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Science News for December 3, 2015


Cannabis increases the noise in your brain

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that cannabis use is associated with increased neural noise in healthy human subjects. The researchers found that delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary active constituent of cannabis, induces psychosis-like effects by increasing random brain activity.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateDec 3, 2015

How cold -- and a bacterium -- fight obesity

Researchers at Université de Genève found that cold exposure alters microbiota composition, leading to increased brown fat activation, improved insulin sensitivity, and weight loss. The discovery highlights the key role of Akkermansia muciniphila in regulating nutrient absorption and may lead to new anti-obesity treatments.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCell·DateDec 3, 2015

Minutest absolute magnetic field measurement

Physicists have developed an extremely high-precision method for magnetic field measurement, combining the accuracy of helium and cesium magnetometers. This device has an intrinsic sensitivity ideal for explaining the missing antimatter in the universe, a key area of research in fundamental physics and cosmology.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateDec 3, 2015

First look at gut microbes in an American Indian community

Researchers analyzed stool samples from 38 adults in the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribe, finding reduced abundance of certain bacteria and similar fecal metabolite profiles to those with metabolic disorders. The study suggests that lifestyle and social practices may play a role in health disparities among American Indians.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 3, 2015

Research from AGS advances definition of person-centered care for older adults

A recent study by the American Geriatrics Society defines person-centered care as an approach that prioritizes individual values and preferences in healthcare decisions. The research highlights the importance of eliciting patients' preferences and goals, and measures success by attention to people's health and life outcomes.

SourceAmerican Geriatrics Society·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateDec 3, 2015

Novel study: Lower patient satisfaction in hospitals that employ more nurses trained abroad

A study of over 12,000 patients found that hospitals employing more nurses trained abroad are associated with lower patient satisfaction rates. Patients in these hospitals were less likely to rate their care as excellent or very good, and reported being treated with disrespect and having poor communication with their caregivers.

Newborns in intensive care exposed to thirdhand smoke residue

A small study found that surface nicotine was detectable on mothers' fingers and furniture in a neonatal unit, suggesting exposure to thirdhand smoke. Detectable levels of nicotine metabolites were also found in babies' urine samples, with potential health consequences for vulnerable premature newborns.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalTobacco Control·DateDec 3, 2015

Study aims to set priorities for stillbirth research

A study combining parents' and professionals' views sets research priorities for stillbirth, identifying areas such as ultrasound evaluation and bereavement care as key focuses. The study received over 1600 responses, providing valuable insights into the complexities of stillbirth and its impact on families.

SourceWiley·JournalUltrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateDec 3, 2015

Discovery of X-linked intellectual disability syndrome is aided by web tools

A geneticist has used powerful internet and social media tools to find doctors and researchers worldwide to confirm a new X-linked intellectual disability syndrome in young boys. The syndrome is characterized by severe developmental delays, facial malformations, and generalized hypotonia, with 14 cases involving 11 unrelated families.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateDec 3, 2015

Research provides insights on how to improve face transplants

A new study published in the American Journal of Transplantation found that faces transplanted change their appearance due to changes in the bone structure of the recipient, and seem to age at an accelerated rate. The research suggests the need for effective countermeasures to prevent muscle and bone atrophy in face transplant recipients.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateDec 3, 2015

The Lancet Oncology: Price of cancer drugs varies by up to 388% between European countries, Australia, and New Zealand

A study published in The Lancet Oncology reveals that cancer drug prices vary significantly between European countries, with some nations paying up to 388% more than others for the same medication. The UK and Mediterranean countries have the lowest average unit manufacturer prices for a group of 31 originator cancer drugs, while German...

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateDec 3, 2015

A step towards gene therapy against intractable epilepsy

A new gene therapy approach has successfully reduced the number of epileptic seizures in test animals, mimicking human temporal lobe epilepsy. The treatment involves delivering genes for neuropeptide Y and its receptors into the brain, resulting in a significant reduction in seizures for up to 80% of the animals.

