitamin C helps gold nanowires grow

Rice University scientists have developed a method to produce valuable gold nanowires from short particles using vitamin C. The process, which is fully controllable and reversible, allows for the production of nanowires of any desired length, making them suitable for sensing, diagnostic, imaging, and therapeutic applications.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 19, 2019

Fluorescing urine signals organ transplant rejection, could replace needle biopsies

A new screening method using sensor particles and a urine test can catch organ rejection earlier and more comprehensively than traditional biopsies. The test detects T cell attacks on transplanted organs through fluorescent signals in the urine, allowing for early detection and potential adjustments to immunosuppressant medications.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateFeb 19, 2019

Gene therapy durably reverses congenital deafness in mice

Scientists have successfully restored auditory synapse function and hearing thresholds to a near-normal level in adult mice with DFNB9 deafness. The breakthrough uses an AAV-based gene therapy approach that can be used to produce otoferlin and durably correct the profound deafness phenotype in mice.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2019

Graphene 'sandwich' key to new electronics

Researchers from Graphene Flagship partner DTU developed a graphene 'sandwich' by encasing graphene with insulating hexagonal boron nitride, allowing them to achieve higher electrical currents and control the material's properties. This breakthrough enables the creation of nano-electronics with small dimensions.

SourceGraphene Flagship·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 19, 2019

How to make the push-up work for you

A modified push-up exercise called 'push-up plus' strengthens the serratus anterior muscle, which connects the rib cage to the shoulder blade. This study found that different hand positions and orientations activated various muscle groups, making it an effective exercise for athletes and individuals with specific needs.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Electromyography and Kinesiology·DateFeb 19, 2019

The global impact of coal power

Research reveals that power plants in India take the highest toll on human health due to particulate matter and sulfur dioxide emissions. The study also highlights the need for upgrading or shutting down outdated coal power plants to mitigate global warming and air pollution.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Sustainability·DateFeb 18, 2019

A shared past for East Africa's hunter-gatherers

Genomic analysis reveals East Africa's hunter-gatherers diverged from a shared ancestry around 20,000 years ago, driven by infectious disease and dietary adaptations. This study provides insight into the genetic diversity of African populations, shedding light on the role of diet and disease in shaping human evolution.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

Parenthood contributes to gender imbalance in STEM employment, but it's not just an issue for mother

A new study reveals that nearly half of new mothers and a quarter of new fathers leave their full-time STEM jobs within four to seven years of having their first child. This trend is attributed to cultural expectations and workplace obstacles, with women being more likely than men to switch to part-time work or leave the workforce alto...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

Grasses can acquire genes from neighboring plants

A recent study found that grasses can acquire genes from at least nine donor species, including those involved in photosynthesis and disease resistance. This mechanism allows certain plants to adapt quickly to environmental changes.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

The secret life of batteries

Researchers are working on developing faster-charging batteries for electric vehicles by understanding how lithium ions distribute within the electrode. They used X-rays to create a micron-scale movie of lithium distribution, revealing inhomogeneous movement similar to people spreading out in a room.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateFeb 18, 2019

International research collaboration computes climate past, present, and future

Researchers from Canada and Germany used a supercomputer to simulate climate trends in Quebec and Bavaria from 1950 to 2100, providing insights into severe flooding dynamics under changing climate conditions. The study's results showed good agreement with historical climate data, confirming the predictive power of the simulations.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateFeb 18, 2019

Great white shark genome decoded

The study found that the great white shark's genome contains a plethora of genetic changes indicating molecular adaptation in genes with important roles in maintaining genome stability, DNA repair, and DNA damage tolerance. These adaptations could be behind the evolutionary success of large-bodied and long-lived sharks.

SourceNova Southeastern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

Primary care physician supply and life expectancy

A study analyzing U.S. population data from 2005 to 2015 found that a higher number of primary care physicians is associated with better life expectancy. The total number of primary care physicians increased, but their distribution across counties decreased, particularly in rural areas, leading to lower per capita supplies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 18, 2019

Mouse study reveals how chronic stress promotes cancer, identifies vitamin C as therapy

A new study reveals that chronic stress promotes breast cancer growth and spread by activating a biochemical pathway involving the stress hormone epinephrine. Vitamin C has been identified as a potential therapeutic agent to target this pathway, potentially offering new hope for patients undergoing chronic stress.