Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive September 2019 - Page 27


Page 27 of 43

Little heaps of silver, all wrapped up

Scientists have successfully created a nanocluster of exactly 16 silver atoms stabilized by a wrapping of DNA strands. The crystal structure revealed that each nanocluster is tightly wrapped and almost completely shielded by two DNA strands, with novel silver-silver interactions observed within the cluster.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 11, 2019

Electrical-first cardioversion strategy for AFib results in shorter ED length of stay

A multicenter randomized controlled trial confirms an electrical-first approach is more effective in restoring sinus rhythm and shortening ED length of stay. The study found that patients managed with this strategy were discharged within four hours at a higher rate than those receiving a chemical-first approach.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateSep 11, 2019

Papillomaviruses may be able to be spread by blood

A recent study found that rabbit and mouse papillomaviruses can be transferred by blood to their respective hosts, raising the possibility of human papillomavirus (HPV) transmission through blood in humans. The researchers also detected HPV sequences in mucous membranes like the tongue and genitals, as well as in the stomach.

SourcePenn State·JournalEmerging Microbes & Infections·DateSep 11, 2019

A precise chemical fingerprint of the Amazon

A novel drone-based chemical monitoring system tracks volatile organic compounds emitted by plants, revealing the health of Amazon forests and their response to climate change. The research found significant differences in VOC signals between various forest sub-types, contradicting previous assumptions about their emissions.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2019

Flexible solar cells a step closer to reality

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered that organic solar cells only need 1% of their surface area to be electrically conductive, opening up possibilities for composite materials and improved device performance. This breakthrough could enable flexible solar cells to become a commercial reality sooner.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 11, 2019

Cutting acrylamide in fried and baked snacks

Researchers explore ways to minimize acrylamide formation in fried and baked snacks, such as using the enzyme asparaginase to convert asparagine into harmless compounds. Food companies like Novozymes, Kerry, and DSM offer products to reduce acrylamide levels, including non-GMO options for organic food producers.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateSep 11, 2019

Study of newly homeless ED patients finds multiple contributors to homelessness

A new study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that unexpectedness, health and social conditions, lack of support from family or friends, and structural issues like job market and affordable housing availability contribute to homelessness. The findings suggest gaps in current homeless prevention services and can inform futu...

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateSep 11, 2019

Corn one step closer to bacterial leaf streak resistance

A new study has identified corn varieties with moderate resistance to bacterial leaf streak, a foliar disease that can cause up to 20% yield losses. The research also found genetic regions associated with increased levels of resistance and highlighted the importance of host resistance in controlling this disease.

Research tracks narcissism from young adulthood to middle age

Research tracks narcissism from young adulthood to middle age, finding that certain personality traits, such as vanity and entitlement, are associated with negative outcomes. However, most people experience a decline in narcissism over time, particularly those who enter into serious relationships or have children.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateSep 11, 2019

Type 2 diabetes is not just about insulin

Researchers at UNIGE found that the liver can produce glucose independently of hormonal signals, challenging the long-held belief about its role in glucose regulation. This autonomous glucose production may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes in patients with a fatty liver syndrome.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 11, 2019

Talking receptors may affect relaxin at work

Researchers at Monash University have discovered that receptors can communicate and interact, affecting the therapeutic actions of relaxin. This finding has implications for clinical trials involving relaxin and other drugs acting on these receptors.

SourceMonash University·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateSep 11, 2019

Black hole at the center of our galaxy appears to be getting hungrier

Researchers analyzed 13,000 observations of the black hole from 133 nights since 2003 and found extreme variations in brightness, with one night seeing an area twice as bright as the next-brightest observation. The team is unsure whether this is an extraordinary singular event or a precursor to significantly increased activity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateSep 11, 2019

Bioengineers explore cardiac tissue remodeling after aortic valve replacement procedures

Researchers create biomaterial-based models of heart tissues to understand the impact of aortic valve replacement procedures on cardiac tissue remodeling. The study reveals key proteins associated with myofibroblast deactivation and offers potential for developing innovative therapies for fibrotic diseases of the heart.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateSep 11, 2019

Insects as food and feed: research and innovation drive growing field

A new special issue of the Annals of the Entomological Society of America showcases research on insect agriculture for food and feed. More than 1 million insect species are known, offering room for growth in the field. Insect-based industries could reach $50-100 billion by 2050, bolstering global ag sector while protecting environment.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalAnnals of the Entomological Society of America·DateSep 11, 2019