Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Science News for October 19, 2016


Subnatural-linewidth biphotons generated from a Doppler-broadened hot atomic vapor cell

Researchers at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have developed a method to produce subnatural-linewidth biphotons from a Doppler-broadened hot atomic vapor cell. This breakthrough simplifies the production process and enables the creation of narrowband biphotons for practical quantum applications.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 19, 2016

No uptick in marijuana use by adolescents after states pass medical marijuana laws

New research by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health finds that adults 26 years and older increased their past-month marijuana use from 5.87% to 7.15% after medical marijuana laws passed, but there was no effect on adolescents or young adults. Perceived availability of marijuana also increased among those over 25.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateOct 19, 2016

Successful infographics

A new study identified four key features of successful infographics: an action-oriented title, short text, clear language, and an illustrated direct course of action. These dimensions were found to be significant in persuading viewers and promoting healthy changes.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Behavior·DateOct 19, 2016

Rockcress as heavy-metal hoover

Researchers found that Arabidopsis halleri rockcress can accumulate high levels of toxic heavy metals like zinc and cadmium in its leaves. This adaptation may help clean soils contaminated with these pollutants through phytoremediation.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNew Phytologist·DateOct 19, 2016

Biochemistry: Combining two catalytic worlds

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum have successfully combined enzyme and chemical catalysts using a gel matrix to overcome the challenge of different reaction conditions. This approach enables more efficient and cost-effective synthesis of polyphenols, with potential applications in cancer therapies.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 19, 2016

Exercise may help ward off memory decline

Research suggests that exercise can lead to a small improvement in overall thinking skills and executive function abilities in individuals with mild vascular cognitive impairment. Participants who exercised for six months showed better blood pressure and cardiovascular capacity compared to those who did not exercise.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateOct 19, 2016

Study shows low vitamin D levels are associated with increased negative and depressive symptoms in psychotic disorders

Research at the International Early Psychosis Association meeting found a significant association between low vitamin D levels and increased negative and depressive symptoms in patients with psychotic disorders. Vitamin D deficiency was also linked to cognitive impairments, including decreased processing speed and verbal fluency.

Scientists find technique to improve carbon superlattices for quantum electronic devices

Researchers at the University of the Witwatersrand have developed a technique to calculate the transport properties of carbon superlattice devices, enabling the creation of high-frequency electronic and optoelectronic devices. This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in industries such as biology, space technology, and ...

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 19, 2016

Research shows US tendency to hide war against democracies, secretly detain their citizens

A US study found that the country secretly detains citizens from democracies in 'black sites,' while openly holding those from non-democracies in known prisons. The researchers argue that this behavior is rooted in the 'Perceptual Theory of Legitimacy', which suggests good things happen to good people, and bad things happen to bad people.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Conflict Resolution·DateOct 19, 2016

The silver lining of an inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis

A study published by the American Gastroenterological Association found that adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) diagnosed in childhood have better educational levels and higher annual incomes compared to their healthy counterparts. This news may alleviate anxiety for parents of newly diagnosed patients, providing reassurance ...

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateOct 19, 2016

Hidden chirality

Researchers trigger asymmetric autocatalytic reactions using nitrogen-15 isotope, producing chiral organic intermediates. This breakthrough uses the smallest possible chiral induction via the difference between nitrogen-14 and -15 isotopes.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 19, 2016

Did LIGO detect black holes or gravastars?

The LIGO Scientific Collaboration detected gravitational waves that could have been caused by the collision of two black holes. Researchers used theoretical models to test whether these signals could also be produced by gravastars, hypothetical objects proposed as an alternative to black holes.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalPhysical Review D·DateOct 19, 2016

Control system serpent: Scientists propose new model for automation

Scientists propose a new control system design using Fractional-Order Generalized Principle of Self-Support (FOGPSS), disregarding traditional cause-and-effect definitions. The model uses fractional order calculus to describe potential outcomes over time, allowing for robustness and adaptability in systems with long-term memory.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateOct 19, 2016

Science shows cheese can make wine taste better

A scientific study published in the Journal of Food Science found that consuming cheese while drinking wine increased how much someone liked the wine. The study used a new sensory evaluation method and found that four cheeses improved the description and preference of different wines, with no negative impact on preference.

SourceInstitute of Food Technologists·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateOct 19, 2016

Dust mite allergens share rare combo of qualities

Researchers at Duke University and NIEHS discover that dust mite allergens are both more abundant and stable than non-allergenic proteins, which may lead to new allergy treatments or predict allergenic potential of artificially added proteins. This discovery could also help characterize disease states and study drug mode-of-action.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 19, 2016

Binge-eating disorder linked to other health conditions

Individuals with binge-eating disorder have a 2.5-times increased risk of an endocrine disorder and a 1.9-times increased risk of a circulatory system disorder. The study highlights the importance of accurate screening and detection to improve treatment outcomes for those affected.

SourceWiley·JournalInternational Journal of Eating Disorders·DateOct 19, 2016

Penn physician argues for 'meaningful' update to national Alzheimer's act

The National Alzheimer Project Act lacks a strategy to determine the clinical benefit of investigational drugs, potentially leading to exploitation by private interests. Authors propose three key questions to address this issue: slowing cognitive decline, lengthening disease stages, and delaying death.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·DateOct 19, 2016

Overcoming egocentricity increases self-control

A recent study found that redirecting attention to future needs increases self-control, a mechanism previously thought to be solely governed by the prefrontal cortex. The research suggests that the temporo-parietal junction plays a crucial role in both social interactions and self-controlled decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 19, 2016

All yeasts are not created equal

A recent study published in Current Biology shows that the type of yeast used to make bread is less similar to the type that causes fungal infections than previously thought. This discovery may lead to the development of targeted drugs with limited side effects.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 19, 2016

Going for a run could improve cramming for exams

A new study published in Cognitive Systems Research found that moderate exercise like running improves memory retention for students who have just learned new information. The researchers suggest that physical stress activates the brain's 'memory storage mode', retaining the information.

SourceElsevier·JournalCognitive Systems Research·DateOct 19, 2016

NIH study determines key differences between allergic and non-allergic dust mite proteins

A NIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences study found that dust mite allergens are more stable and abundant than other dust mite proteins. This discovery may lead to the development of new approaches for treating dust mite allergies, a common trigger for asthma.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateOct 19, 2016