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Science News for September 11, 2015


Stellar discovery by Queen's researcher

A PhD candidate at Queen's University has made a groundbreaking discovery of the first massive binary star with magnetic fields. The research provides new insights into the origin of magnetism in massive stars and may help explain why only 10% of these stars have strong magnetic fields.

SourceQueen's University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 11, 2015

A better class of cancer drugs

A chemist at San Diego State University developed a new technique to improve the selectivity of protein kinase inhibitors, which can lead to fewer side effects. By locking in either the right- or left-handed version of an atropisomeric compound, researchers found more selective inhibition of specific kinases.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 11, 2015

Too many candidates spoil the stew

A new study by Michigan State University researcher Arend Hintze found that moderate competition optimally drives the evolution of decision-making strategies in humans. In crowded areas, hermit crabs evolve split-second decision-making to claim new shells, demonstrating a similar phenomenon in human politics.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 11, 2015

Young male cyclists are the most likely to die after being involved in a traffic accident

A University of Granada study found that young male cyclists between 15 and 24 years old are at highest risk of death in traffic accidents. The researchers analyzed data from over 50,000 cyclists involved in accidents between 1993 and 2009, concluding that age and sex play a significant role in mortality rates among cyclists.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateSep 11, 2015

Wavelets improve medical imaging

Research published in the International Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology reveals a wavelet transform approach that improves medical imaging. The technique boosts the signal-to-noise ratio and reduces artifacts, allowing for earlier disease detection and diagnosis.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology·DateSep 11, 2015

Diet beverage drinkers compensate by eating unhealthy food, study finds

A new study of over 22,000 U.S. adults found that diet-beverage consumers often make up for the calorie lack in their drinks by consuming more sugar, sodium, fat, and cholesterol in other foods. The study suggests a possible compensation effect where people who drink diet beverages may feel justified in eating more high-calorie foods.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateSep 11, 2015

Large eyes come at a high cost

Well-developed eyes require between 5% and 15% of an animal's total energy budget, according to a study on Mexican cavefish. The visual system's high energy cost leads to trade-offs with other organ systems in environments where it is not essential.

SourceLund University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 11, 2015

Inside climate politics

A study by MIT economist Christopher Knittel reveals an essential mechanism underlying the politics of climate change. The research shows that certain climate policies, like transportation fuel subsidies, contain asymmetries that benefit a smaller group at the expense of most people.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Review of Economics and Statistics·DateSep 11, 2015

Cancer patient receives 3-D printed ribs

A 54-year-old Spanish man received a revolutionary new implant made from 3D printed titanium alloy, designed to replicate the intricate structures of his sternum and ribs. The innovative prosthesis was created by medical device company Anatomics in collaboration with CSIRO's 3D printing facility Lab 22.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalEuropean Journal of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery·DateSep 11, 2015