138 articles from THURSDAY 1.9.2022

Restoring a key hormone could help people with Down syndrome

New research with mice—and a small human trial—raises the prospect of treatments that could improve learning difficulties in people with Down syndrome. Though still preliminary, the work may represent a step toward a goal that has eluded scientists for decades. Down syndrome is the most common genetic cause of intellectual disability, affecting about one in 600 babies. It...

How does low-impact development help manage stormwater?

Cities can have many benefits when designed well, including reducing carbon imprints. Another way cities can improve their environmental impact is by using "low-impact development" with regard to water management. It is also called "green stormwater infrastructure."

Rethinking indoor air chemistry

People typically spend 90% of their lives inside, at home, at work, or in transport. Within these enclosed spaces, occupants are exposed to a multitude of chemicals from various sources, including outdoor pollutants penetrating indoors, gaseous emissions from building materials and furnishings, and products of our own activities such as cooking and cleaning. In addition, we are ourselves potent...

Individual risk-factor data could help predict the next Ebola outbreak

Researchers have examined how social and economic factors, such as level of education and general knowledge of Ebola, might contribute to 'high-risk behaviors' that may bring individuals into contact with potentially infected animals. A focus on geographical locations with high concentrations of individuals at high-risk could help public health officials better target prevention and education...

Full 3-D view of binary star-planet system

Astronomers using the VLBA have produced a full, 3-D view of a binary star system with a planet orbiting one of the stars. Their achievement promises important new insights into the process of planet formation.

How 'prediction markets' could improve climate risk policies and investment decisions

A market-led approach could be key to guiding policy, research and business decisions about future climate risks, a new study outlines. Now that organizations appreciate how essential it is to consider climate risks within their strategic plans, the pressing need for forward-looking, reliable information is growing. However, researchers say current climate-risk forecasts that guide key business...

A therapy found to improve cognitive function in patients with Down syndrome

Scientists have tested the efficacy of GnRH injection therapy in order to improve the cognitive functions of a small group of patients with Down syndrome. First the scientists revealed a dysfunction of the GnRH neurons in an animal model of Down syndrome and its impacts on the cognitive function impairment associated with the condition. Then a pilot study testing GnRH pulsatile injection therapy...

Researchers propose new framework for regulating engineered crops

A Policy Forum article calls for a new approach to regulating genetically engineered (GE) crops, arguing that current approaches for triggering safety testing vary dramatically among countries and generally lack scientific merit -- particularly as advances in crop breeding have blurred the lines between conventional breeding and genetic engineering.

Global analysis identifies at-risk forests

Researchers quantify the risk to forests from climate change along three dimensions: carbon storage, biodiversity and forest loss from disturbance, such as fire or drought. The results show forests in some regions experiencing clear and consistent risks. In other regions, the risk profile is less clear, because different approaches that account for disparate aspects of climate risk yield diverging...