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Science News for October 28, 2013


Irukandji threat to southern waters

A Griffith University-led study has found that ocean acidification may inhibit the development of juvenile Irukandji jellyfish, potentially providing some protection for South East Queenslanders. The research also highlights the risk of Irukandji expansion into new areas due to climate change.

SourceGriffith University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateOct 28, 2013

Child brides at funerals

Research in South Asian countries reveals that young maternal age and rapid pregnancies are major factors contributing to high infant mortality rates. In India and Pakistan, these factors account for nearly one-quarter of infant mortality among young mothers, leading to approximately 200,000 infant deaths annually.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics·DateOct 28, 2013

1, 2, buckle my shoe

Children who speak dual-marking languages grasp the concept of 'two' earlier than English-speaking counterparts and learn number words faster. The study suggests that naturalistic speech is critical to number word learning, but teaching routines are still necessary for later math performance.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2013

Virtually numbed: Immersive video gaming alters real-life experience

A study published in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review found that spending time immersed as a virtual character in role-playing video games can numb people to realizing important body signals in real life. Participants who played immersive video games showed reduced sensitivity to pain and were more indifferent to others' displeasure.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateOct 28, 2013

Traces of DNA exposed by twisted light

Researchers at University of Michigan and Jiangnan University have developed a new method for detecting DNA using twisted light, achieving 50 times better sensitivity than current methods. This technology has the potential to aid in diagnosing patients, solving crimes, and identifying biological contaminants.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 28, 2013

Regular cocaine and cannabis use may trigger addictive behaviors

Research reveals that regular cannabis users exhibit increased impulsive behavior, impaired critical thinking skills, and reduced executive function, while cocaine users show heightened impulsivity and decreased impulse control. Long-term use of both substances may trigger addictive behaviors due to altered brain function.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Pharmacology·DateOct 28, 2013

New technology shows promise in taking the guesswork out of vaccine development

Scientists at Arizona State University have developed a microchip-based technology called immunosignature diagnosis that can rapidly measure an individual's vaccine response. This innovation has the potential to significantly reduce the costs and timeframes of vaccine testing, allowing for more effective vaccines to be identified.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2013

Study examines expedited FDA drug approvals, safety questions remain

A study examined expedited FDA drug approvals, finding that new drugs approved under accelerated review took a median of 5.1 years to get marketing approval compared to 7.5 years for standard-reviewed drugs. Fewer patients were studied in these expedited reviews, raising concerns over the safety and efficacy of these medications.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 28, 2013

The cyber-centipede: From Linnaeus to big data

A new collaboration describes a new centipede species using a holistic approach combining 3D imaging, DNA barcoding, transcriptomic profiles, and video of the living specimen. The 'cyber-type' allows for global access to the specimen's data, enabling faster conservation efforts.

SourceBGI Shenzhen·JournalBiodiversity Data Journal·DateOct 28, 2013

UCSB researcher documents the enduring contaminant legacy of the California gold rush

A new study by UCSB researcher Michael Singer shows that sediment-absorbed mercury is being transported from the Sierra Nevada mountains to the Central Valley lowlands through major floods. This process poses a huge risk to the region's ecosystems and human population, as mercury-laden sediment is carried into ecologically sensitive re...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2013

First ever study of 'moral distress' among nurses in burn unit

A study by Loyola University Medical Center researchers found that nurses in a burn intensive care unit experience moral distress, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and job burnout. An educational intervention reduced moral distress scores, but not significantly enough to last six weeks after the program.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Burn Care & Research·DateOct 28, 2013

Researchers quantify toxic ocean conditions during major extinction 93.9 million years ago

Researchers quantify the extent of ancient oxygen-free and hydrogen sulfide-rich waters in the ocean during a major extinction event 93.9 million years ago. This discovery highlights the significant impact on ocean chemistry and biological activity, suggesting that even limited euxinia can have profound effects on marine life.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2013

Lowering blood pressure prevents cardiovascular events in people with kidney disease

A new study published in the British Medical Journal found that lowering blood pressure can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events among people with kidney disease. The study suggests that any type of blood pressure-lowering drug is effective in preventing these events, making it a simple and affordable treatment option.

No running for the well-heeled

A study found that wearing high heels while running leads to increased knee motion, joint forces, and risk of ankle sprains. Regular use may contribute to osteoarthritis in the knees.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology·DateOct 28, 2013

A noble yet simple way to synthesize new metal-free electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction

A Korean research team from Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) developed a high-performance metal-free electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction using covalently functionalized graphene nanosheets. The new catalyst shows superior stability compared to commercial Pt/C catalysts.

Researchers measure flow from a nanoscale fluid jet

Researchers have verified the classical Landau-Squire theory in a nanoscale fluid jet, measuring flow rates of tens of pico liters per second. The findings suggest that the Navier-Stokes equations hold true at molecular scales, with potential applications in ultra-low-volume injectors and microfluidic logic circuits.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 28, 2013

Study challenges soil testing for potassium and the fertilizer value of potassium chloride

A study has found that potassium chloride (KCl) fertilization is seldom effective in increasing grain yield and can even lead to significant yield reduction. The research also highlights the potential negative impacts of KCl on soil health, including increased cadmium accumulation and changes in soil physical properties.

Gold mining ravages Peru

A new study mapping gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon reveals a 400% increase in mining extent from 1999 to 2012 and tripled average annual rate of forest loss. The research used satellite monitoring and field surveys to detect small-scale mining operations, confirming up to 94% accuracy.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2013

Super-thin membranes clear the way for chip-sized pumps

A new super-thin silicon membrane developed at the University of Rochester enables the creation of miniaturized pumps that can be powered by small batteries, paving the way for portable diagnostic devices. This breakthrough could lead to applications in medical and electronic device cooling, as well as cost-effective fabrication methods.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2013

VIP treatment for jet lag

A study at Washington University in St. Louis found that a small molecule called VIP can temporarily desynchronize brain cells, but also enables them to re-synchronize more quickly to abrupt shifts in daily light-dark schedules. This effect may be useful for travelers and shift workers who struggle with jet lag.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2013

New drug to help common bowel disease

A new drug, Linaclotide, has been found to effectively relieve abdominal pain in IBS-C patients through a novel physiological pathway. The study's findings provide significant relief for approximately one-third of IBS-C sufferers who have struggled with this debilitating condition.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalGASTROENTEROLOGY·DateOct 28, 2013

Crying wolf: Who benefits and when?

A new study found that higher-ranking group members manipulate perceived threats to preserve their rank, while average individuals may underestimate real threats. This study highlights the dark side of cooperation and self-sacrifice in groups.

SourceIndiana University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 28, 2013

Poor motor performance linked to poor academic skills in the first school years

A new study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that children with poor motor performance at the start of school tend to have poorer reading and arithmetic skills than their peers. The study suggests that motor performance and movement skills are more important for academic success during the first years of school.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateOct 28, 2013