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Science News Archive July 2019 - Page 29


Page 29 of 41

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

MPFI researchers develop newly devised strategy that allows the linking of phenotype to genotype

The Taniguchi Lab at MPFI has developed a novel protocol combining laser microdissection with single-cell genotyping to accurately link observed phenotypes to underlying genetics. This approach enables the reliable determination of exact genetic causes, particularly for genes in the brain that have subtle effects.