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Science News for September 9, 2014


The Lancet Respiratory Medicine: Radiological correlates and clinical implications of the paradoxical lung function response to β2 agonists

A new observational study investigates the prevalence of paradoxical bronchoconstriction after using β2 agonists in smokers and ex-smokers with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The study reveals that African-American patients are twice as likely to experience a paradoxical response, leading to worse respiratory outcomes.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateSep 9, 2014

How age alters our immune response to bereavement

The study found that younger people have a more robust immune response to grief, while elderly people are more likely to experience reduced immune function. The researchers suggest that hormonal supplements could be used to help individuals at risk of stress, but highlight the importance of a strong support network in managing grief.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalImmunity & Ageing·DateSep 9, 2014

Exercise before school may reduce ADHD symptoms in kids

A new study from Michigan State University and University of Vermont researchers found that daily before-school aerobic activities can help reduce ADHD symptoms in elementary school students. Children with a higher risk of ADHD showed significant improvements across various outcomes compared to those receiving sedentary activities.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology·DateSep 9, 2014

Why do mushrooms turn brown?

Scientists from the University of Vienna have identified the enzyme responsible for mushroom browning, which has implications for food spoilage prevention and medical treatment. The study's findings provide a new understanding of the mechanisms behind tyrosinase pigmentation.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhytochemistry·DateSep 9, 2014

Penn researcher and CVS Health physician urge new payment model for gene therapy

A Penn researcher and CVS Health physician suggest an alternative payment model for gene therapy, which would replace single large payments with annuity payments over a defined period. This approach could help ensure sufficient investments in expensive gene therapies by spreading out payments and linking them to evidence of continued e...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateSep 9, 2014

Two-dimensional electron liquids

Researchers have discovered a novel form of superconductivity in two-dimensional electron liquids, characterized by the presence of quantum point contacts. These tiny channels enable the flow of superconducting currents, but with a twist: the spin degree of freedom is broken, allowing for new types of electron transport.

SourceJoint Quantum Institute·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 9, 2014

High-stakes testing, lack of voice driving teachers out

A recent study found that standardized testing is a major contributor to teacher turnover, with many educators leaving the profession due to frustration with high-stakes testing. The study's findings suggest that a culture of high-stakes testing can lead to demoralization among teachers and a lack of quality instruction time.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalTeachers College Record The Voice of Scholarship in Education·DateSep 9, 2014

Kessler Foundation multiple sclerosis researchers find role for working memory in cognitive reserve

Researchers at Kessler Foundation found that working memory capacity explains the relationship between intellectual enrichment and long-term memory in individuals with MS. This suggests that interventions targeting working memory may help build cognitive reserve to protect against decline in long-term memory.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalJournal of the International Neuropsychological Society·DateSep 9, 2014

Little fire ant control is a big job

The University of Guam Entomology Lab has received a $50,000 USDA Forestry grant to implement control procedures for the invasive little fire ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) on Guam. The team aims to demonstrate that these ants can be controlled through ongoing funding.

Study sheds light on asthma and respiratory viruses

A new study found that people with asthma have a similar immune response to respiratory viruses as those without asthma, suggesting another aspect of the immune system is at play. The researchers compared the key immune response to viruses in the lungs and breathing passages, finding no significant differences.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 9, 2014

Race and ethnicity important when evaluating risk of fat around the heart

Researchers found that African American men with mid-section fat are at higher risk of heart disease, while Korean men with higher BMIs have increased fat around the heart. These findings suggest that race and ethnicity should be considered when designing obesity prevention programs to effectively reduce heart disease risk.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateSep 9, 2014

National Renewable Energy Laboratory updates cetane data used for development of energy efficient fuels and engines

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has released an updated compendium of experimental cetane numbers, which provides vital information for the development of new, low-carbon fuels and compatible engines. The update includes additional measurements on a larger number of compounds, along with data quality assessments.

Positive outlook and social support help diabetes patients cope

Researchers found that a positive outlook and support from family and friends help people deal with the emotional, psychological and social challenges of living with diabetes. The study also highlighted the importance of sharing experiences and needs with loved ones to relieve stress and improve health outcomes.

