Today's Science News and Current Events
The CMAJ group: A home for patient-oriented research
Researchers who are conducting patient-oriented research, which engages patients in research to improve health and health care, may find a home for their research in CMAJ Open and CMAJ, announces an editorial in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal),
Researchers who are conducting patient-oriented research, which engages patients in research to improve health and health care, may find a home for their research in CMAJ Open and CMAJ, announces an editorial in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal),
Giant invasive flatworms found in France and overseas French territories
One of the consequences of globalization is the introduction of invasive species.
One of the consequences of globalization is the introduction of invasive species.
Blue dye tablet helps identify polyps during colonoscopy
Ingestion of a blue dye tablet during bowel prep for colonoscopy could be a significant advance in the early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC).
Ingestion of a blue dye tablet during bowel prep for colonoscopy could be a significant advance in the early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC).
Improving health research among Indigenous peoples in Canada
Researchers must understand the historical and social context of Indigenous health research, while valuing the unique knowledge, skills and experiences of Indigenous people, in order to conduct meaningful health research, according to an analysis in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
Researchers must understand the historical and social context of Indigenous health research, while valuing the unique knowledge, skills and experiences of Indigenous people, in order to conduct meaningful health research, according to an analysis in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
Model estimates lifetime risk of Alzheimer's dementia using biomarkers
Lifetime risks of developing Alzheimer's disease dementia vary considerably by age, gender and whether any signs or symptoms of dementia are present, according to a new study published online by Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association.
Lifetime risks of developing Alzheimer's disease dementia vary considerably by age, gender and whether any signs or symptoms of dementia are present, according to a new study published online by Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association.
Kids show adult-like intuition about ownership
Children as young as age three are able to make judgements about who owns an object based on its location, according to a study from the University of Waterloo.
Children as young as age three are able to make judgements about who owns an object based on its location, according to a study from the University of Waterloo.
Friends influence middle schoolers' attitudes toward peers of different ethnicities, races
Studies have shown that for young people, simply being around peers from different ethnic and racial backgrounds may not be enough to improve attitudes toward other groups.
Studies have shown that for young people, simply being around peers from different ethnic and racial backgrounds may not be enough to improve attitudes toward other groups.
Building a brain, cell by cell: Researchers make a mini neuron network (of two)
Neurological research uses simplified models consisting of artificial collections of neurons.
Neurological research uses simplified models consisting of artificial collections of neurons.
Designer cells: Artificial enzyme can activate a gene switch
Complex reaction cascades can be triggered in artificial molecular systems: Swiss scientists have constructed an enzyme than can penetrate a mammalian cell and accelerate the release of a hormone.
Complex reaction cascades can be triggered in artificial molecular systems: Swiss scientists have constructed an enzyme than can penetrate a mammalian cell and accelerate the release of a hormone.
A hidden world of communication, chemical warfare, beneath the soil
New research shows how some of these harmful microbes have to contend not just with a farmer's chemical attacks, but also with their microscopic neighbors -- and themselves turn to chemical warfare to ward off threats.
New research shows how some of these harmful microbes have to contend not just with a farmer's chemical attacks, but also with their microscopic neighbors -- and themselves turn to chemical warfare to ward off threats.
Experimental drug eases effects of gluten for celiac patients on gluten-free diet
An investigational new drug offers hope of relief for celiac disease patients who are inadvertently exposed to gluten while on a gluten-free diet.
An investigational new drug offers hope of relief for celiac disease patients who are inadvertently exposed to gluten while on a gluten-free diet.
Married couples share risk of developing diabetes
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University have discovered a connection between the BMI of one spouse and the other spouse's risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University have discovered a connection between the BMI of one spouse and the other spouse's risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
New bipartisan legislation highlights better care for us all as we age, AGS
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) today offered a ringing endorsement of the bipartisan Geriatrics Workforce Improvement Act (S.
The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) today offered a ringing endorsement of the bipartisan Geriatrics Workforce Improvement Act (S.
The prevalence of twin births in pure Spanish horses (PREs)
A group of researchers has published the first study to determine the prevalence of twin births and chimerism in a large population of PRE horses, and the results suggest that chimerism is not especially connected to infertility.
A group of researchers has published the first study to determine the prevalence of twin births and chimerism in a large population of PRE horses, and the results suggest that chimerism is not especially connected to infertility.
