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Science News for July 21, 2016


Fire clues in cave dripwater

Scientists at Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation discovered wildfire changes in cave dripwater chemistry, which will be preserved in stalagmites. The study highlights the need to carefully interpret dripwater data, including trace metals, to avoid wrongly attributing climate change.

SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·DateJul 21, 2016

Pharmacogenetics experts establish common vocabulary in bid to advance precision medicine

Experts have established a common vocabulary in pharmacogenetics to advance precision medicine. The standardized terms will help guide clinicians, laboratory staff, and patients in interpreting clinical pharmacogenetic test results. The goal is to improve medication safety and effectiveness by individualizing patient care.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateJul 21, 2016

Watching the brain do math

A new study from Carnegie Mellon University reveals four distinct stages of problem solving: encoding, planning, solving, and responding. The research uses functional MRI to analyze brain activity patterns and provides insights into how students think when solving math problems.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 21, 2016

Why Americans waste so much food

A recent study found that only 53% of Americans are aware of food waste being a problem, despite its negative environmental impacts. The study identified practical benefits such as reduced risk of foodborne illness, but also feelings of guilt and misconceptions about the importance of food waste.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 21, 2016

Three-drug combinations could help counter antibiotic resistance, UCLA biologists report

Researchers found that combining three different antibiotics can often overcome bacterial resistance, with some combinations killing 100% of bacteria. The study's findings could be a major step toward combating drug-resistant infections, and the team plans to make open-access software available for other scientists and clinicians to use.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJul 21, 2016

How the brain improves motor control

Researchers at Osaka University have discovered that error signals in motor cortices drive adaptation in reaching, a key finding in motor neuroscience. The study used artificial electrical stimulation to induce trial-by-trial improvements in motor control, shedding light on the neural mechanisms underlying motor learning and adaptation.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNeuron·DateJul 21, 2016

Regenerative medicine improves strength and function in severe muscle injuries

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine showed significant improvement in strength and range of motion, as well as evidence for skeletal muscle regeneration in patients treated with bioscaffolds. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of regenerative medicine in i...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·Journalnpj Regenerative Medicine·DateJul 21, 2016

Sexual minority youth have higher rates of disordered eating behaviors

A new study found that sexual minority boys and girls are more likely to engage in unhealthy eating habits, with lesbian and bisexual girls facing a widening gap in rates. The study analyzed data from youth ages 12-18 and found disparities in disordered eating behaviors between sexual minority teens and their heterosexual peers.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateJul 21, 2016

Should I stay or should I go?

Researchers found that the direct and indirect pathways in the basal ganglia play a crucial role in controlling actions, with the direct pathway sustaining action and the indirect pathway allowing switching between actions. This new model could have therapeutic implications for treating diseases like OCD and ADHD.

SourceJLM&A, SA·JournalCell·DateJul 21, 2016

Here's why run-down schools trigger low test scores

A Cornell University study found that run-down schools contribute significantly to low test scores and poor academic achievement, accounting for 70% of the issue. Students attending such schools are more likely to miss classes and exhibit high absenteeism, hindering their ability to learn.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateJul 21, 2016

Artificial muscle for soft robotics: Low voltage, high hopes

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a dielectric elastomer with broad motion range that requires relatively low voltage and no rigid components. This innovation addresses key challenges in soft actuation and opens doors for various applications in soft robotics.

Why apnea patients are prone to suffer from glaucoma

Scientists at Hokkaido University measured eye pressure in sleeping patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome for the first time, discovering an unexpected correlation between the two conditions. This study sheds light on the potential mechanisms underlying glaucoma development in patients with OSAS.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateJul 21, 2016

RMIT researchers make leap in measuring quantum states

A breakthrough in quantum tomography has been achieved by RMIT researchers, demonstrating a new technique that significantly reduces resources and improves robustness against noise. This innovation enables the characterisation of large quantum states, a critical bottleneck in quantum information science.

SourceRMIT University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 21, 2016

Smokers quitting tobacco also drink less alcohol

People who have recently attempted to quit smoking are more likely to try to drink less alcohol. They report lower levels of alcohol consumption and are less likely to binge drink compared to other smokers. This finding goes against the common assumption that quitters tend to increase their drinking.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateJul 21, 2016

Can palm oil be sustainable?

A new study identifies nearly 1.37 billion hectares of land globally suitable for oil palm cultivation, while avoiding protected forests and high-biodiversity areas. The resulting map includes 19.3 million hectares of land that could be available for future production, slightly more than the current extent of palm oil production.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateJul 21, 2016

Australian physicists revisit spin-bowling puzzle

Researchers studied the effects of different spin types on cricket ball trajectory. They found that adding top-spin to a delivery can reduce pitch length by up to 25cm, while introducing side-spin can produce significant drift. The study aims to help newcomers master spin-bowling and potentially benefit tennis players.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysica Scripta·DateJul 21, 2016

Study identifies ways to share key data between researchers, business practitioners

A multi-university research team found that researchers and practitioners share common interests in reducing pay inequality, improving employee morale, and leveraging technological innovation. The study suggests four steps for business schools to improve collaboration: promoting research findings, creating a new journal focused on prac...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateJul 21, 2016

For whom the births (and worms) toll

A study of 869 Tsimane women over 12 years found that high birthrates do not significantly impact maternal health, contrary to expectations. Despite a harsh environment with limited nutrition and high parasite exposure, women experience minimal health costs from their intense reproductive effort.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateJul 21, 2016

Light-bulb moment for stock market behavior

University of Adelaide physicists discovered the timing of electronic orders on the stock market follows a Weibull distribution similar to light bulb lifetimes, showing rational behavior when intervals exceed 10 milliseconds. The finding could help predict dramatic movements and detect irregularities in market abuse.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalPhysics Letters A·DateJul 21, 2016

A new method for prostate cancer imaging

Researchers developed an analog of an investigational drug that binds to portions of the androgen receptor common to full-length and variant forms. This compound specifically detected prostate cancer cells expressing androgen receptor in a mouse model using SPECT/CT imaging.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJCI Insight·DateJul 21, 2016

A new key to understanding molecular evolution in space

Researchers at Hokkaido University have discovered a key to understanding molecular evolution in space by revealing the temperature-dependent energy-state conversion of molecular hydrogen on ice surfaces. This finding challenges existing theories and opens new horizons for studying molecular formation and evolution.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 21, 2016

Stop the rogue ADAM gene and you stop asthma

Researchers at the University of Southampton have found a potential method for preventing asthma by targeting the ADAM33 gene, which is associated with airway remodelling and inflammation. Stopping the rogue gene can significantly reduce asthma symptoms in mice, suggesting a new approach to disease modification therapy.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJul 21, 2016

Stop the snails

A study published in PLOS NTDs found that 19 programs using widespread snail control reduced schistosomiasis prevalence by over 90%, while 29 with little or no snail control achieved less than 40% reduction. Ecological, economic, and political factors also contributed to successful elimination.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateJul 21, 2016

New ASTRO clinical practice statement updates treatment standard for rectal cancer

The American Society for Radiation Oncology has updated its treatment standard for rectal cancer, recommending a more customized approach that may reduce treatment side effects. The new guideline suggests alternatives to the traditional tri-modal approach, including short-course radiation therapy and non-operative management.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·JournalPractical Radiation Oncology·DateJul 21, 2016