SourceLund University·JournalNeurobiology of Disease·DateDec 3, 2015

Dicamba drift affects non-target plants and pollinators

Research at Penn State found that dicamba drift reduces flowering in both alfalfa and common boneset plant species. Herbicide exposure also decreases insect visitation to damaged flowers, particularly honeybees and syrphid flies. The study suggests widespread damage from these herbicides may adversely affect pollinator communities.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateDec 3, 2015

Overcoming immune exhaustion from chronic HIV infection -- the roles of PD-L1 blockage, regulatory T cells, and viral load

A study published in PLOS Pathogens suggests that blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can increase regulatory T cell numbers and virus production, while also boosting killer T cell proliferation. The researchers found that this approach may be beneficial for HIV-infected patients, but only when combined with antiretroviral treatment.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateDec 3, 2015

Quick thinkers are charismatic

A new study published in Psychological Science found that people who respond quickly to general knowledge questions and visual tasks are perceived as more charismatic. The researchers speculate that mental speed may facilitate charisma by enabling quick masking of inappropriate reactions and making humorous associations.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 3, 2015

Storing electricity in paper

Researchers at Linköping University have developed power paper, a three-dimensional organic mixed ion-electron conductor that stores energy. The material has outstanding ability to store energy, can be recharged hundreds of times, and is produced from simple materials like renewable cellulose and an easily available polymer.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateDec 3, 2015

Researchers identify biomarker of early lung cancer that may increase survival

Researchers in Taiwan have identified a biomarker called Huntingtin interaction protein-1 (HIP1) that detects the most common type of lung cancer in its earliest stage. HIP1 expression was found to be associated with longer survival rates and reduced metastasis, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateDec 3, 2015

Laser scanning shows rates, patterns of surface deformation from the South Napa earthquake and other recently released Geosphere articles

Researchers used 3D laser scanning to measure surface deformation after the 2014 South Napa earthquake, revealing complex deformation patterns that challenge traditional notions of topography formation. The study also found evidence of 'afterslip' effects that can occur hours to years after an earthquake.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeosphere·DateDec 3, 2015

Penn Medicine study is first to map of paths of hundreds of urban males on violence risk

A new Penn Medicine study outlines how an individual's location and activities influence their risk of being assaulted, with areas of neighborhood connectedness showing lower rates of gun and non-gun related assaults. The research highlights the importance of changing urban environments to make them safer and reduce violence.

VLA yields new insights on solar flares

Astronomers have confirmed a proposed explanation for how solar flares accelerate charged particles to nearly the speed of light using the upgraded VLA radio telescope. The new observations support the idea that a termination shock is responsible for accelerating electrons, with results closely matching computer simulations.

Protecting ocean species

A new study finds that 97.4 percent of marine species have less than 10 percent of their range represented in MPAs, with the US ranking near the bottom in terms of supporting formal protected areas. The research provides strategic guidance on where MPAs could be placed to better protect marine biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 3, 2015

Where did Australian cats come from?

Researchers found that feral cats in Australia originated from European settlers' pets, introducing a damaging invasive species. The study's findings have implications for managing invasive species, as they determined a specific time frame for cat introduction linked to native species decline.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Evolutionary Biology·DateDec 3, 2015

The fadeout effect

A meta-analysis of experimental methods found that early interactions designed to raise intelligence lose their effects over time. This challenges theories on cognitive development and environmental influences, suggesting that increased intelligence may adapt to new environments rather than leading to permanent gains.

Teaching parents about the importance of breakfast has benefits for both parent and child

A new study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that both online and in-person group education are effective in helping parents reduce breakfast-skipping and improve other breakfast-related nutritional knowledge and behaviors. The study involved 590 WIC participants, with both groups showing improve...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateDec 3, 2015

Global toll of injuries down by almost a third since 1990

Injuries have fallen by almost a third since 1990, with car crashes, self-harm, and falls making up the top causes, while fracture injuries require hospital admission. The global injury toll remains high but decreased in most regions, prompting researchers to conclude that the world is becoming safer.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalInjury Prevention·DateDec 3, 2015

Sperm carries information about dad's weight

A recent study published in Cell Metabolism found that a man's weight affects the heritable information contained in sperm. The study compared lean and obese men and found differences in epigenetic marks associated with appetite control. Further research is needed to understand the implications of these findings on offspring.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Metabolism·DateDec 3, 2015