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Science News for April 25, 2017


The fast and the crashed: Study shows collisions 5 times more likely for street racers

A Canadian survey reveals that street racers are five times more likely to have crashed their vehicle within a year. The study found that street racers are more likely to be single, young men who drive after using alcohol or marijuana. This correlation remains true even when adjusting for other variables such as age and driving distance.

SourceUniversity of Western Ontario·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateApr 25, 2017

New insights on triggering muscle formation

Researchers have identified a previously unrecognized step in muscle regeneration, highlighting the molecular mechanisms that impair muscle stem cells with age. The study also provides insight into the connection between accelerated muscle stem cell aging and muscular dystrophies.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalGenes & Development·DateApr 25, 2017

When Hollywood met neurosurgery

A team of neurosurgeons, engineers, and Hollywood special effects experts created a realistic 3D simulator for practicing endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) procedures. The simulator's effectiveness was evaluated in early tests, showing improved accuracy and safety compared to traditional cadaver-based training.

Estrogen alters memory circuit function in women with gene variant

Research reveals that fluctuations in estrogen can trigger atypical functioning in a key brain memory circuit in women with a common version of the gene, NIMH scientists have discovered. This finding may help explain individual differences in menstrual cycle and reproductive-related mental disorders linked to fluctuations in the hormone.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 25, 2017

Toronto's subways expose passengers to more air pollution than Montreal, Vancouver systems

A new study found that Toronto's subways have the highest levels of airborne particulate matter in Canada, with average values up to 100 micrograms per cubic metre, compared to Montreal's 36 micrograms and Vancouver's 17 micrograms. The high metal content and abrasive wear on steel wheels may be contributing factors.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 25, 2017

Political left, right similarly motivated to avoid rival views

A new report from social psychologists at the University of Illinois Chicago reveals that people on both sides of the political aisle are motivated to dismiss opposing ideas and information. Approximately two-thirds of respondents declined a chance to win extra money to avoid reading statements that didn't support their position.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateApr 25, 2017

Modeling reveals how policy affects adoption of solar energy photovoltaics in California

Researchers created a model to measure the impact of policy on commercial solar photovoltaic adoption in California, providing new insight into energy policy. The study found that government incentives have a greater impact on larger commercial customers and smaller businesses face unique hurdles when adopting solar PV systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateApr 25, 2017

What the age of your brain says about you

Using neuroimaging techniques and multivariate statistical models, researchers found that people with older-than-chronological-age brains are more likely to experience deteriorating conditions and early death. Combining brain-predicted age with DNA-related epigenetic biomarkers improves mortality predictions.

SourceSpringer·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 25, 2017

Children with reading and spelling difficulties lag behind their peers despite special education

A study by the University of Eastern Finland found that children with reading and spelling difficulties (RSD) lag far behind their peers in the first two school years, despite receiving special education. The study suggests that teachers may need additional training to effectively support these students.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalEuropean Journal of Special Needs Education·DateApr 25, 2017

'Unicorn' shipworm could reveal clues about human medicine and bacterial infections

Researchers have discovered a giant shipworm, Kuphus polythalamia, with a unique symbiotic relationship between bacteria and the animal, which converts sulfur gas into nutrients. This finding may provide insights into how humans can adapt to tolerate beneficial bacteria and how these bacteria cause infections.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 25, 2017

What's coming next? Scientists identify how the brain predicts speech

Researchers have discovered how individual neurons coordinate to anticipate events in the brain's auditory cortex. This process is impaired in neurological and psychiatric disorders such as dyslexia and ADHD. By understanding these mechanisms, scientists hope to develop new models for studying predictive signals in the brain.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 25, 2017

The Math Alliance receives AMS award

The Math Alliance has been awarded the Mathematics Programs that Make a Difference Award by the American Mathematical Society for its work promoting diversity and inclusion in mathematics. The organization's programs have successfully addressed underrepresentation of minority groups, with a 30-fold expansion over the last decade.