SourcePenn State·JournalDiabetes Care·DateSep 9, 2014

Liberal countries have more satisfied citizens while conservatives are happier individuals

A study by the American Psychological Association found that people living in more liberal countries are generally happier, with liberals reporting lower well-being. Conservatives, on the other hand, are happier than their liberal counterparts, regardless of where they live or the government's political leanings. The researchers analyz...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateSep 9, 2014

Phosphorus a promising semiconductor

Researchers at Rice University discover that phosphorus exhibits stable semiconducting properties in its 2-D form, even with defects. This property makes it a promising candidate for solar cells and electronics applications.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 9, 2014

Squeezed quantum communication

Physicists successfully transmit a flash of light in a sensitive quantum state through the atmosphere, enabling secure quantum communication. The technology has potential advantages over current methods, including ability to transmit in sunlight and higher transmission rates.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 9, 2014

Testing the fossil record

Researchers have re-examined the British fossil record over 550 million years and found that only the area of preserved rock drives biodiversity, casting doubt on previous methods used to correct for bias in the fossil record.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 9, 2014

New infrared marker for bio-imaging

Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have created a novel fluorescent marker that excites in the far-red spectrum and emits in the infrared range, enabling better-quality images with advanced bio-imaging. This technology allows for the delineation of tumor and metastasis, tracking drug responses within whole-body imaging.

New glaucoma cause discovered

Researchers at Northwestern University identify a critical chemical signaling pathway for the healthy functioning of Schlemm's canal, a key factor in developing glaucoma. They are now developing an eye drop that activates regrowth of the clogged vessel to lower pressure and restore normal drainage.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 9, 2014

Scientists discover hazardous waste-eating bacteria

Researchers have discovered bacteria that can survive in highly alkaline conditions expected in radioactive waste disposal sites and use isosaccharinic acid as a food source. These microbes may prevent the release of toxic radionuclides into the environment, offering a potential solution for safe nuclear waste disposal.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateSep 9, 2014

Shared pain brings people together

A new study published in Psychological Science suggests that sharing painful experiences can lead to increased cooperation and bonding within groups. Researchers found that participants who underwent painful tasks reported higher levels of group bonding and were more willing to cooperate with their group members.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 9, 2014

Artificial membranes on silicon

Researchers have developed a new technology to create artificial membranes on silicon surfaces, mimicking those found in living organisms. The process uses commercial chemicals and is the first time anyone has made an artificial membrane without mixing liquid solvents together.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 9, 2014

Graphene gets a 'cousin' in the shape of germanene

A team of European researchers has successfully synthesized germanene, a 2D material with impressive electrical and optical properties. The material was synthesized by depositing individual germanium atoms onto a gold substrate under high temperatures and in an ultra-high vacuum, revealing its characteristic honeycomb structure.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateSep 9, 2014

An evolutionary approach to epidemics

Researchers applied evolutionary game theory to analyze disease outbreaks, identifying four key outcomes influenced by government response and healthcare provision. The approach has been tested with actual data from the 2009 influenza outbreak and may inform quarantine measures for future pandemics.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Innovative Computing and Applications·DateSep 9, 2014

UT Southwestern expert co-chairs national team to develop first comprehensive guidelines for management of sickle cell disease

A nationwide team of experts led by UT Southwestern hematologist Dr. George Buchanan developed the first comprehensive, evidence-based guidelines for managing sickle cell disease from birth to end of life. The guidelines consist of over 500 specific directions for physicians caring for patients with sickle cell disease.

An appetite for life

A study published in Appetite found that elderly people with fair or poor appetites had higher risks of mortality than those with good appetites. Those with poor appetites consumed a less diverse diet, leading to lower energy and nutrient intake.

SourceMonash University·JournalAppetite·DateSep 9, 2014

Rice wireless experts tap unused TV spectrum

Researchers at Rice University have created a multiuser, multiantenna transmission scheme for the UHF band, which can serve multiple users simultaneously over long distances. The new technology combines proven technologies like MIMO to boost data rates without increasing power or channel usage.