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Science News for November 8, 2016


Trump's political success was a triumph of style over substance: UBC research

A UBC study analyzing Trump's speech style and Twitter usage found grandiosity, informal language, and vocal pitch variation as statistical predictors of his success in the Republican primaries. The researchers suggest that these communication styles helped Trump win the nomination despite being shocking to many viewers.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateNov 8, 2016

Solving the puzzle of necroptosis

Necroptosis is a crucial physiological process that regulates cell death and tissue function. Researchers have now found that RIPK1 inhibits another inducer of necroptosis, ZBP1, which triggers inflammation when mutated. This study provides new insights into the regulation of necroptosis and its role in chronic inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 2016

Medical professors question 'residency placement fever'

The highly competitive residency matching process has become increasingly frenzied, driving up costs for students and disrupting the fourth year of medical school. Students are applying to an average of 30-45 programs, with some specialties requiring over 70 applications, leading to excessive travel and financial burdens.

SourceBrown University·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateNov 8, 2016

The fate of Neanderthal genes

A new study reveals that Neanderthal genes are being removed from the human genome at a rate of weak but widespread selection. The researchers found that the small population of Neanderthals mixing with modern humans led to inbreeding, causing genetic variants to persist and then be weeded out by natural selection.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 8, 2016

Giving women HIV self-tests promotes male partner testing

A randomized trial found that providing pregnant and postpartum women with multiple HIV self-tests increased the likelihood of their male partners being tested for HIV. The study showed a significant increase in partner testing, with 90.8% of partners tested within three months of enrollment, compared to 51.7% in the control group.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateNov 8, 2016

Mobs are, sometimes, good

A Michigan State University study found that hyenas gain an advantage by cooperating during fights with lions, emerging victorious more often. The research team analyzed 27 years of data to fully describe this cooperative behavior, revealing that the number of participating hyenas increases their chances of success.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCurrent Zoology·DateNov 8, 2016

Quality of life in late life can be good

Research by Allina Health LifeCourse reveals that late-life quality of life improves socially but remains emotionally stable, with caregivers playing a crucial role. The study also identifies the need for training and support for family members in caregiving roles.

Early exposure to excess hormone causes genital defects in females

Researchers at the University of Florida identified cells targeted by a male hormone and found that excess hormone exposure during fetal development can cause vaginal defects in females. The study found a specific window of hormonal influence and a type of cell responsible for guiding the developing vagina to its correct position.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2016

Fighting the water army of fake reviewers

Researchers have developed an algorithm to detect fake reviews on ecommerce sites, analyzing behavior and content features to identify deceptive posters. The method outperforms earlier detection algorithms, providing a more accurate picture of product ratings.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Services Operations and Informatics·DateNov 8, 2016

Evolution purged many Neanderthal genes from human genome

A study published in PLOS Genetics found that natural selection removed weakly deleterious Neanderthal gene variants from the human genome, as they were more effective in larger human populations. This loss of Neanderthal ancestry is attributed to historical differences in population sizes between humans and Neanderthals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateNov 8, 2016

New strategy for antidepressant therapies

Researchers at Penn State have discovered a new strategy for antidepressant therapies by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brains of depressed mice. This approach shows promise as a rapidly acting and more effective treatment option.

SourcePenn State·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 8, 2016

Shedding light on the formation of nanodroplets in aqueous solutions of polar organics

A team of Russian researchers used dynamic light scattering and phase microscopy to demonstrate the existence of stable nanodroplets of tetrahydrofuran (THF) in aqueous electrolyte solutions. The research developed a new theory explaining the spontaneous generation of heterogeneous nanoparticles due to 'twinkling' hydrogen bonds.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 8, 2016

PPPL physicists build diagnostic that measures plasma velocity in real time

Physicists at PPPL have developed a real-time velocity diagnostic that measures plasma velocity in four locations within the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade. This device enables rapid calculations of how the velocity profile of ions evolves over time, which is crucial for optimizing plasma stability and fusion reactions.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPlasma Physics and Controlled Fusion·DateNov 8, 2016

Dementia diagnosis delayed by complex referral criteria

A study found that complex referral criteria are contributing to delays in dementia diagnosis, with some clinics requiring multiple investigations. Alternative approaches, such as primary care-led processes and direct access to memory clinics, may speed up diagnosis while reducing pressure on GPs and specialists.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateNov 8, 2016

Alzheimer's disease found to be a diabetic disorder of the brain

Researchers at Tohoku University have discovered a potential link between Alzheimer's disease and insulin signaling dysfunction. The study suggests that memantine, an Alzheimer's treatment, can improve cognitive function by inhibiting the ATP-sensitive potassium channel (Kir6.2 channel), leading to better memory retention in patients.

SourceTohoku University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateNov 8, 2016