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Science News for March 31, 2016


Mom's smoking alters fetal DNA

A study of over 6,000 mothers and newborns found that maternal smoking during pregnancy chemically modifies a fetus' DNA, mirroring patterns seen in adult smokers. The research identified new development-related genes affected by smoking, suggesting a potential explanation for the link between smoking and health complications in children.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMar 31, 2016

Heat and light get larger at the nanoscale

Researchers have successfully demonstrated a strong non-contact heat transfer channel using light, achieving near-field radiative heat transfer between parallel objects at nanoscale distances. The team's approach has the potential to revolutionize energy conversion applications by converting wasted heat from combustion engines back to ...

Serious ecological consequences of coral reef dredging

Coral reefs in the South China Sea are facing severe damage due to dredging and land reclamation. The study reveals that seven atolls have lost ~11.6 km2 of reef area while gaining ~10.7 km2 of land between 2014 and 2015. The researchers call for international cooperation to conserve this critical ecosystem.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 31, 2016

The right stuff? Hospital readmission penalties approaching for nursing home patients

The new federal legislation aims to reduce rehospitalization rates by penalizing both hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) for rehospitalizations within 30 days. However, clinicians warn of potential problems with the mandate, including inadequate communication between healthcare providers, SNF staff, and patients/caregivers.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMar 31, 2016

Landscape evolution and hazards

Researchers study coastal uplift and erosion in Northern California, discovering rivers cut down hillslopes, triggering landslides that balance uplift. Landslides also deliver resistant rocks to rivers, delaying erosion, with implications for landscape evolution and hazards like landslides.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMar 31, 2016

Fights are won and lost in the brain

A deep-brain structure called the habenula contains two neural circuits that influence whether a fight will be won or lost in zebrafish. The circuits regulate surrender or continuing aggression based on activity levels in different sub-regions, suggesting a dynamic mechanism for determining fight outcomes.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience·DateMar 31, 2016

Remote eye gaze tracking as a marker for autism

A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that remote eye gaze tracking can differentiate children with autism spectrum disorder from those without ASD. The researchers developed an Autism Risk Index based on eye gaze patterns, which correctly identified 4 out of 5 cases of ASD.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateMar 31, 2016

Study shows best way to reduce energy consumption

A new study by Wuhan University of Technology reveals the most efficient ways to conserve energy in homes, including opening windows during heating and using window shades in warm temperatures. The researchers recommend adjusting thermostat settings, adding solar panels, and turning off lights to reduce energy consumption.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Built Environment·DateMar 31, 2016

Scientists work their magic on 'shrunken finger illusion'

Researchers at KU Leuven found that the human brain completes missing parts of objects using visual cues, leading to the 'shrunken finger illusion'. This counterintuitive phenomenon suggests our brains rely on visual system, not imagination, to fill in gaps. The study's findings provide new insights into perception and cognition.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 31, 2016

Harlequin ladybirds are conquering the world at great speed

Global research collaborations study harlequin ladybird's invasion history and ecology, highlighting its ability to thrive in various habitats. Citizen science projects provide valuable information on the spread of invasive alien species, inspiring new approaches to surveying and monitoring.

SourceSpringer·JournalBiological Invasions·DateMar 31, 2016

Do awareness days make a difference? Yes, at least one

A new study from San Diego State University found that awareness days, such as the Great American Smokeout, can have a significant impact on smoking cessation. The team analyzed data from news reports, tweets, and quitline calls, and discovered a 61% increase in news coverage and a 25% increase in Google searches related to quitting sm...

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateMar 31, 2016

Imitating movements could help Alzheimer's patients

Researchers found that mimicking simple actions can aid recovery, with human trainers outperforming computer-based methods. The study suggests a potential tool for rehabilitation, providing insight into the ongoing ability of Alzheimer's patients to imitate movements.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateMar 31, 2016

Lead in soil another known factor in Flint

Researchers have found a link between lead contamination in Flint's soil and elevated blood levels in local children, particularly in low-income areas. The study suggests that soil lead is an additional factor contributing to the city's ongoing water crisis.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 31, 2016

Protease-activated receptors differentially regulate endothelial nitric oxide synthase

The study reveals that PAR-1 and PAR-2 activation by thrombin and specific peptides differentially regulates eNOS phosphorylation, leading to increased or decreased NO production. PAR-3 induces eNOS-Thr-495 phosphorylation only, whereas PAR-4 is not expressed in human coronary artery endothelial cells.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology and Medicine·JournalExperimental Biology and Medicine·DateMar 31, 2016

A fossilized snake shows its true colors

Researchers have discovered that fossilized snakeskin can retain evidence of skin color from multiple pigments and structural colors, allowing for the reconstruction of ancient animal colors. The discovery opens up new avenues for research into the evolution and function of color in animals.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 31, 2016

ALMA's most detailed image of a protoplanetary disc

Astronomers have captured the most detailed image yet of a protoplanetary disc around the young star TW Hydrae, revealing concentric dusty bright rings and dark gaps. The new ALMA images show intriguing features that may indicate a planet with an Earth-like orbit is forming in the disc.

