Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive February 2020 - Page 33


Page 33 of 40

New robot does superior job sampling blood

A new robot created by Rutgers University has performed as well or better than humans in blood sampling, providing quick results and reducing complications. The device includes an ultrasound-guided robot that draws blood from veins, and could be used in various medical procedures to improve patient outcomes.

SourceRutgers University·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateFeb 6, 2020

Gaps remain in rural opioid crisis research

A new study by Rutgers University and colleagues highlights the need for more research on rural opioid crisis treatment, citing barriers to access and inadequate resources. The researchers recommend expanded telemedicine, low-cost technology-assisted treatment, transportation subsidies, and pharmacy legislation changes.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·DateFeb 6, 2020

VA's 'Healthy Teaching Kitchens' benefit from holistic approach

The VA's Healthy Teaching Kitchen program provides interactive nutrition education to older veterans, focusing on holistic approaches to address age-related issues. By incorporating the 5M Care Philosophy framework, the program addresses complex health needs through cooking skills, meal planning, and budgeting.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateFeb 6, 2020

Fat-fighting drug discovery

A University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center-led research team has discovered a cancer-fighting compound that also reduces fat in obese mice. The team found that the compound, G-1, increases energy expenditure and targets brown fat cells, leading to weight loss and improved diabetes symptoms.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico Health Sciences Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2020

Religious, moral beliefs may exacerbate concerns about porn addiction

A new study suggests that moral and religious beliefs may exacerbate concerns about porn addiction. Researchers found that individuals who morally disapproved of pornography were more likely to report addiction, even with low or average porn use. The findings highlight the need for clinicians to consider these factors when diagnosing c...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·DateFeb 6, 2020

Alaska's national forests contribute 48 million salmon a year to state's fishing industry

A new study by the USDA Forest Service-led Pacific Northwest Research Station found that Alaska's Tongass and Chugach National Forests produce an average of 48 million salmon annually, worth approximately $88 million. The forest rivers and lakes support the salmon population through various life stages.

SourceUSDA Forest Service - Pacific Northwest Research Station·JournalNorth American Journal of Fisheries Management·DateFeb 6, 2020

Static electricity as strong as lightning can be saved in a battery

A new technology has been developed to collect and convert static electricity into usable energy, which can be used to power devices such as sensors and calculators. The researchers successfully increased the amount of energy generated by a 'triboelectric nanogenerator' using a nanoimprinting process and poling technique, achieving a c...

Easter Island society did not collapse prior to European contact, new research shows

A new study challenges the widely-held narrative that Easter Island's construction of monumental platforms and statues ceased in 1600 following a societal collapse. The research found that monument construction began soon after colonization and continued beyond European contact in 1722, with a steady rate of construction events.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateFeb 6, 2020

UCLA research could be step toward lab-grown eggs and sperm to treat infertility

UCLA researchers have made a breakthrough in developing lab-grown eggs and sperm for infertility treatment. They discovered that human stem cells can be coaxed into forming germ cells, which are the precursors to egg and sperm cells. The study could pave the way for generating healthy eggs and sperm in a laboratory setting.

What is your risk from smoking? Your network knows!

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that people, smokers and non-smokers alike, were often inaccurate in their answers to questions about smoking's health effects. However, when participants discussed their ideas with others, especially in a networked setting, they became more accurate in their assessments.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 6, 2020

Finding connections at the surface

A team of Thomas Jefferson University researchers identified a specific region on brain-cell receptors that helps dock proteins at synapses, potentially leading to better treatments for chronic pain and other diseases. The discovery opens the door for developing new medical interventions by targeting this docking site.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2020

Artificial evolution of an industry

Researchers found that firms like Fabindia use a specific approach to shape industry futures, transforming key aspects of the landscape. The team mapped Fabindia's evolution over 50 years and identified three major instances where the company successfully transformed its industry.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalOrganization Science·DateFeb 6, 2020

Hard times are coming: Brain tissue stiffness is crucial for neurogenesis

Researchers defined the proteome of neural stem cell niches and compared it to other brain regions to identify key regulators for neurogenesis. The findings suggest that the unique niche environment allows neurogenesis in the adult mammalian brain, and may contribute to the stiffness of neural stem cell niches.

Toxic protein, linked to Alzheimer's and neurodegenerative diseases, exposed in new detail

Researchers analyzed brain tissue from patients with Alzheimer's and corticobasal degeneration, finding that modifications to the tau protein influence its misfolding behavior. The study reveals key insights into how tau filaments form, grow, and spread throughout the brain, potentially accelerating the fight against neurodegenerative ...

How plants are built to be strong and responsive

Plant researchers have discovered a dual guidance system that enables plants to grow stronger and respond more flexibly to environmental cues. This autonomous system allows cellulose synthase complexes to interact with chemical trails left by other complexes, guiding the arrangement of cellulose fibres.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 6, 2020

Biomimetic optics: Effective substitute for eyes

Researchers at the University of Tyumen developed biomimetic optics that mimic human eye functions, offering excellent adaptation to changing conditions and miniature sizes. The new optics has advantages over traditional technologies, enabling wider range of functional characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Tyumen·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateFeb 6, 2020