Estimating wealth from outer space

Researchers found that nighttime illumination can accurately predict wealth levels in regions, including individual settlements. Satellite data on night light emissions was used to make inferences about local economic rank and compare wealth levels across countries.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalJournal of Peace Research·DateApr 25, 2017

New survey hints at exotic origin for the Cold Spot

A new survey of galaxy redshifts finds no evidence of a supervoid causing the Cosmic Microwave Background's Cold Spot. The researchers suggest that smaller voids and galaxy clusters in the area may be responsible, but simulations of standard cosmology give only a 1-in-50 chance that the spot arose by chance.

SourceRoyal Astronomical Society·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateApr 25, 2017

One step closer to an 'exercise pill'

Researchers discovered that inhibiting myostatin production in mice significantly enhances muscle mass and improves markers of heart and kidney health. The findings suggest a promising pathway for protecting against obesity-derived cardiometabolic dysfunction, potentially leading to the development of an 'exercise pill'.

Study: Early organic carbon got deep burial in mantle

A Rice University study found that fossilized organic carbon could have been deeply buried in the mantle starting around 2.4 billion years ago, during a critical period known as the great oxidation event. The researchers discovered that the chemical composition of subducting crustal rock plays a crucial role in determining whether carb...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 25, 2017

Gut bacteria tell the brain what animals should eat

A study published in PLOS Biology reveals that gut bacteria control food preferences in fruit flies by inducing metabolic changes that mimic protein satiety. The research identifies two bacterial species responsible for altering appetite behavior, shedding light on the complex interaction between diet and microbes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateApr 25, 2017

Screening for preeclampsia in pregnant women recommended

The USPSTF concludes that screening for preeclampsia has a substantial net benefit, allowing for early identification and effective treatment to prevent serious complications. Moderate-certainty evidence supports the effectiveness of well-established treatments in reducing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 25, 2017

New guidance for management of aromatase-inhibitor related bone loss in breast cancer

The International Osteoporosis Foundation has released new position statement guidelines for managing aromatase-inhibitor related bone loss in breast cancer patients. The guidelines recommend regular assessment of fracture risk, calcium/vitamin D supplementation, and bone-directed therapy to prevent fractures and improve bone health.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalJournal of Bone Oncology·DateApr 25, 2017

New study shows youth violence on decline

A new study by Boston University professor Christopher Salas-Wright reveals a 29% decrease in youth violence in the United States between 2002 and 2014. Despite encouraging findings, racial and ethnic disparities in youth violence persist.

SourceBoston University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 25, 2017

More patients can avoid hospital admissions after emergency room visits for diverticulitis

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that most patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis can safely go home with a prescription for oral antibiotics after their ER visit. The study, which evaluated 240 patients, revealed that about half of those admitted to hospital could have been sent home.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateApr 25, 2017

UTHealth School of Public Health researchers find cold weather linked to mortality risks in Texas

Researchers at UTHealth School of Public Health found that cold temperatures significantly increase mortality risk in Texas, with a 5% increase in deaths per degree Celsius drop in winter. The study focused on 12 metropolitan areas and found that people with pre-existing heart and respiratory diseases are most vulnerable to cold weather.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateApr 25, 2017

Bad feelings can motivate cancer patients

A recent study found that anger and guilt in cancer patients can inspire them to set new goals and engage in moderate-to-vigorous exercise. This motivation can counteract the negative effects of stress hormones on physical health. The research suggests that certain negative emotions can play a crucial role in directing adaptive health ...

SourceConcordia University·JournalHealth Psychology·DateApr 25, 2017

Researchers map the evolution of dog breeds

The study maps the evolution of dog breeds using gene sequences from 161 modern breeds, uncovering evidence of ancient canine migration across the Bering land bridge. The research also sheds light on the origins of various breeds, including herding dogs and hairless breeds.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateApr 25, 2017

Model for multivalley polaritons

IBS scientists developed a theoretical model for valv polarization in microcavities, which predicts that valleys with opposite polarization can be distinguished and tuned. This could lead to applications in valleytronics by selectively exciting different valleys with polarized laser light.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 25, 2017