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Science News for October 1, 2014


Study shows sharks have personalities

Researchers found that individual sharks possess social personalities, determining how they interact with group mates in the wild. The study revealed that socially well-connected individuals remained connected under different habitats, while less social individuals camouflaged alone.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateOct 1, 2014

Predicting the future course of psychotic illness

Researchers developed a predictive model based on clinical symptoms, cognitive abilities, brain structure, and biomarkers to forecast patient outcomes. The model aims to improve treatment for mental illnesses like schizophrenia and could lead to more personalized care.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAustralian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 1, 2014

Hypertension risk rises closer to major roadways

A new study by Brown University found that women who lived close to highways had a significantly higher risk of high blood pressure, with risks rising with proximity to the roadways. The study controlled for various confounding factors and found that living within 100m of a highway increased hypertension risk by 22%.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateOct 1, 2014

Spiders: Survival of the fittest group

A study by Pruitt and Goodnight found that group-level adaptations, such as a critical ratio of two types of females, are potent evolutionary forces in nature. In spider colonies, docile and aggressive females adapt to specific locations, with the ratio shifting between survival-friendly and threat-prone conditions.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 2014

Proving 'group selection'

A landmark study published in Nature finds that spiders adapt their docile-to-aggressive ratios to local environments for optimal colony survival. The research shows that colonies change their composition over time to better match the ratio required by their native site, even when moved to different locations.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 2014

New article shows daily use of certain supplements can decrease health-care expenditures

A new article published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements explores a potential cost-benefit analysis tool that shows daily use of certain dietary supplements, specifically omega-3 fatty acid or B vitamin supplements, can result in reduced odds of experiencing costly medical events. According to the study, high-risk adults over 55 w...

SourceCouncil for Responsible Nutrition·JournalJournal of Dietary Supplements·DateOct 1, 2014

Fat chats: The good, the bad and the ugly comments

A study analyzing over 1.37 million social media posts found pervasive negative stereotypes and jokes about weight, as well as instances of support and advice. Blogs and forums offered a safe space for online discussions about healthy eating and weight management.

SourceSpringer·JournalTranslational Behavioral Medicine·DateOct 1, 2014

To improve oral health of adults with developmental disabilities, support caregivers

A large-scale survey found that caregivers providing at-home oral care to adults with developmental disabilities face significant challenges, including behavioral problems and lack of training. The study emphasizes the need for policy initiatives to provide additional support for caregivers to promote good oral health outcomes.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateOct 1, 2014

New approach can predict impact of climate change on species that can't get out of the way

Researchers have developed a new tool to predict how organisms may respond to climate change, focusing on plant and tree species. By combining genetic analyses with computer modeling techniques, scientists identified how well balsam poplar trees are adapted to handle climate change, providing valuable insights into biodiversity.

The science and practice of people-centerd health systems

A new supplement published in Health Policy and Planning presents the latest research on people-centred health systems, emphasizing the importance of patient and community involvement. The studies reveal four key themes: ensuring people have a voice, putting people first in healthcare design, recognizing social relationships within hea...

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalHealth Policy and Planning·DateOct 1, 2014

Nanoparticles give up forensic secrets

A Swiss research team has revealed that nanoparticles are attracted to fingermarks through chemical bonding, rather than electrostatically. This discovery could lead to more accurate and sensitive techniques for detecting previously undetectable fingermarks, improving forensic science.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateOct 1, 2014

Origin of moon's 'ocean of storms' revealed

New research suggests the Moon's 'ocean of storms,' Oceanus Procellarum, was formed by ancient rifts in the crust that provided a magma plumbing system. This theory argues against the long-held impact basin hypothesis and provides a new alternative for understanding the region's unique shape and composition.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateOct 1, 2014

Quantum environmentalism

Scientists at the Cavendish Laboratory and Joint Quantum Institute create a new type of qubit control that leverages its surroundings to maintain quantum integrity. By harnessing the environment's magnetic field, they enable efficient manipulation and readout of quantum states, paving the way for quantum computing advancements.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 1, 2014

Lift weights, improve your memory

A new study found that a short bout of resistance exercise, such as lifting weights for 20 minutes, can improve episodic memory by 10% in healthy young adults. The researchers tested participants before and after the exercise, using a series of photos to assess their memory recall.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalActa Psychologica·DateOct 1, 2014

New absorber will lead to better biosensors

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new nanostructure that absorbs a very narrow spectrum of light, enhancing the sensitivity of biosensors. This ultranarrow band absorber can detect smaller changes in the environment and has been shown to exceed 90% absorption at visible frequencies.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 1, 2014

Diabetes in a dish

Researchers at UC San Diego aim to bioengineer the irregularly shaped patches of the pancreas called Islets of Langerhans in a dish. This could lead to studying the events that trigger beta cell destruction and developing new drug therapies, as well as understanding the genetic component of the disease.

