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Science News Archive July 2019 - Page 8


Page 8 of 41

Current guides for starting infants on solid food may lead to overfeeding

A computer-simulated study suggests that standard solid food feeding guides from hospitals and baby-formula makers may not provide accurate recommendations for infants. Following these guidelines can lead to overweight infants as early as 9-11 months old, with the Similac guide producing the healthiest results.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJul 25, 2019

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Testosterone may significantly improve sexual function and sexual wellbeing in postmenopausal women

A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of testosterone treatment for women found significant improvements in sexual desire, function, and pleasure. Non-oral formulations appear to have fewer side effects compared to oral testosterone, with benefits including reduced concerns and distress about sex.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJul 25, 2019

Clemson research suggests a practical use for regret, hindsight

A study by Robin Kowalski found that many people think about advice they would give their younger selves multiple times per week. This mental exercise can help individuals conceptualize their ideal self and overcome regret. The research also revealed that areas of education, self-worth, and relationships are commonly focused on when it...

SourceClemson University·JournalThe Journal of Social Psychology·DateJul 25, 2019

Group medical visit innovations improve access & advance integrative heath equity

This Special Focus Issue on Innovation in Group-Delivered Services explores various applications of group medical visits for chronic diseases, including mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. The issue highlights the potential of group visits to address unmet needs of underserved patients and promote integrative health equity.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateJul 25, 2019

Trapping female mosquitoes helps curb chikungunya virus

Researchers found that CDC-developed Autocidal Gravid Ovitrap (AGO) traps successfully protected people from chikungunya virus infection in Puerto Rican communities. The study showed a significant reduction in CHIKV seropositivity among participants in intervention areas with AGO traps compared to those without traps.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 25, 2019

How HIV infection may contribute to wide-ranging metabolic conditions

A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that HIV-infected cells release a viral protein called Nef, impairing cholesterol metabolism and triggering inflammation in uninfected bystander cells. This impairment causes the formation of excessive lipid rafts and triggers inflammation, potentially contributing to various co-morbidities ass...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 25, 2019

How the pufferfish got its wacky spines

Researchers have identified the genetic basis of pufferfish spines, which share developmental pathways with other vertebrates. The study reveals that the spines evolved as a unique adaptation for protection during inflation.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateJul 25, 2019

Worm pheromones protect major crops

Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute discovered that ascaroside compounds from nematodes can protect rice, wheat, corn, and soybeans from numerous pathogens. The compounds helped increase resistance against bacterial, fungal, viral, and oomycete pathogens in major crops.

SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalJournal of Phytopathology·DateJul 25, 2019

Signals from skin cells control fat cell specialization

Research at Kobe University reveals that protein secretions by skin cells, keratinocytes, regulate the differentiation of subsurface skin fat cells into white or brown adipose tissue. The study found that suppressing growth factor proteins BMP2 and FGF21 can decrease white fat cell numbers and increase brown fat cells.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateJul 25, 2019

Supercomputers use graphics processors to solve longstanding turbulence question

Researchers at Imperial College London used supercomputers and graphics processors to simulate turbulent fluid flow and solve a longstanding question about disturbance dissipation. Their results lead to the development of new empirical models for turbulence, improving engineering designs in fields like wind turbines and Formula 1 cars.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateJul 25, 2019

Physicists from IKBFU create metallic alloy for magnetic refrigerator

Researchers at Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University have developed a new metallic alloy that can be used in magnetic refrigeration technology, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional refrigerants like freon. The manganese-arsenic alloy shows promising results for solid-state cooling at room temperature.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateJul 25, 2019