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Science News Archive September 2019 - Page 39


Page 39 of 43

Depression breakthrough

A recent study from the University of South Australia has found a causal relationship between depression and 20 distinct diseases, including respiratory, heart, and digestive issues. This research can help detect and manage high rates of physical illnesses in people diagnosed with depression.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateSep 4, 2019

Genome mining reveals novel production pathway for promising malaria treatment

Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered a new biochemical trick used by microbes to produce an antimicrobial compound effective against malaria. The discovery reveals a completely unknown production pathway, which may lead to the development of more efficient and cost-effective methods for producing similar compounds.

How do social networks shape political decision-making?

New research suggests that the structure of social networks can sway voting outcomes towards one political party, even if both parties are equal in size and influence. This phenomenon is known as information gerrymandering, where people's decisions are constrained by their social networks and distorted by zealots and automated bots.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature·DateSep 4, 2019

The argument for sexual selection in bacteria

Bacteria can swap DNA through mechanisms similar to sexual selection in animals, and this genetic mixing may have benefits for cell survival and evolution. Researchers suggest that bacterial transformation, a process where cells release and take up DNA, could be governed by sexual selection.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Microbiology·DateSep 4, 2019

Laser-based ultrasound approach provides new direction for nondestructive testing

A team of researchers has developed a new technique that combines laser technology and candle soot to generate effective ultrasonic waves for nondestructive testing. The patch made from nanoparticles from candle soot and polydimethylsiloxane amplifies the signal, enabling temperature-independent measurement and wide range monitoring area.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 4, 2019

Has racial/ethnic representation changed among US medical students?

Despite an increase in medical school applicants from diverse backgrounds, racial/ethnic representation remains underrepresented among US medical students. The study analyzed data from 2002 to 2017 and found that absolute numbers and proportions of minority students have ticked up over time but haven't kept pace with the U.S. population.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateSep 4, 2019

Mathematical model provides new support for environmental taxes

A new mathematical model developed by Fan et al. suggests that environmental taxes can stimulate economic growth, decrease emissions, and improve resource utilization in China. The model's findings support the use of carbon taxes as an effective strategy to promote environmentally friendly practices.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 4, 2019

Study maps genetics of early progression in TB

A Harvard Medical School study maps the genetics of early TB progression, identifying gene variants that control immune functions as key drivers. The research paves the way for personalized tests to predict who is at risk for early disease onset, potentially informing vaccines or drugs to prevent the disease.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 4, 2019

New peanut allergy treatment shows effectiveness and safety

A new peanut allergy treatment, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), has shown effectiveness in protecting patients from severe allergic reactions. SLIT involves placing tiny amounts of peanut protein under the tongue, where it is absorbed immediately into the bloodstream, desensitizing the immune system to larger amounts of peanut protein.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 4, 2019

Prehistoric AC

Researchers propose that the two large holes in a T. rex skull were filled with blood vessels instead of muscles, based on thermal imaging and studies of alligators. This new theory challenges over a century of previous beliefs about T. rex anatomy.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Anatomical Record·DateSep 4, 2019

Natural 'breakdown' of chemicals may guard against lung damage in 9/11 first responders

A new study suggests that metabolites produced by the body's breakdown of toxins may protect against obstructive airway disease in 9/11 first responders. Researchers identified specific compounds, including protein-building amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in diets rich in fish and olive oil.

Share your goals -- but be careful whom you tell

Researchers at Ohio State University found that sharing career goals with someone perceived as having higher status increases motivation and goal achievement. In contrast, sharing with lower-status individuals has no positive effect. The study suggests that caring about what others think can drive goal commitment and performance.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateSep 3, 2019