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Science News for June 19, 2019


Making systems robust

ETH Zurich scientists create synthetic biology approach to make biotechnological production processes more efficient and regulate hormonal activity through cell therapy. They successfully control bacteria's growth rate despite disruptions, paving the way for applications in medicine, including cancer immunotherapy.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateJun 19, 2019

Sugar industry's use of dietitians to influence dental professionals, 1974-1978

The Regional Nutritional Information Program was a key component of the U.S. Sugar Association's public relations campaign, designed to promote sugar's safety and benefits in a balanced diet. The program involved dietitians hosting workshops, influencing dental professionals' attitudes towards sugar, and shaping oral health messages.

Family and community central to recovery among Sierra Leone's former child soldiers

A 15-year study tracking former child soldiers in Sierra Leone reveals that earning acceptance from families and communities is crucial for their mental health and social integration. The research highlights the importance of addressing stigma and improving social supports to help these individuals recover from childhood trauma.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 19, 2019

Simple scan could direct treatments for angina

A 40-minute MRI scan has been shown to guide treatment decisions for patients with angina, resulting in fewer hospital stays and procedures. The MR-INFORM trial found similar patient outcomes between those who received the standard invasive angiography and those whose treatment was dictated by their MRI scan.

Electrons take alternative route to prevent plant stress

A recent study published in Plants revealed that electrons flowing through the reaction center chlorophyll (P700) in photosystem I undergo a charge recombination, producing chemical energy used in photosynthesis. This finding suggests an alternative pathway to suppress reactive oxygen species production and mitigate plant stress.

SourceKobe University·JournalPlants·DateJun 19, 2019

Vitamin D may not help your heart

A new Michigan State University study found that taking vitamin D supplements did not decrease the incidence of heart attacks, strokes or other major adverse cardiovascular events. The study of over 83,000 patients showed no benefit from vitamin D supplements in reducing cardiovascular risk.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateJun 19, 2019

Is glue the answer to climate change?

Researchers at Swansea University have developed a new material capable of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) using a common epoxy resin. The material shows high CO2 uptake and could potentially be used to capture CO2 from industrial flue gas streams or from the air.

SourceSwansea University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJun 19, 2019

News from the diamond nursery

Scientists have recreated the conditions of the Earth's mantle, where diamonds form, by simulating extreme pressure and heat. They found that the sediments represent a plausible source of potassium for the saline fluid inclusions in diamonds.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 19, 2019

Photovoltaic nanotubes

Researchers discovered a novel nanotube material that generates electricity through the photovoltaic effect, outperforming existing materials by an order of magnitude. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient solar panels and advanced optical sensors for applications in astronomy and self-driving cars.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·DateJun 19, 2019

South African forests show pathways to a sustainable future

Researchers found that coastal, indigenous forests in South Africa store a moderate to large amount of carbon, making them important for conservation. The study also highlights the need to balance forest productivity with local community needs in order to achieve sustainable development.

SourcePenn State·JournalCarbon Balance and Management·DateJun 19, 2019

Fresh look at mysterious Nasca lines in Peru

Researchers from Hokkaido University used a taxonomic approach to re-identify the huge birds etched into Peru's desert plains as hermits or pelicans. The study, published in Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, reveals that the Nasca people drew exotic birds, not local species, which could be a clue to their significance.

US military consumes more hydrocarbons than most countries -- massive hidden impact on climate

Research by social scientists reveals the US military is one of the largest climate polluters in history, consuming vast amounts of liquid fuels and emitting significant CO2e emissions. The study calculates part of the US military's impact on climate change through its global logistical supply chains.

SourceLancaster University·JournalTransactions of the Institute of British Geographers·DateJun 19, 2019

Upcycling process brings new life to old jeans

Researchers have developed an efficient and low-cost method to convert waste denim into reusable cotton fibers, reducing textile waste and conserving resources. The new process uses a 1:4 mixture of ionic liquid and DMSO to dissolve cellulose building blocks, resulting in white or colored viscose-type fibers.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJun 19, 2019

Finding 'Nemo's' family tree of anemones

Researchers built a phylogenetic tree based on DNA from newly collected anemone specimens to fill gaps in the origin of these species. They found that as a group, anemones independently evolved the ability to host clownfish three times throughout history, with two groups originating in the Tethys Sea.

