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Science News for October 22, 2013


What a difference a grade makes

Children with attention problems in first grade perform significantly lower on reading achievement scores after fifth grade compared to their peers. In contrast, second-grade attention issues have little impact on later academic performance.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Attention Disorders·DateOct 22, 2013

Shifting winds in turbine arrays

Researchers developed a new model to measure changes in air flow patterns affecting wind turbines' output power. The study found that energy can be transferred to wind turbines from both above and below the blades, expanding our understanding of wind turbine performance.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateOct 22, 2013

Numerical validation of quantum magnetic ordering

Researchers used numerical simulations to validate previous theoretical predictions for antiferromagnetic materials, confirming a universal law relating the Néel temperature and staggered magnetisation density. However, discrepancies were found, highlighting the need for further investigation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateOct 22, 2013

A new model of institutionalizing interdisciplinary research encouraged by scientists

A new model of institutionalizing interdisciplinary research has been developed by a team of social and life scientists at the University of Pennsylvania. The collaboration aims to bring together researchers from diverse disciplines to understand how neural processes inform large-scale effects on populations.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania Annenberg School for Communication·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2013

There's gold in them thar trees

Scientists from CSIRO discovered that eucalyptus trees can act as a hydraulic pump, drawing up water containing gold particles from the earth and depositing them into their leaves and branches. This innovative technique could provide a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to search for minerals such as zinc and copper.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2013

How climate change affects microbial life below the seafloor

Scientists analyzed sediments from Peru to track changes in the deep biosphere's microbial ecosystem under the seafloor. The study reveals that this system is surprisingly dynamic and responds quickly to climate change, with the methane oxidation front migrating rapidly up or down due to changes in oceanographic conditions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2013

Homeless people much more frequent users of emergency department and other health-care services

A study found that single homeless women and men visit emergency departments an average of over twice a year, significantly more than the general population. Homeless individuals also have higher doctor's appointments and hospitalization rates, highlighting the need for improved healthcare management and affordable housing.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 22, 2013

Focus on developmental approach to obesity in children and adolescents

The special issue emphasizes a developmental viewpoint on the crucial problem of childhood obesity, highlighting newly identified factors affecting the risk of obesity in children and teens. Interventions such as spending time with peers, tailored motivational interviewing, and promoting healthy behaviors are also explored.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateOct 22, 2013

Climate change increased the number of deaths

A study by Umea University researchers found that increased temperatures caused by climate change led to a significant increase in mortality, especially during extreme heat waves. The study estimated around 1,500 extra deaths due to climate change in Sweden over the past 30 years.

SourceUmea University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateOct 22, 2013

Predicting the fate of stem cells

University of Toronto researchers have developed a method to rapidly screen human stem cells, allowing for better control over their fate. The technology uses robotics and automation to test compounds or drugs at once, with controllable environments to study cell characteristics as they differentiate.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalNature Methods·DateOct 22, 2013

Model plant misled scientists about multicellular growth

A study by the University of Leeds found that Arabidopsis thaliana lacks a crucial protein called SMG1, which is essential for animal multicellular growth. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about plant genetics and highlights the importance of studying multiple models to avoid extrapolating from a single example.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateOct 22, 2013

A fresh solution for the lindane problem

Researchers at the UPV/EHU and Tecnalia have developed an innovative method using iron nanoparticles to degrade lindane, a toxic insecticide banned by farmers. The study confirms the high reactive capacity of iron nanoparticles to break down lindane, revealing reaction tendencies and speeds over time.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalChemosphere·DateOct 22, 2013

The Consumer's Guide to Minerals

The Consumer's Guide to Minerals explores minerals' diverse uses in scientific research, manufacturing, medicine, and commercial applications. The digital publication provides a comprehensive reference for professionals and students in the fields of applied science, geology, and economics.

Risk-reduction counseling at time of HIV testing does not result in reduction of STIs

Researchers found no difference in STI incidence between those receiving risk-reduction counseling and those with information only. The study suggests that post-test counseling for those testing positive remains essential for addressing psychological needs and ensuring medical care, while a more focused approach to providing informatio...

Internet therapy may help postnatal depression

A pilot study has shown that internet-based Behavioural Action treatment can effectively treat postnatal depression, with participants reporting better results for depression, work, and social impairment. The online program provided support at times convenient to the women, allowing them to complete a course of therapy.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateOct 22, 2013

Opioids for chronic pain: Study looks at how patients and their doctors talk about risks

Researchers analyzed conversations between chronic pain patients and their physicians about opioid treatment, revealing three patterns of physician responses: reassurance, avoidance, and gathering information. The study emphasizes the crucial role of a strong therapeutic alliance in discussing risks and benefits of opioid treatment.

SourceIndiana University·JournalPatient Education and Counseling·DateOct 22, 2013

Fat and fit

Researchers found that fatter dormice increase metabolic rate more frequently and spend more time at normal body temperature during hibernation, minimizing negative effects. This strategy enables dormice to maximize total hibernation time while maximizing survival chances.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalFunctional Ecology·DateOct 22, 2013

New artificial protein mimics a part of the HIV outer coat

A team of scientists has created an artificial protein that mimics a key site on the HIV outer coat where antibodies can bind, providing a potential new strategy in vaccine development to elicit broadly neutralizing antibodies. The new protein was designed to facilitate the production of desired antibodies while preventing undesired re...

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2013

Baby's innate number sense predicts future math skill

A new study suggests that babies as young as 6 months old exhibit a primitive number sense, which can predict their future mathematical abilities. The research found that infants with stronger innate number sense skills performed better on standardized math tests, even before learning to count or use Arabic numerals.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2013

Lauren Sciences LLC research team at Ben-Gurion University successfully completes Campbell Foundation 1-year grant to develop V-SmartTM therapeutic for neuro-HIV

The V-SmartTM therapeutic delivered tenofovir at levels considerably above therapeutic concentrations, overcoming the challenge of delivering HIV drugs through the BBB. The successful outcome confirms the strong potential of the delivery system to treat neuro-HIV and improve lives of AIDS patients.

Low-priced plastic photovoltaics

Researchers have developed a new method for exerting control over the arrangement of polymer molecules in plastic solar cells, enabling them to produce more electrical current. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper and more efficient solar panels, making renewable energy more accessible.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 22, 2013

Sequential GO and chemotherapy no benefit for older AML patients according to EORTC/GIMEMA trial

The EORTC/GIMEMA 06012 trial found sequential combination of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) and standard chemotherapy has no benefit for older patients with acute myeloid leukemia. GO is too toxic for patients over 70 years old, whereas younger patients may potentially benefit from such treatment.

SourceEuropean Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateOct 22, 2013

Delaying gratification, when the reward is under our noses

A recent study found that the hippocampus helps individuals resist temptation by simulating future outcomes. Individuals with hippocampus damage, such as those with Alzheimer's disease or frontotemporal dementia, struggle to imagine long-term rewards, leading to impulsive decisions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 22, 2013

Gravitational waves 'know' how black holes grow

A recent study using gravitational wave data from the Parkes radio telescope has challenged existing theories on supermassive black hole growth. The researchers tested four models of black-hole growth against observational data, effectively ruling out one model and pushing others to re-evaluate their predictions.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalScience·DateOct 22, 2013

Mount Sinai finds value and limitations of patient assistance programs for women with breast cancer

A study by researchers from the Mount Sinai Hospital found that nearly 80% of women who contacted a patient assistance program had their needs met, compared to just 35% of those who did not. Most patients utilized programs for information about adjuvant therapies, psychosocial support, and overcoming practical/financial obstacles.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Oncology Practice·DateOct 22, 2013