Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for February 2, 2016


Misery of work second only to illness

Researchers found a 7-8% drop in happiness among British workers compared to leisure activities outside of work. The Mappiness app, which quizzes users on their wellbeing, debunks the myth that Brits love queuing and reveals lovemaking as the most pleasurable experience.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalThe Economic Journal·DateFeb 2, 2016

With ravens, out of sight is not out of mind

New research suggests that ravens share human-like ability to think abstractly about other minds, attributed to mental states including vision. Ravens guarded food caches in response to auditory cues from unseen competitors, demonstrating a level of Theory of Mind previously unknown in non-human animals.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2016

Four new algae species discovered in Hawaii's deep waters

Scientists have discovered four new species of deep-water algae from Hawaii, which are similar in appearance to limu palahalaha and hold great cultural significance for Native Hawaiians. The newly discovered species were collected between 200-400 feet deep and are believed to redefine our understanding of algal distributions in Hawaii.

SourceNOAA Headquarters·JournalJournal of Phycology·DateFeb 2, 2016

Is being a morning person in your DNA?

A recent study published in Nature Communications has identified genetic variants linked to a preference for mornings or nights, revealing the biological basis of morningness. The research found that individuals with a 'morning' genotype tend to have lower BMI and are less likely to suffer from depression.

SourceEdelman, Orlando·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2016

New drug target for Rett syndrome

Harvard researchers have identified a disrupted signaling pathway that, when corrected, can ameliorate symptoms of Rett syndrome in mice. The findings may lead to the discovery of compounds or drugs that can benefit children affected by the disease.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2016

Antiseptic baths to prevent infections deemed effective for long-term use

A study published by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America found that long-term use of antiseptic soap in bathing critically ill patients did not cause high levels of resistance in bacteria on their skin. The prevalence of MRSA-resistant strains decreased after starting chlorhexidine (CHG) bathing.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateFeb 2, 2016

CWRU researcher developing portable method to detect tainted medicines and supplements

A portable method to detect tainted medicines and supplements has been developed by a CWRU researcher, potentially improving public health globally. The device uses Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance spectroscopy to authenticate good medicines and supplements, while also addressing the issue of counterfeit products.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalIEEE/ACM Transactions on Computational Biology and Bioinformatics·DateFeb 2, 2016

Ravens attribute visual access to unseen competitiors

Researchers tested ravens' understanding of 'seeing' as mental state, using their predisposition to compete for hidden food. The birds showed cache protection behaviors when dominants were visible or audible, indicating they mentally integrate information about others' presence and their own visual experience.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 2, 2016

Height influences risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer

A recent study by DZD researchers found that height has a significant impact on the mortality from certain common diseases. Tall people have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, but a higher cancer risk. The study suggests that increased height may be related to overnutrition during growth stages.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateFeb 2, 2016

Autophagy -- a review of techniques

The Autophagy Regulatory Network database provides integrated and systems-level source for autophagy research, containing data on over 14,000 proteins. The new edition of the guidelines offers recommendations for best practices in autophagy monitoring, measurement, and diagnosis.

SourceEarlham Institute·JournalAutophagy·DateFeb 2, 2016

Extracting rare-earth elements from coal could soon be economical in US

Researchers at Penn State have developed a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to extract rare-earth elements from coal byproducts. This breakthrough could provide an economic boon for companies and reduce the US's dependence on importing these metals, which are essential for producing high-tech equipment.

SourcePenn State·JournalMetallurgical and Materials Transactions E·DateFeb 2, 2016

Geology 101

A new book by UC Santa Barbara geologist Arthur Sylvester explores the region's complex geology and notable features like the San Andreas Fault and Joshua Tree National Park. The guide includes 196 geo-referenced photographs, maps, and diagrams to help drivers appreciate the region's geological treasures.

Flu tackles Super Bowl fans

Researchers at Cornell University found a significant spike in flu-related deaths among people above 65 in areas with NFL teams that reached the Super Bowl. The study suggests disease transmission is driven by increased socialization and cramped spaces.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Economics·DateFeb 2, 2016

'Schizophrenia' does not exist, argues expert

A professor of psychiatry argues that schizophrenia should be replaced with 'psychosis spectrum syndrome' due to the complexity and heterogeneity of psychotic illness. The current classification system uses outdated language and may lead to misdiagnosis or overemphasis on this condition.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 2, 2016

Using mathematics to improve human health

Researchers used mathematical calculations to create a complete picture of protein nanoparticle surface morphology, identifying structures most advantageous for vaccine design. This approach may lead to the development of cost-effective vaccines, including a malaria vaccine set to start clinical testing soon.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateFeb 2, 2016

Extending length of surgical trainees' shifts does not affect surgical patients' safety

A national multicenter randomized trial found that extending surgical trainees' shifts does not compromise patient safety. The study showed flexible duty hour policies reduced handoffs and increased residents' satisfaction with their training. The findings provide high-level evidence to inform resident duty hour policies.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateFeb 2, 2016

National politics shape the impacts of park law enforcement

A University of Illinois researcher found that a country's governance quality affects the livelihoods of families who rely on resources from national parks. In Benin, better governance led to better social and ecological outcomes, while Niger's poor governance resulted in negative consequences for poorer communities.

Doctor raises serious questions about medical awards system

A consultant cardiologist calls for a culture shift in British medicine to prioritize integrity and transparency, highlighting the case of Anjan Kumar Banerjee, who was awarded an MBE despite research fraud and financial misconduct. The doctor argues that the system is opaque and prone to manipulation.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 2, 2016

Pilot training program to improve transgender competency among medical staff in an urban clinic

A pilot training program implemented in an urban clinic significantly improved attitudes and clinical skills towards transgender individuals. The evaluation showed a notable change in awareness of transphobic practices and readiness to serve transgender patients, indicating potential for broader healthcare equity.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTransgender Health·DateFeb 2, 2016

Fishing for answers about mercury consumption

Researchers at Rush University Medical Center found that moderate seafood consumption was associated with less Alzheimer's disease pathology, including lower amyloid plaques and tangles. Seafood intake was only linked to reduced harm when individuals had a specific genetic profile, highlighting the need for personalized nutrition advice.

Inflammation attacks brain's reward center

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry suggests that inflammation can directly affect the brain's reward center, leading to changes in behavior similar to depression. The study found that patients with hepatitis C who received interferon-alpha treatment showed microstructural changes in their striatum, which was associated with...

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateFeb 2, 2016