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Science News for August 3, 2015


Our elegant brain: Motor learning in the fast lane

Researchers at McGill University discovered that a small cluster of brain cells in the cerebellum engage in elegant computations to quickly compare expected and actual sensory feedback. This allows neurons to rapidly readjust and form new patterns in the brain to accomplish tasks.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 3, 2015

Women, blacks face larger loss of life expectancy after heart attack

According to a new study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, women and black patients who experience a heart attack lose significantly more years of their expected life compared to white men. The researchers found that these disparities are not due to differences in comorbidities or treatment utilization.

SourceAmerican College of Cardiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateAug 3, 2015

An orange a day keeps scurvy away

Astronauts' nutritional needs are crucial for long-duration space missions, as microgravity and radiation exposure impact health. NASA's Biochemical Profile project aims to understand the effects of spaceflight on nutrition and develop strategies to mitigate negative effects.

Glaciers melt faster than ever

The study reveals that glaciers worldwide are melting at an unprecedented rate, losing half a meter to one meter of ice thickness every year. This is two to three times more than the average for the 20th century, with some glaciers in Norway having retreated by several kilometers from their maximum extents.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Glaciology·DateAug 3, 2015

Septic tanks aren't keeping poo out of rivers and lakes

A Michigan State University study found that septic tanks are contaminating freshwater sources with fecal bacteria, threatening water quality and human health. The research used a novel source-tracking method to analyze 64 river systems in Michigan and identified areas with high numbers of septic systems as hotspots for pollution.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2015

Simple intervention can moderate anti-vaccination beliefs, study finds

Researchers found that reminding skeptics about the importance of vaccines and the risks associated with not being vaccinated can change their attitudes positively. The study tested three groups of participants and showed that even the most skeptical individuals were influenced by the intervention.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2015

BioLEGO

The BioLEGO web application enables single and two-step multiorganism fermentation process design, maximizing feedstock conversion rates. It also evaluates possible biomass-to-product yields and recommends media changes to increase process efficacy.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateAug 3, 2015

NYSCF Global Stem Cell ArrayTM brings precision medicine one step closer to the clinic

Researchers designed a revolutionary high-throughput robotic platform to automate the process of generating patient-specific stem cells, reducing variability and increasing scale. This technology allows for 'clinical trials in a dish' and can identify potential drug metabolism and toxicity issues in human cells before clinical trials.

SourceNew York Stem Cell Foundation·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 3, 2015

4 million years at Africa's salad bar

A study found that most major mammal groups in Africa tried grazing on grass around 2 million years ago, but some animals switched to browsing trees and shrubs or became extinct. The bovids, including cattle and antelopes, are the only group still mostly grazing on grass today.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2015

Study uncovers communication strategies couples can use to address financial uncertainty

Research from North Carolina State University reveals that couples can manage financial uncertainty by seeking information, communicating effectively with their partner, and adapting to the situation. The study identifies four barriers to successful management: information barriers, communication barriers, time management barriers, and...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Applied Communication Research·DateAug 3, 2015

Fatherhood at young age linked to greater likelihood of mid-life death

Research finds that men who become dads before age 25 have poorer health and die earlier than those who delay fatherhood. The study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, used a nationally representative sample of over 30,500 men to track their mortality rates from age 45 until death or age 54.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateAug 3, 2015

How to convince vaccine skeptics -- and how not to

Researchers at UCLA and University of Illinois found that emphasizing the benefits of vaccination and taking a non-confrontational approach can increase support for vaccination among skeptical parents. A study with 315 adults showed that highlighting the dangers of measles and mumps can substantially increase support for vaccination.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2015

How language gives your brain a break

A recent study by MIT researchers found that most languages tend to minimize dependency length (DLM) in practice, preferring words related to each other to be close together. This tendency is associated with simpler language use and reduced cognitive load for speakers, listeners, and readers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2015

Nanoparticles used to breach mucus barrier in lungs

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed a DNA-loaded nanoparticle that can penetrate the human airway mucus barrier in lungs, offering a potential breakthrough for treating cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases. The biodegradable nanoparticles successfully delivered therapeutic genes to the lungs of animals, producing hi...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2015

Employee health codes of conduct

A new study published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management suggests that Health Codes of Conduct can effectively engage employees in wellness activities. The study found that features such as annual physicals, exercise routines, and recognition programs were most supported by participants.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalInternational Journal of Workplace Health Management·DateAug 3, 2015

Molecular spies to fight cancer

Scientists have successfully tested a new tumor diagnosis method that uses molecular spies to detect diseased cells and visualize tumors. The method, which combines antibody-based detection with pre-targeting technology, has the potential to improve cancer treatment by using internal radiation.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalChemical Science·DateAug 3, 2015

Study calculates the speed of ice formation

The study provides insight into the mechanism of water transitioning from a liquid to a crystalline solid. It also explores the origin of two different crystalline shapes that ice can take at ambient pressure, shedding light on why cubic ice is favored over hexagonal ice during initial stages of nucleation.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 3, 2015

Artificial blood vessels become resistant to thrombosis

Researchers from ITMO University created a vascular graft coating that prevents clot formation, ensuring unobstructed blood flow. The coating, which can be applied to any type of implant, uses a porous shell to release medication and prevent the growth of crystals or other unwanted substances.

SourceITMO University·JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry·DateAug 3, 2015

Residential location affects pregnant women's likelihood of smoking

A new study from Rice University finds that living in areas with lower socio-economic resources but higher social acceptability of smoking increases the likelihood of pregnant women smoking. Counties with higher socio-economic status have lower odds of women smoking during pregnancy, while neighboring counties' smoking prevalence signi...

SourceRice University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateAug 3, 2015

High academic stress linked to increased illness, injuries among college football players

Researchers found that college football players are 3.19 times more likely to get injured during high-stress academic weeks, such as midterms or finals, compared to low-academic stress weeks. The study suggests that coaches and trainers can accommodate practices accordingly to minimize the risk of injuries.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research·DateAug 3, 2015

Yo-yo dieting not associated with increased cancer risk

A comprehensive study by the American Cancer Society found no association between repeated cycles of intentional weight loss and cancer incidence in men or women. The research suggests that people should be encouraged to try to lose weight despite potential regain, as it may have benefits beyond just weight management.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateAug 3, 2015

Ergonomics in Design special issue 'Combating the Sedentary Workplace' just released

The July special issue of Ergonomics in Design examines the health and safety effects of the sedentary workplace, exploring alternatives to sitting at work and proposed workplace design solutions. The research highlights key factors that facilitate successful office design and discusses barriers to implementing active workplaces.

SourceHuman Factors and Ergonomics Society·JournalErgonomics in Design The Quarterly of Human Factors Applications·DateAug 3, 2015