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Science News for June 7, 2019


Solved: How tides can trigger earthquakes

Researchers discovered that tidal fluctuations cause the magma chamber to expand, forcing the lower block of earth to slide up the fault, resulting in earthquakes. Even small stresses can trigger tremors, making it difficult to predict when an earthquake will occur.

SourceColumbia Climate School·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2019

AI tool helps radiologists detect brain aneurysms

A new AI tool developed by researchers at Stanford University improves clinicians' ability to correctly identify brain aneurysms by highlighting areas of interest on scans. The HeadXNet algorithm reduces the 'miss' rate and increases consensus among clinicians, with promising results but further investigation needed.

SourceStanford University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 7, 2019

Firearms and risk of suicide by US army soldiers

A study examining firearm ownership and accessibility found that US Army soldiers who died by suicide were more likely to own firearms and store them loaded at home. The study suggests a link between firearm availability and increased risk of suicidal death among military personnel.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 7, 2019

One-two-punch catalysts trapping CO2 for cleaner fuels

Scientists at DGIST have created a new photocatalyst that can convert sunlight into hydrocarbon fuels with improved efficiency. The addition of copper and platinum nanoparticles enhances the catalyst's ability to recycle atmospheric carbon dioxide., Researchers aim to further improve the technology to make it commercially viable.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJun 7, 2019

Costs of care similar or lower at teaching hospitals compared to non-teaching hospitals

A new study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that teaching hospitals have similar costs to non-teaching hospitals for common medical conditions, with lower costs for follow-up care and readmissions. The findings suggest a reevaluation of the relationship between teaching hospital costs and patient outcomes.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 7, 2019

New core-shell catalyst for ethanol fuel cells

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory and the University of Arkansas developed a highly efficient catalyst for extracting electrical energy from ethanol. The catalyst steers ethanol down an ideal chemical pathway, releasing its full potential of stored energy, enabling applications such as liquid fuel-cell-powered drones.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 7, 2019

When social interaction helps you choose your food

Studies using rodents demonstrate how sensory stimuli linked to social contacts modify neural connections involved in food choice, highlighting the importance of social transmission of food preferences. This mechanism may be deficient in individuals with autistic disorders, contributing to their social difficulties.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience·DateJun 7, 2019

Older forests resist change -- climate change, that is

A new study by University of Vermont researchers found that older forests are less vulnerable to climate change, particularly for carbon storage, timber production, and biodiversity. The research analyzed 18,500 forest plots across the eastern US and Canada, identifying priority regions for forest climate adaptation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 7, 2019

Worm study sparks hope for slowing muscle decline

A recent study published in the FASEB Journal has found that inhibiting various stages of mitochondrial dysfunction can suppress muscle atrophy. Researchers used Caenorhabditis elegans worms to model human muscle diseases and showed that experimental drugs could prevent muscle decline caused by dysfunctional mitochondria.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 7, 2019

NIH-funded trial finds vitamin D does not prevent type 2 diabetes in people at high risk

A large NIH-funded study found that taking a daily vitamin D supplement does not prevent type 2 diabetes in adults at high risk. The study, which enrolled over 2,400 participants, found no significant difference between those who took 4,000 IU of vitamin D and those who took a placebo.

Proof of sandwiched graphene-membrane superstructure opens up a membrane-specific drug delivery mode

Researchers have created a graphene-based sandwiched superstructure that enables efficient transport of nanoparticles inside cell membranes, outperforming traditional carriers in anti-cancer efficacy. This discovery could significantly improve cytotoxicity effects and pave the way for novel membrane-specific drug delivery modes.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 7, 2019