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Science News for April 7, 2015


Inventing a 2-D liquid

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed nanoparticles that can interact with oil-water interfaces without clumping together. By measuring pressure and density, they've established universal rules governing the physics of these systems, which could lead to advances in nanomanufacturing, catalysis, and photonic devices.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 7, 2015

UM study finds fast food just as effective for recovery as sports supplements

A new University of Montana study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that eating fast food after a workout can provide the same potential for muscle glycogen recovery as traditional sports supplements. The study, led by Brent Ruby, analyzed muscle biopsies and blood samples from male...

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalInternational Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism·DateApr 7, 2015

The rest of the brain gets in the way

A study using fMRI scans found that unnecessary brain activity hinders learning, while reduced neural connections facilitate faster skill acquisition. The researchers' novel analysis methods revealed complex brain networks and community structures that correlate with individual differences in learning rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 7, 2015

Rates of ADHD appear to decrease at higher altitudes

Researchers found that ADHD prevalence decreases substantially at higher elevations, correlating with increased dopamine levels. The study suggests that hypobaric hypoxia, a condition caused by lower oxygen levels at high altitudes, may serve as an environmental stressor and potentially protect against the disorder.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Attention Disorders·DateApr 7, 2015

How do single women seeking donor semen differ from cohabiting women?

A Danish study of 311 women reveals that single women seeking donor semen differ little from cohabiting women in terms of sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes toward motherhood. The study suggests that the myth surrounding single women's suitability for parenthood may be overstated.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica·DateApr 7, 2015

Catheter-related bloodstream infections examined in home parenteral nutrition patients

A new study published in JPEN found that using peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) for one additional infusion day per week significantly reduced the time before a first bloodstream infection. In contrast, managing tunneled vascular access devices by home care nurses increased the mean incidence of such infections.

SourceAmerican Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.)·JournalJournal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition·DateApr 7, 2015

The hoo's hoo of gibbon communication

Researchers have deciphered gibbons' subtle 'hoo' calls in response to specific events like foraging and predator encounters, revealing context-specific vocal communication. The study's findings suggest that gibbon vocalisations may hold clues about the evolution of human speech.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateApr 7, 2015

Epidemiology of HIV-1 transmitted drug resistance

A study analyzing individual virus sequences from 287 published studies found that most HIV-1 transmitted drug resistance strains arose independently in sub-Saharan Africa and south/southeast Asia. The study suggests screening for specific high-prevalence mutations could identify patients with TDR before therapy initiation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateApr 7, 2015

Brontosaurus is back!

A new study by palaeontologists from Portugal and the UK provides conclusive evidence that Brontosaurus is distinct from Apatosaurus, overturning over a century of research. The team applied statistical approaches to calculate differences between species and genera, revealing Brontosaurus as a unique genus.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateApr 7, 2015

TSRI scientists find molecular trigger of schizophrenia-like behaviors and brain changes

Researchers at TSRI have identified a molecule, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), that triggers schizophrenia-like symptoms in animal models, including hyperactivity, anxiety, and altered brain structure. The study provides new tools for preventing or treating psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateApr 7, 2015

Carbon nanotube computing?

Researchers at Durham University and the University of São Paulo discovered a correlation between single-walled carbon nanotube concentration and computational capability in composite materials. The emerging field of 'evolution-in-materio' uses natural evolution principles to train materials to mimic electronic circuits.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 7, 2015

Easing the pain

A recent study published in PAIN found that combining morphine and nortriptyline provides better pain relief than using either drug alone, with 87% of patients experiencing significant pain reduction. The combination treatment also showed no worsening of common side effects such as constipation and dry mouth.

SourceQueen's University·JournalPain·DateApr 7, 2015

Asbestos use in Asia poses serious health dangers

The increasing use of asbestos in Asia poses a significant threat to public health, with the potential for widespread mesothelioma and lung cancer cases. Government and non-government groups must work together to improve recognition and diagnosis of asbestos-related lung diseases.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateApr 7, 2015

Common drug is re-engineered to improve surgery outcomes

A Northwestern University team has re-engineered a common drug to deliver nitric oxide, preventing cellular overgrowth and scarring in blood vessels during and after surgery. This modified protamine sulfate can slowly release nitric oxide, minimizing its negative effects while maintaining its function as an antidote for heparin.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·DateApr 7, 2015

Future electronics based on carbon nanotubes

A team of researchers has found a way to strip out metallic carbon nanotubes from arrays using a simple, scalable procedure, leaving behind semiconducting nanotubes suitable for electronic devices. This breakthrough could lead to the development of smaller, faster, and cheaper electronic devices.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 7, 2015

New study reveals mixed picture on the effectiveness of Viagra and related drugs

A new study from The University of Manchester found that Viagra and similar drugs do not completely cure impotence in older men, with many still expressing concern over their sex lives. Despite positive effects on sexual activity, users reported higher levels of dissatisfaction with relationships and overall sexual function.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalInternational Journal of Impotence Research·DateApr 7, 2015