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42 articles from ScienceDaily

Retinal scans: A non-invasive, inexpensive method to track human aging

Is the eye a window into aging? New research has shown how imaging of the fundus, the blood vessel-rich tissue in the retina, can be used to track human aging, in a way that is noninvasive, less expensive and more accurate than other aging clocks that are currently available. Researchers also did a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to establish the genetic basis for such a clock, which they...

Pulsing ultrasound waves could someday remove microplastics from waterways

Colorful particles of plastic drift along under the surface of most waterways. These barely visible microplastics -- less than 5 mm wide -- are potentially harmful to aquatic animals and plants, as well as humans. Now, a team reports a two-stage device made with steel tubes and pulsing sound waves that removes most of the plastic particles from real water samples.

Modern origami method creates glass shapes by folding

The ancient art of origami is well known for transforming sheets of paper and other foldable materials into complex 3D shapes. But now, chemical engineers have extended the centuries-old practice to produce intricate shapes made of glass or other hard materials. Their thoroughly modern method, which can be combined with 3D printing, could have applications ranging from sculpture to catalysis and...

Candidate found to inhibit malignant melanoma growth

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are key factors in the tumor microenvironment, which have been implicated in cancer cell progression. It has also been reported that vesicles called exosomes produced by these CAFs play an important role in cancer progression. A research group investigated the effect of CAF-derived exosomes on the growth of malignant melanoma cells. They found that CAF-derived...

Shedding pounds may benefit your heart -- even if some weight is regained

Weight loss was associated with decreased risk factors for cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes for at least five years -- even if some weight was regained, according to a review of research on behavioral weight loss programs. People who lost weight through an intensive behavioral weight loss program had lower systolic blood pressure levels, total cholesterol-to-good cholesterol ratio and...

Turtles and crocodiles with unique characteristics are more likely to go extinct

New study demonstrates that the most endangered turtles and crocodile species are those that have evolved unique life strategies. Many of the most threatened species carry out important ecosystem functions that other species depend on. Habitat loss was identified as the key overall threat to turtles and crocodiles, followed by climate change and global trade. Unique species faced additional...

Social comparisons better than knowledge in climate change mitigation interventions

In interventions designed to encourage more sustainable and climate-smart behavior, examples of what other people are doing and financial 'carrots' are more important than providing knowledge and facts. This has been shown in an international second-order meta-analysis of more than four hundred primary studies. However, all types of climate mitigation interventions have a relatively small effect...

Highly charged ions melt nano gold nuggets

Shooting ions is very different from shooting a gun: By firing highly charged ions onto tiny gold structures, these structures can be modified in technologically interesting ways. Surprisingly, the key is not the force of impact, but the electric charge of the projectiles.