Link between tuberculosis and Parkinson's disease discovered
The mechanism our immune cells use to clear bacterial infections like tuberculosis (TB) might also be implicated in Parkinson's disease, according to a new study.
The mechanism our immune cells use to clear bacterial infections like tuberculosis (TB) might also be implicated in Parkinson's disease, according to a new study.
From a model of fluids to the birth of a new field in computational physics
It may sound like the stuff of fairy tales, but in the 1950s two numerical models initially developed as a pet project by physicists led to the birth of an entirely new field of physics: computational statistical mechanics.
It may sound like the stuff of fairy tales, but in the 1950s two numerical models initially developed as a pet project by physicists led to the birth of an entirely new field of physics: computational statistical mechanics.
New material detects the amount of UV radiation and helps monitor radiation dose
Researchers at the University of Turku, Finland, have developed a synthetic SensoGlow™ material that detects the quantity and quality of ultraviolet radiation from the Sun or other sources.
Researchers at the University of Turku, Finland, have developed a synthetic SensoGlow™ material that detects the quantity and quality of ultraviolet radiation from the Sun or other sources.
Discovery of the first body in the Solar System with an extrasolar origin
Asteroid 2015 BZ509 is the very first object in the Solar System shown to have an extrasolar origin.
Asteroid 2015 BZ509 is the very first object in the Solar System shown to have an extrasolar origin.
Remote control of transport through nanopores
In our bodies, the transfer of genetic information, viral infections and protein trafficking, as well as the synthesis and degradation of biomolecules are all phenomena that require the transport of molecules through channels.
In our bodies, the transfer of genetic information, viral infections and protein trafficking, as well as the synthesis and degradation of biomolecules are all phenomena that require the transport of molecules through channels.
Research supports restrictions on opioid-containing cold medicines for children
Prescription cough and cold medicines containing the opioid hydrocodone were more likely to cause serious side effects in children than those containing codeine, according to a new study from Penn State College of Medicine.
Prescription cough and cold medicines containing the opioid hydrocodone were more likely to cause serious side effects in children than those containing codeine, according to a new study from Penn State College of Medicine.
Could we predict the next Ebola outbreak by tracking the migratory patterns of bats?
The researchers -- Javier Buceta, Paolo Bocchini and Graziano Fiorillo -- worked with satellite information and parameter sampling techniques to create their Ebola-prediction framework, which integrates data and modeling to predict the conditions linking bats' behavior with the outbreak of Ebola.
The researchers -- Javier Buceta, Paolo Bocchini and Graziano Fiorillo -- worked with satellite information and parameter sampling techniques to create their Ebola-prediction framework, which integrates data and modeling to predict the conditions linking bats' behavior with the outbreak of Ebola.
Physicists with green fingers estimate tree spanning rate in random networks
In a new study published in EPJ B, Fei Ma from Northwest Normal University in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China, and colleagues calculate the total number of spanning trees in randomly expanding networks.
In a new study published in EPJ B, Fei Ma from Northwest Normal University in Lanzhou, Gansu Province, China, and colleagues calculate the total number of spanning trees in randomly expanding networks.
Non-plasma high-speed anisotropic diamond etching with nickel in 1000°C water vapor
Development of next-generation power devices is needed for energy saving in a low carbon society.
Development of next-generation power devices is needed for energy saving in a low carbon society.
Researchers build artificial cellular compartments as molecular workshops
How to install new capabilities in cells without interfering with their metabolic processes?
How to install new capabilities in cells without interfering with their metabolic processes?
New study sheds light on the opioid epidemic and challenges prevailing views about this public health crisis
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine sheds new light on the sharp rise in fatal drug overdoses in recent years, one of the most severe public health challenges of our time.
A study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine sheds new light on the sharp rise in fatal drug overdoses in recent years, one of the most severe public health challenges of our time.
Embryonic gene regulation through mechanical forces
During embryonic development genetic cascades control gene activity and cell differentiation.
During embryonic development genetic cascades control gene activity and cell differentiation.
How wheat can root out the take-all fungus
In the soils of the world's cereal fields, a family tussle between related species of fungi is underway for control of the crops' roots, with food security on the line.
In the soils of the world's cereal fields, a family tussle between related species of fungi is underway for control of the crops' roots, with food security on the line.
