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Science News Archive November 2019


Page 1 of 41

Armored with plastic 'hair' and silica, new perovskite nanocrystals show more durability

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a novel approach to improve perovskite nanocrystal durability by encasing them in a plastic and silica double-layer protection system. The new method enables high-quality, complex architecture perovskites with controlled dimensions and surface chemistry, unlocking potential for v...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 29, 2019

No kale left behind: A new supple management method to limit perishable waste

Researchers at University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management devised a new method to manage perishable inventory, cutting costs by up to 27%. The single most effective strategy is shortening lead time between receiving an order and delivering it, reducing costs for suppliers in the food retail industry.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateNov 29, 2019

Study pinpoints barriers to preventive care for people at high risk for HIV

A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that many high-risk individuals eligible for HIV preventive medication face knowledge gaps, attitudinal roadblocks, and placement of responsibility on patients, leading to low access rates. The researchers recommend increased primary care access and educational initiat...

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 29, 2019

Paleontologists identify new group of pterosaurs

Researchers describe an extremely well-preserved pterosaur specimen from the Afro-Arabian continent, shedding light on the evolutionary history of these creatures. The study suggests that this type of pterosaur likely fed on crustaceans and lived in shallow marine waters during the Late Cretaceous period.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 29, 2019

Dietary supplements may delay aging in animal models

Researchers have found that dietary supplements can improve the clean-up process in cells called mitophagy, which breaks down defective mitochondria, thereby delaying aging processes in animal models with Werner Syndrome. This study provides promising results for potential treatments and understanding of the mechanisms of aging.

Providing safe, clean water

Researchers introduce a new water purification method using magnetic nanoparticles coated with an ionic liquid, effectively removing organic, inorganic, and microbial contaminants. The nanoparticles can be easily removed with magnets, making them a promising starting point for decentralized water purification systems.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 29, 2019

Democratic education in populist times

LabSchoolsEurope aims to develop and evaluate methods for dealing with heterogeneity in primary schools, promoting democratic behavior and preventing racism. The project will create multi-lingual practice guidelines, teaching materials, and successfully tested sequences that can be made available online.

Spirituality affects the behavior of mortgagers

Research by Olga Miroshnichenko found that household income and spirituality are linked, with mortgagers who prioritize morality tend to repay loans before maturity. The study analyzed data from the Russian bank sector between 2008-2018, concluding that economic growth and moral values influence mortgage behavior.

Inter faculty -- Journal of Interdisciplinary Research in Human and Social Sciences, Vol.9

This volume of Inter Faculty Journal examines the phenomena of migration, the complexity of Serbian and Croatian languages, and noun-concluding sentences in Japanese. The research highlights common threads among these studies, including socio-economic factors, governance, and cultural values.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalInternational Academic Journal Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management·DateNov 29, 2019

Fine-tuning gene expression during stress recovery

Researchers at Hokkaido University found that nuclear stress bodies help cells recover from stress by regulating intron retention, a process essential for gene expression. The discovery sheds light on the mysterious organelles' role in stress response and has implications for understanding various biological functions.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateNov 29, 2019

Concussion recovery not clear cut for children

Persistent concussion symptoms in children may be a sign of reduced brain function and decreased grey matter, according to researchers at the University of Queensland. The study found that poor sleep was linked to decreases in brain grey matter and reduced brain function, allowing for predictions of recovery outcomes with 86% accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalAnnals of Clinical and Translational Neurology·DateNov 28, 2019

Australia's got mussels (but it could be a problem)

A new study has found that mussels, introduced to Australia's coastlines, have established themselves and may pose a threat to native species due to genetic pollution. However, the research also suggests that the invasive mussels may bring benefits, such as enhanced tolerance to warm conditions, which could safeguard Australian mussel ...

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalEvolutionary Applications·DateNov 28, 2019

The coldest reaction

Researchers at Harvard University have achieved the coldest chemical reaction in history, slowing down molecules to capture the critical act of bond formation. By utilizing ultracold temperatures, they observed the intermediate stage of the reaction for microseconds, enabling direct measurement and validation of theories.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateNov 28, 2019

Harvard Wyss Institute researchers demonstrate machine-guided engineering of AAV capsids

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a high-throughput synthetic biology approach to improve AAV capsid proteins, revealing hidden features and potential new accessory proteins that could help fast-track future gene therapies. The study uses machine-guided design to generate large numbers of high-quality capsid variants.

Pharmacist-led interventions may help prevent cardiovascular disease

A review of randomized controlled trials found that pharmacist-led interventions, such as medication review and patient education, can help prevent cardiovascular disease. Patients who received these interventions experienced significant reductions in systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, and LDL-cholesterol levels.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateNov 28, 2019

Pharmacist-led interventions may help prevent cardiovascular disease

A new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that pharmacist-led interventions can significantly reduce medical risk factors for cardiovascular events. Pharmacist-led interventions included patient education, medication review, and lifestyle modification, resulting in reductions in systolic blood pressure...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateNov 28, 2019