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Science News for April 13, 2016


Scientists report on novel method for extending the life of implantable devices in situ

Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center report a breakthrough in extending the life of implantable devices by rapidly regenerating molecular constituents in situ. The new approach, using an enzyme called Staphylococcus aureus Sortase A, enables repeated regeneration of bioactive films without device removal.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 13, 2016

The economic crisis has worsened the hard lives of homeless people

A study by the University of the Basque Country found that the economic crisis has worsened the lives of homeless people, especially those who are foreign. The research revealed a rise in homelessness, primarily due to difficulties accessing jobs and cuts to financial aid, leading to increased duration of integration into society.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Work·DateApr 13, 2016

Changes in state policies impact fatal and non-fatal assaults of law enforcement officers

A new study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers found that three-strikes laws increase fatal and non-fatal assaults on officers by 33% and 62%, respectively. In contrast, permit-to-purchase handgun laws appear to protect law enforcement officers against handgun assaults, with Missouri's repeal associated with...

How LSD can make us lose our sense of self

A new study using fMRI images has found that LSD causes regions of the brain involved in higher cognition to become heavily over-connected, leading to a sense of ego dissolution. This phenomenon is also seen in certain psychiatric and neurological disorders.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 13, 2016

Fast food may expose consumers to harmful chemicals called phthalates

A study by George Washington University researchers found that people who ate more fast food had higher levels of phthalates in their urine, which have been linked to reproductive damage and infertility. The study also discovered that grain and meat items were significant contributors to phthalate exposure.

SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateApr 13, 2016

Bubbles lead to disaster

Researchers used computer models and laboratory experiments to study bubble behavior in magma reservoirs. They found that bubbles accumulate faster in crystal-rich zones, leading to overpressurization and potential sulfur emissions. This discovery sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of super-volcanic eruptions.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateApr 13, 2016

Drug candidate halts crippling excess bone growth in animal model of a rare bone disease

Scientists have found that palovarotene, a previously tested emphysema drug, prevents multiple skeletal problems caused by fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) and maintains normal limb motion in lab animals. The drug has potent effects, preventing heterotopic ossification and preserving bone growth.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateApr 13, 2016

Expanding insurance for single-embryo IVF could improve pregnancy outcomes

A national survey of IVF cycles found that elective single-embryo transfer results in fewer adverse outcomes and ideal pregnancy outcomes, including single, full-term babies of normal birth weight. The study also shows that insurance coverage for infertility treatment is associated with increased use of elective single-embryo transfer.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalFertility and Sterility·DateApr 13, 2016

Exposure to American Indian mascots activates stereotypes

A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Psychology found that exposure to American Indian sports mascots can strengthen negative stereotypes, especially among liberal individuals. The researchers also discovered that a person's political identity can predict how susceptible they are to adopting stereotypes associated with bran...

SourceThe University of Montana·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateApr 13, 2016

City moths avoid the light

A new study by Swiss zoologists found that urban moths have learned to avoid light due to high mortality rates in rural populations. The researchers observed a significant decrease in flight-to-light propensity among moths exposed to heavy light pollution.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalBiology Letters·DateApr 13, 2016

Some frogs are adapting to deadly pathogen

Researchers found that some frogs in Arizona are rapidly adapting to the fungal pathogen Batrachochrytrium dendrobatridis, which causes chytridiomycosis. The study identified a specific genetic variant, allele Q, that confers immunity to the disease, and showed that these variants were being rapidly inherited and evolving.

Scientists grow a material based on hafnium oxide for a new type of non-volatile memory

Researchers have successfully grown ultra-thin ferroelectric films based on hafnium oxide, which could potentially be used to develop non-volatile memory elements. The films' ferroelectric properties are compatible with silicon technology, paving the way for the creation of new non-volatile memory devices.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 13, 2016

Study links gang membership and depression

A recent study found that gang membership is associated with increased levels of depression and suicidal thoughts among middle- and high-school students. The research, conducted by Michigan State University and Bowling Green State University, highlights the negative impact of gang involvement on mental health outcomes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCriminal Justice and Behavior·DateApr 13, 2016

Differing perspectives on antiviral treatment efficacy in patients co-infected with HIV and HCV

Studies presented at The International Liver Congress 2016 show differing perspectives on direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment efficacy in patients co-infected with HIV and HCV. While one study found lower SVR12 rates in co-infected patients, another study showed no statistically significant impact of HIV co-infection on DAAs.

Why bearcats smell like buttered popcorn

A new study finds that binturongs release a popcorn-like aroma from their urine, containing the compound 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, to mark territories and attract mates. Researchers analyzed urine samples from 33 binturongs and identified 29 chemical compounds, with 2-AP being present in every sample.

Hospitals could reduce healthcare burden of alcohol related harm by simple routine screening

A new study finds that universal screening for alcohol misuse among hospital admissions can identify patients at greatest risk and provide targeted treatment, reducing the healthcare burden of alcohol-related harm. The UK researchers screened over 53,000 admissions and found that simple screening is achievable and effective in targetin...

Testosterone therapy decreases hospital readmissions in older men with low testosterone

A large-scale population-based study found that older men using testosterone therapy had lower rates of hospital readmissions compared to non-users. The study, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, analyzed data from over 6,000 men and showed a 9.8% rate of 30-day hospital readmissions among testosterone users versus 13% for non-users.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalMayo Clinic Proceedings·DateApr 13, 2016

Are humans the new supercomputer?

A recent study by Jacob Sherson and his team at Aarhus University found that humans excel in approaching problems heuristically and solving them intuitively, a skill computers struggle with. The research used an online game called Quantum Moves to analyze player solutions and identified common features in human intuition.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·DateApr 13, 2016

Downwind safety on the farm

A new study provides science-based recommendations for setback distances between animal agriculture practices and fresh produce, aiming to improve food safety. The research found that produce fields should be set back at least 160 meters from areas of manure application to lower the risk of foodborne illness.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateApr 13, 2016