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Science News for April 10, 2014


Neurofinance study confirms that financial decisions are made on an emotional basis

A neurofinance study confirms that financial decisions are influenced by emotions and previous experiences, leading to increased risk-taking behavior after losses. The study used operational magnetic resonance imaging to analyze brain activity during risk-taking choices, revealing a link between emotional reactions and risk acceptance.

SourceAalto University·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·DateApr 10, 2014

3-D printing cancer cells to mimic tumors

A team of researchers created a 3D model of cervical cancer cells using 3D printing, mimicking the complex environment of a tumor. The model showed higher proliferation rates and resistance to anti-cancer drugs compared to traditional 2D models.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiofabrication·DateApr 10, 2014

Researchers find that influenza has an Achilles' heel

Researchers have discovered a potential new therapy for influenza by targeting the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) molecule. This molecule is found to play a crucial role in antiviral immunity and is inhibited by a compound that increases survival rates in mice infected with the H1N1 flu virus.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateApr 10, 2014

How the brain pays attention

A new study reveals that the brain achieves focused attention on faces or other objects by synchronizing activity in the inferior frontal junction (IFJ) with specific brain regions. The IFJ coordinates with the fusiform face area (FFA) and parahippocampal place area (PPA), suggesting a parallel process involving different areas.

Penn study finds mechanism that regulates lung function in disease Birt-Hogg-Dube syndrome

A recent study by researchers at Penn Medicine has discovered the essential role of tumor suppressor gene FLCN in regulating lung function in patients with Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD) syndrome. The absence or mutation of FLCN leads to deteriorated lung integrity and impaired lung function, as reported in their findings in Cell Reports.

Antennae help flies 'cruise' in gusty winds

A recent study by Caltech researchers found that fruit flies use their antennae to quickly sense changes in wind speed, helping them maintain a steady groundspeed. The findings suggest the antennae are responsible for initial deceleration in headwinds and provide critical information to help the fly regain its original speed.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 10, 2014

Forging iron women

A systematic review found that iron supplementation boosts maximal capacity and exercise efficiency in women, even at submaximal exertion. Women who received iron had lower heart rates and higher efficiencies, especially those with initial iron deficiencies.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJournal of Nutrition·DateApr 10, 2014

Tamiflu & Relenza: How effective are they?

The Cochrane review found no evidence of reduced hospitalizations or serious influenza complications with Tamiflu. However, the medication increased the risk of nausea and vomiting in adults and children, as well as psychiatric events when used for prevention.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateApr 10, 2014

Wiring for smell sets up early, then persists

Brown University scientists found that the fundamental neural wiring map between the nose and brain becomes established in early development and remains unchanged throughout life. The study's findings provide insight into neurodevelopmental disorders and may have implications for regenerative medicine.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateApr 10, 2014

Getting to the root of Parkinson's disease

A study published in Cell identifies a biological process that triggers a particular form of Parkinson's disease, leading to degeneration of dopamine-producing nerve cells. The research, led by Johns Hopkins Medicine, has shed light on the origins of Parkinson's disease and may lead to new treatments.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell·DateApr 10, 2014

Camels emit less methane than cows or sheep

Researchers found that camels release less methane in absolute terms than cows and sheep of comparable body size. However, when adjusted for feed conversion, methane production is similar between the two groups. This suggests that camels' lower metabolism could explain their ability to thrive in food-scarce environments.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 10, 2014

Gutting of campaign finance laws enhances influence of corporations and wealthy Americans

A recent study by Princeton University and Northwestern University found that affluent individuals and business corporations have significantly more influence on federal government policy than average citizens. Organized interest groups also play a substantial role in shaping policy outcomes, while the preferences of ordinary citizens ...

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalPerspectives on Politics·DateApr 10, 2014

Scientists grow cartilage to reconstruct nose

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed a method to grow cartilage in the lab, enabling successful nose reconstruction surgery. The technique, known as tissue engineering, uses patients' own cells to create engineered cartilage that is implanted into the defect, resulting in improved functionality and cosmetic appearance.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 10, 2014

Head injuries can make children loners

A new study by Brigham Young University researchers has linked lingering brain injury from head trauma to social difficulties in children. The study found that the thickness of a specific brain region was associated with a child's social life and thinking skills.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateApr 10, 2014

Using mathematics to beat jetlag effectively

Researchers calculate optimal schedules for thousands of situations, condensing findings into four general principles for rapid circadian shifting. An app called Entrain is available for free via the Apple store, providing a simple and mathematically optimal way to adjust across time zones.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 10, 2014

Brainy courage of the rainbowfish

A study published in Springer's journal Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology found that rainbowfish born in the wild are braver than those bred in captivity. The researchers suggest that fear is heightened when primarily processed by a single brain hemisphere, making lateralized fish less bold.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateApr 10, 2014

Experts disagree on horses with incoordination

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen found significant disagreement among experts about the severity of horse incoordination, also known as ataxia. The study aimed to establish clearer definitions for normal and abnormal gait patterns in horses, which could lead to greater agreement among specialists.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Veterinary Internal Medicine·DateApr 10, 2014

Identified epigenetic factors associated with an increased risk of developing cancer

Researchers have found epigenetic changes that increase the risk of developing cancer, which affect gene expression without altering the genes themselves. The study analyzed 3,500 tumors and identified genetic polymorphisms associated with an increased risk of cancer, highlighting DNA methylation as a key factor in the disease

Pseudo-mathematics and financial charlatanism

The article examines how backtesting can lead to overfitting, resulting in misleadingly good results that don't translate to real-world performance. Researchers argue that few companies and researchers conduct out-of-sample testing, leading to a lack of transparency in investment strategies.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·JournalNotices of the American Mathematical Society·DateApr 10, 2014

New research on gigabit wireless communications

The study proposes enhanced technologies and algorithms to increase data capacity and densification in short-range wireless networks, achieving speeds of up to 7Gbps per link. Beamforming is also explored as a solution for multi-gigabit connections between base stations and users, with an adaptive algorithm reducing interference.

News from the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, April 2014

A.S.P.E.N. Clinical Guidelines developed recommendations for the care of pediatric patients with intestinal failure at risk of parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease, while a prospective observational study found that feeding interruptions led to negative outcomes in critically ill patients. Intensive nutrition therapy also show...

SourceAmerican Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.)·JournalJournal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition·DateApr 10, 2014

Thermoelectric generator on glass fabric for wearable electronic devices

KAIST researchers developed a flexible thermoelectric (TE) generator on glass fabric that produces electricity from human body heat, overcoming the limitations of existing TE generators. The new generator is extremely light, flexible, and compact, with a self-sustaining structure that eliminates thermal energy loss.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateApr 10, 2014

Uncovering a new angle on mental distance

A study published in Psychological Science found that people's orientation affects their perception of distance. The researchers discovered that moving in a certain direction makes places ahead feel nearer than those behind, regardless of actual distance. This phenomenon is linked to feelings of social similarity and emotional engagement.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 10, 2014

Sunlight generates hydrogen in new porous silicon

Researchers at Penn State have developed a method to manufacture porous silicon using solar energy, which can generate hydrogen from water when exposed to sunlight. The material's high surface area and nanoscale size enable it to act as an effective catalyst, aiding in the production of hydrogen gas.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 10, 2014