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Science News Archive February 2019 - Page 34


Page 34 of 40

Providers' concerns about behavior change don't justify withholding HIV PrEP

Providers' reluctance to prescribe PrEP stems from concerns about increased risk-taking behavior among users. However, research suggests that PrEP can facilitate healthy sexual behaviors and enhance overall well-being. The authors propose strategies to mitigate biases and promote patient-centered care for PrEP dissemination.

SourceHarvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2019

Gypsum as an agricultural product

Gypsum, recovered from coal-fired power plants, is a rich source of calcium and sulfur, promoting better root development and reducing aluminum toxicity. Its application also improves soil structure, reducing erosion and phosphorus movement, benefiting various crops like corn and alfalfa.

More than enough on our plates

A smaller portion of fish and chips has been developed by Newcastle University researchers, with the introduction of the Lite-BITE box. This smaller meal option, weighing around 600 calories, has been well-received by both customers and takeaway owners in the North of England and Scotland.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalBMJ Open·DateFeb 6, 2019

'Twilight Zone' could help preserve shallow water reefs

Researchers at University of Queensland found that corals from the 'twilight zone' can grow faster in shallow light environments, offering a potential solution to preserving coral habitats. The study suggests that mesophotic corals can thrive with limited light, challenging current views of these deep-water ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateFeb 6, 2019

Effects of teenage motherhood may last multiple generations

A study found that grandchildren of adolescent mothers have lower school readiness scores and lag behind in physical and social development. The multigenerational effect suggests that interventions targeting children born to adolescent mothers should also consider their own grandchildren.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 6, 2019

Study 'strongly supports' extending cervical screening intervals

A large pilot study confirms HPV screening is practical on a large scale and more sensitive than smear testing, detecting substantially more cervical lesions and cancer. The study's findings support extending screening intervals to at least five years without increasing the risk of potentially life-threatening disease.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 6, 2019

Controllable electron flow in quantum wires

Princeton researchers have demonstrated a new way of making controllable 'quantum wires' in the presence of a magnetic field. They found channels of conducting electrons that form between two quantum states on the surface of a bismuth crystal subjected to a high magnetic field. The current flow in these channels can be turned on and of...

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateFeb 6, 2019

The silence of sickle cell disease

A study led by John Wood, MD, PhD, finds that patients with sickle cell disease experience reduced oxygen delivery to the white matter of the brain, despite normal total oxygen delivery. This disparity leads to debilitating silent strokes with significant effects on executive function.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalAmerican Journal of Hematology·DateFeb 6, 2019

Are most patients with fibromyalgia misdiagnosed?

A recent study found that only fair agreement exists between clinicians' diagnosis of fibromyalgia and the published criteria used by the American College of Rheumatology. Clinicians failed to identify nearly half of patients who met the criteria, highlighting a need for improved diagnostic methods.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateFeb 6, 2019

'Unclonable' tag combats counterfeiters

Scientists have created an 'unclonable' tag that can never be replicated, using physical unclonable functions (PUFs) with microparticles forming random patterns. The system correctly identified 76% of the tags, with estimated 2.5 x 10^120 unique codes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 6, 2019

Developed self-controlling 'smart' fuel cell electrode material

A team of researchers led by Professor Kang Taek Lee developed a new electrode material that uses nickel to improve the oxidation reaction efficiency of hydrogen. The material exhibits high-performance and high-durability due to the controlled exsolution of nano metal catalysts, which helps stabilize the fuel cell's performance.

New music styles: How the challenger calls the tune

A study of over 8 million albums from 1956 to 2015 reveals that new musical styles emerge as a result of counter-signaling from outsider groups. This challenges traditional theories on the evolution of fashion and trends in music, highlighting the role of elite competition in driving innovation.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 6, 2019