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Science News for July 23, 2015


Changing the color of light

The University of Delaware research team aims to improve solar cells and medical imaging by changing the color of low-energy light into higher-energy colors. Their novel approach could lead to a significant boost in solar energy harvesting, with predicted efficiencies of up to 30%.

Chemotherapy and quality of life at the end of life

A study published in JAMA Oncology found that chemotherapy was associated with worse quality of life near death for patients who could still perform many life functions. The researchers concluded that chemotherapy use may be unnecessary and potentially harmful for patients with progressive metastatic disease.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateJul 23, 2015

'Successful aging' linked to harmful drinking among over 50s

Research published in BMJ Open found that successful aging is associated with harmful drinking among older adults. Analysis of over 9000 responses from the English Longitudinal Survey of Ageing showed that higher income, better health, and social activity levels are linked to increased risk of hazardous drinking.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateJul 23, 2015

Penn study finds link between physician training and brand name prescribing

A new Penn study found that internal medicine residents are twice as likely to prescribe expensive brand-name statins when supervised by senior physicians who also use them. The study's findings represent an opportunity to improve value in healthcare spending and highlight the importance of redesigning graduate medical education.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 23, 2015

Synthetic coral could remove toxic heavy metals from the ocean

Researchers developed a new material that mimics the structure of coral, a natural adsorbent of heavy metals, and found it could remove around 2.5 times more mercury from water than traditional aluminium oxide nanoparticles. The synthetic coral-like material has potential applications in environmental remediation.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateJul 23, 2015

The genetic roots of adolescent scoliosis

Researchers have identified a gene associated with susceptibility to adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. The BNC2 gene is linked to increased expression of protein BNC2, which regulates YY1. Studies found that the gene variation leads to higher BNC2 production in genes with the variant, contributing to the development of scoliosis.

SourceRIKEN·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJul 23, 2015

Study finds abrupt climate change may have rocked the cradle of civilization

Researchers found that abrupt climate changes during the Holocene epoch affected ancient societies, leading to wetter conditions compared to recent times. The study's high-resolution peat record revealed transitions in major civilizations coinciding with episodes of high atmospheric dust.

Female stink bugs 'select' the color of their eggs

Researchers discovered that female stink bugs change the color of their eggs depending on the surrounding light environment. The darker-colored eggs, which are not darkened by melanin but a previously unknown pigment, offer protection against UV radiation when laid on top of leaves.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 23, 2015

It takes a village... to ward off dangerous infections? New microbiome research suggests so

A study found that certain combinations of gut bacteria, such as those from the Porphyromonadaceae and Lachnospiraceae families, resist colonization by C. difficile in mice. The researchers developed a computer model that accurately predicted C. difficile's success rate for other mice based on their gut microbiome composition.

Preventing knee pain in at-risk adults with diabetes

A University of Delaware-led study found that an intensive regimen of regular exercise and a healthy diet can reduce the short-term onset of knee pain for overweight adults with Type 2 diabetes. The study, published in Arthritis Care and Research, shows a 15% decrease in knee pain development among those who underwent the intensive pro...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateJul 23, 2015

Managers beware of gender faultlines

New research reveals that gender faultlines can appear when individuals share demographic traits and professional interests, leading to a stronger sense of in-group identity among employees. The study found that such faultlines have a negative effect on employee loyalty, but a supportive diversity climate can mitigate this issue.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateJul 23, 2015

Overeating caused by a hormone deficiency in brain?

A new Rutgers University study found that a hormone deficiency in the brain can lead to overeating and a preference for high-fat food. Researchers discovered that reducing glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the central nervous system caused mice to consume more calories and show an increased preference for high-fat foods.

SourceRutgers University·JournalCell Reports·DateJul 23, 2015

Mammoths killed by abrupt climate change

A team of researchers has discovered that abrupt warming events played a key role in the mass extinction of megafauna during the last ice age. The study found that rapid warming, not sudden cold snaps, was the cause of extinctions among species such as mammoths and giant sloths.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience·DateJul 23, 2015

Pesticides found in most pollen collected from foraging bees in Massachusetts

A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that over 70% of pollen and honey samples collected from foraging bees in Massachusetts contain neonicotinoids, a class of pesticide linked to Colony Collapse Disorder. The study suggests that these pesticides pose significant risks to bee health and human exposure.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Environmental Chemistry·DateJul 23, 2015

Genetically distinct cells reveal nature's strategy for avoiding pregnancy complications

Researchers found that genetically distinct cells in pregnant mothers, known as microchimeric cells, promote reproductive health and prevent pregnancy complications like prematurity and stillbirth. These cells help the immune system recognize and accept non-inherited maternal antigens, suppressing an immune system attack on the fetus.

BIDMC research shows endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm is safe

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that endovascular aortic repair provides better outcomes, including lower mortality rates and shorter hospital stays, compared to open surgical repair. The study shows improved long-term results over time, with benefits extending up to eight years after surgery.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJul 23, 2015

Why West Nile virus is more dangerous in the elderly

A study published in PLOS Pathogens found that older individuals are more susceptible to West Nile virus due to impaired immune responses. The researchers discovered that older mice had delayed antibody responses, reduced helper T cells, and lower chemokine levels, leading to higher viral loads and increased brain damage.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJul 23, 2015