What helps form long-term memory also drives the development of neurodegenerative disease
Scientists have just discovered that a small region of a cellular protein that helps long-term memories form also drives the neurodegeneration seen in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Scientists have just discovered that a small region of a cellular protein that helps long-term memories form also drives the neurodegeneration seen in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
Under age 13, suicide rates are roughly double for black children vs. white children
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics shows that racial disparities in suicide rates are age-related.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics shows that racial disparities in suicide rates are age-related.
In brain stimulation therapy less might be more
Theoretical and experimental results demonstrate a new insight for optimizing rTMS, one of the common non-invasive magnetic brain stimulation therapies used to treat brain disorders such as depression and neuropathic pain.
Theoretical and experimental results demonstrate a new insight for optimizing rTMS, one of the common non-invasive magnetic brain stimulation therapies used to treat brain disorders such as depression and neuropathic pain.
DNA-based vaccine treatment for colorectal cancer to undergo first human study
Combining a DNA vaccine, which boosts the body's immune response against tumors, with an antibody that blocks the body's natural defense against the potency of the DNA vaccine, may lead to the development of an effective treatment for late stage colorectal cancer, when a cure is not often possible.
Combining a DNA vaccine, which boosts the body's immune response against tumors, with an antibody that blocks the body's natural defense against the potency of the DNA vaccine, may lead to the development of an effective treatment for late stage colorectal cancer, when a cure is not often possible.
Michael Jackson's antigravity tilt -- Talent, magic, or a bit of both?
Three neurosurgeons from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, India, set out to examine Michael Jackson's antigravity tilt, introduced in the movie video 'Smooth Criminal,' from a neurosurgeon's point of view.
Three neurosurgeons from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh, India, set out to examine Michael Jackson's antigravity tilt, introduced in the movie video 'Smooth Criminal,' from a neurosurgeon's point of view.
Including Indigenous elders in primary care positively affects Indigenous patients' mental health
Indigenous elders can have a broad range of positive effects on the mental and physical health of urban Indigenous people who often experience marginalization and barriers accessing health care, according to a study in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) that partnered elders with mainstream health care providers in primary care.
Indigenous elders can have a broad range of positive effects on the mental and physical health of urban Indigenous people who often experience marginalization and barriers accessing health care, according to a study in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) that partnered elders with mainstream health care providers in primary care.
Young toddlers may learn more from interactive than noninteractive media
Preschoolers can learn from educational television, but younger toddlers may learn more from interactive digital media (such as video chats and touchscreen mobile apps) than from TV and videos alone, which don't require them to interact.
Preschoolers can learn from educational television, but younger toddlers may learn more from interactive digital media (such as video chats and touchscreen mobile apps) than from TV and videos alone, which don't require them to interact.
First record of large-antlered muntjac in Vietnam
In November 2017 -- under a biodiversity monitoring and assessment activity supported by the US Agency for International Development -- scientists and conservationists of the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research and WWF-Vietnam captured photographs of one of the rarest and most threatened mammal species of Southeast Asia, the large-antlered muntjac, in Quang Nam province, central Vietnam.
In November 2017 -- under a biodiversity monitoring and assessment activity supported by the US Agency for International Development -- scientists and conservationists of the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research and WWF-Vietnam captured photographs of one of the rarest and most threatened mammal species of Southeast Asia, the large-antlered muntjac, in Quang Nam province, central Vietnam.
Procedure plus medication is better than standard treatment for heart disease patients
A non-surgical procedure, called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), along with prescribed medication, is better than medication alone as initial treatment for people who have the most common form of heart disease, suggests an analysis of an international clinical trial co-led by St.
A non-surgical procedure, called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), along with prescribed medication, is better than medication alone as initial treatment for people who have the most common form of heart disease, suggests an analysis of an international clinical trial co-led by St.
Scientists find inconsistencies and biases in weather forecasting system
The tiniest of natural phenomena can have a big impact on our weather, but an international team of researchers have found that the most widely used system to model meteorological conditions doesn't account for environmental microphysics well at all scales.
The tiniest of natural phenomena can have a big impact on our weather, but an international team of researchers have found that the most widely used system to model meteorological conditions doesn't account for environmental microphysics well at all scales.
How Australia got planted
A new study has uncovered when and why the native vegetation that today dominates much of Australia first expanded across the continent.
