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Science News for October 3, 2016


'Culture of affluence' complicates women's help-seeking for domestic violence

A new study suggests that affluent women's ability to seek help for domestic violence is hindered by societal expectations of perfectionism and social status. Women who 'bought in' to the culture of affluence reported feeling pressured to maintain a happy family image, preventing them from disclosing abuse.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateOct 3, 2016

Mix and match microbes to make probiotics last

Researchers found that a specific strain of Bifidobacterium longum AH1206 can establish itself in the human gut and remain there for up to 6 months. The study suggests that individualized features of the resident microbiome play a crucial role in the persistence of this strain, enabling personalized probiotic treatments.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Host & Microbe·DateOct 3, 2016

Portable biological factories create pharmaceuticals

Researchers develop a portable biological factory platform that can produce pharmaceuticals, specialized therapies, and experimental biomolecules using freeze-dried molecular components. The technology is applied in various fields, including vaccine production and designer antibody development.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateOct 3, 2016

Avoiding hospitalization for certain low-risk acute medical conditions appears safe

A comprehensive review of studies on alternative management strategies for low-risk acute medical conditions found that all four evaluated approaches are safe, improve patient satisfaction, and reduce healthcare costs. However, some exceptions were noted, including higher-than-anticipated return hospitalization rates for certain condit...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateOct 3, 2016

Meditation keeps emotional brain in check

A new study from Michigan State University suggests that meditation can help tame negative emotions in people of all mindfulness levels. Participants who meditated showed similar levels of 'emotion regulatory' brain activity as those with high natural mindfulness, indicating improved emotional health.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateOct 3, 2016

Soil management may help stabilize maize yield in the face of climate change

A new study found that soil organic matter and water holding capacity have a significant impact on maize yield stability, offering farmers a potential tool to support novel crop varieties. Implementing practices like cover crops and composted manures can help buffer against the effects of climate instability

Bone marrow inflammation predicts leukemia risk

Researchers discover that inflammatory signaling in bone marrow tumor environment drives malignancy and predicts leukemia development. The study reveals that mesenchymal stem cells under stress release inflammatory molecules causing DNA damage in hematopoietic stem cells, increasing leukemia risk.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateOct 3, 2016

How to control polarization of light

Physicists at Lomonosov Moscow State University have successfully controlled the polarization of light, reducing its speed by up to 10 times. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of spatial light modulators, which could enable faster and more efficient data processing in photonic computers.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateOct 3, 2016

Do it well and do it right: Business success requires top-notch service and ethics

A recent study by University of Notre Dame researchers shows that businesses must balance quality service with ethical behavior to achieve success. The study found that excellent service alone is not enough for financial outcomes, highlighting the importance of low unethical behavior in customer satisfaction and financial returns.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateOct 3, 2016

Sheets like graphene: Tailored chemistry links nanoparticles in stable monolayers

Researchers at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences have developed a novel method to create stable monolayers of nanoparticles. The new technique, known as 'tailored' chemistry, uses linker molecules to link adjacent nanoparticles together, creating a stable and durable structure.

Gut bacteria differ between obese and lean youth

A new study has identified a connection between gut microbiota and fat distribution in children and teenagers, with obese youth having different microorganisms living in their digestive tracts. The research suggests that short-chain fatty acids produced by certain gut bacteria can contribute to the development of obesity.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 3, 2016

Vast majority of impoverished fathers involved with their children

Despite President Obama's criticism, a new study suggests that the vast majority of impoverished fathers are involved with their children, including those who have been incarcerated. The research reveals concrete examples of father involvement, such as writing letters and maintaining relationships through phone calls and visitations.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalFamilies in Society The Journal of Contemporary Social Services·DateOct 3, 2016

Research provides new information on cancer and sugar-sweetened beverages link

A study by LSU Health New Orleans found that people with cervical cancer history consumed significantly more sugar-sweetened beverages, while younger, male, black individuals with high sugar intake were also at higher risk. The researchers recommend targeting lower socio-economic status and young males in intervention programs to reduc...

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·JournalTranslational Cancer Research·DateOct 3, 2016

Foreign farms increase the risk of conflicts in Africa

A study from Lund University finds that foreign agricultural companies' crop choices and water management contribute to increased water shortages and competition for resources. This leads to a higher risk of conflicts between humans, plants, and animals in affected areas.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2016

Researchers describe new large prehistoric shark

A new extinct shark species, Megalolamna paradoxodon, was identified from fossilized teeth in the eastern and western United States, Peru, and Japan. The shark lived during the early Miocene epoch and is a close cousin of the megatoothed lineage, with characteristics similar to the modern-day salmon shark.

