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Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 20


Page 20 of 42

Novel tool used to mine clinical data and identify causative gene in childhood epilepsy

A team of researchers discovered a new gene linked to severe childhood epilepsy by analyzing phenotypes and genomics data of patients with similar clinical presentations. The study used a novel computational method to identify the AP2M1 gene variant, which regulates excitability and inhibition in brain cells.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 16, 2019

Early weight-loss surgery may improve type 2 diabetes, blood pressure outcomes

A study funded by the NIH found that early weight-loss surgery in youth can lead to remission of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, compared to waiting until later in life. Teens who underwent gastric bypass surgery showed significant improvements in blood glucose control and reduced medication use.

A tale of two skeeters

Researchers found that sharing waters with an invasive Asian rockpool mosquito species reduces parasitism in native eastern tree-hole mosquito species, known as a dilution effect. The presence of the invasive species decreases parasite prevalence by 13-27% compared to 72-90% when kept alone.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMay 16, 2019

Shedding light on the key determinants of global land use projections

A new study by an international research group has identified the main drivers of global land use projections, revealing that population growth, agricultural efficiency, and consumption changes are key factors. The findings suggest that increasing agricultural productivity, enforcing efficient land use protection, and shifting diets to...

Preventive measures can reduce foot parasite in children, study says

Researchers found that simple prevention methods such as sealing floors, using soap for daily feet washing, and good household infrastructure can reduce tungiasis cases by up to a third and nearly half. The study suggests that public health workers can play a key role in expanding WASH policies to prevent the disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 16, 2019

Identifying the molecular structure of one of Alzheimer's stickier culprits

A team of researchers has mapped the molecular structure and dynamics of an aggressive protein modification linked to Alzheimer's disease. The study found that this modification accelerates disease progression, causing toxic protein fragments to aggregate into sticky plaques that disrupt brain cell communication.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2019

Self-repairing batteries

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have created a material that can significantly extend battery life and increase capacity. The oxygen redox-layered oxide (Na2RuO3) material, when used in lithium-ion batteries, enables self-repair due to its stronger coulombic attraction force, reducing degradation from charge and discharge cycles.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 2019

New way to beat the heat in electronics

A nanocomposite combining polymer nanofibers and boron nitride nanosheets offers high strength and superior thermal conduction, allowing it to withstand harsh environments. The material acts as an effective heat sink up to 250 degrees Celsius.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 16, 2019

Electric car switch on for health benefits

A study suggests that transitioning to electric vehicles could reduce cardiopulmonary illness due to air pollution, leading to improved quality of life. The research found that the financial costs of building charging infrastructure are lower than the health benefits in many scenarios.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles·DateMay 16, 2019

How host-cell enzymes combat the coronavirus

A study found that host-cell enzymes PARP12 and PARP14 play a crucial role in combating mutant coronavirus replication. The macrodomain of the virus is required to prevent these enzymes from inhibiting viral replication and enhancing the production of antiviral proteins.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateMay 16, 2019

Researchers develop novel framework for tracking developments in optical sensors

A novel framework has been developed to systematically compare optical sensors, enabling the creation of a technology map that tracks developments in this rapidly growing industry. The map provides a comprehensive benchmark for standardizing optical refractive index sensors with plasmonic and photonic structures.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateMay 16, 2019

Evolution in the gut

A large-scale study has investigated the composition of microorganisms in the digestive tract of animals, revealing evolutionary relationships between host species and their gut microbiomes. The study found that closely related species share similar microbial communities, while diet also plays a significant role in shaping the gut micr...

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 2019

A work patch for better nursing home care

Research suggests that optimized work schedules can lead to less stress, better patient care, and reduced turnover in nursing homes. The study found that facilities using the 'Work-Life Needs' method showed a link between improved scheduling and fewer pressure ulcers in patients.

SourcePurdue University·JournalWork and Occupations·DateMay 16, 2019