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Science News for July 8, 2013


Robot mom would beat robot butler in popularity contest

A recent study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that people express more positive feelings towards a robot that takes care of them than one that needs care. Researchers observed 60 interactions between college students and a social robot, Nao, to determine how human perception of robots changed based on their role.

SourcePenn State·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateJul 8, 2013

Melody modulates choir members' heart rate

Researchers found that choir members' heart rates synchronize when singing in unison, with a direct link between melody and cardiac activity. This effect is similar to controlled breathing exercises, which regulate vagus nerve activity.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJul 8, 2013

JCI early table of contents for July 8, 2013

Researchers found that macrophages are essential for embryo implantation in the uterus. The absence of these cells leads to reduced hormone levels, causing embryos to fail to implant. Restoration of macrophage function or hormone replacement therapy can revive pregnancy, shedding new light on a potential cause of infertility.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 8, 2013

Corals cozy up with bacterial buddies

A new study reveals that healthy Red Sea corals harbor bacterial communities deep within their tissues, including the previously unknown species Endozoicomonas. This symbiotic relationship is believed to aid the coral's nutrient recycling, contributing to its overall health and survival.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 8, 2013

Not-weak knots bolster carbon fiber

Researchers at Rice University developed a new type of carbon fiber with unique properties, achieving '100% knot efficiency' where the fiber is equally likely to break anywhere along its length. The fibers were created by spinning large graphene oxide flakes into fibers, resulting in enhanced strength and flexibility.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 8, 2013

Getting to the root of the matter

Scientists identified a network of genes that promote root growth in low-nitrogen conditions, making them suitable for sustainable biofuel production. The discovery provides new insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying plant development and could lead to the creation of nitrogen-efficient crop varieties.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalNew Phytologist·DateJul 8, 2013

TU Vienna develops light transistor

The TU Vienna has successfully developed a light transistor that can be controlled by an electrical potential, enabling efficient miniaturization and use in optical computers. This breakthrough utilizes terahertz radiation and the Faraday effect to rotate the polarization direction of light.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 8, 2013

Buckling up to turn

Researchers at MIT used high-speed video to record individual marine bacteria and found that a small flexible rod called the hook bucks during forward swims, causing the cell to tumble and reorient. This unusual mechanism helps bacteria navigate toward food in nutrient-sparse ocean waters.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 8, 2013

Finding the Goldilocks sites to store CO2 underground

Scientists compare results from three commercial-scale carbon capture and storage projects, revealing that not all sites are equal and successful implementation requires careful appraisal. The study's findings highlight the importance of long-term monitoring at CCS storage sites to ensure secure storage.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2013

Rhode Island Hospital successfully manages case of severe EEE

The hospital's aggressive approach helped manage brain swelling, stop seizures, and minimize brain injury in the patient. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that EEE is one of the most severe mosquito-transmitted diseases in the U.S., with a mortality rate of approximately 33%.

SourceLifespan·JournalNeurocritical Care·DateJul 8, 2013

'Scent device' could help detect bladder cancer

Researchers from the University of Liverpool and University of the West of England have developed a device that can detect bladder cancer through urine scent analysis. The ODOREADER device analyzes chemicals in gas emitted from urine to produce a 'profile' that can be used to diagnose cancer cells in the bladder.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 8, 2013

Glimpse into the future of acidic oceans shows ecosystems transformed

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that ocean acidification can have a profound impact on marine ecosystems, causing a loss of functional diversity and resulting in a homogenized community dominated by turf algae. This can lead to cascading effects throughout the ecosystem, making calc...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2013

Denormalizing smoking: Making the case for banning cigarettes in parks and on beaches

Denormalizing smoking is fostering lower smoking rates by banning cigarettes in public settings, according to researchers at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. The paper analyzed the evidence for bans and found that government acting in the name of public health can restrict smoking to protect smokers themselves.

Nanomaterial to help reduce CO2 emissions

Researchers have developed a new nanomaterial that can separate carbon dioxide from nitrogen in flue gas mixtures, reducing CO2 emissions from coal-fired power stations. This material has remarkable selectivity and is energy-efficient, allowing for easy regeneration and reuse.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 8, 2013

Nurse practitioners provide more primary care in states with least restrictive regulations

A study by the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that states with fewer nurse practitioner regulations had more patients receiving primary care from nurse practitioners. States with less restrictive regulations saw a 2.5 times increase in primary care patients, compared to the most restrictive states.