SourceDePaul University·JournalHistorical Biology·DateOct 3, 2016

Thinking globally linked to optimism

A global mindset is associated with optimistic goals, such as personal growth and advancement, whereas a local mindset focuses on stability and prevention. Researchers found that individuals with a global identity scored higher in signal detection tasks and preferred positive advertisements.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateOct 3, 2016

Bacteria could detect leaks at carbon capture sites

Researchers propose using bacteria and archaea to monitor stored CO2 and convert it into useful products, such as ethanol and acetate. This approach could enable the detection of potential CO2 leaks and contribute to making large-scale capture and storage of CO2 feasible.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Biotechnology·DateOct 3, 2016

Genomic imprinting gets complicated in adults

A recent study found that genomic imprinting, a process silencing one set of parental genes, can be regulated in adult tissues. The researchers observed variation in epigenetic marks between cell types, indicating a need for fine-tuned gene expression in different tissues throughout development and adulthood.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateOct 3, 2016

Pitt team receives $2.5 million in DOD funds for first retrievable vascular stent

The Pitt team has received a $2.5 million contract from the US Department of Defense to further develop a retrievable stent for treating life-threatening hemorrhages in servicemen and civilian gunshot victims. The device can be rapidly placed by non-vascular physicians with minimal training, simplifying treatment in emergency situations.

Human stem cells treat spinal cord injury side effects in mice

Researchers used human embryonic stem cells to treat spinal cord injuries in mice, finding that the cells produced GABA, reduced neuropathic pain and bladder dysfunction, and improved voiding ability. The study suggests a new approach for treating chronic pain and bladder issues in spinal cord injury patients.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateOct 3, 2016

Nighttime hot flashes may spark mild depression

A new study found that women who experience frequent nighttime hot flashes and sleep disruption are more likely to exhibit mild symptoms of depression. The researchers suggest menopausal women should be screened for mood disturbances, incorporating efforts to address sleep and nighttime hot flashes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 3, 2016

University of Illinois researchers quantify drug delivery from nanoparticles inside a cell

University of Illinois researchers have developed a method to quantify drug delivery from nanoparticles inside a cell, providing new insights into the efficacy of therapy and mechanisms underlying cellular uptake. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments by controlling and manipulating drug release.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 3, 2016

Trophy hunting of lions can conserve the species

Researchers from the University of Kent's Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology found that trophy hunting is sustainable when companies are given long-term land management rights, thereby maintaining habitat for threatened lions. Sustainable land management helps to fill the shortfall of large areas needed by lions to thrive.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 3, 2016

How human genes affect the microbiome

A new study has associated genetic loci with bacterial species and metabolic signatures, revealing that human genes affect the microbiome. The study found associations between lactase variants and Bifidobacterium presence, as well as C-type lectin gene variants with immune system function.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Genetics·DateOct 3, 2016

Experts: One size should not fit all when it comes to our out-of-pocket health care costs

A pair of experts, Mark Fendrick and Michael Chernew, propose altering consumer cost-sharing in health insurance plans to make services more affordable based on individual patient and provider factors. They suggest changes to IRS rules, Medicare plan design, and encouraging value-based cost-sharing to promote high-value clinical services.

New technique for finding weakness in Earth's crust

Scientists developed a method to estimate weakness in the Earth's outer layers, allowing for more accurate predictions of volcanic activity and earthquakes. The new model uses surface-based electromagnetic imaging techniques to estimate viscosity variations, which can be used to understand processes driving tectonic plate deformation.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 2016

Brain diseases manifest in the retina of the eye

Researchers from University of Eastern Finland discovered that retinal changes can be detected earlier than brain changes in CNS diseases. Functional abnormalities were found in three genetically engineered mouse models of human CNS diseases, suggesting eye examinations could be used as a noninvasive screening tool.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalHuman Molecular Genetics·DateOct 3, 2016

Study reveals new earthquake hazard in Afghanistan-Pakistan border region

Researchers have discovered a new earthquake hazard in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region, revealing that the Ghazaband fault is accumulating more than half of the relative motion between tectonic plates. This increases the potential for a high-magnitude earthquake and poses a significant threat to cities like Quetta.

