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Science News for July 16, 2019


The Lancet Public Health: First scientific review of menstrual cups suggests they are safe and may be as effective as other sanitary products

A systematic review of menstrual cups suggests they are a safe option for menstruation management. The review found similar leakage levels to disposable pads or tampons, with some studies showing significant less leakage. Practice, peer support, and training are key to initiation and adoption.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·DateJul 16, 2019

Limitation exposed in promising quantum computing material

Researchers at the University of Utah discovered that as the insulating layers of a topological insulator get thinner, its metallic surfaces start influencing each other and losing their conductivity. The study found that this phenomenon occurs at an insulating layer thickness of around 16 quintuple atomic layers across.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 16, 2019

Research shows black plastics could create renewable energy

Researchers at Swansea University have developed a method to recycle black plastics into carbon nanotubes for use in high-value materials like conductive films and flexible electronics fabrics. This process could reduce plastic waste and help solve the problem of lost electricity during transmission and distribution.

SourceSwansea University·JournalC – Journal of Carbon Research·DateJul 16, 2019

Are fertility apps useful?

A study of 200,000 FAM app users found that digital self-tracking can provide valuable information for inferring underlying hormonal changes and ovulation timing. The analysis revealed patterns similar to those in small-scale clinical studies, with notable improvements in the duration and range of the follicular phase.

NASA looks at Barry's rainfall rates

NASA's GPM core satellite analyzed Barry's rainfall rates several hours after it made landfall on the coast of Louisiana. Heavy rain bands were revealed by the data, with rainfall rates exceeding 10 mm/hour in some areas. The storm brought heavy rains and flooding to the mid-Mississippi Valley as it moved through the region.

A genomic barcode tracker for immune cells

A new method, RAGE-seq, enables scientists to track rare immune cells reactive against cancer cells. The technique reveals unprecedented insight into armming the immune system to target cancer. By scanning thousands of immune cells at a time, it provides an accurate snapshot of how the immune cells in a tissue sample are related.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 16, 2019

Fusion's path to practicality

TAE Technologies, backed by DOE funding through INCITE program, aims to achieve commercially viable nuclear fusion energy. The company's FRC device seeks to confine plasma at high temperatures for extended periods, paving the way for sustainable, carbon-free energy production.

Prescribed opioids associated with overdose risk for family members without prescriptions

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that prescribed opioids are associated with a nearly threefold increase in overdose rates for individuals without their own prescriptions. Family members on the same health insurance plan have access to these medications, posing a significant risk of accidental exposure or misuse.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 16, 2019

Global commission into health inequities of mental illness gives blueprint for change

A global commission has released a blueprint for protecting physical health in people with mental illness, highlighting key factors driving poor health and presenting initiatives for health policy and clinical services. The report reveals a broad range of mental illnesses are associated with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Study identifies potential markers of lung cancer

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have identified markers that can distinguish between major subtypes of lung cancer and accurately predict lung cancer stage. The study's findings could help physicians decide whether an individual patient with lung cancer benefits from standard treatment or needs more aggressive therapy.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 16, 2019

Supernova observation first of its kind using NASA satellite

A team of astronomers at Ohio State University used NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite to observe a Type Ia supernova, the first of its kind to measure hydrogen in its spectra. The discovery challenges traditional theories on why white dwarf stars explode and could provide new insights into the elements left behind.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 16, 2019