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Science News for July 29, 2013


Plant-based compound may inhibit HIV

Researchers at George Mason University have discovered that genistein, found in soybeans, can inhibit HIV infection by blocking cellular signals. The study's early findings suggest that genistein may be used as a complement treatment for HIV infection, potentially addressing drug toxicity issues.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalRetrovirology·DateJul 29, 2013

Most ward nurses say time pressures force them to 'ration' care

Research published in BMJ Quality & Safety found that most ward nurses report rationing care due to time pressures, with 86% saying they couldn't complete at least one care activity on their last shift. The study suggests that hospitals could use 'missed care' episodes as an early warning system for inadequate nurse staffing levels.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Quality & Safety·DateJul 29, 2013

Video killed the interview star

Researchers at McMaster University found that video conferencing in job interviews can lead to less likable candidates and lower ratings for interviewers. The study suggests that face-to-face interviews are essential for accurate assessments and positive evaluations.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalManagement Decision·DateJul 29, 2013

Scientists from Mainz and Antananarivo describe Lavasoa Dwarf Lemur as new primate species

Researchers from Mainz and Antananarivo have identified a previously unknown primate species, the Lavasoa Dwarf Lemur, with an estimated population size of less than 50 individuals. The newly described species inhabits isolated forest fragments in southern Madagascar and is considered extremely rare and endangered.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution·DateJul 29, 2013

Like water for batteries

A University of Pittsburgh study reveals that graphite materials are actually hydrophilic due to airborne contaminants. This discovery has significant implications for lithium-ion batteries and super capacitors, which may lead to stronger and more durable devices.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 29, 2013

Pulsating star sheds light on exoplanet

A team of researchers has developed a new method to measure the internal properties of stars, enabling more accurate assessments of their orbiting planets. By using asteroseismology, they were able to determine the mass and rotation rate of a pulsating star, confirming the existence of an exoplanet in its orbit.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2013

Borneo's orangutans are coming down from the trees

Researchers in Borneo have found orangutans regularly coming down from trees to forage or travel, comparable to ground-dwelling macaques. The reason for this behavior remains a mystery, but habitat loss and transformation may be driving the adaptation.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Primatology·DateJul 29, 2013

Hope for tigers lives in Sumatra

A recent study has discovered an unexpected density of six tigers per 100km2 in Tambling, a privately managed concession in Sumatra. This estimate is nearly double the highest recorded for the island to date, making it a critical site for tiger conservation.

NIH math model predicts effects of diet, physical activity on childhood weight

A new mathematical model developed by the NIH predicts how weight and body fat in children respond to adjustments in diet and physical activity. The results suggest that obese children may require more calories per pound of extra weight than adults, and may have therapeutic windows for weight management.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJul 29, 2013

Hot flashes? Thank evolution

A study comparing mortality and fertility patterns among wild apes and monkeys to humans shows that human females are unique in living beyond their childbearing years. Half of women experience menopause by age 50, and fertility declines earlier than the rest of the body.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2013

Cells move as concentration shifts

Researchers found that cells displace due to changing morphogen concentration levels, attracting cells through chemotaxis. This understanding can improve wound healing and artificial tissue engineering.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 29, 2013

Young cannabis-smokers aware of the health risks

A study of 12,000 young Swiss men found that those who consume addictive substances like alcohol, tobacco, or cannabis are more likely to seek information on these topics. Despite this, prevention campaigns may not be effective due to the complexity of individual knowledge and behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalInternational Journal of Public Health·DateJul 29, 2013

Study looks beyond averages to track variability in a bacterial population

A recent study by University of Illinois researchers identified behavioral subtypes within a modeled Escherichia coli population based on gene regulation and protein distributions. The findings suggest that tracking specific genes may be sufficient to capture most of the metabolic variability in the entire population.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2013

The invisible driver

A team of engineers at the Technical University of Munich has successfully demonstrated remote control driving on public roads using Visio.M e-mobility project technology. The system uses video cameras, computer encoding, and LTE connectivity to transmit images, sound, and control data between the driver and the vehicle.

Make it yourself and save -- a lot

A Michigan Technological University researcher predicts that personal manufacturing with 3D printing will enter the mainstream, offering consumers significant cost savings. The study analyzed 20 common household items and found that making them with a 3D printer could save up to $1,944 compared to buying them online.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalMechatronics·DateJul 29, 2013

Social amoebae travel with a posse

Scientists have discovered that social amoebae can cultivate two bacterial strains, one edible and the other toxic, which differ by only one key mutation. This mutation altered the expression of genes in the non-food strain, making it edible, while the food strain retained its defense mechanisms.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2013

PTSD after traumatic events: Which teens are at risk?

A large study from Boston Children's Hospital found that 61% of teenagers had been exposed to at least one potentially traumatic event, with girls more likely to develop PTSD than boys. Risk factors for developing PTSD include lack of both biological parents in the home and pre-existing mental disorders like ADHD.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJul 29, 2013

Head hits can be reduced in youth football

Researchers found that limiting contact in practice reduced the number and force of head hits in young football players. The study, which measured head impacts over an entire season, showed that teams with restricted practices had significantly fewer head hits, on average, than teams without such restrictions.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateJul 29, 2013

NIH researchers identify therapy that may curb kidney deterioration in patients with rare disorder

Researchers at the National Human Genome Research Institute identified biomarkers of kidney damage and demonstrated that antioxidant therapy protected kidney function in mice. These findings offer new tools for monitoring disease progression and may pave the way for clinical trials for patients with methylmalonic acidemia.

SourceNIH/National Human Genome Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2013

Sharing the wealth with loyal workers

A new study by Michigan State University found that worker loyalty is positively correlated with higher earnings, with employees who are committed to the company's mission earning up to an additional year of experience. The research also identified factors that promote worker loyalty, including learning new skills and job security.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEvidence-based HRM a Global Forum for Empirical Scholarship·DateJul 29, 2013

Prison reform results in strain on welfare system

A study by Rice University and Louisiana State University found that court-mandated prison reforms led to a 22% decrease in welfare spending. The researchers discovered that states that were ordered to improve living conditions spent significantly more on correctional facilities, but less on social programs.

Keeping your balance

McGill researchers have identified a cluster of cells in the brain that react to unexpected motion, enabling us to maintain our balance. This finding has significant implications for understanding the neural basis of motion sickness.

SourceMcGill University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 29, 2013

Mini-monsters of the forest floor

Entomologist Jack Longino identified 33 new species of predatory ants in Central America and the Caribbean. The ants were found in small patches of forest and have monster-like faces with sharp teeth and jaws. Their primitive eyes detect light, but not form images.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalZootaxa·DateJul 29, 2013

Adolescents are what they don't eat, too

A University of Pittsburgh study found that diets lacking omega-3 fatty acids can worsen effects over consecutive generations, particularly affecting teens. Adolescents with omega-3 deficiencies showed increased anxiety and hyperactivity, impaired learning and memory, and problem-solving abilities.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 29, 2013

How does hydrogen metallize?

New calculations predict hydrogen takes on a series of structures under high pressure, forming transparent metal layers that make detection difficult. The findings suggest the line between metal and non-metal in hydrogen is blurrier than previously thought, requiring advanced experimental techniques to detect.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2013