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Science News Archive November 2019 - Page 6


Page 6 of 41

We love coffee, tea, chocolate and soft drinks so much, caffeine is literally in our blood

A study by Oregon State University found that 18 batches of supposedly pure human blood serum contained caffeine, cough medicine, and anti-anxiety drugs, highlighting potential issues with contaminated blood transfusions. The research also tested for interactions between botanical supplements and prescription drugs.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis·DateNov 26, 2019

LSE study calls for improved mental health support

The study found that the current system of immediate psychological help after a terrorist attack is inadequate, with most people seeking external help and expressing dissatisfaction with their GP's response. The researchers recommend improving the system to provide better support sooner.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Health Services Research & Policy·DateNov 26, 2019

Did human hunting activities alone drive great auks' extinction?

A study published in eLife analyzed ancient genetic data to investigate the decline of great auks. The findings suggest that intense hunting by humans likely caused their rapid extinction, even if the birds weren't already under threat from environmental changes. This highlights the potential for industrial-scale exploitation to drive ...

SourceeLife·DateNov 26, 2019

Scientists dissect and redesign protein-based pattern formation

Researchers dissected protein pattern formation into its main functional modules and rebuilt the process from scratch, identifying the minimal ingredients needed for self-organisation. The new system produces less regular patterns than native systems but is still sufficient for reproducing basic biological processes.

SourceeLife·DateNov 26, 2019

Building a better battery with machine learning

Argonne researchers used a machine learning algorithm to relate known molecular structures to larger data sets, reducing computational costs while maintaining precision. The approach improved the accuracy of predictions about battery electrolyte candidates, enabling scientists to identify potential materials for next-generation batteries.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalMRS Communications·DateNov 26, 2019

Using fungi to search for medical drugs

Researchers from the Hubrecht Institute and Utrecht University have set up a library of products derived from over ten thousand fungi to find new therapeutic compounds. They found 34 known compounds, including the cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin, using zebrafish embryos as a test subject.

SourceHubrecht Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 26, 2019

The heat is on

An international team of scientists analyzed 3 million species records from 200 ecological communities worldwide to reveal the impact of ocean warming on fish communities. The study found that subtle changes in species movement in response to rising temperatures made a significant impact on the global picture.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 25, 2019

Cellular origins of pediatric brain tumors identified

A research team discovered that several types of highly aggressive and fatal pediatric brain tumors originate from stalled development of progenitor cells in the pons and forebrain. The cells' progress is arrested, and they transform into malignancies while retaining features of the original cells.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Genetics·DateNov 25, 2019

Prostate cancer: radiation therapy effective in patients with no further treatment options

A new radiation therapy regimen combining lutetium-177 and actinium-225 has been shown to stabilize tumour growth and improve survival rates for patients with late-stage prostate cancer. The study demonstrated significant reductions in side effects, including dry mouth, compared to previous radionuclide therapies.

SourceSaarland University·JournalEuropean Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·DateNov 25, 2019

Downstream signaling: Cilia release ectosomes to deliver important messages in the kidney

Researchers at MUSC found that primary cilia generate approximately 60% of small EVs produced by renal tubule cells, with manipulation of cilium length affecting EV production. The protein content of EVs varies depending on cilia length, suggesting a significant role for cilia in intercellular communication.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 25, 2019

All the feels

Researchers found that people experiencing higher felt love had significantly higher levels of psychological well-being and extraversion personality scores. They also developed a method to analyze noisy data using Bayesian latent stochastic differential equations model.

SourcePenn State·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateNov 25, 2019

Are toddlers meeting screen-time guidelines?

A recent study found that most 2- and 3-year-old children fail to meet recommended daily screen time limits. Maternal screen time and home care were associated factors for non-compliance at younger ages, while only maternal screen time was significant at 3 years old.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateNov 25, 2019

How diversity of respiratory quinones affects microbial physiology

Researchers discovered a fear-greed tradeoff in bacteria that use ancient respiratory quinones for aerobic respiration, leading to oxidative stress and growth limitations. The study provides fundamental insights into microbial bioenergetics evolution and potential strategies for modulating bacterial growth and survival.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2019

Using artificial intelligence to analyze placentas

A team of researchers has developed an AI-powered system that can analyze placentas using computerized photographic image analysis, potentially improving health outcomes for mothers and babies. The system uses artificial intelligence to detect features linked to abnormalities and potential health risks.