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Science News Archive January 2019 - Page 7


Page 7 of 37

Weather at key growth stages predicts Midwest corn yield and grain quality, study says

A University of Illinois study developed an algorithm to predict both end-of-season yield and grain composition by analyzing weather patterns during three critical periods in corn development. The predictions apply to the entire Midwest corn crop and could influence global markets for animal feed applications.

Alzheimer's in a dish

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have created a new model of sporadic Alzheimer's disease, which points to molecular causes and potential treatments. The model, reported in Cell Reports, removes a major obstacle for scientists seeking to understand the disease.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell Reports·DateJan 29, 2019

Laser-fabricated crystals in glass are ferroelectric

A team of researchers has demonstrated that laser-generated crystals in glass can be manipulated to control their ferroelectric domain structure. This allows for the creation of new optical devices with high efficiency and low loss links, crucial for future quantum information transfer systems.

SourceLehigh University·JournalMRS Communications·DateJan 29, 2019

How to send a finch extinct

A University of Queensland-led study found that environmental legislation is failing to protect the southern black-throated finch's habitat, leading to a steep decline in its population. The research highlights the need to halt the decline of this bird's habitat to prevent extinction.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalEnvironmental Science & Policy·DateJan 29, 2019

In test of wisdom, new research favors Yoda over Spock

Researchers from the University of Waterloo discovered that a balanced mix of emotions improves wisdom. Wise reasoning no longer requires uniform emotional control but rather recognizing multiple perspectives and integrating them for compromise. This study provides new insights into the relationship between wisdom, emotion, and balance.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateJan 28, 2019

Groundbreaking new reusable adhesive works underwater

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new reusable adhesive that activates quickly and maintains strong adhesion underwater. The shape memory polymers (SMPs) can be manipulated to transition between two states, allowing for reversible dry adhesion and enabling applications such as wet or submerged wall mounting.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateJan 28, 2019

Artificial skin could give superhuman perception

Researchers at the University of Connecticut created a sensor using iron oxide nanoparticles in silicone that can detect pressure, temperature, and vibration, as well as magnetic fields and sound waves. The sensor could potentially help burn victims feel again and serve as an early warning for workers exposed to high magnetic fields.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 28, 2019

Plasmonic pioneers fire away in fight over light

Researchers at Rice University argue that photoluminescence, not Raman scattering, is responsible for the remarkable light-emitting properties of metal nanoparticles. This breakthrough could lead to improvements in solar-cell efficiency and the development of new biosensors.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 28, 2019

A solid scaffolding for our cells

Researchers at UNIGE have deciphered the fundamental role of the Not1 protein in regulating ribosome activity, allowing proteins to assemble at the right time and place. This discovery sheds light on a crucial element of cellular machinery and its potential link to diseases.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateJan 28, 2019

Bad brakes

Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a faulty molecular brake that interferes with the heart muscle's ability to contract and relax. The study found that a mutation in the MyBPC3 gene leads to an overactive motor that propels abnormal muscle contractions, causing the heart to beat too much and relax poorly.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 28, 2019

Study examines long-term opioid use in patients with severe osteoarthritis

A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology found that prescription opioids are commonly used long-term to treat pain in older patients with severe osteoarthritis. The study also revealed substantial statewide variation in rates of treatment with long-term opioid therapy for osteoarthritis, which was not fully explained by difference...

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateJan 28, 2019

How do fish and birds hang together without colliding? Researchers find the answer is a wake with purpose

Fish and birds are able to move in groups without separating or colliding due to the interaction of followers with their leader's wake. This phenomenon allows slower followers to keep up with faster-flapping leaders by surfing on their wake, enabling efficient energy harvesting from natural resources.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2019

Not all saturated fats are equal when it comes to heart health

A new study published in the International Journal of Cardiology confirms that diets rich in palmitic and stearic acid, found in meats, increase cardiovascular risk. In contrast, eating fewer long-chain saturated fats and consuming plant-based proteins lowers the risk of myocardial infarction.

SourceElsevier·JournalInternational Journal of Cardiology·DateJan 28, 2019

What you eat could impact your brain and memory

Researchers at Iowa State University discovered a link between the satiety hormone Cholecystokinin and reduced Alzheimer's disease risk, with higher levels associated with a 65% decrease in cognitive impairment. The study suggests that dietary factors may play a role in preventing or slowing disease progression.

SourceIowa State University·JournalNeurobiology of Aging·DateJan 28, 2019

UBC researcher adopts play-by-play method to understand how counsellors can promote health

A UBC researcher has developed a method to analyze behaviour change counselling sessions, enabling counsellors to identify what makes interventions work. By examining minute details of interactions between clients and practitioners, the new approach helps counsellors promote positive changes in their patients.

Measuring forces of living cells and microorganisms

A new technique using micropipette force sensors measures the tiny forces exerted by living cells and microorganisms with high precision. The method allows for testing the reaction of cells to environmental factors and has potential applications in biomedicine, such as identifying drugs for infectious diseases.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Protocols·DateJan 28, 2019

How ion adsorption affects biological membranes' functions

A new mathematical model describes how ion adsorption affects biological membranes' electrical properties at different pH levels. The model reveals that calcium ions have a greater ability to adsorb than barium ions, with hydroxide-containing ions being more readily absorbed.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJan 28, 2019