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Science News Archive September 2019 - Page 35


Page 35 of 43

Global change is triggering an identity switch in grasslands

A new study reveals that global change is triggering an identity switch in grasslands, with many species changing drastically without altering the overall number of species present. The research, published in PNAS, found that grasslands can resist the effects of global change for up to a decade, but eventually transform as conditions b...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 6, 2019

Helping preterm babies breathe

Dr. Hossein Tavana's research aims to understand the fluid dynamics of surfactant in premature babies' lungs and improve surfactant replacement therapy for RDS. His lab will generate 3D physical models of airways to aid visualization of surfactant flow, leading to better design strategies.

Medication adherence may affect risk of hospitalization and early death

A recent review found that individuals with good medication adherence have a lower risk of needing hospitalisation due to any cause (17% reduction) and long-term mortality risk (21% reduction). Medication non-adherence is associated with increased risks of adverse health outcomes in older populations.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateSep 5, 2019

Innovative technique for labeling and mapping inhibitory neurons reveals diverse tuning profile

Researchers at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience developed a strategy to label and map local inhibitory inputs onto cells. They found that inhibitory inputs may parallel or diverge from target neurons, revealing a diverse palette of inhibition. This discovery suggests complex functional connectivity in the visual cortex.

New research discovers the financial cost of trachoma surveys

Researchers analyzed costs of trachoma surveys in 11 countries from 2012 to 2018, finding a median survey cost of $8,298 USD. The studies also showed economies of scale from implementing surveys in a single year, with training and fieldwork accounting for major proportions of costs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateSep 5, 2019

Vaping may harm fertility in young women

A recent study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society suggests that vaping may have negative effects on fertility in young women. The research found that exposure to e-cigarettes during pregnancy can delay implantation of a fertilized embryo, thereby reducing fertility. Additionally, the study discovered that female offsprin...

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·DateSep 5, 2019

The future of mind control

Researchers propose mesh electronics as a foundation for brain-machine interfaces, enabling precise targeting of neural communication networks to treat neurological disorders. This technology could lead to improved therapeutic options, such as enhanced prosthetic control and cognitive enhancement.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 5, 2019

Modifiable risk factors contribute to gout

A study of 14,624 US adults found that four modifiable risk factors--body mass index, diet, alcohol consumption, and diuretic use--contribute to hyperuricemia. Promoting healthy diets and preventing obesity can help reduce the frequency of hyperuricemia and gout.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateSep 5, 2019

Research warns of the far-reaching consequences of measles epidemic and failure to vaccinate

Research suggests that infection with measles in unvaccinated children increases their risk of other severe infectious diseases in the 2-3 years following infection. Measles can cause immune-amnesia, erasing immunity to other diseases and exposing children to re-infection. Vaccination is crucial for preventing measles-related infections.

Eating mushrooms may help lower prostate cancer risk

A new study found an inverse relationship between mushroom consumption and the development of prostate cancer among middle-aged and elderly Japanese men. Regular mushroom intake was associated with an 8-17% lower risk of prostate cancer.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Cancer·DateSep 5, 2019

Nanowires replace Newton's famous glass prism

Researchers have designed a nanowire spectrometer that can directly image single cells and analyze chemical fingerprints without the need for microscopes or bulky equipment. This breakthrough could lead to new generations of ultra-compact spectrometers with applications in biology, lab-on-a-chip systems, and smart wearables.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateSep 5, 2019

Obesity and psychosocial well-being among patients with cancer

A large cohort study found that obesity is consistently associated with a greater burden of symptoms and experiences of distress among patients with breast or prostate cancer. Among patients with colon cancer, significant symptoms and distress were observed regardless of weight, suggesting alternative factors at play.

SourceWiley·JournalPsycho-Oncology·DateSep 5, 2019

Children and partners are key

Research by Tiziana Nazio explores how early family formation affects emotional and practical support in older age. The study found that women still bear the brunt of caregiving, but having a partner or child is crucial for receiving practical help. Family trajectories may shape networks, but they do not change the probability of recei...

SourceWZB Berlin Social Science Center·JournalEuropean Sociological Review·DateSep 5, 2019

Not just images

Researchers at Hebrew University have developed an MRI technique that can detect molecular changes in the brain, allowing for early disease diagnosis and treatment. This non-invasive method provides biological readouts of brain tissue, enabling doctors to compare scans over time and differentiate between healthy and diseased tissue.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 5, 2019

Diversity increases ecosystem stability

A study published in Global Change Biology found that forests with a diverse range of tree species are more productive and stable than monocultures. The research analyzed data from the Sardinilla experiment and concluded that mixtures of two and three tree species have significantly higher productivity, while those with five species ha...

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateSep 5, 2019

Study reveals links between extreme weather events and poor mental health

Research found that people experiencing storm and flood damage are about 50% more likely to experience poorer mental health, even when the damage is minor. The study suggests that climate change will increase the frequency and intensity of storms and floods in the UK, highlighting the need for mental health support.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateSep 5, 2019

New method for imaging biological molecules

Researchers have created a new method for imaging biological molecules in cells or tissue samples using DNA snippets, allowing for the study of molecule abundance and distribution. The 'DNA microscopy' approach enables rapid screening and analysis of specific molecules within larger materials.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 5, 2019