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Science News Archive June 2019 - Page 37


Page 37 of 41

Would you eat genetically modified food if you understood the science behind it?

A recent study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that people's existing knowledge about genetically modified food is a significant determining factor of their attitudes towards it. Learning the underlying science leads to more positive attitudes, a greater willingness to eat them, and a lowered perception of GM...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateJun 4, 2019

New process to rinse heavy metals from soils

A research team at Stanford University has developed a new method to clean contaminated soils by rinsing them with a mixture of water and EDTA, a chemical that attracts heavy metals. The process involves percolating the mixture through the soil, collecting the toxic brew, and filtering it to capture the heavy metals.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 4, 2019

Building blocks of the Earth

A research team from the University of Cologne has recalculated the distribution of volatile elements on Earth, finding that some building blocks have a chemical composition similar to primitive meteorites. The study suggests an alternative source for vital components such as water and carbon.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJun 4, 2019

Beta blockers reduce stress-induced irregular heart rhythm

A new study by Yale researchers found that beta blockers can minimize the impact of negative emotions on heart rhythm in individuals with a history of atrial fibrillation. The medication reduced the risk of AFib episodes triggered by stress and anger, while still having an effect on those taking beta-blockers.

SourceYale University·JournalHeartRhythm Case Reports·DateJun 4, 2019

Exposing modern forgers

A new process uses chemical methods to purify samples and detect modern forgeries by analyzing binding agents, providing a clear result. This method was tested on a famous case and proved effective in detecting a fake painting from the 20th century.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 4, 2019

Deaths from falls increase among older US adults

Death rates from falls for US adults 75 or older rose significantly from 2000 to 2016, with a 128% increase in absolute deaths and a 131% increase in death rates per 100,000 people. This trend was observed across different age groups, particularly among men aged 75-79 and women aged 95 or older.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 4, 2019

New genes out of nothing

Scientists explore the emergence of novel genes and functional proteins from random DNA sequences, revealing peptides that confer high resistance to aminoglycosides. The study demonstrates how de novo evolution can be studied experimentally in the laboratory.

SourceUppsala University·JournalmBio·DateJun 4, 2019

Study: Cholesterol in eggs tied to cardiac disease, death

A large-scale study found that consuming high amounts of cholesterol from eggs is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and death. The researchers also noted that even healthy diets can have negative effects when eggs are consumed excessively, emphasizing the importance of moderation and balance in daily eating habits.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateJun 4, 2019

Ant reactions to habitat disruptions inform a result of evolution, according to Conco

Researchers want a standardized approach to studying how ants react to environmental changes, with insights suggesting all ant communities respond strongly to openness in their habitats. This heterogeneity is due to millions of years of biogeographic and evolutionary history, leaving a signature on contemporary ant community structure.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJun 4, 2019

Sticking to sports can help kids adjust

Children who engage in organized physical activity at a young age are less likely to experience emotional difficulties by 12, according to a new study. The research suggests that consistent participation in sports can promote global development and socio-emotional benefits.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPediatric Research·DateJun 4, 2019

Researchers identify link between more frequent, intense heat events and deaths in Las Vegas

A study by Desert Research Institute researchers found a clear correlation between extreme heat and mortality rates in Las Vegas over the last decade. The study identified adults over 50 as particularly vulnerable to heat-related deaths, which often occurred due to pre-existing heart disease.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Science and Technology·DateJun 4, 2019

Sleepless nights linked to high blood pressure

A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine found that a bad night's sleep can lead to a spike in blood pressure, even on the following day. Researchers wore portable blood pressure cuffs and actigraphy monitors on participants to measure the impact of sleep efficiency on cardiovascular health.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateJun 4, 2019

'Only the stressed die young'

Research on Drosophila reveals that Ets21c promotes intestinal epithelial renewal, but its loss accelerates tissue turnover and makes flies vulnerable to stress. The study contributes to understanding regenerative processes under favourable and stressful conditions.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 4, 2019

Dowsing for electric fields in liquid crystals

Physicists Pawel Pieranski and Maria Helena Godinho have found that the 'dowser texture' in nematic liquid crystals responds differently to electric fields in various materials. This phenomenon, known as electro-osmosis, enables detection of subtle electrical effects.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJun 4, 2019