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Science News for June 21, 2019


Pathogenesis and treatment of periodontitis: Honoring the legacy of Ricardo Teles

The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) and American Association for Dental Research (AADR) honored the legacy of Ricardo Teles in a symposium. The symposium reviewed current knowledge in clinical periodontology, identified gaps in research, and recognized his contributions to advancing the field.

Cities are key to saving monarch butterflies

Two new studies suggest that planting milkweed in cities could support 15-30% of the 1.8 billion stems needed to save Monarch butterflies. Urban areas offer a vast potential for creating habitat, with residential yards and low-quality green spaces being particularly valuable targets.

SourceField Museum·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 21, 2019

The pressure difference and vortex flow of blood in the heart chambers may signal heart dysfunction

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology found a close relationship between vortex flow and pressure differences in the ventricles of the heart, which may signal heart dysfunction. The study suggests that these indicators could be used as new markers for cardiovascular dysfunction leading to heart failure.

Do women regret embryo testing before IVF?

A study found that 94% of patients who underwent embryo genetic testing before IVF were glad to have the information, despite potentially disappointing results. The research suggests that even after a negative outcome, most women value the knowledge gained from embryo testing for reproductive planning.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalHuman Reproduction·DateJun 21, 2019

'Sneezing' plants contribute to disease proliferation

Researchers discovered that wheat plants' sneezing off condensation can spread spore-borne diseases like wheat leaf rust, causing crop yield losses up to 20%. Condensation droplets can carry spores and jump high distances, potentially spreading disease across entire crops.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJun 21, 2019

Gender-specific differences in the salivary microbiome of caries-active children

Research found significant differences in oral microbiota between caries-active boys and girls, with Actinobaculum, Veillonella parvula, and Lactococcus lactis dominating in girls. These findings suggest a gender-specific role of these microorganisms in shaping the cariogenic microbial environment.

Structural development of the brain

Researchers found that N-cadherin protein plays a crucial role in arranging neurons to form the columnar microstructure of the brain. The study used Drosophila melanogaster fruit fly brain as a model and discovered that three neuron types are arranged within the columns, with R7 forming the core.

Neuroscience research questions current alcohol limit

A new study published in Addiction Biology found that drinking one pint of beer or a large glass of wine can significantly compromise a person's sense of agency. This sense of agency is crucial for human social behavior, implying knowledge of the consequences of actions. The researchers used an indirect measure called intentional bindi...

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalAddiction Biology·DateJun 21, 2019

Ageism reduced by education, intergenerational contact

A Cornell-led study found that education and intergenerational contact can significantly reduce ageist attitudes, prejudices, and stereotypes. The interventions, particularly those combining both elements, proved to be effective in reducing ageism, especially among women, teens, and young adults.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJun 21, 2019

Next-gen solar cells spin in new direction

Research into phosphorene nanosheets has improved the potential of perovskite solar cells by increasing their electricity production efficiency by 2-3%. This breakthrough is significant as it could lead to more efficient and potentially cheaper solar cells, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

SourceFlinders University·JournalSmall Methods·DateJun 21, 2019

Exposure to others' suffering even worse than being shot at

A new study published in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology reveals that exposure to life-threatening situations results in fewer post-traumatic stress symptoms for soldiers compared to witnessing others' suffering. Non-danger-based stressors, such as moral challenges, lead to increased symptoms of psychological distress.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Psychotraumatology·DateJun 21, 2019

Americans still eat too much processed meat and too little fish

A new analysis found that US adults consume excessive amounts of processed meat, with only 15% meeting guidelines for fish/shellfish consumption. Consumption trends show a decrease in unprocessed red meat and an increase in poultry, while fish/shellfish intake remains unchanged.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateJun 21, 2019