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Science News for July 10, 2019


Maternal obesity linked to childhood cancer

A new study from the University of Pittsburgh found a correlation between pre-pregnancy body-mass index (BMI) in mothers and subsequent cancer diagnosis in their offspring. Children born to severely obese mothers had a 57% higher risk of developing leukemia before age 5.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateJul 10, 2019

Ped EM docs at risk for developing compassion fatigue, burnout, low compassion satisfaction

A study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that pediatric emergency medicine physicians are at risk for developing compassion fatigue, burnout, and low compassion satisfaction. The researchers recommend improving interpersonal relationships, work environment, and self-care to enhance provider well-being and patient care.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJul 10, 2019

Giving nanowires a DNA-like twist

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory discovered a DNA-like twisted crystal structure created with germanium sulfide nanowires, resembling the organic DNA structure. The twist causes the wire to elongate and widen into a helical structure, with segments resembling helically stacked bricks.

Chemical makers oppose new tariffs

Chemical manufacturers in the US are opposing new tariffs proposed by the Trump administration on $300 billion worth of Chinese goods. The additional taxes could hurt US companies' competitiveness and pricing advantage over foreign firms that do not have to pay tariffs.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 10, 2019

Astronomers expand cosmic 'cheat sheet' in hunt for life

Researchers have created a new tool to understand exoplanet evolution, using Earth's biosignatures as a 'cheat sheet' to detect signs of life. By analyzing the colors produced by different organisms on Earth, scientists can now look beyond vegetation and detect surface biota dating back billions of years.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 10, 2019

No more trial-and-error when choosing an electrolyte for metal-air batteries

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a novel parameter to select electrolytes for metal-air batteries, reducing trial-and-error testing. The 'Electrochemical' Thiele Modulus measures ion transport and reaction kinetics, allowing rational development of high-performance electrolytes.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2019

Terahertz technology escapes the cold

Researchers at ETH Zurich have demonstrated a terahertz quantum cascade laser that operates without cryogenic cooling, reaching temperatures of up to 210 K. This breakthrough removes the main obstacles to widespread use in various applications, including non-invasive imaging and quality control.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 10, 2019

Using artificial intelligence to detect discrimination

Researchers developed an AI tool to detect discrimination in salaries and policing, using causality-based counterfactual inference algorithms. The tool was tested on various datasets and found evidence of gender-based discrimination in salary, with women having lower odds of receiving a salary over $50,000 per year.

Puzzling on a quantum chessboard

A quantum computer has solved a complex chess puzzle using quantum physics, with the solution determined by atomic microscopy. The experiment was designed to demonstrate quantum supremacy for certain optimization problems, and its feasibility is now within reach of laboratory implementation.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalQuantum·DateJul 10, 2019

Will your future computer be made using bacteria?

Scientists have developed a method to produce graphene materials using bacteria, overcoming a major hurdle in adopting this revolutionary nanomaterial. The bacterially-produced graphene material retains its amazing properties, making it suitable for innovative technologies such as field-effect transistor biosensors and conductive inks.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalChemistryOpen·DateJul 10, 2019

Anaphylactic shock: IgG antibodies and neutrophils play an unexpected role

Researchers have identified a new pathological mechanism responsible for 10-20% of unexplained anaphylactic cases involving IgG antibodies that activate neutrophils, releasing harmful vasodilating mediators. This discovery may help improve diagnosis and treatment for patients with anaphylactic shock.

How the mosquito immune system fights off the malaria parasite

A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that mosquitoes employ a multi-stage immune response to combat malaria parasites, involving a complement-like pathway and phenoloxidases. This understanding could lead to opportunities to eliminate malaria parasites in the mosquito, reducing human cases.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2019

Beat the heat

Researchers have discovered a way to produce more electricity from heat than thought possible by creating a silicon chip that converts thermal radiation into electricity. The chip can generate electricity even closer two silicon surfaces are together, potentially increasing battery life by up to 50%.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 10, 2019

Nonphysician practitioners absorbing more new patient requests post Affordable Care Act

With the Affordable Care Act, millions of new patients are seeking primary care. Nonphysician advanced practitioners like nurse practitioners and physician assistants have seen a significant increase in appointments for Medicaid patients, suggesting practices may be relying on them to accommodate new beneficiaries.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 10, 2019

'Flash mob' study puts clinical decision rules for ACS to the test

A nationwide flash-mob study found that acute coronary syndrome cannot be safely ruled out using the Marburg Heart Score or family physicians' clinical assessment in emergency care. The study identified 45 patients with ACS among 243 receiving a final diagnosis, with sensitivity for FP rating and MHS being 86.7% and 94.4%, respectively.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 10, 2019

Study: Minimum wage 'an effective tool' for increasing incomes of older workers

A new study by University of Illinois researchers finds that the minimum wage has no discernible 'disemployment' effects on older workers and may even delay retirements. The study suggests that higher minimum wages increase earnings and financial resources for older households, offsetting any potential negative unemployment effects.

Understanding how the mTOR complex comes together

A team at Brigham Young University studied how the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex is assembled, revealing its importance in regulating cell growth and survival. The researchers believe that understanding mTOR's assembly process could lead to new cancer therapies and treatments for diabetes.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 10, 2019

In cases when patients under anesthesia experience anaphylaxis, hyperactive immune cells to blame

A study of 86 patients reveals how anesthesia drugs can induce life-threatening allergic reactions through alternative immune pathways. Hyperactive immune cells, including neutrophils and macrophages, play a key role in this process, which could lead to the development of new diagnostics for anaphylaxis during anesthesia.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJul 10, 2019

A structured approach to detecting and treating depression in primary care

A structured management algorithm for major depressive disorder has been implemented in primary care clinics with a significant number of patients screened positive for depression. The study found that stronger patient education and additional approaches can help reduce attrition rates among those who fail to return for follow-up care.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 10, 2019

Cells synchronize to release toxins in unison

Researchers at Stanford University discovered a new form of cell communication, where individual cells coordinate their ultrafast contractions to release paralyzing toxins in sync. The phenomenon was found to occur through hydrodynamic flows, allowing cells to sense and respond to their environment.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateJul 10, 2019

Awareness of product transformation increases recycling

A study by Penn State researchers found that when consumers are reminded of the products that their recyclables can be turned into, they are more likely to recycle. The team conducted a series of studies where participants were shown advertisements featuring product transformation, and results showed a significant increase in recycling...

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 10, 2019

Secrets of a sex-changing fish revealed

Researchers discovered that specific genes are turned off and on in the brain and gonad to facilitate sex change, a process linked to cellular memory and epigenetic reprogramming. The study sheds light on how environmental factors influence gene expression in animals, including humans.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 10, 2019