Power can corrupt even the honest

A recent study published in The Leadership Quarterly found that power can lead to corruption in leaders, regardless of their initial honesty. The researchers used experimental methods to investigate the effects of power on behavior, and found that individuals who scored lower on honesty were more likely to exhibit corrupt behavior.

SourceElsevier·JournalThe Leadership Quarterly·DateOct 1, 2014

Treatment of substance abuse can lessen risk of future violence in mentally ill

A new study from the University at Buffalo Research Institute on Addictions suggests that reducing substance abuse has a greater influence on reducing violent acts by patients with severe mental illness. The study found that treating substance abuse was more effective in decreasing aggression than improving psychiatric symptoms.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalJournal of Substance Abuse Treatment·DateOct 1, 2014

Scientists aim to give botox a safer facelift

Researchers have made breakthroughs in understanding the interactions between botulinum neurotoxins and cells, paving the way for safer forms of Botox. By designing inhibitors or specific antibodies, scientists hope to prevent toxic interactions and engineer safer toxins for medical and cosmetic use.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biochemical Sciences·DateOct 1, 2014

Public feels more negative toward drug addicts than mentally ill

A recent study from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that people are more likely to have negative attitudes toward those suffering from drug addiction than those with mental illness. The researchers suggest that society often perceives substance abuse as a moral failing rather than a treatable medical condition.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPsychiatric Services·DateOct 1, 2014

'Smart' bandage emits phosphorescent glow for healing below

A new paint-on, see-through 'smart' bandage glows to indicate tissue oxygenation concentration, enabling direct measurement for improved wound care. The bandage's phosphorescence emits light based on oxygen levels, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of wounds and burns.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateOct 1, 2014

Platinum meets its match in quantum dots from coal

Researchers developed a hybrid catalyst combining graphene quantum dots and graphene oxide, nitrogen, and boron, outperforming commercial platinum-based catalysts in fuel cells. The new material cuts the cost of generating energy with fuel cells, offering a promising solution to the expensive metal hurdle.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 1, 2014

Is Australia prepared for Ebola?

Australia's lack of preparedness for Ebola is highlighted by experts who call for a national disease control centre to coordinate risk assessments and response plans. The current outbreak in multiple regions of five countries underscores the need for such a centre.

SourceWiley·JournalAustralian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health·DateOct 1, 2014

How to protect health workers in conflicts and crisis

Researchers conducted life history interviews with 26 health workers who lived through conflict in Northern Uganda, revealing their resilience and coping mechanisms. The study proposes solutions to protect and motivate health workers during and after crises, including community support, formal promotion, and regular pay.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalHealth Policy and Planning·DateOct 1, 2014

Drug treats inherited form of intellectual disability in mice

Researchers have successfully treated a genetic form of intellectual disability in mice using an anticancer drug, suggesting a potential new approach for the human condition. The study's findings indicate that altering the balance between chromatin's open and closed states could be key to treating Mendelian disorders of the epigenetic ...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 1, 2014

Teen pregnancies, abortions plunge with free birth control

A new study found that providing free contraception and education on various methods significantly reduced teen pregnancies, births, and abortions. Among participants, 72% opted for long-acting forms like IUDs or implants, leading to a 34-per-1,000 pregnancy rate among teens compared to 158.5 in 2008.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 1, 2014

Montmorency tart cherry juice lowered blood uric acid levels and a marker for inflammation

Researchers found that Montmorency tart cherry juice lowered blood uric acid levels and increased specific anthocyanin compounds, which may help alleviate joint pain and inflammation associated with conditions like gout. The study also detected increased C-reactive protein in the bloodstream after consuming tart cherries.

SourceWeber Shandwick Worldwide·JournalJournal of Functional Foods·DateOct 1, 2014