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Science News Archive September 2019


Page 1 of 43

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria spread by washing machine

Researchers at the University of Bonn found that conventional washing machines in hospitals and potentially households can transmit antibiotic-resistant bacteria to newborns through clothing. The study highlights the need for higher temperatures during laundry to prevent transmission of dangerous pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateSep 30, 2019

Cooking food alters the microbiome

A new study reveals that cooking food fundamentally alters the microbiomes of both mice and humans. Cooking raw foods can harm certain microbes, while cooked foods may be more calorie-dense, affecting gut bacteria. In a human trial, participants showed significant changes in their microbiome after switching between raw and cooked diets.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalNature Microbiology·DateSep 30, 2019

Great apes have you on their mind

A new study suggests that great apes, including chimpanzees, bonobos, and orangutans, possess a theory of mind, enabling them to understand others' mental states. The team observed that the apes anticipated an agent's actions based on their own experiences with different barriers.

SourceKyoto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2019

Expanding Medicaid means chronic health problems get found & health improves, study finds

A new study by Michigan Medicine and University of Michigan found that nearly one in three low-income people with chronic illnesses discovered a new condition after enrolling in expanded Medicaid. Half of those with chronic conditions reported improved overall health within a year of coverage, with similar improvements in mental health.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateSep 30, 2019

Quantum material goes where none have gone before

Physicists at Rice University have created a new alloy that exhibits unusual electronic properties when traversing the final frontier of quantum criticality. The cerium palladium aluminum alloy behaves like a spin liquid, a metallic system with exotic properties that can be found in other strongly correlated materials.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 30, 2019

Turning Phoenix green

A study by Arizona State University found that urban agriculture can meet 90% of Phoenix's current annual fresh produce consumption. The city could also increase green space by 17% and reduce CO2 emissions by displacing energy use equivalent to 6,000 homes.

SourceArizona State University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 30, 2019

Novel treatment combination for patients with BRAF-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer

A phase III study showed that the combination of encorafenib, binimetinib, and cetuximab significantly improved overall survival (9.0 months) and objective response rates compared to standard care. The treatment was well-tolerated, suggesting a potential paradigm shift in treating BRAF-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer.

SourceVall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 30, 2019