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Science News for November 10, 2015


Medicines do not seem to degrade faster in space

A study on medicines stored in space for up to 550 days revealed that they do not degrade faster than on Earth. The research found that some medications were still viable beyond their expiration dates, while others showed minimal degradation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe AAPS Journal·DateNov 10, 2015

Scientists date the origin of the cacao tree to 10 million years ago

New research suggests the cacao tree is 10 million years old, offering a chance for genetic variation to improve disease resistance and flavor diversity in the industry. This ancient origin provides a solution to the lack of genetic variation in cultivated cacao, making it vulnerable to pests and climate change.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateNov 10, 2015

A treasure trove of new cancer biomarkers

Researchers have discovered a large number of genes that are upregulated in various types of cancer, which could be used to develop early detection tests and targeted therapies. The study, published in Cancer Research, utilized two different technologies to identify 128 markers that were consistently perturbed in both datasets.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCancer Research·DateNov 10, 2015

What counts as fair?

A new study found that counting ability was a strong predictor of whether children would distribute resources based on merit, not age or education. Children as young as 3 can understand the concept of rewarding more effort, but struggle to translate it into an accurate distribution.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateNov 10, 2015

Clay makes better high-temp batteries

Researchers at Rice University have developed clay-based electrolytes that can supply stable electrochemical power in temperatures up to 120 degrees Celsius, addressing a challenge for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The materials offer thermal stability and wetting properties, enabling good contact with electrodes.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 10, 2015

Dust, iron, life

A team of scientists has found evidence of iron-rich dust from 300 million years ago, which suggests that atmospheric dust acted as a fertilizer for life. The discovery provides new insights into the biogeochemical impacts of iron on the oceans and the climate system during the late Paleozoic era.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateNov 10, 2015

Revolutionary new weapon in air pollution fight

Experts at RMIT University have created a reliable method of detecting nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a significant air pollutant responsible for over seven million deaths worldwide. The new sensor is designed to be highly selective, sensitive, and affordable, aiming to improve public health by providing early detection of harmful NO2 levels.

SourceRMIT University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 10, 2015

Wrist fractures could predict susceptibility to serious fractures in postmenopausal women

A new UCLA-led study suggests that wrist fractures in postmenopausal women can predict a higher risk of future fractures, particularly spine, upper arm and lower arm fractures. The research highlights the importance of developing strategies to prevent subsequent fractures after an initial wrist fracture occurs.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateNov 10, 2015

Scientists measure the 'beauty' of coral reefs

A multidisciplinary team of researchers developed a computational approach to assess the aesthetic appeal of coral reefs, finding that objective visual cues are correlated with the health and beauty of reef ecosystems. The study provides a cost-effective tool for monitoring coral reef communities and targets their natural beauty.

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ·DateNov 10, 2015

How voters would accept higher gas tax

A new study by Michigan State University sociologists found that Americans are more likely to accept a higher gas tax if the revenue is used for energy-efficient transportation, road and bridge repairs, or refunded to taxpayers. The survey of over 3,000 participants showed that an average increase of 51-53 cents per gallon could be acc...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEnergy Policy·DateNov 10, 2015

Services insufficient in supporting those affected

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) affect approximately 7,000 UK infants annually, causing irreversible brain damage and long-term health issues. The UK lags behind other developed countries in FASD research, leading to confusion among pregnant women and inadequate support for those affected.

SourceSAGE·JournalAdoption & Fostering·DateNov 10, 2015

The long and short of plasma turbulence

Researchers have used a supercomputer to simulate plasma turbulence, finding that long and short wavelength turbulence coexist and interact strongly, increasing heat losses tenfold above standard models. This discovery may inform fusion reactor design and bring us closer to practical fusion energy.

Largest ensemble simulation of global weather using real-world data

Researchers at RIKEN Advanced Institute for Computational Science in Japan ran an enormous global weather simulation with 10,240 simulations of a model of the global atmosphere. They found that faraway observations can impact the eventual state of the weather forecast, which could lead to more accurate forecasts.

SourceRIKEN·JournalComputer·DateNov 10, 2015

First, do no harm: Hospital patients given anti-heartburn drugs have higher risk of dying

A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that hospital patients taking acid-reducing drugs have a higher risk of dying from infections such as pneumonia and C. diff. The simulation model used by researchers found that around 90% of hospital inpatients who were first prescribed these drugs had a higher ris...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateNov 10, 2015

Pinpointing poverty with cellphone data

University at Buffalo researchers analyze mobile phone records to drill down to specific communities, providing insights into food, healthcare, education, and other human necessities. The approach aims to improve poverty maps by 14 geographical regions, offering a quick and cost-efficient tool for aid organizations and government agenc...

Northern lakes act as CO2 chimneys in a warming world

A new study reveals that many lakes worldwide release large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, with northern hemisphere lakes expected to increase emissions due to climate change. The study found that most lake CO2 originates from surrounding land, highlighting the impact of land use changes on greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateNov 10, 2015

Microwave field imaging using diamond and vapor cells

Scientists have created two innovative techniques to visualize microwave fields, utilizing spin states induced by microwaves. The first method uses rubidium atoms in a glass cell to image the field in high resolution, while the second method employs individual electrons in diamond to produce nanoscale images.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateNov 10, 2015

New vaccine could prevent high cholesterol

A new vaccine has shown promise in reducing 'bad' LDL cholesterol levels in mice and macaques, suggesting potential as an alternative to statins. The vaccine targets the PCSK9 protein, which regulates cholesterol levels in the blood, offering a more powerful treatment with fewer side effects.

SourceElsevier·JournalVaccine·DateNov 10, 2015