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Science News Archive October 2019 - Page 22


Page 22 of 47

Mathematical modelling vital to tackling disease outbreaks

A new study by researchers at the University of Waterloo highlights the importance of mathematical modelling in tackling disease outbreaks. The study concludes that combining data from multiple medical and public health sources can provide more informative insights for public health planners, enabling effective intervention strategies.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Microbiology·DateOct 17, 2019

Photosynthesis olympics: can the best wheat varieties be even better?

Researchers conducted a 'Photosynthesis Olympics' study to identify the most efficient wheat varieties, finding that top performers were up to 90% better than worst ones due to genetic differences. The results have significant implications for breeders and farmers, offering potential for improved yields with reduced inputs.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis·JournalJournal of Experimental Botany·DateOct 17, 2019

Scientists unwind mystery behind DNA replication

Researchers found that intrinsic mechanical properties of chromatin determine how fibers entwine during DNA replication, preventing tangles and ensuring proper segregation. The study highlights the importance of physical principles in biological processes and provides new insights into chromatin behavior.

SourceCornell University·JournalCell·DateOct 17, 2019

Online abortion medication demand highest in states with restrictive abortion policies

A study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that US residents requesting online abortion medications cited difficulty accessing clinical care and personal preferences as reasons for their requests. The demand was highest in states with restrictive abortion policies, with Mississippi leading the way.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 17, 2019

Aspirin use after biliary tract cancer diagnosis

Researchers found that aspirin use was associated with a lower risk of death among patients with biliary tract cancer, which includes gallbladder cancer. The observational study included nearly 3,000 patients and suggests that long-term aspirin use may be beneficial for these patients.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateOct 17, 2019

A new approach to tackle superbugs

A novel approach to tackle superbugs has been discovered using nanocapsules made of natural ingredients, which can prevent bacteria from attaching to stomach cells. The research aims to reduce antibiotic-resistant strains and is a potential preventative measure.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·DateOct 17, 2019

Mapping global biodiversity change

A recent study mapping global biodiversity change reveals varying rates of loss and gain in marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The research found that some regions are recovering while others are experiencing significant declines, with changes occurring faster in marine than terrestrial assemblages.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2019

Collective behavior 480 million years ago

Researchers studied fossilized Moroccan Ampyx trilobites and found evidence of orderly lines during storms, suggesting ancient group behavior. This discovery implies that group behavior may have conferred an evolutionary advantage on early animals, allowing them to survive environmental stress.

SourceCNRS·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 17, 2019

Embryo's early development revealed in a dish

Bioscientists at Rice University have created a system to form all major cell types of ectoderm in a culture dish, allowing for the most comprehensive analysis yet of signaling pathways that drive patterning. The balance between two signaling pathways, BMP and Wnt, is critical, and cells can take more than one road to get there.

SourceRice University·JournalDevelopment·DateOct 17, 2019

Lessons from Ridgecrest

A comprehensive analysis of the Ridgecrest Earthquake Sequence reveals a web-like network of interconnected faults, challenging standard models of large seismic events. The complexity of the rupture is only clear due to the combined data from orbiting radar satellites and ground-based seismometers.