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Science News Archive January 2019 - Page 10


Page 10 of 37

New insight into unique sugar transport in plants

Researchers from Aarhus University have solved the structure of a Sugar Transport Protein (STP) and discovered a novel domain that plays a crucial role in the transport mechanism. The discovery provides valuable insights into how plants develop correctly and respond to fungal attacks.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 25, 2019

Harvard researchers report positive trial results with artificial pancreas smartphone app

The interoperable Artificial Pancreas System smartphone app has shown improved time in the target glucose range and a statistically significant reduction in time below 70mg/dL. The study suggests that this system could provide personalized care for patients with diabetes, offering flexibility and convenience.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalDiabetes Technology & Therapeutics·DateJan 25, 2019

Autism and theory of mind

Researchers developed a new test to examine theory of mind in people with autism. The study found that individuals with autism struggle with tracking Sally's beliefs about the environment and making logical conclusions about her behavior. This understanding can help develop treatments for autism in the future.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 25, 2019

Fish oil does not appear to improve asthma control in teens, young adults

A study published in the Annals of the American Thoracic Society found that four grams of fish oil per day for six months did not improve asthma control in adolescents and young adults with uncontrolled asthma. The researchers suggested that obesity may cause systemic inflammation, which reduces the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory t...

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 25, 2019

Worms can process rice straw, scientists discover

Scientists discovered that earthworms efficiently process rice straw, increasing its fertility and preventing the burning of crop residues. This method reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves soil health, making it a more sustainable alternative to current practices.

SourceSechenov University·JournalEuropean Journal of Soil Biology·DateJan 24, 2019

How to escape a black hole: simulations provide new clues about powerful plasma jets

Researchers have combined decades-old theories to provide insight into the driving mechanisms of plasma jets in black holes. The simulations describe how twisting magnetic fields and 'negative-energy' particles produce these powerful displays, allowing black holes to steal energy and propel it far from their event horizons.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 24, 2019

New drug targets for BRCA-driven cancer uncovered

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have discovered two new genetic targets, APEX2 and FEN1, which show promise as potential treatments for hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. The study's findings suggest that inhibiting these enzymes could complement existing Parp inhibitors and address drug resistance in BRCA-driven cancer.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalMolecular Cell·DateJan 24, 2019

Sleep deprivation accelerates Alzheimer's brain damage

A recent study published in Science has found that sleep deprivation increases levels of the key Alzheimer's protein tau, leading to accelerated brain damage and dementia. In mice and people, researchers discovered that disrupted sleep causes tau tangles to spread through the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateJan 24, 2019

NUS engineers develop novel strategy for designing tiny semiconductor particles for wide-ranging applications

The National University of Singapore engineers have developed a novel bottom-up synthesis strategy to consistently construct TMD QDs of specific size, offering a cheaper and more scalable method. The synthesized MoS2 QDs demonstrate potential biomedical applications, including photodynamic therapy for cancer treatment.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 24, 2019

Lessons learned from the adult neurogenesis debate

University of British Columbia professor Jason Snyder reviews the conflicting reports on adult neurogenesis in humans, pointing to methodological differences as a major issue. He argues that there is evidence for low rates of neurogenesis in specific brain regions, particularly the hippocampus.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Neurosciences·DateJan 24, 2019

'Cascade of Care' framework aims to reduce opioid deaths

A new 'Cascade of Care' framework aims to address gaps in addiction care and monitor treatment outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder. The model identifies key stages through which people must progress to increase the chance of reaching remission, and emphasizes prevention services targeting populations by risk level.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·DateJan 24, 2019

Graphene can hear your brain whisper

Researchers have developed a graphene-based sensor that can detect brain activity below 0.1 Hz, unlocking new insights into epilepsy and brain function. This technology could lead to novel multiplexing strategies, enabling unprecedented mapping of low-frequency neural signals.

SourceGraphene Flagship·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 24, 2019

Do economic conditions affect pregnancy outcomes?

Researchers analyzed dataset of singleton births in Michigan from 1990-2012, finding a 3% increase in preterm birth odds with each one percentage point increase in state unemployment. This study suggests that broader socioeconomic factors, such as economic conditions, may contribute to pregnancy health disparities.

SourceWiley·JournalPaediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology·DateJan 24, 2019

What atoms do when liquids and gases meet

Researchers from UC3M and Imperial College London have developed a new theory that explains the behavior of liquids and gases at the microscopic scale. The study reveals that the arrangement of atoms exhibits certain mathematical properties called resonances, which provide a consistent description of liquid-gas fluctuations.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 24, 2019

Stellar winds, the source material for the universe, are clumpy

Researchers led by Penn State astronomer Pragati Pradhan found that stellar winds, composed of protons, electrons, and metal atoms, contain dense clumps. The Chandra data revealed a 'Compton shoulder' indicating back scattering by surrounding matter, providing new insights into star environments.

SourcePenn State·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 24, 2019

Research shows what it takes to be a giant shark

Researchers found that sharks can become giants by evolving two possible pathways: mesothermic adaptation for self-temperature control or filter-feeding pathway for plankton consumption. However, these giant sharks face risks such as prey scarcity and toxic microplastics threatening their extinction.

SourceSwansea University·JournalEvolution·DateJan 24, 2019