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Science News Archive April 2020 - Page 18


Page 18 of 37

Catalyst enables reactions with the help of green light

Chemists have developed a titanium catalyst that makes light usable for selective chemical reactions, producing highly selective products that can be used for antiviral drugs or luminescent dyes. The new catalyst uses green light to trigger reactions without destroying organic compounds.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 20, 2020

Changes in snowmelt threaten farmers in western US

Farmers in parts of the western United States will be among the hardest hit by climate change, which will reduce seasonal water availability for irrigation. The study found that basins globally most at risk include the San Joaquin and Colorado river basins, where snowmelt runoff is projected to decrease significantly.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateApr 20, 2020

Infant temperament predicts personality more than 20 years later

A long-term study found that infant behavioral inhibition is linked to a more reserved personality and higher levels of internalizing psychopathology in adulthood. The research also identified a neurophysiological marker, error-related negativity, as a potential predictor of risk for developing anxiety disorders.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2020

Large population study links blood infection with certain bacteria to increased risk of colorectal cancer

A large population study found a significant association between blood infections with anaerobic bacteria and an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. The study revealed that infections with specific bacteria, such as Clostridium septicum and Bacteroides ovatus, were linked to a substantial increased risk of CRC.

Rating pain: Not just a numbers game

A new study found that almost 4 out of 5 patients with moderate pain intensity considered it tolerable, and 30-40% of those with severe pain also described it as tolerable. This suggests an alternative to traditional 0-10 rating scales could help doctors better understand patient needs.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 20, 2020

Study suggests pets are not a major source of transmission of drug-resistant microbes to their owners

A new study has investigated the role of pet care in the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) among hospital patients. The research found no significant difference in pet care or closeness of contact to pets between MDRO-positive and MDRO-negative patients, with only a small percentage of pet owners and their pets infected.

Latest findings from expanded research on Antarctic meteorology and climate

A recent special issue of Advances in Atmospheric Sciences presents the latest findings from expanded and ongoing research efforts in Antarctic meteorology and climate. The studies reveal signs of climate change, including strong warming over the Antarctic Peninsula, rapid ice loss, and changes in precipitation patterns.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateApr 19, 2020

Valorizing wastewater can improve commercial viability of biomass oil production

Researchers at University of Illinois develop six approaches to treat hydrothermal liquefaction aqueous phase, including separation of chemicals and bioelectrochemical systems. These methods aim to valorize the wastewater byproduct, highlighting potential for sustainable oil production.

Study detects presence of disease-causing E. coli in recreational waters, including in bathing waters rated excellent under EU criteria

A recent study found disease-causing E. coli in recreational waters across Ireland, including those rated excellent under EU criteria. The research highlights the limitations of current water quality assessments, which only consider total E. coli counts without accounting for pathogenic variants.