199 articles from MONDAY 12.8.2019

Mapping the effects of drought on vulnerable populations

The greater frequency of droughts, combined with underlying economic, social and environmental risks, means that dry spells have an increasingly destructive impact on vulnerable populations, and particularly on children in the developing world. In a new study by researchers from IIASA and the U.S., the team set out to map at-risk populations at the global scale.

An alternate theory for what causes Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease, the most common cause of dementia among the elderly, is characterized by plaques and tangles in the brain, with most efforts at finding a cure focused on these abnormal structures. But a research team has identified alternate chemistry that could account for the various pathologies associated with the disease.

Steve Austin on His New USA Show and the ‘Rocket Scientists’ That Canceled ‘Broken Skull Challenge’

Straight up, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin is stoked for his new USA Network series “Straight Up Steve Austin.” Interviewing the WWE legend and former “Broken Skull Challenge” host, you could hear the excitement in his (gravely) voice.“It was fun because with my podcast usually I’m sitting here or right next door in my studio, and it’s just me one-on-one with the guest and I just...

‘Disgusting’: Study Shows Hospitals Sending More and More Surprise Bills

Joe Raedle/GettySurprise hospital bills—when a patient is asked to pay for an out-of-network service during a visit to a hospital that’s in their insurance network—have gotten a lot of attention from consumer advocates and lawmakers in recent years. But a new study shows just how prevalent the problem is: Nearly 40 percent of people who go to a hospital get hit with one of these bills, and...

It's not you, it's the network

The result of the 2016 US presidential election was, for many, a surprise lesson in social perception bias -- peoples' tendency to assume that others think as we do, and to underestimate the size and influence of a minority party. Many psychologists attribute the source of these biases to faulty cognitive processes like 'wishful thinking' or 'social projection,' but according to a new study, the...

Researchers identify key mechanism linked to neuropsychiatric lupus

A breakthrough study has identified a specific antibody target implicated in neuropsychiatric symptoms of lupus. These symptoms, including cognitive impairment, mood disorders, seizures, headaches and psychosis, are among the most prevalent manifestations of the disease and occur in as many as 80% of adults and 95% of children with lupus.

Detention basins could catch more than stormwater

Everywhere you go there are stormwater detention basins built near large construction projects intended to control the flow of rainwater and runoff. Now, those basins might help in controlling nitrogen runoff into rivers and lakes, according to civil and environmental engineers.

Trump administration weakens endangered species law

US President Donald Trump's administration on Monday finalized rollbacks to key provisions of the Endangered Species Act, a law supported by a large majority of Americans and credited with saving the gray wolf, bald eagle and grizzly bear.

Russian nuclear body says deadly blast was caused by nuclear power project, not powerful new missile

A mysterious explosion that killed five nuclear scientists on Russia’s northern frontier last week was caused by a nuclear power generator, Russia’s Rosatom state nuclear concern has said following reports the blast was related to a state-of-the art nuclear missile.  Monitors in nearby Severodvinsk said they detected a temporary spike in radiation levels after the incident on Thursday,...

Archaeologists in Pompeii find amulets and charms that may have been used by Roman sorcerer

Archaeologists in Pompeii have discovered a treasure trove of good luck charms and fertility amulets which they think may have been used for casting spells by an ancient Roman sorcerer. The collection includes tiny carved phalluses, pieces of bone shaped as human skulls and fists, small bronze bells which would have been rung to ward off bad luck, and scarab beetles made from amethyst. There are...

NASA measures rain rate in tiny Tropical Storm Henrietta

Tiny Tropical Storm Henrietta is the newest addition to the tropical cyclone line-up in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The storm developed early on Aug. 12 and soon after the GPM satellite passed overhead and found heavy rain happening around its center.