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Science News for January 2, 2019


See invisible into HER catalysis

Researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China have developed an advanced characterization technique to study the realistic structure of catalysts in water electrolysis. The team used operando synchrotron radiation XAFS technology to identify the atomic-level structure and dynamic evolution of active sites in cobalt...

Surrey AI predicts cancer patients' symptoms

Researchers developed two machine learning models to predict cancer patients' symptoms like depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance. The models accurately predicted the severity of these symptoms throughout treatment, suggesting a potential improvement in quality of life for cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 2, 2019

A catalytic flying carpet

Researchers at Pitt develop a two-dimensional, shape-changing sheet that wraps, flaps and creeps in a reactant-filled fluid. The team introduces a coating of catalysts on the flexible sheet, initiating motion and reconfiguration through catalytic chemical reactions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 2, 2019

Meta-analysis highlights important challenges in cognitive processing for adults with ASD

A comprehensive meta-analysis of adults with autism found significant impairments in four key domains: theory of mind, emotion perception and knowledge, processing speed, and verbal learning and memory. The study highlights the importance of a broader approach to treating autism in adults, including non-social cognitive domains.

Work-family conflict hits home

Researchers found that children's health is less negatively affected when parents have control over their work lives. Autonomous parents are better able to regulate themselves and their parenting, leading to healthier outcomes for their children. This suggests that workplaces can play a role in promoting job autonomy to support families.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·DateJan 2, 2019

Study details poverty, lack of health insurance among female health care workers

A recent study by Massachusetts General Hospital and the Perelman School of Medicine found that 18% of employed women in healthcare work for low wages, with nearly half earning less than $15/hour. The research suggests that raising the minimum wage to $15/hour could decrease poverty rates among female healthcare workers by up to 50%.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJan 2, 2019

Sex differences identified in deadly brain tumors

A recent study has found that standard treatment for glioblastoma is more effective in women than men, with tumor growth velocity showing a steady decline after treatment. The researchers identified distinct molecular signatures of the disease in men and women, which could lead to sex-specific treatment strategies.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 2, 2019

China's war on particulate air pollution is causing more severe ozone pollution

Researchers found that a reduction in PM 2.5 concentrations in eastern China has led to an increase in ground-level ozone pollution, particularly in large cities. The study suggests that extra efforts are needed to reduce NOx and VOC emissions to stem the tide of ozone pollution.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 2, 2019

New mouse model reminiscent of Leigh syndrome sheds light on mechanisms of neurodegeneration

A new mouse model has revealed the crucial role of PARL in maintaining mitochondrial respiratory chain function and structural integrity. The study found that mice lacking PARL display symptoms reminiscent of Leigh syndrome, highlighting the importance of understanding the protein's mechanisms in neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceVIB (the Flanders Institute for Biotechnology)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 2, 2019

Heart cell defect identified as possible cause of heart failure in pregnancy

A new study by Tel Aviv University reveals that a functional heart cell defect may be the underlying cause of peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a rare form of heart failure. The research found that levels of STAT3 protein were higher in PPCM patients' heart cells than in healthy women, and that a defect in releasing growth factors was ...

Storage wars

Researchers found that soil minerals can store a significant amount of carbon, which could be exploited as the world shifts its carbon economy. Wetter climates facilitate mineral formation, allowing more carbon to be stored.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJan 2, 2019

Quantum chemistry on quantum computers

Researchers from Osaka City University have developed a novel quantum algorithm to perform full configuration interaction calculations suitable for predicting chemical reactions, overcoming the exponential/combinatorial explosion of traditional methods. This breakthrough enables practical applications of quantum chemistry on quantum co...

SourceOsaka City University·JournalACS Central Science·DateJan 2, 2019

Medicare's bundled payment experiment for joint replacements shows moderate savings

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Harvard Medical School found that Medicare's bundled payment model for hip and knee replacement surgeries resulted in a 3.1% reduction in costs, with $812 in savings per procedure. The model also reduced the use of skilled nursing care after hospitalization.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 2, 2019

'Rippling' under pressure

Researchers at Drexel University have discovered a buckling phenomenon in layered materials when subjected to pressure, which could revolutionize the way we study deformation. The 'ripplocations' observed in experiments with cards and metals demonstrate non-linear elastic behavior that precedes material failure.

SourceDrexel University·JournalPhysical Review Materials·DateJan 2, 2019

Scavenging molecule provides long-term protection against nerve agents in rodents

A new bioscavenger molecule has been developed to protect against toxic nerve agents, providing up to five days of protection and near-total safety against sarin. The therapy represents a major breakthrough in the field and could have translational potential for medical and military applications.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 2, 2019