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Science News for July 12, 2016


Bicycling may help prevent type 2 diabetes

A cohort study of 24,623 men and 27,890 women found that habitual cycling was associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Participants who took up habitual cycling during the follow-up period were at 20% lower risk for T2D than non-cyclists.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 12, 2016

Diabetes challenges and inspires family members, study finds

A major international study found that family members play a crucial role in supporting individuals with diabetes, but also face significant emotional strain. The research highlights the need for healthcare providers to include family members in educational sessions and provide them with resources to manage their loved one's condition.

SourcePenn State·JournalDiabetes Research and Clinical Practice·DateJul 12, 2016

Entanglement: Chaos

Researchers at UCSB have uncovered a link between classical chaos and quantum entanglement using controllable quantum systems. Their findings suggest that thermalization is the driving force behind both chaos and entanglement in quantum systems, with implications for quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 12, 2016

The telltale heart of chordate evolution: Study shows model organism making do with less

A new study shows that the planktonic organism Oikopleura dioica has lost most of its genes related to retinoic acid metabolism, a vital molecule for vertebrate physiology and embryonic development. This finding challenges the idea that evolution always requires more complexity or number of genes in living beings.

Research shows how to get more crop per drop

Scientists at TUM have discovered a plant-inherent water-conservation strategy that enables plants to absorb carbon dioxide while minimizing water loss. By activating this mode, plants can preserve moisture in the ground for later use during droughts, potentially increasing crop yields with limited water availability.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2016

Genetics play role in character traits related to academic success, study says

A recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that genetics account for approximately half of the differences in character traits among individuals. Environmental factors outside of home and school environments influence the remaining variation in character, with certain personality traits driving l...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 12, 2016

Help at hand for people watching their weight

Researchers from the University of Sydney have developed a portable and easy-to-use method to help people estimate portion size using only their hands. The 'finger width' method was found to be more accurate than household measures, with 80% of food sizes assessed within 25% of their true weight.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Nutritional Science·DateJul 12, 2016

Surprising neutrino decoherence inside supernovae

A new study reveals that neutrinos produced in the core of a supernova are highly localized compared to all other known sources. Theoretical wave packet size is irrelevant in simpler cases, providing a more solid foundation for standard neutrino behavior theories.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateJul 12, 2016

Genes versus chromosomes: A battle for expression in fly testes

A study published in PLOS Biology shows that multiple mechanisms regulate expression of genes from the single X chromosome in Drosophila testes, reflecting a balance between chromosome-wide transcriptional suppression and compensatory evolution by sex-linked genes. This balance has consequences for gene expression and genome evolution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 12, 2016

New clinical study shows exclusive e-cigarette use reduces exposure to harmful chemicals similar to complete smoking cessation

A new clinical study found that exclusive e-cigarette use significantly reduces exposure to harmful chemicals similar to complete smoking cessation. The study measured biomarkers in urine, blood, and exhaled breath, revealing reductions of over 75% in carbon monoxide levels and over 80% in volatile organic compounds.

SourceAspect Consulting·JournalToxicology Mechanisms and Methods·DateJul 12, 2016

Machine learning puts new lens on autism screening and diagnostics

Researchers used machine learning to analyze caregiver responses and identified five ADI-R questions that maintained 95% of the instrument's performance. This could reduce administrative time and customize questions for individualized intervention. The study suggests a more data-informed approach to autism diagnosis and support.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJul 12, 2016

Stem cells feel the force

Researchers found that stretch-induced mechanical forces downregulate thousands of genes while increasing a few in skin stem cells. This leads to changes in DNA packing within the nucleus, affecting transcriptional activity and differentiation.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateJul 12, 2016

Deepest ever look into Orion

A new image of the Orion Nebula reveals an unexpected abundance of low-mass objects, including brown dwarfs and planetary-mass objects, providing insight into star formation history. This discovery challenges current theories and suggests a higher proportion of low-mass objects than previously thought.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 12, 2016

Disentangling the plant microbiome

A new study led by researchers at Duke University found that breeding plants with beneficial bacteria to feed the world won't be simple. The study analyzed the microbial diversity of a wildflower and found that environmental differences had the biggest influence on the plant's bacterial makeup.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 2016

Workplace climate, not women's 'nature,' responsible for gender-based job stress

A study by an Indiana University sociologist suggests that conditions associated with male-dominated professions cause token women to experience high levels of stress in the workplace. Men and women exhibit similar physiological responses to stressful workplace conditions, contradicting theories that women are more sensitive to exclusion.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateJul 12, 2016

Discovery of mechanisms triggering excess antibody production during chronic infection

A team of researchers has identified the mechanisms behind excessive antibody production in chronic infections, discovering a link between B-cell activation and type 1 interferons. Proteins like endosomal TLRs trigger proinflammatory responses, leading to increased B-cell antibody production and potentially exacerbating conditions.

Rice wins interdisciplinary 'big data' grant

The new research training group will develop scientists with combined education in statistics and computer science to address complex data science challenges. The three-year program aims to integrate students from various disciplines, including machine learning, into a collaborative environment.

