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Science News Archive March 2019 - Page 35


Page 35 of 43

A television in the bedroom?

A study published in Pediatric Research found that having a TV in the bedroom at age 4 is associated with later physical, mental, and social problems. Children who spent more time watching TV in their room had higher body mass indexes, unhealthy eating habits, lower sociability, and increased emotional distress.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPediatric Research·DateMar 7, 2019

How does the body respond to diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis?

A study in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases analyzed gene expression in patients with diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis, revealing a heightened presence of B cell transcripts and unique patterns of macrophage activation. The research also identified new targets for vaccine development against this rare and neglected tropical disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMar 7, 2019

'Meta-mirror' reflects sound waves in any direction

A team of researchers from Duke University and Aalto University has developed a device called a meta-mirror that can perfectly reflect sound waves in any direction. The device uses metamaterials to control the speed and amplitude of sound waves, allowing it to steer them towards desired directions.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 7, 2019

Getting more mileage from microsatellites

Researchers used next-generation sequencing to identify additional DNA markers in the carob tree, increasing resolution for population genetics studies. This approach shows promise for analyzing species with limited genetic diversity, including those that underwent strong bottlenecks.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateMar 6, 2019

Does cognitive function affect oral health during aging?

Poorer cognitive function in older adults is associated with poorer oral health and a higher risk of tooth loss. A study of 4,416 UK adults found that those with lower cognitive function scores had a 39% higher odds of tooth loss compared to those with higher scores.

SourceWiley·JournalCommunity Dentistry And Oral Epidemiology·DateMar 6, 2019

Autism: Brain activity as a biomarker

Scientists discovered consistent brain activity patterns in people with autism that could be used to track treatment progress. The findings suggest that altering these patterns may help improve symptoms, but further studies are needed for confirmation.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 6, 2019

Eating the flu

A new study reveals that a diet rich in birds is the key factor driving influenza A virus exposure in wild African mammals. Herbivores showed low prevalence and diversity, while carnivores had the highest diversity and prevalence.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·DateMar 6, 2019

Vast record of past climate fluctuations now available thanks to laser imaging of shells

A new method using rapid laser imaging has expanded the number of analyzed shell records, allowing for greater accuracy and longer time periods in reconstructed records. This technique enables researchers to study human and ecological responses to past climate changes, gaining insights into future climate change impacts.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 6, 2019

Statins linked to higher diabetes risk

Individuals taking statins may experience higher insulin levels and insulin resistance, leading to a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The analysis found a 38% increased risk among those who used statins for 15 years or more.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateMar 6, 2019