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Science News Archive May 2019 - Page 33


Page 33 of 42

Mining microbial treasures from toxic sites

Researchers have found microorganisms in toxic sites like the Berkeley Pit, which produce potent molecules with potential human medicine uses. These molecules show anti-cancer and antibiotic activities, offering new hope for treating diseases such as cancer and antibiotic-resistant infections.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMay 8, 2019

Diabetes complications soar in the US, but not Canada, as teenagers become young adults

A new study found that hospitalizations for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) surge in the US among young adults, but remain relatively low in Canada. The disparity is attributed to differences in healthcare systems and access to insulin, with the US experiencing a significant increase in DKA rates as teenagers become young adults.

SourcePhysicians for a National Health Program·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 8, 2019

The smell of dark chocolate, demystified

Researchers identified volatile compounds contributing to dark chocolate's distinctive aroma, including β-ionone and other essential components. By quantifying these substances using stable isotope dilution analysis, the team successfully reconstructed the scents of two dark chocolates with remarkable accuracy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 8, 2019

When sand behaves like oil

Researchers have discovered that granular materials, such as sand and coffee, exhibit similar behavior to immiscible liquids when fluidized. This phenomenon has significant implications for industries like pharmaceuticals and energy production, where efficient processing of granular materials is crucial.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2019

Chronic kidney disease epidemic may be result of high heat, toxins

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that climate change may be contributing to a mysterious epidemic of chronic kidney disease among agricultural workers. The researchers found that heat exposure and heavy labor are common factors in the disease, which is also linked to toxins such as glyphosate and lead.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 8, 2019

Progesterone could increase births in women with early pregnancy bleeding and previous miscarriage

A large trial has found that progesterone treatment can increase the chances of a baby being born for women who experience early pregnancy bleeding and have a history of miscarriage. The study involved over 4,000 pregnant women and showed a significant increase in live births among those receiving progesterone treatment.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 8, 2019

Advancing cell therapy for diabetes

Researchers at Harvard University have improved the laboratory process of converting stem cells into insulin-producing beta cells, increasing purity to 80 percent. This breakthrough may improve beta cell transplants for patients with type 1 diabetes.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateMay 8, 2019

Articles focus on psoriasis, risk of mental health disorders

Two studies found a significant association between psoriasis and an increased risk of mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety, in Denmark and South Korea. The research highlights the importance of addressing the mental health needs of individuals with chronic skin conditions like psoriasis.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMay 8, 2019

Teaching children to eat healthy: Repetition is the key

A new study found that repeated exposure and child-centered nutrition phrases increased preschoolers' willingness to try and consume new foods. The study suggests that consistent and accurate nutrition messages can help develop healthy eating behaviors in young children.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMay 8, 2019

Campus energy advances can be optimized and replicated

A new study outlines a roadmap for expanding Stanford's energy system innovations to other campuses, maximizing purchases of electricity during renewable power hours and reducing carbon emissions. Thermal storage tanks offer an affordable alternative to traditional batteries, with costs about 15% lower.

SourceStanford University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 8, 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