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Science News for June 1, 2015


Psychology: Does aging affect decision making?

Older adults perform just as well as younger adults in simple decision-making, according to a study published in Cognition. However, in more complex decisions, older adults may struggle due to age-related cognitive decline. The study suggests that simple learning strategies can be useful for aging decision makers despite limitations.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalCognition·DateJun 1, 2015

Soil erosion contributes significantly to global carbon emissions

A new study reveals that soil erosion during rainy seasons contributes substantially to global carbon emissions. Organic carbon losses from soils account for approximately one-sixth of annual fossil fuel-induced carbon emissions, with the highest rates found in semi-arid soils.

SourceWiley·JournalEarth Surface Processes and Landforms·DateJun 1, 2015

Organic agriculture more profitable to farmers

A comprehensive study by Washington State University scientists David Crowder and John Reganold reveals organic agriculture has significant profit margins compared to conventional farming. Despite lower yields, organic agriculture offers greater environmental benefits and can expand its share in sustainable food production.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2015

The fly's time

A team of researchers discovered that the main clock of flies is controlled by mechanisms similar to those regulating human internal clocks. This study demonstrates how distant organisms can share similar biological clock gears despite displaying different circadian activities.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 1, 2015

A new perspective on Phantom Eye Syndrome

More than a third of patients experience phantom eye symptoms every day, with some feeling pain in the non-existent eye and others perceiving visual patterns or colors. The study provides insights into the prevalence and characteristics of phantom eye syndrome in patients with intraocular melanoma.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJournal of Ophthalmology·DateJun 1, 2015

Wearing high-heeled shoes may cause ankle muscle imbalance and injury

Collegiate women wearing high heels regularly developed an imbalance of 4 functional ankle muscles, strengthening at first but leading to imbalance and increased risk of injury. Regular ankle strengthening exercises and limiting high heel wear are recommended as preventative measures.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Clinical Practice·DateJun 1, 2015

Hitchhiking to Caribbean coral

A recent PNAS study reports that the stress-tolerant alga Symbiodinium trenchii is not native to the Caribbean but was introduced from the Pacific Ocean. This finding raises concerns about the long-term damage it could cause on coral reefs, which cover only a small percentage of the world's oceans.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 1, 2015

Survey finds civilian physicians feel underprepared to treat veterans

A survey of 140 civilian physicians found they needed more training to understand health implications of military service and communicate with veteran patients. The study highlights a need for resources and education to provide high-quality care to veterans, who often face long-term physical and mental health issues.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateJun 1, 2015

Contaminant particles increase hospital admissions for children with respiratory illnesses

A study by researchers from the University of Seville found that high concentrations of fine particles (PM2.5) in urban areas increase hospital admissions for children with respiratory illnesses such as bronchiolitis, pneumonia, asthma, and bronchitis. Reducing PM2.5 levels to the recommended WHO threshold could lead to a daily saving ...

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of the Air & Waste Management Association·DateJun 1, 2015

Gut check: Does a hospital stay set patients up for sepsis by disrupting the microbiome?

A new University of Michigan and VA study suggests that hospital stays can increase the risk of sepsis in older adults by disrupting their gut microbiome. The research found that older adults are three times more likely to develop sepsis within 90 days of hospitalization, especially after care that alters the balance of microbes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJun 1, 2015

The costs of conflict: Amputees and the Afghan war

A new study predicts that British military amputees will require medical care and rehabilitation for more than 25 years, with estimated costs of up to £288 million over 40 years. The study suggests that long-term financial commitment is necessary to provide sustained support and resources.

SourceSpringer·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateJun 1, 2015

Warmer climates may increase pesticides' toxicity in fish

Climate change is expected to increase pesticide toxicity in fish, as warmer temperatures become toxic at the upper limit of species' temperature tolerance. The study reveals that pesticides and industrial contaminants become toxic when temperatures reach 50C, making fish more vulnerable to environmental changes.

SourceWiley·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateJun 1, 2015

Ancient algae found deep in tropical glacier

Scientists from Rice University, Ohio State and Nebraska discovered diatoms in glacial ice from tropical regions, offering insights into conditions around the Andes when they were deposited. The study's findings suggest freshwater lakes or wetlands existed at high elevations on or near the mountain in earlier times.

Changing intelligence test performance

Researchers analyzed data from almost four million participants across 31 countries, finding that IQ gains were largely driven by improvements in knowledge and reasoning. Despite increases in global IQ, findings suggest that the strength of gains has been decreasing in recent decades.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateJun 1, 2015

A coordinated effort

Researchers at UCSB have identified a TRP channel that plays a key role in the insect's fine motor coordination. Null mutations in this channel impair highly coordinated movements while leaving gross motor control intact. The discovery sheds light on molecular processes underlying fine motor control in other animals, including humans.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 1, 2015

The less you sleep, the more you eat

A new study suggests that disrupted sleep can affect eating habits and behaviors, leading to increased food intake and long-term chronic health damage. The research highlights the importance of considering sleep patterns in efforts to modify dietary behavior and prevent conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Health Psychology·DateJun 1, 2015

Bacteria may cause type 2 diabetes

Researchers at the University of Iowa have found that prolonged exposure to Staphylococcus aureus bacteria causes insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in rabbits, mirroring the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Anti-bacterial therapy or vaccines may hold promise for preventing or treating the disease.

Study suggests breastfeeding may lower risk of childhood leukemia

Research suggests that breastfeeding for at least six months can significantly reduce the risk of childhood leukemia. The study analyzed data from 18 studies and found a 19% lower risk compared to no breastfeeding or shorter breastfeeding periods. Breast milk's immunological components may play a key role in this association.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 1, 2015

Aging couples connected in sickness and health

A study analyzing data from over 8,000 married couples found that the physical health and cognitive functioning of a person's spouse can greatly affect their own quality of life. The research suggests that targeting both partners' health and cognition is crucial for improving overall well-being in older adults.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateJun 1, 2015

Online gambling would benefit from better regulation

A new study by Michigan State University business scholars estimates the costs and benefits of the Unfair Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, concluding that regulated online gambling would benefit both the industry and consumers, reducing uncertainty and confusion among firms and individuals.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Journal of Hospitality Financial Management·DateJun 1, 2015

Genetic causes of cerebral palsy trump birth causes

Cerebral palsy cases can be attributed to genetic mutations in up to 45% of cases, according to a study by the Australian Cerebral Palsy Research Group. The research suggests that genetic sequencing techniques will increase the identification of genetically caused cerebral palsy cases.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJun 1, 2015

Researchers synthesize magnetic nanoparticles that could offer alternative to rare Earth magnets

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have synthesized a powerful new magnetic material containing iron, cobalt, and carbon atoms, which can store information up to 790 kelvins. This material has long-range magnetic order and rivals the properties of permanent magnets, potentially reducing dependence on rare earth elements.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 1, 2015

Researchers find fructose contributes to weight gain, physical inactivity, and body fat

A recent study at Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology found that fructose causes significant weight gain, physical inactivity and body fat deposition when matched calorie for calorie with glucose. Fructose-fed mice displayed increased body weight, liver mass and fat mass compared to glucose-fed mice.