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Science News for October 10, 2019


The secret to sneaky float serves

A team from the University of Tsukuba studied volleyball aerodynamics using wind tunnel experiments and found that standard panels create an asymmetric surface, affecting flight patterns. This research may help develop more efficient drones.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalApplied Sciences·DateOct 10, 2019

Rotavirus infection may turn on type 1 diabetes

A new study suggests that rotavirus infection may trigger the development of type 1 diabetes. Researchers found a significant decrease in the incidence of type 1 diabetes in Australian children under four years old after the introduction of rotavirus vaccination.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateOct 10, 2019

Suicide in low- and middle-income countries

A new study found that 58% of suicide deaths and 45% of non-fatal suicidal behaviors in low- and middle-income countries are linked to psychiatric disorders. The research suggests a wider approach is needed beyond just treating psychiatric illness to prevent suicidal behavior.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateOct 10, 2019

Ebola antibodies at work

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science and Germany's University of Cologne have identified two antibodies produced by vaccinated individuals that provide long-term immunity against Ebola. These antibodies, which target specific sites on the viral glycoprotein, demonstrate effective protection against the virus.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Medicine·DateOct 10, 2019

Placenta transit of an environmental estrogen

A team of researchers from the University of Vienna has shown that the widespread food estrogen zearalenone migrates through the placenta and is partially converted to other harmful substances. The study found that even small concentrations could have a greater impact on the embryo than previously assumed.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateOct 10, 2019

Political parties with less interest in an issue more likely to take radical stance

A study from Lancaster University and the University of Hagen found that parties with less stake in an issue tend to adopt extreme policy positions when creating election pledges. This is because they are more likely to pander to voters by offering attractive but potentially radical solutions. In contrast, parties with strong interests...

SourceLancaster University·JournalEuropean Economic Review·DateOct 10, 2019

Sweating for science

A study by MU researcher Bradley Ferguson found that 60% of the time before an individual showed behavioral issues, there was a rise in electrodermal activity - indicating physiological stress response. This allows parents and caregivers to intervene and de-escalate situations, ensuring health and safety.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateOct 10, 2019

Honeybees are math stars

Honeybees can learn to distinguish between quantities of three and four, but fail at finer differences. Training with a bitter-tasting quinine-flavored water reward improves their math skills, enabling them to differentiate between four and five shapes.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 10, 2019

E-cigarettes, tobacco and cannabis products are littering high schools

A recent study by UCSF researchers found hundreds of waste items from e-cigarettes, combustible tobacco products, and cannabis products at Bay Area high schools. The study highlights the environmental hazard posed by these products' toxic chemicals and heavy metals, which are contaminating school environments and surrounding areas.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalMMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report·DateOct 10, 2019

Modelling ion beam therapy

Researchers developed a consistent theoretical interpretation of ion beam energy deposition in liquid water jets, crucial for simulating interactions with human tissue. The new model allows for precise targeting of tumors while minimizing damage to adjacent normal tissue.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateOct 10, 2019

Impacts of low-dose exposure to antibiotics unveiled in zebrafish gut

Researchers at the University of Oregon found that low-dose antibiotic exposure can cause significant changes in gut bacterial communities, leading to severe drops in bacterial populations. The study used zebrafish as a model organism and showed that the physical activity of the intestine amplifies the effects of weak antibiotics.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2019

New electrolyte stops rapid performance decline of next-generation lithium battery

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new electrolyte mixture and additive that can stabilize silicon anodes during cycling, improving long-term cycling and calendar life. The new electrolyte mixtures, called MESA, show increased surface and bulk stabilities, outperforming comparable cells with graphite chemistry.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 10, 2019

System can minimize damage when self-driving vehicles crash

A new decision-making and motion-planning technology has been developed to limit injuries and damage when self-driving vehicles are involved in unavoidable crashes. The system considers various factors such as relative speeds, angles of collision, and differences in mass and vehicle type to determine the best possible manoeuvre.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·DateOct 10, 2019

Plant death may reveal genetic mechanisms underlying cell self-destruction

Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology discovered that hybrid plant cells induce programmed cell death due to protein aggregate accumulation. The study used imaging tools and a chemical chaperone to halt the process, paving the way for genetic improvement techniques to enhance crop varieties' disease resistance a...

SourceTokyo University of Agriculture and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 10, 2019

Firearm-related eye injuries to patients under 21

Between 2008 and 2014, approximately 1,972 firearm-related eye injuries occurred in patients under 21, mostly sight-threatening and associated with severe trauma. Black patients were more likely to be injured in assaults, while white patients had a higher rate of self-inflicted firearm-related injuries.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateOct 10, 2019

Changes in driver shifts and pick-up choices for food delivery services can boost profits

New research published in INFORMS journal Transportation Science reveals that optimizing delivery driver shifts can reduce pick-up time by up to 50%, while choosing restaurants closer to the drop-off location can reduce delivery time by 17%. Additionally, order bundling has a limited cost improvement of less than half a percent.

HKU-led study on language speed and efficiency

A recent study led by the University of Hong Kong found that all 17 languages analysed convey information at similar rates, with an average rate of 39 bits per second. This challenges traditional notions of language efficiency and suggests that all human beings share universal cognitive capacities in their language abilities.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 10, 2019

Improving neural implants

A biomimetic coating developed by Xinyan Tracy Cui improves the performance of microelectrode arrays, reducing inflammation and increasing recording quality and longevity. The coating is made of a brain-derived neural adhesion molecule and has proven efficacy in establishing a healthy electrode-neuron interface.

Study finds public support for health care providers talking about gun safety

A study by UC Davis researcher Rocco Pallin found that most Californians support healthcare providers talking about gun safety in exam rooms when there is a risk of firearm-related harm. The study suggests that patients may find these conversations most appropriate when specific risks are elevated, and providers should take a risk-base...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 10, 2019

NSF award supports effort to engage underrepresented island students in marine science

The NSF INCLUDES: SEAS Island Alliance aims to enhance U.S. leadership in discoveries and innovations by focusing on diversity, inclusion, and broadening participation in STEM at scale. The program will connect individuals across islands and partner institutions, providing expertise and mentors through the creation of new island networks.