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Science News for March 31, 2014


Research shows link between states' personalities and their politics

A recent study found a strong correlation between states' core political characteristics and collective personality traits. States with lower conscientiousness or higher agreeableness tend to have a positive view of government, while those with higher openness to experience are more likely to be ideologically liberal.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateMar 31, 2014

Academic workplace bias against parents hurts nonparents too

A new study from Rice University found that university workplace bias against scientists and engineers who use flexible work arrangements may increase employee dissatisfaction and turnover, even for those without children. The research suggests that flexibility stigma can lead to a toxic culture that affects department productivity.

SourceRice University·JournalWork and Occupations·DateMar 31, 2014

Can antibiotics cause autoimmunity?

Researchers discovered that antibiotics like gentamicin can cause abnormal proteins to be presented to the immune system, potentially triggering autoimmune disease. This approach, used to treat diseases in genes with truncated proteins, may come with a risk of initiating autoimmunity.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 31, 2014

Diamonds are an oil's best friend

Rice University scientists have found that a mixture of diamond nanoparticles and mineral oil outperforms other types of fluid in heat transfer applications. The researchers tested the nanofluid at concentrations up to 0.1 percent weight and found significant improvements in thermal conductivity, while maintaining a usable viscosity.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 31, 2014

Self-healing engineered muscle grown in the laboratory

Researchers at Duke University have successfully grown lab-grown muscle that demonstrates self-healing properties, integrating into mice quickly and contracting powerfully. The breakthrough, led by Nenad Bursac, uses well-developed contractile muscle fibers and satellite cells to create a microenvironment for regeneration.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 31, 2014

Should physicists work to the sound of silence?

Senior lecturer Felicity Mellor highlights the role of silence in physics history, citing Newton's isolated work and Heisenberg's retreat to Heligoland. She questions whether modern-day scientists have control over communication levels, arguing that a balance between silence and collaboration is key.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateMar 31, 2014

Can vitamin A turn back the clock on breast cancer?

Researchers found that a vitamin A derivative, retinoic acid, can reverse the changes in pre-cancerous breast cells, making them resemble normal cells. However, this treatment has no effect on fully developed cancer cells. The study's findings suggest that there may be a narrow window of opportunity for this treatment to be effective.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalInternational Journal of Oncology·DateMar 31, 2014

Computer maps 21 distinct emotional expressions -- even 'happily disgusted'

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a computational model that maps 21 distinct emotional expressions, including compound emotions like 'happily surprised' or 'sadly angry'. This breakthrough enables precise tracking of emotion in the brain and has potential applications in treating disorders such as PTSD or autism.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 31, 2014

What will climate policy mean for coal?

A new study by IIASA researchers suggests that delaying climate policies could lead to up to 37% of global investment in coal power plants being stranded, with China and India bearing most of the costs. The study explores strategies to reduce stranded capacity, including avoiding new plant construction, shifting to other power sources,...

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change·DateMar 31, 2014

Early rehabilitation improves postsurgery neurofunctional outcome in spinal tumor children

A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that early rehabilitation significantly improved sensory function, motor function, and activity of daily living in pediatric children with spinal tumors. The research suggests that rehabilitation programs initiated earlier are effective in achieving functional independency levels ...

SourceNeural Regeneration Research·JournalNeural Regeneration Research·DateMar 31, 2014

Never say never in the nano-world

An international team of researchers found that a nanoparticle trapped with laser light temporarily violates the second law of thermodynamics, allowing it to release heat to hotter surroundings. This rare event occurs due to the non-equilibrium state created by cooling the nanoparticle below the surrounding gas temperature.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 31, 2014

Heat waves reduce length of pregnancy

A study found that heat waves in Montreal increased the risk of early-term delivery by 17-27%, with nearly 20,000 births occurring after a day when temperatures reached 32°C or higher. This may lead to increased morbidity in newborns, particularly those born at 37-38 weeks.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEpidemiology·DateMar 31, 2014

Nano-paper filter removes viruses

Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a paper filter that can remove virus particles with efficiency matching the best industrial filters. The filter uses 100% high purity cellulose nanofibers directly derived from nature, overcoming previous limitations in virus removal.

SourceUppsala University·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateMar 31, 2014

Genetic cause of heart valve defects

Scientists at the University of Bonn identified Creld1 as a crucial gene for heart valve development in mice, which also functions similarly in humans. This discovery may lead to improved diagnosis of unidentified heart valve diseases and better understanding of cardiac development.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateMar 31, 2014

Lowering your cholesterol may improve your sex life

A new Rutgers study suggests that statin medication can not only lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke but also improve a man's erectile function. The researchers found that older men with poor cardiovascular health, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome often experience erectile dysfunction.

SourceRutgers University·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateMar 31, 2014

Psychological factors turn young adults away from HIV intervention counseling

A new study published in AIDS Care found that pressure from counselors and perceived ineffectiveness of interventions can deter young adults from returning for follow-up sessions. The study suggests that tailoring interventions to individual needs, including delivering personalized information about HIV risk, can improve retention rates.

Using different scents to attract or repel insects

Flowering plants adapt their scent signals to balance attraction of pollinators with protection from herbivore damage. Research shows that infested plants reduce floral scent to lure parasitic wasps, which are then attracted by leaf scents. This complex interaction highlights the trade-offs in plant defense strategies.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNew Phytologist·DateMar 31, 2014

Rural versus urban causes of childhood concussion

Researchers at the University of Western Ontario found that rural youth are more prone to concussions caused by motorized vehicle accidents, while urban youth tend to suffer from sports-related injuries. The study highlights the need for targeted injury prevention programs and education on concussion protocols in various settings.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalJournal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery·DateMar 31, 2014

Using your loaf to fight brain disease

Researchers analyze baker's yeast to uncover key features in cellular development linked to diseases such as Parkinson's and cancer. The study reveals a precise cellular role for DJ-1 family proteins, which may provide new insight into mechanisms contributing to these conditions.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 31, 2014

Seven a day keeps the reaper at bay

A new UCL study found that consuming seven or more portions of fruit and vegetables per day significantly reduces the risk of death from any cause, cancer, and heart disease. The research also reveals that vegetables have a stronger protective effect than fruit, with each daily portion reducing overall risk of death by 16%.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateMar 31, 2014

'Ivory tower' bucking social media

A new paper suggests that academia is slow to adopt social media, with most researchers failing to utilize widely available platforms. Despite efforts to increase access to research, the majority of university scholars resist using social media to disseminate their work and engage with students.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBritish Journal of Educational Technology·DateMar 31, 2014