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Science News for November 25, 2014


Researchers find way to turn sawdust into gasoline

Scientists at KU Leuven successfully converted cellulose in sawdust into hydrocarbon chains, which can be used as an additive in gasoline or component in plastics. The conversion process is a new type of bio-refining and has potential economic benefits, offering an alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateNov 25, 2014

Missing gene linked to autism

Researchers at the University of Leeds have identified a missing gene mutation linked to autistic traits in mice. The study found behavioural features similar to autism symptoms, including sociability issues and impaired neurotransmitter release.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateNov 25, 2014

Mere expectation of treatment can improve brain activity in Parkinson's patients

A new study found that Parkinson's patients' brain activity improves equally in response to real medication and placebo treatment, highlighting the power of expectations to drive changes in the brain. The research suggests that dopamine-rich areas in the brain are activated when patients believe they have received medication, offering ...

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 25, 2014

Obstructive sleep apnea treatments may reduce depressive symptoms

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 trials found that treatment for obstructive sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or mandibular advancement devices (MADs) can lead to modest improvements in depressive symptoms. The benefits were more pronounced in those with higher baseline depression scores.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 25, 2014

Problem gambling, personality disorders often go hand in hand

Research highlights connection between problem gambling and various personality disorders, including Borderline Personality Disorder. Screening for personality disorders can aid in successful treatment, with Dialectical Behavior Therapy showing promise for a subset of problem gamblers.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·DateNov 25, 2014

Study maps how city neighborhoods affect diabetes risk

A new Drexel study finds that neighborhood and community-level factors play a significant role in diabetes risk, with areas of poverty, low education and high obesity rates having higher diabetes rates. The researchers report that improving the physical and social environment can reduce diabetes risk by up to 12%.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAdvances in Preventive Medicine·DateNov 25, 2014

Entrepreneurs to venture capitalists: Don't be a Scrooge

A Baylor University study reveals that entrepreneurs prefer to partner with venture capitalists who have a history of ethical behavior. The researchers found that an investor's reputation can trump their investment track record, and venturing capitalists should prioritize ethics to build trust with high-quality entrepreneurs.

SourceBaylor University·JournalJournal of Business Venturing·DateNov 25, 2014

Why do people with autism see faces differently?

Researchers found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) make mixed judgments when presented with neutral facial expressions in photographic images, unlike control group participants. However, the results remained consistent when synthetic images were used, suggesting that it's not the judgment process itself that differs.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateNov 25, 2014

Feeling -- not being -- wealthy drives opposition to wealth redistribution

New research published in Psychological Science finds that people's subjective feelings of wealth or poverty motivate their attitudes toward redistributive policies. Feeling relatively wealthy leads participants to oppose redistribution and view others as biased by self-interest. This study suggests a mechanism by which inequality may ...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 25, 2014

Blind Scottish centipede unlocks clues to the origins of creepy crawlies

The genome of Strigamia maritima, a blind Scottish centipede, has been sequenced, providing insights into the genetic basis of centipede biology and the diversification of arthropods. The study reveals that these animals have lost genes encoding light receptors and circadian rhythm, suggesting alternative detection mechanisms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 25, 2014

Breakthrough in flexible electronics enabled by inorganic-based laser lift-off

A breakthrough in flexible electronics has been achieved using Inorganic-based Laser Lift-off (ILLO), which overcomes material and processing limitations. ILLO allows for the fabrication of ultrathin inorganic electronic devices on flexible substrates, enabling high temperature processes previously restricted by polymer materials.

A hybrid vehicle that delivers DNA

A new hybrid vehicle has been developed to deliver DNA vaccines that can fight HIV, cancer, influenza, and other diseases. The technology improves the delivery of genes to the immune system, increasing its effectiveness in treating major illnesses.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2014

Homeless, mentally ill women face vicious cycle in India

A study by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine researcher Anita Rao found that homeless, mentally ill women in India suffer from a vicious cycle of homelessness and mental illness relapse. The study highlights the need for a balance between reintegrating women with their families and achieving psychiatric remission.

Lawrence Livermore researchers develop efficient method to produce nanoporous metals

Nanoporous metals with superior qualities have numerous applications due to their high surface area for electron transfer and increased sites for analyte adsorption. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory researchers developed a cost-effective method to manufacture nanoporous metals over various scales, from nanoscale to macroscale.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateNov 25, 2014