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Science News Archive August 2014 - Page 21


Page 21 of 31

Immigrants at lower risk of overdose, death from codeine than people born in Canada

A new study found that immigrants in Ontario have a significantly lower risk of codeine overdose and death compared to those born in Canada, even when language proficiency is limited. The research suggests that physicians may not need to be as cautious in prescribing codeine for adults or new mothers from East Africa.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateAug 12, 2014

Transgender relationships undermined by stigma

A study of 191 couples found that social and economic marginalization takes a psychological toll on both individuals and their relationships. The research highlights the need for couples-based interventions to improve the health and well-being of transgender women and their male partners.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateAug 12, 2014

UMN and NYBC research finds potential MERS transmission mechanism between bats and humans

Researchers have discovered a potential MERS transmission mechanism between bats and humans, highlighting the need for understanding animal origins and preventing human infections. The study found that MERS virus adapts to human cells more efficiently than related bat virus HKU4, which struggles to infect human cells.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Academic Health Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2014

ADHD, substance abuse and conduct disorder develop from the same neurocognitive deficits

Researchers identified three key neurocognitive dimensions: impulsive action, impulsive choice, and reward sensitivity. These dimensions are linked to externalizing problems and can be targeted in interventions. The study suggests prevention and intervention approaches targeting these deficits have potential to impact clinical outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateAug 12, 2014

Infants absorb more than we might think

A new study from Concordia University reveals that infants can categorize objects as animate or inanimate even at 10 months old. The study used a visual habituation paradigm to measure how long babies look at different objects, finding that they can distinguish between natural paths of animals and moving cars.

SourceConcordia University·JournalInfant Behavior and Development·DateAug 12, 2014

Kessler Foundation scientists identify predictors of prospective memory deficit post TBI

Researchers found that rule monitoring, an executive function, facilitates more accurate prospective memory in individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study identified predictors of prospective memory deficit post-TBI and highlights the importance of including rule monitoring in clinical assessments.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·DateAug 12, 2014

Foam favorable for oil extraction

Researchers at Rice University have found that foam is more effective than water, gas, and surfactant combinations in removing oil from low-permeability formations. Foam's unique properties allow it to penetrate and dislodge oil without losing its effectiveness, making it a promising tool for enhanced oil recovery.

SourceRice University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateAug 12, 2014

Moore quantum materials: Recipe for serendipity

Rice University physicist Emilia Morosan has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to investigate unusual quantum materials. Her research aims to uncover fundamental properties of these compounds, which may lead to new discoveries in condensed matter physics.

Researchers prove stability of wonder material silicene

A team of international researchers has successfully isolated thick multilayers of silicene and demonstrated its stability in the presence of oxygen for at least 24 hours. The breakthrough allows scientists to further explore the material's properties, which have made silicene a promising candidate for the electronics industry.

SourceIOP Publishing·Journal2D Materials·DateAug 12, 2014

Bioengineers create functional 3-D brain-like tissue

Researchers have successfully created functional 3D brain-like tissue that exhibits grey-white matter compartmentalization and can survive in the lab for over two months. The tissue displays physical properties similar to rodent brain tissue, enabling scientists to study traumatic brain injury in real-time.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging & Bioengineering·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 11, 2014

Nanocubes get in a twist

Weizmann Institute scientists have created twisted, rope-like structures from cube-shaped nanoparticles, demonstrating the power of self-assembly in nanomaterials. The findings reveal how competing forces like magnetism and van der Waals forces can align particles into complex shapes.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalScience·DateAug 11, 2014

Tackling liver injury

A novel complement inhibitor has been found to reduce liver cell death and stimulate post-surgery liver regrowth in mice. The treatment increased survival rates from 0% to 70% even after removing up to 90% of the liver. This breakthrough could represent a new treatment strategy for various liver injuries in humans.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateAug 11, 2014

Neutrino detectors could help curb nuclear weapons activity

A team of scientists from Virginia Tech has proposed using neutrino detectors to monitor plutonium production in Iran's Arak reactor. The technology can detect antineutrinos produced by fission of uranium-235 and plutonium-239, providing high-level monitoring not currently offered by any other technique.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 11, 2014