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Science News for August 2, 2016


Millennials less sexually active than Gen-X peers

A study by San Diego State University psychology professor Jean M. Twenge found that millennials are less likely to have had sex since turning 18 compared to Generation X peers. The researchers attribute this trend to increased safety concerns, reduced interaction time due to technology, and a risk-averse attitude.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateAug 2, 2016

Mapping the exotic matter inside neutron stars

A team of physicists has made a significant breakthrough in understanding the internal composition of neutron stars. They used thermal perturbation theory to determine the thermodynamic properties of dense quark matter under extreme conditions, shedding light on its potential presence inside these stars.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 2, 2016

Longer duration of untreated childhood schizophrenia-spectrum psychosis predicts poorer outcomes

A systematic review of 35 studies found that longer duration of untreated childhood schizophrenia-spectrum psychosis is associated with poorer functional improvement. Children and adolescents with EOS often experience frequent pre- and co-morbid conditions, leading to worse outcomes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateAug 2, 2016

Low rate of Internet use by seniors for health purposes

A recent study published in JAMA found that only 25% of seniors in the US used digital health technology between 2011 and 2014. The study also revealed socioeconomic disparities in digital health use, with older age, black and Latino ethnicity, divorce, and poor health associated with lower use.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateAug 2, 2016

Adis launches new open access pharmacoeconomics journal

PharmacoEconomics - Open will provide readers with the latest on cost and health outcomes associated with drugs, devices, and healthcare interventions. The new journal aims to disseminate credible open access information to researchers, decision makers, and patients, maximizing the reach of their work.

SourceSpringer·JournalPharmacoEconomics - Open·DateAug 2, 2016

Tracking down the first chefs

Researchers analyze human bite marks on lamb bones to develop new method for identifying ancient meals. The study found that over half of the bones bore human bite marks, allowing for the differentiation between human and animal consumption.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateAug 2, 2016

Unlocking the secrets of creeping concrete

Researchers discovered that calcium-silicate-hydrates dissolve at high-stress regions and re-precipitate at low-stress regions, leading to 'creep' deformation. This finding could help develop mechanistic models for predicting creep behavior and identifying cementation agents with reduced sensitivity.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateAug 2, 2016

Oregon research points to mechanisms on why 'green' helps in urban life

A pilot study by University of Oregon researchers found that urban parks have unique bacterial fingerprints reflecting vegetation types, while parking lots tend to be more similar. This study provides evidence for how differences in vegetation influence airborne microbial communities and offers promising new directions for exploring th...

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateAug 2, 2016

Echo templates aid mental mapping in bats

Researchers found that bats recognize locations by remembering unique echo signatures, allowing them to form cognitive maps of their environment. The study suggests that prominent landmarks play a key role in template-based place recognition.

SourceeLife·DateAug 2, 2016

Population boom preceded early farming

Researchers analyzed carbon-dated artifacts at archaeological sites to conclude that a population boom and scarce food led to early farming in eastern North America around 5,000 years ago. This transition enabled large numbers of people to live in one place, ultimately setting the stage for civilization.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateAug 2, 2016

Flexible wearable electronic skin patch offers new way to monitor alcohol levels

Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a flexible wearable sensor that can accurately measure blood alcohol levels from sweat, providing real-time monitoring for doctors and police officers. The device, consisting of a temporary tattoo and portable electronic circuit board, can be worn on the skin and transmit data wirelessly to a ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalACS Sensors·DateAug 2, 2016

Combat exposure may jeopardize the behavioral health of women in the military

A recent study found that combat exposure among Army enlisted women was associated with an increased likelihood of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and at-risk drinking after deployment. Women with combat exposure were 20 times more likely to screen positive for PTSD compared to those with no exposure.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Traumatic Stress·DateAug 2, 2016

Heritability of thoracic spine curvature

A study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that heritability of thoracic spine curvature is significant, with a heritability score of 54%, suggesting genetic control. This discovery may inform prevention efforts for hyperkyphosis, a condition causing breathing, walking, and daily life difficulties.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of Bone and Mineral Research·DateAug 2, 2016

Researchers image brain cells' reactions to concussive trauma

A Brown University study used a custom-built device to compress neurons in 3-D cell cultures and observed their reaction to traumatic brain injury. The findings suggest that there may be a window for therapeutic intervention aimed at minimizing further damage, with irreparable structural damage occurring after approximately six hours.

SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 2, 2016

What can a sea-lion teach us about musicality?

Researchers found that a sea lion named Ronan can keep the beat better than any other non-human animal, suggesting that beat-keeping abilities may be more ancient and widespread than thought. The study used mathematical equations to analyze Ronan's brain activity while she moved to different rhythms.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateAug 2, 2016

More accurate prostate cancer prognosis

A new scheme improved prostate cancer prognosis by grouping men into 5 strata based on clinical measurements like PSA level, disease stage, and tumor grade. This method performed better in predicting cancer death compared to the current risk stratification system.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 2, 2016

Ultracompact photodetector

Researchers at KIT have created a novel type of photodetector that can transmit information at speeds of up to 40 gigabits per second, using surface plasmon polaritons to combine optics and electronics on a tiny space. The smallest photodetectors worldwide for optical data transmission can be used for integrated optical circuits.

Study shows cell-free DNA sequencing is more accurate for diagnosing myelodysplastic syndrome

A new study published in Genetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers found that analyzing cell-free DNA using next-generation sequencing is more accurate than the current standard approach of Sanger sequencing. This method can detect genetic abnormalities responsible for myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with greater sensitivity.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalGenetic Testing and Molecular Biomarkers·DateAug 2, 2016

Many physicians still prescribe controversial drug combination

A significant number of patients on clopidogrel therapy are also prescribed proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) omeprazole or esomeprazole, increasing the risk of cardiovascular events. Despite regulatory warnings, many physicians have continued to prescribe this combination.

SourceWiley·JournalPharmacology Research & Perspectives·DateAug 2, 2016

Research targets number one killer of under-5s

Researchers at the University of Oxford have developed a machine learning tool to diagnose childhood pneumonia more accurately and cost-effectively. The tool uses data from basic equipment such as pulse oximeters, thermometers, and stethoscopes, achieving high sensitivity and specificity rates compared to existing guidelines.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateAug 2, 2016

The Lancet: Infections with the parasitic worm W bancrofti associated with increased risk of HIV infection, according to Tanzanian study

A Tanzanian study has found that people infected with the parasitic worm W bancrofti in areas where HIV is endemic are more likely to acquire HIV. The study, published in The Lancet, suggests that controlling lymphatic filariasis could prevent incident HIV infections among the 120 million people living with this chronic infection.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateAug 2, 2016

The great evolutionary smoke out: An advantage for modern humans?

A team of Penn State researchers identified a genetic mutation in modern humans that increased their tolerance to toxic smoke and fire. This mutation, found only in humans, may have given ancient humans an edge over Neandertals, who were more susceptible to respiratory problems and cellular toxicity.

High schoolers with mental health issues more likely to use alcohol, tobacco, & marijuana

Research at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that high school students with psychiatric symptoms were more likely to use substances like alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana. The study highlights the link between mental health issues and substance use among teenagers in Brazil.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal on Addictions·DateAug 2, 2016