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Science News Archive March 2019 - Page 40


Page 40 of 43

New shapes of laser beam 'sneak' through opaque media

Researchers at Yale University have developed a technique to pre-treat laser beams, allowing them to penetrate opaque surfaces undisturbed. This breakthrough has potential applications for deep-tissue imaging and optogenetics, where light is used to probe and manipulate cells in living tissue.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Photonics·DateMar 4, 2019

Putting the brake on our immune system's response

A novel mechanism discovered by researchers at the University of York and Queen Mary University London reveals that miR-132 controls how immune cells respond to infection. This tiny molecule acts as a 'handbrake' on the immune system, preventing over-reaction and promoting protective immunity.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateMar 4, 2019

Study: Landlord disclosure of bedbugs cuts infestations, creates long-term savings

A new study by Iowa State University researchers suggests that requiring landlords to disclose recent bedbug infestations can lead to a reduction in infestations and lower costs for both landlords and tenants. This policy can create long-term savings for landlords and make life better for people affected by these pests.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

Plant traits and drought tolerance

A field experiment in California's 2017-2018 winter drought revealed a strong correlation between seedling root length and mortality. In contrast, easily measurable adult traits showed only weak correlations with seedling mortality, suggesting that traditional plant traits may not predict ecosystem responses to environmental stress.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

'Broken heart' syndrome may originate in the brain

A study found that brain regions involved in emotional processing and controlling the body's unconscious workings do not communicate as well in patients with Takotsubo syndrome, a condition known as 'broken heart' syndrome. This decrease in communication may contribute to the development of TTS, which is triggered by emotional stressors.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateMar 4, 2019

How bacteria can help prevent coal ash spills

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a technique using bacteria to create biocement in coal ash ponds, making them stiffer and more difficult to spill. The resulting biocement can also trap potentially toxic metals in the coal ash, reducing environmental and public health concerns.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering·DateMar 4, 2019

Want to save the planet? Stop trying to be its friend

A new theory suggests that our relationship with the environment is like a social exchange, leading to the belief that eco-friendly behavior can cancel out harmful ones. Researchers argue that this mindset can lead to misguided quick fixes and that stricter legislation and immediate feedback on environmental impact are needed.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMar 4, 2019

Mapping past solar system dynamics

Scientists have recovered accurate values for precession frequencies of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, and Jupiter using lake sediment data from the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic epochs. The findings provide insights into climate variations driven by Solar System chaos and could constrain models of Solar System evolution.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

Are mosaic embryos the 'dark horse' of IVF?

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University found that mosaic embryos can adapt to abnormalities and persist in development, resulting in positive IVF outcomes. Mosaic embryos, which contain both normal and abnormal cells, were previously considered non-ideal candidates for IVF transfer due to the risk of aneuploidy.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalGenome Research·DateMar 4, 2019

Let the sperm races begin

A new method has been developed using a microchip device that sorts sperm based on their swimming potential, allowing for faster and cheaper selection of viable sperm. This technology may improve IVF success rates, especially in women under 35 who have low chances of successful fertilization.

Researchers find potential new source of rare earth elements

A study published in the Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics found that organic acids produced by bacteria can extract six rare earth elements from synthetic phosphogypsum. This method could provide an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional methods, benefiting the US clean energy and electronics industries.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Thermodynamics·DateMar 4, 2019

'A gift from the city to itself'

Researchers from the University of Plymouth detail a blueprint for city marine parks to connect urban areas with their people and the reciprocal benefits of the marine environment. The study highlights the potential of these parks to contribute to community wellbeing, economic prosperity, and sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalMarine Policy·DateMar 4, 2019

Pumping iron could save your life

Researchers found that sarcopenia is significantly associated with poor response to cancer treatments, including PD-1 inhibitors. Increasing muscle mass prior to treatment may predict treatment effectiveness and improve long-term outcomes for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 4, 2019

In search of new 'sugar cleavers'

Scientists from two French teams have identified 79 new 'sugar cleavers' enzymes using bioinformatics methods, expanding the known families to over 200. These enzymes can serve as tools in domains like bioenergy, cosmetics, and nutrition.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

Steroid use during cardiac bypass surgery did not reduce risk of severe kidney injury

A randomized controlled trial conducted across 18 countries found that steroid use during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery did not reduce the risk of acute kidney injury in patients at high risk of death. The study included 7286 patients and found no significant difference between those receiving steroids and those on placebo.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateMar 4, 2019

A long view of California's climate

A recent study examines California's climate over a centuries-long time period, linking long-term wind patterns to future wildfire risks. The research provides a stronger foundation for evaluating regional natural hazards in the state.

SourceNOAA·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019

Sonar disturbs blue whales feeding

A recent study reveals that sonar disturbs the feeding behavior of blue whales, especially in deep patches of krill. The researchers tracked the whales' movements using suction tags and found that they stop feeding when sonar signals are present, but often resume soon after.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateMar 4, 2019

The case of the over-tilting exoplanets

Researchers propose that obliquity is a key factor in the formation of pairs of over-tilting exoplanets, leading to extreme seasons and weather patterns. The study could have significant implications for estimating the structure, climate, and habitability of these planets.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateMar 4, 2019