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Science News for May 22, 2019


Parasites dampen beetle's fight or flight response

Beetles infected with intestinal parasites exhibit reduced aggressive behavior during simulated attacks from predators and rival males. Larger beetles tend to fight back more than smaller ones, while parasitized beetles produce fewer squeaks as a defensive behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 22, 2019

New insights about carbon and ice could clarify inner workings of Earth, other planets

Researchers discovered that high pressure deep inside the young Earth may have driven vast stores of carbon into its core, while water ice undergoes complex crystalline metamorphosis under extreme conditions. The findings provide clues about how Earth-like planets are built and could be useful for studying worlds with icy surfaces.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2019

Poor semen quality in Switzerland

The first nationwide study on semen quality in Switzerland found that 38% of young men have semen parameter values above the WHO norms. Poor semen quality is associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer and infertility, with 25% of men having less than 40% motile spermatozoa.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAndrology·DateMay 22, 2019

Natural environments favor 'good' bacteria

A new study reveals that restoring degraded landscapes to biodiverse ecosystems favors more stable and specialist bacteria over opportunistic ones. This shift in bacterial composition has potential immune-boosting effects, suggesting a connection between healthy ecosystems and human health.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalEnvironment International·DateMay 22, 2019

Mapping the global distribution of phytoplankton

Researchers from ETH Zurich have modeled the spatial and temporal distribution of over 530 species of phytoplankton using 700,000 water samples. The study reveals that tropical waters hold the richest diversity of species at all times of the year, while mid-latitudes exhibit lower biodiversity due to strong currents and turbulence.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 22, 2019

Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions bestows highest designation ranking to lead

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) has awarded its highest designation, Master Interventionalists of SCAI (MSCAI), to seven outstanding interventional cardiologists. These individuals have demonstrated excellence in invasive/interventional cardiology, clinical care, innovation, publication, and teaching.

Ancient proteins offer clues to the past

Scientists can now study ancient proteins to gain a more complete picture of past species and cultures. Research has revealed that ancient humans consumed grains, legumes, dairy products and meat, while Mongolians consumed dairy products long before known genetic mutations for lactose tolerance.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 22, 2019

Seeing inside superfog

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, successfully replicated superfog formation in a laboratory setting, revealing crucial factors such as low water content, small particle size, and high fuel moisture content. While they can now understand how superfog forms, predicting its occurrence remains uncertain due to comple...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalFire Safety Journal·DateMay 22, 2019

Exercise may help teens sleep longer, more efficiently

A new study led by Penn State found that exercise can help teenagers sleep longer and more efficiently. Participants who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity fell asleep 18 minutes earlier and slept for 10 minutes longer than those who were sedentary. The researchers also found connections between sleep and activity the fo...

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 22, 2019

Octopus-inspired wearable sensor

A graphene-based adhesive biosensor was created with an octopus-like sucker, allowing for full contact with both wet and dry skin. The device can monitor various human activities, including heart rate, step count, and speech patterns.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 22, 2019

Galaxies as 'cosmic cauldrons'

New observations of the NGC 300 spiral galaxy reveal that molecular clouds are short-lived structures undergoing rapid lifecycles driven by intense stellar radiation. The positions of young stars rarely coincide with those of their parent molecular clouds, indicating rapid star formation and gas dispersion.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalNature·DateMay 22, 2019

Quantum rebar: Quantum dots enhance stability of solar-harvesting perovskite crystals

Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered a way to combine perovskite crystals and quantum dots to create a stable hybrid material that can increase the efficiency of solar cells. The resulting material remains stable under ambient conditions for six months, significantly longer than similar materials without stabilization.

Genetic discovery may improve corn quality, yields

Researchers have discovered genetic regulators that synthesize starch and protein in corn, improving its yield and nutritional value. The study, published in PNAS, found two transcription factors that play key roles in regulating starch and protein synthesis, paving the way for further research to improve corn quality.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2019

Eating healthily at work matters

A new study found that employees who purchased unhealthy food at work had an unhealthy diet outside of work and higher risk factors for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study suggests that workplace wellness programs can encourage healthier eating habits and reduce chronic conditions.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 22, 2019

Big energy savings for tiny machines

Researchers at Simon Fraser University developed a theory that predicts maximum efficiency and minimal energy loss in molecular machines. By manipulating DNA hairpins, they demonstrated a strategy to optimize nanomachines, which could lead to significant advancements in fields like computer chips, solar cells, and biotechnology.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2019

Soft, social robot brings coziness to homes -- and classrooms

Blossom, a handcrafted open-source robot platform, is designed to be simple, expressive, and inexpensive, allowing users to customize it with various materials like wood and wool. The robot's mechanical design enables flexible gestures, making it suitable for teaching children about robotics and human-robot interaction.

SourceCornell University·JournalACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction·DateMay 22, 2019

Surgery patients are getting older every year

As the population ages, surgery rates are increasing, leading to a higher risk of complications and death for elderly patients. The BJS analysis reveals that more than one in ten people in England will undergo surgery at 75+, with estimated costs exceeding €3.2 billion by 2030.

SourceWiley·JournalBJS·DateMay 22, 2019

Study questions European Parliament's perception as champion of gender equality

A study critically examines the European Parliament's perception as a champion of gender equality, revealing institutional culture characterized by gender stereotypes and different expectations towards male and female MEPs. The findings highlight shortcomings in maternity/paternity leave rights and the challenges faced by women in bala...

SourceWiley·JournalJCMS Journal of Common Market Studies·DateMay 22, 2019

SWOG spotlights high-impact research at ASCO

SWOG researchers present numerous high-impact trials at ASCO, focusing on symptom control, survivorship, and quality of care. Studies explore the effectiveness of text messaging for medication adherence in breast cancer patients and investigate gender disparities in severe adverse events among chemotherapy recipients.

SourceSWOG·DateMay 22, 2019

A new genetic tool to modify and understand gene function

Scientists have developed a new genetic tool called iSuRe-Cre that provides certainty in Cre-inducible genetic modifications. This innovation increases the efficiency and reliability of gene function analysis in mice, allowing for precise investigation of gene role during organ development, physiology, and disease.

Detecting bacteria in space

Scientists have pioneered a new genomic methodology to identify and map bacterial species on the International Space Station, aiming to safeguard astronauts' health. The approach has applications in environmental management and healthcare, and will enable researchers to explore new microbiome environments.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEnvironmental Microbiology·DateMay 22, 2019

Social networks and suicide prevention

Depression and mental health problems are spreading through close social networks, with traditional face-to-face contacts unraveling. Experts advocate for 'social prescribing' to engage patients in positive activities within their networks to combat rising suicide rates.

SourceFlinders University·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 22, 2019

Scientists discover the source of new CFC emissions

A new study by an international team of scientists identified a significant increase in CFC-11 emissions in eastern China since 2013, posing a threat to the recovery of the stratospheric ozone layer. The findings suggest that new production of CFC-11 has taken place in the region, primarily for building insulation and refrigerators.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature·DateMay 22, 2019

A road map to stem cell development

Researchers have created a method to track gene expression in cells during development, providing unprecedented detail. This technique could be used to develop future regenerative treatments for diseases like macular degeneration and other neurological disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateMay 22, 2019