Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive June 2019 - Page 24


Page 24 of 41

On your bike?

A study by James Cook University researcher Jemma King found that a lack of suitable roads is a major reason for low cycling participation rates in Australia and Queensland. Key findings include the majority of non-cyclists citing ill-health, age or lack of time as reasons, while rural residents often cite environmental concerns.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalHealth Promotion Journal of Australia·DateJun 13, 2019

Concert of magnetic moments

Scientists have identified a unique chiral coupling that allows spins in different magnetic layers to interact over long distances, even if they are not adjacent. This discovery opens up novel opportunities for engineering complex magnetic configurations to store and process data more efficiently.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 13, 2019

Fetal genome involved in triggering premature birth

A study of over 600 infant genomes found that variations in the SLIT2 gene may contribute to premature births by activating the mother's immune system. The researchers also discovered a link between the SLIT2-ROBO1 signalling pathway and multiple pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia and ectopic pregnancy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJun 13, 2019

The start of a new era in stem cell therapy

A recent study has improved upon Nobel Laureate Prof. Shinya Yamanaka's cellular reprogramming method, reducing the waiting period from 3-4 weeks to approximately a week. The new method also increases the success rate up to ten-fold, making it easier to apply in clinical settings.

SourceKoc University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateJun 13, 2019

Research reveals liquid gold on the nanoscale

Gold nanoparticles exhibit unique melting behavior on the nanoscale, forming a liquid shell around a solid core. The research provides new insights into how nanoparticles behave at elevated temperatures, with implications for nanotech applications in medicine, catalysis, and electronics.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 13, 2019

Using prevalent technologies and 'Internet of Things' data for atmospheric science

Researchers review existing works on using IoT and crowdsourced data for atmospheric research, highlighting its potential to improve weather forecasting and monitoring environmental processes. The innovative approach can provide valuable insights into atmospheric conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and air pollution.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJun 13, 2019

Lower risk of Type 1 diabetes seen in children vaccinated against 'stomach flu' virus

A new study shows that children who received all doses of the rotavirus vaccine had a 33% lower risk of getting diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The study, published in Scientific Reports, used nationwide health insurance data and found that the vaccine was associated with a 94% lower rate of hospitalization for rotavirus infection.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 13, 2019

'Locking' an arthritis drug may be key to improving it

Researchers attach a removable lock to an arthritis drug to reduce systemic immune suppression and neutralization, making it safer and more effective. The modified form of the antibody shows promise in treating rheumatoid arthritis with fewer infections and less development of anti-infliximab antibodies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 13, 2019

Study shows that strength and weight training can control diabetes in obese individuals

A study by Brazilian scientists shows that moderate strength and weight training can reduce liver fat and improve blood sugar control in obese and diabetic individuals. The exercise protocol reduced local fat in the liver and improved cellular insulin signaling, even before significant weight loss occurred.

Financial vulnerability may discourage positive negotiation strategies

Research suggests that people who feel financially vulnerable are more likely to approach economic exchanges with a zero-sum mindset, overlooking cooperative and mutually beneficial options. This can perpetuate their financial disadvantage. Negotiation training programs may help them recognize potential for cooperative exchanges.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJun 13, 2019

New record: 3D-printed optical-electronic integration

Researchers have successfully integrated optoelectronics into three-dimensional (3D) structures using femtosecond laser direct writing. The technique allows for the creation of hybrid microlaser modules with selective electric modulation, paving the way for more compact and efficient integrated circuits.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateJun 13, 2019

Half of Ebola outbreaks undetected

Researchers estimate that at least half of Ebola outbreaks have gone undetected, resulting in hundreds of potential cases. The study highlights the need for improved detection and rapid response to prevent small outbreaks from growing into larger events.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJun 13, 2019

Carboplatin & paclitaxel chemotherapy alone should remain standard treatment for endometrial cancer

The NRG-GOG 0258 trial showed that carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy alone resulted in comparable recurrence-free survival rates compared to combined modality treatment. The study found a reduced incidence of vaginal, pelvic, and para-aortic lymph node recurrences but increased distant recurrences with combined modality treatment.

SourceNRG Oncology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJun 13, 2019

Are we using biologic therapy properly?

A study found that infliximab, a biologic therapy, did not result in lower rates of hospitalizations or intestinal surgeries among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) in Ontario. Despite improving symptoms for individual patients, the treatment's impact on quality of life and workplace productivity remains uncertain.

SourceThe Ottawa Hospital·JournalGut·DateJun 13, 2019

Small currents for big gains in spintronics

Scientists at the University of Tokyo developed an efficient magnetization reversal component using gallium manganese arsenide, reducing current densities by one to two orders of magnitude compared to previous methods. This breakthrough aims to advance spintronics, a promising technology for low-power logic and memory devices.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 13, 2019

Monkeys face climate change extinction threat

A new study finds that New World monkeys are highly vulnerable to climate change, with many species facing substantial temperature increases and habitat changes over the next 30 years. The research suggests urgent action is needed to mitigate the effects of climate change on primate populations.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 12, 2019