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Science News for October 14, 2016


Giving credit where credit is due

Academic publishers are moving towards requiring data publication with citations, but current systems struggle to accommodate dynamic data structures. A new paper proposes an automated citation system that would generate standardized citations for extracted data, providing a solution for improving reproducibility and credibility.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCommunications of the ACM·DateOct 14, 2016

Finding needles in chemical haystacks

A team of chemists has developed a process to identify new catalysts for synthesizing drugs more efficiently and cheaply. By examining libraries of drugs, they found highly effective ligands that can improve reactions beyond those reported nearly four years ago.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 14, 2016

Agriculture development & its imprints in environmental records during Neolithic Age in north China

Scholars studied archaeological and paleoenvironmental records to understand the intensification of agriculture in northern China, revealing a significant impact on fire frequency and natural environments. The findings suggest that millet cultivation played a crucial role in the emergence of ancient Chinese civilization.

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateOct 14, 2016

ENSO threatens food supply in southern Africa

Research from Lund University finds that ENSO leads to increased shortages of food and animal feed in rural areas of eastern and southern Africa. The study calculates the impact of carbon dioxide absorption by vegetation on food production and predicts a worsening situation as weather phenomena become more frequent.

SourceLund University·JournalClimatic Change·DateOct 14, 2016

Healthy knees

The study aims to examine the biochemical and biomechanical bases for osteoarthritis development after ACL surgery. Researchers plan to analyze gait mechanics, electromyography, qMRI, and finite element modeling to understand knee unloading and cartilage stress distribution.

Long-term experience supports efficacy and safety of PRRT for treating neuroendocrine tumors

Long-term clinical data supports the efficacy of PRRT in treating neuroendocrine tumors, improving tumor response rates and progression-free survival. To minimize toxicity, steps such as timing of therapy, patient selection criteria, dose optimization, and adequate monitoring can be taken.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals·DateOct 14, 2016

Human transport has unpredictable genetic and evolutionary consequences for marine species

New research reveals that human transport has a significant impact on the genetics of marine species, disrupting natural patterns and leading to unexpected consequences. The study found a mosaic of genetic patterns in a native invertebrate species, suggesting that anthropogenic activities are altering genetic composition in native ranges.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBiology Letters·DateOct 14, 2016

Soy protein early in life may help prevent bone loss in adulthood

A new study published in The FASEB Journal found that early life exposure to a diet high in soy protein isolate can protect against serious bone loss during adulthood. This is the first time scientists have used an animal model to show concrete evidence of a protective effect of an early-life soy protein isolate diet on adult bone loss.

How the gut microbiome may help us prevent IBD

A recent study links a disease-associated microbial state to increased risk of developing IBD in genetically- and environmentally-susceptible individuals. Another study found that exposure to high altitude conditions triggers local acid sensing pathways leading to disease progression in IBD patients. Meanwhile, research highlights the ...

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateOct 14, 2016

Lego-like wall produces acoustic holograms

Researchers at Duke University have developed a simple, energy-efficient way to create three-dimensional acoustic holograms using Lego-like metamaterials. The technique manipulates sound waves into desired patterns, enabling applications such as improving sound quality in speakers and creating realistic ultrasound images.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 14, 2016

Mount Sinai researchers use breakthrough technology to detect glaucoma progression

Researchers use optimal coherence tomography (OCT) angiography to identify characteristic patterns of different forms of glaucoma based on their vascular patterns. This breakthrough technology could lead to earlier diagnosis and potentially slow down the progression of vision loss.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalInvestigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·DateOct 14, 2016

Small-scale agriculture threatens the rainforest

A recent study by Lund University reveals that small-scale farmers in Indonesia are leading to biodiversity decline and ecosystem disruption. The researchers found that the adoption of monoculture farming practices results in short-term financial gains but long-term environmental costs.

SourceLund University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 14, 2016

America ranks in top 10 in empathy

A study ranking nations by empathy places the US at No. 7, behind countries like Peru and Saudi Arabia. The researchers analyzed online surveys of over 104,000 people, finding that Americans are struggling to form meaningful close relationships due to changing psychological states.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Cross-Cultural Psychology·DateOct 14, 2016