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Science News for September 7, 2016


Epilepsy surgery found safe and cost-effective

A new study found that epilepsy surgery significantly improves seizure-free rates for patients, with 69% achieving complete freedom from seizures within a year. The procedure also proves cost-effective, with reduced antiepileptic drug use and lower direct costs over time.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateSep 7, 2016

Who loses when car prices are negotiated?

A study by the University of Toronto found that age and gender can affect car prices, with older women paying an average of $200 more than younger counterparts. Doing research on prices and quotes before negotiating can help consumers save thousands of dollars.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Industrial Economics·DateSep 7, 2016

Emotionally invested parents give children a leg up in life

Children with emotionally invested parents tend to be more successful due to their enhanced cognitive control, including improved memory, impulse resistance, and social behavior. This study suggests that a caring and emotionally attentive environment can have long-lasting benefits for children's future life skills.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateSep 7, 2016

Expanding when it shouldn't: New material with exceptional negative compressibility

Researchers at the Polish Academy of Sciences have discovered a material that expands when subjected to hydrostatic pressure, defying intuition. The sodium amidoborane crystal's unique properties are attributed to the formation of new hydrogen bonds between adjacent molecules, leading to an abrupt increase in linear dimensions.

How fungi help trees tolerate drought

Researchers sequenced the genome of C. geophilum and found specific adaptations that could help host trees be more resistant to drought stress. The fungus has a reduced number of plant cell wall degrading enzymes and a large set of symbiosis-induced lineage-specific genes, including water channel genes.

SourceDOE/Joint Genome Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 7, 2016

Does recent isolation of Zika virus from Culex mosquitoes point to a new transmission source?

Researchers have identified Zika virus in mosquito species other than Aedes aegypti, raising concerns about alternative transmission sources. However, studies show that Culex species mosquitoes are highly unlikely to transmit the infection to humans, highlighting the need for targeted mosquito control efforts.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalVector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases·DateSep 7, 2016

Humans may be uniquely identified by the proteins in their hair

Researchers have identified a unique set of protein markers in human hair that could be used to distinguish individuals. The findings demonstrate the robustness of these proteins and estimate that they would be sufficient to provide a unique pattern for an individual among a population of one million.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 7, 2016

Mount Sinai researchers pinpoint when cocaine-addicted individuals are most vulnerable to relapse

Mount Sinai researchers used EEG to study cue-induced craving in cocaine addicts and found that vulnerability to relapse peaks between one and six months of abstinence. This period coincides with patients' release from treatment programs, highlighting the need for alternative interventions to prevent relapse.

Ross River virus battle breakthrough

Researchers at Griffith University have discovered a potential new therapeutic treatment for mosquito-borne alphavirus infections, including Ross River Virus and Chikungunya Virus. Pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) has shown promising results in treating acute and chronic disease manifestations of alphavirus infections.

SourceGriffith University·JournalJournal of Virology·DateSep 7, 2016

The perfect car, according to science

A study published in the Journal of Marketing found that consumers prefer cars with a unique design that mimics luxury car aesthetics, but not those that are too similar to the market average. The researchers used a morphing technique and consumer choice model to quantify how aesthetic design affects consumer preferences.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 7, 2016

Cord blood transplant associated with high survival rate in high-risk leukemia patients

A recent study found that cord blood transplants may be the best option for high-risk leukemia patients, offering a lower risk of relapse compared to traditional transplants. Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center discovered that these patients have better outcomes against leukemia and related bone marrow disorders.

SourceFred Hutchinson Cancer Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 7, 2016

Has the Affordable Care Act accomplished its goals?

The Affordable Care Act has significantly reduced the number of uninsured individuals through expanded Medicaid and health insurance exchanges. Early evidence also suggests improvements in access to and affordability of healthcare, despite ongoing disparities by geography, race/ethnicity, and income.

SourceWiley·JournalHealth Services Research·DateSep 7, 2016

How does your garden grow?

A new study by UC Santa Barbara researchers found that converting lawns to vegetable gardens can reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The study modeled the effect of household gardens on emissions, finding a reduction of 2 kilograms for every kilogram of homegrown vegetables compared to store-bought counterparts.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateSep 7, 2016

New research reveals hundreds of undiscovered black holes

Researchers at the University of Surrey have discovered hundreds of undetectable black holes within a globular cluster, overturning old theories on their formation. The study uses advanced simulations to map the cluster and its behavior, revealing the effects of these massive objects on the surrounding stars.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateSep 7, 2016

Flying the flag for an airship revolution

Researchers propose a new conceptual model to analyze airship cargo capabilities, highlighting benefits over traditional vehicles in terms of access to coastal ports, airports, and remote regions. The value-density cargo pyramid could disrupt freight transport markets and alter world trade patterns.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Aviation Management·DateSep 7, 2016

Recommended weekly physical activity level may offset some of alcohol's lethal harms

A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that engaging in regular physical activity may help mitigate the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption. The research analyzed data from eight British population cohorts and discovered a positive correlation between moderate to high levels of physical...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateSep 7, 2016

Study examines risk, risk factors for depression after stroke

A study of over 135,000 patients with stroke found that the risk of depression within two years was eight times higher than in a reference population, with half of cases appearing in the first three months after stroke. Major risk factors for depression included older age, female sex, and history of depression or severe stroke.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateSep 7, 2016

Tooth decay -- drilling down to the nanoscale

Researchers from the University of Sydney have created three-dimensional maps showing the positions of atoms critical in the decay process using atom probe tomography. The study reveals magnesium-rich regions between hydroxyapatite nanorods, which play a key role in governing tooth behavior.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 7, 2016

Adverse drug reactions may be under-reported in young children

A new study reveals that spontaneous reports of adverse drug reactions in newborns and infants are insufficient, highlighting the need for additional reporting strategies. The UK's Yellow Card Scheme, established over 50 years ago, has improved drug safety but may not be enough to capture all instances of adverse reactions.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateSep 7, 2016

Tapping the unused potential of photosynthesis

Researchers at the University of Southampton have developed a new method to harness the unused potential of photosynthesis by introducing an additional enzyme that captures more light energy. This innovation enables the efficient bioremediation of polluted wastewater areas, as shown in their study published in ACS Synthetic Biology.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateSep 7, 2016

Leopoldina Annual Assembly

The Leopoldina Annual Assembly brings together 400 participants from around the world to discuss international dialogue in science. Key findings include recognition of outstanding research into present-day Chinese culture, with Freiburg sinologist Lena Henningsen receiving the Leopoldina Early Career Award 2016.

September Health Affairs

A study published in Health Affairs evaluated the impact of in-service training and supervision on quality of care for pregnant women and sick children in sub-Saharan Africa. The research found that while receiving recent training and supervision was associated with improved quality, it did not exceed 50% of expected performance.

SourceHealth Affairs·JournalHealth Affairs·DateSep 7, 2016