SourceESO·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 31, 2016

Designing gene therapy

Scientists at EMBL have increased the efficiency of gene therapy tool Sleeping Beauty, which is being trialed for therapies targeting B-cell leukaemias and lymphomas. The enhancement results in a 30% increase in efficiency and aims to improve patient outcomes.

SourceEuropean Molecular Biology Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 31, 2016

Helping young adult cancer survivors adopt a healthy lifestyle

Research highlights the importance of involving young cancer survivors in health behavior interventions and leveraging e-health technologies to support behavior change. The study identifies successful characteristics shared by effective interventions, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to this population.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology·DateMar 31, 2016

Superconductivity seen in a new light

High-temperature superconductors exhibit two coexisting states, contradicting the competition-based models previously assumed. The study reveals electronic densities are a combination of separate effects, proposing a new model for understanding these materials.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 31, 2016

What's holding black entrepreneurs back?

African-Americans face significant obstacles to entrepreneurship due to centuries-old racial disadvantages, including limited access to resources and financial services. The majority of black-owned businesses are smaller, have fewer employees, and generate less revenue compared to their white counterparts.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalEthnic and Racial Studies·DateMar 31, 2016

Researchers reproduce mechanism of slow earthquakes

Researchers successfully replicated a range of fault slip modes found during earthquakes, quiet periods and slow earthquakes. They used ground quartz and a machine to apply pressure and alter stresses, revealing the forces behind slow earthquake mechanisms.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 31, 2016

'Conspicuous conservation' a factor in socially responsible product innovation

A new study suggests that companies are more likely to invest in developing socially responsible products when they can tap into the social status boost associated with such choices. Key findings indicate that brands have a greater incentive to innovate in mature categories where consumers are most concerned about environmental impact.

Infants born prematurely may show less interest in others

A Kyoto University study found that premature infants, aged 6 and 12 months, showed reduced interest in social stimuli compared to full-term infants. This could be an early indicator of atypical social development, including autism. The research used eye-tracking technology to assess gaze patterns and social interaction skills.

SourceKyoto University·JournalInfancy·DateMar 31, 2016

Infections of the heart with common viruses

Viral myocarditis is a leading cause of sudden unexpected death from cardiovascular causes, particularly in men under 40 years old. Chronic myocarditis can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy requiring heart transplantation, with up to 30% of cases resulting from underlying viral infections.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Design·DateMar 31, 2016

Improved patient outcomes linked to specific health IT resources in hospitals

A University of Missouri researcher found that certain IT capabilities, including on-site IT professionals and IT infrastructure designed for patient care, boost employee productivity and lead to improved patient care in U.S. hospitals. The study suggests that hospitals with these resources can deliver more effective health information...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalHealth Care Management Review·DateMar 31, 2016

Pharmacy on demand

A compact, portable pharmaceutical manufacturing system can be reconfigured to produce a variety of drugs on demand. The system is designed to provide an alternative for special situations, such as emergency outbreaks or manufacturing plant shutdowns.

Flat boron is a superconductor

Researchers at Rice University have determined that 2D boron is metallic and can transmit electrons with no resistance, making it a promising material for superconductivity. The discovery may lead to breakthroughs in small-scale superconducting circuits.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 31, 2016

3-D 'mini-retinas' grown from mouse and human stem cells

Scientists create miniature retinal organoids that mimic the structure of real retinas, offering new perspectives on retina growth, injury, and repair. The protocol increases yield by up to 4-fold compared to previous methods, enabling researchers to study retinal disease mechanisms and develop therapies for age-related blindness.

SourceCell Press·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMar 31, 2016

How the brain processes emotions

A new study from MIT reveals how two populations of neurons in the amygdala form parallel channels that carry information about pleasant or unpleasant events. The findings suggest that to fully understand how the brain processes emotions, neuroscientists will have to delve deeper into more specific populations.

Argonne continues to pave way for improved battery performance testing

Argonne National Laboratory scientists have developed a new method for improving lithium-ion battery performance testing, utilizing a tiny measurement device called a reference electrode. The design enhances the quantity and quality of information extracted from battery cells during cycling, providing crucial insights into battery health.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateMar 31, 2016