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Science News for November 18, 2014


Penrose's and Hawking's early math award revisited

In 1966, Roger Penrose won the prestigious Adams Prize for his essay on space-time structure, while Steven Hawking received an auxiliary prize for his essay on singularities and spacetime geometry. These early awards laid the foundation for their later work on cosmology and black holes.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal H·DateNov 18, 2014

New treatment for Marfan syndrome shows promise

Researchers found that Losartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker, is as effective as beta blockers in slowing the growth of the aorta in patients with Marfan syndrome. The study included 608 patients and showed similar rates of tears in the aorta and no difference in deaths between the two groups.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 18, 2014

Does 'brain training' work?

A new study reveals that computer-based cognitive training can improve memory, speed, and visuospatial skills in older adults. However, self-directed brain training at home has no therapeutic effect on cognition. Training frequency is also crucial, with one to three sessions per week being most effective.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 18, 2014

Ferroptosis, a novel form of non-apoptotic cell death, holds great therapeutic potential

Researchers have discovered ferroptosis, a regulated form of necrosis that occurs in various pathological conditions. Ferroptosis inhibitors, such as Liproxstatin-1, offer novel therapeutic opportunities to mitigate diseases previously thought to be untreatable.

Herbs and spices enhance heart health as well as flavor

Research suggests that spices and herbs, such as cinnamon and garlic, can lower triglyceride levels in the blood, which can lead to a reduced risk of heart disease. The use of high-antioxidant spice blends may be a potential way to reduce calorie intake without sacrificing flavor.

SourcePenn State·JournalNutrition Today·DateNov 18, 2014

Shift in gut bacteria observed in fiber supplement study may offer good news for weight loss

A new study from the University of Illinois shows that two specific functional fibers may assist in weight loss when made part of a long-term diet. The researchers observed a shift in the Bacteroidetes:Firmicutes ratio toward more Bacteroidetes, which has been linked to being leaner, and found modifications in nutrient metabolism.

Using science to open way to 'blue economy'

A new integrated coastal zone management plan has been developed for Belize using novel tools to calculate risk of habitat degradation. The plan reduces high-risk areas by 20% and triples space for coastal development, while allowing for sustainable aquaculture and oil exploration limits.

SourceStanford University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateNov 18, 2014

High earthquake danger in Tianjin, China

Researchers reconstructed the spatial pattern of major earthquakes along the Tangshan-Hejian-Cixian fault in Tianjin, revealing a 160-km seismic gap that has not been ruptured for over 8,400 years. This gap may be the next to rupture, generating a devastating earthquake similar to the 1976 Tangshan earthquake.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateNov 18, 2014

Seniors draw on extra brainpower for shopping

A new Duke University study finds that older adults recruit an additional brain area to remember competing consumer products and choose the better one. The study suggests that this brain activity, involving the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, allows them to perform at a higher level.

House fly sex may reveal one key to controlling them

The house fly genome project has uncovered genes responsible for male traits that evolve exceptionally fast and are gained and lost from the genome at a high rate. These findings hold promise for developing pest control strategies that do not rely on chemical pesticides, by targeting sex determination systems.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalGenome Biology·DateNov 18, 2014

Benefits of whistleblower programs outweigh costs

A new study finds that whistleblower involvement leads to greater penalties and enforcement, resulting in a $21.27 billion increase in penalties over 35 years. This research supports the increase of whistleblower incentive programs, as policymakers push for more rewards without considering economic benefits.

SourceAmerican University·JournalSocial Science Research·DateNov 18, 2014

Peanut in household dust linked to peanut allergies, especially for children with eczema

A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found a strong link between peanut exposure in household dust and the development of peanut allergies, particularly among children with eczema. The research suggests that exposure to peanut proteins through impaired skin barriers may trigger allergic reactions.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateNov 18, 2014

Premature infants benefit from early sodium supplementation according to new research

A recent study published in JPEN found that premature infants who received sodium supplementation gained weight faster, had lower rates of hyponatremia, and no increased risk of prematurity-related morbidities. The researchers recommend further studies to determine the optimal dose and duration of sodium therapy.

SourceAmerican Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.)·JournalJournal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition·DateNov 18, 2014

Finding new ways to make drugs

Chemists developed a new way to manufacture natural chemicals by clipping smaller molecules together, enabling the efficient assembly of scarce anti-inflammatory drugs like pseudopterosin. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper ways to produce rare drugs in large quantities.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 18, 2014

Paramecia need Newton for navigation

Research by Brown University scientists found that paramecia's buoyancy affects their ability to navigate flat surfaces. Under normal conditions, they use their sensory systems to turn and swim away, but with altered buoyancy, they get stuck at an angle, unable to complete the turn.

SourceBrown University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 18, 2014

Virulent bacteria affecting oysters found to be a case of mistaken identity

A recent report reveals that Vibrio coralliilyticus is not only more widespread and deadly than previously believed but also infects various fish, shellfish, and oysters, including rainbow trout and larval brine shrimp. Researchers have developed a rapid diagnostic assay for this bacteria to assess problems in oyster and coral health.

SourceOregon State University·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateNov 18, 2014

New protocol for imaging patients with Ebola

A new protocol for imaging Ebola patients has been developed to minimize risk of exposure, using portable computed radiography and thorough decontamination procedures. The step-by-step guide is published in the American Journal of Roentgenology and aims to improve physicians' ability to rapidly evaluate suspected cases.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·DateNov 18, 2014

Taking antibiotics during pregnancy increases risk for child becoming obese

A recent study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that children exposed to antibiotics in the second or third trimester of pregnancy had a higher risk of childhood obesity at age 7. Additionally, delivery by Caesarean section was also associated with a higher risk of childhood obesity.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateNov 18, 2014

Clean energy 'bio batteries' a step closer

Researchers at the University of East Anglia have made a significant discovery in bio battery technology, enabling the generation of clean energy from bacteria. The study reveals how electrons hop across bacterial proteins and find that the rate of electrical transfer is dependent on protein orientation and proximity.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateNov 18, 2014

Using technology to decrease the knowledge gap between Ugandan men and women

A University of Illinois study found that combining video and lecture-demonstration training methods significantly narrowed the gender knowledge gap. Video training alone improved women's knowledge scores but did not close the gap between them and men.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of International Agricultural and Extension Education·DateNov 18, 2014

Two sensors in one

New nanoparticles can perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fluorescent imaging simultaneously, allowing for the tracking of specific molecules produced in the body. The particles were demonstrated to detect vitamin C in mice, showing strong fluorescent signals where vitamin C is present but little MRI contrast.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 18, 2014