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Science News for June 23, 2014


Air pollution controls linked to lower death rates in North Carolina

A study by Duke University researchers found a strong association between improved air quality and declining death rates from emphysema, asthma, and pneumonia in North Carolina. The study analyzed data from 1993-2010 and found that reductions in sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and fine particulates were significantly correlated with l...

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of COPD·DateJun 23, 2014

Study finds minimum payment warnings nudge credit card payments up AND down

A study by Boston College Marketing Professor Linda Salisbury found that minimum payment warnings had little impact on repayment decisions, but showing a three-year payoff time frame with accompanying lower interest costs led to both positive and negative effects. Some consumers were encouraged to pay more, while others were nudged tow...

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateJun 23, 2014

UK supermarkets minimise price rises for the cheapest alcohol when taxes are increased

A study found that UK supermarkets respond to tax increases on alcohol by under-shifting cheaper products and over-shifting more expensive ones, leading to smaller reductions in excessive consumption. This could hinder efforts to reduce harmful drinking, particularly among high-risk drinkers who favor cheaper supermarket products.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalAddiction Research & Theory·DateJun 23, 2014

People who are obese or former smokers more likely to follow recommended statin therapy

A new study suggests that individuals who are overweight, obese, or former smokers are more likely to follow recommended statin therapy for high cholesterol. Nonadherence to prescribed medication can lead to a significant risk of cardiovascular events, with studies indicating that nonadherence rates as high as 46% have been observed.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 23, 2014

Emergence of bacterial vortex explained

Researchers have explained the emergence of a bacterial vortex by understanding its relation to physical mechanisms like collisions, boundary interactions, and fluid flow. Computer modeling and experimentation confirm that bacteria align themselves in the same direction due to their flagellar motion, creating a two-way fluid flow.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2014

Battle of the bulge occurs in the liver

A study published in Cell Metabolism reveals that free radical molecules contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver disease by inactivating protein tyrosine phosphatases. This inactivation leads to a cascade of events promoting disease progression.

SourceMonash University·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJun 23, 2014

By any stretch

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a new stereoscopic measurement system using computer vision to accurately measure infant length. The technique allows infants to be measured while lying naturally on their backs, eliminating the need for physical restriction and reducing discomfort.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·DateJun 23, 2014

Bisexual men face unique challenges to their sexual health

A new study reveals that bisexual men have unmet public health needs, leaving them vulnerable to STIs and other health problems. The study highlights the importance of addressing social and behavioral factors that affect their sexual health, such as biphobia, masculinity norms, and attitudes towards pregnancy. Researchers recommend int...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 23, 2014

Video games, social networks, chat rooms, may help prevent HIV

A study suggests that eHealth interventions, such as interactive websites and video games, can reduce high-risk sexual behaviors and increase HIV testing among men who have sex with men. Digital outreach efforts on social networks and chat rooms also showed promising results in increasing HIV testing and reducing shame felt by young men.

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJun 23, 2014

For gastric bypass patients, percent of weight loss differs by race/ethnicity, study finds

A Kaiser Permanente study found that non-Hispanic white patients lost an average of 63% of their excess weight after gastric bypass surgery, compared to 59% for Hispanic and 56% for black patients. The study also showed that vertical sleeve gastrectomy patients lost similar amounts of weight across racial and ethnic groups.

SourceKaiser Permanente·JournalSurgery for Obesity and Related Diseases·DateJun 23, 2014

Back away, please

Researchers from University of Chicago Booth School of Business found that humans have a general tendency to fear things approaching, regardless of their threat level. This 'approach avoidance' phenomenon is rooted in our survival instincts and can be observed in various daily situations.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJun 23, 2014

Straw albedo mitigates extreme heat

Researchers at ETH Zurich found that unploughed stubble reflects more solar radiation than tilled surfaces, resulting in a 50% higher level of reflection and a significant effect on extreme heat. No-till farming can reduce local temperatures by up to 2°C on hot days.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2014

New data bolsters Higgs boson discovery

Researchers from Rice University have found evidence of the direct decay of the Higgs boson to fermions, a fundamental particle in the Standard Model. This finding strengthens the confirmation of the Higgs boson discovery and sets the stage for further exploration of its properties and potential connections to dark matter.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 23, 2014

SLU researchers see possible answer to chemo pain in a multiple sclerosis drug

Saint Louis University researchers have discovered a molecular pathway that causes painful chemotherapy side effects and found a potential way to block it. A drug already approved for treating multiple sclerosis may also alleviate chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) without affecting the medication's anticancer properties.

SourceSaint Louis University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateJun 23, 2014

Ti-V alloys' superconductivity: Inherent, not accidental

Physicists from India reveal Ti-V alloys' superconductivity is influenced by local magnetic fluctuations and spin fluctuations. The competition between these fluctuations and electron-phonon interaction determines the superconducting temperature threshold, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJun 23, 2014

New research proves gender bias extraordinarily prevalent in STEM careers

A new study from Columbia Business School reveals that hiring managers in STEM fields possess an extraordinary level of gender bias, often choosing less-qualified men over superiorly qualified women. The study demonstrates the cost of discrimination, leading to a less diverse workforce and detrimental effects on companies.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2014

Highlights from the June issue of GIE: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Researchers found that patients with Barrett's esophagus and low-grade dysplasia have a high incidence rate of esophageal adenocarcinoma, while metabolic syndrome and smoking heighten concerns regarding colorectal cancer screening in men. A new guideline for endoscopy in patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding is also introduced.

SourceAmerican Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy·JournalGastrointestinal Endoscopy·DateJun 23, 2014

Not even cell death can stop the alarm

A team of researchers found that inflammasomes remain active even after cell death, triggering a rapid inflammatory reaction. This discovery offers potential novel approaches for therapies against diseases such as gout, atherosclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Immunology·DateJun 23, 2014

Ferroelectric switching seen in biological tissues

University of Washington researchers have confirmed the presence of ferroelectric switching in biological tissues, particularly in proteins found in organs that repeatedly stretch and retract. This phenomenon may help build and support healthy connective tissues in mammals and potentially detect early stages of hardening of arteries.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2014

Growing unknown microbes 1 by 1

A new method using SlipChip technology allows researchers to target and grow specific, previously uncultured microbes from the human gut. By isolating individual bacterial species, scientists can better understand their roles in human health and potentially identify beneficial or harmful microbes.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2014

Have you been unlucky -- or are you just lazy?

Researchers find that Danes and Americans are similarly inclined to support welfare for those who are unlucky, but not lazy. The study reveals a biological and psychological basis for these attitudes, highlighting the role of reciprocal help and stereotypes in shaping public opinion.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe Journal of Politics·DateJun 23, 2014