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Science News for December 2, 2014


University of Illinois researchers develop inexpensive hydrolysable polymer

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a cheap, hydrolysable polymer called poly(hindered urea)s (PHUs), which can be designed to degrade over time. This material has potential applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, and packaging, offering advantages over traditional hydrolyzable polymers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 2, 2014

Another case against the midnight snack

Researchers at Salk Institute discover that confining caloric consumption to an 8- to 12-hour period can significantly reduce weight gain, improve body composition, and even reverse obesity and diabetes in mice. The study's findings add to mounting evidence highlighting the importance of time-restricted eating for overall health.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 2, 2014

Heavier newborns show academic edge in school

Research from Northwestern University found that heavier newborns have higher test scores from third through eighth grade. Even among twins, heavier-born twins have higher average test scores. However, other factors such as maternal education can be a larger predictor of academic achievement.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateDec 2, 2014

Losing air

Researchers found that tens of thousands of small impacts could efficiently jettison Earth's entire primordial atmosphere, while giant impacts would be less effective. The team's calculations suggest that the early Earth was likely devoid of its original atmosphere, with Venus and Mars also experiencing significant atmospheric loss.

Alcohol abuse linked to newly identified gene network

A study published in Molecular Psychiatry has identified a network of genes associated with alcohol dependence. The researchers found that certain sets of genes were co-expressed together in individuals who consumed the most alcohol, but not in non-alcoholics. This discovery could lead to better screenings and treatments for alcoholism.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateDec 2, 2014

Health boost for fitness centers

Millions die each year from obesity-related issues, with Australia projected to be third fattest nation by 2020. Fitness facilities can mitigate risks by implementing pre-activity screening, automated defibrillators, regular inspections, and staff training.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Business Continuity and Risk Management·DateDec 2, 2014

Growing cooperation: First the carrot, then the stick

Researchers developed game-theoretical model to examine different incentive schemes, finding rewarding cooperative agents first leads to higher cooperation levels. The optimal strategy shifts to punishing wrongdoers after a sufficiently large proportion of agents cooperate, promoting highest level of cooperation at lowest cost.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateDec 2, 2014

Fighting air pollution in China with social media

Researchers found that online activism did force the Chinese government to take some actions on air pollution, but corporate and government interests largely shaped the online discussion. The study shows both the power and limits of online activism in China, highlighting the need for more nuanced approaches to addressing complex social...

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Professional Geographer·DateDec 2, 2014

Perceptions, referrals by medical providers affect mental-health treatment disparities

A large study by UC Davis researchers found that patients of different racial and ethnic backgrounds reported experiencing differing treatment approaches from medical providers, including referrals to mental-health care and medications. Asian-Americans were the least likely to be assessed or counseled for mental-health problems, while ...

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalHealth Services Research·DateDec 2, 2014

See it, touch it, feel it

A new technology has been developed that allows for the creation of an invisible 3D haptic shape using ultrasound. This innovation enables surgeons to explore complex medical imaging data, such as CT scans, in a more immersive and tactile manner.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateDec 2, 2014

Mediterranean diet linked to longer life

A Mediterranean diet high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and olive oil has been associated with longer telomeres, a biomarker of slower aging. The study found that adherence to the diet was significantly linked to longer telomeres, corresponding to 1.5 years of telomere ageing.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 2, 2014

Macho stereotypes put off men as well as women

A new study found that macho stereotypes discourage both men and women from pursuing traditionally masculine occupations. The research suggests that increasing the appeal of these jobs to a more diverse range of men could help attract more women, leading to greater equality in the future.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBritish Journal of Psychology·DateDec 2, 2014

Study finds insects play important role in dealing with garbage on NYC streets

A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that insects and other arthropods consume large amounts of garbage on NYC streets, including 2,100 pounds of discarded junk food per year. The researchers found that pavement ants are particularly efficient foragers in urban environments and compete with rats to eat human garbage.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 2, 2014

New cause of child brain tumor condition identified

A new study has identified the SUFU gene mutation as a major contributor to Gorlin syndrome-associated childhood medulloblastoma, significantly increasing the risk of brain tumors in children with this condition. This finding has major implications for treatment and screening protocols for children with Gorlin syndrome.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateDec 2, 2014

E-signatures less trusted than handwritten signatures

A new study finds that people are more likely to distrust e-signatures than hand-signed documents, with those having fewer personal characteristics perceived as less valid. This lag between technological advancement and psychological reaction highlights the need for caution in adoption.

SourceSAGE·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateDec 2, 2014

Lung cancer risk model refines decisions to screen

A new lung cancer risk model, PLCOm2012, refines decisions to screen individuals for annual CT scans, identifying a risk threshold for selecting high-risk smokers. The study found that this threshold resulted in higher sensitivity and specificity than the USPSTF criteria.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 2, 2014