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Science News Archive November 2019 - Page 39


Page 39 of 41

Fighting the HIV epidemic

A new study found that stigma about HIV preventive medication (PrEP) use is significantly associated with lower intention to start PrEP among women. The study recommends expanding public messaging, addressing stereotype beliefs, and designing interventions that integrate stigma reduction at the individual and community levels.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalStigma and Health·DateNov 4, 2019

Post-lithium technology

Researchers have developed a high-performance cathode made of an organic polymer for sodium-ion batteries, achieving excellent electrochemical performances. The new material outperforms current polymeric and inorganic cathodes in capacity delivery and retention.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 4, 2019

Complex society discovered in birds

Researchers have discovered a multilevel society in vulturine guineafowl, a small-brained bird species. The study found that the birds form stable groups with hundreds of individuals and associate preferentially with specific other groups, similar to primates.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 4, 2019

Synthetic phages with programmable specificity

Researchers at ETH Zurich have created synthetic phages that can recognize and attack a broader range of bacterial strains, providing a potential solution for treating antibiotic-resistant infections. The synthesized phages share the same genome but have different receptor binding proteins, allowing them to target specific hosts.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 4, 2019

The truth about misinformation

A new study by Anne Hamby and colleagues found that people are more willing to update their memories if something bad has happened to a character, such as a death or serious illness. The researchers discovered that explaining alternative causes of events can help change beliefs and promote tolerance.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateNov 4, 2019

USC stem cell scientists reveal key differences in how kidneys form in men and women

Researchers have discovered significant differences in gene expression between male and female mouse kidneys, shedding light on the organ's complex physiology and potential impact on human kidney disease. The study's findings may help clinicians better understand genetic programs linked to disease and improve treatment outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 4, 2019

New tornado casualty analysis will improve future predictions

Tyler Fricker's study analyzed nationwide tornado casualty data to identify high-risk regions and community-level factors influencing casualties. The results suggest that regional susceptibility to high-casualty events is more complex than previously thought, with factors beyond mobile home ownership and low income contributing to high...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAnnals of the American Association of Geographers·DateNov 4, 2019

Cynical social media voices can erode trust in news media

A Rutgers study found that cynical online views are the most influential on a person's trust in news media, while face-to-face interactions with like-minded people have a stronger impact. The study suggests that social media can make it harder to separate opinion from fact and bias from well-reasoned arguments.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Communication·DateNov 4, 2019

Elusive cancer-related protein captured in flight

Researchers at Linköping University have successfully captured the instantaneous image of the MYC protein bound to TBP, shedding light on its role in cancer. The study reveals that MYC's adaptability and dynamic structure enable it to interact with over 300 proteins, making it a promising target for new cancer therapies.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology·DateNov 4, 2019

Published a clinical guide for the genomic diagnosis of Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Chronic Myelomonocytic leukaemia

Researchers developed guidelines to improve diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment decision-making for patients with MDS and CMML. The guide provides technical aspects, quality controls, and step-by-step instructions for applying Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in hospitals and laboratories.

SourceJosep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute·JournalBritish Journal of Haematology·DateNov 4, 2019

Complex society discovered in birds

Researchers found multilevel societies in a population of over 400 adult birds, with stable membership and associations between groups based on preference. This discovery raises questions about the evolution of complex societies and provides clues about the mechanisms underlying social behavior.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 4, 2019

Retrospective study suggests ED physicians improving both outcomes and efficiency of care

A retrospective study suggests that ED physicians are improving both outcomes and efficiency of care, with mortality rates declining by 23% from 2009 to 2016. This improvement occurred despite increasing ED utilization, as fewer patients were admitted to the hospital and more were sent home, leading to nearly 200,000 fewer deaths in 2016.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 4, 2019

Evaluating mind-body therapies for opioid-treated pain

A comprehensive review of mind-body therapies found associations with lower opioid use and better pain outcomes. The study combined data from multiple studies, providing evidence for the effectiveness of these interventions in managing chronic pain among adults on opioids.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateNov 4, 2019

Scientists spy unstable semiconductors

Researchers from Cardiff University have discovered metastability in gallium arsenide compound semiconductor material, a phenomenon that could affect device stability. The findings could lead to improved materials and structures for electronic devices, such as smartphones, GPS, and satellites.

SourceCardiff University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 4, 2019

From cone snail venom to pain relief

Researchers have discovered a class of analgesics in conotoxin peptides, which are found in the venom of marine cone snails. These peptides show exceptional potency and selectivity for ion channels involved in pain transmission, offering new avenues for pain therapy.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalChemical Reviews·DateNov 4, 2019

Voyager 2 reaches interstellar space

Researchers confirm Voyager 2's entry into interstellar space with a plasma density jump detected by an Iowa-led instrument. The spacecraft crossed into the ISM at a distance of over 11 billion miles from the sun, providing valuable clues to the structure of the heliosphere.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalNature Astronomy·DateNov 4, 2019

Invasive species short-circuiting benefits from mercury reduction in the Great Lakes

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that reduced mercury use in the Great Lakes region has not led to a decline in mercury accumulation in large game fish. Instead, aquatic invasive species such as quagga and zebra mussels are forcing fish to seek atypical food sources enriched in mercury.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2019