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Science News Archive January 2019 - Page 8


Page 8 of 37

Peptide papers point to new ways of tackling bacteria

Researchers have solved a 20-year riddle of how crucial step in antibiotic biosynthesis occurs, opening way to potentially redesigning antibiotics. The team structurally characterised the peptide bond forming domain in Ebony enzyme, revealing its novel types of condensation domain and its role in regulating neurotransmitters.

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

Penn engineer's 'metallic wood' has the strength of titanium and the density of water

Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new material called metallic wood that has the strength of titanium but is four to five times lighter. The material's porous structure can be infused with other materials, making it suitable for applications such as plane wings or prosthetic legs that also serve as batteries.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 28, 2019

Future changes in human well-being to depend more on social factors than economic factors

A new study projects that global well-being will depend more on social factors than economic ones in the next three decades. The researchers used a mathematical approach to project the subjective well-being of the world's population, taking into account dimensions such as freedom, corruption, generosity, and social support.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 2019

Study shows flight limitations of earliest feathered dinosaurs

A new study reveals that Anchiornis, one of the earliest known feathered dinosaurs, had feathers with thicker alpha-keratins instead of beta-keratins, lacking necessary biomechanical properties for flight. However, its molecular composition may signify an intermediate stage in the evolution of avian flight feathers.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2019

High rates of opioid prescriptions may be linked to poor labor force participation

A new US study found that prescription opioids are negatively affecting labor force participation and unemployment rates nationwide. The study discovered a strong adverse effect of opioids on labor markets, with a 10% increase in opioid prescriptions per capita leading to a 0.6 percentage point drop in labor force participation rates.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalThe Journal of Human Resources·DateJan 28, 2019

Train the brain to form good habits through repetition

A new study published in Psychological Review reveals that forming good habits depends more on repetition than satisfaction. The research suggests that our brains tend to stick with repeated actions, even if they're no longer rewarding, and opens up a better understanding of conditions like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalPsychological Review·DateJan 28, 2019

Injection of opioids linked to significant increase in bacterial heart infections

Researchers discovered a significant rise in infective endocarditis among Ontarians who inject drugs, with hydromorphone prescriptions linked to the increased risk. The study found that reusing injection equipment, common among opioid users, allows for bacterial contamination and increases the chances of heart infection.

SourceLawson Research Institute·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 28, 2019

New therapeutic targets for kidney fibrosis emerge

A new study identifies key factors involved in cell cycle arrest and illuminates a novel intracellular structure, paving the way for new therapeutic targets to treat kidney fibrosis. The research team found that blocking the formation of TASCCs reduced the severity of kidney fibrotic disease progression in preclinical models.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 28, 2019

Fiber sensors may leave the jacket on

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have successfully mapped liquids outside coated optical fibers, enabling sensing applications beyond the lab. The use of a polyimide coating overcomes the protective barrier previously hindering sensor performance.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 28, 2019