Inhibiting macrophage MerTK signaling creates an innate immune response against cancer

Research by a University of North Carolina-led team shows that inhibiting MerTK signaling in macrophages can activate the immune system to kill cancer cells, slowing tumor growth and metastasis. The study's findings suggest combining this approach with existing therapies may offer a new avenue for activating anti-tumor immunity.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 8, 2013

Immune cells play a role in early pregnancy

Researchers found that macrophages help regulate corpus luteum development during embryo implantation, which is essential for successful pregnancy. The absence of macrophages can lead to infertility due to disrupted hormone levels, but restoring them or administering hormones can correct this issue.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 8, 2013

Ethical quandary about vaccinations sparked by tension between parental rights and protecting public health

A study by NYU Langone researchers found that states with simpler vaccination exemption processes have higher non-medical exemption rates, contributing to outbreaks of childhood infections. States with looser requirements are more likely to see parents opt-out of vaccinating their children, putting others at risk.

Measuring molecules in their undistorted form

Researchers at Bielefeld University can now determine the three-dimensional structure of gaseous molecules with unprecedented precision. The university's electron diffractometer allows for the analysis of small molecules in their pure state, shedding light on fundamental questions about atomic arrangements.

Innovative MIT study estimates extent to which air pollution in China shortens human lives

A new MIT study estimates that air pollution from coal emissions in China shortens lives by 2.5 billion years, with particulate matter levels over 400 micrograms per cubic meter found in the region. The research uses quasi-experimental methods to project life expectancy losses for 500 million Chinese residents north of the Huai River.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 8, 2013

Eavesdropping on lithium ions

Scientists have created a device that allows researchers to observe individual lithium ions in lithium-ion batteries, providing new insights into the complex processes involved. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient battery designs with increased power density and longer lifetimes.

Scientists solve titanic puzzle of popular photocatalyst

Researchers at University College London have uncovered a groundbreaking explanation for the properties of mixed-phase titania catalysts, revealing that anatase has lower energy levels than previously thought. This discovery will aid in developing more efficient photocatalysts with applications in clean energy and self-cleaning coatings.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 8, 2013

Medicaid programs vary in coverage of preventive care, report says

A new report by George Washington University researchers finds that many Medicaid beneficiaries lack access to essential preventive services. The study highlights gaps in coverage for critical services such as screening tests for colorectal cancer, high blood cholesterol, HIV infection, and diet counseling for obesity prevention.

In baseball, bigger still better

Research by Adrian Bejan reveals that elite athletes in these sports are taller and heavier, allowing for more force to be applied as they move forward. This applies to pitchers like Max Scherzer, golfers like those in the top 10 of driving distance, and boxers who maximize punching power by gaining size.

SourceDuke University·JournalInternational Journal of Design & Nature and Ecodynamics·DateJul 8, 2013

Irregular bed times curb young kids' brain power

Research found that irregular bedtimes in early childhood are associated with lower intellectual performance in reading, maths, and spatial awareness, particularly for girls. The effects of disrupted sleep on brain development and learning are still not fully understood but may have lasting impacts on health throughout life.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJul 8, 2013

The aging population and emergency departments

Research from Brigham and Women's Hospital finds that the aging US population will lead to longer emergency department visits and more frequent hospitalizations, but not an increase in overall ED visits. The study predicts a 10% increase in time spent by patients in EDs nationwide, highlighting the need for efficient patient flow.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJul 8, 2013

New opportunities to treat bowel cancer

Researchers have discovered genetic processes that cause specific types of bowel cancer and identified effective drugs targeting these genes. The findings offer the opportunity to develop personalized treatment based on a person's genetic profile, with promising results for alternative second- or third-line treatments.

SourceWellcome Trust Sanger Institute·JournalCancer Cell·DateJul 8, 2013

Gunning for trouble: Study of young assault victims finds risky mix of gun possession and aggression

A new study by the University of Michigan Injury Center found that nearly one in four young assault victims have a gun, mostly obtained illegally, which increases their risk for future firearm violence. The study also revealed high rates of substance use, fighting, and attitudes favoring retaliation among those with guns.