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Science News for November 9, 2015


Rice U. paper: End 'stem cell tourism'

A new paper by Rice University experts warns that unproven stem cell-based interventions are causing harm to patients and hindering scientific progress. The authors argue that public policy is needed to reduce 'stem cell tourism' and promote responsible research.

SourceRice University·JournalBMC Medical Ethics·DateNov 9, 2015

Don't delay: Having to wait doesn't help young kids exercise self-control

Researchers found that reminders helped young children control impulsive behavior, while waiting didn't make a difference. The study suggests that training individuals to look for tangible cues can help improve inhibitory control. Effective reminder-based interventions could involve setting up situations where cues are always present.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 9, 2015

New technology colors in the infrared rainbow

Researchers at Duke University have developed a technology that brings true color to infrared imaging systems, capturing specific wavelengths from the visible to the infrared spectrum. This allows advanced thermal imaging systems to be produced faster and cheaper, with higher sensitivity.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 9, 2015

Self-weighing may be a hazardous behavior among young women

A study of over 1,900 young adults found that increases in self-weighing were associated with increased weight concern, depression, decreased body satisfaction, and lower self-esteem among females. This behavior may be a predictor of eating disorders, highlighting the need for obesity prevention programs to consider its impact.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateNov 9, 2015

Time to reassess blood-pressure goals

Recent SPRINT trial results suggest lowering systolic blood pressure below 120 may be associated with a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease and reduced mortality by 25%. The study's findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, may lead to a reevaluation of blood pressure goals for non-diabetic individuals over 50

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 9, 2015

A warmer world will be a hazier one

A new study using state-of-the-art computer models finds that most aerosol species will increase under climate change associated with greenhouse-gas-induced warming. This could lead to reduced air quality and increased atmospheric aerosols, outweighing the decrease in precipitation in certain regions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 9, 2015

Tissue engineers recruit cells to make their own strong matrix

Scientists at Brown University have successfully cultured cells to produce extracellular matrix with strength comparable to natural tissues. By using specialized molds to guide cell growth and alignment, the researchers created ECMs with specific mechanical properties, such as collagen fibers aligned along a tendon-like structure.

SourceBrown University·JournalBiomaterials·DateNov 9, 2015

US stillbirth rates unchanged after move to discourage elective deliveries before 39 weeks

A study by NIH researchers found no increase in stillbirths after implementing a policy to delay elective deliveries before 39 weeks. The analysis of national infant birth and death statistics over several years showed that efforts to prevent elective deliveries were not linked to an increase in stillbirths on a national level.

Scientific research is conservative but could be accelerated, analysis finds

Researchers analyzed millions of articles and patents to find that scientific research is often conservative, with scientists prioritizing established knowledge over risk-taking. However, they identified more efficient approaches that could unleash innovation, including a focus on exploring new connections and taking greater risks.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2015

John Innes Centre scientists identify 3-D structure of enzyme critical to creation of anticancer compounds in plants

Scientists have identified the 3D structure of iridoid synthase, an enzyme crucial for producing anticancer and antimalarial compounds from plant natural products. The discovery provides insights into the biosynthesis process, shedding light on the unique mechanism used by this enzyme to generate core iridoid structures.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 9, 2015

Vanilla yogurt makes us feel happy, suggests research

A new study published in Food Research International found that eating vanilla yoghurt can make people feel happy due to the pleasant surprise of tasting a different flavor. Researchers discovered that yoghurts with lower fat content also elicit stronger positive emotional responses.

SourceElsevier·JournalFood Research International·DateNov 9, 2015

First-of-its-kind study of puberty timing in men

A first-of-its-kind study of puberty timing in men reveals a strong genetic correlation with females, showing that the same genetic factors influence both sexes. The study found five new genetic variants associated with puberty timing, some acting through known hormone pathways.

SourceEdelman, Orlando·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2015

Group therapy is an effective and cost-efficient way to promote cardiovascular health

A group-therapy intervention program achieves significant improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, exercise, weight, diet, and tobacco smoking. The program also encourages participants to adopt healthy habits and increase physical activity.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 9, 2015

Saying I do

A study by UC Santa Barbara demographer Shelly Lundberg and economist Robert Pollak finds that marriage rates have declined among those with lower education levels, while college-educated couples marry earlier and their marriages are more stable. High-income parents invest more time and resources in children, making long-term commitmen...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalThe Future of Children·DateNov 9, 2015

Study shows benefits of intensive blood pressure management

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that lowering systolic blood pressure to less than 120 mmHg significantly reduced the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in adults, especially those over 75. However, intensive treatment also increased the risk of hypotension, fainting, and acute kidney abnormalities.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 9, 2015

Temporary ambulance locations reduces response times and may save lives

Researchers found that ambulances deployed at temporary locations during peak traffic hours had a 2-minute shorter response time and lower mortality rates compared to permanent stations. The study, conducted in Shiraz, Iran, and replicated in Sweden, suggests that risk analysis and statistics-based deployment can improve emergency care.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Emergency Medicine·DateNov 9, 2015

A printable, flexible, lightweight temperature sensor

A University of Tokyo research group has developed a flexible, lightweight temperature sensor that responds rapidly to tiny thermal changes. The sensor is composed of graphite and a semicrystalline acrylate polymer and can measure body temperature with high accuracy without additional circuitry.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2015

How low to go for blood pressure? Lower target could affect millions of Americans

