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Science News for May 4, 2016


The oldest crystals in the world

Researchers from Trinity College and Swedish Museum of Natural History found zircon crystals formed in younger impact craters are indistinguishable from ancient ones, suggesting many ancient crystals formed in violent impact settings. This challenges the long-held theory that these crystals formed during tectonic plate collisions.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateMay 4, 2016

Hermits in American culture

A research project by Dr. Ina Bergmann explores solitude in US culture through literature and history, focusing on the experiences of Robert, a former slave who became a hermit. Her work will be published in book projects and essays collected from conferences.

Searching for signs of disease in spit

Researchers have discovered unique molecular signatures, known as saliva fingerprints, which may be used to detect diseases in a non-invasive and stress-free manner. These signatures are distinct from those found in urine samples and remain relatively stable despite dietary variations.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMay 4, 2016

Children in developing world infected with parasite may be more prone

A new study published in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that nearly three-quarters of poor children in a Bangladeshi slum were infected with Cryptosporidium, leading to stunted growth and malnutrition. The parasite can cause permanent damage to the intestines' ability to absorb nutrients, even if symptoms are not present.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalPLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases·DateMay 4, 2016

New method could offer more precise treatment for corneal disease

Researchers developed a new technique to selectively stiffen corneal tissue using two-photon absorption, enabling precise crosslinking without damaging the innermost layer. This approach has the potential to improve treatment outcomes for keratoconus patients and may also be useful for tissue engineering applications.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateMay 4, 2016

Bugs as drugs

Researchers at Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute have catalogued over 130 human intestine bacteria, enabling them to study the microbiome's role in health and disease. The discoveries hold promise for creating tailored treatments with specific beneficial bacteria.

Newspapers often publish false depictions of gout

Research analyzed newspaper articles from 2010 to 2015, finding that social embarrassment due to gout was reported in 23.7% of articles and jokes about gout were featured in 26.3%. Effective medication was underemphasized compared to dietary solutions. The study highlights the potential consequences of stigmatizing people with gout.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateMay 4, 2016

Aggregated protein in nerve cells can cause ALS

Researchers at Umeå University have discovered that aggregated SOD1 protein in motor neurons causes rapid spread of ALS in mice. The study suggests a domino effect that spreads the disease up the spinal cord, mirroring human cases with hereditary traits for ALS.

SourceUmea University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 4, 2016

Ovary removal may increase the risk of colorectal cancer

A new study suggests that removing the ovaries may increase the risk of colorectal cancer in women. Among 195,973 Swedish women who underwent ovary removal between 1965 and 2011, a 30% higher rate of colorectal cancer was found compared to the general population. The risk was even higher for women who had both ovaries removed.

SourceWiley·JournalBJS·DateMay 4, 2016

Help is just a phone call away -- telephone CPR improves cardiac arrest outcomes

A University of Arizona study found that implementing a Telephone Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (TCPR) program significantly increases survival rates and favorable outcomes for patients who experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The program, which includes guidelines-based protocols, TCPR training, and quality improvement, result...

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMay 4, 2016

'Specialty medical home' seeks to provide patient-centered care for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases

The specialty medical home approach aims to provide comprehensive, cost-effective care for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. This model focuses on patient-centered care, social support, and mental health, addressing high rates of emotional difficulties and poor social support experienced by these patients.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalInflammatory Bowel Diseases·DateMay 4, 2016

Our brain uses statistics to calculate confidence

A study found that human responses and statistical calculations align in making decisions, indicating an objective calculation of confidence. The model suggests that the brain produces feelings of confidence inform decisions like computers pull patterns from data.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMay 4, 2016

Engineers create a better way to boil water -- with industrial, electronics applications

Researchers at Oregon State University have created a new technology to induce and control boiling bubble formation. This innovation has the potential to improve the efficiency of steam boilers in large electric generating facilities. The approach uses piezoelectric inkjet printing and zinc oxide nanostructures to precisely control bub...

SourceOregon State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 4, 2016

Obesity rates are not declining in US youth

The study found a significant increase in obesity rates from 1999 to 2014, with no decline in any age group, despite clinical and policy efforts targeting the issue. The data suggests that more than 4.5 million US children and adolescents have severe obesity.

SourceWiley·JournalObesity·DateMay 4, 2016

How tree crickets tune into each other's songs

Researchers studied how tree crickets adjust their ears to match the changing frequency of their song with rising temperatures. By analyzing nerve cell reactions and ear vibrations, they found that tree cricket ears can adapt at a cellular level to recognize specific frequencies.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBiological Letters·DateMay 4, 2016

Breast milk hormones found to impact bacterial development in infants' guts

A CU Anschutz study finds that breast milk hormones impact the development of healthy bacteria in infants' guts, potentially protecting them from intestinal inflammation, obesity, and diseases. Researchers found a positive association between insulin, leptin, and microbial diversity in the infant's stool.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateMay 4, 2016

Children with ADHD sleep both poorly and less

A new study from Aarhus University found that children with ADHD take longer to fall asleep at night and experience more disturbed sleep. The researchers also discovered that children with ADHD tend to fall asleep faster during the day than their peers, which may be a compensatory behavior for not being able to doze off during the day.

SourceAarhus University·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateMay 4, 2016

A new mobile phone app for grassroots mapping

Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed an Android mobile app that harnesses the capabilities of modern smartphones to generate spatial data for mapping landscapes. The app uses on-board sensors in smartphones, including GPS, compass, and camera, along with lightweight drones or kites, to capture high-quality images.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 4, 2016

Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis

A new study from McGill University Health Centre finds that newborn screening for cystic fibrosis results in better nutrition, fewer hospitalizations, and lower rates of infection. Children diagnosed through newborn screening are also diagnosed at an earlier age and benefit more from new treatments.

SourceMcGill University Health Centre·JournalJournal of Cystic Fibrosis·DateMay 4, 2016