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Science News for January 14, 2016


Regrowing functional joints in frogs

Scientists have developed a method to regrow functional joints in frogs using a 'reintegration' mechanism. This approach could potentially be used to regenerate limbs in mammals and humans. The research paves the way for further studies on functional joint regeneration.

SourceKyoto University·JournalRegeneration·DateJan 14, 2016

Health warning labels may deter parents from purchasing sugar-sweetened beverages for kids

A new study found that health warning labels on sugar-sweetened beverages significantly reduce the likelihood of parents purchasing these drinks for their children, regardless of education level. The study also shows that these labels improve parents' understanding of the health dangers associated with overconsumption.

Chimp friendships are based on trust

A study found that chimpanzees extend trust selectively to their closest friends, showing similar characteristics to human friendships. The researchers observed interactions among 15 chimps over 5 months and used a modified trust game to assess their behavior.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 14, 2016

Study suggests that what you eat can influence how you sleep

A new study found that eating less fiber, more saturated fat, and more sugar is associated with lighter, less restorative sleep. Greater fiber intake predicted more time spent in deep slow wave sleep, while a higher percentage of energy from saturated fat predicted less slow wave sleep. On the other hand, greater sugar intake was linke...

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateJan 14, 2016

New study indicates students' cognitive functioning improves when using standing desks

A recent study by Texas A&M University found that students who used standing desks showed significant improvements in executive function and working memory capabilities. The research, published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, is the first to objectively examine students' cognitive responses to ...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJan 14, 2016

Low blood levels of bicarbonate linked to earlier death in healthy older adults

A recent study found that low blood levels of bicarbonate are associated with an increased risk of premature death in healthy older adults. Participants with normal or high bicarbonate levels had a similar risk of dying compared to those with low bicarbonate levels, which was linked to a 24% higher mortality rate.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 14, 2016

Fuel cell advance

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a low-cost nickel-based catalyst that can power fuel cells with unprecedented efficiency. This breakthrough could make hydrogen fuel cell cars truly affordable, potentially priced around $23,000 for a Toyota Mirai.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 14, 2016

Genes may contribute to making some nations happier than others

A study found that nations with higher prevalence of the A allele in the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) gene variant are also reported as happier. This allele helps prevent pain and enhances sensory pleasure. Climate, economics, and politics did not significantly influence happiness levels.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateJan 14, 2016

Closer look reveals nematode nervous systems differ

Researchers have discovered significant differences in the number of neurons in nematode ventral cords across various species, suggesting that neuron number and anatomy may have evolved multiple times. This variation could lead to the development of more targeted nematicides to control plant-parasitic nematodes.

The S-stroke or I-stroke?

A research team from the University of Tsukuba found that the S-stroke is more efficient for middle and long distance swimming due to its ability to generate propulsive power with less physical exertion. In contrast, the I-stroke is better suited for short distances where speed over efficiency is prioritized.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Sports Sciences·DateJan 14, 2016

Odor biomarker for Alzheimer's disease

Researchers discovered a distinctive odor signature in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease that appears before significant brain pathology development, suggesting a non-invasive tool for early diagnosis. The odor profile may be related to the presence of an underlying gene rather than actual brain changes.

SourceMonell Chemical Senses Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 14, 2016

New particle can track chemo

Researchers have discovered a way to light up a common cancer drug, allowing them to see where the chemo goes and how long it takes to get there. This breakthrough could lead to more personalized medicine and better understanding of how cells interact with drugs.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 14, 2016

Attention neuron type identified

Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have identified a cell type in the brain's frontal lobes that is integral to attention. Parvalbumin-expressing neurons were found to reflect animals' level of attention, with high activity associated with attentive states and low activity with inattentive states.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell·DateJan 14, 2016

Drug curbs marijuana use, but with tough side effects

A new randomized controlled trial at Brown University found that combining the drug topiramate with psychological counseling significantly reduced marijuana use among young smokers. However, many participants struggled with the medication's side effects, leading to dropout rates of 60%. The study suggests that medications can help redu...

SourceBrown University·JournalAddiction Biology·DateJan 14, 2016

Seduced by the label

Research from the Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that smaller recommended serving sizes on nutrition labels can mislead consumers into purchasing more of unhealthy foods like cookies. Shoppers tend to ignore serving size differences and assume healthier products.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateJan 14, 2016

Is suicide a tragic variant of an evolutionarily adaptive set of behaviors?

Research suggests that suicidal behavior may be a misguided expression of self-sacrificial tendencies, which are otherwise beneficial in eusocial species. The study identifies parallels between self-sacrifice in non-human species and human suicide, highlighting the importance of addressing underlying misconceptions about one's own value.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Review·DateJan 14, 2016

Nanodevice, build thyself

Researchers used density functional theory to understand the self-assembly of porphine molecules on copper and silver surfaces. They found that weak van der Waals interactions were the largest contributor to molecule-surface interaction, and surface-mediated molecule-molecule interactions occurred at higher coverages.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJan 14, 2016