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Science News for August 21, 2014


Alternate mechanism of species formation picks up support, thanks to a South American ant

A newly discovered species of ant, Mycocepurus castrator, has been found to support the theory of sympatric speciation, where a new species develops within a single colony. The research team found that the parasitic ants were genetically close to their host, but no longer reproductively compatible and had stopped reproducing together 3...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 21, 2014

Coping with smart phone threats

A Canadian team outlines possible coping mechanisms for lost or stolen mobile devices, highlighting the importance of user awareness and organization security measures. The researchers found that many users are either unaware or unwilling to use security countermeasures, leaving them vulnerable to data loss risks.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Mobile Communications·DateAug 21, 2014

Water window imaging opportunity

Researchers develop theoretical framework to generate coherent radiations in the water window range, enabling high-contrast imaging of biological samples. The study extends previous work on hydrogen and applies it to argon atoms, paving the way for improved spectroscopy techniques.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateAug 21, 2014

Study shows steep decline in tooth loss, increase in socioeconomic disparities

A new study projects a continued decline in US edentulism prevalence through 2050, with high-income households experiencing the steepest reduction. However, tooth loss remains disproportionately prevalent among low-income populations, highlighting a need for targeted public health measures to address this issue.

USC Eye Institute study shows Native American ancestry a risk factor for eye disease

A new study from USC Eye Institute reveals that Native American ancestry is a significant risk factor for vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy among Latinos with Type 2 diabetes. The research found individuals with more than 50% Native American ancestry had an 87% higher chance of developing severe diabetic retinopathy.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateAug 21, 2014

Of bees, mites, and viruses

Researchers found that Deformed Wing Virus (DWV) is the most affected virus species by Varroa infestation, while Kashmir Bee Virus (KBV) peaks two years after initial infestation and disappears. The study highlights the importance of beekeeper awareness, mite monitoring, and efficient Varroa control.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 21, 2014

Liberal democracy is possible in Muslim-majority countries

A new study by University of Toronto researchers explores the relationship between Islam and liberal democracy in Muslim-majority countries. They found that while people in these countries are less tolerant on average than those in Western nations, socio-economic conditions and political regimes play a significant role.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalCanadian Review of Sociology/Revue canadienne de sociologie·DateAug 21, 2014

In our digital world, are young people losing the ability to read emotions?

A UCLA study suggests that excessive digital media use is linked to declining social skills in children, as they spend less time engaging in face-to-face interactions. The research found that sixth-graders who went device-free for five days showed significant improvements in recognizing human emotions compared to their peers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateAug 21, 2014

Yale's cool molecules

Yale physicists have successfully cooled strontium monofluoride to near absolute zero using magneto-optical trapping, enabling new research in quantum chemistry and particle physics. The discovery opens doors for experimentation in precision measurement, quantum simulation, ultracold chemistry, and tests of the standard model.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2014

Despite a significant reduction in smog-producing toxins, the Greater Toronto Area still violates Canada's standards for ozone air pollution

A new study shows that the Greater Toronto Area has reduced some smog precursors by at least 20% since 2004, but still exceeds Canada's ozone standards due to high sunshine and calm winds. The research found that lower ozone levels between 2008 and 2011 were offset by a record-high summer ozone concentration in 2012.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateAug 21, 2014

Delivery by drone

MIT researchers have created an algorithm that enables a drone to monitor its health in real-time, allowing it to take proactive measures during delivery missions. The approach simplifies planning by separating vehicle-level and mission-level tasks, resulting in more efficient and reliable deliveries.

Polio: Mutated virus breaches vaccine protection

Scientists have isolated a mutated polio virus that can evade the immune system and render vaccinations ineffective. This discovery is alarming as it threatens to undermine progress made in eradicating polio, which has been nearly eradicated thanks to effective vaccination.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 21, 2014

Measuring calcium buildup to predict heart disease in those with chronic kidney disease

A new study finds that calcium buildup in coronary arteries is a strong indicator of heart disease risk in individuals with chronic kidney disease. This measure outperforms other commonly used tests in predicting cardiovascular disease among CKD patients, who are at high risk for heart disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 21, 2014

Toothpaste fluorine formed in stars

Researchers at Lund University found that toothpaste fluorine is formed in stars similar to our sun, supporting a theory about its origins. By analyzing light emitted by stars, they calculated the amount of fluorine present and compared it with predictions.

SourceLund University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateAug 21, 2014

Coronary calcium predicts heart disease risk in patients with chronic kidney disease

Researchers found that calcium build-up in coronary artery walls is a more useful indicator of heart disease risk in patients with CKD than traditional measures of atherosclerosis. The study suggests that this finding could help safeguard the heart health of millions of people globally who have chronic kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateAug 21, 2014

Fungus deadly to AIDS patients found to grow on trees

Researchers at Duke University have identified three tree species as environmental hosts for the fungus Cryptococcus gattii, which causes life-threatening lung and brain infections. The study found that these tree species can serve as sources of human infections, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateAug 21, 2014

Researchers examine impact of race and ethnicity in motor complete spinal cord injury

A study published by Kessler Foundation found small but significant differences in self-care and mobility at discharge among patients with motor complete spinal cord injury (SCI), with non-Hispanic blacks showing less improvement compared to Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites. The study used data from the Spinal Cord Injury Model System...

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateAug 21, 2014