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Science News for May 29, 2019


Clean air taxis cut pollution in New York City: Study

A new study by Columbia University researchers found that the city's Clean Air Taxi regulations led to significant reductions in air pollution emissions, with overall fuel efficiency of medallion taxis doubling between 2009 and 2015. The emission reductions were associated with decreases in concentrations of pollutants in the city's air.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·DateMay 29, 2019

Chimps caught crabbing

A study by Kyoto University reveals that chimpanzees habitually catch and consume freshwater crabs, suggesting a year-round source of protein and salts for females and growing juveniles. This finding sheds light on human evolution and the diverse diets of our closest genetic relatives.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateMay 29, 2019

Study could lead to 'cognitive therapy in your pocket'

A study by McLean Hospital researchers shows that CBM-I, a way to change mental habits without visiting a therapist, can be effective when combined with CBT in an acute psychiatric setting. The smartphone app version of CBM-I has great promise for individuals with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions, offering on-dem...

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalBehavior Therapy·DateMay 29, 2019

New regulator of immune responses discovered

Researchers at the University of Leeds have identified a new internal regulator that helps control the body's response to fight infection. The discovery has the potential to help find new drugs to tackle autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and scleroderma, by suppressing the immune system.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature·DateMay 29, 2019

A new vision for genomics in animal agriculture

A new blueprint for animal genomics research prioritizes improvements in efficiency, livestock welfare and production to meet the demands of a growing global population. The research focuses on using genomic technology to predict how environmental variation and management practices affect production.

SourceIowa State University·JournalFrontiers in Genetics·DateMay 29, 2019

Study reports ibrutinib and venetoclax combo effective as front-line therapy for select chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients

Researchers found that the combination of ibrutinib and venetoclax was highly effective in achieving complete remission with undetectable minimal residual disease in high-risk CLL patients. The study also showed that this combination therapy had no new toxic effects compared to individual agents.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 29, 2019

NIH-funded study links microbiome composition to African American preterm birth risk

A research project funded by the National Institutes of Health has identified differences in vaginal bacteria that may raise the risk of preterm birth among pregnant African-American women. The study found that women who delivered preterm had a more diverse microbiome in early pregnancy compared to those who delivered at term.

Genetic analysis of cannabis is here

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a new method to analyze the genetic characteristics of cannabis strains, providing a powerful tool for addressing industry claims and concerns. The analysis reveals distinct gene networks orchestrating each strain's production of cannabinoids and terpenes.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateMay 29, 2019

Study examines youth suicides after '13 Reasons Why'

The study found a 13% increase in suicide among individuals 10 to 19 in the three months after the show's release, with larger proportional increases among females. The results highlight the need for public health and entertainment industry collaboration to prevent harmful portrayals of suicide.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 29, 2019

Study sheds new light on the harms of air pollution

Researchers found 69 metabolites changed significantly when air pollution fluctuated during the Beijing Olympics, affecting systems like cardiovascular and nervous systems. The study identified two major metabolic signatures, including lipids and dipeptides, which were involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, and other processes.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateMay 29, 2019

Some songbird nests are especially vulnerable to magpie predation

A new study found that magpies are the most common predators of songbird nests, accounting for 70% of visits. Nests within magpie breeding territories were also more likely to be predated, especially in late season when magpies have young. The research highlights the need to identify and remove problem individuals to improve management...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEuropean Journal of Wildlife Research·DateMay 29, 2019

Colombia could lose 60% of land suitable for irrigated rice due to climate change

A new study warns that Colombia's rice production may shift to higher altitudes without climate action, with potential losses of 4.4 million hectares of arable land by the 2050s. The research highlights the need for complex decisions on land-use change and crop cultivation to ensure food security.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalMitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change·DateMay 29, 2019

Texas A&M researcher makes breakthrough discovery in stretchable electronics materials

Researchers at Texas A⚬M University discovered a new type of fracture in silicone elastomer that allows for greater stretchability and resistance to tears. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more tear- and fracture-resistant materials for applications in healthcare, energy and military industries.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2019

The 'projects' are nice now finds study on HUD Rental Assistance Demonstration Program

A study on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's RAD program found mostly positive results among residents at three conversion sites in Central California. Residents reported improved unit conditions, safety, and resident resources, but also safety concerns and pest infestations that were not fully resolved.

Secure metropolitan quantum networks move a step closer

A joint team of Chinese scientists has demonstrated CV-QKD transmission over commercial deployed fiber links with distances of up to 50 kilometers. The system achieved higher secret key rates compared to previous laboratory tests, overcoming challenges such as environmental perturbations and equipment losses.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalQuantum Science and Technology·DateMay 29, 2019

Mass die-off of puffins recorded in the Bering Sea

A mass die-off of puffins and Crested auklets was recorded in the Bering Sea due to climate-driven food shifts, with reduced prey resources potentially leading to starvation. The study suggests that future research should investigate seabird resilience in a changing environment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 29, 2019

Let's clear the air

A long-term partnership between researchers and local community members has led to significant improvements in air quality and environmental awareness in Pittsburgh's East End. The program, EJCAM, trained community leaders and advocated for green initiatives, resulting in a more informed and engaged citizenry.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·DateMay 29, 2019

Chimpanzees catch and eat crabs

Researchers observed chimpanzees in Guinea catching and eating fresh-water crabs year-round, regardless of fruit availability. Crab consumption was more common among female chimps and their offspring, suggesting it provides essential nutrients like fatty acids.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateMay 29, 2019

New findings from Human Microbiome Project reveal how microbiome is disrupted during IBD

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard found that changes in the gut microbiome during IBD trigger an unhealthy inflammatory reaction. The research, part of the Human Microbiome Project, identified specific chemicals and microbial shifts that contribute to disease activity.

New study evaluates transcatheter dialysis conduit procedures over 15 years

A new study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology found significant growth in hemodialysis conduit angiography utilization, increasing by 1700% nationally from 2001 to 2015. This trend was particularly pronounced among nephrologists, with a 24.0% increase in procedures performed annually in office settings.

SourceHarvey L. Neiman Health Policy Institute·JournalJournal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology·DateMay 29, 2019

New research suggests sugar taxes and labeling are effective

A new study suggests that implementing sugar taxes and labeling on packaged products can lead to a reduction in sugar consumption. The study found that consumers were more likely to choose products with less sugar when prices increased due to taxes or when nutrition labels were displayed on the front of packages.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateMay 29, 2019

Self-healing DNA nanostructures

DNA nanotubes designed by Yi Li and Rebecca Schulman can heal themselves in serum, extending lifetimes from 24 hours to over 96 hours. The researchers developed a self-repair process using smaller DNA tiles that repair damaged structures by replacing or joining to the nanotube ends.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 29, 2019

Structural sexism: FSU researcher offers new perspective on gender and health inequality

A new study by FSU Assistant Professor Patricia Homan found that living in a state with high levels of structural sexism worsens health outcomes for both men and women, with chronic conditions and poor physical function on the rise. States with lower levels of sexism, such as Maryland and California, had better health profiles.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateMay 29, 2019

From viruses to social bots, researchers unearth the structure of attacked networks

A new statistical machine learning framework has been developed to reconstruct the original network after a viral attack, which is crucial for designing new medicines or gene therapies against viruses and diseases like cancer. The framework actively incorporates the influence and causality of the attack into its learning algorithm.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 29, 2019