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Science News for June 7, 2016


Study examines unsafe behaviors in older adults who likely have dementia

A recent study published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with probable dementia but without a diagnosis are more likely to perform potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving and managing finances. This suggests that early diagnosis can help address safety concerns and plan for the future.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateJun 7, 2016

Researchers take prints of storms on the ocean floor

Scientists have developed an algorithm to characterize ripples on the ocean floor, which can help understand storm behavior. The algorithm uses fingerprint analysis to measure ripple parameters, such as wavelength and orientation, allowing for more accurate predictions of erosion, storm surge, and overwash.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalContinental Shelf Research·DateJun 7, 2016

Natural killer cells have a memory

Researchers discovered that natural killer cells can remember and target pigmented skin cells, potentially treating malignant melanoma and vitiligo. The immune system uses the NLRP3 inflammasome as a checkpoint to trigger this response.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalImmunity·DateJun 7, 2016

Some Asian-Americans are predisposed to want more carbs and fast food

Researchers found a genetic variation linked to food addiction in Asian-American college students, who were more likely to crave carbohydrates and fast food. The study's findings suggest that targeting addictive behavior in individuals with the DRD2 A1 variant could lead to personalized approaches for promoting healthier eating habits.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalAsia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateJun 7, 2016

Coral killers

A three-year study found that 62% of corals weakened by pollution died when parrotfish bit them, turning a natural process into coral murder. Multiple stressors combined with warming temperatures facilitate pathogens, killing corals.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2016

Neural stem cell transplants promote Parkinson's recovery in non-human primates

Human parthenogenetic stem cells derived from unfertilized oocytes can be used to generate unlimited supply of neural stem cells for transplantation. The study found that grafting these cells into non-human primates with Parkinson's disease promoted behavioral recovery and increased dopamine concentrations.

Stem cells from umbilical cord blood may help treat eczema

A clinical trial showed that stem cells from umbilical cord blood significantly reduced Eczema Area and Severity Index scores by 50% in high-dose patients. Immune-related markers of atopic dermatitis also decreased, with persistent improvement throughout the 12-week follow-up period.

SourceWiley·JournalStem Cells·DateJun 7, 2016

New research on snakes may provide insights on evolution

Researchers analyzed head shapes of 1,073 python and boa specimens from diverse habitats to understand the independent evolution of similar characteristics. The findings suggest that pythons and boas can serve as a new model system for studying various aspects of evolution.

SourceWiley·JournalEcology Letters·DateJun 7, 2016

Seeing atoms

Chinese researchers have developed a new in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique that offers powerful functionality to understand atomic-scale structure and its correlation with physical and chemical properties. The technique has potential applications in smart windows, energy management, and environmental protection.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 7, 2016

You are not as anonymous as you think online

A recent study published in Frontiers in ICT found that a person's online browsing behavior can reveal their unique digital signature, which can identify them. The research suggests that personality traits can be deduced by general internet usage, offering new avenues for understanding online behavior and its applications.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in ICT·DateJun 7, 2016

Adults at risk for diabetes double activity levels through healthy lifestyle program

Participants in a 22-session program increased their moderate intensity physical activity by 45-52 minutes per week, with average weekly activity levels maintained after the program ended. The study found that season and weather influenced physical activity levels, with more activity during summer months.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalTranslational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine·DateJun 7, 2016

Anorexia nervosa: Pleasure at getting thin more than fear of getting fat

Researchers suggest that anorexia nervosa is linked to the brain's reward system and a genetic factor involved in neuron survival. The study found that patients with anorexia nervosa experience increased sweating when viewing images of thin bodies, which may be related to the presence of a specific gene variant.

What happens when parents comment on their daughter's weight?

A new study from the Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that women who recall their parents commenting on their weight are more prone to being overweight and less satisfied with their weight as adults. Commenting on a daughter's weight can have a negative impact later in life, damaging body image regardless of weight.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalEating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia Bulimia and Obesity·DateJun 7, 2016

Origami ninja star inspires new battery design

Engineers at Binghamton University have developed a disposable microbial fuel cell powered by bacteria available in dirty water, which can power biosensors for up to 20 minutes. The new design boasts increased power density and voltage compared to previous origami batteries, offering potential for use in resource-limited regions.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateJun 7, 2016

Climate change likely to turn up heat on koalas

A study published in Global Change Biology predicts that climate change will make it difficult for koalas to survive in the drier, hotter parts of their range. The researchers used a detailed ecological model to predict how much energy and water koalas need to survive under changing climate conditions.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJun 7, 2016

Preschool academic skills improve only when instruction is good to excellent

Research by the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute found that higher-quality preschool instruction leads to better outcomes in various skills. Children who attended more than one year of Head Start showed significant gains in academic skills when they received sufficient time in math and reading instruction.

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalMonographs of the Society for Research in Child Development·DateJun 7, 2016

Revisiting trajectories at the quantum scale

A new paper by Holger Hofmann reveals that quantum particles' motion is not deterministic and emerges only at the macroscopic limit. The Heisenberg uncertainty principle prevents the observation of trajectories, leading to a fundamental scale where classical physics breaks down.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateJun 7, 2016

Glass now has smart potential

Australian researchers have developed a method to embed light-emitting nanoparticles into glass without losing their properties. The new 'hybrid glass' combines nanoparticles' luminescence with glass' transparency and versatility, opening up possibilities for ultra-high-tech applications like biological sensing and 3D displays.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJun 7, 2016

A window to the gut's brain

Duke University researchers have created a system that allows real-time observation of the enteric nervous system, which controls digestion and communicates with the immune system. This innovation enables the exploration of the gut's neural activity in response to medications, diseases, and other stimuli.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2016

New types of blood cancer discovered in children

Researchers at Lund University have identified two new subtypes of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia using next-generation sequencing. These new subtypes, DUX4-rearranged and ETV6/RUNX1-like, represent about 10% of all childhood leukaemias and can now be distinguished from previously known types.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2016

Study: Facing suicide attempts as a teenager could predict heart disease later in life

A study found that teenage boys and girls close to someone who tried to kill themselves may face a higher rate of risk factors for heart disease in their twenties. Young adult men had higher blood pressure and systemic low-grade inflammation, while young adult women were more likely to be overweight/obese and have high blood pressure.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalHealth Psychology·DateJun 7, 2016

Moving can be hazardous to your health and wellbeing

A study of 1.4 million Danish children found that moving to a new home during childhood increases the risk of attempted suicide, violent criminality, and psychiatric illness in adulthood. The research, published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, suggests that frequent residential mobility is associated with long-term adve...

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateJun 7, 2016

Unequal pay for doctors

A new study by Harvard Medical School researchers found that black male physicians earn significantly lower median incomes ($188,230) compared to white male physicians ($253,042), with a 35% pay gap. Additionally, female physicians of both races earn less than their male peers, highlighting income disparities in medicine.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalThe BMJ·DateJun 7, 2016

NYU researchers find weak spots in Europe's 'Right to be Forgotten' data privacy law

A new study by researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering reveals that a third-party can discover many delisted links and determine the names of people who requested their removal from search results. The study shows fundamental technical flaws in the law, potentially compromising its effectiveness.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalProceedings on Privacy Enhancing Technologies·DateJun 7, 2016

Study uncovers clue to deciphering schizophrenia

A new study led by Michigan State University scientist uncovers a clue to deciphering schizophrenia by examining neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA. Reduced levels of both neurotransmitters were found in schizophrenia patients and healthy relatives, but the relatives maintained normal GABA levels.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJun 7, 2016