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Science News for September 23, 2014


Research shows alcohol consumption influenced by genes

A study published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research found that people's perception of alcohol taste varies due to genetic differences in bitter taste receptors. These differences can influence drinking habits, with some individuals experiencing more bitterness and lower liking for alcoholic beverages.

New hope for beloved family pets

Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a novel electronic system for diagnosing canine lymphoma in its early stages and monitoring remission after chemotherapy. The cLBT test detects biomarkers associated with the disease, offering improved diagnostic capabilities for veterinarians and pet owners.

Termites evolved complex bioreactors 30 million years ago

Termite fungus farmers developed a sophisticated system of cooperation between fungi and gut bacteria to break down complex plant components. The symbiotic community optimized for efficient plant decomposition involves division of labor, with fungi handling carbohydrates and gut microbes contributing enzymes for final digestion.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2014

Advancing the understanding of an understudied food allergy disorder

Eosinophilic gastritis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by high levels of eosinophils in the blood and gastrointestinal tract. The study found that it involves allergy-associated-immune mechanisms and has a distinct gene expression pattern, paving the way for improved diagnosis and treatment.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 23, 2014

Rate of diabetes in US may be leveling off

The prevalence of diagnosed diabetes in the US population has plateaued for adults between 2008 and 2012, with a slight decrease in incidence. However, certain subgroups continue to experience an increase in diabetes rates, exacerbating existing racial and socioeconomic disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 23, 2014

Big changes in the Sargasso Sea

Researchers found that animal communities in Sargassum rafts were significantly less diverse than those observed in the 1970s, with 13 species missing from recent samples. The study suggests that long-term shifts in ocean conditions may be contributing to the decline, but further research is needed to confirm this.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·JournalMarine Biology·DateSep 23, 2014

Eating five a day may keep the blues away

Fruit and vegetable consumption consistently associated with high and low mental wellbeing, suggesting potential role as driver of mental health in the general population. High mental wellbeing linked to healthier lifestyle habits, while low mental wellbeing strongly linked to mental illness and physical diseases.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalBMJ Open·DateSep 23, 2014

Kessler Foundation researchers find foot drop stimulator beneficial in stroke rehab

A study published by Kessler Foundation researchers found that using a foot drop stimulator during walking can retrain the temporal activation of the tibialis anterior muscle, improving muscle function. The results suggest that this intervention may facilitate recovery from foot drop, a common complication of stroke.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateSep 23, 2014

Moving to the 'burbs is bad for business

A Concordia University study found that businesses located furthest from market expansion have higher profits than those chasing customers. Retailers should analyze the market and secure good locations early on to maximize profits.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCanadian Journal of Administrative Sciences / Revue Canadienne des Sciences de l Administration·DateSep 23, 2014

Water-quality trading can reduce river pollution

A new study by Duke University researchers suggests that water-quality trading programs can significantly lower costs of achieving Clean Water Act goals. By allowing polluters to buy, sell or trade credits, these programs can reduce pollution in river basins and estuaries faster and at a lower cost than requiring facilities to meet com...

SourceDuke University·JournalWater Resources Research·DateSep 23, 2014

Could suburban sprawl be good for segregation?

Researchers found that low-density neighborhoods are more likely to stay integrated, while high-density areas become segregated. The study uses a mathematical model to simulate the movement of families between neighborhoods and shows that cities can quickly become segregated once a certain density threshold is reached.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2014

'Bendy' LEDs

A Korean research team has successfully grown gallium nitride micro-rods on graphene substrates, enabling the creation of bendable light-emitting diodes. The technology has significant implications for next-generation electronics and optoelectronics devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials·DateSep 23, 2014

Stop taking patients in cardiac arrest to hospital, says expert

A leading expert suggests that taking patients in cardiac arrest to hospital may be actively harmful and recommends empowering ambulance staff with skills to optimise CPR at the scene. This approach could save lives and reduce unnecessary transports, but experts acknowledge the complexity of applying guidelines in different regions.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateSep 23, 2014

Does the belief in guardian angels make people more cautious?

A recent study published in SAGE Open found that individuals who believe in guardian angels tend to be less likely to take risks compared to non-believers. The researchers surveyed 198 participants and discovered that the majority of those who believe in guardian angels are more cautious when making decisions, with a higher risk percep...

SourceSAGE·JournalSAGE Open·DateSep 23, 2014

Note to young men: Fat doesn't pay

Researchers analyzed data from Sweden, UK, and US, finding obese teen boys earn up to 18% less than peers. The study attributes the penalty to lower cognitive and non-cognitive skills linked to obesity, bullying, and discrimination. Targeting early-life obesity could reduce socio-economic inequalities.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalDemography·DateSep 23, 2014

Study finds gallbladder surgery can wait

Researchers found that patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy during normal working hours were more likely to receive minimally invasive procedures. The study also revealed no significant differences in complication rates or length of stay between day and night surgeries.

The mechanics of tissue growth

Carnegie Mellon researchers found that mechanical processes, not just chemical signaling, are essential for cell communication during tissue growth. The study used a microfluidic control system to analyze cellular mechanics and revealed that disabling these connections impairs cell communication.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2014

Search for better biofuels microbes leads to the human gut

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that human gut microbes can digest fiber and ferment it into nutrients for human cells. The microbes appear to have enzymes that break down complex plant fiber components more efficiently than cow rumen microbes, which could aid in biofuels production.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2014

Lack of sleep increases risk of failure in school

A Swedish study found that adolescents with sleep disturbance or short sleep duration are less likely to succeed academically. The research suggests that sleep may play a crucial role for adolescents' performance at school, with around 30% of participants reporting regular sleep problems.

SourceUppsala University·JournalSleep Medicine·DateSep 23, 2014

Nanotubes help healing hearts keep the beat

Researchers at Rice University created patches infused with conductive single-walled carbon nanotubes to overcome limitations in current patches, which hinder the transfer of electrical signals between cardiomyocytes. The patches can serve as full-thickness repairs without inducing abnormal cardiac rhythms.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 23, 2014

Immune system is key ally in cyberwar against cancer

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new two-step strategy for weakening cancer by harnessing the power of the immune system. The study found that alternating cycles of radiation or chemotherapy with immune-boosting treatments can alter the balance between cancer and the immune system, ultimately bringing the cancer to a wea...

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 23, 2014