Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News Archive July 2020 - Page 25


Page 25 of 47

Identifying sources of deadly air pollution in the United States

A new University of Minnesota study identifies livestock, wood stoves, farms, and residential buildings as significant contributors to deadly air pollution in the United States. The research highlights the need for targeted regulations to reduce emissions from these sources, which account for a substantial portion of PM2.5-related deaths.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJul 15, 2020

Making balanced decisions

Research on Drosophila melanogaster reveals that dopaminergic neurons respond to both internal behavioral states and external signals, enabling flexible and individualized decision-making. The study provides insights into how dopamine contributes to neural circuit functionality and behavior.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 15, 2020

New Mygatt-Moore quarry research leads to prehistoric climate finds

Researchers analyzed over 2,300 fossil bones and found over 400 marks left by insects and snails, shedding light on paleo diversity and climate of the Jurassic period. The high number of insect traces suggests that dinosaur carcasses remained unburied for an extended period, providing valuable insights into prehistoric stench.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateJul 15, 2020

Two studies suggest strategies to help students at community colleges and broad access institutions

Research suggests that brief reading and writing exercises can alleviate concerns about sense of belonging, leading to increased continuous enrollment among socially disadvantaged students at broad-access institutions. These interventions may also help build up the resources and skills needed for college success.

Study reveals long-term impact of rugby injuries

A recent study by Durham University found that rugby players continue to suffer from injuries after retirement, with back pain and joint pain being common complaints. The study also revealed that concussion is the most common injury among rugby players, with a significant association with long-term impact.

SourceDurham University·JournalSports Medicine·DateJul 15, 2020

Poor work-life balance may have negative health effects

A study published in BMC Public Health found that poor work-life balance is associated with poor general health, particularly among women. The researchers analyzed data from 32,275 working adults across 30 countries and found that workers who reported poor work-life balance were twice as likely to report poor health.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJul 15, 2020

Shaking light with sound

Scientists combine piezoelectric aluminium nitride with ultralow-loss silicon nitride integrated photonics to create a hybrid circuit for on-chip acousto-optic modulation. The technology enables wideband actuation with ultralow electrical power, opening up new possibilities for precision-demanding applications.

HIV alone not a risk factor for cavities in children

A Rutgers researcher has found that a weakened immune system, rather than HIV itself, contributes to the prevalence of dental cavities in children. The study, published in Scientific Reports, sampled nearly 300 children and found that those with normal immunity levels had lower cavity rates, regardless of HIV status

SourceRutgers University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 15, 2020

Polycatenanes in mesoscale

A Japanese research group led by Professor Shiki Yagai has successfully created polycatenanes, self-assembled molecule rings that can be observed under a microscope. By using atomic force microscopy, they confirmed the structure of poly[22]catenane made up of as many as 22 connected rings, reaching up to 500 nm in length.

SourceChiba University·JournalNature·DateJul 15, 2020

Research raises concerns about firearm access for people with dementia

Research reveals that many caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer's and Related Dementias (ADRD) lack guidance on firearm safety, despite high rates of accidental shootings. The study emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to address firearm safety in the context of ADRD, providing routine counseling and access to resources.

SNMMI Image of the Year: Super-agers show resistance to tau and amyloid accumulation

Research at SNMMI 2020 Annual Meeting found super-agers have lower tau and amyloid pathology associated with neurodegeneration. This enables them to maintain their cognitive skills even at advanced ages. The study suggests a potential pathway for successful aging and developing novel treatments to tackle age-related diseases.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJul 15, 2020

Prediabetes linked to increased risk of heart disease and death

A review of available evidence suggests that prediabetes is associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease in both the general population and patients with a history of heart disease. Screening and proper management of prediabetes may contribute to primary and secondary prevention of CVD.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateJul 15, 2020