A new study has uncovered when and why the native vegetation that today dominates much of Australia first expanded across the continent.
Lead exposure found to affect fertility rates
New research that examined the impact of exposure to lead (in the air and topsoil) on fertility in the United States has found that exposure matters for both women and men.
New research that examined the impact of exposure to lead (in the air and topsoil) on fertility in the United States has found that exposure matters for both women and men.
More patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis receiving liver transplants
Increasingly, liver transplant centers are changing a long-standing practice of delaying potentially life-saving liver transplantation for patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis until after they stopped drinking alcohol for six months, according to a new study scheduled for presentation at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2018.
Increasingly, liver transplant centers are changing a long-standing practice of delaying potentially life-saving liver transplantation for patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis until after they stopped drinking alcohol for six months, according to a new study scheduled for presentation at Digestive Disease Week® (DDW) 2018.
UNH researchers find invasive seaweed makes fish change their behavior
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have found that changes in the seascape may impact the behavior of fish and could be leaving them less options for refuge and more vulnerable to predators.
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have found that changes in the seascape may impact the behavior of fish and could be leaving them less options for refuge and more vulnerable to predators.
'Spooky action at a distance': Researchers develop module for quantum repeater
Physicists at Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany, have succeeded in entangling a single atom with a single photon in the telecom wavelength range.
Physicists at Saarland University in Saarbrücken, Germany, have succeeded in entangling a single atom with a single photon in the telecom wavelength range.
The gypsum gravity chute: A phytoplankton-elevator to the ocean floor
Tiny gypsum crystals can make phytoplankton so heavy that they rapidly sink, hereby transporting large quantities of carbon to the ocean's depths.
Tiny gypsum crystals can make phytoplankton so heavy that they rapidly sink, hereby transporting large quantities of carbon to the ocean's depths.
Subtle hearing loss while young changes brain function, study finds
New research from The Ohio State University has found that young people with subtle hearing loss -- the kind they aren't even aware of -- are putting demands on their brains that typically wouldn't be seen until later in life.
New research from The Ohio State University has found that young people with subtle hearing loss -- the kind they aren't even aware of -- are putting demands on their brains that typically wouldn't be seen until later in life.
NASA measures heavy US rainfall from space
For close to two weeks the combination of a nearly stationary front and tropical moisture caused almost continuous precipitation over much of the Mid-Atlantic.
For close to two weeks the combination of a nearly stationary front and tropical moisture caused almost continuous precipitation over much of the Mid-Atlantic.
Advance genetics study identifies virulent strain of TB
LSTM's Dr Maxine Caws is co-lead investigator on an advanced genetics study published in Nature Genetics(link is external), which has shown that a virulent strain of tuberculosis (TB) has adapted to transmit among young adults in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
LSTM's Dr Maxine Caws is co-lead investigator on an advanced genetics study published in Nature Genetics(link is external), which has shown that a virulent strain of tuberculosis (TB) has adapted to transmit among young adults in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
The case for not taxing multinationals
The habit of taxing Multinational Enterprises (MNEs)' profits is the legacy of a time when
The habit of taxing Multinational Enterprises (MNEs)' profits is the legacy of a time when
'Serendipitous' use of antimalarial drug may have improved outcome for cancer patient
A cancer patient with advanced ovarian cancer had a 'remarkable' journey to recovery that may be partially attributed to a treatment she received for a completely different disease, according to a case report published in ecancermedicalscience.
A cancer patient with advanced ovarian cancer had a 'remarkable' journey to recovery that may be partially attributed to a treatment she received for a completely different disease, according to a case report published in ecancermedicalscience.
Embryonic mammary gland stem cells identified
Research team led by Prof. Cédric Blanpain identified the mechanisms that regulate mammary gland development.
Research team led by Prof. Cédric Blanpain identified the mechanisms that regulate mammary gland development.
More frequent checks control MRSA in newborns, but can hospitals afford them?
Checking more often on newborns in the NICU provided positive results for preventing MRSA transmission, but hospitals must balance the high costs, a new study found.
Checking more often on newborns in the NICU provided positive results for preventing MRSA transmission, but hospitals must balance the high costs, a new study found.
Basin growth strata and its structural control in the region of Zhangjiakou, North Hebei, China
The tectonic setting and deforming kinematics of Yanshan tectonic belt are still matters of controversy.
