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Science News Archive July 2019 - Page 30


Page 30 of 41

New technique developed to detect autism in children

A new technique developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo can help doctors quickly and accurately diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. The technique analyzes eye-gaze data to identify how children with ASD scan a person's face differently than neuro-typical children.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalComputers in Biology and Medicine·DateJul 9, 2019

Smells like love...to sea lampreys

Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that spermine, an odorous compound in male semen, attracts mature female sea lampreys and helps them select suitable mates. This finding could potentially be used to control invasive sea lamprey populations in the Great Lakes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 9, 2019

Study identifies the best healthy eating nudges

A meta-analysis of real-life experiments found that behavioural nudges can reduce daily energy intake by up to 209 kcal, equivalent to 21 cubes of sugar. Cognitive and affective nudges were less effective, with average reductions of 64 kcal and 129 kcal respectively.

SourceINSEAD·JournalMarketing Science·DateJul 9, 2019

Scientists identify new virus-killing protein

Researchers discovered a new protein called KHNYN that works together with the known virus-killing protein ZAP to target viral genomes and destroy viruses. This natural antiviral system has potential applications in developing new vaccines and treatments for cancer.

SourceeLife·DateJul 9, 2019

Cleaning up the cosmic neighborhood

Vestigo Aerospace LLC is developing drag sail technology to remove small satellites and launch vehicle stages from orbit, addressing the growing risk of on-orbit collisions. The company aims to reduce energy and debris impact zones through targeted reentry.

Fear of predators increases risk of illness

Research at Lund University reveals that prey animals with a weaker immune system have an increased risk of illness due to chronic stress from predator presence. The study found that bold individuals with a greater need for defense exhibit a better immune response.

SourceLund University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJul 9, 2019

Scientists reveal close connections between the Northern Hemisphere mid-high latitudes and East Asia

Research findings show that mid-high latitude climate variability significantly impacts the East Asian monsoon, with a synergistic effect on predictability sources. Chinese scientists propose new concepts to explain combined effects of regional climate variabilities on East Asian climate.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJul 9, 2019

Deep learning-powered 'DeepEC' helps accurately understand enzyme functions

A deep learning-powered computational framework called DeepEC has been developed to predict enzyme commission numbers with high accuracy and efficiency. It uses convolutional neural networks and homology analysis to identify EC numbers, which is essential for understanding enzyme functions.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2019