SourceAmerican Museum of Natural History·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateJun 19, 2019

Artificial muscles powered by glucose

Scientists at Linköping University have created artificial muscles that harness energy from glucose and oxygen, mimicking biological muscle movement. The innovation uses enzymes to convert chemical energy into electrical energy, enabling the creation of implantable and autonomous microrobots.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 19, 2019

Curbing the flammability of epoxy resin

A team of researchers from Henan University has investigated the flame retardant performance of epoxy resin using a boron nitride nanosheet decorated with cobalt ferrite nanoparticle. The as-prepared CFN-BNNS exhibits superior paramagnetic properties, contributing to better flame retardant performance compared to random alignment.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateJun 19, 2019

2019 IADR Academy of Osseointegration Innovation in Implant Sciences Award

Marco Bottino, a University of Michigan researcher, received the IADR Academy of Osseointegration Innovation in Implant Sciences Award for his work on customized 3D-printed PEEK-AMP dental implants. The award recognizes Bottino's research on bioactive dental implants that enhance osseointegration and improve oral rehabilitation.

The new 'Great Wave'

A team of Kyoto University researchers has created the smallest 'Great Wave' ever produced, just 1mm in width, without using pigments. This breakthrough uses Organized Microfibrillation (OM) technology to create a new palette of colors and applications in fields like anti-forgery technology, health, and food safety.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature·DateJun 19, 2019

Peter Lockhart received 2019 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Pharmacology

Peter Lockhart, a renowned researcher, received the 2019 IADR Distinguished Scientist Award in Pharmacology for his groundbreaking work on oral medicine and its association with medically complex patients. His research focuses on the dental management of these patients, exploring the links between oral disease and infective endocarditis.

Researchers find cause of rare, fatal disease that turns babies' lips and skin blue

Scientists have identified a rare genetic mutation causing a fatal respiratory disorder that affects newborns. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology, researchers developed a mouse model of the disease and discovered a critical link between FOXF1 mutations and STAT3 deficiency.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 19, 2019

'Goldilocks' neurons promote REM sleep

Researchers discovered melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons in the hypothalamus play a critical role in modulating REM sleep based on room temperature. Mice with functioning MCH neurons increase REM sleep when warmed, while those lacking the receptor show no such response.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 19, 2019

Jessica Scoffield receives new AADR Procter & Gamble Under-represented Fellowship

Jessica Scoffield, a microbiologist, receives the AADR Procter & Gamble Under-represented Fellowship for her research on commensal bacteria and polymicrobial pulmonary and oral infections. The fellowship aims to support early-career researchers from underrepresented groups in increasing representation at the faculty level.

Coverage losses in Arkansas following implementation of Medicaid work requirements

A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that thousands of Arkansas adults lost insurance coverage after implementing Medicaid work requirements, with most not gaining new coverage and becoming uninsured due to confusion and red tape. The policy did not achieve its goal of getting people into new jobs or private insurance.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 19, 2019

Your nose knows when it comes to stronger memories

Researchers found that unpleasant odors improve memory for images paired with the bad smell 24 hours later, as well as for related images. Individuals with larger arousal responses had better memory recall. The study suggests that aversive odors can be used to examine emotional learning and memory processes across development.

SourceNew York University·JournalLearning & Memory·DateJun 19, 2019

Distinguishing helpful and harmful gut immune cells offers new view on inflammatory diseases

A study has characterised two distinct populations of gut immune cells, which could help scientists develop treatments targeting inflammation while preserving healthy gut function. The 'good' cell population helps keep the gut lining healthy, while the 'bad' cells cause excessive inflammation and are associated with inflammatory diseases.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalImmunity·DateJun 19, 2019

High reaction rates even without precious metals

Scientists at Ruhr-University Bochum have developed nanocatalysts made from cobalt iron oxide that achieve high reaction rates in oxygen generation without the need for binders. The catalysts exhibit exceptional stability under extreme conditions, making them a promising alternative to expensive precious metal catalysts.

Stephen Birch received 2019 Behavioral, Epidemiologic and Health Services Research Award

Stephen Birch, a renowned researcher at the University of Queensland, has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to dental research with the 2019 Behavioral, Epidemiologic and Health Services Research Award. He is celebrated for his extensive publications and collaborations on various oral health themes.