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Science News Archive June 2019 - Page 36


Page 36 of 41

Is there a limit to human endurance? Science says yes

A new study found that humans can only burn calories at 2.5 times their resting metabolic rate before the body starts breaking down tissues to make up for the caloric deficit. This limit is linked to the digestive process and applies to various endurance activities, including marathons, ultra-marathons, and pregnancy.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 5, 2019

Estimating microplastic consumption

Researchers estimate that Americans consume between 74,000 to 113,000 microplastic particles annually, depending on age and sex. This analysis suggests significant exposure to microplastics through food consumption, especially bottled water versus tap water.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJun 5, 2019

The bacteria building your baby

A recent study found that nearly all newborns had bacteria in their first poop, contradicting the long-held assumption of a sterile womb. The researchers collected amniotic fluid samples from 50 healthy women undergoing planned caesarean deliveries and discovered bacterial DNA in almost all viable samples.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateJun 5, 2019

As hot as the sun's interior

Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena have successfully created plasma using nanowires and long-wavelength ultrashort pulse lasers. The new method achieves higher temperatures than previously thought possible in a laboratory setting, opening up new avenues for studying plasma and its properties.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJun 5, 2019

Stopping Parkinson's disease before it starts

A research team from Osaka University has developed a novel gene therapy approach that targets α-synuclein, a protein associated with Parkinson's disease. By using amido-bridged nucleic acid-modified antisense oligonucleotides, the treatment effectively decreases α-synuclein production and reduces disease severity in mice models.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 5, 2019

Civility still matters to some in cyberspace

Researchers analyzed over 400,000 sets of questions and answers on Stack Exchange to discover a 'politeness bias' where users prefer respectful responses, even when content isn't the most useful. The study's findings suggest that Q&A platforms should display more votes and consider renaming the 'best answer' feature to reduce bias.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalMIS Quarterly·DateJun 4, 2019

Researchers discover cells that change their identity during normal development

Zebrafish have been found to have a type of pigment cell that can transform into another cell type during normal development, challenging the long-held dogma that once a cell has completed its development, it stays that way. This discovery sheds light on how cells differentiate and may hold implications for regenerative medicine.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2019

Limiting warming to 2 degrees C will require emission cuts across entire food system

A new review finds that agriculture and food systems must undergo significant changes to limit warming to 2 degrees C. Efforts should focus on reducing emissions from agriculture, food loss and waste, and meat and dairy production, while supporting smallholder farmers through climate-smart agriculture and social safety nets.

Researchers develop superconducting quantum refrigerator

The superconducting quantum refrigerator utilizes the principles of superconductivity to create an environment conducive to generating unique properties that defy classical physics. Researchers successfully demonstrate a practical way to use the device, paving the way for advancements in quantum technologies and ultrafast computing.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJun 4, 2019

For Latinos with diabetes, new study looks at ways to improve medication adherence

A new study has identified several potential approaches for improving medication adherence among Latinos with diabetes, including simple measures like pillboxes and family member education. The study also highlights specific challenges faced by underserved Latino communities, such as difficulty understanding medications and managing mu...

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 4, 2019

Using physics to print living tissue

Scientists are using the laws of physics and predictive computer modeling to improve bioprinting techniques, which can create living tissues like muscle and bone. The new approaches aim to overcome trial-and-error methods and achieve more controlled printing processes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateJun 4, 2019