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Science News Archive February 2019 - Page 30


Page 30 of 40

Tune in and switch off

A recent study from the University of South Australia found that watching TV is strongly associated with obesity in children, even more so than other types of sitting. The research also revealed differences between boys' and girls' sedentary behaviors, with boys spending more time playing video games and having higher body fat.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalObesity Research & Clinical Practice·DateFeb 7, 2019

New pill can deliver insulin

A new capsule has been developed to deliver oral doses of insulin, potentially replacing injections for people with type 2 diabetes. The capsule contains a small needle that releases insulin in the stomach, and its design allows it to orient itself to ensure contact with the stomach lining.

Why forgetting at work can be a good thing

A new study by psychologists and information scientists found that the ability to forget information can lead to better economic decisions and reduced cognitive load. Participants who used an information system reported feeling less stressed and having more time to recall details of other products.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalErgonomics·DateFeb 7, 2019

Evidence for a new fundamental constant of the sun

A team at Northumbria University discovered a distinctive marker on magnetic waves in the Sun's corona, indicating that sound waves from inside the Sun excite these waves. This finding suggests a new fundamental constant of the Sun and has significant implications for our understanding of stellar atmospheres.

SourceNorthumbria University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateFeb 7, 2019

Novel nanoparticle technology to identify healthcare-associated infections receives $1.5 million

Scientists at the University of Toronto are developing a new nanoparticle sensor technology to detect and visually identify pathogens that cause Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). The system, called OptiSolve Insight, will enable rapid detection and effective decontamination of surfaces, potentially reducing illness rates.

Simple drug combination creates new neurons from neighboring cells

Researchers at Penn State discovered a simple drug cocktail that converts glial cells into functional new neurons, which can survive for over seven months in a lab culture. The approach has promising implications for treating neurological disorders such as stroke and Alzheimer's disease, with the potential to be used in a pill form.

SourcePenn State·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateFeb 7, 2019

Scientists discover new type of self-healing material

Researchers create a new type of self-healing material that exhibits properties such as toughness and shape memory. The material autonomously heals under mechanical damage, including in water and aqueous acid and alkaline solutions, without the need for external energy or stimulus.

SourceRIKEN·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 7, 2019

Finally available in a bottle

Researchers from University of Freiburg successfully prepared the elusive chromium hexacarbonyl cation, a key compound for basic research and applications. The team used standard laboratory equipment and common solvents to fill the stable compound into bottles as a solution and crystals.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2019

Choosy amphipods

In a study by Goethe University Frankfurt researchers, male amphipods demonstrated choosiness in their mating behavior. The degree of choosiness was found to be influenced by population density in their natural environments.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalBiological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateFeb 7, 2019

Promising results for new acute porphyria treatment

A new drug candidate, givosiran, has shown promising results in treating acute porphyria by preventing attacks and reducing hemin need by up to 83%, according to a recent clinical trial. The study's lead author notes that the treatment can effectively prevent acute attacks in seriously afflicted patients with limited options.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 7, 2019

Engineered DNA vaccine protects against emerging Mayaro virus

Researchers have developed a novel DNA vaccine capable of inducing protective immunity against the Mayaro virus, which causes fever, rash, and joint pain. The vaccine demonstrated complete protection from death and clinical signs of infection in a mouse model, offering a promising solution for combating this emerging infectious disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateFeb 7, 2019

Defining the shape of cool

A team of researchers at Duke University has determined the structure of the TRPM8 protein, which is responsible for sensing cold and menthol. The findings suggest that PIP2 and cooling agents like menthol cooperate to control structural changes in TRPM8, potentially leading to new treatments for chronic pain and migraine.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateFeb 7, 2019

Cancer cells' plasticity makes them harder to stop

Researchers at Rice University have discovered a direct connection between gene regulation and metabolic pathways in cancer cells, enabling them to adapt to hostile environments. The study's findings reveal three stable metabolic states that cancer cells can adopt to evade therapies.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2019