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Science News Archive March 2019 - Page 41


Page 41 of 43

Biodiversity crisis: Technological advances in agriculture are not a sufficient response

A study by the German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) finds that technological advances in agriculture are not sufficient to address biodiversity loss, which is driven by population and economic growth. The research highlights the need for policies addressing these factors to mitigate biodiversity decline.

India's stubble burning air pollution causes USD 30 billion economic losses, health risks

A new study estimates that living in districts with intense crop residue burning increases the risk of acute respiratory infection three-fold among children. The study also found that crop burning causes an estimated USD 30 billion annual economic loss due to exposure to air pollution. Implementing targeted government initiatives can i...

SourceInternational Food Policy Research Institute·JournalInternational Journal of Epidemiology·DateMar 4, 2019

Should patients be considered consumers?

Patient-centered care has merged with the concept of patients as consumers, potentially causing harm. The consumer metaphor fails to account for health care's distinct characteristics, such as lack of information and time to select options. Instead, costs are driven by physician compensation and government failure to negotiate prices.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHealth Affairs·DateMar 4, 2019

Turning algae into fuel

Researchers at the University of Utah have developed a rapid and efficient method to extract lipids from algae, making it a more viable alternative fuel source. The new process uses a specially-designed jet mixer that extracts the lipids with much less energy than current methods.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalChemical Engineering Science X·DateMar 4, 2019

Step right up for bigger 2D sheets

Researchers at Rice University have developed a theory explaining why monolayer crystal islands align on vicinal substrates, allowing for large-scale growth of 2D materials like graphene and h-BN. The 'digital filter' mechanism helps to overcome small indentations in the steps, enabling seamless merging of the crystals.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 4, 2019

Gut immune cells play by their own rules

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science discovered that gut immune cells operate under harsh conditions and use a more socialistic principle to select B cells with varying levels of antibody affinity. This unique process may lead to the development of more effective oral vaccines.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Immunology·DateMar 4, 2019

Solving a sticky problem

Tevis Jacobs will study individual nanoparticles using electron microscopy to understand atomic-scale relationships between adhesion and coarsening. The award enables the development of new methods for measuring nanoparticle attachment and stability on surfaces.

Sensory stimuli improves brain damage in mouse models of preterm birth

A new study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona researchers shows that tactile and proprioceptive stimulation can improve the effects of perinatal hypoxic and ischemic brain injuries throughout life. In particular, male mice benefited from sensory stimulation with reduced neurological damage and improved functional capacities.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateMar 4, 2019

A faster, more accurate way to monitor drought

A new monitoring method uses thermal stress measurements to identify drought conditions sooner, enabling conservation measures and reducing damage. The method, developed by Duke University researchers, combines surface and air temperature data from thousands of weather stations and satellite images.

SourceDuke University·JournalAgricultural and Forest Meteorology·DateMar 4, 2019

Sacrificing the climate for reelections

A new study suggests that incumbent politicians often negotiate weak treaties to improve their reelection chances, rather than prioritizing effective climate change mitigation. This analysis from the Journal of Political Economy explores how domestic policymakers' incentives and election fears drive treaty outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateMar 4, 2019