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Science News Archive July 2019


Page 1 of 41

Neuroimaging essential for Zika cases

A recent study found that 71% of Brazilian infants exposed to the Zika virus in the womb experienced brain abnormalities, including calcifications and malformations. The study highlights the importance of early neuroimaging for Zika-exposed infants, even those without congenital Zika syndrome.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 31, 2019

The urbanization of the beach

The urbanization of Southern California's beaches has led to a loss of biodiversity, with some beaches showing up to half of their natural inhabitants missing. The disturbance caused by grooming and filling with the wrong sand further exacerbates this issue, impacting the ecosystem health and coastal ecosystems.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEcological Indicators·DateJul 31, 2019

'Sniff-cam' to detect disease

Scientists have developed a highly sensitive 'sniff-cam' that can detect low levels of disease biomarkers in breath, including diabetes, lung cancer, and Parkinson's disease. The device uses an ultraviolet ring light, filters, and a camera to measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJul 31, 2019

SUTD researchers developed a unique method of fabricating 3D porous structures

Researchers from SUTD's Soft Fluidics Lab developed a new 3D printing method, immersion precipitation 3D printing (ip3DP), which allows for the fabrication of 3D porous models in one step. The porosity of the printed objects can be easily controlled by adjusting polymer concentrations and solvent types. This novel approach enables the ...

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateJul 31, 2019

One in 10 older adults currently binge drinks

A study by NYU School of Medicine found that over 10% of adults aged 65+ binge drink, with males and cannabis users more likely to engage in this behavior. Binge drinking increases the risk of health problems, particularly among older adults with chronic health issues.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJul 31, 2019

Optimizing structures within complex arrangements of bubbles

Researchers at Aberystwyth University used computer simulations to find optimal bubble arrangements within circular discs that minimize perimeter length. The study reveals that the number of possible structures increases as the number of bubbles grows, leading to a narrower range of area ratios for the smallest perimeter.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 31, 2019

Biodiversity highest on Indigenous-managed lands

A UBC-led study found that Indigenous-managed lands have the highest levels of biodiversity worldwide, with even protected areas coming in second. The research highlights the importance of collaborating with Indigenous communities to protect species and conserving biodiversity beyond traditional conservation boundaries.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Science & Policy·DateJul 31, 2019

Physician leaders call for action to create a new generation of physician-scientists

Physician-scientist leaders propose a plan to revive the number of physicians conducting research, highlighting the importance of innovation in medicine due to an aging population and increasing communicable diseases. A nonprofit foundation is established to support the development of new physician-scientists.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 31, 2019

Actively swimming gold nanoparticles

Scientists have designed gold nanoparticles to mimic bacterial swarming behavior, creating a collective movement towards glucose gradients. The artificially created nanoswimmers exhibit chemotactic behavior, similar to bacteria, and demonstrate the potential for studying collective intelligence on the nanoscale.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 31, 2019

Laser solitons: Theory, topology and potential applications

Researchers have developed a way to create stable laser solitons without external radiation, with potential applications in storing digital information. These solitons have complex internal structures and topologies, such as the 'apple' and 'trefoil' shapes, which can merge and potentially be used in digital storage systems.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJul 31, 2019

Magnetic 'springs' break down marine microplastic pollution

Researchers have developed a new approach to purging water sources of microplastics using tiny coil-shaped carbon-based magnets, known as magnetic nanosprings. These stable catalysts can remove a significant fraction of microplastics in just eight hours and are also magnetic, making them easy to collect for repeated use.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·DateJul 31, 2019

Quantum computers to clarify the connection between the quantum and classical worlds

Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists have developed a new quantum computing algorithm to investigate the quantum-to-classical transition in systems like biological proteins. The algorithm allows for the search for classicality in quantum systems, providing insights into how quantum mechanics applies to large-scale objects.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2019

I see the pattern under your skin

A team from Kyoto University found that collagen in the skin is organized in a mesh-like structure, with elastic fibers following the same orientation. This discovery has significant implications for understanding skin pliability and could lead to breakthroughs in skin grafts and transplantation.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 31, 2019

Major class of viruses reveals complex origins

A new study reveals that circular Rep-encoding single-stranded DNA viruses have acquired their genetic components through complex evolutionary processes. The findings show that these viruses are 'obsessive borrowers', appropriating genetic material from various sources, including bacterial and eukaryotic cells.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2019

Study debunks 'July Effect' for heart surgery

Researchers analyzed over 470,000 cardiac procedures and found no differences in mortality, complications, or costs between July and other months. The study suggests that experienced multidisciplinary teams can provide high-quality care regardless of resident training status.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Annals of Thoracic Surgery·DateJul 31, 2019

Climate change alters tree demography in northern forests

A 38-year study found climate change affects conifer growth, while broad-leaved trees thrive, altering forest composition and ecosystem functions. Climate change accelerates, primeval mixed forests may shift to broad-leaved tree forests, impacting carbon storage, water provision, biodiversity, and wood supply.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateJul 31, 2019