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Science News for April 13, 2015


Tradition is more important than education in determining participation European immigrant women's role in the workforce

Research shows that traditional values and religiosity are stronger predictors of female participation in the workforce than education. The study compares attitudes of over 3,000 immigrant women with 40,000 non-emigrant European women, finding a significant positive correlation between cultural norms and work behavior.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateApr 13, 2015

Task Force weighs evidence on diabetes screening; more research news in Annals of Internal Medicine

The USPSTF completed a systematic evidence review to inform an upcoming update of Task Force recommendations on screening asymptomatic adults for type 2 diabetes. Screening was found to help delay progression to diabetes by identifying those who could benefit from treatment, but did not improve mortality rates.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateApr 13, 2015

Smartphone-based device could provide rapid, low-cost molecular tumor diagnosis

A smartphone-based device developed by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers uses hologram technology to collect detailed microscopic images for digital analysis of cancer cells and tissues. The D3 system can detect cancer proteins with high accuracy, categorizing biopsy samples as high-risk or low-risk in under an hour.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2015

Study finds emergency departments may help address opioid overdose, education

A study published in Western Journal of Emergency Medicine found that emergency departments can provide a promising venue for addressing opioid deaths through education on overdose prevention and naloxone rescue kit distribution. The program reached a high-risk population, equipped them with kits, and encouraged witness intervention.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalWestern Journal of Emergency Medicine·DateApr 13, 2015

Graphics in reverse

Researchers at MIT have developed a probabilistic programming language called Picture that can solve computer-vision tasks using short programs. The new system, which is competitive with conventional systems, has been shown to improve error rates on certain tasks, such as human pose estimation.

Burying the climate change problem

A team of Brazilian researchers review the risk assessments for carbon geological storage technology and suggest caution is needed due to uncertainty about leakage from geological deposits. The scientific consensus emphasizes the importance of reducing emissions at source rather than relying on this method.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Global Warming·DateApr 13, 2015

Coexisting in a sea of competition

Researchers used novel molecular and analytic tools to study how similar diatom species utilize resources differently, known as niche partitioning, in Narragansett Bay. The study found that two species of chain-forming diatoms coexist but use available nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, differently.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2015

New ways to see light and store information

Researchers have designed an organic electronic device with record-breaking ultra-long charge carrier lifetimes, opening up possibilities for new classes of devices such as sensitive photo detectors and flexible memory elements. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient solar cells, low-carbon electricity generation, and reduced e...

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateApr 13, 2015

UK research cash for dementia and stroke still way too low

A study published in BMJ Open found that the UK's research funding for dementia and stroke is still too low, with cancer receiving nearly two-thirds of the £856 million allocated. The social care costs of dementia outweigh those of other conditions, highlighting the need for increased investment in these areas.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateApr 13, 2015

Fragment of continental crust found under south east Iceland

Researchers from the University of Liverpool found that south east Iceland is actually composed of a fragment of continental crust, extending offshore to the east. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of mantle plumes and plate tectonics, with potential impacts on natural resources in the region.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2015

Penn Medicine pain management study reveals patient confusion about opioid addiction

A new Penn Medicine study found that patients seen in emergency departments have misperceptions about opioid dependence and want more information about their pain management options. Patients desire better communication from physicians about their pain management options, along with discussion of the risks of opioid dependence.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateApr 13, 2015

Spinal surgery: Right on target

Researchers developed LevelCheck software to assist surgeons in identifying the correct vertebra during spine surgery. The software achieves 100% accuracy in just 26 seconds, helping prevent wrong-level surgeries and improving patient safety.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalSpine·DateApr 13, 2015

NYU study identifies teens at risk for hashish use

A new NYU study examines prevalence and correlates of hashish use among US high school seniors, finding that males are more likely to use the potent form. The study also found that frequency of marijuana use increases risk for recent hashish use, with students who feel 'hooked' on marijuana nearly doubling their odds

SourceNew York University·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·DateApr 13, 2015

X-ray ptychography, fluorescence microscopy combo sheds new light on trace elements

Scientists have developed a new approach combining ptychographic X-ray imaging and fluorescence microscopy to study the role of trace elements in biological functions. This technique demonstrates unparalleled sensitivity for measuring trace element distribution in thicker specimens at cryogenic temperatures.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2015

Personalized computer feedback can mitigate problem gambling behaviors

A new study from the University of Missouri found that personalized computer feedback can significantly mitigate problem gambling behaviors in college-aged adults. Participants who received individualized feedback from a computer showed a significant decline in problem gambling behavior compared to those who received standard informati...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateApr 13, 2015

Balanced behavior with IRBIT

Researchers at RIKEN Brain Science Institute identified IRBIT as a key player in regulating dopamine levels in the brain. The absence of IRBIT leads to hyperactivity and abnormal social behavior in mice, highlighting its role in maintaining balance.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2015

Why we have chins

University of Iowa researchers found that human chins are an evolutionary adaptation, emerging as faces became smaller. The study suggests that mechanical forces like chewing did not create the chin, but rather a geometric change in face shape led to its development.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Anatomy·DateApr 13, 2015

Scientists uncover gene 'architects' responsible for body's blueprint

Researchers have discovered two protein 'architects', MOZ and BMI1, which play opposing roles in guiding embryonic development. These proteins regulate Hox gene expression, ensuring the correct formation of body segments and tissues. The study sheds new light on how environmental factors can impact early embryo development.

SourceWalter and Eliza Hall Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2015

Heart cells regenerated in mice

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science have successfully regenerated heart cells in adult mice using a previously unknown signaling pathway. By activating ERBB2, a protein that plays a role in heart development, researchers were able to induce cardiac cell renewal and regeneration without excessive growth or scarring.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateApr 13, 2015

New light for old master paintings

A new technique based on Optical Coherence Tomography allows conservators to analyze the hidden layers in priceless paintings without removing physical samples. This enables detailed information on the chemical composition of paint and coatings applied over time.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 13, 2015

Tango dancing benefits Parkinson's patients

A new study by McGill University researchers found that a 12-week tango course improved balance and functional mobility in 40 Parkinson's patients, while also showing modest benefits in cognitive functions. The dance style's social interaction and physical activity may have therapeutic value for PD patients.

SourceMcGill University·JournalComplementary Therapies in Medicine·DateApr 13, 2015

Wasp identification made easy

A new open-access article provides cutting-edge resources for identifying parasitoid wasps in Africa and Madagascar, with over 306 described species and 54 genera available for research. The resource aims to facilitate future work on the taxonomy of these wasps and their importance in ecosystems.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalZooKeys·DateApr 13, 2015