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Science News for April 30, 2014


Parents just as likely to use cell phones while driving, putting child passengers at risk

A University of Michigan study found that 90% of parent drivers engaged in at least one distraction while their child was a passenger. The study highlights the need to consider multiple sources of driver distraction when kids are passengers and emphasizes the importance of reducing distractions to prevent crashes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAcademic Pediatrics·DateApr 30, 2014

Stem cells from teeth can make brain-like cells

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered that stem cells taken from teeth can grow to resemble brain cells, suggesting they could be used as a therapy for stroke. These cells have the potential to form complex networks and communicate like normal neurons, offering hope for new treatments.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalStem Cell Research & Therapy·DateApr 30, 2014

Whey beneficially affects diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk factors in obese adults

A study published in ACS' Journal of Proteome Research found that whey protein slows down stomach emptying and lowers fatty acid levels, increasing insulin levels in obese adults. The results suggest that whey protein may be a beneficial addition to diets for those at risk of developing type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateApr 30, 2014

Sell-side analysts lean towards high valuation companies for comparison

A study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that sell-side analysts tend to compare companies in the same category but with expensive stock prices. This can lead to undervalued companies being perceived as good buys compared to high-valuation peers. The research also shows a greater tendency to choose hig...

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalReview of Accounting Studies·DateApr 30, 2014

Columbia engineers grow functional human cartilage in lab

Researchers at Columbia University successfully grew fully functional human cartilage from adult human stem cells, marking a significant breakthrough in tissue engineering. The developed cartilage exhibits physiologic architecture and strength, with potential applications in repairing cartilage defects or reconstructing complex tissues.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2014

New fluid fats fuel frozen flies

Goldenrod gall fly larvae produce a novel class of lipids that remain fluid at low temperatures, allowing them to survive freezing winters. These acetylated triacylglycerols are less energy dense than standard lipids and have antifreeze characteristics.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateApr 30, 2014

A fattening gene

Researchers have identified a key gene in energy metabolism, revealing its crucial role in regulating fat storage. The Sirt7 gene plays a central role in the process, enabling mice to maintain normal weight despite high-fat diets, suggesting new therapeutic approaches for obesity and metabolic disorders.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCell Metabolism·DateApr 30, 2014

The pitch drops that got the world talking

A team of researchers from Trinity College Dublin captured a drop of pitch on camera for the first time, generating over two million YouTube views. The attention came from their short and quirky story, which also sparked human interest due to a dramatic sequence of events related to an Australian experiment.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateApr 30, 2014

Study questions Neandertal inferiority to early modern humans

A new analysis of archaeological records suggests that complex interbreeding and assimilation between Neandertals and early modern humans may have led to the demise of Neandertals. This contradicts previous theories that suggested modern human superiority was responsible for their extinction.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 30, 2014

Children's TV time is closely linked to parents' viewing habits

A new study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that children aged five and six spend more time watching TV on weekends than during the week, with parents playing a significant role. The research suggests that there is a need to find ways to help families reduce screen-viewing time.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateApr 30, 2014

Length of exoplanet day measured for first time

Astronomers from Leiden University and SRON have measured the spin of Beta Pictoris b, an exoplanet orbiting a naked-eye star 63 light-years from Earth. The planet's day length is just 8 hours, despite being over 16 times larger and 3000 times more massive than Earth.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateApr 30, 2014

Seeing the bedrock through the trees

Researchers propose a method to determine underground details without drilling, improving climate models and predicting water runoff, landslides, and plant response to climate change. The technique uses groundwater drainage to predict weathered bedrock thickness across landscapes.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2014

Predators predict longevity of birds

Researchers found a negative relationship between predation pressure and bird longevity, supporting the classical theory of ageing. The study analyzed data from nearly 1400 bird species, revealing that larger species with faster reproductive rates tend to live shorter lives.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEcography·DateApr 30, 2014

European seafloor survey reveals depth of marine litter

A large-scale seafloor survey found widespread presence of bottles, plastic bags, fishing nets, and other types of human litter across European seas. Litter was found at all depths, from shallow waters to 4500-meter waters, with the highest density in submarine canyons.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 30, 2014

Your stress is my stress

Researchers found that even brief observations of stressed individuals can increase cortisol levels in observers, particularly when social closeness is involved. This phenomenon, known as empathic stress, has significant implications for the healthcare system and our understanding of stress transmission.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·DateApr 30, 2014

Throwing injuries no longer just for the pros

A recent study found a 10-fold increase in UCL reconstruction among youth athletes, with year-round play contributing to the rise. Experts recommend preventing overuse injuries by following recommended guidelines, including pitch count limits and adequate rest. Early recognition of symptoms is also crucial to prevent unnecessary surgery.

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·DateApr 30, 2014

New UT Arlington research could improve pharmaceuticals testing

Researchers at UT Arlington have developed a new method for measuring water content in pharmaceuticals that is up to 100 times more sensitive than current methods. The new technique uses headspace gas chromatography and an ionic liquid column, offering improvements in sensitivity, accuracy, and sample size requirements.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis·DateApr 30, 2014

Playing pool with carbon atoms

Scientists at the University of Arizona have developed a way to control graphene's crystal structure using an electric field. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of faster and more versatile transistors, which would enable faster computing and new applications for graphene in microelectronics.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 30, 2014

Robots may need to include parental controls

Penn State researchers found that older adults fear companion robots will negatively affect young people, leading to design challenges for developers. To address this concern, robot designers may need to include parental controls to monitor children's use of robots and prevent dependency.

Infertile women want more support

A study at the University of Iowa found that infertile women want more than just practical aid but also emotional reassurance and empathy. The researchers suggest spouses, friends, and family can help by being more supportive and emotionally invested in the process.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalCommunication Monographs·DateApr 30, 2014