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Science News Archive January 2020 - Page 32


Page 32 of 40

From as young as 4, children see males as more powerful than females

Research shows that children aged 3-6 consider dominant individuals to be boys, with a power-masculinity association observed in both boys and girls. However, in some situations, particularly when considering power relations with the opposite gender, girls do not significantly identify with the dominant character.

SourceCNRS·JournalSex Roles·DateJan 9, 2020

Harnessing biology and technology to develop new depression treatments -- update from Harvard Review

A special issue of Harvard Review of Psychiatry explores new treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) by examining five key areas, including gender differences, neuroscience-based interventions, the role of the microbiome, opioid-based therapies, and technology in treatment. The research aims to develop more effective treatments ...

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalHarvard Review of Psychiatry·DateJan 9, 2020

Preparing for the hydrogen economy

Researchers found hydrogen accumulates at microstructures in steels, weakening them and leading to catastrophic failures. The discovery of niobium carbide clusters that trap hydrogen offers a solution to design embrittlement-resistant steel.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience·DateJan 9, 2020

Researchers discover new building blocks of catalyst zeolite nanopores

Scientists at UMass Amherst have discovered a new way to understand the structure and vibrations of zeolites, which are used in refining petroleum and biomass. The team's findings provide insights into the formation of nanopores and dynamical behaviors, leading to potential advances in materials for clean energy and carbon capture.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 9, 2020

A new effort to tackle tuberculosis

Researchers at the University of Dundee are working on a new effort to tackle tuberculosis, identifying new treatment options for the disease. With a $3 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, they aim to improve drug discovery and develop new candidate drugs to treat TB.

Ultrasound can make stronger 3D-printed alloys

Researchers used ultrasound to shake metal alloy grains into tighter formations during 3D printing, resulting in improved tensile strength and yield stress by 12%. The technique can be applied to various commercial metals, enabling the production of high-performance structural parts or structurally graded alloys.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 9, 2020

New insulin compound could improve therapy for diabetes patients

Scientists have developed a non-fibrillating form of human insulin called glycoinsulin, which demonstrates the same glucose-lowering effects as native insulin without fibril formation. This discovery presents a promising solution for patients relying on insulin pumps and could improve the shelf life of insulin products.

SourceThe Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 9, 2020

Heart disease linked to a higher risk of kidney failure

A new study found that cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and coronary heart disease, are each linked with a higher risk of developing kidney failure. Adults hospitalized with heart failure had an 11.4-times higher risk of developing kidney failure than individuals without cardiovascular disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 9, 2020

First patient for Parkinson's disease trial recruited

A UK-wide trial has started recruiting patients for a three-year study on preventing falls in people with Parkinson's disease, led by the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol. The trial will test whether a commonly prescribed dementia drug can prevent debilitating falls and improve patients' qu...

New study shows 'organic' wounds improve produce

A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that simple leaf wounding in plants can increase the production of healthier organic fruit. The research team discovered that stress responses created in the fruits and vegetables lead to an increase in antioxidant compounds prior to harvest, making them healthier for human consumption.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 9, 2020

Break point

Researchers found that DEHP disrupts meiosis in worms, leading to defects during egg formation and early embryonic development. The chemical causes excessive DNA breaks and interferes with the system that repairs them, resulting in abnormal chromosomes and reduced embryo viability.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJan 9, 2020

Two drugs used in combination prove to be effective against most aggressive asbestos cancer in mice

Researchers at CNIO have identified a potential effective treatment for sarcomatoid mesothelioma, the most aggressive type of asbestos cancer, using two existing drugs in combination. The study found that blocking MEK and PI3K pathways reduces the growth and invasiveness of mesothelioma cells in mice.

Catalytic protocells get zingy

Researchers have developed artificial cells capable of decomposing hydrogen peroxide and generating oxygen, as well as implementing a rudimentary chemical signalling pathway between the cells. The new protocells use a combination of synthetic and biological catalysts to create multi-functional activity.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2020

Nanobubbles in nanodroplets

Scientists have observed the ultrafast reaction of nanobubbles in helium droplets after extreme ultraviolet radiation (XUV) excitation. The findings help understand how nanoparticles interact with energetic radiation and decay, essential information for directly imaging individual nanoparticles.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2020

The calm of the deer

A study found that lynx reintroduction in Europe led to changes in deer behavior, with humans influencing their day-night rhythm. Deer reduced daylight movements by 1.37 when faced with human disturbances, while the presence of lynx increased daytime activity.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateJan 8, 2020