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Science News for September 16, 2014


Nanoribbon film keeps glass ice-free

Rice University scientists have developed a transparent coating for glass that can keep surfaces free of ice and fog while maintaining radio frequency transparency. The graphene nanoribbon film, refined for consistency, retains its heat-conductive properties when applied to glass or plastic surfaces.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 16, 2014

Neuroimaging technique identifies concussion-related brain disease in living brain

A new experimental PET tracer effectively diagnoses chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) while patients are still alive. The technology differentiates CTE from other forms of dementia, enabling estimates of prevalence and risk. This breakthrough improves diagnosis and treatment for athletes and others exposed to repeated head trauma.

Computerized emotion detector

A new software emotion detector uses a three-phase approach to analyze facial features and associate them with emotional states, achieving a 94% success rate. The technology has the potential to enhance human-computer interactions and improve security checks at airports.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Computational Vision and Robotics·DateSep 16, 2014

Study on global carbon cycle may require reappraisal of climate events in Earth's history

Scientists at the University of Miami re-evaluate the global carbon cycle by analyzing marine sediment cores, suggesting that post-depositional changes can mimic ancient trends. This new perspective highlights the importance of understanding geological context in interpreting carbon isotope records.

First blood test to diagnose depression in adults

A new blood test identifies 9 RNA markers tied to depression, predicting who will benefit from therapy and providing the first objective, scientific diagnosis. The test also shows biological effects of cognitive behavioral therapy, offering personalized medicine approach to people suffering from depression.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateSep 16, 2014

Job stress not the only cause of burnouts at work

A new study published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology found that factors outside the workplace contribute to mental health problems. Employees living with a partner, with young children or higher household income, experienced fewer burnout symptoms. The research emphasizes the importance of considering home life along...

SourceConcordia University·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·DateSep 16, 2014

Meteorite that doomed the dinosaurs helped the forests bloom

A new study published in PLOS Biology reveals that the meteorite impact that ended the dinosaurs also accelerated the growth of fast-growing flowering plants, which replaced slower-growing evergreen species. The research used fossilized leaves to reconstruct a plant community thriving during a 2.2 million-year period after the impact.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 16, 2014

Powerful synergies across different sectors improve health of poor women and children

New research finds that 50% of under-five child mortality reduction is due to high-impact health interventions, while the remaining 50% is attributed to factors outside the health sector. Successful countries deployed tailored strategies to address immediate needs, work towards long-term visions, and adapt quickly to change.

SourceHoffman & Hoffman Worldwide·JournalBulletin of the World Health Organization·DateSep 16, 2014

Healthy humans make nice homes for viruses

A recent study found that healthy individuals carry an average of five types of viruses on their bodies, with some individuals harboring up to 15 viruses. The researchers discovered seven families of viruses, including strains of herpes viruses not associated with sexually transmitted infections.

The genetics of coping with HIV

Researchers found that tolerance to HIV varies substantially between individuals, influenced by inherited genes, and is distinct from resistance. The study also discovered a gene linked to both resistance and tolerance, suggesting a unique mechanism for coping with the virus.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 16, 2014

World Health Organization policy improves use of medicines

A study by WHO and University of Toronto researchers found that implementing essential medicines policies is associated with improved quality use of medicines. Countries with higher per capita wealth levels showed weaker correlation, highlighting the importance of these policies in low-income nations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 16, 2014

Smart teens rub off on teammates

A new study at Brigham Young University found that high school students who participate in extracurricular activities with members who get good grades are more likely to attend college. The type of team or club doesn't matter, as long as the student is surrounded by peers with high GPAs.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalSocial Science Research·DateSep 16, 2014

How learning to talk is in the genes

Researchers discovered a genetic link between changes near the ROBO2 gene and the number of words spoken by children in early stages of language development. The study found significant association between genetic variations and expressive vocabulary in infancy, suggesting a strong role for genetics in early language skills.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2014

A novel therapy for sepsis?

