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Science News for December 4, 2014


How strong do you think you are?

A study combining data from 12 British studies found that men are stronger than women after adolescence, but both reach peak strength in their thirties before weakening with age. The research provides reference charts for grip strength at different ages, aiding the identification of weak grip strength and potential health risks.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 4, 2014

The finer details of rust

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have redefined the atomic structure of magnetite, a crucial component in electronic devices and medical applications. The study reveals that the surface of magnetite is governed by missing iron atoms, leading to an efficient catalyst for chemical reactions.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014

When noise gets electrons moving

Researchers discovered a counter-intuitive current induced by sound waves in a disordered environment. Noise fluctuations lead to directed electron transport behavior and current reversal, paving the way for innovative semi-conductor devices.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateDec 4, 2014

Low levels of circulating protein linked with heart problems in mice with kidney disease

A study found that decreased blood levels of Klotho increase the risk of heart disease in mice with chronic kidney disease, suggesting potential treatment strategy to protect kidney disease patients' heart health. If confirmed in humans, increasing Klotho levels may help protect the hearts of patients with chronic kidney disease.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateDec 4, 2014

Dirt provides new insight into Roman burials

A team of archaeologists has discovered evidence of frankincense being used in Roman burial rites in Britain, shedding new light on the country's funerary practices. The analysis of debris and skeletal remains from across Britain revealed that these precious substances were transported to the empire's northern outpost despite its decline.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateDec 4, 2014

Electron pairs on demand

Researchers from Leibniz University Hannover and PTB have successfully demonstrated the on-demand emission of electron pairs from a semiconductor quantum dot. The resulting electron pairs were found to be spatially separated with over 90% efficiency, a crucial step towards future applications such as quantum computing and cryptography.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 4, 2014

Why tool-wielding crows are left- or right-beaked

New Caledonian crows exhibit preferences for holding tools on the left or right sides of their beaks due to their unique binocular vision. This adaptation enables each bird to maintain visual control over its tool, with one eye seeing further than the other towards the opposite side of the head.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 4, 2014

Higher birth weight indicates better performance in school

A new study from the University of Florida and Northwestern University found that children with higher birth weights perform better in school, regardless of family background. The research, which analyzed data from over 1.6 million children, suggests that early health struggles may play a significant role in educational outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateDec 4, 2014

The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology: Obesity may shorten life expectancy by up to 8 years and cut healthy life by up to 19 years

A study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology found that obesity is associated with a dramatic increase in risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. As a result, adults who are overweight or obese may lose up to 19 years of healthy life, while those who are very obese may lose up to 8 years.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateDec 4, 2014

Ultrafast complex molecular simulations by 'cutting up molecules'

A novel ultrafast quantum chemical method called FMO-DFTB enables rapid simulations of complex molecular systems, achieving a huge improvement over traditional methods. The method has successfully evaluated large molecules including polypeptides, DNA segments, small proteins, and fullerite surfaces.

SourceInstitute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University·JournalJournal of Chemical Theory and Computation·DateDec 4, 2014

A poisonous cure

A team of Michigan State University scientists has discovered an enzyme, called POPB, which converts toxins into cyclic peptides with missile-like precision in the human liver. This breakthrough could lead to single-minded medicines with zero side effects by harnessing the distinct properties of POPB.

Obesity and hypertension

A groundbreaking study by Australian researchers has discovered that leptin hormone secreted by fat cells elevates blood pressure in obesity. The hormone acts in the brain to increase blood pressure, making it a promising target for treating obesity-induced hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

SourceTania Ewing and Associates·JournalCell·DateDec 4, 2014

Endocrine disruptors alter thyroid levels in pregnancy, may affect fetal brain development

A new study found that endocrine disrupting chemicals can interfere with thyroid hormone action in pregnant women and may travel across the placenta to affect fetal brain development. The study used a prospective birth cohort of 164 pregnant women and found associations between high levels of CYP1A1 enzyme and thyroid disruption.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateDec 4, 2014

Quiet as a mouse, but so much to hear

A University at Buffalo researcher has found that mice can distinguish between partial sound waves, similar to how humans recognize word onsets. This discovery could help better understand human hearing loss and strengthen the use of mice as models for human communication.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateDec 4, 2014

Smoking and higher mortality in men

Researchers found an association between smoking and loss of the Y chromosome in blood cells, which may explain why men have a shorter life expectancy. Heavy smokers showed more frequent loss of the Y chromosome than moderate smokers.

SourceUppsala University·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014

Don't worry, be happy: Just go to bed earlier

A study published in Cognitive Therapy and Research found that individuals who sleep for shorter periods and go to bed later experience more repetitive negative thoughts. This association suggests that prioritizing regular sleep schedules may help mitigate anxiety symptoms.

SourceSpringer·JournalCognitive Therapy and Research·DateDec 4, 2014

Are the benefits of breast milk stimulant worth the risk?

A new review article suggests that domperidone can increase breast milk production, but also poses a risk of irregular heartbeat and sudden cardiac death in women. The study found that moderate improvements in milk production were observed with lower doses, but higher doses increased the odds of cardiac complications.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Human Lactation·DateDec 4, 2014

Ebola rapid response

The National Science Foundation has awarded rapid response grants to support researchers in understanding the fundamental nature of Ebola and its impact on public safety. The grants will fund projects that explore new methods for virus detection, disinfection, and medical response, as well as research into risk assessment and behavior.

Greenhouse gases linked to African rainfall

A recent study has linked African rainfall increases to greenhouse gas concentrations thousands of years ago. The research team used computer simulations and geologic records to recreate past moisture conditions, finding that changes in carbon dioxide and methane led to the African Humid Period.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience·DateDec 4, 2014