The tectonic setting and deforming kinematics of Yanshan tectonic belt are still matters of controversy.
IUPUI study finds missing link between blow flies and possible pathogen transmission
Determining whether blow flies have consumed animal fecal material versus animal tissue has important implications for both human public health and animal conservation.
Determining whether blow flies have consumed animal fecal material versus animal tissue has important implications for both human public health and animal conservation.
One-way roads for spin currents
Scientists from the Singapore University of Technology and Design, together with collaborators from University Insubria (Italy) and Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (Brazil) have shown that systems with strong interactions can rectify extremely well the flow of spins i.e. a spin current will flow much more in one direction than the other.
Scientists from the Singapore University of Technology and Design, together with collaborators from University Insubria (Italy) and Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (Brazil) have shown that systems with strong interactions can rectify extremely well the flow of spins i.e. a spin current will flow much more in one direction than the other.
Oxytocin mediates subjective duration of social interactions
Psychologists ZHOU Wen, JIANG Yi and their colleagues at the Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, probed this issue by examining individuals' temporal perception of social interactions and the variation among individuals, noting the gregarious nature of humans, the ubiquity of social interactions in daily life and the pronounced interindividual differences in social proficiency -- a stable personality trait.
Psychologists ZHOU Wen, JIANG Yi and their colleagues at the Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, probed this issue by examining individuals' temporal perception of social interactions and the variation among individuals, noting the gregarious nature of humans, the ubiquity of social interactions in daily life and the pronounced interindividual differences in social proficiency -- a stable personality trait.
Annual Report to the Nation
Overall cancer death rates continue to decline in men, women, and children in the United States in all major racial and ethnic groups.
Overall cancer death rates continue to decline in men, women, and children in the United States in all major racial and ethnic groups.
NASA's Aqua satellite observes formation of Tropical Cyclone 02A
Tropical Cyclone 02A formed about 655 nautical miles south of Masirah Island, Oman.
Tropical Cyclone 02A formed about 655 nautical miles south of Masirah Island, Oman.
Tunable diamond string may hold key to quantum memory
Researchers at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and the University of Cambridge engineered diamond strings that can be tuned to quiet a qubit's environment and improve memory from tens to several hundred nanoseconds, enough time to do many operations on a quantum chip.
Researchers at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and the University of Cambridge engineered diamond strings that can be tuned to quiet a qubit's environment and improve memory from tens to several hundred nanoseconds, enough time to do many operations on a quantum chip.
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Best Science Podcasts 2018
We have hand picked the best science podcasts for 2018. Sit back and enjoy new science podcasts updated daily from your favorite science news services and scientists.Now Playing: TED Radio Hour
Inspire To Action
What motivates us to take up a cause, follow a leader, or create change? This hour, TED speakers explore stories of inspirational leadership, and what makes some movements more successful than others. Guests include high school history teacher Diane Wolk-Rogers, writer and behavioral researcher Simon Sinek, 2016 Icelandic presidential candidate Halla Tómasdóttir, professor of leadership Jochen Menges, and writer and activist Naomi Klein.
Inspire To Action
What motivates us to take up a cause, follow a leader, or create change? This hour, TED speakers explore stories of inspirational leadership, and what makes some movements more successful than others. Guests include high school history teacher Diane Wolk-Rogers, writer and behavioral researcher Simon Sinek, 2016 Icelandic presidential candidate Halla Tómasdóttir, professor of leadership Jochen Menges, and writer and activist Naomi Klein.
Now Playing: Science for the People
#474 Appearance Matters
This week we talk about appearance, bodies, and body image. Why does what we look like affect our headspace so much? And how do we even begin to research a topic as personal and subjective as body image? To try and find out, we speak with some of the researchers at the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR) at the University of the West of England in Bristol. Psychology Professor Phillippa Diedrichs walks us through body image research, what we know so far, and how we know what we know. Professor of Appearance and Health Psychology Diana Harcourt talks about visible...
#474 Appearance Matters
This week we talk about appearance, bodies, and body image. Why does what we look like affect our headspace so much? And how do we even begin to research a topic as personal and subjective as body image? To try and find out, we speak with some of the researchers at the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR) at the University of the West of England in Bristol. Psychology Professor Phillippa Diedrichs walks us through body image research, what we know so far, and how we know what we know. Professor of Appearance and Health Psychology Diana Harcourt talks about visible...