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Science News for November 2, 2016


'Corkscrew' shape of blood flow in heart's upper chamber may signal lower stroke risk

Researchers have created computer models of blood flow through the heart's upper left chamber that may help predict stroke risk. The study found that a corkscrewlike motion helps move blood efficiently through the atrium, whereas an enlarged and diseased heart fails to form this motion, increasing the risk of developing a blood clot.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateNov 2, 2016

Towards better hip replacements

Researchers at McGill University have developed a new hip replacement that tricks the host bone into staying alive by mimicking the varying porosity of real bones. The implant is less solid than current ones but still strong, avoiding common problems such as bone resorption and pain.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateNov 2, 2016

Heart defects identified in progeria patients that increase the risk of arrhythmias and premature death

Progeria, a rare genetic disease, is characterized by an elevated risk of arrhythmias and premature death due to anomalies in the transmission of electrical signals in the heart. The study reveals that mislocalization of connexin 43 reduces connectivity between cardiomyocytes, increasing the risk of arrhythmias.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2016

'Nanoparticle taxicab' materials can identify, collect and transport debris on surfaces

Researchers at UMass Amherst developed polymer-stabilized droplet carriers that can recognize and encapsulate nanoparticles for transport in a cell. These 'nanoparticle taxicabs' pick up particles on one surface and drop them off on another, representing the first successful translation of biological processes in materials science.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 2, 2016

Nightlights under the sea

A new study reveals that 100 feet below the ocean surface is a critical depth for ecological activity in the Arctic polar night. Bioluminescence from marine organisms becomes the dominant light source at this depth, and changes in zooplankton composition are observed as depth increases.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 2, 2016

Kids should be part of treatment for moms fighting substance use

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that mothers who participated in family therapy with their children recovered faster from substance use issues. Family therapy was more effective than individual therapy in reducing alcohol and marijuana use among mothers, while opioids use showed similar decreases in both groups.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateNov 2, 2016

Crossref now accepts preprints

Crossref's new infrastructure enables links between preprints and articles, maintaining clear citation records and connecting them to the full history of shared research results. Preprints will have their own nexus of connections with other preprints and articles.

Researchers identify group of brain structural networks linked to loss of cognitive function

A new study has identified a group of brain structural networks linked to loss of cognitive function, highlighting the importance of cerebral small vessel disease. The research found that certain networks are less affected by age, while others show decreased expression and correlation with impaired cognitive functioning.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBrain Connectivity·DateNov 2, 2016

Pillars of destruction

A team of astronomers used the MUSE instrument to study the effects of nearby massive star radiation on the pillars of the Carina Nebula. The research found a clear correlation between the radiation and the dissipation of the pillars, suggesting that photoevaporation plays a key role in shaping these structures.

SourceESO·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 2, 2016

New study provides carbon footprint league table for food

A comprehensive dataset has been developed to support consumers and catering organizations in calculating the impact of their ingredients and menus on greenhouse gas emissions. The league table ranks food categories from lowest to highest carbon footprint, providing a clear hierarchy for informed decision-making.

SourceRMIT University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateNov 2, 2016

Cause of inflammation in diabetes identified

A study by Washington University School of Medicine researchers found that blocking the production of fat inside immune cells may prevent chronic inflammation in people with diabetes. This could have a profound impact on health and potentially lead to new treatments for cancer and other conditions.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNature·DateNov 2, 2016

Lithium ion extraction

Chinese scientists have designed a solid composite membrane that mimics biological ion channels with molecular sieve technology to effectively separate lithium ions from contaminants in brines. The approach allows for fast lithium ion flux and selectivity over other ions, making it a promising method for improved lithium extraction.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 2, 2016

Fear of retaliation

A study conducted by Bettina Rockenbach and colleagues found that people tend not to enforce social norms, especially for larger violations. Despite negative emotions towards more severe offenses, individuals admitted reluctance to confront or punish them due to fear of retaliation.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2016

Being more like men does not help women in STEM careers

A recent study published in Social Science Research found that women with STEM degrees who delayed marriage and family were not more likely to secure STEM employment than those who anticipated having children. The research, led by Cornell University demographer Sharon Sassler, analyzed data from the 1979 National Longitudinal Surveys o...

SourceCornell University·JournalSocial Science Research·DateNov 2, 2016

Sleep deprivation may cause people to eat more calories

A systematic review and meta-analysis found that sleep-deprived individuals consumed an average of 385 kcal per day extra, with higher fat and lower protein intakes. The study suggests that long-term sleep deprivation may contribute to weight gain if it results in a large net increased energy intake.

SourceKing's College London·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 2, 2016

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, November 2016

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have created a process to mix unmodified lignin with rubber, producing high-performance renewable thermoplastics containing up to 41% lignin. The researchers also studied methane storage in tight shales using neutron scattering, finding that smaller pores hold twice the amount of methane as l...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateNov 2, 2016

Hot on the heels of quasiparticles

Researchers have found Fermi polarons, a new type of quasiparticle, in a certain type of semiconductors. This discovery challenges the previous assumption that excitons or trions are formed instead. The study provides valuable insights into the material's properties and has implications for basic research and potential applications.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 2, 2016

Bioelectronics at the speed of life

Researchers have developed a bioelectric system that can deliver neurotransmitters in the body at speeds nearly as fast as the nervous system itself. This breakthrough technology has the potential to treat conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 2, 2016

An overlooked source of carbon emissions

The study reveals that wastewater treatment plants emit an overlooked source of carbon dioxide, which could increase global greenhouse gas emissions by 12-23 percent. Treating wastewater sludge with on-site carbon sequestration and renewable energy could help reduce fossil carbon emissions from these plants.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateNov 2, 2016

One hormone to rule them all

Researchers at Stockholm University have identified a hormone called corazonin that helps fruit flies counteract stress and restore their internal balance. The discovery has implications for finding environmentally friendly ways to control pest insect populations.

SourceStockholm University·JournalOpen Biology·DateNov 2, 2016

Heart disease, leukemia linked to dysfunction in nucleus

A new study reveals that the nuclear membrane acts as an active regulatory structure, influencing gene expression and contributing to diseases like leukemia, heart disease, and aging disorders. The discovery provides insight into the critical role of nucleoporins in regulating genomic sites.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 2, 2016

WHO Trauma Care Checklist improves care for injured patients

A new study shows that implementing the WHO Trauma Care Checklist Programme at hospitals worldwide led to substantial improvements in injury care, with increased consistency of care and reduced mortality among severely injured patients. The checklist is a simple tool emphasizing key life-saving elements of initial injury care.

SourceSpringer·JournalWorld Journal of Surgery·DateNov 2, 2016

Making high-performance batteries from junkyard scraps

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a steel-brass battery that can store energy comparable to lead-acid batteries and charge/dischcharge at rates comparable to ultra-fast charging supercapacitors. The secret lies in anodization, a common chemical treatment used to give aluminum a durable finish.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateNov 2, 2016