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Science News for March 6, 2014


'Seeing' bodies with sound (no sight required)

Congenitally blind individuals can learn to recognize human body shapes through soundscapes, with an average of 70 hours of training required. The brain's visual cortex responds to sound patterns, allowing participants to detect posture and imitate movements.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 6, 2014

Black boys viewed as older, less innocent than whites, research finds

A new study published by the American Psychological Association found that black boys are more likely to be perceived as older and less innocent than their white peers in police encounters. Researchers tested 176 police officers and found that those who dehumanized blacks were more likely to use force against a black child.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateMar 6, 2014

Why soil changes color in air

Research reveals that oxidation reaction between atmospheric iron oxide reduces soil plasticity, sensitivity, and structural yield stress. The transformation is caused by micro-structure remodeling, not inherent mineral changes, and has potential adverse effects on soil stability.

Crashing comets explain surprise gas clump around young star

The ALMA observations revealed a compact clump of carbon monoxide gas in the debris disc around Beta Pictoris, which is surprising given its short lifetime. The team suggests that cometary collisions are replenishing the carbon monoxide, with one large comet collision every five minutes needed to achieve this amount.

SourceESO·JournalScience·DateMar 6, 2014

Some people really just don't like music

Researchers identified individuals with specific musical anhedonia, a condition where people can't experience pleasure from music. They found that these individuals show no autonomic responses to music but respond to monetary rewards, suggesting different ways to access the reward system.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 6, 2014

Obese adolescents not getting enough sleep?

A study found that low sleep duration in obese adolescents significantly increases their risk of cardiometabolic diseases. Researchers used physical activity monitors to measure typical patterns of physical activity and sleep, and found a strong association between sleep duration and cardiometabolic risk score.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMar 6, 2014

Returning vets face 'warring identities' distress

A recent study explores the mental state of returning veterans, finding that many struggle with identity conflict and feel 'alien' among family and friends. The research highlights the need for broader dialogue around veteran experiences beyond diagnosable illnesses like PTSD.

SourceBrown University·JournalSociety and Mental Health·DateMar 6, 2014

Transplanted human umbilical cord blood cells improved heart function in rat model of MI

Researchers found that human umbilical cord blood cells transplanted into rats with simulated myocardial infarction improved left ventricular heart function and preserved myocardial fiber structure. The study showed long-term benefits for the treated rats, suggesting a potential therapy for MIs.

Alzheimer's research team employs stem cells to understand disease processes and study new treatment

A team of researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital has generated stem cells from skin biopsies of living family members with a genetic predisposition to early-onset Alzheimer's. The study found that the APPV7171 mutation alters amyloid-beta protein generation, Tau protein expression, and phosphorylation, providing new insights into ...

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateMar 6, 2014

Extraordinary momentum and spin discovered in evanescent light waves

A team of researchers at RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science discovered that evanescent electromagnetic waves carry momentum and spin components orthogonal to the direction of wave propagation. These findings offer a unique opportunity to investigate fundamental physical features, previously hidden in usual propagating light.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2014

Birds display lateralization bias when selecting flight paths

A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that birds exhibit individual lateralization biases when choosing flight paths, enabling flocks to split and avoid crowding. This allows them to navigate complex environments, such as dense bush and forests, with remarkable speed and accuracy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 6, 2014

Waiting for a donor heart: Motion prolongs survival

A new study found that patients with advanced cardiac insufficiency who remain active and have low levels of depression can significantly increase their chances of surviving the waiting period for a donor heart. The researchers recommend psychological counseling to help patients stay physically active and reduce symptoms of depression.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalHealth Psychology·DateMar 6, 2014

Researchers map European climate change

A new study predicts that most of Europe will experience higher warming than the global average if surface temperatures rise to 2 °C above pre-industrial levels. This could lead to increased evaporation and drought in regions like Spain, Portugal, and France, as well as more frequent extreme precipitation events and flood risks.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMar 6, 2014

Energy drinks linked to teen health risks

A new report finds energy drink consumption among teenagers may be linked with poor mental health and substance use, with nearly two thirds reporting use in the past year. Younger high school students were more likely to consume energy drinks than older ones, highlighting a trend of concern.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateMar 6, 2014

Access to social workers could keep veterans out of criminal justice system, MU researchers find

University of Missouri researchers have found that access to social workers can address veteran's needs and prevent entry into the criminal justice system. Social workers play a key role in treating veterans with multifaceted treatment plans tailored to their individual needs, reducing substance abuse and mental health issues.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Forensic Social Work·DateMar 6, 2014

Kawasaki disease and pregnant women

Researchers at UC San Diego have found that the health risks to pregnant women with a history of Kawasaki disease (KD) are low with proper management and care. The study, published in British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, also notes that the long-term risk for adults with KD is not known.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBritish Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology·DateMar 6, 2014

Misplaced protein causes heart failure

A new study published in Circulation reveals how changes in the organized cell membrane network of heart muscle leads to heart failure. Colchicine, a drug used for gout treatment, protects normal heart function by reducing microtubule density, while taxol accelerates damage during heart failure.

SourceUniversity of Iowa Health Care·JournalCirculation·DateMar 6, 2014

Eating red and processed meat -- what do scientists say?

A recent perspective paper cautions about uncertainties in scientific evidence linking red and processed meat to increased cancer risk. The review discusses differences between animal studies and human data, suggesting that other foods may protect the gut from potential adverse effects of meat.

SourceElsevier·JournalMeat Science·DateMar 6, 2014

Up-converted radio

A new approach converts weak microwave signals into visible light for clean detection and reduces noise by a thousand times. This all-optical detection method is the first to achieve this at room temperature.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 6, 2014

Early detection helps manage a chronic graft-vs.-host disease complication

Researchers found that a simple questionnaire predicting lung involvement improves patient outcomes in chronic graft-vs.-host disease. A score of 3 indicates shortness of breath at rest or requiring oxygen, associated with higher mortality. Early detection enables timely treatment to reduce symptoms and improve survival.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalBiology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation·DateMar 6, 2014