Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 27


Page 27 of 42

Underwater power generation

Researchers have designed a new power generator that uses Prussian blue to extract electricity from seawater. The system can switch between two modes of operation, providing both long-term steady power and high power density for tasks such as underwater device operation.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 13, 2019

Bone cells suppress cancer metastases

Researchers discovered a type of bone cell that can subdue cancer cells, slowing their growth in breast cancer patients. Osteoblasts release factors that halt cancer cell growth, restoring production of the cell-cycle checkpoint protein p21 and putting cancer cells to sleep.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalBreast Cancer Research·DateMay 13, 2019

Parents unknown

A study published by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute has identified eight potentially new species of phoronid larvae, a type of horseshoe worm found in Panama's two oceans. The larvae were collected from plankton samples and analyzed using DNA sequencing to distinguish between different species.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalInvertebrate Biology·DateMay 13, 2019

Brain researchers seek 'fingerprints' of severe mental diseases

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that large-scale systems in the brain interact with each other in distinct ways for different psychiatric conditions. The researchers used brain network connectivity data from over 1,000 individuals to identify correlations between brain networks and symptom...

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2019

Keeping Chicago's families healthy

The University of Illinois Chicago will launch a program using community health workers, social workers, and doulas to improve health outcomes for pregnant women and their children in historically underserved neighborhoods. Maternal mortality rates are disproportionately high among black women, prompting the initiative.

New research accurately predicts Australian wheat yield months before harvest

A new study published in Agricultural and Forest Meteorology successfully predicts Australian wheat yield two months before the crop matures using a combination of climate and satellite data. The researchers achieved an accuracy rate of approximately 75% in their predictions, outperforming traditional statistical methods.

Bladder drug and atherosclerosis

Researchers found that mirabegron increases cholesterol synthesis in mouse models of atherosclerosis, leading to accelerated plaque growth and increased cardiovascular risk. The changes were linked to thermogenic fat breakdown induced by mirabegron treatment, raising concerns for patients with LDL receptor mutations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2019

Bladder drug linked to atherosclerosis in mice

Researchers found that mirabegron accelerates atheroclerosis in mice by activating brown fat, potentially increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke in humans. The study suggests patients with cardiovascular disease or mutations affecting LDL removal should exercise caution when using this drug.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 13, 2019

BU finds screenings for social determinants of health need to be tailored to clinics

A Boston University School of Medicine study found significant variation in social determinant screening practices among community health centers. Researchers suggest tailoring these processes and involving staff and providers in implementation decisions can help overcome issues with time, workflow, and knowledge.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalThe Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine·DateMay 13, 2019

The moon is quaking as it shrinks

Researchers found that at least eight moonquakes were likely caused by tectonic activity along thrust faults, not asteroid impacts or internal moon movements. The team suggests the moon may be shrinking today and still experiencing quakes

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMay 13, 2019

Cost-effectiveness analysis of 12 cervical cancer screenings

A cost-effectiveness analysis of 12 cervical cancer screening strategies incorporates women's preferences to estimate quality of life and economic outcomes. The study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of different screening methods, considering their potential impact on health and finances.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 13, 2019

Green energy nudges come with a hidden cost

A recent study from Carnegie Mellon University finds that simple green energy nudges can decrease support for more effective climate change policies, such as a carbon tax. The researchers found that when participants were also offered a nudge, their support for the tax declined significantly.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 13, 2019