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Science News Archive March 2020 - Page 38


Page 38 of 41

Pregnant women with depression are more than 3 times more likely to use cannabis

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that pregnant women with depression are more than 3 times more likely to use cannabis. The study, based on nationally representative data, also revealed that depression increases vulnerability to cannabis use even among those who perceive substantial risk.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateMar 3, 2020

New lithium batteries from used cell phones

A research project at the University of Córdoba and San Luis University in Argentina successfully manufactured new lithium batteries from used cell phones. The team recovered graphite material, eliminating impurities and reorganizing its structure for new use, making up a quarter of the total weight of a lithium battery.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalChemSusChem·DateMar 3, 2020

Plastic from wood

Researchers have used X-ray analysis to study lignin, a byproduct of paper production, and its potential as a sustainable raw material for manufacturing bioplastics. The study reveals that different lignin fractions can be engineered to have varying properties, such as hardness or softness, making them suitable for specific applications.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalACS Applied Polymer Materials·DateMar 3, 2020

Less than 20% of Americans have rapid access to endovascular thrombectomy for stroke

Only 19.8% of Americans have rapid access to endovascular thrombectomy for stroke treatment, highlighting a significant unmet need in stroke care. Researchers evaluated two strategies to optimize access and found that the bypassing model could improve access by 16.7%, making it an optimal solution for resource-strapped areas.

Not only what you eat, but how you eat, may affect your microbiome

A recent study published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology found that re-initiating oral food intake after enteral nutrition alters the composition of both oral and gut microbiota. This alteration was associated with improved balance and function in the microbiome, particularly in fatty acid metabolism.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateMar 3, 2020

A novel cause of fatty liver in lean people

A novel cause of fatty liver disease has been discovered in lean individuals undergoing immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Researchers report a case of a woman who experienced severe inflammation of her subcutaneous fat and developed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease after treatment with the PD-1 inhibitor Nivolumab.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateMar 3, 2020

A PLOS Medicine special issue devoted to refugee and migrant health

A recent study on Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh found that 64% had significant physical disabilities, while caregivers reported providing over 13 hours of care per day. Another study in the UK found that migrant mothers were less likely to visit emergency departments with their children, but those who did had higher utilization rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 3, 2020

Jellyfish help understand the timing of egg production

A new study in PLOS Biology identifies a regulator of jellyfish egg release, shedding light on the evolution of complex hormonal control in animals. The discovery sheds insight into how oocytes transform into eggs and may hold clues for understanding the link between sexual reproduction and nutrition in animals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 3, 2020

For anxious spouses, a baby may be a rival

A new study found that partners with relationship anxiety before having a child are more likely to feel jealous of the baby. The research suggests that expectant parents should be aware of their relationship style before having their first baby, as this may help them deal with feelings more constructively.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·DateMar 3, 2020

Sinking sea mountains make and muffle earthquakes

A new study found that underwater mountains pulled into subduction zones can set the stage for powerful quakes and create conditions that end up dampening them. Researchers used a computer model to simulate the effects of seamounts on surrounding rock and sediment, finding that the brittle rock ahead of the seamount creates powerful ea...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Geoscience·DateMar 2, 2020