A new study suggests that lowering systolic blood pressure to 120 mmHg could benefit up to 16.8 million Americans, who meet specific eligibility criteria for intensive blood pressure management. The study found that this lower target could have a significant impact on reducing risk of heart failure, heart attack, and death.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 9, 2015

Complex grammar of the genomic language

A recent study from Karolinska Institutet shows that the human genome's 'grammar' is more complex than even intricate spoken languages. The findings contribute to understanding how genetic differences affect disease risk and pave the way for cracking the genetic code controlling gene expression.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature·DateNov 9, 2015

New technique could expand number of diseases detected by noninvasive prenatal testing

Researchers developed a method to detect small chromosomal deletions or duplications, such as Cri du Chat Syndrome and DiGeorge Syndrome, with a simple blood test. The new semiconductor sequencing platform can identify these abnormalities at an average gestational age of 24 weeks, reducing the need for invasive procedures.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2015

Improve individual skills supported by BigData

Researchers developed a system to analyze and improve running motions using big data and artificial intelligence, identifying key differences between high-rank marathon runners and beginners. The technology, called 'skill grouping,' converts movements into objective scores, enabling the development of healthcare tools and assisting tra...

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·DateNov 9, 2015

Concussions in kids are detectable by blood test

Researchers have developed a blood test that can detect subtle signs of concussion in children with 94% accuracy, identifying the presence of traumatic brain injuries and severity levels. This simple yet effective test uses biomarkers found in glial cells surrounding neurons in the brain.

SourceMediaSource·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateNov 9, 2015

Microplate discovery dates birth of Himalayas

A team of scientists has discovered the first oceanic microplate in the Indian Ocean, helping identify when the initial collision between India and Eurasia occurred. The collision is believed to have led to the formation of the Himalayan Mountain Range at a precise age of 47 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateNov 9, 2015

An arms race among venomous animals?

Researchers found that ancient venomous groups evolve slowly under purifying selection, while recent lineages diversify rapidly under positive selection. This reveals a new theory of venom evolution, proposing a 'two-speed' mode where toxins expand and then are preserved through purifying selection.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 9, 2015

CPR by medics: Keep pumping or stop for rescue breathing?

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that continuous chest compressions during out-of-hospital CPR did not provide better outcomes for patients with cardiac arrest. In contrast, interrupting manual chest pumping to perform rescue breathing appeared to improve survival rates among those who received this approach.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 9, 2015

Using FM to improve wireless networks

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed Wi-FM, a technique that uses ambient FM radio signals to mitigate interference between competing wireless networks. By analyzing usage patterns and adapting to changes, Wi-FM enables devices to harmonize their signals and reduce slow speeds, resulting in improved network performance.

Opioid addiction originates from prescribed painkillers for half of female methadone clinic patients

A study published in the journal Biology of Sex Differences found that over half of female methadone clinic patients reported doctor-prescribed painkillers as their first contact with opioid drugs. The study highlights the importance of considering gender differences in treatment options for opioid addiction. Researchers noted that wom...

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBiology of Sex Differences·DateNov 9, 2015

Researchers find way to make metals stronger without sacrificing ductility

Researchers at North Carolina State University and Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a technique to make titanium stronger while maintaining its ductility. The new material combines ultrafine-grained strength with coarse-grain ductility, enabling the creation of strong yet flexible materials for vehicle manufacturing.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2015

Conducting gels -- from waste to wealth

Researchers at the University of York have developed a self-assembling gel that can selectively extract precious metals like silver and gold from electronic waste. The gel is then converted into conducting nanoparticles, enhancing its electrical conductance and making it suitable for various high-tech applications.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 9, 2015

Antibody targets key cancer marker; opens door to better diagnosis, therapy

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have created an antibody that selectively links to a protein on highly aggressive brain cancer cells, causing them to light up in PET scanners. This breakthrough could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, a deadly form of brain cancer.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2015

Increased meat consumption, especially when cooked at high temperatures, linked to elevated kidney cancer risk

A new study from MD Anderson Cancer Center finds that high-temperature cooking of meat, particularly barbecuing and pan-frying, increases the risk of renal cell carcinoma. Individuals with certain genetic mutations are more susceptible to this risk, highlighting the importance of reducing meat consumption, especially at high temperatures.

Oil dispersants can suppress natural oil-degrading microorganisms, new study shows

A new study led by University of Georgia marine scientists found that oil dispersants can suppress natural oil-degrading microorganisms, promoting the growth of Colwellia and inhibiting Marinobacter. The presence of dispersants significantly altered microbial composition in Gulf deep water, hindering efficient oil biodegradation.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2015

Strangled cells condense their DNA

A recent study has shown that when cells are deprived of oxygen and nutrients, their DNA becomes compacted into tight clusters. This dramatic change reduces gene activity and leads to cell shutdown. The discovery may help researchers develop new treatments for diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, and cancer.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalGenome Biology·DateNov 9, 2015

Could solar eclipses disrupt electricity in Germany?

A recent study suggests that solar eclipses will have a minimal effect on Germany's photovoltaic systems and electrical supply. During the shadowing period, there may be temporary drops in power generation but the overall impact is expected to be limited.

SourceWiley·JournalEnergy Technology·DateNov 9, 2015

Meat -- and how it's cooked -- may impact kidney cancer risk

A new study links high-temperature cooking of red and white meat to increased risk of kidney cancer, citing the presence of carcinogenic compounds such as PhIP and MeIQx. The study suggests that reducing meat consumption, especially when cooked at high temperatures, may help mitigate this risk.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateNov 9, 2015