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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 27


Page 27 of 41

Slime mold simulations used to map dark matter holding universe together

Researchers have successfully mapped the cosmic web's filamentary structure using a slime mold-inspired algorithm, providing insights into dark matter's role in shaping the universe. The study revealed that denser regions of intergalactic gas are organized into filaments that stretch over 10 million light-years from galaxies.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 10, 2020

Making more MXene

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a lab-scale reactor system that can produce large quantities of MXene in bulk, preserving its unique properties. The system uses a computerized process to refine the material and ensures consistency, a critical step towards achieving manufacturing standards.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·DateMar 10, 2020

New study confirms value of family meals

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior confirms that frequent family meals are associated with better dietary outcomes and improved family functioning. The research found a positive relationship between family meal frequency and increased fruit and vegetable consumption, as well as measures of family c...

SourceThe Ginger Network·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMar 10, 2020

Experts call for more support for parents of children with genetic learning disabilities

New research from the University of Cambridge suggests that parents of children with genetic learning disabilities are at risk of mental health problems. The study found that social factors do not predict a parent's risk of low mood and stress, instead highlighting the impact of the child's genetic disorder and behavior on family life.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe British Journal of Psychiatry·DateMar 10, 2020

Case Western Reserve University research finds high rates of trauma exposure, PTSD symptoms for those in drug court

A new study by Case Western Reserve University found that nearly 94% of defendants in Cuyahoga County drug court have been exposed to trauma, with many suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The research suggests a need for increased trauma-informed care and possibly specialized, gender-specific support.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Offender Rehabilitation·DateMar 10, 2020

Chemists create new artificial enzyme

Chemists at the University of Miami have created an artificial enzyme with improved catalytic abilities. The new molecule is designed to tackle chemical reactions in industrial settings and could lead to the development of more efficient biofuel production, drug creation, and other applications.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 10, 2020

Injection strategies are crucial for geothermal projects

A new study analyzed temporal evolution of seismicity and growth of maximum observed moment magnitudes in various stimulation projects. The results show a clear linear relation between injected fluid volume and cumulative seismic moments for most projects, indicating that seismicity can be managed by changes in injection strategy.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMar 10, 2020

Intel processors are still vulnerable to attack

Researchers at KU Leuven exposed a security flaw in Intel processors, revealing a vulnerability in SGX enclaves that can be exploited for sensitive information. The 'Load Value Injection' attack allows attackers to inject data into software programs, compromising passwords and other personal data.

Pain researchers get a common language to describe pain

A new classification system for orofacial pain has been developed by international researchers, providing a common language for medical doctors and dentists to diagnose patients accurately. The system is expected to improve treatment outcomes for individuals suffering from chronic pain in the mouth, jaws, and face.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCephalalgia·DateMar 10, 2020

New clinical trial examines a potential noninvasive solution for overactive bladders

A new clinical trial led by Keck Medicine of USC is investigating the effectiveness of Transcutaneous Electrical Spinal Cord Neuromodulation (TESCoN) in treating overactive bladder due to neurological conditions. The trial aims to improve patients' sense of well-being by enhancing bladder control and reducing symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Systems Neuroscience·DateMar 10, 2020

Leaf-inspired surface prevents frost formation

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered a new way to reduce frost formation on any surface using a leaf-inspired design. The study found that the optimized surface structure reduces frost by up to 60% and can be defrosted with considerably less energy.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2020

The Lancet HIV: Study suggests a second patient has been cured of HIV

A study of a second HIV patient to undergo successful stem cell transplantation from donors with a HIV-resistant gene finds that there was no active viral infection in the patient's blood 30 months after they stopped anti-retroviral therapy. The patient had a healthy CD4 cell count, suggesting they have recovered well from the transplant.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet HIV·DateMar 10, 2020

Solved: The mystery of the expansion of the universe

A UNIGE researcher has solved a scientific controversy about the speed of the universe's expansion by proposing that it may not be homogeneous on a large scale. This approach eliminates a divergence between two independent calculation methods, which previously yielded conflicting values for the Hubble constant.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPhysics Letters B·DateMar 10, 2020

Novel blood test points to risk of weight gain and diabetes

Researchers developed a computer program analyzing molecules in blood plasma to identify individuals at risk of becoming overweight and developing obesity-related diseases. The test is 90% accurate in detecting whether the subject will gain weight without intervention, also predicting diabetes and other health risks.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateMar 10, 2020

Study reveals grasshopper declines associated with declines in quality of prairie grasses

A University of Oklahoma-led study reveals a decline in grasshopper numbers over the past two decades in a Kansas grassland preserve. The research identifies nutrient dilution as a key driver, caused by increased atmospheric CO2 levels, leading to declining plant quality and reduced sustenance for herbivores.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 10, 2020

How new data can make ecological forecasts as good as weather forecasts

A new study reveals that analyzing large-scale ecological patterns can help predict changes in ecosystems. Ecologists are using decades of weather data to forecast bird migrations and wildlife population fluctuations, which can inform conservation measures. The research aims to improve understanding of the climate-ecology link, enablin...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 9, 2020

Focusing continuity of care on sicker patients can save millions of dollars annually

Research by Southern Methodist University and Texas Tech University found that higher continuity of care leads to improved patient outcomes, including fewer inpatient visits and lower readmission rates. However, at the highest levels of continuity of care, outcomes worsen, suggesting a potential benefit from having multiple providers.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateMar 9, 2020

Clotting problem

A team of researchers led by University of Delaware Professor Velia M. Fowler has made a groundbreaking discovery about MYH9-related disorders, a condition affecting 1 in 25,000 people. The study found that mutations in the MYH9 gene disrupt platelet formation and movement, leading to unstable clots and various health issues.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalBlood·DateMar 9, 2020

Apixaban may be a safer and more effective than rivaroxaban for preventing stroke and blood clots

A large cohort study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that apixaban was associated with a lower risk of stroke or systemic blood clots compared to rivaroxaban in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. The study also showed that apixaban was linked to a lower risk of gastrointestinal bleeding or bleeding in the brain.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 9, 2020