Why midshipman fish only hum at night

Researchers found that midshipman fish rely on a light-driven internal clock and the hormone melatonin to determine when to sing. The study shows that melatonin acts directly on the vocal circuitry in the midshipman's brain, causing them to hum at night.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 3, 2016

Scientists discover mechanisms of shape-shifting sea cucumbers

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have discovered the mechanism behind shape-shifting sea cucumbers' ability to rapidly change their stiffness. This unique property is controlled by a protein-rich interfibrillar matrix that can be altered by the nervous system, making it useful for developing novel biomaterials.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2016

Coastal wildlife more vulnerable to microplastics than expected

A new study by the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory reveals that coastal-dwelling marine wildlife are more vulnerable to harmful plastic pollution than previously thought. The research found that animals living in waters near densely-populated coastlines are at risk of coming into direct contact with microplastics.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateOct 3, 2016

Experts recommend continuous glucose monitors for adults with type 1 diabetes

The Endocrine Society recommends continuous glucose monitors as the gold standard of care for adults with Type 1 diabetes, enabling better blood sugar control and reducing hypoglycemic events. The guideline also suggests using insulin pumps and emerging technologies like artificial pancreas devices to manage blood sugar levels.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 3, 2016

Researchers find stem cells in normal and Fuchs corneal endothelium

For the first time, researchers have identified rapidly proliferating cells in the corneal endothelium of specimens from normal corneas and those with Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD). This discovery holds promise for new therapies to be developed using these cells to return normal clearing abilities to patients with FECD.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateOct 3, 2016

Water vapor sets some oxides aflutter

Researchers have discovered a phenomenon where certain oxides oscillate when exposed to water vapor, generating oxygen gas and exhibiting flexibility unlike expected. The exact frequency of the oscillations can be precisely tuned, which could have practical applications in battery materials and water-splitting devices.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 3, 2016

A simple antidote for shame

A new study suggests that drinking cold water can reduce feelings of shame and regret by regulating emotions and temperature. Researchers found that people in warm environments tend to feel more regret after making mistakes, but consuming cold drinks or being exposed to cold temperatures can help alleviate these emotions.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateOct 3, 2016

Water vapor sets some oxides aflutter

Researchers have observed a unique phenomenon in perovskite oxides, where they oscillate when exposed to water vapor and electron beams, generating oxygen gas. The exact frequency of the oscillations can be precisely tuned, which could have practical applications for battery development and water-splitting devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 3, 2016

SBRT found safe for medically inoperable patients with NSCLC

A study by NRG Oncology found that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is safe and effective for medically inoperable patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly when using higher dose levels. The trial demonstrated comparable local control and outcomes data to SBRT results in peripherally located early stage ...

First proof of a direct association between coronavirus and neurological disease

Researchers have discovered a direct association between strain OC43 of the human coronavirus and neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and encephalitis. This breakthrough paves the way for targeted therapies that can address specific patient conditions.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 3, 2016

A tour de (tiny) force

A new study at Duke University reveals that applying a tiny force to the Piezo1 receptor can change its behavior while it's already activated. The researchers used magnetic fields and nanometer-sized beads to manipulate the protein, which sits on cell membranes and plays a crucial role in sensing forces surrounding cells.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 2016

What's in a name? For young Chinese consumers, it's about culture mixing

A new study by University of Illinois professor Carlos J. Torelli found that younger, more educated Chinese consumers tend to favor phonosemantic brand translations, which integrate both sound and meaning into a product's name. This approach signals cultural sensitivity and respect for the local culture.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Cross-Cultural Psychology·DateOct 3, 2016

Are complex networks and systems more stable than simpler ones?

Research by RMIT Professor Lewi Stone suggests that complex systems are likely to be fragile despite their diversity. The study revisited classic theories on stability in complex systems, finding that simplicity can govern the behavior of these networks. This challenges the long-held assumption that complexity leads to instability.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 2016

UTA enzyme research opens doors to developing new inhibitors for arthritis

Researchers at UTA have discovered a method to deactivate caspase-3 enzymes by removing water molecules, which could lead to the development of new treatments for autoimmune diseases like arthritis. This breakthrough, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, provides a database of caspase-3 variants with varying le...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2016

Preliminary Zika vaccines prevent neurological disorders in newborn mice

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed two successful Zika vaccines that protect against neurological damage in newborn mice. The microneedle array vaccine showed significant protection, while the adenovirus-based vaccine was used as a proof-of-principle vaccine to test the envelope protein antigen.

Oxytocin enhances spirituality, new study says

A recent study published in Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience suggests that oxytocin may support spiritual beliefs by enhancing feelings of awe, gratitude, and hope. Men who received oxytocin reported a stronger sense of spirituality and interconnectedness with others, regardless of their religious affiliation.

SourceDuke University·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateOct 3, 2016

Assessing the intangible

Researchers developed a checklist to measure respect and dignity in ICUs, identifying differences between ICU types with distinct patient populations. The study found significant correlations between clinician behavior and patient outcomes, highlighting the importance of respectful care.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateOct 3, 2016

Serious liver-related condition on the rise in the US

A new analysis reveals a substantial increase in US liver-related hospitalizations for cirrhosis and acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF), resulting in significant economic burdens. Hospitalization rates nearly doubled, with inpatient costs rising twofold for cirrhosis and fivefold for ACLF.

SourceWiley·JournalHepatology·DateOct 3, 2016