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have found that PTX3, a protein involved in innate immunity, can reduce mortality from sepsis by protecting endothelial cells from damage. The study's findings suggest that PTX3 may be used to develop a novel therapy for sepsis.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Signaling·DateSep 16, 2014

Meteorite that doomed dinosaurs remade forests

A study of fossilized leaves reveals that the meteorite impact that ended the dinosaurs' reign favored fast-growing, deciduous plants. This shift from slow-growing evergreens to fast-growing species indicates that the extinction was not random, but rather a response to the major disturbance caused by the impact.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 16, 2014

Exxon Valdez 2014: Does media coverage of manmade disasters contribute to consumer complacency?

A new study reveals that news coverage of environmental disasters like the Exxon Valdez 2014 oil spill calms consumer anxieties instead of driving change. The media coverage creates a 'disaster myth' that directs attention to the company responsible, providing a dramatic closure, and distracting from systemic risks.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 16, 2014

Tornadoes occurring earlier in 'Tornado Alley'

A new study reveals peak tornado activity in the central and southern Great Plains of the US is starting and ending earlier than it did half a century ago. The shift in tornado activity could help states in 'Tornado Alley' better prepare for these violent storms, with some states experiencing an average shift of 14 days compared to 1954.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 16, 2014

Counting fish teeth reveals regulatory DNA changes behind rapid evolution, adaptation

Scientists have discovered that a single genetic change in the Bmp6 gene is associated with an increase in tooth number in freshwater sticklebacks, which can lead to cleft palate deformities. The study suggests that regulating this gene may hold the key to replacing human teeth and improving tooth formation.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 16, 2014

Study identifies when and how much various prostate cancer treatments will impact urinary and sexual functioning

Researchers analyzed data from over 17,000 surveys to track changes in urinary and sexual symptoms following various prostate cancer treatments. The study found that certain treatments, such as surgery and low-dose rate brachytherapy (LDR), may cause temporary increases in symptoms, while others, like intensity modulated radiation ther...

Waistlines of US adults continue to increase

The prevalence of abdominal obesity and average waist circumference increased significantly among US adults between 1999-2012. The overall age-adjusted average waist circumference rose by 1.2 inches in men and 1.5 inches in women, with significant increases seen across different racial groups.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 16, 2014

Making quantum dots glow brighter

Researchers have discovered a way to control the properties of quantum dots by using ultrathin layers of metal oxides. This new approach makes quantum dots glow brighter and enhances their emission efficiency, which is crucial for applications such as sensors, light-emitting diodes, and solar cells.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateSep 16, 2014

Select group of stage IV lung cancer patients achieve long-term survival after aggressive treatments

A meta-analysis of 757 Stage IV NSCLC patients found that factors such as timing of metastases and lymph node involvement impact overall survival. The study identified three risk groups with different five-year OS rates, and highlighted the importance of identifying patients who are most likely to benefit from aggressive treatments.

'Smart material' chin strap harvests energy from chewing

Researchers have created a smart material-based chin strap that generates electricity from chewing, eating and talking, with potential to power hearing aids, cochlear implants and other small electronic devices. The device harnesses piezoelectric fiber composites to convert mechanical stress into electric charge.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateSep 16, 2014

Evidence of genetic link to PTSD in soldiers exposed to childhood trauma

Researchers at Columbia University and the University of Michigan found an interaction between the ADRB2 gene and childhood adversity in a study of Ohio National Guard soldiers. The study suggests that genetic variations can influence PTSD symptoms, particularly in individuals with two or more experiences of childhood trauma.

Study compares effectiveness of treatments for blood clots

A network meta-analysis of nearly 50 randomized trials compared the efficacy and safety outcomes of eight anticoagulation options for venous thromboembolism. Rivaroxaban and apixaban were associated with the lowest bleeding risk, while UFH-vitamin K antagonist combination was linked to higher recurrent venous thromboembolism rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 16, 2014

Unraveling cell division

Researchers have found that Topo 2, an essential enzyme for chromosome separation, needs more time to untangle long chromosomes, which can lead to mutations and cancer. The study suggests that chromosome length affects the enzyme's action and highlights the importance of understanding cell division.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·DateSep 16, 2014