Study looks at program for Defence Force kids

A James Cook University researcher examined the impact of a program for children whose parent is deployed on active duty. The study found that some families benefit from an intermediary who understands their situation, and that the program has been effective in addressing social and emotional challenges.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalChildren Australia·DateJul 12, 2016

Tiny microchips enable extreme science

The tiny radiation-resistant chips play a crucial role in the Jupiter Energetic Particle Detector Instrument (JEDI), measuring particle speed, energy, and position with time accuracy down to a fraction of a billionth of a second. Without these microchips, satellite electronics would be much heavier and require more shielding and power.

New antidepressant target discovered

Scientists at Northwestern University have identified a novel target for depression treatment by manipulating HCN channels in the hippocampus. Reducing these channel's function has been shown to improve mood in mice, offering new hope for millions of patients who don't respond to existing treatments.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateJul 12, 2016

Novel advancements in radiation tolerance of HEMTs

The study reveals that the internal structure of gallium nitride-based HEMTs is responsible for their high radiation tolerance. A piezoelectric field formed at the interface causes carriers to be reinjected into the two-dimensional electron gas, reducing the impact of radiation-induced defects.

SourceThe Electrochemical Society·JournalECS Journal of Solid State Science and Technology·DateJul 12, 2016

Palliative care offers no additional benefit to caretakers of chronically critically ill

A new study has found that intensive care units provide adequate communication and family support for families of chronically ill patients, rendering palliative care unnecessary. The study revealed no difference in patient outcomes when families received additional support from palliative care specialists versus standard ICU care.

Weights of Division III football linemen up 38 percent since 1956, Tufts researchers report

A new study from Tufts University researchers shows that the average weight of offensive linemen in Division III college football conferences has increased nearly 38 percent since 1956. The study highlights the need for post-football lifestyle changes to prevent long-term health complications and emphasizes the importance of helping at...

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalJournal of Athletic Training·DateJul 12, 2016

Middle-age memory decline a matter of changing focus

Researchers found that middle-aged adults activated the medial prefrontal cortex instead of the visual cortex when recalling details, suggesting a change in what information they prioritize as they age. This shift may be beneficial for daily life tasks but could impact memory performance if not adapted to.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuroImage·DateJul 12, 2016

Why artificial sweeteners can increase appetite

A new study reveals that artificial sweeteners can stimulate appetite by integrating sweetness with energy content in the brain, leading to increased food consumption. Researchers found that chronic exposure to sucralose increased the animal's motivation to eat more food, even when they had enough calories.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalCell Metabolism·DateJul 12, 2016

These days fecal transplantation is no joke

Researchers have found fecal transplants to be effective in treating certain infections and diseases, including C. difficile colitis with a 95% cure rate. The transplantation of stool from healthy individuals also shows promise in treating multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJul 12, 2016

Homo erectus walked as we do

Researchers discovered multiple assemblages of Homo erectus footprints in northern Kenya, preserving evidence of a modern human style of walking and group structure consistent with human-like social behaviours. The findings provide direct insight into the locomotor patterns and group dynamics of our fossil ancestors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 12, 2016

Largest HIV transmission study conducted

A new study of over 800 couples found that neither gay men nor heterosexual people with HIV transmitted the virus to their partners if on suppressive antiretroviral treatment. The PARTNER study, the world's largest of its kind, monitored couples for several years and recorded no instances of transmission.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalJAMA·DateJul 12, 2016

Breakthrough in powering wireless sensors

Researchers at Australian National University have modeled energy consumption by wireless sensors and explored the use of ambient radio frequency sources for powering devices. The breakthrough aims to replace batteries with long-lasting monitoring devices in industries such as health, agriculture, and infrastructure.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications·DateJul 12, 2016

Ben Kliger & colleagues offer new strategies for integrating mind-body medicine into primary care

Researchers identified innovative strategies to overcome barriers to integrating mind-body medicine into primary care, including group patient visits and stress management conversations. The study aims to increase the integration of mindfulness, hypnosis, and biofeedback techniques into mainstream medical practice.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateJul 12, 2016

Knuckleball machine delivers soccer science

Scientists in France create a knuckleball machine to explore the zigzag secrets of one of football's most unpredictable shots, providing clues to much older scientific puzzles. The researchers discovered that unsteady lift forces and a specific velocity window contribute to the ball's erratic trajectory.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateJul 12, 2016

Restoring Europe's river connectivity

The Adaptive Management of Barriers in European Rivers (AMBER) project maps river barriers across Europe to restore dwindling freshwater species populations. Innovative research uses citizen science, remote sensing, and molecular methods to prioritize areas for conservation and optimize barrier management.

Nearly half of California nursing home residents complete end-of-life care orders

A UCLA-led study found that nearly half of California nursing home residents completed Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment forms in 2011. The study also identified areas where the use of these forms could be improved, including facilities with low completion rates and a lack of signatures on some forms.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 12, 2016

Sharper than living matter permits

Researchers have developed a method to observe nanometer-sized patterns of biomolecules such as proteins in an arrested but living state. This allows for the recording of molecular activity and interactions without causing cell death, revealing new insights into cellular behavior and processes.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 12, 2016

New eye test could detect glaucoma years earlier

Researchers at the University of New South Wales have developed a new eye test that can detect glaucoma four years earlier than current techniques. The patented method involves patients looking at small dots of light of specially chosen size and light intensity, identifying blind spots in the eye and early loss of peripheral vision.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalOphthalmic and Physiological Optics·DateJul 12, 2016