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Science News for July 9, 2014


Study cracks how the brain processes emotions

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that the human brain uses fine-grained patterns of neural activity to represent emotions in a standardized code. This code allows individuals to share similar emotional experiences, regardless of personal perspectives or cultural backgrounds.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 9, 2014

Study finds kidney donation safe for healthy older adults

A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that older kidney donors experience similar longevity and cardiovascular health as healthy individuals. The research, led by Dr. Peter Reese, suggests that donation does not significantly increase the risk of death or heart disease among older adults.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJul 9, 2014

One secret of ancient amber revealed

Researchers use new technique to analyze amber's molecular structure, discovering succinic acid plays a crucial role in its stability and longevity. This finding sheds light on the gemstone's extreme durability, which has puzzled scientists for decades.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJul 9, 2014

RUB chemists develop novel catalyst with 2 functions

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a new type of catalyst that can facilitate two opposite reactions: electrolysis of water and combustion of hydrogen with oxygen. This catalyst has the potential to make regenerative fuel cells and rechargeable metal-air batteries more cost-efficient.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 9, 2014

Lung cancer study hints at new treatments

Researchers have uncovered mutations in a cell-signaling pathway that plays a role in forming tumors. These genetic changes may expand treatments for patients, as drugs targeting some of these pathways are already available or in clinical trials.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateJul 9, 2014

Not at home on the range

Researchers found that Kellet's whelk hosts living beyond their historic Point Conception boundary have neither the amount nor diversity of parasites as those in southern counterparts. This suggests that the northern whelks may have escaped their parasites due to low host densities and limited parasite transmission.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Biogeography·DateJul 9, 2014

Mode of delivery following a perineal tear and recurrence rate in subsequent pregnancies

A study found that women who experienced a third or fourth degree perineal tear in a previous delivery have a five-fold increased risk of severe tearing in subsequent births. The study analyzed data from over 639,000 first-time mothers and revealed that elective caesarean sections were more common among those with a previous tear.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateJul 9, 2014

Discovery of a new means to erase pain

Researchers at Université Laval developed a new method to alleviate chronic pain by rekindling pain and then erasing it. By injecting capsaicin and administering a protein synthesis inhibitor, they induced temporary pain hypersensitivity, which was subsequently reversed.

SourceUniversité Laval·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 9, 2014

No extra mutations in modified stem cells, study finds

Researchers have found that using gene-editing techniques on stem cells does not increase the overall occurrence of mutations, easing previous safety concerns. The study's results were published in the journal Cell Stem Cell and provide new hope for the development of therapies for genetic diseases.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateJul 9, 2014

Letrozole may help women with PCOS become pregnant

A nationwide study found that letrozole increased live births by 27.5% compared to clomiphene, and improved ovulation rates and reduced twin pregnancies. Fewer side effects were reported with letrozole, but further research is needed for safety clarification.

SourcePenn State·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 9, 2014

VLT clears up dusty mystery

Astronomers used the VLT to observe SN2010jl nine times soon after its explosion and found that dust grains form rapidly in the dense material surrounding the star. The observations revealed surprisingly large grain sizes that are resistant to destruction, answering a long-standing question about cosmic dust formation.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateJul 9, 2014

Adolescents from southern Europe are less fit and more obese than central-northern European peers

A study by the University of Granada found that teenagers in Spain, Italy, and Greece have lower cardiorespiratory capacity, strength, and speed-agility than their northern European peers. The researchers also discovered higher levels of total and abdominal fat among southern adolescents, which may be linked to reduced physical activity.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 9, 2014

Even geckos can lose their grip

Researchers at Linköping University have demonstrated that geckos and spiders lose grip due to the effect of heat on van der Waals forces. This phenomenon has significant industrial benefits, particularly in the production of graphene, where detachment from the substrate is crucial.

SourceLinköping University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJul 9, 2014

Fun or exercise?

Researchers at Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that adults who viewed their exercise as fun ate less chocolate pudding and M&Ms afterwards. Viewing exercise as a chore led to overeating as a reward.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalMarketing Letters·DateJul 9, 2014

Most prescription labels fail to meet guidelines, risking dosage errors

A recent study by the University of Waterloo found that most prescription labels in Canada do not follow recommended guidelines for legibility. The researchers suggest that improving label appearance can be achieved without new technologies or larger labels, and recommends a patient-centered approach to labelling standards.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCanadian Pharmacists Journal / Revue des Pharmaciens du Canada·DateJul 9, 2014

Odor communication in wild gorillas

A study published in PLOS ONE found that silverback gorillas use odor to communicate socially, with extreme levels of emission linked to interactions between groups. This suggests that chemo-communication may play a crucial role in the social behaviors of non-human great apes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 9, 2014

Polar bears from space

A study published in PLOS ONE uses satellite images to estimate polar bear population sizes, finding similar results to aerial and ground surveys. The technology holds promise for tracking Arctic wildlife, despite logistical challenges.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 9, 2014

Children on dairy farms less likely to develop allergies

A study by University of Gothenburg researchers found that children raised on dairy farms have a lower risk of developing allergies. The study suggests that delayed maturation of the immune system may be a risk factor for allergic disease. Researchers plan to examine specific factors on dairy farms that promote immune system maturity.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateJul 9, 2014

New technology illuminates colder objects in deep space

A Northwestern University team has developed a new technology using indium arsenide/indium arsenide antimonide (InAs/InAsSb) for stable infrared detection, enabling the observation of cooler objects in deep space. This advancement paves the way for enhanced exploration and unlocking the mysteries of these cooler objects.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 9, 2014

My brother's keeper

A study by Concordia University found that siblings naturally teach each other skills like counting, building towers, and recognizing shapes. The researchers observed spontaneous interactions between two children aged four and six, revealing that both older and younger siblings initiate learning activities.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Cognition and Development·DateJul 9, 2014

Depressed men with prostate cancer are diagnosed later stage, get less effective therapies

A UCLA study found that depressed men with localized prostate cancer were more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive cancer, received less effective treatments, and had shorter survival times. The study identified demographic factors that contributed to the disparity in treatment and outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateJul 9, 2014

Smokers with mental health issues cost UK nearly £2.5 billion a year

Research published in Tobacco Control finds that people with mental health issues who smoke incur significant economic costs due to premature death, lost productivity, and healthcare expenses. The total estimated annual cost is around £2.5 billion, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to help this group quit smoking.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·DateJul 9, 2014

Night-time brilliance lights up political patronage

A new study by Monash University researchers links night-time light intensity to regional favouritism and GDP growth, finding that countries where political leaders were born tend to have higher night-time light levels and regional GDP. The study also highlights the impact of authoritarian leadership on foreign aid distribution.

SourceMonash University·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateJul 9, 2014