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Science News for July 26, 2019


Are US adults meeting physical activity guidelines?

Between 2007 and 2016, the proportion of US adults meeting aerobic activity guidelines remained relatively stable at around 65%, while sedentary behavior increased from 5.7 to 6.4 hours per day. This trend suggests a stagnation in physical activity levels despite updated guidelines recommending less sitting.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 26, 2019

Burnout symptoms associated with racial bias in medical residents

A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers found an association between increased symptoms of burnout and heightened racial bias in medical residents. Physicians experiencing high symptoms of burnout tended to exhibit more racial bias, both explicit and implicit, but recoveries from burnout were linked to reductions in bias.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 26, 2019

Two therapeutic targets identified for deadly lung cancer

Researchers have discovered that two enzymes, SIK1 and SIK3, play a critical role in driving tumor growth in non-small-cell lung cancer by promoting inflammation. The findings highlight a potential new target for therapies and could lead to improved treatment options for patients with this deadly form of lung cancer.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCancer Discovery·DateJul 26, 2019

The democratic governance of agricultural multinationals is essential for environmental sustainability

Researchers studying Barilla Sustainable Farming in Italy found that partnering with different stakeholders can promote sustainability in agri-food supply chains. A two-level approach to implement crop diversification and sustainable management practices is suggested to achieve a more sustainable agricultural system throughout Europe.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalAgricultural and Food Economics·DateJul 26, 2019

Solar energy becomes biofuel without solar cells

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a way to produce butanol, a fourth-generation biofuel, using solar energy, water, and CO2 without the need for solar cells. The microorganisms can efficiently capture the sun's energy and bind to carbon dioxide in the air.

SourceUppsala University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJul 26, 2019

Mouse genetics influences the microbiome more than environment

A recent study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that genetics has a greater impact on the microbiome of mice than their maternal birth environment. The researchers tested two different inbred laboratory strains of mice and found that the offspring's microbiomes were similar regardless of which parent was black ...

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 26, 2019

One in 75 new mothers go on to long-term opioid painkiller use; risk rises with size of Rx

A recent study of over 308,000 women who gave birth from 2008 to 2016 found that nearly half received opioid prescriptions as part of their birth experience, with one in every hundred still filling them a year later. The percentage of women filling opioid prescriptions declined over time, suggesting growing awareness of the national op...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 26, 2019

Shaping light with a smartlens

A team of researchers from ICFO demonstrates an adjustable technique to manipulate light without mechanical movement, enabling the creation of dynamically tuneable lenses with high control and low power consumption. The Smartlens technology has potential applications in high-end systems and simple end-user-oriented imaging devices.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 26, 2019

How is urban green space associated with mental health?

This observational study found that exposure to more tree canopy was associated with a lower likelihood of psychological distress and better self-rated general health. However, no green space indicator was consistently linked to depression or anxiety, and low-lying vegetation had mixed results.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 26, 2019

Banning tobacco sales to people under age 21 reduces smoking

A new Yale University study reveals that banning tobacco sales to people under age 21 significantly reduces smoking rates among 18- to 20-year-olds. The study found a 10% drop in smoking among these age group when local tobacco-21 laws are implemented, with effects expected to be even greater at the state level.

SourceYale University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJul 26, 2019

A good first step toward nontoxic solar cells

A team of engineers at Washington University in St. Louis has found a more stable, less toxic semiconductor for solar applications, made up of potassium, barium, tellurium, bismuth and oxygen (KBaTeBiO6). The new compound has a band gap of 1.88 eV, which is close to the halide perovskites, making it promising for solar cell applications.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJul 26, 2019