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Science News Archive June 2020 - Page 42


Page 42 of 48

Pinpointing the origins of Jerusalem's Temple Mount

A recent study using radiocarbon dating and microarchaeology has pinpointed the construction dates of Wilson's Arch on Jerusalem's Temple Mount to between 20 BC and 60 AD during Herod the Great's reign. This new timeline resolves a long-standing debate about the entrance to the holiest site in Jerusalem.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 3, 2020

Penn State researchers evaluate 2020 Census data privacy changes

A Penn State research team examined the effects of differential privacy on mortality rates in 2010, revealing dramatic changes in population counts for racial and ethnic minorities. The findings highlight concerns about data accuracy, funding allocations, and understated health risks in some areas.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2020

Researchers develop sustainable method for extracting vanillin from wood processing waste

Scientists at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have developed a new sustainable method to extract vanillin from lignin, reducing toxic waste and increasing commercial viability. The process uses electrolytic depolymerization in caustic soda, producing high-quality vanillin with a yield of around four percent.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJun 3, 2020

Here be methane: Skoltech scientists investigate the origins of a gaping permafrost crater

Researchers from Skoltech studied a 20-meter wide and 20-meter deep crater in the Yamal Peninsula that formed after an explosive release of gas, mostly methane, from the permafrost. They found that the strongly negative δ13C ratio of methane pointed to a biogenic source, while other ratios suggested a deeper thermogenic source.

Study demonstrates association between exposure to air pollution and vascular damage

A study published in Environment International found that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon increases the risk of vascular damage in people living in India. The research, which analyzed data from over 3,000 individuals, showed a non-linear association between PM2.5 exposure and vascular injury.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEnvironment International·DateJun 3, 2020

How bacteria fertilize soya

Researchers have discovered that the symbiotic relationship between plants and rhizobia is more complex than previously thought, with plants actively trying to exploit the bacteria for nitrogen fixation. The study sheds light on how soya and clover harness bacterial nitrogen fixation, a process that could be applied to other crops.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMolecular Systems Biology·DateJun 3, 2020

'Unparalleled' discovery of ancient skeletons sheds light on mystery of when people started eating maize

The discovery of well-preserved ancient skeletons in Belize has provided new insights into the introduction of maize as a key part of people's diets in Central America. The study shows that maize became a major food source around 4,700 years ago, with its consumption increasing over time and eventually becoming a staple crop.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 3, 2020

Clinical trials in the era of digital engagement: A SWOG call to action

The SWOG Cancer Research Network is sparking discussion and creating consensus on how cancer clinical trial stakeholders can best interact on social platforms. The growing role of social media in raising awareness about trials and boosting accrual highlights both promises and challenges, including legal, ethical, and logistical hurdles.

SourceSWOG·DateJun 3, 2020

Innocent and highly oxidizing

Researchers at University of Freiburg developed a novel, stable oxidizing agent that overcomes common disadvantages of existing oxidants. The new reagent allows for the synthesis of reactive species in standard laboratory solvents and has broad applicability in inorganic, organic chemistry, electrochemical research.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 3, 2020

Cognitive behavior therapy tops other psychotherapies in reducing inflammation

A review of 56 randomized clinical trials found that cognitive behavior therapy is superior to other psychotherapies in reducing inflammation and boosting the immune system. CBT was most effective in reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.

Discrimination may erase 'birthweight advantage' of black US immigrants in one generation

A recent study published by Princeton University researchers reveals that the 'healthy immigrant' effect experienced by foreign-born black women is lost within a single generation due to discrimination and inequality. In contrast, foreign-born Hispanic women maintain a modest advantage in birthweight across generations.

Study finds PFAS exposure may cause early menopause in women

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that PFAS exposure may cause menopause to occur two years earlier in women. High levels of PFAS were associated with an increased risk of early menopause, which could have significant impacts on cardiovascular and bone health.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 3, 2020

Experts debate saturated fat consumption guidelines for Americans

Researchers disagree on whether reducing saturated fat intake can lower rates of heart disease, with some arguing that the evidence is inconclusive and others citing a strong link between saturated fats and increased LDL cholesterol levels. Experts caution against replacing foods high in saturated fat with added sugars and refined carb...

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 3, 2020