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Science News Archive November 2019 - Page 33


Page 33 of 41

For first time, potential treatment path becomes clear for subtype of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

Scripps Research scientists have discovered a way to stop a problematic enzyme from wreaking havoc on peripheral nervous system cells in patients with a specific subtype of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. By preventing the enzyme's entry into the nucleus, researchers achieved a complete rescue of symptoms in fruit fly models.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 2019

Thorium superconductivity: Scientists discover new high-temperature superconductor

Researchers at Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have synthesized a new superconducting material called thorium decahydride (ThH10), which exhibits high-temperature superconductivity at 161 kelvins. This breakthrough is significant as it could lead to the development of more practical applications for superconductors.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalMaterials Today·DateNov 7, 2019

The medieval Catholic church's influence on psychology of Western, industrialized societies

A study by Jonathan Schultz et al. reveals how the medieval Catholic Church's marriage policies replaced extended kin networks with nuclear households, contributing to increased individualism and less conformity in Western populations. The researchers controlled for variables such as education and income to support their findings.

Study finds sex bias in bird conservation plans

A new study reveals that conservation plans often overlook habitats used by females, putting declining species at greater risk. Researchers found that female birds face a higher threat to their habitats than males, highlighting the need for inclusive conservation strategies.

SourceCornell University·JournalBiological Conservation·DateNov 7, 2019

Research reveals potential dangers during skin-to-skin contact for mother and baby following cesarean section birth

Researchers warn of risks in allowing skin-to-skin contact between mothers and newborns after a C-section, as cardiac activity can interfere with electrocardiogram readings. Both cases involved abnormal heart rhythms triggered by the baby's touch on ECG electrodes, highlighting the need for safe protocols.

SourceThe European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care (ESAIC)·JournalEuropean Journal of Anaesthesiology·DateNov 7, 2019

Earthquake impact can be affected by seasonal factors, historical study shows

Researchers found that a shallow frozen ground layer likely caused more ground failure in the 1911 Kemin earthquake due to its ability to inhibit drainage of pore-pressure excess. The study suggests seismologists should consider seasonality in soil characteristics when making probabilistic liquefaction or ground failure assessments.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateNov 6, 2019

On the way to intelligent microrobots

The Paul Scherrer Institute has developed a micromachine that can perform different actions using magnetic fields. The robot measures only a few micrometres across and can be reprogrammed to flap its wings, hover, turn, or side-slip. This technology is an important step towards micro- and nanorobots that can carry out various tasks.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature·DateNov 6, 2019

The cost of waiting in emergency departments

A new study published in Economic Inquiry reveals that prolonging emergency department wait times increases hospital costs, with moderate and severe cases bearing the brunt of the expenses. The study found a 3-6% cost increase for moderately severe cases and 6% for serious cases.

SourceWiley·JournalEconomic Inquiry·DateNov 6, 2019