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Science News Archive October 2019 - Page 26


Page 26 of 47

Investigating the full spectrum of suicide

A recent study published in Injury Prevention described a method for categorizing self-injury mortality, allowing closer examination of national trends in suicide and drug-related deaths. The study found that suicide is likely underreported for females due to less violent and less obvious methods.

SourceMcLean Hospital·JournalInjury Prevention·DateOct 15, 2019

New treatment combination could work against broader array of cancer cells, study finds

Researchers at University of Maryland School of Medicine identify new pathway to destroy cancer cells using PARP inhibitor and DNA methyltransferase inhibitor combination. The therapy has a synergistic effect when combined with radiation therapy, potentially expanding treatment options for non-small cell lung cancer patients.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2019

Heavier birth weight linked to childhood allergies

A systematic review of over 2.1 million allergy sufferers found that each kilogram increase in birth weight is associated with a 44% increase in the risk of food allergies and a 17% increase in the risk of eczema. However, increased birth weight has no influence on the risk of childhood hay fever.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 15, 2019

The lunar cycle drives the nightjar's migration

Researchers found that the daily foraging activity of European nightjars more than doubles during moon-lit nights, leading to synchronized migrations about 10 days after full moons. This suggests that cyclic influences can synchronize pulses of migration.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 15, 2019

Researchers discover potential therapy to treat detrimental effects of marijuana

Researchers discovered a neurosteroid drug can correct behavioral problems and brain abnormalities caused by prenatal exposure to THC. This finding suggests a therapeutic approach for children born to mothers who used cannabis during pregnancy, highlighting the need for caution and guidance for pregnant women using cannabis.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 15, 2019

Rise in testosterone level boosts young women's running capacity

A clinical trial found that testosterone significantly increases young women's running capacity, with a notable impact on anaerobic performance and lean body mass. The study suggests that allowing female athletes with high testosterone levels to compete without hormone reduction could be fair.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateOct 15, 2019

Researchers describe a survival strategy in living corals which was only seen in fossil records

Researchers uncover a previously unknown survival mechanism in corals that allows them to recover from mass mortality episodes caused by heatwaves. This 'rejuvenation' process enables some polyps to survive extreme conditions and eventually form new colonies, providing new perspectives for the survival of Mediterranean reef corals.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 15, 2019

Fire blankets can protect buildings from wildfires

Existing fire blanket technology can shield isolated buildings from short wildfire attacks, but technological improvements are required for severe fires and high-housing-density areas. Further research is necessary to develop more effective materials and deployment methods.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Mechanical Engineering·DateOct 15, 2019

The brain does not follow the head

Researchers found that human brains evolved independently of changes to the braincase, despite both being affected by bipedalism. The study used CT and MRI data to quantify spatial relationships between brain structures and cranial structures.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2019

Heron survey fishes out detail in ghostly galaxy outskirts

The HERON collaboration completes the largest survey of nearby galaxy haloes, finding that diameter correlates with galaxy brightness; vast haloes found in bright galaxies, also seen in smaller discs. The team's low-cost system reveals faint stars tracing dark matter structures, offering new insights into galaxy evolution.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 15, 2019

Creating miracles with polymeric fibers

A team of researchers from University College London has developed a new method for fabricating polymeric nanofibers and microfibers without the use of electric fields. The technique, called pressure gyration, produces thinner and more consistent fibers than traditional centrifugal spinning methods.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateOct 15, 2019

How status sticks to genes

Research on rhesus macaques reveals that past social status has a lasting impact on gene expression, with low-ranking females showing signs of 'molecular memory' even after improving their social standing. The study sheds light on how stressful experiences can shape long-term health outcomes.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2019

Receptor complexes on the assembly line

Researchers identified a step-by-step assembly process of AMPA receptors on the endoplasmic reticulum, critical for excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. The assembly line involves specific proteins and complexes, and its disturbance leads to severe brain dysfunction.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNeuron·DateOct 15, 2019

On the causes of regional haze

Researchers Xu Dahai and Chen Junming investigated the physical and chemical origin of secondary fine particles in haze. They defined atmospheric self-purification ability and established equations to analyze key factors forming secondary fine particles, revealing their macro mechanism and synergistic effect. The study provides a quant...

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateOct 15, 2019

Taming the wild cheese fungus

Microbiologists discover that wild-type Penicillium molds can evolve rapidly into domesticated strains, such as Penicillium camemberti, used in cheese production. After just weeks of growth, the wild mold resembles its domesticated cousin, changing its metabolism and appearance