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Science News for September 19, 2019


Salmonella causing bloodstream infections in central Africa resistant to nearly all drugs

Scientists have detected extensively drug-resistant Salmonella strains in central Africa that are resistant to nearly all commonly available drugs, a significant threat to public health. The study reveals that these new strains exhibit genetic and behavioral changes that suggest ongoing evolution towards bloodstream infections.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 19, 2019

Big cities breed partners in crime

A new study from Northwestern University explains why big cities generate more crime: it's easier for criminals to find collaborators. The study found that certain types of crime, such as robbery and car theft, exponentially outpace the population.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateSep 19, 2019

Decoding how kids get into hacking

Researchers found that predictors of juvenile delinquency, such as low self-control, are common factors for both boys and girls. For girls, peer associations played a significant role in hacking behavior, while for boys, time spent playing video games was associated with hacking. The study highlights the importance of parents understan...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCrime & Delinquency·DateSep 19, 2019

DGIST achieves the highest efficiency of flexible CZTSSe thin-film solar cell

The DGIST research team has developed a flexible CZTSSe thin-film solar cell with an unprecedented efficiency of 11.4%, breaking the previous record. This achievement enables mass production using eco-friendly materials, making it easier to commercialize and apply in various fields like wearables, buildings, and automobiles.

Nano bulb lights novel path

Researchers at Rice University have created a tunable, nanoscale incandescent light source by combining near-nanoscale materials that absorb heat and emit light. The system's unique configuration allows for the emission of light in specific states and wavelengths, including infrared.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 19, 2019

Researchers develop unified sensor to better control effects of shock waves

A new unified shock sensor developed by researchers at Yokohama National University can quickly and accurately detect and dissipate shock waves. The sensor combines imaging processing with compressible flow theory to predict the behavior of shock waves, offering improved efficiency and precision in computational fluid dynamics.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalJournal of Computational Physics·DateSep 19, 2019

LGBT+ women face barriers to healthcare

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University reveals significant barriers faced by LGBT+ women in the UK healthcare system, including negative responses to coming out and assumptions of heterosexuality. The research highlights the need for explicit education on issues affecting sexual minority women.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateSep 19, 2019

SMART announces a revolutionary tech to study cell nanomechanics

Researchers at SMART developed a new confocal reflectance interferometric microscope to study nuclear membrane mechanics in intact cells. This label-free technology has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of metastatic cancers and genetic illnesses, enabling the identification of stem cells for therapeutic applications.

Antimicrobial resistance is drastically rising

The proportion of bacteria resistant to antimicrobials has increased significantly worldwide, with critical consequences for animal health and human consumers. A new map reveals high resistance rates in regions such as northeast China, northeast India, and southern Brazil, where key antibiotics have lost efficacy.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 2019

How to construct a protein factory

Scientists have made a breakthrough in understanding the construction of mitochondrial ribosomes, also known as mitoribosomes, which are crucial for protein synthesis. The study reveals that these structures undergo multiple assembly steps involving various proteins and machinery.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 2019

Study examines how people with psychopathic traits control their 'dark impulses'

A study by researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University found that individuals with psychopathic traits have greater levels of gray matter density in the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, a region involved in self-regulatory processes. This increased density is associated with improved impulse control and reduced antisocial behavior....

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalPersonality Neuroscience·DateSep 19, 2019

Study shows both natural variation in ACE concentrations and lowering blood pressure with ACE inhibitors are associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes

A new study found that using ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure is associated with a 24% reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Natural genetic variations in ACE concentrations are also linked to lower T2D risk. The researchers used Mendelian randomization to infer the causal effects of ACE inhibition on T2D risk.

Minorities more likely to have diabetes at lower weights

A new study published in Diabetes Care found that racial and ethnic minority groups were more likely to have diabetes or prediabetes at normal or below-normal body mass index (BMI), even among those of normal weight. The research highlights the importance of screening minority patients for diabetes, regardless of their BMI.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalDiabetes Care·DateSep 19, 2019

A single dose of yellow fever vaccine does not offer lasting protection to all children

A study found that a single dose of yellow fever vaccine may not offer lasting protection to all children, with levels of protective antibodies decreasing substantially over time. The research suggests that booster shots may be necessary for young children, and maintaining immunity is crucial for preventing epidemics.

Alzheimer's drug also treats parasitic Chagas disease

Memantine, a drug used to treat Alzheimer's disease, has been shown to reduce parasite levels by 40% and increase survival rates of mice with Chagas disease. The treatment also lowered parasite levels in the hearts of infected animals, providing a promising alternative therapy for this neglected tropical disease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 19, 2019

Brain implant restores visual perception to the blind

Researchers at UCLA Health have developed an experimental brain implant that restores visual perception in patients who are blind due to injury or disease. The device enhances users' ability to navigate the world by detecting movement and distinguishing light and dark, with the goal of one day restoring a full field of vision.

SourceMediaSource·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateSep 19, 2019

Grains in the rain

Researchers have discovered that certain plant species, including wild tomato and alfalfa, share common genes with rice that enable them to survive flooding. The study aims to improve crop resilience to flooding by activating these genes in other plants.

New research shows dapagliflozin used to treat diabetes can also

Research suggests dapagliflozin can reduce death and hospitalization rates in patients with heart failure, as well as improve health-related quality of life. The study found a 26% reduced risk of primary outcome in the dapagliflozin group compared to placebo, with benefits seen in both patients with and without type 2 diabetes.

SourceDiabetologia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 19, 2019

Quality control in cells

Researchers at Heidelberg University discover bacterial Rqc2 protein plays central role in quality control, eliminating toxic protein chains. This finding suggests the mechanism must have existed in the last universal common ancestor several billion years ago.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalCell·DateSep 19, 2019