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Science News for October 5, 2015


Africa faces rising rates of traumatic brain injury

African countries face a significant burden of traumatic brain injury, with the majority resulting from motor vehicle accidents. Developing accurate surveillance systems and public health measures is crucial to reducing the risk and impact of TBI.

SourceWiley·JournalEuropean Journal of Neurology·DateOct 5, 2015

Why hasn't he/she replied yet?

A new study from USC Viterbi School of Engineering identifies key factors that influence email response times. The study found that younger people respond faster, but write shorter replies, while older individuals take longer to respond. Additionally, the researchers discovered that platform usage and timing also impact response time.

Developing a nanoscale 'clutch'

Researchers have created a model microscopic system to demonstrate torque transmission at the nanoscale, overcoming thermal fluctuations and energy dissipation. The device uses colloidal particles to transfer rotational motion, revealing new transmission phenomena not seen in macroscopic machines.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 5, 2015

Green walls: A red card for office worker health?

A new study by University of York academics reveals that green walls can lead to higher levels of ultrafine particles (UFPs) indoors due to the oxidation of outdoor plant species. This could have significant implications for indoor air quality, particularly in offices with high temperatures and pollution.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateOct 5, 2015

Molecular nanoribbons as electronic highways

Researchers at Umeå University and UC Berkeley have developed a method to synthesise novel molecular nanoribbons that resemble graphene but in molecular form. The nanoribbons exhibit ideal properties as electronic highways for organic solar cells, with dimensions smaller than 10-15 nanometres.

SourceUmea University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 5, 2015

Face-to-face socializing more powerful than phone calls, emails in guarding against depression

A new study by Oregon Health & Science University found that regular face-to-face social interactions with family and friends significantly lower the risk of depression, while phone calls and digital communications have less impact. Study participants who met up frequently had the lowest level of depressive symptoms.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateOct 5, 2015

What's in store 5 decades following childhood-onset epilepsy?

A 45-year study of 179 individuals with childhood-onset epilepsy found that patients attain excellent seizure outcomes, but often exhibit abnormal neurologic signs. These signs may be a risk factor for future stroke and cognitive impairment, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and care.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateOct 5, 2015

History shows more big wildfires likely as climate warms

A new study suggests that large fires will continue to increase as a result of climate warming, citing evidence from charcoal deposits in lakes near Mount Zirkel Wilderness in northern Colorado. The research found that even modest regional warming trends can cause exceptionally large areas to be burned by wildfires.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2015

Turning T cell immunology on its head

Researchers at Monash University discovered that regulatory T cells can function even when their receptors bind to MHC in a completely different orientation, challenging established views on the immune system. This finding opens up new avenues for investigating and potentially treating autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Immunology·DateOct 5, 2015

Stress in adolescence prepares rats for future challenges

Rats exposed to frequent stress during adolescence showed improved problem-solving skills and foraging efficiency under high-threat conditions in adulthood. This study provides insights into how humans respond to adolescent stress and may inform research on human maltreatment and adverse environments.

SourcePenn State·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateOct 5, 2015

Dengue epidemics linked to high temperatures during strong El Nino season

A recent study found that dengue epidemics are more likely to occur during abnormally high temperatures brought by El Niño weather patterns. The research team analyzed 18 years of data and discovered synchronicity in dengue transmission across the entire region, highlighting the need for improved disease surveillance and control efforts.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2015

Expectant dads get depressed too

A recent study published in the American Journal of Men's Health found that 13.3% of expectant fathers experience elevated levels of depressive symptoms during their partner's pregnancy. The research highlights the importance of depression screening and early prevention efforts for men who are about to become parents.

Global studies in October Health Affairs

The October issue of Health Affairs explores global health experiences to inform US policy, particularly on addressing risk selection and premium rates. Studies examine strategies used by European countries to reduce high costs, such as quality skimping and flexible premium rates.

SourceHealth Affairs·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 5, 2015

Blood clots may complicate aortic valve replacements

A new study from the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute shows that about 15% of patients with bioprosthetic aortic heart valves develop blood clots on the leaflets, which can impair valve motion. However, anti-coagulation medications like Warfarin quickly resolve the issue for all patients, regardless of the type of valve or procedure.

SourceCedars-Sinai Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 5, 2015

Many women experience 'post-sex blues'

A study published in Sexual Medicine found that postcoital dysphoria affects 46% of women, leading to feelings of melancholy or depression. The study also revealed a relationship between negative emotions and potential evolutionary functions.

SourceWiley·JournalSexual Medicine·DateOct 5, 2015

When care turns costly, patients leave private Medicare

A new Brown University study found that patients who require high-cost services like hospital, at-home, or nursing home care are more likely to switch from private Medicare Advantage plans to traditional Medicare. This shift occurs despite federal policy aimed at preventing it, raising questions about the effectiveness of current regul...

SourceBrown University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 5, 2015

Compulsive texting associated with poorer school performance among adolescent girls, study finds

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that teenage girls who compulsively text do worse academically compared to their male counterparts. The research suggests that compulsive texting is more problematic than mere frequency of texting, as it involves trying to cut back and feeling frustrated.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology of Popular Media Culture·DateOct 5, 2015

New on-chip optical sensing technique used to detect multiple flu strains

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz and Brigham Young University have developed a novel method for multiplex fluorescence detection on a small chip, enabling the rapid detection and identification of different flu virus subtypes. The technique uses wavelength division multiplexing to create distinctive signals in an optical waveguide.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 5, 2015