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Science News for July 21, 2014


Philosopher uses game theory to understand how words, actions acquire meaning

Researchers used evolutionary game theory models to study information flow in the natural world, finding that arbitrary signals can come to mean something through a natural process. This discovery may help explain how words gain meaning and acquire meaning through biological evolution, social learning, or other adaptive processes.

SourceKansas State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2014

'Moral victories' might spare you from losing again

Researchers analyzed NBA coaching decisions over two decades, finding that hasty adjustments following close losses backfire, resulting in extra losses per season. Coaches also underreact to close wins, particularly those with large margins, making it essential to consider all information when evaluating performance.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalManagement Science·DateJul 21, 2014

The real price of steak

The study found that beef is the most costly to the environment, followed by dairy and poultry, while pork and eggs are relatively similar. The researchers developed equations to calculate the environmental costs per calorie and protein unit, providing a comprehensive picture of the ecological impact of various foods.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2014

Healing the heart with fat

Researchers discovered that a particular EPA metabolite, 18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE), plays a crucial role in protecting against cardiovascular diseases. This metabolite was produced by immune cells and confirmed its heart-protective effects.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateJul 21, 2014

Communication about female condom vital to young adults, UT Arlington researchers say

A new study by UT Arlington researchers found that many young adults are not aware of the female condom, a barrier method protecting against STIs and unplanned pregnancies. The study suggests that effective communication is crucial for its adoption, with design, protection, and convenience being key characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalOpen Access Journal of Contraception·DateJul 21, 2014

Diagnostic criteria for Christianson syndrome

A new study doubles the number of documented Christianson Syndrome cases and proposes the first diagnostic criteria for the condition. The criteria include symptoms such as intellectual disability, epilepsy, and hyperactivity, and are based on genetic analysis that reveals distinct mutations in the SLC9A6 gene.

SourceBrown University·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJul 21, 2014

Seals forage at offshore wind farms

Researchers tracked seals' movements using GPS and found some individuals repeatedly visiting offshore wind farms, where they foraged on turbines and pipelines. This behavior suggests that man-made structures serve as attractive hunting grounds, potentially impacting seal populations and prey availability.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 21, 2014

Refined biological evolution model

A new study by Petri Kärenlampi refines the biological evolution model by incorporating species interactions and varying degrees of symmetry. The results show that anti-symmetric interactions lead to large, stable ecosystems, while symmetric systems remain small.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 21, 2014

Unique study focuses on combined treatment approach for locally advanced pancreatic cancer

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center are developing a combined investigational treatment for locally advanced pancreatic cancer, combining radiation with chemotherapy and a PARP inhibitor. The study aims to identify patient biomarkers that can provide clues into individual treatment response and improve survival rates.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalTranslational Oncology·DateJul 21, 2014

Study provides insights into birds' migration routes

Researchers used geolocators to track songbirds' migration patterns, finding that hybrid species exhibited increased variability in their routes. This study supports the hypothesis that differences in migratory behavior can act as postmating reproductive isolating barriers.

SourceWiley·JournalEcology Letters·DateJul 21, 2014

Examining the causes of a devastating debris flow

A recent study by Ren examined the causes of a devastating debris flow in China, which killed over 1000 people. The research found that geological conditions, surface loading, vegetation roots, and extreme precipitation all contributed to the disaster.

SourceWiley·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 21, 2014

Increased overall survival for advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer patients is associated with availability of less toxic chemotherapy

Increased use of less toxic chemotherapy treatments in advanced NSCLC is associated with higher overall survival. The study found a significant increase in survival rates among patients receiving second-line therapy, with median overall survival ranging from 3.9 to 11.8 months.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateJul 21, 2014

X-ray irradiation at a certain dose alters the neuronal cytoskeleton and cytomechanics

Researchers found that X-ray irradiation damages cortical neurons by altering their cytoskeleton and cytomechanics. The study suggests that heavy ion beams may have a biological advantage over X-rays in protecting normal brain tissue during cranial radiotherapy. This could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients.

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateJul 21, 2014

Climate: Meat turns up the heat

New research finds that beef cattle are responsible for far more greenhouse gas emissions than other types of animals, accounting for 74% of livestock-related emissions. The study estimates that greenhouse gas emissions from livestock have increased by 51% over the past nearly half a century.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalClimatic Change·DateJul 21, 2014

Low-income students in charter high schools less likely to engage in risky behavior

A new UCLA-led study reveals that high-performing public charter high schools in Los Angeles significantly reduced the likelihood of engaging in risky health behaviors, such as tobacco and alcohol use, among low-income minority adolescents. These students also scored better on standardized tests and exhibited improved cognitive skills.

Bacteria swim with whole body, not just propellers

Researchers found that bacteria like Caulobacter crescentus actively carve out a helical trajectory through the water using their entire body, contributing to swimming motion. This discovery sheds light on the evolution of cell body shape and has implications for understanding disease propagation and fertility.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2014

Carbyne morphs when stretched

Rice University scientists discovered that stretching carbyne by just 3% opens a band gap, enabling semiconducting properties. This finding could revolutionize mechanically activated nanoscale electronics and optics.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 21, 2014

Try, try again? Study says no

A recent study suggests that adults' more highly developed cognitive skills can actually interfere with their ability to learn certain elements of a second language. This 'effort paradox' is thought to occur when adults try to analyze too much information at once, leading to difficulties in learning the morphology of an artificial lang...

Researchers simplify process to purify water using seed extracts

Researchers have developed a simplified method to purify water using Moringa oleifera seed extracts, significantly reducing harmful bacteria levels. This cost-effective approach holds promise for improving access to safe drinking water in developing countries where millions die from waterborne diseases annually.

SourceWiley·JournalCurrent Protocols in Microbiology·DateJul 21, 2014

Comparing deep vein thrombosis treatments

A study of 90,618 patients with DVT found CDT increased adverse events and hospital charges without significant impact on mortality rates. Patients treated with CDT had more blood transfusions, pulmonary embolism, and vena cava filter placement.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 21, 2014

More than glitter

Researchers have identified a mechanism by which tiny gold particles can fuse with cell membranes without damaging cells. This discovery suggests possible strategies for designing nanoparticles that could get into cells more easily.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 21, 2014