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Science News Archive February 2019 - Page 29


Page 29 of 40

DNA traces on wild flowers reveal insect visitors

Researchers from Aarhus University discovered that insects leave tiny DNA traces on flowers they visit, revealing at least 135 different species of butterflies and insects. This eDNA method holds vast potential for tracking endangered pollinators and managing unwanted pest species.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateFeb 8, 2019

Shorter course of radiation therapy effective in treating men with prostate cancer

A new UCLA-led study shows that men with low- or intermediate-risk prostate cancer can safely undergo higher doses of radiation over a significantly shorter period and still have the same successful outcomes as from a much longer course of treatment. The study analyzed data from 2,142 men treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy for...

New method improves infrared imaging performance

A new method developed by Northwestern Engineering's Manijeh Razeghi has greatly reduced image distortion caused by spectral cross-talk in dual-band photodetectors. This work enables high spectral-contrast infrared imaging devices for various applications, including medicine and security.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalIEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics·DateFeb 8, 2019

'X-ray gun' helps researchers pinpoint the origins of pottery found on ancient shipwreck

Archaeologists used a portable X-ray fluorescence detector to analyze ceramic pieces from the Java Sea Shipwreck, pinning their origins to specific kiln sites in southeastern China. The findings reveal complex trade networks between Asia and Africa in the 12th and 13th centuries, challenging traditional Eurocentric views of globalization.

SourceField Museum·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateFeb 8, 2019

Life on the edge in the quantum world

Researchers at Aalto University have successfully controlled quantum phenomena in a custom-designed electrical circuit called a transmon. They were able to make the transmon jump multiple energy levels in one go, achieving speeds close to the theoretically calculated quantum speed limit.

SourceAalto University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 8, 2019

Seasons change: Researchers provide new definition for major Indian monsoon season

A new definition for the Northeast Indian Monsoon (NEM) season has been established using surface temperature analyses, identifying the average onset and demise dates as November 6 and March 13. This definition provides a more objective and reliable approach to monitoring the monsoon season, which is critical for millions of people in ...

SourceFlorida State University·JournalMonthly Weather Review·DateFeb 8, 2019

Adenoid and tonsil trouble for teens

Researchers found that adolescent adenoids and tonsils do not shrink significantly during teenage years, contradicting previous medical consensus. This challenges existing guidelines for respiratory complications like obstructive sleep apnea, potentially leading to changes in surgical procedures.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 8, 2019

The 2008 recession associated with greater decline in mortality in Europe

A study published in Nature Communications found that the 2008 recession was associated with a greater decline in mortality rates in Europe. The researchers analyzed data from 15 European countries and found that periods of economic recession were linked to lower levels of pollution, fewer accidents, and sedentary lifestyles.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 2019

How the brain responds to texture

New research reveals that neurons in the brain's somatosensory cortex respond differently to various features of a surface, creating a high-dimensional representation of texture. This complex neural landscape allows for the rich sensation of texture, enabling us to distinguish between subtle differences.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2019

Nitrogen gets in the fast lane for chemical synthesis

Rice University scientists have developed a novel method to incorporate nitrogen into molecules, bypassing traditional multi-step processes. This breakthrough enables the quick and efficient production of valuable alpha-aminoketones, which are crucial for drug design and synthesis.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 8, 2019

Study finds a dearth of mental health interventions for ethnic minority youth in the US

A recent study by Arizona State University and DePaul University found that there are only four well-established mental health interventions for ethnic minority youth in the US, addressing issues like anxiety, disruptive behaviors, substance use, and trauma. Cognitive behavioral interventions were effective for Hispanic and Latino yout...

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology·DateFeb 8, 2019

A better way to make acrylics

A team of researchers at UConn and ExxonMobil have discovered a new, more energy-efficient method for producing acrylics. The technique uses a porous catalyst made of manganese and oxygen to facilitate chemical reactions, resulting in reduced energy consumption and fewer unwanted byproducts.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 2019

Dengue virus infection may cause severe outcomes following Zika virus infection during pregnancy

Researchers at Mount Sinai found that dengue virus infection can enhance the severity of Zika virus infection during pregnancy, leading to increased placental damage, fetal growth restriction, and fetal resorption. This mechanism may explain the high rate of microcephaly and birth defects observed in recent Zika outbreaks.

Nanomachines are taught to fight cancer

New DNA-based nanomachines can selectively target malignant cells, breaking down vital genes and inducing apoptotic death. The design allows for better interaction with folded RNA molecules, but further experiments are needed to improve specificity.

SourceITMO University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 7, 2019