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Science News for May 7, 2019


Essential tool for precision farming: new method for photochemical reflectance index measurement

Scientists at Lobachevsky University have developed a new method for measuring the photochemical reflectance index using yellow-green light pulses, reducing sensitivity to lighting conditions and improving accuracy. The method has been tested on agricultural plants and found to be more reliable than traditional indicators of photosynth...

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalRemote Sensing·DateMay 7, 2019

Research clarifies role of posterior parietal cortex in decision-making

The study provides new insights into the functional role of the PPC in decision-making, showing that it plays an essential role in making judgments about unknown sensory stimuli. The researchers used a novel behavioral technique and precise manipulation of neuronal activity to demonstrate the causal role of the PPC during decision-making.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 7, 2019

Arsenic in drinking water may change heart structure raising risk of heart disease

A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that arsenic exposure in drinking water may lead to thickening of the heart's main pumping chamber in young adults, increasing the risk for future heart problems. The study, published online in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging, assessed the effects of arsenic o...

Reducing carbon emissions while improving health is economically attractive, study shows

A new climate policy model debuts in Nature Communications, finding that reducing carbon emissions is economically sound due to immediate human health benefits. The study supports the Paris Climate Agreement targets and suggests a target of 2 degrees Celsius is defensible if health benefits are included.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2019

Research brief: Surface protein editing in bacteria

University of Minnesota researchers have identified a novel circuit in the cell membrane that signals changes to bacterial surface adhesive proteins. This intramembrane signaling system appears to provide a 'fail-safe' mechanism to edit surface proteins and enable bacteria to adhere and colonize different body surfaces.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalScience Signaling·DateMay 7, 2019

New approach shows regeneration of severely damaged lungs

A multidisciplinary team from Columbia Engineering and Vanderbilt University has demonstrated regeneration of severely damaged lungs in a clinically relevant model. The researchers developed a cross-circulation platform that maintained lung viability and function, enabling the recovery of lungs unsuitable for transplant due to injury.

Eye's vulnerability to macular degeneration revealed

Scientists discovered differences in Müller cell shape and biology between the retina's macula and peripheral regions, shedding light on the eye's defense mechanism against disease. The study found that macula Müller cells produce more serine, a protective amino acid, but are more susceptible to stress when this production is blocked.

SourceeLife·DateMay 7, 2019

A novel method for improving imaging techniques in geophysical and material studies

The researchers developed a method for identifying the location of point-like scatterers based on fluctuations in physical properties, such as Lame parameters and mass density. This technique can improve tomography efficiency for seismic and electromagnetic exploration in geophysics and nondestructive testing of materials.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalInternational Journal of Solids and Structures·DateMay 7, 2019

Challenging metabolism may help fight disease

Researchers at Swansea University's Medical School have found that immune cells can re-programme their metabolic pathways to provide energy and building blocks when challenged. This discovery suggests that manipulating metabolism could lead to new therapies for infectious diseases and cancer.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 7, 2019

Lions vs. porcupines

Historical records show that lions are injured by porcupine quills when they attempt to hunt them. Young male lions are more likely to be injured or killed, and their injuries can impair their hunting abilities and even lead to man-eating.

SourceField Museum·JournalJournal of East African Natural History·DateMay 7, 2019

Maternal nut consumption during pregnancy linked to improvements in neurodevelopment in children

A recent study published in the European Journal of Epidemiology found a strong link between maternal nut intake during pregnancy and improved cognitive function in children. The research, conducted in Spain, analyzed data from over 2,200 mother-child pairs and discovered that those who consumed more nuts during the first trimester sco...

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEuropean Journal of Epidemiology·DateMay 7, 2019

Groundbreaking study could lead to fast, simple test for Ebola virus

Researchers have generated two antibodies that potentially could be used in a simple filter paper test to detect Ebola virus. The study, published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, marks a breakthrough in diagnosing Ebola and Marburg viruses, which can cause severe bleeding and organ failure with high fatality rates.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateMay 7, 2019

New material also reveals new quasiparticles

Scientists at PSI investigate a novel material exhibiting electronic properties never seen before, including Rarita-Schwinger fermions and quadruple topological Fermi arcs. The crystal is a chiral topological semimetal with exotic physical phenomena, such as phase transitions at its surface.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 7, 2019

Vaccine for African swine fever may save our bacon

A new vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing African Swine Fever in wild boar, with 92% protection rate. The vaccine can also pass on immunity via contact with infected animals, offering a potential solution to the spread of this deadly disease.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Veterinary Science·DateMay 7, 2019

Side-by-side comparison on point of care tests for blood's ability to clot

Researchers compared common bedside testing platforms to determine blood clotting speed and found the iSTAT platform offers a better balance of speed and accuracy. The Hepcon system provides consistent results with lab-based anti-Xa tests but lacks physiologically active heparin levels, making it less valuable for patient care.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalLaboratory Medicine·DateMay 7, 2019

Learning language

Researchers discovered that the right hemisphere plays a crucial role in processing foreign speech sounds at the beginning of language learning. Successful learners showed increased activity in the right hemisphere during sound recognition tasks. The study's findings have the potential to improve instructional methods for adult learners.

How common is alcoholic fatty liver disease?

A study examining national survey data found that approximately 10.9 million Americans have alcoholic fatty liver disease, highlighting the need for awareness and prevention efforts. The study's findings also suggest a significant association between heavy drinking and the development of this condition.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateMay 7, 2019

Train your brain to eat less sugar

A new study from Drexel University shows that a computer game can be used to train individuals to eat less sugar, leading to weight loss and improved health. The 'Diet DASH' game targets the part of the brain that inhibits impulses with the goal of reducing sweet food consumption.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Behavioral Medicine·DateMay 7, 2019

Dehesa health starts from the ground up

Soil microbiome plays crucial role in woodland health, influencing pathogens that affect holm oak and improving trees' resilience. The study found that beneficial microorganisms like Trichoderma can help prevent oomycete pathogens, while mycorrhizae abundance leads to reduced defoliation.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 7, 2019

Patients of medicare providers committing fraud, abuse more likely to be poor, disabled

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that patients treated by Medicare providers committing fraud and abuse are more likely to be minorities, disabled, and dually-enrolled in Medicaid. The study analyzed data from 2012-2015 and identified over 1 million beneficiaries treated by excluded providers.