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Science News for January 15, 2019


New conservation practice could reduce nitrogen pollution in agricultural drainage water

Researchers estimate that saturated buffers, vegetated strips of land between tile-drained fields and waterways, could reduce agricultural drainage nitrogen by 5 to 10 percent. This approach is inexpensive and can be easily integrated with farming practices.

Keeping roads in good shape reduces greenhouse gas emissions, Rutgers-led study finds

A Rutgers-led study found that extending pavement life through preventive maintenance can reduce greenhouse gases, save energy, and cut transportation agency spending. The research used the LTPP database to measure the environmental impact of roadway repairs on carbon dioxide emissions linked to global warming.

SourceRutgers University·JournalInternational Journal of Sustainable Transportation·DateJan 15, 2019

Assessing the performance of multiple influenza forecasting models

A team of researchers from the FluSight Network compared the accuracy of 20 flu forecasting models against a historical baseline. Most models showed higher accuracy than historical trends when forecasting incidence and timing of flu outbreaks. The ensemble model, combining individual forecasts, has helped the CDC plan responses.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2019

Velcro for human cells

Scientists have developed a novel optogenetic system that allows for precise control of integrin-mediated adhesion in human cells using light. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize cancer therapy and regenerative medicine by enabling targeted manipulation of cell-matrix interactions.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 15, 2019

States with fewer melanoma diagnoses have higher death rates

A state-by-state analysis reveals that melanoma survival rates differ substantially across the US, with states having more practicing physicians and higher percentage of Caucasians experiencing lower survival rates. The study highlights the need for targeted approaches to improve care and reduce deaths associated with melanoma.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateJan 15, 2019

Ultra ultrasound to transform new tech

Researchers at the University of Queensland have developed an ultra-sensitive ultrasound sensor on a silicon chip, revolutionizing medical devices and unmanned vehicle navigation. The technology can detect miniscule forces from surrounding air molecules, opening doors to new biomedical imaging and biological system understanding.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 15, 2019

Personality type could shape attitudes toward body weight of others, researchers say

A study published in Personality and Individual Differences found that specific personality traits, such as neuroticism and conscientiousness, are directly related to attitudes toward others' bodies. Higher neuroticism is linked to negative body image, while higher conscientiousness is tied to fat phobia. These findings suggest that in...

SourceFlorida State University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateJan 15, 2019

Why haven't cancer cells undergone genetic meltdowns?

Researchers studied HeLa cells and found that cancer cells accumulate harmful mutations, but about 13% of cells remain mutation-free. This allows them to survive despite reducing their growth rate and chromosome numbers. The study suggests that high rates of deleterious mutations are necessary for the population to die out.

Scientists identify two new species of fungi in retreating Arctic glacier

Researchers identified two new fungal species, M. hoshinonis and V. ellesmerensis, in a rapidly melting Arctic glacier. The discoveries highlight the critical role fungi play in decomposing organic material and could have catastrophic effects if glaciers melt due to climate change.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateJan 15, 2019

Democratizing data science

The tool uses Bayesian modeling to automatically generate statistical models from raw data, addressing a bottleneck in the data science field. By providing a user-friendly interface, it enables nonstatisticians to uncover insights and patterns in data, making data science more accessible to those without extensive expertise.

Genome doubling, cell size and novelty

A recent study by Doyle and Coate explores the mechanisms of polyploidy in plants, highlighting its impact on cell biology and evolutionary novelty. The authors found that genome doubling can alter cell size, nuclear volume, and cell cycle duration, with many effects attributed to changes in bulk DNA amount.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalInternational Journal of Plant Sciences·DateJan 15, 2019

Anonymous yet trustworthy

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara created an application to safeguard group members' anonymity while verifying the reliability of posts. The app allows communities to create secure groups on social media, enabling them to build trust with their readership over time.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Internet Services and Applications·DateJan 15, 2019